Issue 235, Year 5 US/Canada: December 15, 2019 www.thearabweekly.com $1.00 Pro-Iran Wind of panic blood trail blows over Sarraj’s in Iraq Tripoli

Pages 3, 6, 13 Page 2

Ankara clashes Algeria’s new president with EU as it flexes muscles in reaches out to protesters Mediterranean Thomas Seibert

Istanbul but huge uncertainties remain s Turkey hardens its aggres- sive policies in the Eastern Mediterranean and North ► Algeria dodged irreparable damage A Africa, new tensions loom in Ankara’s relations with Europe and the by pulling off an election amid unrest United States. Following a controversial maritime agreement with the government of Lamine Ghanmi local and legislative elections, will Libya, Turkish President Recep Tayyip provide him a grace period. Erdogan said he was ready to send Tunis “I commit myself to redress all troops to the war-torn North African injustices suffered by the Algeri- country. lgeria avoided irrevers- ans during the rule of the gang,” he The deal with the Tripoli govern- ible damage of a potential vowed, referring to the Bouteflika ment triggered criticism from Turkish bloody showdown be- era. But the trial of “corrupt” lead- neighbours and EU members Greece A tween security and pro- ers will continue, Tebboune said. and Cyprus, as well as from the Euro- testers when it carried out its first Tebboune’s election as president pean Union itself. At the same time, presidential election since the re- is unlikely to quickly end the politi- Ankara warned that the United States moval of long-time ruler Abdelaziz cal stalemate. Protests intensified risks eviction from a key airbase in Bouteflika from power last April. the day after the vote as many Al- southern Turkey. Former Prime Minister Abdelm- gerians feared the election could be Under Erdogan, Turkey regards it- adjid Tebboune, a 74-year-old tech- a ruse to keep army-backed elites self as an independent regional power nocrat, was declared the winner of in power. that pursues interests that may not be the December 12 vote, which was Analysts cited Algerians’ high in sync with those of Europe or the marked by a mass boycott but no turnout in recent demonstrations United States. A foreign policy adviser major violence, despite protesters as an indication that Tebboune will to Erdogan said the West had to accept shutting polling stations in most of face a tough task addressing the that Turkey’s foreign policy was no the restive Kabylie region. country’s social crisis, fuelled by a longer based on traditional models. Managing to conduct the elec- dire economic situation with key “The Turkish president under- tion was, in itself, a win for the oil earnings falling and a planned stands that the traditional notion of army. There were high stakes for 9% public spending cut next year. ‘the Western alliance’ is no longer the military command to salvage “The huge number of protesters valid,” Burhanettin Duran wrote in the the elections and avoid bloodshed at the day following the vote sug- English-language Daily Sabah newspa- as a test of its authority and cred- gests that nothing was resolved per. ibility. and the stalemate remains com- “Those who criticise Erdogan’s for- The same day he was declared plete. The Hirak will continue with eign policy, citing the state of Turkey’s the election’s winner, Tebboune the same intensity,” predicted po- relations with the West, must realise expressed determination to work litical writer Makhlouf Mehenni. that the rules of the old liberal order no for compromise with protest fig- Tebboune hopes, however, to longer apply — there are new dynam- ures and opposition parties. He engage a peaceful political and eco- ics at play.” seemed interested in co-opting nomic transition. In the Eastern Mediterranean, the — not confronting — the protest “I will work with all Algerians to deal between Ankara and Tripoli movement. turn the page of the past and open carves out a slanting sea corridor of “I address directly the Hirak a new page of a new republic with maritime boundaries at the closest (protest movement), which I have a new mindset and new approach,” points between Libya and Turkey, po- repeatedly blessed and supported, he said. tentially clearing the way for oil and to extend my hand for serious dia- A “new page” of stability in Al- gas search near Greek islands. logue with them, for the sake of Al- geria would be a welcome develop- EU leaders who sided with Greece in geria and only Algeria,” he said. ment for the country’s neighbours the dispute said in a statement after a Lawyer Mustapha Bouchachi, a in the Maghreb, Sahel and the ‘New page’. Newly elected Algerian President Abdelmadjid summit December 12 that the Turkish- leading figure among the protest- Western Mediterranean. Tebboune speaks at a press conference in Algiers, December 13. (AP) Libyan agreement “infringes upon the ers, said the movement, much Algeria shares a 6,500km border sovereign rights of third states, does more than the vote, was bound to with six countries, many of them implemented by France and other engage in dialogue with protest- not comply with the Law of the Sea be a determining factor that “will weakened by the fallout of the Western powers to stem jihadism ers. “He can sell what he wants at and cannot produce any legal conse- usher in a future for Algeria.” “Arab spring” uprisings, jihadist in the Sahel. home. I am only accountable to Al- quences for third states.” Tebboune’s offer of direct dia- threats and by foreign interven- France’s complex relations with gerians,” Tebboune said. Tensions between Turkey and the logue with protesters and his tions in Mali, Niger and Libya. Algeria were illustrated by Teb- West were further fuelled when the US pledges to free unfairly tried de- The bloody assault by jihadists boune’s response to French Presi- Lamine Ghanmi is an Arab Weekly Senate followed the US House of Rep- tainees and introduce constitution- of a Niger army base December 10 dent Emmanuel Macron, who had correspondent in Tunis. resentatives and passed a resolution al and electoral reforms, setting up displayed the limits of strategies advised Algeria’s new president to P8 that recognises as genocide the mass killings of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire a century ago, a historic move that infuriated Turkey. Christmas markets finding fertile ground in Morocco Congress also reached agreement on a $738 billion defence bill that calls Saad Guerraoui shops suitable for all levels plus san gifts to pastry in wooden huts. Christmas trees stand tall in lo- for sanctions against Turkey over its tastings in a festive atmosphere ani- The catering area was the most cal markets and flower shops while purchase of the Russian S-400 missile mated by live music every night. animated section with culinary spe- chic pastry shops offer the mouth- defence system. Casablanca The Village of the Elves featured cialties, entertainment for children watering Buche de Noel cake, a pas- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut many fun and educational games and Christmas music in partnership try from a French Christmas tradi- Cavusoglu said Ankara could ask the hristmas markets in Mo- and workshops, aimed at promoting with Hit Radio. tion that dates to the 19th century. United States to withdraw from the rocco have been burgeoning children’s personal development. In Marrakech, the luxurious Many Moroccans, however, la- Incirlik Airbase if Washington imposes the past few years amid a The Gourmet Village was the busi- Royal Mansour hotel presented its ment the dwindling festive Christ- sanctions. C rise in demand and expatri- est space, featuring specialties from traditional Christmas market for mas mood in Casablanca. Howard Eissenstat, a Turkey expert ates in the country. around the world and a rich variety the second year. The hotel’s event “I remember very well in the at Saint Lawrence University in New The Royal Golf of Anfa hotel host- of festive dishes, such as oysters, benefited three associations it spon- 1980s and ’90s when children were York, said Ankara’s “aggressive foreign ed the Casablanca Christmas Market fondue and succulent paella. sors to support children with spe- taking pictures with Father Christ- policy stance” is an attempt to adapt to with an array of activities dedicated “The ambience here is marvel- cial needs and from disadvantaged mas. It’s not the case now,” said new geopolitical realities. to children besides several theme lous,” said Marceau, a French expa- backgrounds. Najib Khalil, 48. “Whether its policies are wise or areas, such as gifts and pastry. More triate living in Morocco. Local products and crafts made “Is it because we have become not, whether they [are] destructive than 100 exhibitors took part. The French-run Cercle Amical by children were on sale to encour- a more religious country and the or not, is a question for Ankara. For Prestigious brands such as the Francais de Casablanca (CAFC) club age their creativity in a warm and rhetoric of preachers who declare Washington — and for the EU — this is Four Seasons offered fine pastry expanded its popular Christmas festive atmosphere. Christmas celebrations un-Islam- simply a reality and one that needs to under the assistance of chef Brian market to nine days following high Far from Christmas markets, ic?” asked Khalil. be addressed.” Garner. demand last year. businesses in Casablanca adorned Visitors had the opportunity to go Dozens of exhibitors took part in their shop windows with Christmas Saad Guerraoui is a contributor Thomas Seibert is an Arab Weekly behind the stove to prepare Christ- the Christmas market, showcasing decorations to herald the festive to The Arab Weekly on Maghreb correspondent. mas dishes with culinary work- products from finely crafted arti- season. issues. P3, 7 2 December 15, 2019 Top news

EU condemns the Turkish-Libyan ‘illegal drilling,’ readies sanctions

Thomas Seibert tion of maritime jurisdictions in the Mediterranean Sea infringes on the sovereign rights of third States, urkey is raising the stakes in does not comply with the Law of the dispute over its agree- the Sea and cannot produce any le- ments with the internation- gal consequences for third States,” a T ally recognised government statement issued December 12 by a in Libya to force other players to EU summit stated. “The European accept a role for Ankara in the ex- Council unequivocally reaffirms its ploration of gas fields in the Eastern solidarity with Greece and Cyprus Mediterranean. regarding these actions by Turkey.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip The issue could further compli- Erdogan said Turkey could send cate relations between the Euro- troops to Libya to help Prime Min- pean Union and Turkey, already ister Fayez al-Sarraj, head of Libya’s burdened over Cyprus, which has Government of National Accord, been divided into Greek and Turk- and his forces fight the self-styled ish parts since 1974, Turkey’s grow- Libyan National Army of Field-Mar- ing authoritarianism and threats by shal Khalifa Haftar, whose troops Ankara to send millions of Syrian are backed by Russia. refugees to Europe. Sarraj and Erdogan clinched a EU foreign ministers talked about natural gas drilling accord in No- the Turkish-Libyan agreement and Serious concerns. Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio (L) speaks with German Foreign Minister vember, a step Ankara said aimed to rallied behind Greece and Cyprus at Heiko Maas (C) and Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zharieva during a meeting of EU foreign defend its rights in the region. How- a meeting December 10. “It is clear ministers at the Europa Building in Brussels, December 9. (AP) ever, it also infuriated EU members that this document raises major Greece and Cyprus. concern,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said after the meeting, Speaking with state broadcaster that Turkey would step up its own spite a UN arms embargo. Euronews reported. “We expressed TRT Haber, Erdogan said the accord gas exploration in the Eastern Medi- Erdogan said the military accord Turkey’s approach could our solidarity to Greece and Cyprus with Sarraj made joint Turkish-Lib- terranean. granted Turkey the right to deploy create tensions in its and we will continue doing that.” yan gas exploration in the Eastern The Turkish leader also said that troops in Libya if the Tripoli govern- relations with Russia Asli Aydintasbas, a senior policy Mediterranean possible and would the accord with Libya created a ter- ment asked. This would not violate because the two countries fellow at the European Council of allow Turkey to drill on Libya’s ritorial bloc that prevented other the UN embargo, he added. are supporting opposition Foreign Affairs, a pan-European continental shelf, with Tripoli’s ap- players in the region from building “In the event of such a call com- forces in Libya. think-tank, said Turkey’s actions proval. an underwater pipeline to bring gas ing, it is Turkey’s decision what were designed to spur the European He said the deal was in line with from the Eastern Mediterranean to kind of initiative it will take here. Tensions are running high in the Union into action. international law, an assertion European markets. We will not seek the permission of region because Turkey feels left out “This is more a message to the strongly rejected by Greece. The “Other international actors can- anyone on this,” Erdogan said. of an initiative by Greece, Cyprus, EU than anything else,” Aydintas- area where Turkey and Libya have not carry out exploration operations Turkey’s approach could create Egypt and Israel to exploit under- bas said by e-mail. “Ankara wants drawn their maritime borders is in these areas Turkey drew (up) tensions in its relations with Russia water gas reserves. In response, An- to force [the Europeans’] hand into not far south of the Greek island of with this accord without getting because the two countries are sup- kara started gas explorations off the finding a political solution in a situ- Crete. The government in Athens permission. Greek Cyprus, Egypt, porting opposition forces in Libya. coast of Cyprus. Turkey warned it ation where they want to remain on asked the UN Security Council to Greece and Israel cannot establish Erdogan told TRT he hoped Russian would prevent other countries from the sidelines.” take up the issue and expelled the a gas transmission line without first President Vladimir Putin would re- exploring and drilling for gas with- “I think Turkey wants to force ne- Libyan ambassador. getting permission from Turkey,” he consider Moscow’s support for Haf- out permission in areas it claims. gotiations on the energy resources Erdogan, however, said he was said. tar. The European Union readied in the Eastern Mediterranean,” she not worried. Turkey wants to strengthen its Erdogan was to raise the issue in a sanctions against Ankara and con- said. “By taking a slightly belliger- “With this new agreement be- military role in the Libyan conflict. telephone call with Putin, Turkey’s demned Turkey’s “illegal drilling ent stance, it seems like Ankara is tween Turkey and Libya, we can Sarraj has turned to Turkey for mili- state news agency Anadolu report- activities” around Cyprus and said telling Europe ‘Do something about hold joint exploration operations tary assistance as Haftar’s troops ed, but a statement by the Turkish the Turkish-Libyan deal was illegal. this situation’ — either rekindle Cy- in these exclusive economic zones attacked Tripoli. Ankara supplied presidency after the call December “The Turkey-Libya Memorandum prus unification talks or start talks that we determined. There is no drones and military vehicles for 11 did not mention Libya. Putin is to of Understanding on the delimita- to divide up the hydrocarbons.” problem,” Erdogan said. He added troops fighting on Sarraj’s side, de- visit Turkey January 8. Panic sweeps Tripoli over reports of LNA offensive Sarraj risks a major escalation if he calls on Turkish troops to intervene

Michel Cousins Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj and ish forces would be deployed if the of the internationally recognised That would be music to Saleh’s his internationally recognised GNA GNA requested it. government, requests them. No UN ears. His call on the Arab League had fled and that remaining foreign His special Libya envoy, Emrullah approval is necessary. Until Erdogan and the United Nations to do so has Tunis diplomats in Tripoli were being tak- Isler, declared they would defend offered troops, though, the precise had no result, although Egypt and en by boat to Tunisia. “Libyan democracy” and prevent nature of his support was unknown, Saudi Arabia are said to back the ’ve hidden away all our valu- No one had fled — not the ambas- “the return of a military dictator- although many suspected that it idea. ables and packed a suitcase sadors, not the GNA. Sarraj was in ship” — a statement that left ob- might involve a deployment to Saleh will reckon that, if Athens “ in case Haftar arrives and I neighbouring Tunisia where earlier servers wondering about his under- North Africa in addition to military leads the way, other EU members Ihave to leave quickly.” in the week he met with US diplo- standing of Libyan realities. hardware, including drones to re- may well follow and not just Cy- The speaker, a senior official in mats and Tunisian President Kais The GNA may derive its legiti- place those destroyed by the LNA. prus, which is embroiled in its own Tripoli, was responding to reports Saied, before flying to Doha. macy from the United Nations’ en- Haftar’s supposed rush to take row over Turkish exploration of its December 13 that the Libyan Na- dorsement of the 2015 Libyan Po- Tripoli was consequently seen by south-western coast. litical Agreement that established some as an attempt to create facts Others, such as Austria, Hungary, tional Army, led by Field-Marshal Haftar’s supposed rush Khalifa Haftar, had begun an offen- it but it has never been democrati- on the ground, securing it before Slovakia and, possibly, France, may sive to capture Tripoli and was ad- to take Tripoli was seen cally elected. the Turks arrived. decide to vent their mistrust of Tur- vancing towards the city centre. by some as an attempt to The only organisation that can Sarraj has not requested their de- key on the GNA. The first signs of It followed a video on social me- create facts on the claim democratic legitimacy in Lib- ployment. a possible EU-wide breach with it dia in which Haftar appeared to ground, securing it ya, other than municipal councils, is His acceptance of Erdogan’s EEZ came December 13 when the Euro- order the assault, saying zero hour before the Turks arrived. the House of Representatives (HoR), boundaries reaped a whirlwind of pean Union denounced the Erdog- had arrived. elected in 2014. Its president, Aguila Greek fury that could destroy Eu- an-Sarraj maritime treaty. In fact, nothing happened. The reason the rumour was be- Saleh, and its members in Tobruk ropean support for Sarraj, however. Sarraj cannot afford a breach with “There’s no fighting, no bombing,” lieved was that throughout Novem- are fundamentally opposed to the Despite the threat of Erdogan al- the European Union and calling in the official explained. “It was just a ber when there was a lull in fighting, GNA and Saleh is trying to persuade lowing tens of thousands of asylum Turkish troops would anger the Eu- rumour. People are going to Friday LNA sources repeatedly said a final the international community to no seekers to cross to Greek islands in ropeans. On the other hand, with prayers as normal today. I’m off to assault was imminent. Reinforce- longer recognise the GNA. the Aegean, Athens has gone on the the LNA’s strength growing and no lunch downtown afterward with ments had been deployed on the Erdogan’s offer of troops is the di- offensive. Moving far further than sign that US efforts to engineer a some friends.” front lines and all that was needed rect result of military and maritime the LNA’s Egyptian, Saudi and Emi- ceasefire will succeed, he may think That there was no evidence of was the order from Haftar to attack, deals agreed by him and Sarraj, by rati allies, it broke decisively with he has no choice. an LNA offensive did not stop the they claimed. The field-marshal’s which, for the GNA’s approval of Tripoli and reached out to authori- That would escalate the Libyan rumour from spreading beyond video was seen as him giving the Turkish claims to a large area of the ties in eastern Libya. crisis enormously. Risking a re- Tripoli. It was claimed that some order. Eastern Mediterranean as its exclu- Greece expelled Sarraj’s ambassa- sponse from Egypt, it could turn a 80 Government of National Accord The other reason the rumour was sive economic zone (EEZ), Ankara dor and invited Saleh to Athens for proxy conflict into a regional war. (GNA) forces had been killed in the believed was Turkey’s offer to send would provide military support to talks, ignoring EU sanctions against previous 24 hours as LNA troops troops to Libya to fight for the GNA. the GNA. him. There are reports that Greece Michel Cousins is a contributor advanced, that Misratan forces de- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Er- Under international law, Turkey is considering withdrawing recogni- to The Arab Weekly on Libyan fending Tripoli had pulled out, that dogan said December 10 that Turk- can deploy troops if Sarraj, as head tion of the GNA. issues. December 15, 2019 3 Top news Political impasse, foreign pressure give new political lease on life for Hariri

Samar Kadi Hezbollah Secretary-General Has- Monsef said he was sceptical about san Nasrallah called for a “largely FPM’s decision to boycott a Hariri-led representative” government in government. “I personally believe Beirut which all parties would assume the things will get more complicated. responsibility of pulling Lebanon out Bassil’s exit could mean a clash with hile political parties of its socio-economic crisis and fulfil the president. I have the impression in Lebanon stress the protesters’ demands. that we are heading to a more com- urgency of forming a “A reformist government neces- plicated power struggle and settling W government capable of sitates the participation of all politi- political accounts.” gaining foreign assistance to curb cal powers and no party should be “If Hariri is nominated by Hezbol- Lebanon’s economic downfall, pow- excised. It also does not necessarily lah and Amal MPs in the consulta- er struggles and political wrangling mean a government of technocrats,” tions with the president, it will show prevented the nomination of a prime Nasrallah said, in allusion to the FPM. a flagrant divergence from their ally, minister to replace Saad Hariri, who He said he hopes that mandatory the FPM,” Bou Monsef said. resigned more than a month ago. consultations between Aoun and “Even if Hariri is nominated to- The latest front-runner, Samir parliamentary blocs, set for Decem- morrow, the formation of the govern- Khatib, withdrew his name following ber 16, would result in nominating ment will take much time,” he said. “I an objection by political and spiritual a prime minister. The consultations guess Hariri would make concessions leaders of the Sunni community, to were postponed once before over to assure Amal and Hezbollah that which the post is allocated. The disagreements on who to nominate. he is not implementing an Ameri- First sentence. File picture of Sudanese former President Omar country’s top Sunni religious leader “Until this very moment, Saad can agenda to clip their wings… The Hassan al-Bashir standing trial at a court in Khartoum. (Reuters) called Hariri the preferred candidate, Hariri’s return is almost 99% sure,” equation would be they support him increasing his chances to return as said Rached Fayed, a politburo to lead the government and he will head of government. member of Hariri’s Future Move- accept to have them represented by a Under Lebanon’s sectarian-based ment party. “He has already talked number of politicians.” Former Sudanese political system, the prime minister to the World Bank and [International The international community is is a Sunni Muslim, the president a Monetary Fund] IMF chiefs to help increasing pressure on Lebanon to Christian Maronite and the speaker of find a solution to the present crisis. form a credible, reform-minded gov- This signals that he would be will- ernment, a condition for receiving president convicted parliament a Shia Muslim. Parties have been haggling over the ing to assume that responsibility. It urgent aid. nature of the government for weeks. also means that he may be willing to “The only possible criteria (for aid) While Hariri called for an independ- reach a compromise with the parties are the effectiveness of the govern- of corruption ent government of technocrats, his (Hezbollah and Amal) who want to be ment in implementing the reforms opponents — the powerful Shia Hez- represented by politicians.” awaited by the population. This is the bollah and its allies, Shia Amal move- “He (Hariri) might accept, for only way that the participants around The Arab Weekly staff issued arrest warrants against him in ment and Lebanese President Michel instance, to have this table and beyond can mobilise to 2009 and 2010 on charges of genocide, Aoun’s Christian Free Patriotic Move- Hezbollah nominate give Lebanon the support it needs,” war crimes and crimes against human- ment (FPM), headed by his son-in- non-provocative French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Cairo ity in Sudan’s restive Darfur region. law and Foreign Minister Gebran politicians who Drian said after a meeting of the In- Sudan’s military has said it would Bassil — insisted on a semi-technical are at the same ternational Support Group for Leba- ormer Sudanese President not extradite al-Bashir to the ICC. and semi-political administration. time techno- non in Paris on December 11. Omar al-Bashir has been con- The country’s military-civilian transi- Bassil announced that the FPM, crats such as Lebanon has been rocked by un- victed of corruption charges tional government has not indicated which has the largest number of the (outgoing) precedented popular protests over F and sentenced to two years de- whether it would hand him over to the seats in parliament, will not take minister of official mismanagement and corrup- tention. Hague. part in a cabinet led by Hariri. “Its health,” Fayed tion since October 17. The presiding judge, in handing Ahmed Ibrahim al-Tahir, al-Bashir’s fate (would be) definitely failure. said. down the sentence December 14, said lead defence lawyer, said he would ap- This is not avoiding responsibility… Political ana- Samar Kadi is The Arab Weekly al-Bashir, 75, who was deposed by the peal the sentence. We will form a constructive opposi- lyst Nabil Bou Travel and Society section editor. military in April following months of Several other judicial cases have tion,” he said. street protests against his three-dec- been initiated in Sudan against al- Bassil’s comments ade rule, would be sent to a reform fa- Bashir. In May, he was charged with could pave the way for a Back in the game. Lebanon’s cility, rather than a prison, on account incitement and involvement in the cabinet formed by caretaker Prime Minister Saad of his age. killing of protesters and he was re- Hariri, ending a Hariri speaks after meeting The judge ordered confiscation cently questioned over his role in the deadlock that has with President Michel of millions of euros and Sudanese 1989 military coup that placed him in gripped the coun- Aoun at the presidential pounds found in al-Bashir’s residence power. try since Hariri’s palace in Baabda, last when he was overthrown. resignation November. (Reuters) Al-Bashir is also wanted by the Inter- (With Reuters and the Associated October 29. national Criminal Court (ICC), which Press.) Iran blamed for abductions, targeted killings of Iraqi activists

The Arab Weekly staff militia violence after a civil soci- for an end to corruption and Iranian Public Radio that the Iran-backed to a point where we are going to be ety activist was killed in a drive-by influence that they say stunted eco- Kata’ib Hezbollah (KH) group was backed into a corner… We won’t just shooting December 8. nomic growth and undermined na- behind the attack and questioned eat rockets all day until a couple of London “No armed group should be able tional integrity. the Iraqi government’s slow re- us are killed.” to operate outside of the control of Iraqi protesters are not the only sponse. On December 12, two suicide raqi protesters face mounting the state,” the ambassadors said. ones to have been caught up in the “We know it’s KH and [the Iraqi bombers carried out an attack at a danger amid reports of abduc- The most recent activist killed was spiralling violence. On December government] know[s] it’s KH. Why base of an armed group led by Iraqi tions, assaults and killings by Ali al-Lami, a 49-year-old father of 9, five Iraqi counterterror person- is someone not holding them to ac- Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, killing I Iran-backed militia groups. five who travelled to Baghdad from nel were wounded, one seriously, count?” asked the US military offi- 11 fighters. No group claimed re- Dozens of Iraqi protesters were his southern Iraq hometown of Kut in a rocket attack near the United cial. sponsibility for the attack. said to be abducted and at least to be part of the protest movement. States diplomatic security com- “My fear is if [the Iraqi govern- The next day, Grand Ayatollah Ali three killed in assaults in the past Lami’s body was found by his pound in the Baghdad Internation- ment] is not willing to take action Sistani issued a public rebuke of the two weeks, reports stated, further friends, who blamed militia vio- al Airport. and, if they’re not willing to tamp reported abductions and killings of inflaming tensions after more than lence for his death. A US security official told National this down, then we’re going to get activists and urged the state to re- two months of anti-government “It was the militias of a corrupt gain control of all weaponry. protests. government that killed him,” a close “We strongly denounce the kill- The campaign of intimidation friend, Tayssir al-Atabi, told Agence ings, abductions and attacks of all drew concern from rights organi- France-Presse, in an apparent refer- kinds that have been taking place,” a sations and international groups, ence to Iran. representative of Sistani said during which urged the Iraqi government Outside Baghdad, protesters Friday prayers in the Shia holy city to hold accountable those respon- throughout Iraq’s Shia-majority of Karbala during Friday prayers. sible. south have been kidnapped and as- The suspected militia violence, The UN Assistance Mission in Iraq saulted by unknown men who many made possible by Iran’s reach into said December 12 that it received say are linked to Iran-backed militias Iraq, is increasing instability and “credible allegations of deliberate such as Al-Hashed al-Shaabi. pushing Iraq further into crisis, ana- killings, abduction and arbitrary At least 35 men, kidnapped from lysts said. detention carried out by unknown Al-Sinek, were found blindfolded “Sadly, Iraqis have had no respite armed men described as ‘militia’, and bound near the Tigris River, from violence since 2003,” wrote ‘unknown third parties’, ‘armed en- said security sources cited by Al- Alon Ben Meir, a senior fellow at tities,’ ‘outlaws’ and ‘spoilers’.” Araby news outlet. “”They beat us New York University’s Centre for “The government must identify so much,” one abductee told the Global Affairs, on Twitter. “(The) those groups responsible without news site. main grievance is that Iran exercises delay and hold perpetrators ac- The alleged killings and abduc- huge influence in every walk of life. countable,” the report stated. tions add to a bloody crackdown It’s time for (the) Iraqi (government) The British, French and German on protests in which more than 500 to assert more independence from ambassadors to Iraq released a joint people have died and 17,000 injured In the cross hairs. Mourners carry the coffin of Iraqi civil activist Iran and focus on economic devel- statement urging Iraq to investigate since October 1. Protesters called Fahim al-Taie in Kerbala, December 9. (Reuters) opment.” 4 December 15, 2019 Top news

A call for greater unity. Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (2nd R) walks with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah (C-R) and other GCC leaders during the Gulf Cooperation Council’s summit in Riyadh, December 10. (Reuters) Qatari emir’s absence from Arab Gulf summit casts doubt on an end to ongoing GCC row

Mohammed Alkhereiji and its ties with Iran, among other 40th Gulf Cooperation Council Sum- for Doha to comply with to normalise The Doha delegation reportedly re- issues. mit… and its strong and repeated relations. ceived a warm welcome in Riyadh, Some optimism regarding rec- negativity through [the] sending of After the Riyadh summit, UAE with Saudi King Salman bin Ab- London onciliation was boosted by reports someone on behalf of its emir with- Minister of State for Foreign Affairs dulaziz Al Saud and the Qatari prime about an unannounced trip Qatari out any authorisation that can con- Anwar Gargash said on Twitter: “The minister exchanging pleasantries. xpectations of a quick reso- Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Ab- tribute to solving its crisis,” Bahraini responsibility begins with the one “The people of Qatar, welcome, to lution to the 30-month-old dulrahman al-Thani made in October Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin who triggered the crisis and who your second country,” the Saudi com- dispute within the Gulf Co- to meet with top Saudi officials. Ahmed Al Khalifa said in an official should review the wrong policies mentator said on state television. E operation Council did not The Wall Street Journal reported statement. that led to his isolation. Commit- King Salman, in his opening materialise after Qatari Emir Sheikh that Thani told Saudi officials Qatar Sheikh Khalid dismissed com- ment to covenants, restoring cred- speech, stressed and solidified that Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani skipped was “willing to sever its ties with ments by Qatari Foreign Minister ibility and ending support to extrem- the summit’s final communique was the summit, which was meant to the Muslim Brotherhood,” one of the Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulrah- ism and interference are the start of the concept of “Gulf unity.” highlight regional cohesion. chief demands of the Arab Quartet. man al-Thani, in which he stressed the treatment.” An editorial by the Qatari Al Sharq Observers viewed the Gulf Co- However, with Sheikh Tamim by- that talks with Saudi Arabia had gone Doha itself described the pro- newspaper hailed the summit’s af- operation Council (GCC) summit passing the summit, sending Qatari beyond demands issued by the Arab gress achieved during the summit as firmation of the importance of the December 10 in Riyadh as a missed Prime Minister Abdullah bin Nasser Quartet to end the crisis. “small”. The Qatari foreign minister Gulf unity and gave special praise to opportunity to end the dispute be- bin Khalifa al-Thani in his stead, Sheikh Khalid said the four coun- told Reuters December 14 that there the Kuwaiti emir’s efforts to reach a tween Qatar and the Arab Quartet there were questions about Doha’s tries were “fully committed to their has been “small progress, just a little solution to the Gulf dispute. — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab commitment to reconciliation. firm positions and legitimate de- progress” at the summit. Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain — over “The lack of seriousness was very mands.” He was referencing require- There were, however, indicators Mohammed Alkhereiji is the Gulf Doha’s support for Islamist groups clear in the way Qatar dealt with the ments compiled by the Arab Quartet pointing to a more positive climate. section editor of The Arab Weekly. Boris Johnson wins UK election marked by Brexit debate Prime minister will be keen on maintaining Gulf countries as key allies

Colin Randall generous initiative. fierce opponent of Johnson, wrote for complexity of the issues opens the said James Strong, a senior lecturer Britain’s National Health Service the politics.co.uk website. “We will possibility of Britain having to choose in British politics and foreign policy may not be for sale in Conservative make ourselves more dependent on between a no-deal divorce or a fudge at London’s Queen Mary University. London hands, as alleged by Labour, but US people and powers who do not care that, however dressed up to appear “However, it will be problem at inter- pharmaceutical interests say that, about them at all. We will be begging otherwise, effectively extends the national level. ritish Prime Minister Boris having failed to reach agreement them for trade and investment.” transition period beyond 2020. “He is mistake-prone and performs Johnson’s emphatic victory with the European Union, the United The question of whether Britain’s With Brexit so dominant a theme better when he can avoid them. in the UK general election States will more easily negotiate with departure from the European Union of the election campaign, broader Much may depend on the extent to B settled the immediate debate Britain as a single country, widening should happen at all has been re- foreign policy issues played relatively which he has already burned too on Brexit and sets Britain on course access to the service and possibly solved by the electorate’s rejection of little part in voters’ thinking. Howev- many bridges but world leaders are for marked changes in its relationship leading to higher medicine prices. Labour and the attraction of response er, both Israel and Arabian Gulf coun- pragmatic enough to deal with what with the rest of the world. For Johnson’s critics, testing chal- to Johnson’s “Get Brexit Done” man- tries had reason to view with dismay is in front of them and will have to Freed from reliance on others to lenges lie ahead. “After Brexit we will tra. However, the government faces the possibility of a Labour adminis- deal with Johnson if they wish to deal prop up his Conservative govern- have deserted not only our major a year of negotiations with Brussels tration led by Jeremy Corbyn, long with Britain at all.” ment, Johnson can proceed unim- trading partners but those most com- on trade agreements with the bloc’s committed to the Palestinians’ cause What seems beyond doubt is that peded on remodelling Britain’s place mitted to our international values,” remaining 27 members. and hostile to the Saudi-led interven- as Britain seeks to build new trading in Europe and beyond, knowing he Richard Heller, formerly a top aide Johnson promised to accomplish tion in Yemen. relationships or expand existing ones has a full parliamentary term to se- to senior Labour Party figures and a that by the end of 2020, though the The contrast with Johnson could outside Europe, economic interests cure his aims. hardly be more pronounced. The will take priority over other consid- It came as little surprise that US prime minister will be keen to keep erations. Johnson knows that any President Donald Trump was the first Saudi Arabia and its coalition part- outcome to the negotiations with the international leader to congratulate ners, including the United Arab Emir- European Union will, on most avail- Johnson on his return to Downing ates, Kuwait and Bahrain, as key al- able analysis, restrict British growth. Street with a strong majority. lies while, again mindful of his need He has five years in which to cope Trump, an enthusiastic cheer- to maintain warm ties with a loudly with withdrawal symptoms with a leader for Brexit, tweeted that the pro-Israel Trump, offering little more parliamentary majority large enough two countries could “strike a massive than lip service to a two-state solu- to overcome political and economic new trade deal,” one potentially “far tion for the Israeli-Palestinian issue. tensions. bigger and more lucrative than any During his ascent from journalism “It’s a fool’s errand to try to pin deal that could be made with the EU.” to high office, Johnson acquired a down the real Boris Johnson,” said His words will have resonated as reputation for gaffes and real or per- Strong, “but he very much fits the music to the ears of those convinced ceived insults to international states- Conservative mould of wanting to get the British economy can remain ro- men. Not even Trump was spared. and retain power. It is fair to assume bust despite the fallout from breaking “The only reason I wouldn’t go to that he will lead the Conservatives with the biggest trading partner, the some parts of New York is the real risk into the 2024 general election.” European Union. of meeting Donald Trump,” Johnson Johnson will dismiss the more joked four years ago. He must prove Colin Randall, a journalist based cynical view that, with a presiden- he can deal with — and be taken seri- in London and France, worked in tial election campaign looming in the ously by — world leaders. various roles for the Daily Telegraph United States, the “America First” “British politics is very insular and from 1977-2006 and was executive strategy central to Trump’s economic A gamble that paid off. Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson none of this is a problem for him in editor of the National at its launch in policy makes it unwise to count on a speaks outside 10 Downing Street in London, December 13. (AP) terms of his domestic power base,” 2008. December 15, 2019 5 Top news

US imposes new Israeli parliament sets March sanctions on Iran airline over Yemen interference election; third vote in a year

Reuters businessman Abdolhossein Khedri and his companies Khedri Jahan Dar- ya Co and Maritime Silk Road LLC for Washington alleged shipping operations on behalf of al-Quds Force. he United States imposed ad- Mahan Air has previously been ditional sanctions on Iran’s blacklisted for alleged support pro- biggest airline and its ship- vided to al-Quds Force, Hezbollah T ping industry, accusing them and Syrian President Bashar Assad, a of transporting lethal equipment Treasury Department statement said. from Iran to Yemen and weapons of The Treasury sanctions freeze any mass destruction proliferation. US assets of those targeted and pro- Washington targeted three gen- hibit Americans from doing business eral sales agents of Mahan Air over with them. the role the airline allegedly played “The Iranian regime uses its avia- in weapons of mass destruction pro- tion and shipping industries to sup- liferation, US Secretary of State Mike ply its regional terrorist and militant Pompeo said. groups with weapons, directly con- Also blacklisted was an Iranian tributing to the devastating humani- shipping network suspected of smug- tarian crises in Syria and Yemen,” US gling lethal aid from Iran to Yemen on Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary said in a statement. Guard Corps and its elite foreign para- “Aviation and shipping industries military and espionage arm, al-Quds should be vigilant and not allow their Force, the US Treasury said. industries to be exploited by terror- The sanctions targeted Iranian ists.” Repeat impasse. A 2019 file picture shows Blue and White alliance leader Benny Gantz (L), Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Israel Esther Hayur (C) and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Niger attack shows jihadist Netanyahu at an event in Jerusalem. (AP)

The Arab Weekly staff Israeli Army Radio. The more immediate challenge for threat more lethal than ever Netanyahu is likely to focus on the Netanyahu is to win the leadership legal process stemming from allega- of Likud before the election. A lead- The Arab Weekly staff that involve hundreds of fighters, London tions of bribery, fraud and breach of ership primary vote was scheduled armed with mortars and explosives- trust in three corruption cases. for late December. laden vehicles. srael’s political system will stay He is seen as unlikely to heed calls The next elections are expected to Tunis Ranged against them are the im- in limbo after parliament voted to relinquish his immunity and the be centred on voters’ stands regard- poverished armies of Chad, Burkina to call new elections March 2, judicial examination of his immu- ing Netanyahu’s leadership ability. massive attack on an army Faso, Mali, Mauritania and Niger, plus I pushing Israelis to the brink of nity request could take months. Israeli politics Professor Gideon Ra- base in the sub-Saharan Afri- the 4,500-troop French force in the despair. After the March election, Netanya- hat told Agence France-Presse (AFP) can country of Niger showed Sahel and the 13,000-strong UN force The election, Israel’s third in less hu could use coalition negotiations that the third round of voting would A how difficult the fight against in Mali. than a year, was deemed necessary to push potential partners to support again revolve around “for Netanya- jihadism in the Sahel region has be- Grappling with an elusive, fast- after the failure of the country’s two his immunity request. hu or against Netanyahu.” come. moving enemy, French strategy is leading politicians to form a viable Under Israeli law, a sitting prime Israel has been nearly a year with- The assault December 10 at Inates, shifting to a response that combines coalition government following in- minister charged with a crime is not out a fully empowered government. in Niger’s remote region of Tillaberi, speed, stealth and advanced weap- conclusive elections in April and required to step down but ministers President Reuven Rivlin appealed was carried out by “many hundreds” ons. French armed forces said they September. under indictment must resign. Net- to Israelis December 12 not to “sink of heavily armed jihadists, the Niger will arm drones, enabling them to Neither Israeli Prime Minister anyahu has resigned from all posts into despair” in the face of the politi- Defence Ministry said. At least 71 peo- strike ground targets. Binyamin Netanyahu nor former other than prime minister. cal logjam. “We must not lose faith ple were killed, 12 injured and “oth- France was expected to press other military chief and Blue and White al- The Israeli public overall blames in the democratic system or in its ers” were missing, the ministry said. EU members during a meeting to build liance leader Benny Gantz could cob- Netanyahu for the impasse forcing ability to create the reality we live in Responsibility for the attack, the support for the fight against jihadism ble together a coalition government. new elections. Polls indicate that with our own hands,” he said. bloodiest in Niger since 2015, was in the Sahel. In September, Blue and White won around 40% of respondents blamed The three elections could cost the claimed by the Islamic State (ISIS). The G5 Sahel force, which France 33 seats in the 120-member Knesset, him for the deadlock and 5% named economy $3.4 billion, the Manufac- After the attack, French President is backing in the hope that it will help while Netanyahu’s Likud garnered Gantz as the main cause. turers Association of Israel said. Emmanuel Macron postponed a sum- it draw down its troops in the region, 32. Both won 35 seats in the April “The suicidal tailspin on the politi- “The country is still functioning, mit, set for December 16, that was to is struggling with funding problems, vote. The Arab Joint List, with 13 cal system this past year originated nothing has collapsed, schools and include five Sahel heads of state. shoddy or outmoded equipment and seats after the September election, is with one person: Binyamin Netan- hospitals are still open but we are In the last four months, more than poor training. the next largest body in parliament yahu,” wrote columnist Yossi Verter seeing a hobbled situation — budgets 230 soldiers in Niger, Mali and Burkina Paris is also setting up an operation “The politicians were unable to in Haaretz. “This election campaign, haven’t been passed, no long-term Faso have lost their lives, in addition called Tacouba, which would involve decide and so it goes back to the peo- like its two predecessors in April and planning is possible,” political ana- to 13 French troops killed in a helicop- special forces from several European ple and it’s a shame. There weren’t September, is the result of his ongo- lyst Dahlia Scheindlin told AFP. ter crash while chasing jihadists in countries, to help the Malian Army. big differences,” Foreign Minister ing escape from a trial that is likely to northern Mali. Eight countries responded positively, Israel Katz, a Likud lawmaker, told end in prison.” (With news agencies.) That is in addition to the thousands the French presidential palace said. of civilians who have died and more Mali was destabilised in 2011 by Tu- than 1 million people displaced since areg fighters from Libya after the fall the jihadist revolt began in Mali in 2012. of the Muammar Qaddafi regime. Analysts noted an escalation in the Besides Libya, which is prey to Is- UN experts point out jihadists’ operational tactics, which lamic extremists, Tunisia and Algeria seem to have become bolder and more face intermittent jihadist attacks by complex in recent months. Instead of groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and hit-and-run raids by a small group of the Islamic State. extremist threat in Libya Kalashnikov-armed guerrillas, the jihadists are carrying out operations (With Agence France-Presse.) Edith M. Lederer led by Field-Marshal Khalifa Haftar, “ISIL (another acronym for the Is- each supported by an array of militias lamic State) in Libya finances its activi- and foreign governments. ties through robbery, kidnap for ran- United Nations Haftar launched a surprise military som, extortion of Libyan citizens and offensive April 4 aimed at capturing the cross-border smuggling of artefacts N experts said the interfer- Tripoli and curbing the influence of and other commodities,” the panel ence of Chadian and Suda- militants who are backing the Fayez al- said. “Taxation of human trafficking nese fighters in Libya is “a Sarraj-led government there. Fighting networks continues to be a source of U direct threat” to the security for Tripoli has stalled in recent months, funding for ISIL in Libya.” and stability of the war-torn country, with both sides dug in and shelling As for foreign fighters, the experts which a leader of the Islamic State has one another along the city’s southern named five Sudanese armed groups declared “one of the main axes” of its reaches with increasingly sophisticat- operating in Libya — four in support future operations. ed weapons. of Haftar’s LNA and one backing the The panel of experts said in a 376- While the LNA and the eastern gov- government’s forces. They named page report to the UN Security Council, ernment enjoy the support of France, four Chadian armed groups — one sup- released December 10, that the pres- Russia, Jordan and other key Arab porting the LNA, two supporting the ence of the Chadians and Sudanese countries, the Tripoli-based govern- government and one with 100 fighters “has become more marked” in 2019 ment is backed by Italy, Turkey and whose factions support both sides. as a result of the intensification of the Qatar. In one example, the panel estimated conflict in Libya. It said their contin- The experts said counterterrorism 1,000 Sudanese troops from Sudan’s ued presence as organised groups or operations in Libya against the Islamic Rapid Support Forces were deployed to as mercenaries “may lead to further State (ISIS) and al-Qaeda extremists by Libya on July 25 by Sudanese General instability.” the government and Haftar’s forces as Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, initially to Libya has been in turmoil since a well as an increase in activity by the guard critical infrastructure so Haftar’s civil war in 2011 toppled Muammar United States Africa Command con- troops could carry out offensive opera- Qaddafi. In the chaos that followed, tinue to disrupt the structure of both tions. the country was divided, with a weak groups and temporarily reduce their The panel said Sudan and Dagalo, UN-supported administration in Trip- capacity to conduct operations. who has command responsibility, both oli overseeing the country’s west and However, the panel also reported the violated UN sanctions. a rival government in the east aligned new focus on Libya by ISIS, quoting a with the Libyan National Army (LAN) video in July by an ISIS member. (The Associated Press.) 6 December 15, 2019 Opinion

Editorial The Arab world in transition s it prepares to enter 2020, the Arab world can look ahead to a process of transition in many parts of the region. When the powers in charge resist change or try to delay genuine reform,A transitions are likely to be turbulent. That was the case, in 2011, in Tunisia and Egypt and it was so, more recently, in Sudan, Algeria, Lebanon and Iraq. Protest movements are essentially home- grown. In situations, such as Libya’s, where the outside world tried to interfere, consequences were catastrophic. In parts of the Arab world where real reform measures were introduced, gradual change pre-empted turmoil and progress has been steady. It would be both simplistic and misleading to lump all the manifestations of protest in the region in the same category. Still, similar factors seem to explain past and present upheaval. With very few exceptions, Arab countries face a youth bulge that will not soon go away. While Asian countries, such as South Korea, © Yaser Ahmed for The Arab Weekly have used that demographic phase to impulse economic growth, many financially strapped Arab countries failed to do so. They saw their economic indicators drop and the predicament Iraqi protesters clamouring for an of their young populations worsen. For many of the young who aspire to a better future and greater opportunity, there is loud Iraqi solution, not the ruling elite clamouring for a new beginning. “The transition in Algeria isn’t only a political transition, it’s also a generational Farouk Yousef transition,” Algerian sociologist Nacer Djabi For the political class in Iraq, the solution was Iranian but the Iraqi told Agence France-Presse. With that kind of transition, they hope, will youth are looking for an Iraqi solution to an Iraqi crisis. come a different vision of society and of government that better meets their aspira- ran’s recipes for resolving In this context, no one Many of those benefiting tions. the Iraqi crisis have not should not be fooled when from the survival of the sectar- Socio-economic improvement is at the core been exhausted. Howev- party and militia leaders opt ian system feel threatened by of that vision. As shown by a recent survey er, the remaining one to for silence regarding the dem- the demonstrations and the conducted by YouGov, the Arab Strategy Forum be tried will not be much onstrations or make the usual insistence of the protesters to and Arab News, economic issues are among the different from the others insincere comments about the reject verbal solutions present- major catalysts for the calls for change. Iin terms of violent methods Iraqis’ right to demonstrate ed by authorities, knowing that Some 61% of respondents in the survey said used to disperse demonstra- because those people have the latter are not serious about they wish economics would prevail over other tors and stop the protests. found in Khazali and other fig- implementing those reforms. considerations in government decisions. The demonstrators insist ures who have lost credibility It is not excluded that the Unemployment, an offshoot of economic that their protests be peaceful among the Iraqi people a front power equations in Iraq will ill-management, was stated as the “top in the face of armed attacks behind which they can hide turn upside down and the concern” for 42% of Arab world respondents. by pro-Iranian militias. That while implementing their true dreamers will become masters Frustration over lack of employment oppor- method has thwarted the first desires. of the situation, provided the tunities and adequate public service is com- It was clear from attempts pounded by the perception of governments as of Iran’s recipes. militias refrain from using oth- made to resolve the crisis by plagued with corruption. Some say staying the course er Iranian repression recipes, More than half — 57% — of Arab respondents of peaceful demonstrations the political class, whether in for fear of provoking the ire of said corruption was “the top problem” in their will lead the political parties to the executive or the legislative the international community. respective countries. The figures are higher in stop sending militias against branch, that no one has ideas The United States reacted by North Africa and Jordan, where anti-corrup- the demonstrators in the outside the circle of the sectar- imposing sanctions on regime tion themes have been among mobilising manner that has been decried ian system. For example, no figures. slogans. around the world. one has proposed a non-Shia If the political class in Iraq It has been pointedly the case in Iraq and That might be true but the figure as prime minister. becomes gripped with the Lebanon, two countries shaken by protests. parties do not have full control That same political class has fear of a confrontation with There, 65% and 53%, respectively, of respond- over the militias. There are no sympathy for the demon- the international community, ents declared corruption to be their number militias not associated with strators and looks down on then Iran will find it difficult one concern. political parties in Iraq and are them as dreaming young teen- to impose its solutions in Iraq. There is measured optimism in the air. The directly linked to Iran’s Islamic agers who do not understand The international community is vision of the future by majorities in the region Revolutionary Guard Corps the equations on which the bound to break its silence and is one of moderate modernism and social through al-Quds Force Major- new Iraq was built. stand with the right of the Iraqi progress. While overwhelming majorities of General Qassem Soleimani. It is not difficult, however, people to choose the political Arab respondents in the survey expressed an Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq is one of for anyone following Iraqi af- system that suits them. attachment to their religious roots, large those militias. Therefore, its fairs to realise that the organic Iran does not have the ability majorities rejected the exploitation of religious leader, Qais Khazali, did not relationship with Iran is one of to confront the world. This is faith by politicians. This contradicts the vision need the backing of a local those equations that the po- because Iraq is not an Iranian of the world that advocates political Islam and party when he threatened the litical class is tasked with pre- province and the Iraqi people, their supporters in the region have. demonstrators. Iran’s backing serving at the expense of the through their young people, It also explains the mounting rejection of was sufficient. interests of the Iraqi people. have taken to the streets, re- political systems, such as those of Iraq and jecting Iranian hegemony. Lebanon, where the ruling elites’ hold on What the political class is power has been too often motivated by sectar- thinking about today will not ian privileges. Half of respondents in Iraq said be possible tomorrow. This religious political parties were a major prob- is because the crisis, despite lem. the regional and international More than 73% of poll participants in Iraq ambiguities surrounding it, was and Lebanon said they resented the use of and still is definitely Iraqi in na- religion for political advantage, compared to ture and has not been exposed 58%, on average, across the Arab world. In both to any attempt to internation- countries, 65% or more said there would be alise it. “less wars in the world if religion and politics This is what pushed the were separate,” much higher than the Arab youth, who opened their eyes to average of 36%. that crisis, to pick up the strings This perspective underlies the resentment by that they could use to reach a Iraqis and Lebanese of all faiths of Iran’s solution that would be purely attempts at encroachment in the two coun- Iraqi, regardless of the position tries. of the political class, a class that Majorities of more than 60% said they expect has no suggestion for a solution the future Arab world to be a place where that would save it from the gender equality makes deep inroads. A similar abyss into which it has fallen. percentage said women should be members of For the political class in Iraq, government. the solution was Iranian but the Arab survey respondents said they see a Iraqi youth are looking for an future in which women have freedom of Iraqi solution to an Iraqi crisis. choice, be it in whom to marry (77%) or what to Their patience is over. Iraqi protesters march during anti-government wear (52%). demonstrations in the southern city of Diwaniyah, near the Shia shrine city Farouk Yousef is an Iraqi of Najaf. (AFP) writer. December 15, 2019 7 Opinion

Erdogan’s gunboat politics is dangerous Published by Al Arab Claude Salhani Publishing House Under Erdogan, Turkey seems to be drifting dangerously, along a path drawn by a leader who sees his dreams as achievable at the barrel of the gun. Publisher and Group Executive Editor Haitham El-Zobaidi, PhD s the United States superpower; as the gendarme of takes a backseat the Middle East and North Africa, Editor-in-Chief in the politics and Erdogan wants to flex Turkish policies of the Middle muscle all over the map. Oussama Romdhani East it leaves behind Erdogan’s Turkey envisions a

a vacuum of influ- once-in-a-lifetime opportunity Managing Editor ence,A upsetting the status quo to revive its old empire with the established since the end of World support of Islamist soulmates Iman Zayat War II. across the Middle East. Having Deputy Managing Editor Competing for that political void been refused membership in the in the Middle East are: European Union, the Turkish and Online Editor 1) Russia, which, as part of the leader turned eastward. Mamoon Alabbasi Soviet Union, was the only other Clearly, Erdogan’s Turkey is superpower to seriously represent overreaching, as illustrated by a threat to the United States; then his announcement of a second Senior Editor no US administration would dare military base in Qatar (after his John Hendel ignore the tumultuous Middle bases in the Horn of Africa) and East, as is the case today. his expressed readiness to send 2) Iran, which historically saw troops to Libya, a country in the Chief Copy Editor itself as policeman of the Mid- middle of civil war. He is project- Richard Pretorius dle East and continues to act ing military power in all directions as though it can fulfil that role, and that is likely to spread too thin Copy Editors except that its sectarian agenda before he knows it. Stephen Quillen is a turn-off for most of the Arab Already, he has intervened Kyle Arensdorf world. militarily in Syria, hoping to cre- One step forward, two steps back. US President Donald Trump (L) and However, since the Islamic ate new realities in that country, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan leave the stage to head to the Revolution of 1979 overthrew where his Kurdish nemeses simply plenary session at the NATO summit at the Grove hotel in Watford, Gulf Section Editor north-east of London, December 4. (AFP) the monarchy and established do not exist. Mohammed Alkhereiji an Islamic republic, Tehran has All this points to a single conclu- become the regional exporter of sion: Erdogan’s ambition to exert Relations with the United London where his self-serving Society and Travel terrorism by proxy. It has tried to wider influence in the region States are not at their best and definition of terrorism was widely Sections Editor appear to wave the flag of Islamic through military means. He as- now the sultan is threatening rejected. Continued anti-American Samar Kadi radicalism, promising the defeat pires to become the gendarme of to expel the United States from populism might be expedient for of the United States and the utter the Mediterranean and North Afri- the Turkish base at Incirlik. That him at home but will further alien- Senior Correspondents destruction of Israel, but it has ca, a region that has had enough of kind of threat plays well with his ate Turkey from NATO and the been discredited by its blatant im- foreign gendarmes, self-appointed Islamist crowds, even if in private United States. Lamine Ghanmi (Tunis) potence in the face of both coun- sentries and mercenary warlords. meetings he is likely to be accom- Erdogan is starting to posture Thomas Seibert (Istanbul) tries, except from its occasional Erdogan is living in a militarised modating to a transactional US like the head of a superpower, burning US and Israeli flags. dreamworld, some might say on President Donald Trump. which he obviously is not. His Regular Columnists 3) Turkey — also non-Arab — a nightmarish planet, where he is Erdogan is angry at the West for brand of gunboat diplomacy is Rashmee Roshan Lall under President Recep Tayyip trying to bite off far more than he daring to censure him. Like most dangerous for the region and for Claude Salhani Erdogan, who is driven by neo- can chew. authoritarian rulers he cannot Turkey itself. Ottoman expansionist visions of Under Erdogan, Turkey seems stand criticism. During the past Yavuz Baydar grandeur, where he sees himself to be drifting dangerously, along a few weeks, he probably found Claude Salhani is a regular as the great sultan of all times. path drawn by a leader who sees it hard to restrain his vindictive columnist for The Arab Weekly and Correspondents Hoping — or rather fantasis- his dreams as achievable at the urges against the West for being a senior fellow at the Institute of ing — Turkey is the new regional barrel of the gun. rebuffed at the NATO summit in World Affairs in Washington. Saad Guerraoui (Casablanca) Dunia El-Zobaidi (London) Trump upending world’s biggest Roua Khlifi (Tunis) Chief Designer Marwen el-Hmedi refugee programme Stephen Starr Designers This year is expected to see the fewest applications granted — 30,000 — since Ibrahim Ben Bechir the United States’ refugee programme began in 1980. Hanen Jebali

or decades the United deal with asylum applications and Fiscal Year 2019 but the political and diplomatic standing States has been the coming through on the United majority of the drop is attribut- around the world. Contact editor at: world’s leading safe- States’ southern border but, in able to three countries: Syria For example, if the United haven destination for a callous and thinly veiled re- (from 12,587 to 563), Iraq (from States agrees to unburden the [email protected] refugees. proach, stated: “Prioritising the 9,880 to 465) and Somalia (from cash-strapped Lebanese govern- In 1980, the humanitarian protection cases 9,020 to 231), three of the coun- ment of thousands of Syrian Frefugee cap was set as high as of those already in our country tries labelled “high-risk.” Taken refugees, it gives Americans an 231,000 people. Every year since is simply a matter of fairness together, admissions from these “in” concerning Lebanese politi- 2000, the average annual figure and common sense.” 11 designated high-risk nations cal affairs. Accepting refugees Al Arab Publishing House was 70,000-80,000. At the Observers and immigration have fallen 95%,” the institute doesn’t just help desperate civil- Quadrant Building height of humanitarian disasters specialists know that’s an argu- said. ians but also has a huge weighty 177-179 Hammersmith Road in Syria and Myanmar, former ment that holds little water. Refugees, of course, have political dimension. London W6 8BS US President Barack Obama’s Let’s put the global threats long been an easy scapegoat Unlike the exchange of goods administration set the 2017 cap facing persecuted people in for right-wing politicians and and services between countries at 110,000. context: There are around 2.5 nativists who claim that im- (in which trade deals can be This year, however, is expect- million people in Syria’s Idlib migrants take jobs and profits formed with relatively little fuss Tel: (+44) 20 7602 3999 ed to see the fewest applications province, where Syrian govern- out of the hands and mouths of once negotiation has been suc- Fax: (+44) 20 7602 8778 granted — 30,000 — since the ment and Russian bombard- “real Americans.” cessful), the exchange of people United States’ refugee pro- ments from the air are a harrow- However, it’s long been es- is much more complicated since gramme began in 1980. A lower ing aspect of everyday life. tablished that refugees and im- human lives don’t stand still. figure is expected to follow for Yet, this year, just 563 Syrian migrants, in general, do exactly Desperate refugees don’t — US Publisher: next year. refugees are to be resettled in the opposite — they create jobs, can’t — end their quest for a safe In September, the White the United States. Muslims and revive blighted neighbourhoods haven just because the United The Arab Weekly USA LLC. House announced plans to Christians are being affected and fuel local economies. States has shuttered its doors. [email protected] alike. From 2016 until this year, admit 18,000 people under the In addition to the tens of That means that Canada, the [email protected] programme in 2020. Initially, it Muslim admissions plunged thousands of desperate people European Union and European wanted to admit zero refugees 87%, to 4,943 people, while for around the world now left countries are better placed to Tel: 248-679-6624 in the coming year but was Christians the figure declined to deal with persecution and reap the economic benefits of walked back by Republican and 37%, to 23,754. poverty without the prospect refugees and command influ- Democratic politicians. This is happening at a time of resettlement in the United ence and better political ties, Approximately 4,000 of when the number of refugees States, thousands more working especially with Middle Eastern those places will be taken by globally is at an all-time high of in refugee assistance fields in- countries. Iraqis who helped or otherwise around 26 million people, half side the country could lose their The sum fallout of the refugee worked with the US military, of whom are children. jobs as well. That’s because cutback is that the United States’ Subscription & Advertising: 5,000 for people fleeing reli- The non-partisan Migration the much-reduced number of global standing vis-a-vis the [email protected] gious persecution and 1,500 Policy Institute said the steep approved refugee applications refugee programme is to suffer Tel : (+44) 020 3667 7249 for at-risk Central American decline “has not affected all require fewer workers to pro- more in the Middle East than in migrants. refugees equally” and “refugee cess those cases. any other region. The big ques- “The current burdens on the admissions from particular It is on the global stage, tion for Arab countries amounts Mohamed Al Mufti US immigration system must be countries, most notably from where the fallout will be felt to: “Does America even matter Marketing & Advertising the Middle East, with an atten- alleviated before it is again pos- most keenly and not where you anymore?” Manager sible to resettle large numbers dant plunge in the resettlement may expect. US generals and of refugees,” the US State De- of Muslim refugees.” leaders in the US Defence De- Stephen Starr is the author of Direct: (+44) 20 8742 9262 partment claimed in September. Moreover, “overall, refugee partment have long viewed the “Revolt in Syria: Eye-Witness to www.alarab.co.uk It added it has been forced admissions fell from most refugee programme as a means the Uprising” and has lived in to deploy its workforce to countries from Fiscal Year 2016 to strengthen the United States’ Syria and Turkey since 2007. 8 December 15, 2019 News & Analysis Algeria Tebboune to be confronted by daunting challenges as Algeria’s new president

Lamine Ghanmi terventions. Despite difficulties at home under the ailing former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Tunis Algeria’s role made a difference for its three immediate neighbours: ormer Prime Minister Ab- Tunisia, Libya and Mali. delmadjid Tebboune, de- Algeria discretely convinced Is- clared winner in Algeria’s lamists and their secularist rivals F presidential election, will in Tunis to pull back from possible be confronted with restoring sta- confrontations in 2013, forge an bility amid persistent unrest and entente and anchor a shaky sta- also meeting the challenges of bility that fosters coexistence be- population growth and slumping tween rival forces. oil output, the lifeline of a hydro- Algeria helped contain the con- carbon-dependent economy. flict in Libya and has pursued rec- Algerians voted for a new presi- onciliation between Tuareg rebels dent December 12 in a controver- and Mali as it struggled to unify the sial election marked by massive country against possible secession boycott and violence in the most in the north and spreading jihad- restive areas. The official election ism. body declared Tebboune the win- Algeria made a diplomatic pivot ner with 58% of the votes. to expand ties in Africa since 2014 after giving priority to its relations Tebboune will need to with the United States and the Eu- ropean Union as it fought a brutal convince protesters with civil war with radical Islamists for tangible reforms to break more than a decade beginning in the political stalemate 1992. and address urgent The assault by jihadists of a mili- economic problems, tary base in Niger December 10, in including in the crucial which at least 71 people died, dem- hydrocarbons sector. onstrated the limits of strategies by France and other Western pow- What comes next? A supporter cheers after the annoucement of presidential election results at the Algeria escaped feared irrepa- ers to stem jihadism in the Sahel campaign headquarters of Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Algiers, December 13. (Reuters) rable damage of bloody confron- and the need of Algeria’s role in its tations amid tensions between neighbourhood. crowds protesting the elections Tebboune will need to restore falling volumes from maturing a former senior manager at Alge- Beneath the appearance of pros- and security forces were deployed stability at home for Algeria to play oilfields with needed investments ria’s national oil and gas company, perity on the back of high oil pric- across the country to contain a stabilising role in the region and and technology upgrades from Sonatrach. es with Algeria amassing at least them. address its internal challenges. major oil firms that had been kept The oil and gas sector accounts $1 trillion in 20 years since 1999, That could be seen as an op- Protesters had dismissed the five away by legislation that changed for 95% of foreign export revenue the population increased 1.9% in portunity for Tebboune to bring presidential candidates, including investor-friendly laws in 2006. and almost one-third of Algeria’s 2018, one of the highest rates of the country together by satisfying four former senior officials under Economic stagnation followed, GDP. The government has long increase in the world, the govern- demands of protesters clamour- Bouteflika, as attempts to recycle with GDP growth of 1.4% in 2017, subsidised the cost of food and ment-run National Statistics Of- ing for an overhaul of the mili- the regime demonstrations sought 2.5% in 2018 and an expected 2.7% other staples from oil earnings but fice said. tary-dominated regime and snap to change. this year and with 1.9% expansion it has been forced in recent years to “This population expansion will parliamentary elections and a con- Tebboune will need to convince predicted for 2020. curtail some subsidies. intensify the problem of unem- stitutional revision. protesters with tangible reforms to Algeria needs robust growth to Algeria recently moved to lure ployment with 25% of university An appeased and stable Algeria break the political stalemate and lower a persistently high unem- foreign investments, including en- graduates already suffering from is crucial for the welfare of its 43 address urgent economic prob- ployment rate. The youth jobless- acting an oil law, but political sta- lack of jobs,” said Algerian popula- million people and its neighbours lems, including in the crucial hy- ness rate is 31% in a country with bility is vital for investors, analysts tion expert Ali Cherif. “The num- in the Maghreb and Sahel. drocarbons sector. an average age of 28. said. ber of Algerians will reach 55 mil- Algeria’s 6,500km border abuts Algeria’s oil output slumped “It is unlikely that any signifi- The law was designed as a return lion between 2050 and 2100 when six other countries, many weak- from 1.3 million barrels per day cant positive output change will to the 1989-2005 period when tax our oil and gas wealth is shrink- ened by “Arab spring” uprisings, (bpd) in 2007 to around 950,000 take place before the end of the incentives lured oil firms to explore ing. This demographic situation is jihadist threats and foreign in- bpd in 2019 mainly because of next decade,” said Mostefa Ouki, and pump oil and gas from Algeria. an international oddity.” Viewpoint Many questions for Tebboune to answer

which could deprive Tebboune of Tebboune takes over a political to many streets where thousands ensured a free and fair poll. More authority to push through major system that is in great disrepute, of people were demonstrating than ever, Tunisia qualifies as the reforms. as witnessed by the conditions in against elections. one and only democracy in the Francis Ghilès Tebboune has strong links with which the voting took place De- Ali Belhadj, a former leader of region, at least in terms of due France. This might help get rid of cember 12. Thousands of army re- the Islamic Salvation Front, which process of law applied to elec- some of Algeria’s ageing generals. cruits, dressed in civilian clothes, won the first round of elections tions. s results of Algeria’s Indeed, some senior French offi- were pressed into service as they in December 1991 in which the The Algerian election failed presidential elections cials are convinced that, if France tried — unconvincingly — to pass results were cancelled, leading to to solve the crisis started when came in, the Algerian is to retain the influence it has in themselves off as “civilians,” cast- the bloody civil war, urged follow- Bouteflika departed from the military Chief-of- Algeria, some of the more compro- ing their vote. ers not to vote. political scene. The months ahead Staff General Ahmed mised figures of the Bouteflika era The subterfuge was easy to However, a former leader of the will reveal to what extent it has General Gaid Salah must exit the stage. Who among detect because no women or older defunct Islamic Salvation Army complicated the situation. wasA not a happy man. the generals such a push might people, let alone young people, (AIS), Madani Mezrag, strongly Violence has been largely The candidate Gaid Salah had affect and whether it includes dressed in fashionable clothes encouraged his countrymen to absent, despite greater repression banked on, Azzedine Mihoubi, Gaid Salah, the next few months could be spotted in the queues of vote having, a few years earlier, against the Hirak in recent weeks. was thrashed by former Prime will tell. people waiting to vote. boasted of the many Algerian sol- Demonstrators have shown rare Minister Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Tebboune promised to free State television used photos of diers he had killed during the civil political maturity and refused to who won 58% of the vote. Mi- those imprisoned for political the same polling station, saying war of the 1990s. be provoked. houbi finished fourth — out of five reasons since last spring. If he acts it was from different cities, or Mezrag’s endorsement of the Will this change? How will the — with 7.3%. on his promise, he will buy some pictures of people voting in previ- election suggested that AIS ele- European Union react to such a Officially turnout was stated to breathing space but not much. ous presidential elections. Social ments were complicit with Alge- masquerade? Will it stay silent or be about 40% but Algerian civilian The uncertainty about the media postings pointed out that rian security forces in atrocities choose to endorse a process that and military observers said the future of Algeria is as great today some people in the photos were a quarter of a century ago in the has been shown to be flawed and true turnout was closer to 10%, as it has been throughout the long since dead. “war against terrorism.” is deeply insulting to Algerian men past ten months. Will Tebboune In the eastern economic hub Algerian leaders used every and women? Will EU leaders dare release any senior officials or of Bejaia, demonstrators closed trick to soften up the millions to utter a word in favour of their The election failed to businessmen who have been polling stations, venting disgust clamouring for democracy, to little cherished aims of democracy and imprisoned and tried without any at what appeared to millions of avail. The minister of the interior free elections? They lecture Rus- solve the crisis due process? Will he understand Algerians and foreign correspond- called members of the popular sian President Vladimir Putin but opened by the immense damage done to the ents granted rare access to Algeria, movement Hirak “perverts” and will they, at the very least, find a country’s economy by the “fake” like a massive operation in “fake” “homosexuals,” which hardly word of praise and encouragement Bouteflika’s departure battle against corruption waged news, “fake” voting and a parody suggests respect for the majority for the Algerian people? from the political by Gaid Salah? Will he be in any of democracy. of Algerians. The vulgarity of the The answers to those ques- scene. The months position to push through even Polling booths stuffed with vot- language used by Algerian leaders tions will help shape the future of mild economic reforms in the ing slips were discovered in the is the wonder of the world. North Africa and its relations with ahead will tell to what management of Algeria? Will he Berber heartland of Kabylie and The contrast with neighbouring Europe. extent it has get rid of senior officials who are promptly emptied. Tunisia’s recent presidential vote notoriously incompetent, such as Foreign correspondents in could not be greater. There, the Francis Ghilès is an associate complicated the the governor of the central bank Algiers were banned from entering electoral roll was independently fellow at the Barcelona Centre for situation. and the minister of finance? polling stations and refused access checked and the army and police International Affairs. December 15, 2019 9 Spotlight Turkey-Libya Deal Fallout Erdogan’s statements over Libya, gas seen by Egypt as ‘crossing red lines’

Amr Emam the Eastern Mediterranean nations from either exploring gas or extend- ing pipelines.” Cairo Egypt rejected the Erdogan-Sarraj memorandum and a document on gypt reacted firmly to state- expanded security and military co- ments by Turkish President operation. Recep Tayyip Erdogan about The Egyptian military projected E Ankara’s willingness to be preparedness for protecting Egypt’s militarily involved in Libya and its economic interests in the Mediterra- ambitions over natural gas explora- nean and for possible emergencies tion in the Eastern Mediterranean. in the region. The Egyptian Navy In an interview with the official conducted drills December 11 in the Turkish news channel, TRT, Erdog- Eastern Mediterranean. Participat- an said Turkey would send troops ing in the drills were various units Hard questions. Tunisian President Kais Saied (R) meets Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj at the to Libya if asked to by the western and equipment, including a helicop- Presidential Palace in Carthage, December 10. (Tunisian Presidency) Libyan government. ter carrier and a submarine. He also claimed that Eastern Med- “The troops have demonstrated a iterranean countries Egypt, Greece, high proficiency in securing Egypt’s Turkey’s expanded push in Libya Cyprus and Israel could not explore economic interests,” the military natural gas in the region without said in a statement. approval from Ankara, following Libya has been a security prob- a maritime boundary delimitation lem for Egypt ever since the North sparks concerns in Tunisia agreement between him and Fayez African state fell into lawlessness al-Sarraj, the head of the interna- following the downfall of the Mua- tionally recognised Libyan govern- mmar Qaddafi regime in 2011. The Arab Weekly staff However, political leaders and against Turkey in response. ment. The disintegration of the Libyan analysts in Tunis said Turkey’s ma- The area where Turkey and Libya Erdogan’s remarks, Egyptian ana- state means that Egypt must guard noeuvres in Libya are forcing Tuni- have drawn their maritime borders lysts said, cross Egyptian national its 1,200km border with Libya alone. Tunis sia to make difficult choices because is not far south of the Greek island security red lines and cannot be However, terrorist groups in Libya the deals angered the European Un- of Crete. taken lightly by Cairo. have been able to smuggle large ilitary cooperation and ion and NATO, from whom Tunisia “With this new agreement be- “Erdogan is consumed by a desire amounts of arms and explosives maritime demarcation receives crucial military and secu- tween Turkey and Libya, we can to have more presence in the East- into Egypt in recent years. deals signed by Turkish rity support. hold joint exploration operations in ern Mediterranean with his eyes Turkish military involvement in M President Recep Tayyip The Turkish push in Libya is likely these exclusive economic zones that fixed on the unfolding natural gas Libya would make things worse. Erdogan and Libyan Prime Minister to change the alignment of forces we determined. There is no prob- wealth of the region,” said Ali Ma- Islamist-leaning Erdogan stands Fayez al-Sarraj sparked concerns in in the Libyan conflict and ratchet lem,” Erdogan said. soud, dean of the College of Eco- at the opposite side of the ideologi- Tunisia about regional tensions. up the support they receive from “Other international actors can- nomics and Political Science at Beni cal spectrum to Egypt. He supports Tunisia maintained close links abroad. Experts said this could in- not carry out exploration operations Suef University in Egypt. ” the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islam- with Libya’s internationally recog- volve more security risks for Tuni- in these areas Turkey drew (up) with Egypt is at the centre of natural ist movement that rose to power in nised Government of National Ac- sia. this accord without getting permis- gas wealth in the region, with for- Egypt in 2012 but was ousted the fol- cord (GNA) out of geographical ne- The shift in the Libyan conflict sion. Greek Cyprus, Egypt, Greece eign companies exploring its terri- lowing year. cessity. Islamist militias and tribes is also likely to test Tunisia’s po- and Israel cannot establish a gas torial waters discovering additional allied with the GNA largely control litical stability, where the Islamist transmission line without first get- reserves. the western areas of Libya adjacent Ennahda Movement is expanding ting permission from Turkey.” Cairo, trying to put the natural The Egyptian Navy to Tunisia. its power and advocating a foreign Former Tunisian presidential gas market in the region in order conducted drills Western Libya is a critical eco- policy vision at odds with its politi- adviser Mohsen Marzouk said Tu- through alliances with other pro- December 11 in the nomic and security valve for Tuni- cal rivals. nisia’s National Security Council ducers and consumers, plans to Eastern Mediterranean. sia. Many families in southern Tu- Ennahda eyes Turkish President should convene to discuss the issue. become an energy hub. It seeks to nisia make a living off the informal Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a symbol He suggested that Tunisia could face collect natural gas extracted from In Libya, Erdogan backs Islamist economy that relies on the smug- of the “revival of the Muslim Um- a turning point in its relations with other regional countries, process it militias controlling western Libya, gling of heavily subsidised goods mah,” but critics say his interven- the Islamist-controlled government and export it to Europe, a process including Tripoli. Turkey sends mil- from Libya, including oil. tion in Syria, Iraq and Libya revives in Tripoli and must adapt its alli- that would greatly change Egypt’s itary support to the militias, includ- Islamists’ influence in Tunisia’s bitter memories of Ottoman Em- ances to the shift prompted by the strategic importance. ing drones and armoured vehicles. government and close ties between pire’s colonisation of Arab lands. Turkish intervention. A gigantic field discovered by an Libya’s unrest is perceived by the GNA and the Muslim Brother- “(The) security of Libya’s neigh- “The Libya deal with Turkey re- Italian company off Egypt’s Medi- Egypt as directly affecting its secu- hood, as well as the support for the bours is in danger as Erdogan threat- quires that we contact our three terranean coast in 2015 produces 3 rity. Cairo has called several times GNA by radical Islamists, have com- ens to expand intervention in Libya,” partners: the European Union, billion cubic feet of gas a day, almost for ending foreign interference in plicated links between Tunis and wrote Tunisia’s Alchourouk newspa- Arab partners and NATO. We enjoy one-third of the Arab country’s daily Libyan affairs, especially support to Tripoli. per after Saied met with Sarraj. the status of strategic partner with production. terrorist militias in the country. Now Tunisia faces even harder In addition to the maritime ac- NATO and this status allows us to However, Turkey’s destabilising Egyptian President Abdel Fat- questions after Tripoli’s expanded cord, Turkey and Libya signed an get weapons and support from our role may stand in the way, especially tah al-Sisi, speaking December 10, military and security cooperation expanded security and military co- allies. We cannot afford to lose it,” with the agreement signed by Sarraj called for a firm stance against states with Turkey. In an agreement be- operation agreement. he added. and Erdogan imposing new limits. that support terrorist organisations. tween the two states, Libya en- Erdogan said the military pact The pan-Arab nationalist People’s Erdogan said in his interview with “We should not let parochial in- dorsed Turkey’s claims to maritime granted Turkey the right to deploy Movement, one of Tunisia’s main TRT that Eastern Mediterranean terests, including economic aid, and gas drilling rights in the Eastern troops in Libya at the Tripoli-based opposition parties, urged a “strong countries cannot extend pipelines make us overlook the role some Mediterranean. government’s request. He asserted reaction” from the presidency and in the region without approval from countries play in supporting ter- Tripoli’s government has received that this would not violate a UN the government against the Libyan Turkey. This hits at the heart of rorist organisations. We must have Turkish military support, including arms embargo on Libya, which has deals with Turkey. Egypt’s economic dreams and politi- a decisive stance against these drones and troop transport vehicles, been mired in conflict for years but “This accord constitutes direct cal aspirations, analysts said. states,” Sisi said at an African peace as it fought the eastern-based Liby- has seen increased violence since danger to Tunisia, which is under “Erdogan’s remarks have no basis and development conference in an National Army since April. April over control of Tripoli. the threat of the terrorist groups in international law,” said Ramadan southern Egypt. Tunisian President Kais Saied “On the issue of sending soldiers… that are protected by the Tripoli gov- Abul Ela, who teaches petroleum met with Sarraj on December 10 in If Libya makes such a request from ernment and by the government of engineering at Suez Canal Univer- Amr Emam is an Arab Weekly the highest-level encounter since us, we can send our personnel there, Turkey,” it said. sity. “Turkey cannot prevent any of contributor in Cairo. the Turkey-Libya military deal was especially after striking the military Retired senior security officer Ali signed November 27. security agreement,” Erdogan said Zramdini said: “Turkey is attempt- “Libya’s matters are a Tunisian in a televised appearance December ing to assert its dominance in the concern,” Saied said after the meet- 10. region and it finds a weak ally in the ing, adding that the “two sides “With the new line drawn (by the southern Mediterranean, the Tripoli discussed lifting all the hurdles to maritime agreement), we will take government that made concessions movement of people and goods be- steps to protect the interests of Lib- from Libya’s maritime sovereignty tween Tunisia and Libya by land and ya, Turkey and the TRNC (Turkish in return for Turkey’s military sup- sea and avoiding the closure of the Republic of Northern Cyprus). This port to withstand the offensive of border gate of Ras Jedir.” is in line with international law,” he the Libyan National Army led by Saied renewed his commitment said. Field-Marshal Khalifa Haftar. to “a comprehensive political solu- This means Libya could be the first “This accord is a real threat with tion that serves the interests of the Arab country to be dragged into the its strategic and military dimensions Libyan people while he insisted that stormy maritime dispute between to all the Mediterranean countries, Libya’s matters are a Tunisia’s mat- Turkey, Greece and Cyprus. including France’s border and the ter,” said a presidential statement. Turkey and the GNA clinched the Strait of Sicily, which is adjacent to Saied’s advisers, many of whom natural gas drilling deal last month Tunisia,” he added. have first-hand security and diplo- in a step Ankara said was aimed at “Sarraj is only interested in main- matic experience with the Libyan defending its rights in the region. taining his hold on the government conflict, indicated that the Libyan The deal drew the ire of Greece and and he is implementing the agenda conflict is a foreign policy priority Cyprus, with whom tensions were of the Muslim Brotherhood, which At wits’ end? Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (L) and his for Tunisia, as did Saied’s predeces- high because of Turkish gas explora- does not recognise the national sov- Cyprus counterpart Nikos Christodoulides talk to reporters after sor, the late President Beji Caid Es- tion off the coast of Cyprus. The Eu- ereignty of the nation-states,” said their meeting in Nicosia, Cyprus, last July. (AP) sebsi. ropean Union has readied sanctions Zramdini. 10 December 15, 2019 News & Analysis Gulf

Gargash: Absence of Qatari emir from GCC summit reflected ‘misjudgement of the situation’

The Arab Weekly staff Gargash said the Qatar crisis con- opments in the region. tinues, given that Sheikh Tamim’s Gargash, writing on Twitter, said: absence from the meeting December “The Qatar crisis is, in my opinion, London 10 in Riyadh was a negative message continuing, with my conviction that regarding efforts to unify Gulf ranks every crisis has a conclusion and AE Minister of State for in the face of the Iranian threat. that sincere and sustainable solu- Foreign Affairs Anwar Gar- In his opening speech at the sum- tions are in the interest of the re- gash said the absence of mit, Saudi King Salman bin Ab- gion.” U Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim dulaziz Al Saud stressed the need to He said that “the basis for the bin Hamad al-Thani from the Gulf strengthen military and security co- solution remains in the necessity Cooperation Council summit was operation among Gulf Cooperation to address the roots of the crisis the result of “a misjudgement of the Council members to guard against between Qatar and the four coun- Realistic assessment. UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs situation.” the dangers stemming from devel- tries.” Anwar Gargash. (WAM) Viewpoint Viewpoint Kuwait’s mediation drive Iranian-Chinese-Russian in GCC dispute gains momentum naval exercise muddies

While the current crisis is con- ence in Rome. troubled Gulf waters siderably more complex, Kuwait’s “We have moved from a stalemate status as an international peace- to some progress where… some talks Iman Zayat maker and the appointment of an took place between us and specifi- experienced diplomat to the GCC’s cally Saudi,” he said. “We hope that in the exercises near the Arabian top spot could help lead to a crucial these talks will lead to our progress Peninsula. orty years after the found- settlement. where we can see an end for the The deployment represents a ing of the Gulf Coopera- This is especially true given signs crisis.” John C.K. Daly significant show of allied naval tion Council, the general- that Gulf countries are eager to Nevertheless, there remain deep support for Iran, whose surface secretariat is returning to diffuse the crisis and open a new disagreements with Doha and many fleet is far more modest. China’s Kuwait. chapter. are sceptical there will be a quick ranian Navy Commander maritime interest is clear, given The first secretary-gen- In addition to the naming of Hajraf solution to the conflict. Qatar has yet Rear Admiral Hossein Hun- that it buys a significant amount of Feral of the Gulf Cooperation Council as GCC secretary-general, all six GCC to give any indication about meet- zadi announced that Iran’s Iran’s oil, which it ships home by (GCC) was Kuwaiti diplomat Abdul- countries expressed support for ing the 13 demands of boycotting naval forces would conduct sea, particularly as it has become lah Bishara, who served from May Kuwait’s mediation effort during the countries, including the closing of military exercises with naval the world’s largest oil importer. 1981 to April 1993. Kuwaiti Finance recent summit of the GCC Supreme the Al Jazeera channel, shuttering a units from China and Rus- Beyond energy concerns, Minister Nayef al-Hajraf will be the Council. Turkish military base and reducing Isia in the Indian Ocean near the another element is uniting the second Kuwaiti to serve in the post, At a news conference following the ties with Iran. entrance to the Arabian Gulf. trio’s economic concerns; Iran and taking over from Bahrain’s Abdul meeting, Zayani said member coun- The United Arab Emirates and This represents a significant Russia are subject to punishing Latif bin Rashid al-Zayani next April. tries “will support the efforts made Egypt are reluctant to fully reconcile regional maritime development, as US sanctions while the Chinese The election of the secretary- by the Kuwaiti emir” to bridge the with Qatar because of Doha’s refusal both Russia and China can deploy economy has been burdened with general comes amid a deep regional rift that has damaged the relations to sever relations with the Muslim naval forces, second only to the onerous US import tariffs. The rift between Gulf Arab countries and among some member countries. Brotherhood, Turkey and a number United States’, and particularly naval exercises accordingly show Qatar, in which Kuwait is well posi- Under the chairmanship of Saudi of radical groups operating across because the United States usu- solidarity with Iran in resisting tioned to play the role of mediator. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the region. ally has a carrier task force in the Western economic hegemony. The 30-month-old crisis will not the summit gathered leaders to region. Furthermore, the US Navy While the US Navy has assets be simple to solve. Pitting Qatar and enhance cooperation and integration 5th Fleet is based in Bahrain. it can surge relatively quickly to Oman against Gulf powerhouses among members on political, de- The 30-month-old The Chinese and Russian de- the area, including the 5th Fleet in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab fence, security, social and economic ployments for the Maritime Safety Bahrain and, further afield, the 6th Emirates as well as Bahrain and issues. crisis with Qatar will Belt exercise will require substan- Fleet in the eastern Mediterranean Egypt, the dispute exposed deep Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin not be simple to solve. tial logistical support, given the in Naples, Washington’s efforts policy and ideological disagreements Hamad al-Thani did not attend but long voyages from both countries. the past several months to form in the region. sent Prime Minister Abdullah bin It appears that Saudi Arabia, In the past, both China and a naval coalition to strengthen Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al- Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani in his however, is more willing to reach Russia contributed modest naval its presence in the Arabian Gulf Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, drawing on stead. an accommodation with Qatar. This forces to anti-piracy patrols off So- and the Indian Ocean to counter his country’s long history of regional Despite the Qatari emir’s absence, is driven by King Salman’s hope malia but, if there is to be a more Iran have been unable to attract diplomacy, has led an initiative to recent developments pointed to a that the rift could be ended soon to significant presence at the exer- major European support, drawing ease tensions, travelling to Riyadh, possible thaw in relations between preserve the status of the GCC as a cises, the nearest bases beyond interest only from Bahrain, Saudi Abu Dhabi and Doha to meet with the blockading Gulf countries and regional body and keep it intact, de- this they might utilise their ships Arabia, Australia and Israel. key leaders. Qatar. spite the fractures it suffered during from would be Djibouti for China The Trump administration’s For more than a decade, Sheikh On December 6, Qatari Foreign the crisis. and Syria for Russia, otherwise attempts to assemble a naval Sabah has had a reputation as a re- Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Even if reconciliation is reached, the ships would deploy from their coalition to secure Arabian Gulf spected mediator in the Arab world, Abdulrahman al-Thani said he hoped the GCC will need time to recover home ports. merchant shipping after last sum- helping him gain support from a host for “progress” in efforts to resolve from setbacks that hurt its credibility Interestingly, the pretext for the mer’s oil tanker attacks represent of Western countries, including the the Gulf diplomatic crisis follow- and laid bare growing rivalries and joint exercises, as stated by Rus- a significant decrease of regional United States, the United Kingdom, ing talks with Saudi Arabia, adding entrenched differences among its sian Foreign Minister Sergei Lav- American power projection. France and Germany, as well as all that the parties have “moved from a members. rov in October, is “the fight against For centuries, countries have parties involved in the dispute. stalemate” in the dispute. However, on a more optimistic terrorists and pirates in the Indian deployed their naval forces “flying This is not the first time Kuwait The Wall Street Journal reported note, Kuwait could be critical to Ocean,” even though the problem the flag” as a unique projection has helped solve an intra-Gulf rift. in November that the Qatari foreign helping the feuding parties commu- has largely been eliminated be- of benign military threat. In the In 2014, Kuwait stepped in after minister met with senior Saudi of- nicate and reach a viable solution in cause of US-led Task Force 151 and troubled Middle East, the Russia- Saudi, Emirati and Bahraini envoys ficials in October in a bid to end the the best interest of all Gulf countries. Operation Atalanta multinational Iran-China naval triad represents were summoned from Doha. Sheikh rift. The foreign minister confirmed maritime naval forces, which a new element challenging the Sabah helped ensure their return and the meeting December 6 while Iman Zayat is the Managing Editor of remain fully operational and still long-standing Western maritime restored stability to the region. speaking at a foreign policy confer- The Arab Weekly. provide many regional security hegemony there. measures. Foreign observers will be partic- The Russian Navy consists of ularly interested in what the three five fleets: the Baltic, the Northern, navies are undertaking beyond the Black Sea and the Pacific, along their professed anti-piracy exer- with the Caspian flotilla. Surface cises. The exercise will be closely vessels from the fleets could be watched by Israel, particularly if diverted to the exercise. In No- the exercise includes practice in vember, a Baltic Fleet detachment ASW because the Arabian Gulf is transited from the Mediterranean an area where Israel keeps one of into the Red Sea via the Suez Canal its five Dolphin-class submarines, to the Gulf of Aden for training suspected of being armed with involving anti-piracy operations. nuclear-capable cruise missiles on Several Northern Fleet ships left patrol as a deterrent against Iran. Severomorsk port December 3 en The exercises are occurring at route to the Atlantic while, in the a time when Iran is experiencing southern Atlantic near the Cape “maximum pressure” from the of Good Hope, the Russian Navy’s United States. Marshal Ustinov missile cruiser re- While only the foolhardy would cently completed an exercise with protect the future in the Middle the Chinese Navy’s Weifang frigate East, the more pressure the Trump and the South Africa’s Amatola administration puts on Russia, Iran frigate. and China, the higher the likeli- In October, a detachment of hood of rapprochement between Pacific Fleet ships, including the the three governments and the Pacific Fleet flagship Variag missile higher the possibility in the future cruiser and the large anti-subma- of them showing further solidarity. rine warfare (ASW) ship Admiral Panteleev, left Vladivostok for the John C.K. Daly is a Washington- Tough mission ahead. Kuwaiti Finance Minister Nayef al-Hajraf looks on at a conference to announce Asia-Pacific region. Any of those based specialist on Russian and the Annual Budget of Kuwait for the fiscal year 2019/2020, last January. (Reuters) detachments could participate post-Soviet affairs. December 15, 2019 11 News & Analysis Gulf Judicial investigations focus on Qatar’s French connection

Special Correspondent Nicolas Sarkozy, who was always arranging the private businesses of his friends by rallying Michel Platini Paris to the Qatari candidacy to host the World Cup 2022, while arranging f French investigators’ leads Qatar’s entry into French football. are any indication of things to “Thus, he lends a helping hand come, suspicions that Doha to his friend Sebastien Bazin, who I “bought” the hosting of FIFA wanted to sell the PSG and insists World Cup 2022 are likely to haunt that he and [Sheikh] Tamim al-Tha- the Qataris for a while. ni, who headed Qatar Sports Invest- Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin ments, finalise the sale of the club Hamad al-Thani, who, at the time, in the presence of Platini — a FIFA was crown prince, highly placed member — who can weigh in with a officials in the Qatari ruling family decisive vote at FIFA to award the and top echelons of the French gov- emirate the hosting of the World ernment during Nicolas Sarkozy’s Cup. presidency have been suspected in “Incidentally, it was also expect- the probe. ed that the Qataris increase their The National Financial Prosecu- share in the capital of Lagardere, tor (PNF) began an investigation while the launch of Al Jazeera for “active and passive corruption” Sports in France was evoked, cre- and for “concealing and launder- ating the beginnings of a situation ing these crimes” regarding the ob- that would flirt with the conflict of scure and contested conditions of interests.” FIFA’s awarding World Cup 2022 to Suspicions of corruption, appar- Qatar.” ently corroborated by judicial in- vestigations, including ones in New Paris prosecutor looks at York and Switzerland, swept FIFA suspicions of a crown President Sepp Blatter out of office in June 2015 under suspicion of prince’s deal with Sarkozy money laundering and unfair man- allowing Qatar to host FIFA agement in awarding FIFA’s 2018 World Cup 2022. and 2022 World Cups. On June 18, officers from the In “Une France sous influence: anti-corruption office questioned A trip down memory lane. A 2010 file picture shows then French President Nicolas Sarkozy (L) and Quand le Qatar fait de notre pays Platini, former UEFA president and Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani at the Elysee Palace in Paris. (AFP) son terrain de jeu” (“France Under FIFA vice-president from 2007-15, Influence: When Qatar Makes Our who supported Qatar in the Decem- Country Its Playground”), pub- ber 2010 vote awarding the 2022 vember 23, 2010, nine days before of a sports channel (BeIN Sports) to accomplices in France be convicted lished in 2014, Vanessa Ratignier World Cup hosting rights. Platini the FIFA vote, at the Elysee Palace compete with Canal +.” and will the hosting of the World and Pierre Pean reported on the was placed in police custody during that a deal was sealed. Sarkozy in- The agreement was “in exchange Cup 2020 be withdrawn from Qa- deal between Sarkozy and Qatar. the hearing. vited Sheikh Tamim and Platini to for a promise: that Platini does not tar? “The ownership of PSG (Paris Police also interrogated former the Elysee. Palace archives confirm give his vote to the United States, The investigation is likely to Saint-Germain football club) was Sarkozy aides: his Secretary-Gener- the participation of Qatari Prime as he had envisioned, but to Qatar,” guide investigators to murky files, exchanged for (Michel) Platini’s al Claude Gueant and sports adviser Minister Hamad bin Jassem al-Tha- France Football said. such as the financing of radical po- support for World Cup 2022. A real Sophie Dion. The latter, as disclosed ni, Gueant and Dion. Accusations brought by PNF in- litical Islam in France, Qatar’s role barter: there are no other words to by Mediapart, is chairwoman on France Football magazine report- clude private corruption, criminal in Libya, alleged collusion with qualify the deal which was struck Ethics and Safety in Sports at the ed that, during the meeting, the conspiracy, influence peddling and Libyan extremist militias and its right inside the Elysee Palace in Sorbonne University in Paris, which topics discussed were, “in order, concealment. suspected involvement in fund- the autumn of 2010,” the authors is funded by Qatar. the Qataris’ acquisition of the PSG, Questions from the inquiry in- ing jihadist groups in Africa’s Sahel wrote. There are reasons to believe it increasing their shareholding in the clude whether suspicions will be region who had declared war on “Masterminding the deal was was during a “secret lunch” No- Lagardere Group and the creation confirmed and that Qatar and its France in that region.

Viewpoint Saudi Arabia Trump eager to preserve US-Saudi ties after Pensacola shooting looks to contain fallout from

angered by the barbaric actions of military aviation student posted noted that Saudi Arabia was an Florida attack the shooter and that this person in messages shortly before the shoot- “essential partner” of the United no way, shape or form represents ings that indicated he was angry States and that more than 28,000 The Arab Weekly staff Gregory over US foreign policy, calling it Aftandilian the feelings of the Saudi people Saudi military students had who love the American people.” “evil.” This led political observ- received training over the years London Trump’s words, however, did lit- ers in Washington to question the “without serious incident.” tle to dampen the outcry over the vetting process of the Saudi and US In other words, the Trump ad- fter Saudi Crown Prince killings. The Republican governor governments of those sent to the ministration’s message is that no Mohammed bin Salman ince the killing of three of Florida, Rick Scott, told the United States for military training. matter how terrible the Pensacola bin Abdulaziz vowed Ri- US Navy personnel by a Trump-friendly media outlet Fox In response to the initial in- killings were, they should not dis- A yadh would work with the Saudi aviation student News that “we need to suspend vestigations of the incident, and rupt valuable US-Saudi ties. United Sates on the investigation in Pensacola, Florida, US this programme” of training for- perhaps because of mounting On the campaign trail, the into a fatal shooting attack at a US President Donald Trump eign nationals in US military bases. criticism of the foreign training Pensacola killings are likely to Navy base, Saudi Ambassador to has gone out of his way A US congressman from Florida, programme, on December 10 the provide fodder for Democrats who the United States Princess Reema Sto keep the US-Saudi relationship Matt Gaetz, also a Republican, de- Pentagon suspended nearly 900 have accused Trump of kowtowing bint Bandar bin Sultan travelled to intact as much as possible. scribed the attack as “an act of ter- Saudi military students from op- to the Saudis. At the Democratic Florida to extend her condolences. Shortly after the shootings rorism” and said the killings should erational training, which involves presidential debate November 20, Princess Reema met with mem- December 6, Trump said Saudi “inform our ongoing relationship flight instruction and firing train- candidates were highly critical bers of the Pensacola Naval Air King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with Saudi Arabia.” Gaetz is one of ing. Only classroom training would of Saudi Arabia. Even former US Station command on December 12 had called him to offer his sincere Trump’s most loyal defenders in be allowed. The Pentagon referred Vice-President Joe Biden, normally “and reiterated her condemnation condolences. Trump said King the impeachment inquiry but he to this action as a “safety stand- measured in his discussion of for this horrific attack,” the Saudi Salman “will be involved in taking and Trump see the Saudi relation- down,” pending the investigation foreign policy matters, referred to Embassy said. care of families and loved ones.” ship much differently. of the Pensacola killings. Saudi Arabia as a “pariah” state. She pledged to provide “any as- He emphasised that both the Saudi Democrats, such as US Senator Although, as commander-in- In the Democratic presidential sistance possible to accelerate the king and Saudi Crown Prince Mo- Chris Murphy of Connecticut, who chief of the armed forces, Trump debate scheduled for December investigation.” hammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz have been highly critical of Saudi could have reversed the safety 19 similar comments are ex- The FBI said US investigators “are devastated by what took place Arabia over the killing of journalist stand-down order, he probably did pected. Although members from believe Saudi Air Force Second in Pensacola.” Jamal Khashoggi and the Yemen not want to override the Pentagon both political parties praised the Lieutenant Mohammed Saeed Trump tweeted that King Salman war, used the Pensacola incident as on this issue because of strained suspension of operational training Alshamrani, 21, acted alone when said the “Saudi people are greatly another indication that US policy relations with the US military over for Saudi military students, the he opened fire at the base Decem- towards Saudi Arabia needs to be his controversial pardons of three Democrats are likely to zero in on ber 6, killing three people and in- changed. Murphy charged that the US service members who had Trump’s keen desire to protect the juring eight. Trump administration had become been or were about to face court- bilateral relationship “at all costs.” Alshamrani was killed by a dep- A US Defence public relations “agents for the martial. Former CIA analyst Bruce Riedel uty sheriff. Department memo Saudis.” However, the New York Times was quoted as calling the Pensaco- Approximately a dozen Saudi Adam Schiff, chairman of the reported, an unnamed Pentagon la attack “a disaster for an already military personnel who knew noted that Saudi House Intelligence Committee, official emphasised that suspen- deeply strained relationship.” Alshamrani were confined to the Arabia was an said he wished Trump “was press- sion of operational training for the Trump’s strategy to mitigate the base and were said to be cooper- ing the Saudi government for an- Saudis would be only for a short strains is likely to continue facing ating with the investigation, the “essential partner” swers,” implying that the president period and would not adversely calls for a reassessment of rela- Pentagon said. and that more than was not. affect the US-Saudi strategic part- tions between Washington and The Pentagon said the Saudi 28,000 Saudi military Even some Republican mem- nership. Clearly, the official was Riyadh. military personnel “have access to bers of Congress joined in on the taking cues from the White House, classroom instruction, food, medi- students had received criticism. Senator Rand Paul of which wants to minimise the fall- Gregory Aftandilian is a lecturer cal staff, a US military imam and training over the years Kentucky tweeted: “It’s way past out with the Saudis over the halt of in the Pardee School of Global their commanding officer.” time to quit arming and training operational training. Studies at Boston University and “without serious the Saudis.” A US Defence Department a former US State Department (With news agencies.) incident.” US media reported that the Saudi memo, obtained by the Times, Middle East analyst. 12 December 15, 2019 Viewpoint Lebanon Time for political change in Lebanon

go of Hariri because they, and especially Hezbollah, know that Hariri’s departure would exacer- Ali al-Amin bate their weak position locally and with the international com- munity. Hezbollah’s experience with Hariri since the presidential he “Peaceful Resist- settlement has shown it that ance” initiative has there is no alternative to Hariri been introduced in as prime minister, especially Lebanon. Its first because he seems to be the most statement called for able person to deal with the in- unleashing the dy- ternational community in a way Tnamics of change by stepping up that, to an acceptable extent, people’s demands from focus- serves Hezbollah’s interests. ing on economic and material Speaking of the international concerns to pushing for political community, Lebanon does not changes. The motto for the new appear to be in a strong position, phase of the popular movement especially since there are no is: “The time for politics has indications that Lebanese au- come.” thorities are ready to take steps The shift was justified by that would inspire confidence. authorities’ refusal to respond to That confidence has become an protesters’ demands, making it international condition for sup- necessary to change the rules of porting Lebanon, despite what the political game in Lebanon. is peddled by Hezbollah officials Two months after the start of that “economic and financial the Lebanon uprising, authori- support for Lebanon is condi- ties still adhere to the option tional on forming a new govern- Rude awakening. People shout slogans and wave the Lebanese flag as they take part in a rally in Paris of reproducing themselves by ment without interfering in its to support the protests in Lebanon, last October. (DPA) appealing to the same rules composition.” that produced them in the first There are indications that place. They are refusing any real many countries that participated change in rules that clustered all in the CEDRE Conference to aid power in a closed circle of politi- Lebanon are not willing to give The French connection cal and sectarian elite for more such help as long as Lebanon re- than a quarter of a century. mains a prisoner to the existing Its management of public and power equation. It is this equa- couldn’t save Lebanon state affairs led Lebanon into tion that has made it impossible a deep economic and financial for the state to reclaim its full crisis, caused primarily by a cor- sovereignty and that does not in- rupt power-sharing system no spire confidence of it being able However, the CEDRE funds were Lebanese government because longer bearable by the Lebanese to manage the rescue operation. part of a wide reform package that there is no longer an economic citizens. This system wreaked the Lebanese state had publicly safety net for the tightrope act havoc on the state and led to its Makram Rabah subscribed to, which included the ruling establishment has been failure to ensure even minimum administrative, fiscal and budget- dangerously conducting over the needs of the people. Two months after the ary reform, none of which were years. Neither the country’s growing start of the Lebanon implemented by Hariri’s cabinet, In perhaps a reminder of the fiscal and monetary deficits nor leaving the $11 billion in limbo. Lebanese predicament and the the worsening economic and liv- uprising, authorities hen the French Despite visits by French envoy terrible fate that awaits the coun- ing crises pushed authorities to still adhere to the Mandate Pierre Duquesne and his repeated try, the ISG underscored “its com- respond to protesters’ demands founded “Grand urging to Lebanese officials of the mitment to Lebanon’s access to of forming a rescue government option of reproducing Liban” — the importance of the reforms, the basic goods and trade facilities, as from outside the political club. themselves by State of Greater recommendations were ignored currently provided for by trade fa- That would mean a government appealing to the same Lebanon — and the Hariri government failed cilitation programmes, to preserve of honest and independent Walmost a century ago, it was never to address key challenges, primar- the livelihood of the population personalities whose primary goal rules that produced assumed that the small merchant ily reform of the electricity sector and economic resilience.” would be to develop and imple- them in the first republic would someday reach and the proper passing of the an- In layman’s terms, a govern- ment a rescue plan and elections rock bottom. nual budget. ment that cannot ensure basic in six months. place. Decades of unheeded political Lebanon’s lack of seriousness, goods and food to its people is not It seems the relentless street corruption, coupled with Beirut’s its irresponsible attitude and its a government that can lead reform demonstrations had no effect on The opportunity for politi- inability to maintain solid con- refusal to heed the warnings of nor does it have the trust of the in- the powers that be nor did the cal change in Lebanon takes on nections with its regional Arab the international community were ternational community, which will protests persuade them to aban- serious dimensions. The vital allies, left Lebanon desperate for penalised in Paris when the ISG refuse to keep bankrolling a Ponzi don the quota system. It is this element is the unification of the a lifeline from the international convened without any serious scheme and an unlimited appetite same system that is controlling Lebanese on the fact that change community, primarily France. Lebanese presence. Beirut was for corruption. efforts to form a new govern- is a national demand and prior- The International Support represented by token senior diplo- It is pertinent to remember ment, even though the members ity, with no sectarian, partisan or Group for Lebanon (ISG), led by mats and a few Hariri advisers. that the CEDRE conference was of the circles of power blame regional dissent. The challenge is France and the United Nations, French patronage and largesse preceded by the Rome meet- rampant corruption and the that the desired change requires met December 11 in Paris to dis- seemed to have run their course ing, which demanded that the plundering of public wealth on doing away with the quota sys- cuss options to help Lebanon in its and the ISG meeting came as a Lebanese government reclaim its the quota system. Despite this tem by securing alternatives that predicament. cold shower to the Lebanese offi- sovereignty and properly address admission, they have no inten- are the result of a real interaction Observers said the ISG was a cials, reminding them that, practi- the challenge that Hezbollah poses tion of changing their approach between the components of the first step towards Lebanon’s eco- cally, they lack popular legitimacy on the country’s political and to forming a new government. popular movement. This is espe- nomic salvation because France to receive financial or political economic well-being. The dispute between the par- cially so now that international would lead an international effort bailout and that they need to The failure of the ruling estab- ties in power in Lebanon is based conditions are ripe for the estab- to inject much-needed funds into listen to their own people who are lishment, as well as Lebanese at on two points of view that are lishment of an authority that has the Lebanese economy, which col- demanding reform. large, to jump-start this political not far apart but differ only in the trust of the people and can lapsing towards a total meltdown. The ISG final statement was and economic reform process is form because they are the same rescue Lebanon with the greatest Time and again, French Presi- more or less a page from the the reason the country is beyond in content, which is to reproduce transparency and productivity. dent Emmanuel Macron has “Lebanese revolution’s” book of the point of no return. the same power structure. The time for politics has come. shown remarkable resolve in demands as it “urges the Lebanese To supporters of the Iranian axis The first is represented by Here is a powerful challenge supporting the government of authorities to take decisive action and their local Lebanese allies and Hezbollah and its allies, the facing the groups making up Lebanese Prime Minister Saad to restore the stability and sus- cronies, Macron and the Euro- president and the speaker of the the popular movement, now Hariri, including sponsoring the tainability of the funding model of peans’ stance to oppose the US House of Representatives. Their that the official authorities have CEDRE donor conference in April the financial sector, to tackle cor- sanctions is their only remaining position is to form a techno- turned their back to protesters’ 2018, which earmarked $11 billion ruption and tax evasion (including lifeline. political government, a govern- demands and forced the move- to overhaul Lebanon’s decaying adoption of an anti-corruption However, just like the Iranian ment that includes politicians ment to move to a new stage of infrastructure and jump-start its national strategy, the anti-cor- axis is waiting for US President and specialists and is appointed confrontation. ailing economy. ruption agency law and judicial re- Donald Trump to possibly lose of- by parties to the authority. The movement must take form and other measures to instil fice, Macron will, sooner or later, The second is represented by advantage of the street’s mo- transparency and accountability), step down and what Lebanon and outgoing Prime Minister Saad mentum and vitality and of the to reform state-owned enterprises its Iranian allies will be left with is Hariri, who calls for the forma- pressure created by the crises Lebanon’s lack of and implement the electricity an international community that tion of a government of techno- and of the international desire to reform plan including governance- is beyond convinced that Leba- crats, specialists appointed by help Lebanon restore its position seriousness, its enhancing mechanism (through non’s fate is well-deserved. the parties to the authority. as a normal state. This desired irresponsible attitude an independent regulatory body) From these views, it is obvious state is the alternative to the and its refusal to heed and to markedly improve econom- Makram Rabah is a lecturer change proposed by the parties collapse that was produced by ic governance and the business at the American University of in power is to reproduce the the policies of the current one the warnings of the environment, through the passing Beirut and author of “Conflict previous governments. and which is a threat not just international of and effectively implementing on Mount Lebanon: The Druze, When Samir al-Khatib turned to Lebanon but also to other procurement laws.” the Maronites and Collective down the offer to become prime countries. community were This rude awakening is differ- Memory,” (Edinburgh University minister, it was clear the par- penalised in Paris. ent from previous warnings to the Press). ties do not want to risk letting Ali al-Amin is a Lebanese writer. December 15, 2019 13 Viewpoint Iraq Iraqi government sanctioned militia’s killing of protesters

think they care if anybody saw them,” the witness told Amnesty Tallha International. Abdulrazaq This demonstrates a total lack of regard for international human rights law, not to mention Iraqi laws that prohibit militias from existing in the first place. Yet they mnesty International persist. urged Iraqi authorities It also shows that the militants to restrain themselves are so unafraid of the state and its following a massa- ability to prosecute them that they cre of protesters in were willing to slaughter dozens Baghdad. of citizens while unmasked and in AMilitants, armed with guns, daylight. knives, clubs, screwdrivers and In other words, Iran’s legions of all manner of other weaponry, hardcore and violent Shia jihadists descended on demonstrators. can act with complete and total Protesters were shot, stabbed and impunity. killed as the militants attacked Why should they be afraid? Iraq’s like a pack of vicious and hungry Interior Ministry, which controls wolves. the police, is absolutely infested Unsurprisingly, the militants car- at every level with Badr Organisa- ried banners of Iraq-sanctioned but tion members, one of Iran’s most Iran-backed Shia jihadist organisa- powerful proxies. tions. The outgoing caretaker prime One witness said the militants minister, Adel Abdul-Mahdi, is a “came in pick-up trucks and long-time committed supporter of minivans. Endless gunmen,” while Khomeinism, Iran’s state ideology another said the suspected pro- of militant theocracy as taught Iran jihadists “came to kill.” by the Islamic Republic’s founder “They opened fire immediately. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Iran’s message. An Iraqi anti-government demonstrator shows a basket full of empty bullet They targeted people by shooting The army, SWAT, federal police, cartridges found in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square, December 11. (AFP) straight at them, not in the air. military intelligence and the entire They were not masked. I do not security apparatus are riddled with elements whose loyalty is first and natics was descending on vulner- cannot risk losing Iraq as it will population, however, such egre- foremost to Iran and its vision of able civilians who were calling on affect its imperial designs on Syria, gious acts of violence may encour- Through sheer what its client Iraqi state should be. those very same authorities to be Lebanon and even the threat it age demonstrators to stop being so This is precisely how thousands reformed, root-and-branch. This poses to regional powers such as peaceful and defend themselves brutality, Iran is of unmasked Shia jihadists man- is not merely a tragic coincidence Saudi Arabia. against militants backed by a for- sending a message aged to enter central Baghdad, but a planned and fatal assault Through sheer brutality, Iran is eign power bent on their extermi- that it will not tolerate somehow evading the copious on the very democratic ideals the sending a message that it will not nation. checkpoints dotted all over the Baghdad-based regime claims to tolerate any risks to its empire and any risks to its empire once-great city. want to uphold. that Iraq will remain under its boot Tallha Abdulrazaq is a researcher and that Iraq will There is simply no way that By committing themselves to on pain of death to all Iraqis who at the University of Exeter’s Iraqi authorities had no idea that a such violence, these groups are dare think otherwise. Strategy and Security Institute in remain under its boot. veritable horde of bloodthirsty fa- acting as Tehran’s enforcers. Iran Rather than cowing the Iraqi England. How effective are US sanctions on Iran-linked militias in Iraq?

His sanctioning demonstrates an American willingness to name figureheads of continuing Iranian James Snell influence among the militias but, as Khazali himself joked on hearing the news, the sanctioning was inef- fective and came too late. “We’re really hurting,” Khazali n Iraq, the streets are full of said to laughs. “I’m personally demonstrators and the coun- hurting.” try is convulsed by violence Sanctions were overdue and inflicted on those protest- insufficient, he noted. “We’ve been ing against its dysfunctional fighting the Americans since 2003,” state. he said, “and just now? We’re also IThe violence is attributed to the hurting because it’s not sufficient, Iraqi state, to killers among militias a joke. They should designate us as that dominate Iraqi national life terrorists or international terror- and to agents of Iranian influ- ists.” ence, whose decades-long role in Khazali is an emblematic figure, influencing Iraqi politics has been said Phillip Smyth, Soref fellow at increasingly exposed in recent the Washington Institute for Near months and clearly unpopular East Policy. “It’s not just the politi- among Iraqis. cal sections that have power in the Violence against demonstrators Iraqi system,” Smyth said. “It’s has met with boilerplate condem- also [Khazali’s] militia” that “form nation from leaders of other coun- three separate brigades within Al- tries but little concrete action. Hashed al-Shaabi.” A militia leader in politician’s disguise. Leader of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq Qais al-Khazali (C-L) attends a The United States maintained Al-Hashed, or the Popular march in Baghdad, October 26. (Reuters) that violence must stop but did Mobilisation Forces (PMF), is the little to impede the ability of the officially recognised, formal group- militias or the Iraqi state to repress ing of militias that supplemented He’s blamed Israel, Saudi [Ara- ment and, more important, this there are options the Americans those on the streets. With institut- the Iraqi military during its fight bia] and the US for the protests, designated terrorist has access to could employ if they wished to ing sanctions on militia leaders against the Islamic State and, after calling Iraqis collaborators. If you US intelligence shared with Bagh- have more than a symbolic effect. close to Iran, the US Treasury the legalisation of militias in 2016, pay attention to the crowd in his dad,” Pregent said. “The US should use its levers on Department seems to have taken dominate Iraqi politics. speeches you can see that they “Designation means nothing Baghdad, pull the loan guarantees steps to address one half of that “A lot of power comes from that don’t believe him,” said Michael as long as Mohandes and Khazali and end the US train-and-equip equation. section” of Khazali’s operation, Pregent, a senior fellow at the Hud- maintain their influence and pri- programme as long as Baghdad In a statement regarding sanc- Smyth said. “They have advanced son Institute. macy in Baghdad,” Pregent said. allows sanctioned individuals and tions on Qais al-Khazali, Laith heavy weapons… and control some However, “his designation will “As long as… Khazali can cite designated terrorists access to US al-Khazali and Husayn Falih Aziz strategic areas.” mean nothing if the US doesn’t use Kataib Hezbollah leader and funds, training, equipment and al-Lami, US officials noted what (Khazali) “built his reputation it as leverage with Baghdad. After Deputy Commander of Al-Hashed intelligence,” Pregent said. they termed “serious human rights within Sadrist ranks for being a all, Abu Mehdi al-Mohandes, a al-Shaabi Abu Mehdi al-Mohandes If it did so, the United States abuse” against demonstrators. The tough guy… and having loyalist fol- designated terrorist, is considered as an example of how inconse- would move closer towards under- sanctions also targeted a business- lowers,” Smyth said. de facto prime minister of Iraq.” quential a US terrorist designation mining Iran’s unpopular domina- man accused of corruptly influenc- Khazali’s forces are accused of Financially, the sanctions do not is and sanctions are — he’s right tion of Iraqi politics and show more ing Iraqi politics. committing atrocities beyond its affect the capacity of Iran-linked that this is meaningless absent US willingness than is in evidence to The significance of the sanctions role in repressing protests. Those militias to continue operations and actions,” Pregent said. deter those who commit violence is subject to debate. accusations including reprisal at- cannot diminish their numbers “Designation and sanctions on a against Iraq’s protesters and its Qais al-Khazali is the leader of tacks on tribes, maintaining crimi- or hold on the Iraqi system in its militia leader are now considered errant tribes. Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq (AAH). He was an nal extortion and attacks on those present form, with the domination badges of honour. It’s actually More must be done before organiser of Iran-supported oppo- within Shia tribes that exhibit of militias largely unchallenged. more insulting not to designate American words can be believed sition to the United States after the political differences with AAH. “Mohandes — like Khazali — re- them then to designate them be- rather than met with laughter from defeat of Saddam Hussein in 2003, “Qais Khazali’s militia AAH is ceives a paycheque from Baghdad, cause we do nothing after that.” opponents and its actions can be a significant figure in the Shia responsible for killing and intimi- controls a $1.6 billion budget, has Iranian influence in Iraq is suit- taken wholly seriously. paramilitary organisations that the dating protesters. His offices have access to US funds. His men have ably entrenched that US sanctions Americans termed Special Groups. been burned by Shia protesters. access to US training and equip- of this sort will have little effect but James Snell is a British journalist. 14 December 15, 2019 News & Analysis Syria Turkey’s relocating of Syrian refugees under way

Simon Speakman Cordall

Tunis

urkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the country’s state broadcaster T TRT that he intends to settle approximately 1 million Syrian ref- ugees in the so-called “safe zone” that Ankara carved out in north- eastern Syria. Foreign Policy magazine, how- ever, suggested that the relocation of Syrians to the territory in the historically Kurdish-dominated re- gion may have already begun. The magazine referred to Turkish me- dia reports in November indicating small numbers of refugees had been moved into the hazardous region. Turkey shelters some 3.5 million refugees from Syria’s nearly 9-year- old civil war, 2 million of whom it previously said could be relocated to a “safe zone” in north-eastern Syria. While Turkey’s plan for a 450km- long safe zone has not yet material- ised, Ankara has secured a strip of Syrian territory. In October Turkish forces, supported by local militias, confronted Kurdish forces along Syria’s border and seized territory of about 120km from the Ras al-Ain to Tal Abyad and reaching approxi- mately 18 miles into Syria. While shipping 1 million refugees into the area — a figure that surpass- es the area’s current population — would destroy any ethnic balance, Foreign Policy suggested the pro- cess may be under way. The magazine reported that many Limited options. Syrian refugee children stand outside a tent at a refugee camp in Suruc, on the Turkish-Syrian border. (AP) of those relocated to the area are families of Turkey-backed fighters from elsewhere in Syria, raising the to be significant. there remain questions over wheth- “Assad can and likely will repli- where they are subject to discrimi- spectre of confrontations between Reuters reported on December 9 er Turkey may continue its opera- cate his strategy of steadily erod- nation and violence, they have the occupiers and Arab Kurdish in- that Turkey approached Germany, tion into north-eastern Syria.” ing Turkey’s position by allowing little leverage against Ankara’s habitants of the formerly Kurdish- France and Britain on the sidelines Local factors could prove equal- insurgent attacks on Turkey’s safe edicts. administered region. of the recent NATO summit re- ly deadly to an incoming refugee zone and by launching limited at- However, Heras said, for those garding cooperation in relocating population. “There are also newly tacks to take territory over time, looking to continue to evade Da- refugees. However, Reuters said reinvigorated and active Islamic then de-escalating with (Russia act- mascus, there may be some hope. With Turkey’s ambitions the entreaties were unanswered, State sleeper cells that are operating ing as broker) once tensions get too “The fact of the matter is that to transplant leaving Turkey with the bill, and throughout that region and poten- high,” said Ryan Bohl, a Middle East the only really secure place for approximately 1 million the responsibility, for the refugees’ tial for Iran-inspired attacks against and North Africa analyst from con- an internally displaced Syrian in displaced people, the cost welfare. US forces in eastern Syria, especial- sultancy Stratfor. north-eastern Syria, (if they want) is likely to be significant. While stability in the area has im- ly in Deir ez-Zor,” said Heras. For the refugees, many of whom to keep themselves away from the proved since Ankara signed deals This invites “questions as to the fled to Turkey to escape Assad’s clutches of the regime, is to go into None of the facilities typically as- with Russia and the United States extent that north-eastern Syria rule, the situation remains precari- the Kurdistan region of Iraq,” Heras sociated with large refugee place- to halt its advance, the territory re- won’t become another far more ac- ous. “In the long run, the refugees said. “The Kurdistan region of Iraq ments is present in north-eastern mains extremely hazardous. tive and far more deadly frontline in do face regime attacks in some is, generally speaking, a neutral Syria. Families that have been “North-eastern Syria is undergo- the Syrian conflict,” Heras said. form or another and the potential zone where the Iranian influence is moved to the area found temporary ing a new equilibrium between the A further risk to the stability of they will end up back under Syrian present but not overwhelming and lodging in rented accommodation Russians, the Turks and the US-led Turkey’s “safe zone” is Syrian Presi- control eventually,” Bohl said. Assad doesn’t have much influence or settled in makeshift camps. coalition,” said Nicholas Heras, a dent Bashar Assad, who is keen to With their options limited, the there.” With Turkey’s ambitions to trans- Middle East security fellow at the be seen as delivering on his repeat- refugees, many of whom include plant approximately 1 million dis- Centre for a New American Secu- ed commitments to reclaim “every families, have little room for ma- Simon Speakman Cordall is a placed people, the cost is likely rity. “The area is unstable because inch” of Syria. noeuvre. Unwanted in Turkey, freelance writer. Latest round of Syria peace talks goes nowhere

Sami Moubayed in Idlib with Ankara, Moscow and prompting many of their leaders to This will materialise with a joint a Russia-backed branch of the Syr- Tehran seemingly more focused on seek a revised agreement with Da- effort to dismantle the Kurdish mili- ian opposition, hinted that future prioritising eradicating Kurdish am- mascus, now assured that their US tary groups, forcefully if needed, rounds could take place in Damas- Beirut bitions east of the Euphrates River. patrons were not leaving the area with full cooperation from Damas- cus, after arrest warrants for oppo- An October 13 agreement between anytime soon. They only rushed cus. The three guarantors sharply sition negotiators were ostensibly ith little surprise, the Damascus and the Syrian Demo- into the hands of Russia after the criticised Trump’s decision to stay lifted by government authorities at 14th round of Syrian cratic Forces (SDF) stated that the United States said that it was leav- in Syria and to grab Syrian oilfields, the request of Moscow. peace talks in Kazakh- Kurds would leave all areas that had ing Syria, which coincided with saying this was an illegal occupa- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister W stan ended December 11 been under their control since 2014 Turkey’s October 9 operation into tion. Mikhail Bogdanov has said he want- with no breakthrough. and facilitate their transfer to Syrian north-eastern Syria. Politically, the three guarantors ed the chairmen of the constitu- The three guarantors of the Astana authorities. That happened in the discussed how to move forward tional committee to attend Astana, with the Syrian constitutional talks, talks (in the city now called Nur Sul- strategic cities of Manbij and Raqqa Turkish President Recep an indicator that Moscow wanted to tan) hoped for confidence-building but did not materialise in Malkieh, which started in Switzerland in lay claim to the entire constitutional measures at the meetings, mainly which is where the Remailan oil- Tayyip Erdogan hopes October but collapsed at their sec- process. related to the release of prisoners fields are situated. that, by March, the US ond round. Although a 45-member At the 14th round of talks, all sides but that did not happen. The Kurds have been trying to election campaign will drafting committee was assembled, pledged commitment to the consti- Damascus insists it will make no wiggle out of their commitment, keep all parties too busy government negotiators insisted tutional committee, with no sug- concessions before the guns go si- delaying, for example, dissolving to interfere with his they would not start work before gestions, however, on how to jump- lent on the Syrian battlefield. the SDF and the People’s Protection Middle East plans. agreeing on a series of “national start its stalled process. Russia, Turkey and Iran agreed in Units, which were to merge with the principles,” which forcefully con- The three guarantors fixed a date Kazakhstan to restore calm to the Syrian Army by the end of Decem- Their new position infuriated demned the Turkish operation in for their next meeting in Astana for north-western province of Idlib but ber. Russian negotiators who mediated Syria — something Turkey’s proxies March 2020, one month after the also pledged to eradicate terrorism They are now saying they want the October agreement and, more in the Syrian opposition can never US presidential campaign starts in in the area, without specifying who to keep their flag and parts of their so, the Turks who see continued commit to. Washington. Turkish President Re- the terrorists were. The ambiguous self-administration, which contra- Kurdish arms as a direct threat to Russian President Vladimir Putin cep Tayyip Erdogan will likely hope wording was carefully crafted so as dicts what they agreed to with the their own security. was never too enthusiastic about the that, by then, all policymakers will not to upset the Turks, who consider Russians and Syrians. The reason The Turks were willing to settle UN-mandated constitutional talks be too busy to interfere with his am- their Syrian proxies members of the for this sudden change was US Presi- for the return of government troops in Geneva, seeing the process as the bitions in the Middle East and those moderate Syrian opposition. dent Donald Trump’s last-minute along the border area, as long as the brainchild of former US Secretary of of his Iranian and Russian counter- Syrian officials consider them ter- decision to keep US forces in Syria, Kurds were contained and kept at State John Kerry. He has been trying parts. rorists, however, no different from ostensibly to protect the oilfields bay. At Astana 14, Russia and Turkey to shift the talks either to Sochi or the Islamic State (ISIS) or Hayat Tah- from ISIS. strongly rejected Kurdish separa- Astana, where neither the United Na- Sami Moubayed is a Syrian rir al-Sham. No decision was reached Trump’s U-turn injected Syr- tism and pledged to work towards tions nor the United States has a role. historian and author of “Under on resuming military operations ian Kurds with new confidence, “unity of Syrian lands.” Members of the Moscow Platform, the Black Flag” (IB Tauris, 2015). December 15, 2019 15 News & Analysis Regional Issues Shadow of Muslim brotherhood hovers over Malaysia summit

Ahmed Fouad The party gained influence after allying with the United Malay Na- tional Organisation, the oldest and Cairo largest Malaysian Islamist party, in September. The alliance seeks to alaysia is to host an Is- gain a majority in parliament and lamic summit but it will control of the government after not include six of the elections in 2023. M most prominent Mus- Mahathir is thought to be us- lim countries, raising questions ing the event to build stronger ties about the political vision of the or- with Turkey and Qatar. ganisation. When asked if the summit would Malaysian Prime Minister Ma- be an alternative to the Organisa- hathir bin Mohamad said a mini- tion of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Islamic summit in Kuala Lumpur Mahathir said: “OIC is a very big would include Malaysia, Qatar, In- organisation. It is very difficult for donesia, Turkey and Pakistan but us to have such a big organisation exclude Saudi Arabia, the United to the conference. That is why we Arab Emirates, Egypt, Bahrain, started with five countries and we Syria and Jordan. do hope over time the other mem- “The five countries will be pio- bers of OIC will join in.” neering the beginning of broader Mahmoud Zahran, a researcher Islamic cooperation that includes specialised in Turkish affairs, said several fields facing the Islamic the meeting had nothing to do with policy differences with the world,” Mahathir said. A need to change strategies. Marwan al-Muasher, former deputy prime minister and foreign minister OIC concerning the plight of Pales- of Jordan, speaks at a session titled “The Future of the Arab Region 2030” at the 12th Arab Strategy The Malaysian mini-summit tinians. “OIC’s policies concerning Forum in Dubai, December 9. (Arab Strategy Forum) is part of an effort to the Palestinian issue are matching Turkish, Qatari and Malaysian poli- establish an alternative to cies on many aspects, for example the OIC that has more on visiting Jerusalem,” he said. Turkish and Qatari OIC humanitarian delegations influence, while using are visiting areas of occupied Jeru- Arab leaders stress Malaysia’s strong ties with salem in coordination with its per- the Islamic world to bolster manent office. its reputation. The OIC, in conjunction with the Turkish, Qatari and Malaysian The gathering, scheduled for De- governments, has urged Muslims need for unity, reform cember 18-21, will focus on sover- to visit Jerusalem to provide hu- eignty, integrity and good govern- manitarian aid. Many Arab regimes ance, culture and identity, justice and prominent Arab institutions and freedom, security and defence, have stayed away from Jerusalem at strategy forum trade and investment and technol- because of the complex visa proce- ogy and internet governance. dures imposed by Israeli authori- Mahathir said the meeting ties, whose presence there is un- would develop strategies to con- recognised by many Arabs. Caline Malek Marwan al-Muasher, former active role but also in finding jobs front violations against the Islamic Zahran said the Malaysian mini- deputy prime minister and foreign and we need to change that.” world, including Israel’s aggression summit is part of an effort to estab- minister of Jordan, said citizens in He said that efficient reform against Palestinians. lish an alternative to the OIC that Dubai Iraq and Lebanon were increasing- would have been successful if re- Mahathir said 52 other Islamic has more Turkish and Qatari influ- ly dissatisfied with gradual reforms gimes had involved their people countries would attend but would ence, while using Malaysia’s strong he Arab world is in a bipo- and no longer willing to accept the more, given them more power and not have the same status as the ties with the Islamic world to bol- lar landscape and much authoritarian regimes or political more voice, while creating jobs five “central” actors. “Obviously, ster its reputation. reform will be needed to systems in power. and opportunities for university we need to have Muslims support- “The OIC, as a development T ensure it regains stability, “They have called for an end to graduates. ing this initiative but, to begin, we partner, is closer to Egypt and Gulf regional officials said. sectarian regimes and their rep- “We have seen this in Iraq and need to keep the group small,” he compared to Turkey and Qatar, es- Speaking December 9 at the 12th resentatives,” he said. “The Arab Lebanon, where people are in- said. So “we (the summit) select a pecially under the presidency of Arab Strategy Forum in Dubai, world is stuck between the rock creasingly dissatisfied,” he added. small number of countries that will Saudi Yusuf bin Ahmed al-Uthay- former Lebanese Prime Minister of reforms and the hard place of “We need to try to resolve prob- have the time and effort to find so- meen,” he said. Fouad Siniora said the region can- the current situation. If we remain lems by ourselves. We cannot lutions,” he added. Before Uthaymeen took over, the not get out of bottlenecks it faces as we are, the world will be way keep complaining about external “Search for the Turkish, Qatari OIC was led by Saudi Iyad bin Amin without serious efforts. ahead of us in 10 years.” interference if we are not doing and Muslim Brotherhood influ- Madani and relations with Egypt He spoke at a session titled “The “We are lagging behind in the anything about our issues. Inter- ence,” Abdel Rahim Abdel Wahed, were weaker and strained, which Future of the Arab Region 2030” Arab world,” Muasher said, call- nal change needs to be initiated to an Egyptian researcher on Malay- may have been satisfying Turkey that scrutinised the geopolitical ing for an end to discrimination happen.” sian political issues, said when and Qatar. Madani was pressured landscape of the Arab world and of- against women at the legislative Siniora noted that Arab coun- asked for reasons behind Malay- by Riyadh to resign in November fered projections on the dynamics and social levels for Arab countries tries will keep feeling the need for sia’s decision not to invite Egypt, 2016 after he mocked a speech de- over the next decade. to be able to progress. “We need protection from regional or inter- Saudi Arabia, the United Arab livered by Egyptian President Ab- Siniora spoke of a receding Arab equal citizenship and we need eco- national powers, as long as they Emirates, Bahrain, Syria and Jor- del Fattah al-Sisi. role, saying serious efforts needed nomic models that will stand for are divided. dan. Madani also was believed to be to be implemented that require re- equal opportunities for all nation- “We need to have a sound view- He said Turkey and Qatar, which behind a 2015 decision by the Is- silience and patience, two qualities als,” he said. point by reaching out to Iran, pro- are major supporters of the Mus- lamic Development Bank, which that have been absent of late. vided it does not interfere or make lim Brotherhood, including in Ma- is affiliated with the OIC, to halt Since the “Arab spring,” sev- any aggressive act towards the laysia, were pressuring Mahathir’s the delivery of aid and loan pro- eral attempts at reform in Arab Since the “Arab spring,” Arab region and to develop eco- economic and legislative reform grammes to Egypt. countries have failed, increasing several attempts at nomic interests with [Tehran],” he plans through their allies in the citizens’ distrust of government. reform in Arab countries said. Brother-affiliated Malaysian Islam- Ahmed Fouad is an Egyptian “Politicians in Lebanon have taken have failed, increasing “In Lebanon, as long as Hezbol- ic Party. writer. the reins of power to boost their citizens’ distrust of lah does not understand the actual profits at the cost of the people,” he government. need for changing its behaviour said. “If this corruption continues and coping with these new re- and leaders in power disregard the The region has undergone a sec- quirements from the youth, then people’s demands Lebanon will re- ond wave of protests in the past it looks like we have bleak pros- main vulnerable to economic and year, with demonstrations in Iraq, pects.” security issues. Corruption needs Lebanon and Sudan because of Muasher stressed the need for an institutional remedy.” dissatisfaction among citizens on Arab countries to “do the job” He called for legislation to eradi- what they describe as their govern- themselves and defend their cate corruption, while senior offi- ments’ corrupt behaviour. home. “In the past, we relied on cials and public sector employees Muasher said that, when regimes foreign powers to [address] do- should be transparent in handling failed in their role, unrest became mestic challenges,” he said. governmental affairs. on many regional countries, with “It is evident to everyone that US “We need to have an honest, open most protests, other than in Tuni- President Donald Trump’s admin- and transparent dialogue between sia, ending up, so far, in inefficient istration has not supported Arabs decision-makers and citizens to situations. “We can see countries on many occasions — when Gulf successfully implement reforms that were oil producers as well as countries were challenged by Iran, in the region,” Siniora said. “The oil importers in the Arab world the United States did not step up young generation cannot find ad- ruled by regimes that subsidised — the [Gulf Cooperation Council] equate jobs and governments will their services,” he argued. GCC could be more united in this need to re-examine how to provide “These systems need to be re- matter and it’s high time to look opportunities for the youth and job viewed because they could afford at people as people and not as be- seekers in the private sector. it in the past but, with the drop in longing to religious sects.” Expanding foothold. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir “Without close cooperation on oil prices, it is no longer possible. Mohamad (L) and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan both sides, reforms cannot be suc- Young generations now find them- Caline Malek is an Arab Weekly during a news conference in Ankara, last July. (DPA) cessfully executed.” selves not only unable to take an contributor. 16 December 15, 2019 News & Analysis Egypt On eve of elections, Egypt’s opposition sceptical of government reform intent

Ahmed Megahid Egypt since a vote amending the constitution last April. Amendments introduced to the Cairo constitution reinstitute a second chamber of the Egyptian parlia- ome Egyptian political par- ment, guarantee political represen- ties have made their par- tation by women, young people and ticipation in the parliamen- persons with disabilities and allow S tary and municipal elections Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al- early next year conditional on the Sisi to seek re-election beyond his initiation of political reforms. current second presidential term, The reforms, they said, must which would have been his last un- include the release of political de- der previous constitution limits. tainees, lifting the emergency law, Egypt’s Islamist parties, includ- at least during the elections, and ing the party of the Muslim Broth- giving political parties more free- erhood, are in tatters. Salafist par- dom. ties, which curry favour with Sisi’s “The fulfilment of these demands regime for fear of meeting the same has to precede the elections so we fate as the Muslim Brotherhood, can decide whether to participate have been discredited either by pro- or not,” said Farid Zahran, chair- Sisi media or their actions, includ- man of the liberal Egyptian Social ing antagonism to women’s rights Democratic Party. and the rights of non-Muslims. Zahran and other party leaders This time, however, the politi- recently voiced the same demands cal parties seem to be tired of what in talks with the pro-government they describe as authorities’ intol- Nation’s Future Party, which began erance of freedoms in general, in- talks with other parties, apparently cluding the freedom of the political on behalf of the government, to parties to operate. discuss the parliamentary elec- There are more than 100 politi- tions, laws that should regulate the cal parties in Egypt, most of which elections and division of constitu- emerged after the 2011 revolution A climate of fear. People walk in front of Egyptian riot police on Tahrir Square in Cairo. (Reuters) encies. against long-time President Hosni Mubarak. However, the parties are weak, their programmes nearly discussions. amendments was listened to.” A boycott by the political parties Most parties involved in the identical and have not been able to A political party leader told Na- Nation’s Future Party officials of the elections would cast doubt dialogue with Nation’s reach people on the streets. Only a tion’s Future Party officials there is have tried to encourage political on the political process in Egypt Future Party say the party handful of parties won parliamen- no use discussing the next parlia- parties to take the dialogue seri- and be humiliating for authorities, will function as a channel of tary seats in the 2015 elections. mentary elections when the pros- ously by stressing the importance analysts said. communication between The Nation’s Future Party ended pect of imprisonment awaits those of the next parliament for Egypt’s “The lack of freedoms, restrict- them and the authorities. up with 40% of the 596 seats in who speak critically of current po- political future. ing the work of the political parties, the Egyptian House of Representa- litical conditions. Another said his “The party with a parliamentary tightening the noose around them It invited six parties to the dia- tives after that vote. The party, es- party would judge the seriousness majority will be allowed to form the and the detention of opponents are logue and others are to be invited in tablished in 2014, is believed to be of the dialogue in the light of its re- next government,” Rashad said. problematic issues,” said Mustapha the coming days. Sisi’s attempt to get the country’s sults. Nation’s Future Party encouraged Kamel al-Sayyid, a political science “The dialogue aims to formulate disenfranchised youth politically Zahran cited previous dialogues other parties to propose an election professor at Cairo University. “A a common vision for the work of involved. with pro-government parties and bill for approval by parliament be- boycott by the political parties of the political parties in the coming Most parties involved in the dia- other political forces, including on fore the end of its session in Janu- the elections would give a very bad period,” said Nation’s Future Party logue with Nation’s Future Party say the latest constitutional amend- ary. impression about political condi- Chairman Ashraf Rashad. “The par- the party will function as a chan- ments, which were opposed by his Few of the parties were con- tions in Egypt.” ties need to sit together to discuss nel of communication between party. vinced, however, amid scepticism their country’s political future.” them and the authorities. However, “This was a bad experience,” he over the readiness of the authori- Ahmed Megahid is an Egyptian The elections will be the first in the lack of freedoms dominates said. “None of our views on the ties to initiate real reforms. reporter in Cairo. Egypt’s journalists struggle with travel bans

Special Correspondent Travel bans have become one the right to move. of the most inexplicable adminis- Apart from being a punishment trative moves in Egypt’s political tool, the bans are a reflection of Cairo life. For years, bans were enforced the Egyptian government’s fears under former President Hosni that outspoken critics, including ournalist Rana Mamdouh Mubarak but they increased dra- civil society activists, opposition said she was searched and in- matically after Mubarak’s down- politicians and journalists will be terrogated for hours at Cairo fall and especially in the past five given more freedom to communi- J International Airport a year years. cate with the outside world, if they ago, which caused her to miss her There is no estimate of the num- are allowed to leave Egypt, ana- flight to Jordan where she would ber of people barred from leaving lysts said. have attended a conference on Egypt or the number of people on In November, the Cairo Institute journalism. travel ban lists. However, the na- for Human Rights raised the issue She would not have travelled at tional rights watchdog, National of dozens of civil society activists all but for interference by the con- Council for Human Rights, said it barred from leaving Egypt to at- ference organisers who sent her a received an increasing number of tend the regular review of Egypt’s new plane ticket. complaints from people who were human rights record at the UN Hu- Mamdouh went to the airport blocked from leaving Egypt. man Rights Council in Geneva. recently to travel to Jordan for a It said this was part of a “venge- conference on investigative re- ful campaign” by authorities on porting and extremism. This time The bans are turning Egypt groups that defend human rights. she was prevented from travelling into a prison and the general “Banning these activists from at- altogether. feeling is that they are used tending the session hampers the An officer from the National Se- by authorities to punish profound explanation of the hu- curity Agency, Egypt’s internal man rights crisis in Egypt,” the Cai- No secret. Reporters Without Borders activists demonstrate in people who speak critically front of the Luxor Obelisk on the Place de la Concorde square in intelligence department, told her or write daringly. ro Institute for Human Rights said. she was on the travel ban list of Activists and opposition politi- Paris against restriction on the press in Egypt. (Reuters) the department. The officer said cians find it hard to deal with bans Mamdouh had to go to the depart- “The problem is that the people against them because they are is- ban lists have the right to chal- Saudi Arabia. ment and meet with the officer banned from travelling never re- sued by a long list of state agencies, lenge the bans at the courts. Negad al-Borai, a human rights concerned or she would not be al- ceive notices to this effect,” said including the National Security. The court issued its verdict after lawyer, did not write articles but lowed to travel out of the country council board member George On December 9, the Higher Ad- a citizen filed a suit against a deci- he proposed a bill in 2016 on tor- at any point in the future. Ishaq. “The bans are a flagrant vio- ministrative Court, which rules in sion by the Homeland Security to ture in police custody. In March “You are a journalist and you lation of human rights and of the disputes between citizens and the prevent him from leaving Egypt. 2016, he was accused of advocat- must have done something international human rights law.” government, issued a verdict qual- However, such rulings do not al- ing human rights without a licence wrong,” Mamdouh said the officer The bans are turning Egypt into ifying the courts only for putting ways turn into action by state and spreading false information. told her. a prison and the general feeling is people on travel ban lists. agencies, especially with their be- In January 2017, he was barred This convinced her that things that they are used by authorities to “The bans must also be for defi- ing bent on punishing those who from travelling to Jordan where his are taking a more restrictive turn. punish people who speak critically nite periods,” the Higher Admin- dare to step into forbidden realms. wife lives. Mamdouh did not know she was or write daringly. istrative Court said. It added that Mamdouh said she believes she “I was deeply disappointed and banned from travelling outside her They are hard in that they make bans issued by agencies, other was banned from travelling for felt I was a prisoner, even as I was country and dozens of other jour- those on the lists prisoners of their than the courts, including National writing an article, among others, not in an actual prison,” Borai said. nalists, opposition politicians and own country, even if they are not Security, are not legally effective. about a court ruling revoking a “People like me have turned into civil society activists are subject to behind actual prison bars. The The Higher Administrative Court 2016 maritime boundary delimita- hostages in their own country. the same prohibition. bans violate a basic human right — noted that those placed on travel tion agreement between Egypt and Hostages do not have rights.” December 15, 2019 17 Viewpoint Palestine Israel US Congress struggles to find its voice on Palestinians

and all but five Republicans (out of 193) opposing. The Democrats vot- ing against criticised the resolution Geoffrey Aronson as too timid. While the Democratic majority was clearly interested in registering a vote of no-confidence in policies favoured by Netanyahu and Trump, he US Congress vote in Congress has rarely seen much favour of a resolution value in criticising the policies of on Palestinian sover- any Israeli government. eignty offers hope that Netanyahu’s relations with Demo- US support for an end crats in Congress were seriously to Israel’s occupation soured by Netanyahu’s incitement andT the creation of a Palestinian against former US President Barack state has not disappeared. Obama’s diplomatic rapprochement The non-binding Resolution 326 with Iran, his successful, stiff-armed passed December 6 in the US House opposition to Washington’s inef- of Representatives endorsed diplo- fectual efforts at peacemaking and macy that “recognise[s] the Pales- his clearly telegraphed support for tinian right to self-determination Republicans generally. and enhance[s] Israel’s long-term A sense of the House of Repre- security and normalisation with its sentatives resolution is among the neighbours.” mildest of legislative actions in It favours a US proposal to “ex- Congress’s formidable arsenal. pressly endorse a two-state solution Congress is an inherently con- as its objective and discourage steps servative institution. It has never by either side that would put a been in the forefront of US support peaceful end to the conflict further for Palestinian statehood. Indeed, out of reach, including unilateral it frequently retarded that effort. annexation of territory or efforts to Look, for example, at its ritual, achieve Palestinian statehood status bipartisan votes throughout the Unresolved issue. A Palestinian demonstrator argues with an Israeli soldier during a protest against Jewish outside the framework of negotia- 1990s in favour of US recognition settlements in al-Shuyukh village near Hebron, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank last November. (Reuters) tions with Israel.” of undivided Jerusalem as Israel’s The vote took place against a capital and the relocation of the US diplomatic backdrop of high-level Embassy there. tive missile defence programmes, estinian state conditional on what Contrast the overwhelmingly par- dialogue between the Trump White The text of Resolution 326 reflects which is in the national interests of proved to be unattainable demands. tisan vote on Resolution 326 with House and Israeli Prime Minister this overwhelming sentiment. It both countries.” The Obama presidency offered Washington’s all but unanimous ac- Binyamin Netanyahu concerning places US support for a Palestinian The resolution neglected to char- a breath of fresh air by demand- tion in July, when Congress passed a Israel’s interest in annexing parts of state all but solely in the context acterise a peace agreement or the ing a freeze in Israel’s settlement nonbinding resolution condemning the West Bank, notably the Jordan of Congress’s interest in enhanc- establishment of a Palestinian state programme but it made the fatal the Boycott, Divestment and Sanc- Valley — a plain running east of the ing Israel’s security. The resolution as a US national security interest, error of assuming two things — that tions movement, 398-17. Jordan River to the hills just east of notes that “the special relationship a formulation first used during the getting Israel out of the West Bank To judge by the lopsided vote, the Jerusalem. between the United States and Obama years. and Gaza would be easy and that the famed partisan divisions on Capitol There was a deep partisan split on Israel is rooted in shared national It must be remembered that, for creation of a Palestinian state was Hill were, in this case, nowhere in the resolution, with all but four (out security interests and shared values most of contemporary history, the all but ordained by history. evidence. of 230) Democrats voting in favour of democracy, human rights and the United States has opposed Pal- History promises no outcomes. For proponents of the US position rule of law.” estinian independence. This was Diplomacy is the essential midwife. endorsing two states, the massive It affirms support through the true with Jimmy Carter at Camp In Obama’s case, during his 8-year Republican vote opposing the reso- “decades to strengthen Israel’s David and throughout the 1980s. tenure, the possibility of Palestinian lution rings more ominously than security through assistance and Policies of the Clinton administra- statehood receded on the ground the encouraging sentiment repre- Congress’s recent cooperation on defence and intel- tion, including Oslo, were geared and the vital US interest regarding sented by the Democrats. action may be less a ligence matters in order to enhance towards postponing the creation of the Palestinians all but disappeared. In this context Congress’s recent harbinger of a the safety of United States and Is- a sovereign state in the West Bank Congress’s view of the conflict action may be less a harbinger of raeli citizens, including by finalising and Gaza. between the Israelis and the Pales- a better future than a fading and better future than a in 2016 under the Obama adminis- The Bush administration, taking tinians is framed by domestic po- inconsequential echo from the past. fading and tration a 10-year memorandum of its cue from Israeli Prime Minister litical pressures rather than a clear understanding and reaffirming the Ariel Sharon’s battle during the understanding of the now-lapsed Geoffrey Aronson is a non-resident inconsequential United States’ commitment to annu- second intifada to undermine Yasser US national interest in establishing scholar at the Middle East Institute echo from the past. al military assistance and coopera- Arafat, made US support for a Pal- Palestinian sovereignty. in Washington. Viewpoint Palestinians must heed effects of unfolding developments

he Middle East is going economy. There is a third election coming backed by Gulf countries? through important and A Blue and White government up that will have a tremendous In Iraq and Lebanon things are Marwan fast-evolving develop- might stop seizing Palestinian land effect on events and wars in the very quickly evolving. The situation Kanafani ments that will change or building settlements but it will Middle East — the US presidential in Lebanon is very serious for the the picture that has not return land that Netanyahu has elections. Every four years during Palestinians, since there are hun- characterised it for stolen or the illegal settlements he’d these elections, an auction is held dreds of thousands of Palestinians Tmany years. already built. for greater support for Israel, its living in Lebanon and they risk pay- There are changes in countries on Should Gantz form a new govern- military and its economy. ing the price of escalating violence. the eastern shores of the Mediter- ment, that government is not going However, a surprise came this Will Hamas jump to their protection ranean and events happening in to go easy on the Palestinians, time from the US House of Repre- through its close ties with Iran and distant countries that will affect the especially in the Gaza Strip, because sentatives, without any effort or Hezbollah or will Fatah go to their Middle East. These developments Israeli public opinion will support initiative on the Palestinian side. rescue based on its strong ties with overshadow what is happening on it depending on its ability to stop The House announced support for most Gulf countries? the Palestinian-Israeli scene. the rockets fired from Gaza at Israeli a two-state solution. Most previous These issues will affect the Pal- Where are we, us Palestinians, border towns and villages. This is American administrations sup- estinian decision and require close with respect to these develop- exactly what the leaders of Blue ported this solution but the Trump attention and appropriate solutions ments? and White, who, let’s not forget, all administration ignored it. How but Palestinians seem oblivious Iran is in a state of internal and come from military backgrounds, can the Palestinians build on this to them and are taken by their at- regional confusion and no one can vowed to address. development? tempts to reach a long-term agree- say where it will end up. This is the Regarding their own elections, There are ominous signs of a ment with Israel or by ascertaining same Iran that has long shown great the Palestinians are waiting for regional war that could explode at the content of Hamas’s response to interest in the Palestinian cause and President Mahmoud Abbas to any moment in the Mediterranean, Abbas’s invitation to participate in has been cultivating close relations respond to Ismail Haniyeh’s mes- south of the Greek part of Cyprus, elections. with some Palestinian factions, all sage regarding the presidential and between Turkish greed for oil, gas The first step to empowering within the context of its agenda legislative vote. Haniyeh is the top and hegemony on one side and the Palestinians, achieving their with respect to the United States Hamas official and both leaders Egypt, Greece and Cyprus, which legitimate goals and confronting the and Israel. and their movements dominate claim sovereignty over the disputed challenges that surround them, is Some Palestinian forces are re- whatever is left of Palestinian land waters, on the other. to unite so the people become one, evaluating the scene in the region and have been negotiating about Where will the Palestinians stand with a unified, elected leadership and are counting on changes in the elections for more than a decade. in this potential conflict that is very that reflects all shades of the Pales- rules of the game. Hamas seems interested and close to them and which is already tinian spectrum. This may sound In a few months, the Israeli engaged in negotiations with Israel, dividing them? What would Ha- difficult but it is not impossible. leadership crisis will be resolved by and not with the Fatah movement, mas’s position be, knowing that the The upcoming Palestinian The upcoming the victory of Binyamin Netanyahu to reach agreements on facilities, head of its political bureau recently elections are the last chance for elections are the last and Likud or Benny Gantz and his arrangements, ports and villages went to Ankara on an official visit? the people to achieve their unity, chance for the Blue and White alliance. Both are along the Gaza coast. No one can There are optimistic signs regard- strength and gain the world’s connected with the foundations of say whether the desired maritime ing reconciliation between the respect, otherwise we must bid a Palestinians to Israeli policies considering security, expansion is going to be an addi- Arab Gulf countries with attempts united and promising Palestine a achieve unity, settlement expansion and full con- tion to the Palestinian state that has being made to end disputes that permanent farewell. trol and are knowledgeable about received approval as appeared in have exhausted some of them. Will strength and gain the the Palestinians, their goals, their the Oslo Accords or an extension of these efforts rub on the Palestinian Marwan Kanafani was an adviser to world’s respect. security, their freedom and their the Hamas emirate of Gaza. parties, such as Fatah and Hamas, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. 18 December 15, 2019 News & Analysis Turkey Knives are out in ‘war’ between Erdogan and AKP rivals

Thomas Seibert presidential system that gives wide- ranging powers to the president. Davutoglu said his party would Istanbul repair Turkey’s strained ties with the United States, NATO and the he knives are out in a bit- European Union while strengthen- ter confrontation between ing relations with Russia and China. Turkish President Recep Turkey would play a “leading and T Tayyip Erdogan and dis- visionary role in bringing lasting sidents from his ruling party who stability and peace to neighbouring are setting up organisations to chal- regions, such as the Balkans, the lenge him. Caucasus, Central Asia and the Mid- “The war has begun,” said jour- dle East,” he said. nalist Rusen Cakir, an expert on The former prime minister is Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Devel- known as the architect of a “neo-Ot- opment Party (AKP), in power since toman” foreign policy that defines 2002. Turkey as an independent power. An economic downturn that has His new party has chosen the green pushed up unemployment and leaf of the plane tree as its logo. The weakened the Turkish lira, accu- plane tree is seen as an Ottoman sations of corruption and a slide symbol of greatness, while green is towards authoritarianism have the colour of Islam. eroded the AKP’s once ironclad pop- Davutoglu’s party was officially ularity and unity. Erdogan, 65, and announced in the same Ankara ho- in power since 2003, remains the tel where Erdogan presented the country’s most popular politician AKP in 2001. Like Davutoglu, many but his party no longer commands of the 154 founding members of the its own majority in parliament. new party are former AKP officials. While Davutoglu is aiming for a Split ranks. A 2015 file picture shows Turkey’s then Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu (L) as he chats With the next regular religiously conservative outlook, Babacan, who has said he will pre- with Deputy Prime Ministers Ali Babacan (C) and Numan Kurtulmus during a swearing-in ceremony (AFP) elections scheduled for sent his party before the end of the at the Turkish parliament in Ankara. 2023, Davutoglu and year, is going for a more liberal vi- Babacan will have enough sion. Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). net television channel Medyascope, supporters for private use. time to build their Opinion polls vary wildly about However, if more than 50 AKP law- said about Davutoglu. Babacan did With the next regular elections organisations in all parts of how strong the new parties are makers join one of the new parties, not respond to Erdogan’s charges. scheduled for 2023, Davutoglu and the country. likely to be, with estimates rang- the AKP and the MHP lose their ma- Corruption and nepotism have Babacan will have enough time to ing between their attracting 2-10% jority. become major issues in Turkey build their organisations in all parts His challengers are Ahmet Davu- each. However, even if the new Reports said Erdogan sent AKP as the economy fails to provide of the country. toglu, 60, a former Turkish foreign formations remain below the 10% emissaries to Davutoglu and Baba- enough jobs. The unemployment Yildiray Ogur, a columnist at the minister and prime minister, and election threshold that parties in can in a last-ditch effort to prevent rate stands at 14% with almost dou- newspaper Karar, which is close to Ali Babacan, 52, who served as eco- Turkey need to enter parliament, the formation of the new parties but ble that figure among young people. Davutoglu, said he doubted Erdog- nomic minister, foreign minister they could cost the AKP precious the attempt failed. As a result, the The AKP lost power in major cities an would opt for early elections to and deputy prime minister before support and reduce the number of president went on the offensive. Istanbul and Ankara in municipal make it harder for his rivals to rally leaving government in 2015. Both its lawmakers, currently 290 in the In a speech December 8, Erdogan elections this year. their troops against him. split from the AKP to set up their 600-seat assembly in Ankara. Media attacked both Davutoglu and Baba- Opposition politicians who have Poll figures for the AKP “have not own parties. reports say several AKP members of can, accusing them of defrauding taken over city halls have unveiled reached a satisfactory level for the Davutoglu presented his Party of parliament are preparing to leave the Turkish state bank Halkbank. what they call major cases of cor- government following the [losses at the Future on December 13, pledg- the party and side with either Davu- Davutoglu shot back by calling for ruption from the AKP era. Examples the] municipal elections,” he said. ing a democratic society, a free toglu or Babacan. an independent investigation into included public contracts allegedly “The AKP hasn’t fixed the econo- press, an independent judiciary as Such a development could make the private wealth of all incumbent given to AKP followers. In Istan- my. People are very unhappy about well as a return to a parliamentary it harder for Erdogan and the AKP to and former presidents, prime min- bul, new Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu this.” Erdogan was unlikely to risk system of government. Parliament’s push their agenda. They command isters as well as close members of displayed hundreds of cars that he an election in that unfavourable at- role has been greatly diminished 339 seats in parliament because of their families. “He was aiming at Er- said the former city administra- mosphere. “It is more important to since the 2017 introduction of a Erdogan’s right-wing partner, the dogan,” Cakir, speaking on the Inter- tion had leased and handed to AKP stay in power.”

Viewpoint EU’s appeasement of Turkey greenlights its oppressive policies

the MED was exploring a “positive there would be no questions from demand can be said to be met. seen such aggression become agenda” but there was not much the audience. “I am outraged and ashamed of contagious and manifest itself in of it to be found, no matter how However, it was a fact, my Ital- allowing such behaviour on Italian almost every occasion. Yavuz Baydar much speakers tried. ian colleagues had it confirmed soil,” said a source with insight The dignity of journalists is One of those in attendance was and the outrageous attitude found to the talks behind the scenes. It equal to the dignity of rulers and Turkish Foreign Minister Mev- its way to reports in newspapers. appeared that Cavusoglu’s team they should not be allowed to recently took part in a confer- lut Cavusoglu. Given the highly What Cavusoglu said in the did not receive a prompt response impose thuggish behaviour by ence in Rome organised by criticised role of Turkey in the session, per se, was not newswor- by those responsible for the open denying the conduct of journal- the Italian Institute for Inter- escalation of Syria crisis, its con- thy but many questioned how event. ism, especially in international national Political Studies and frontational approach to Greece the organisers responded to the Nevertheless, it should remain a platforms whose aim is widening the Italian Foreign Ministry. and Cyprus and the intervention- Turkish side’s condition. After reminder to the Italian au- public discourse. Titled “MED Mediterra- ist policies in Libya, his message all, Ankara’s hostile attitude to thorities — or any other This tiny episode is another Inean Dialogues,” the annual event was highly anticipated. Overall, journalists and its allergy to democratic country symptom of how contagious the attracts high-level attendees from however, the conversation was the free flow of information that respects journal- appeasement policies vis-a-vis across the region — ministers, de- an anti-climax because there was are well known. I was pre- ism — that, unless Turkish government becomes. cision-makers, think-tank figures, nothing new in the statements he sent as the editor of Ahval such oppressive “Let’s not rock the boat” is com- diplomats, analysts and journalists made. The arguments and claims News, whose editorial attitudes are coun- mon thinking. Such an approach — to receive updates on issues that were repetitions of Turkey’s hard- independence and critical tered with staunch has not proven to be useful. On the remain piled up and discuss ways line position. reporting Ankara ap- pro-freedom stance, contrary, it makes the problems to deal with them. There was, though, an interest- parently dislikes. the practices turn pile up and emboldens Erdogan’s This is the third time I joined it ing element regarding his session, There was no into a norm. government to act as roughly as it and, as any journalist, found the which was scheduled for a specific information In recent pleases, gaining more territory for exchange of ideas useful, despite time. Awaiting the appearance, given me or my years uncivilised behaviour. that the critical approach seemed I was giving an interview to the Italian col- we Another takeaway from the MED lacking in many panels and dia- MED team, analysing the indisput- leagues what have event was the deliberate low-key logues. able central role of Turkey in the the official attitude of the key actors across MED is often a testing ground growing turbulence, explaining response to the Mediterranean regarding for the pulse across the Mediter- the sharp changes in its foreign the Turk- Turkey. ranean, where what’s being said policy and why it has been widely ish del- Although it stands at the focal exposes what’s not being said, perceived as “rogue” and threaten- egation point of all the major problems — telling enough about the defining ing. was the refugee crisis, the incursion spirit of the age in which we live. When the interview finished — and, in into Syrian soil, the diplomatic In this fifth gathering, the aim of just in time, I thought — I rushed prac- stalemates — in the region, many to the large hall only to find, along tice, the want to see their links to Turkey with some other people, that it outra- swept under the carpet. The European Union was over. The start time had been geous The European Union should pushed up half an hour. understand that caving in to should understand Two people asked me “are you Ankara’s constant bullying will that caving in to the journalist that the Turkish be extremely counterproductive minister wanted to block entering in the long run. “Don’t act rashly Ankara’s constant the hall?” They had heard that the but don’t fail to act” should be the bullying will be Turkish delegation insisted that motto instead. extremely three people should be barred or else. It was, of course, a ridiculous In the public eye. Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlut Yavuz Baydar is a Turkish counterproductive in demand; the capacity of the hall Cavusoglu speaks at the Mediterranean dialogues conference in journalist and regular columnist the long run. was more than 700 people and Rome, December 6. (AP) for The Arab Weekly. December 15, 2019 19 News & Analysis Iran US concern over Iranian activities in Iraq quashes stirrings of dialogue

Thomas Seibert States and Iran are running high as US economic sanctions are clearly hitting Tehran hard. Washington Istanbul announced new measures against Iran on December 11, this time tar- oth Iran and the United geting Iran’s state shipping line and States said they were ready a China-based company that has to consider more prisoner been involved in delivering missile B exchanges but US concern parts to Iran. over Iran’s aggressive actions in Iraq The sanctions add a layer of new is dampening prospects of further penalties to a previously sanctioned dialogue or cooperation between Iranian airline Mahan Air, which is the two countries. accused of sending weapons to Ira- Carrot and stick approach. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo makes a statement to the press at the A senior US military official said nian proxies in Lebanon and Yem- State Department in Washington, December 11. (Reuters) on December 11 that attacks by Iran- en, and three of its sales agents. backed groups on bases hosting US Iran reacted with defiance. Al- forces in Iraq were becoming more ireza Miryousefi, a spokesman for ther exchanges and perhaps politi- holding about 20 Iranians in deten- what extent both sides are willing frequent and sophisticated, push- Iran’s UN mission, tweeted: “These cal dialogue between Iran and the tion, while there are about six US to move towards further direct in- ing all sides closer to an uncontrol- sanctions are directly targeting or- United States, which are locked in citizens in Iranian jails. teractions.” lable escalation. dinary Iranians’ livelihood but they a bitter dispute since Washington Cooperation in other fields may The recent prisoner exchange His warning came two days after will not be cowed by pressures by withdrew from an international be possible as well. Pascale Baer- brought high-level US and Iranian four Katyusha rockets struck a base any foreign power.” nuclear treaty with Tehran and em- iswyl, Swiss state secretary for for- officials face to face. Brian Hook, near Baghdad International Airport, Despite the new tensions, both barked on a “maximum pressure” eign affairs, and US Ambassador to the US point man on Iran who is wounding five members of Iraq’s sides said they were ready for more campaign against Iran. Switzerland Edward McMullen told known as a hardliner, met with elite Counter-Terrorism Service. prisoner exchanges following a De- “Thank you to Iran on a very fair Reuters that a humanitarian chan- Mohsen Baharvand, an aide to Za- The military official, quoted by cember 7 Swiss-brokered swap of negotiation,” US President Donald nel to send food and medicine to rif, at Zurich Airport during the Reuters, said Iranian-armed mi- Princeton graduate student Xiyue Trump tweeted. “See, we can make Iran could be operational within December 7 exchange, the Iranian litias were approaching a red line Wang, who had been held in Iran a deal together!” months. news agency IRNA and the Voice of where the US-led coalition formed and was freed in exchange for Ira- US Secretary of State Mike Seyed Ali Alavi, a senior teaching America (VoA) said. to defeat the Islamic State would nian scientist Massoud Soleimani. Pompeo said the December 7 ex- fellow at the School of Oriental and Baharvand told IRNA he sat in a respond with force and “no one will Soleimani faced federal trial over change could yield progress. African Studies in London, said by room with Hook but did not talk to like the outcome.” charges he violated sanctions by “I do hope the exchange that took e-mail that the exchange had been him. VoA reported that Hook con- Pentagon spokesman US Navy trying to have biological material place will lead to a broader discus- “a joint endeavour by both Tehran firmed that he sat at a table with Commander Sean Robertson told sent to Iran. sion on consular affairs. We are and Washington to reach one an- Baharvand. CNN the attacks would not go unan- Following the swap, US fed- working to use this as an opportuni- other without a third-party inter- Face-to-face meetings of US and swered. eral prosecutors dropped charg- ty to continue that effort,” he said. mediation. Such a rare act can lead Iranian officials have become rare “We have made clear that attacks es against two co-defendants of Iranian Foreign Minister Moham- to the releasing of remaining Amer- since the conclusion of the inter- on US and coalition personnel and Soleimani, Politico, a Washington mad Javad Zarif said the United icans held in Iran. It also can lead to national nuclear deal with Iran in facilities will not be tolerated and publication, reported. States should take the initiative to further engagements between Iran 2015, when US officials routinely we retain the right to defend our- The exchange took place in Zu- continue the exchange process. and the US.” met with their Iranian counter- selves,” he said. Reports said the rich as Switzerland serves as the “After getting our hostage back this He said “further direct interac- parts. France tried to arrange a United States was considering the “Protective Power” for the United week, fully ready for a comprehen- tions require tangible political summit between Trump and Irani- deployment of up to 7,000 addi- States in Iran because Washington sive prisoner exchange,” he tweet- flexibilities by both sides” with do- an President Hassan Rohani during tional troops to the Middle East to and Tehran do not have diplomatic ed. “The ball is in the United States’ mestic politics of Washington and this year’s UN General Assembly in confront Iran. relations. court.” Tehran playing important roles. September but the meeting did not Tensions between the United The swap triggered hope for fur- Iran says the United States is For now, the question remained “to happen.

Viewpoint US-Iran prisoner exchange hardly enough to defuse tensions

However, there are still chal- to Iran. On May 21, 2018, Pompeo lenges remaining before a deal can famously formulated 12 demands be reached. from Iran at the conservative Ali Alfoneh Before the prisoner exchange, Heritage Foundation think-tank in during a question-and-answer Washington. session with media December 3 on Among those points, Pompeo the sidelines of the NATO meet- demanded Iran to release “all US ing in London, Trump was asked: citizens, as well as citizens of our hank you to Iran “Does the United States support partners and allies,” a process that on a very fair the protesters in Iran?” Trump appears to have begun in a recip- negotiation. See, replied: “I don’t want to comment rocal fashion. we can make a on that but the answer is, ‘No.’” Pompeo also demanded that “ deal together,” US The president’s answer may Iran end “its military support for President Donald partially reflect his awareness of the Houthi militia.” That seems to TrumpT tweeted. the prisoner exchange plan, which have outlived its usefulness since The US president’s optimis- took place five days after the Brian Hook, the State Depart- tic message December 8 came NATO meeting, but more broadly ment’s Iran envoy, in stark contrast after Iran freed Xiyue Wang, an reflects his desire to achieve a dip- to previous positions, on Decem- American graduate student held lomatic breakthrough with Iran. A ber 5 praised the Houthis’ “de- prisoner in Iran since 2016, in breakthrough that may include a escalation proposal” with Saudi A good place to start? US Ambassador to Switzerland Edward exchange for Massoud Soleimani, cosmetically changed Joint Com- Arabia. He also tried to set Iran and T. McMullen welcomes Princeton graduate student Xiyue Wang on an Iranian scientist imprisoned in prehensive Plan of Action that the Houthis apart. “Iran clearly arrival in Switzerland after his release from Iran, December 7. (AFP) the United States since 2018. Does would allow the United States to does not speak for the Houthis, the prisoner exchange suggest revive the nuclear deal with Iran. nor has the best interests of the brighter prospects for a “deal” Trump may even arrange a Yemeni people at heart,” he said. victory and Tehran’s desperate the administration, whose strate- between Washington and Tehran? theatrical summit with Iranian He also tried to set Iran and the need for sanctions relief don’t gic assessment does not change The prisoner exchange is President Hassan Rohani, just be- Houthis apart. “Iran clearly does diminish the fact that there are as fast and as often as Trump‘s. certainly not the sole sign of fore the United States’ presidential not speak for the Houthis nor does serious challenges for Washington Reports indicate the Islamic Revo- willingness by the parties to reach election next November, which he it have the best interests of the and Tehran. lutionary Guard Corps is secretly an agreement, which can secure can sell to his support base among Yemeni people at heart,” he said. Chief among these is Iran’s in- moving short-range missiles into Trump a diplomatic victory prior the electorate as proof of his abil- The secretary may also re- ability to reach out to key US allies Iraqi territory where they can to the November 2020 presidential ity to make historical deals. consider his demand that Iran in the Middle East, in particular, be deployed against the United election in the United States and After the media session, Trump end “support for the Taliban” in Israel and Saudi Arabia, which States. Against this background, provide much-needed sanctions walked back his statement in a Afghanistan. How can the State stand out to lose the most from on December 11, the United States relief for the regime in Tehran. tweet but one can’t help suspecting Department make such a demand improved US-Iran relations. imposed additional sanctions on the oral comment revealed Trump’s from Tehran while Ambassador In addition, Iran risks overplay- Iranian transportation firms en- fundamental instinct on Iran and Zalmay Khalilzad, the State De- ing its hand towards the United gaged in transporting missiles. Diplomatic the subsequent clarification on partment’s special representative States: Tehran’s reactions to US Diplomatic breakthrough or war, Twitter was the US State Depart- for Afghanistan reconciliation, is sanctions gradually escalated and, the United States and Iran are on a breakthrough or ment’s attempt at damage control. engaged in talks in Doha to trans- in each instance, there was a con- knife-edge. war, the United States Even the State Department fer power from Afghan President siderable risk of a hard response and Iran are on a under Mike Pompeo may be Ashraf Ghani to the Taliban? from Washington. Ali Alfoneh is a senior fellow at changing course to accommodate These factors and Trump’s Finally, Iran faces a stream of the Arab Gulf States Institute in knife-edge. Trump on issues closely related desire for a theatrical diplomatic sanctions from elements within Washington. 20 December 15, 2019 Economy

E-commerce platform launched in Egypt Briefs

The Arab Weekly staff Gulf summit calls for economic London integration by 2025

afina Egypt Company intro- A summit of the Gulf Coopera- duced the first e-commerce tion Council countries called for platform for Egyptian prod- finalising legislation for regional S ucts, which it described economic integration by 2025, as a response to the hopes of the including financial and monetary country’s manufacturers to give unity, according to the meeting’s their products an international final communique. reach and visibility and increase The statement called also for the demand for them in the local boosting military and security market. cooperation to maintain regional The company called its platform security. “Safina” (for “ship”) and intended it as an electronic trading “mall” (Reuters) grouping all Egyptian industries. The platform provides a substi- tute for each participating com- Libya’s NOC agrees pany, a sort of a virtual outlet for the business. to Total buyout of Marathon Oil stake The Safina platform does Libya’s National Oil Corpora- not take a commission on tion agreed to let French oil giant any sales. Total buy US outfit Marathon Oil’s 16.33% stake in the country’s Waha Islam al-Bana, chairman of the oil concessions for $650 million. board of Safina Egypt Company, Total would invest the money to which owns the safinaegypt.com develop the concessions. website, said in a statement that A unique opportunity. Team of Safina Egypt Company. (Twitter) The National Oil Corporation there were more 1,000 Egyptian- would also receive $150 million made products on the platform. to fund social responsibility and He said the platform allows minimum order quantity, speci- by several factors, such as the de- October, ranked Egypt 23rd out durable development programmes every Egyptian merchant, import fications and a brief description. preciation of the Egyptian pound, of 141 countries in terms of the near the oil sites. or export agents to search for a When customers choose the man- which led to relatively low prices market size available for Egyptian product on the platform, which ufacturer they wish to deal with, of Egyptian products. product locally and internation- (Agence France-Presse) provides a list of manufacturers of they can contact them through He highlighted the Egyptian ally. that product in Egypt. the platform using a dedicated government’s efforts to support He said 23rd place is consid- He pointed out that users could chat engine window. the domestic manufacturing in- ered an advanced position that More Egyptians navigate from one manufacturer Bana said the Safina platform dustries through the creation of indicates the size of the market to another on the platform be- does not take a commission on industrial complexes and improv- available for Egyptian products convert to cause each has a mini-website on any sales. Its revenues are derived ing infrastructure to facilitate lo- locally and internationally but dual-fuel vehicles the site containing specific infor- from subscription fees from man- gistical operations, in addition to what is missing from the chain mation about the manufacturer. ufacturers on the platform. monetary and financial policies is a mechanism to ensure easy The number of Egyptians He explained that each product He said that the opportunity is supporting this trend. and fast access to those markets, switching to dual-fuel vehicles is is accompanied with a caption ripe for Egyptian products to com- Bana pointed out that the Global which is what the Safina platform accelerating as the government giving its name, average price, pete at a global level, encouraged Competitiveness Report, issued in is designed to provide. pushes motorists to use cheaper and cleaner natural gas. About 300,000 vehicles have been converted to dual-fuel systems since the 1990s, a small First digital bank begins operations in Tunisia fraction of the 11 million vehicles licensed in the country. Sana Adouni is to accompany clients and make be opened, with a number of em- bank branches to file appropriate Nearly 32,000 vehicles were con- aware of constant banking availabil- ployees to help customers, if the paperwork. verted during the fiscal year July ity through a branch that is open 24 need arises.” Bank ABC will have to consider 2018- June 2019. The target for this Tunis hours and has no gates, providing Bank ABC has headquarters in the digital gap that exists in bank- fiscal year is 50,000 vehicles. all electronic machines and com- Bahrain and operates branches in ing services and the need to adapt bank in Tunisia is eyeing puters to carry out banking opera- most Arab countries. The bank has available technologies to make (Reuters) development of digital tions. been active in Tunisia for more than banking operations more efficient banking activities but offi- 25 years. and professional. cials said they are wary of “We aim, in the short term, to Kooli expressed “hope that the Crescent A Bank ABC’s ambitions red tape that could hinder its ability launch a 100% digital bank so cus- laws in Tunisia keep pace with the to develop e-banking operations. could run afoul of tomers can carry out banking op- developments taking place and en- Petroleum The Arab Banking Corporation Tunisian banking laws, erations everywhere and anytime able the opening of e-banking ac- (Bank ABC), which has a region- which have no provisions without the need for traditional counts.” invested over $3 wide financial network, began op- for full e-banking means,” Kooli said. Bank ABC specifically looks for- billion in Iraq erations of the first digital bank in operations. Bank ABC’s ambitions, however, ward to Tunisian government even- Tunisia as part of plans to generalise could run afoul of Tunisian banking tually implementing the state’s United Arab Emirates-based the shift to e-banking. “The idea is to have clients carry laws, which have no provisions for plans to digitise all administrative energy firm Crescent Petroleum Ali Kooli, director-general of out all of their banking operations full e-banking operations. To open services announced a few years ago. has invested more than $3 billion Bank ABC Tunisia, said: “The aim themselves. If this experience is a bank account and do transactions, Oussama Zanati, a member of the in Iraq, its chief executive said. of opening a digital bank in Tunisia successful, 18 similar branches will customers must physically go to board of directors of Bank ABC in “We have invested over $3 Tunisia, confirmed that the digital billion in Iraq over the last 10 banking application began in Bah- years and that rate is increasing,” rain at the end of November and Crescent Petroleum CEO Majid was to expand to Jordan, Egypt and Jafar said. Tunisia. In March, a consortium led by Zanati explained that the Bank Crescent Petroleum and Dana Gas ABC’s “Ila” digital application is a signed a 20-year gas sales deal model for the future of banking and with Iraq’s Kurdish region. of Bank ABC, which is working to keep up with technological innova- (Reuters) tions. He added that the digital services Mubadala has high are aimed mainly at younger cus- tomers and that the “Ila” applica- hopes for Softbank tion is characterised by lower cost, which allows the bank to give more Vision Fund incentives and greater returns to customers. Abu Dhabi state fund Mubadala Bank ABC is a public joint stock said it remains optimistic about company registered at the Bahrain Softbank’s Vision Fund, a senior Stock Exchange, with more than executive said. 1,300 shareholders. The main share- “The SoftBank Vision Fund is holders are the Central Bank of Lib- doing well, we are three years ya and the General Investment Au- into it,” Ibrahim Ajami, head of thority in Kuwait. Mubadala Venture Capital said at a Bank ABC is one of the leading conference. banks in the Arab region and oper- Mubadala has invested $15 ates through its banking network billion in Softbank’s Vision Fund spread across the Middle East and I and has been in talks with Soft- North Africa, as well as Europe, bank about investment in a second Asia, the United States and Brazil. technology fund.

Sana Adouni is a Tunisian (Reuters) First step. A stand of ABC Mobile Banking in Tunis. (Al Arab) journalist. December 15, 2019 21 Economy

UAE strengthens economic partnership with Saudi Arabia, Egypt

Sabahat Khan Developments with seven strate- gic initiatives under progress were reviewed, including a tourism visa Dubai system for the United Arab Emir- ates and Saudi Arabia to facilitate he United Arab Emirates movement between the two coun- is strengthening economic tries for foreigners, the construc- partnership with Saudi Ara- tion of a mega oil refinery between T bia and Egypt, the region’s the Gulf’s two largest oil producers largest and third-largest econo- and the development of a crypto- mies, respectively, as it aims to currency to be called “Aber.” enhance ties, diversify growth and Aber, confirmed last January by unlock economic potential. the Saudi Arabian Monetary Au- Saudi Arabia has a GDP expected thority and the UAE Central Bank to soon surpass $800 billion and (UAECB), will streamline growing Saudi Vision 2030 is a game changer trade between the two countries. that will lead to rapid growth in the Non-oil exchange between the years ahead. United Arab Emirates and Saudi Already one of the world’s top Arabia was more than $29.2 billion Strategic partnership. Participants attend the annual conference of Saudi and UAE banks in Riyadh, 20 economies, Saudi Arabia has as- in 2018, surging around 35% from November 24. (Reuters) sumed the presidency of the G20, the year before. the first Arab nation to do so. The The United Arab Emirates has G20 members represent more than direct investments amounting to Egypt is home to the Arab world’s The United Arab Emirates has nalising multibillion-dollar invest- 80% of the global economy. more than $9.2 billion in Saudi Ara- largest non-oil economy and, with investments estimated at about ments and Abu Dhabi-based LuLu bia across 122 investment projects its population projected to pass 125 $15 billion in Egypt, across various Group and Al Khaleej Sugar Coal and Emirati visitors to the kingdom million by 2030, it represents a mar- sectors but notably in agriculture, plan to invest $500 million and $1 Trade between the in 2018 year spent more than $750 ket with long-term opportunities telecommunications and banking, billion, respectively, over the next United Arab Emirates million there. and growth potential. making it one of the biggest sources two years. and Egypt is forecast to Saudi Arabia has direct invest- It is little surprise that invest- of foreign direct investments for UAE-based AMEA Power has con- hit $8 billion this year, ments of more than $4.3 billion in ments of UAE banks in Saudi Arabia Cairo. cluded a deal worth $1 billion with representing year-on- the United Arab Emirates and its and Egypt account for nearly one- Building on that, Abu Dhabi the Egyptian Electricity Transmis- fifth of their total overseas invest- Crown Prince Mohammed an- sion Company to build a 500-mega- year growth of 10%. nationals represent one of the most important sources of tourism in- ments. In the first nine months of nounced a $20 billion joint invest- watt wind farm and 200-megawatt come for the emirates, particularly 2019, investments by UAE banks ment fund with Egypt in November solar plant to produce nearly 2.9 Riyadh will host the next G20 Dubai. in Saudi Arabia and Egypt surged when Egyptian President Abdel gigawatt-hours of electricity annu- meeting and Saudi Crown Prince Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed 27.5% to more than $30 billion, data Fattah al-Sisi visited the United ally from 2021. Mohammed bin Salman bin Ab- billed 2020 as “the year of inter- released by the UAECB stated. Arab Emirates on an official 2-day The United Arab Emirates, home dulaziz formally invited the United national achievements” as Riyadh The United Arab Emirates, to- trip accompanied by a high-pow- to an estimated 400,000 Egyptians, Arab Emirates as guest of honour takes over the G20 presidency and gether with Saudi Arabia and Ku- ered delegation. conferred the Order of Zayed, the when he visited Abu Dhabi recent- Dubai hosts the hotly anticipated wait, has provided crucial financial Abu Dhabi Development Holding country’s highest civilian honour, ly to preside over a meeting of the Expo 2020. assistance for Egypt as Cairo bids to Company and Egypt’s newly creat- on Sisi in recognition of his work Saudi-Emirati Coordination Coun- With financial markets of more stabilise its economy and return to ed sovereign wealth fund will build in solidifying ties between the two cil with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince than $720 billion, overseas invest- a faster growth track. economic and social projects on a strategic partners. The United Arab Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al- ments exceeding $250 billion and Trade between the United Arab 50-50 partnership basis, initially fo- Emirates regards Egypt as one of the Nahyan. two of the world’s largest sover- Emirates and Egypt is forecast to cusing on companies in the banking cornerstones of Arab security and The Saudi-Emirati Coordina- eign wealth funds, there are huge hit $8 billion this year, representing and non-banking financial sectors, attaches great importance to its eco- tion Council, a high-level bilateral gains for both sides to be made year-on-year growth of 10%. With agriculture, petrochemicals and on nomic progress and development. mechanism established to syner- with deeper economic ties as Saudi its strong purchasing parity, the greenfield projects. gise Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Vi- Arabia bids to become one of the United Arab Emirates accounts for Emirati companies are growing Sabahat Khan maintains a sion 2021, signed four agreements world’s ten largest economies and around one-fifth of total Egyptian their footprint in Egypt. Dubai’s cross-disciplinary focus in on health, culture, space and food the United Arab Emirates aims to exports with potential for growth largest developer, Emaar, and life- international security, defence security. break into the top 20. in the years ahead. style giant Majid Al Futtaim are fi- policy and strategic issues.

Viewpoint Saudi Aramco makes history with shares trading

insisted was the correct value for trillion and trading on the Tadawul, Salman bin Abdulaziz broached popular within the kingdom, with the listing. Aramco is the world’s most valu- the idea of selling up to 5% of the retail and institutional investors In what would have been consid- able publicly listed company. The company on both the domestic together bidding for 4.56 times Jareer Elass ered inconceivable five years ago, first-day performance on the Saudi exchange and one or more foreign the number of shares offered in Saudi Aramco sold 1.5% of the state stock exchange pushed Aramco’s bourses. the IPO. More than 5 million retail oil and natural gas giant — 3 billion valuation up to around $1.88 tril- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed investors applied for the company early 40 years after shares — in a record-setting initial lion and the second day’s trading declared that at a valuation of $2 shares. Saudi Aramco IPO manager the Saudi govern- public offering (IPO) and began temporarily lifted that valuation to trillion, the Aramco IPO would Samba Capital reported that 97% ment attained 100% floating shares on the Gulf coun- more than $2 trillion. garner up to $100 billion in sales of the retail investors who received ownership of the try’s bourse. Reaching that threshold is vindi- proceeds. That revenue was to be shares were from the country, Arabian American Oil On its debut day of trading, cation for the Saudi government, directed into the Saudi sovereign while Saudi companies, funds and Company (Aramco) Aramco saw its shares open 10% which had long argued for a $2 wealth fund, the Public Investment government institutions comprised Nfrom US oil company partners and above its IPO share price of 32 riyals trillion valuation against substan- Fund (PIF), to spur investment as 75% of the institutional shares 31 years after the Saudi Arabian ($8.53) to hit 35.2 riyals ($9.39), tially lower estimates from within part of the kingdom’s economic sold. Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) was reaching the session percentage cap financial and oil industry circles. transformation programme known Even should the Aramco IPO ul- formally established, history was on price moves. In the second day The Saudi government settled as Saudi Vision 2030. timately garner close to $30 billion made December 11 when Saudi of trading, Aramco shares contin- on a $1.7 trillion figure for the IPO, After numerous setbacks, the in sales proceeds, it is a fraction Aramco shares began trading on ued to make strong gains, rising to though still convinced the higher scaled-back IPO focused primarily of the $100 billion that the Saudi the domestic stock exchange. 38.7 riyals ($10.32) before settling at valuation was justified. Speaking on a domestic and Gulf investor government had envisioned to re- Saudi Aramco shares performed 36.8 riyals ($9.81) by the end of the about the valuation on December 6, base with the sole listing on the shape the kingdom’s economy and robustly, the first two days of trad- session. Saudi Oil Minister Prince Abdulaziz Tadawul. Aramco stipulated that shift it away from being oil-centric ing on the Tadawul, temporarily The IPO delivered several firsts bin Salman Al Saud said: “It will be the 1.5% offering would be divided through strategic in-kingdom and raising the oil firm’s market valu- for the state energy firm. Aramco’s higher than the $2 trillion. I can bet into two tranches — 0.5% of shares foreign investments. ation past the $2 trillion threshold limited sale raised $25.6 billion this will happen.” dedicated to retail (individual) In an interview with Bloomb- that Saudi government officials had December 5 to take the title of the The Saudi government began investors and 1% of shares allotted erg News, Saudi Finance Minister world’s largest IPO, beating the buying participation interest in to institutional investors. Mohammed al-Jadaan said the PIF $25 billion record set by Chinese e- the original oil entity Aramco from The Saudi government pressed would be emphasising domestic commerce firm Alibaba in 2014. American oil company consortium wealthy Saudi families to make opportunities from the IPO earn- The Saudi company announced partners in 1973, starting with a large purchases and called on Gulf ings, saying “a lot of their alloca- that it may exercise all or part of a 25% stake, increasing to 60% the allies, through their sovereign tion will go into the local economy, Aramco reaching 15% “greenshoe” purchase option following year and, in 1980, acquir- wealth funds, to invest heavily in sectors that are promising, sectors the $2 trillion during the first 30 days of trading, ing 100% participation interest in the limited sale. The Saudi gov- that are large, requiring a large selling more shares should demand the oil company. In 1988, Saudi ernment encouraged its citizens investment that the private sector valuation dictate — potentially totalling 3.45 Aramco was formally established. through a robust public relations cannot really invest on their own.” threshold is billion shares. This could increase Riyadh set the ball rolling on campaign to take part in the his- the IPO’s sales proceeds to $29.4 the partial privatisation of Aramco toric opportunity to own a piece of Jareer Elass reports from vindication for the billion. in early 2016 when then-Deputy the oil firm. Washington on energy issues for Saudi government. With an initial valuation of $1.7 Crown Prince Mohammed bin The IPO proved immensely The Arab Weekly. 22 December 15, 2019 Society

The fearless women at the fore of Iraq’s protests

Oumayma Omar national identity beyond sectari- anism, divisions and fears. The abandoned building known as the Baghdad Turkish restaurant, where protest- ers have taken control, has become lad with the Iraqi flag, Oum a symbol of Iraq’s unity. Ali, 50, was operating two Commonly dubbed “October la- washing machines in her dies,” female protesters increased C “laundry of fortune,” which in number as the protests escalated, she installed at a corner overlook- noted Noor Ali, 26, a lawyer and ac- ing Tahrir Square, a main hub of the tivist. anti-government protests in Bagh- “In the beginning female pres- dad. ence was shy, which is expected in “I am washing the clothes of pro- Iraq’s conservative and patriarchal testers who have been sitting for society, but the ‘October ladies’ weeks, day and night, in the square have shaken the quagmire and that has become the home of all Ira- proved to be staunch combatants qis. It is a small contribution com- against those who want to restrain pared to the sacrifices made by the their role in this unique popular demonstrators,” said Oum Ali, who movement in Iraq,” Ali said. asked to be identified by her nick- “Women have defied big chal- name. lenges. Some were kidnapped. “I will not return home until the Others were threatened and in- fulfilment of our demands. We will timidated or prevented from going succeed, all of us, men, women and out. However, their determina- children. We all dream about a na- tion to participate broke taboos. tion where we can live in security, Today, the mentality has changed dignity and with full services and and many people are against ultra- rights,” she said, raising her hand in conservative religious trends that a victory sign. isolated women and confined them Oum Ali has camped at the square at home.” every day from dawn till midnight. The lives of Iraqi women are con- She is among thousands of women stantly threatened by militias and active in protests rocking Baghdad tribes. In October, a female activist and southern Iraq to demand an was assassinated with her husband overhaul of the political system. in her house. More than 400 people have been Male protesters have been largely killed and thousands wounded by supportive of the women’s role in security forces and unidentified the uprising. snipers since the protests started “Their (women’s) presence is very October 1. important in many aspects from do- After decades of war, violence nation collections to cleaning cam- and sanctions that have taken their paigns, cooking, baking, providing Breaking ground. Rana Husseini receiving the Arab Woman of the Year 2019 Award. medical services to protesters and (London Arabia Association) toll on women in the patriarchal so- ciety, their unprecedented partici- holding vigils to remember those pation in the protests is a remark- killed,” said activist Hussein Habib. able development that brought a “Women’s participation in the strong sense of belonging and pride. uprising is in fact a great test to Jordanian journalist’s award puts Some, like Dina Shaker, 35, have the Iraqi society. The reality of the defied their husbands and parents moment has overturned all expec- to attend the protests, sometimes tations as no single case of sexual joining demonstrations in secret. harassment was reported.” ‘honour killings’ in spotlight “I am present in the square since The uprising may be a turning October 25 despite my husband’s point for women but the road to disapproval. I help clear the space their freedom and rights is still Roufan Nahhas ilies not wanting to be asked about Alumna Award from the Oklahoma with other volunteers. During vio- filled with obstacles, said Bochra al the murder and officials did not rec- City University Alumna Associa- lent confrontations we help in as- Obeidi, a former member of Iraq’s ognise it. It was very hard to get the tion, Spanish Ciutat de L’Hospitalet sisting the wounded,” Shaker said. human rights commission. Amman information. On several occasions, I Award for the Defence of Human “It is natural that my husband “The uprising is about a national was asked to leave,” Husseini said. Rights and Peaceful Coexistence, fears for my safety and is concerned cause and public rights. All Iraqis ordanian journalist and ac- “Today, things have changed and the Ida B. Wells Award for Bravery about the society’s perception of my feel concerned regardless of age, tivist Rana Husseini received slowly we are getting there. Few in Journalism and Marie Claire Top work but I feel proud to contribute gender, restrictions and taboos,” the Arab Woman of the Year women are being killed in the name Ten Women of the World Award for in this national matter. We all want Obeidi said. J Award 2019 for Social Impact of honour by their husbands, broth- bringing attention to honour crimes a country where our children can “Women will eventually impose for her role in inspiring women to ers or cousins. I believe that Jordan against women in Jordan. live peacefully and with dignity. Be- themselves as full partners in the stand against violence and injustice has made solid progress in protect- She was among 11 people given sides, society should acknowledge society and in politics. They have they face from their families, hus- ing women.” Arab Women of the Year awards by that women’s role is as important as made sacrifices and helped uphold bands or society in general. While local media shied away Regent’s University London, Bices- men’s,” said the mother of five. the protests with great momen- An investigative journalist who from addressing honour killings, ter Village, the Fast Building Con- Women have been marginalised tum,” she said, adding that “the era exposed so-called crimes of honour traditionally considered as a taboo, tracting Company and the London and silenced by conservative Is- of Naziha al-Dulaimi (a pioneer of in Jordan, Husseini has dedicated Husseini continued reporting on the Arabia Association. The presenta- lamists for too long and they have the feminist movement in Iraq in herself to defending women’s rights crimes and pushing for the amend- tions were made December 6 in decided to make themselves heard, the 1940s and 1950s) will return in in a country where violence against ment of discriminate laws. London. she added. a stronger manner.” women has increased dramatically, “The people and officials looked Feeling the urge to attract more Near the Green Zone where gov- reaching 5,240 cases in 2018, the at me with hostility, saying it is not involvement of the global society, ernment offices are located, Tah- Oumayma Omar, who reports from Jordanian Ministry of Social Devel- my business to cover these issues Husseini wrote a book, “Murder rir Square has become a smaller Baghdad, is a contributor to the opment said. and that it is a family matter when a in the Name of Honour: The True Iraq where people create a collec- Culture and Society section of brother kills his sister for ‘honour,’” Story of One Woman’s Heroic Fight tive community and reclaim their The Arab Weekly. she said. Against an Unbelievable Crime,” While local media shied “Violence against women is an in- which focused on the conspiracy of away from addressing ternational phenomenon. Globally, silence surrounding honour crimes honour killings, Husseini one-in-three women is subjected and the stories behind them. An continued reporting on the to some kind of violence in her life estimated 69% of such crimes are whether sexually, freedom of move- committed by the brother of the crimes and pushing for the ment, financially or choosing a hus- victim. amendment of discriminate band, et cetera.” “The success of my book, I be- laws. Husseini has made a name for lieve, is because it tells the truth,” herself fighting for women’s rights. Husseini said. “I did not hide any- “These awards serve a noble She has received Al Hussein Decora- thing or exaggerate anything and cause and I believe when women tion for Distinguished Contribution, told stories as they were. I was ba- from different countries are being Second Order, bestowed by Jorda- sically addressing a problem, docu- recognised it is a great matter. The nian King Abdullah II, for her activ- menting what happened in Jordan awards recognised two other wom- ism regarding human rights and for and documenting the success made en from Bahrain and Kuwait un- defending women causes in 2007. by Jordan in deterring this phenom- der the topic ‘No Honour in Crime’ “Covering such a sensitive is- enon.” because they also work on fight- sue was not a walk in the park for “Definitely, it is not a religious is- ing gender-based violence in their a female journalist. I remember 20 sue but more of a social one. These countries,” Husseini said. years ago I drove to a small village crimes happen in all religions and all The conservative Jordanian soci- where a woman was murdered. The classes of society. Sometimes men ety was scandalised when Husseini people reacted angrily to my ques- are the victims as they are forced started writing about honour kill- tions and asked me to leave imme- to kill the women they are brought ings in the English-language daily diately. I received threatening e- up to love and care just because the the Jordan Times. mails and many people were critical people and the society around them “People simply did not want to of my work but I thank God nothing force them to do that,” she added. talk about it as they believe it is a harmful happened to me,” she said. family matter. In the beginning, we Husseini has received several Roufan Nahhas is a journalist based A watershed in history. An Iraqi protester paints on a concrete barrier faced many challenges such as fam- awards, including the Distinguished in Jordan. on al-Rasheed Street in Baghdad, December 5. (AFP) December 15, 2019 23 Culture

Curtain down Tunisian detainees impress with on Marrakech ‘revolutionary’ theatre performance International Film Festival Roua Khlifi Saad Guerraoui Tunis he curtain came down De- ctors took the stage sur- cember 7 on Morocco’s big- rounded by heightened gest film festival with Co- security as the audi- T lombia’s “Valley of Souls,” A ence cheered. They were directed by Nicolas Rincon Gille about to put on a play for Tunisia’s awarded the Etoile d’Or for best Carthage Theatre Days but it would film. be nothing like other performances. “Colombia is a country that peo- This event would be staged com- ple know very little about but, in pletely by Tunisian prisoners, part this film, I try to offer a glimpse of of an outreach initiative to provide the country and make us realise cultural activities to people behind how we are connected at the deep- bars. est human level,” Gille said. Besides the security presence, The Jury prize went to both Saudi the atmosphere was similar to that film “Last Visit” by Abdulmohsen of any other theatre event. The au- Aldhabaan and Chinese film “Mo- dience featured critics, guests and saic Portrait” by Zhai Yixiang. family members of the performers The best directing prize was on hand to see their relatives’ rare awarded to the Tunisian director moments of freedom through art. Ala Eddine Slim for his enigmatic The Prison Theatre Initiative, a film “Tlamess.” collaboration of Carthage Theatre British actors Nichola Burley and Days and Tunisia’s prison adminis- Roxanne Scrimshaw in Fyzal Bouli- tration, began in 2017 and has year- fa’s “Lynn + Lucy” shared the award long workshops and clubs ahead of Different perspective. A scene from the play representing the prison of Mornaguia, “Without Chains” of best female actor, while best the festival. by Afef Andari. (JTC) male actor award went to Australian “We are participating with 11 actor Toby Wallace in Shannon Mur- plays this year, eight by male pris- phy’s “Babyteeth.” oners and two by female prisoners passion for theatre while serving Guests commended the pro- through initiatives on a national The 18th Marrakech International in addition to one by minors in cor- his 5-year prison sentence. gramme and praised the quality of and international level. It should Film Festival (FIFM) ran for nine rectional centres,” said Tarek Feni, “The first experience was writ- the prison theatre performances. be an incentive to reduce prison days and included the screening vice-director at the General Admin- ing a poetry collection in prison Emirati playwright Abdallah sentences and invite prisoners to of more than 95 films represent- istration for Prisons. “It started with and the second one was the play, Rachid said “theatrical activities be more involved in cultural activi- ing 34 nationalities, with 14 feature one play in 2017 which evolved to ‘The Quake’,” he said. “Ever since in prison could revolutionise the ties and events.” films considered for the Etoile d’Or five plays last year only to have the I went into prison, I’ve known I world of prisons.” Tunisian artists expressed en- Award. number doubled this year.” made a mistake and have wanted thusiasm for the programme, FIFM President Moroccan Prince “This could be attributed to our to change my life. which they said brought a new per- Moulay Rachid said in a message faith in cultural activities and the “I chose to have my pen as my Carthage Theatre Days spective to the theatre. on the festival’s website that the effect of theatre on prisoners,” he companion while doing my time Director Hatem Derbal “I have never worked in prisons festival again highlighted the depth added. “There are even competi- and the prison supervisors helped said the experience before but I went to the women’s and beauty of cinema: a programme tions between prisons and even find the artist in me. I also started positively affected both prison… I was amazed by the sto- lush with discoveries, centred on a among prisoners for this event.” participating in different clubs and prisoners and theatre ries, the feeling… They were not competition revealing new talent Carthage Theatre Days Director found a passion for theatre, both professionals. prisoners. They were people who under the eye of a jury led by British Hatem Derbal said the experience performing on stage and writing.” were able to learn fast and add their actor and producer Tilda Swinton. positively affected both prisoners Ahmed Ourabi, director of the “When I watched the first show own contribution,” said choreog- The festival honoured Australian and theatre professionals. prison rehabilitation unit, empha- two years ago, I felt the authentic- rapher and dance director Nawal cinema through the screening of “We have 11 shows with around sised the importance of prisoners ity and truth in the performance Skandrani. more than 25 films at various ven- 119 participants from the different maintaining the programme’s goals of the actors. They were telling “Today, I believe there is some- ues in Marrakech. prisons of the country who are per- after finishing their sentence. stories with this authentic and pro- thing we can do beyond the walls. Celebrities, including award-win- forming on stage in a professional “The project began as an ini- fessional performance. There is life The future is in front of us and es- ning French actress Marion Cotil- framework like any other profes- tiative to transform prison into a outside the story, which shows in pecially we should never forget our lard and British-Australian actress sional show, which is unique,” Der- space for creative freedom and take the work of actors. Also, you could dreams and hopes. Those female Naomi Watts, walked the red carpet bal said. part in one of the most important see that there is trust between the prisoners were proof.” on the opening night of the festival. Last year, the award for best play theatre festivals, Carthage Thea- prisoners and guards,” Rachid said. Ourabi said he hopes to establish The FIFM paid tribute to the leg- from the initiative went to Gafsa tre Days,” Ourabi said. “Theatre is “The following edition, the per- a festival dedicated to prison thea- endary American film-maker Rob- prison’s theatrical company for its definitely one of the most expres- formances of prisoners were better tre around the country. ert Redford, whose six-decade ten- play “al-Raja” (“The Quake”), writ- sive forms of art through which with prisoners acting like profes- ure made him one of Hollywood’s ten by prisoner Farouk Jalleb. individuals can live stories, tackle sionals. It was real theatre and this Roua Khlifi is a regular Travel most iconic figures of contemporary Jalleb, who also attended activi- issues in the text and express their experience shows that we have a and Culture contributor to cinema. ties this year, said he discovered a dreams.” historical responsibility to work The Arab Weekly. The festival also paid tribute to veteran French film-maker Ber- trand Tavernier, Moroccan actress Mouna Fettou and Bollywood icon Fadhel Jaibi’s artistic vision at the helm of Tunisia’s National Theatre Priyanka Chopra Jonas. “What an honour it is to be given Mohamed Naceur Mouelhi theatrical act. Jaibi noted that the mances by foreign groups. The idea long event celebrating World Thea- this recognition from peers in Mo- Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts is to expose Tunisian theatre-goers tre Day. Next March, the National rocco and abroad!” said Fettou. in Tunis produced generations of and professionals to theatrical ex- Theatre will be hosting British di- Jonas said she was thrilled to be Tunis theatre professionals who were ex- periences otherwise inaccessible to rector Peter Brook, who has won returning to Marrakech, after at- cellent on the intellectual, theoreti- them. Tony and Emmy Awards and a Lau- tending the festival in 2012 for the irector of the National The- cal and even practice levels but he Jaibi said hosting foreign theatri- rence Olivier Award. tribute to Hindi cinema. atre of Tunisia Fadhel Jaibi found deficiencies at the level of cal productions continues through Jaibi does not hide his satisfac- “It is such an honour to be rec- said he “reluctantly ac- actors’ training. Hence his push for the year but there is a special week- tion in the full turn-around in the ognised this year with a tribute on D cepted to lead the institu- the Actor’s Studio, which he opened Tunisian National Theatre, which Jemaa El Fna Square before the tion to save it from collapse because to actors with or without prior the- went from a period of stagnation Moroccan public, who have always of the frustration it experienced in atrical training. and lack of spectators to achiev- shown so much love and support addition to lacking the appropriate It’s been five years since the Ac- ing record attendance. throughout my career,” said Jonas. infrastructure and an overall vision tor’s Studio was established. So far, Two of Jaibi’s plays, “Violence” Some 28 film projects in devel- for the institution.” 85 professionals have graduated and “Fear,” have been produced opment and post-production from Jaibi, a playwright and director, from the studio, which has acquired by the National Theatre. They 14 countries were presented at the insisted he is laying the foundations legal status as the Applied School were both popular and critical Atlas Workshops, which seek to en- for a comprehensive theatrical ex- for Theatrical Arts. It offers pro- successes. For Jaibi, these were hance the network of film profes- perience for patrons. grammes that end with officially ac- significant box office hits, a rarity sionals from Africa and the Middle He said theatre in Tunisia is re- credited professional certificates. In for the National Theatre East by offering a preview of their gressing because some involved addition to acting, the school offers Jaibi pointed out that both new projects for television buyers, chose the easy way and quality training in directing, script writing plays were part of a trilogy that festival directors and sales agents. scripts and intellectual creativity and scenography. critics described as sombre and The FIFM offered more than 100 have been lacking. In his view, intel- Jaibi insisted that his theatrical pessimistic. He said that, through blind and visually impaired guests lectual crises are mainly structural, project is open to all, regardless his plays, he was digging with from across Morocco the opportunity political, material and legal. For of experience, and that it is ready artistic tools in the depths of an- to follow films in audio-description those reasons, Jaibi focused on an to produce distinguished theatri- thropology to expose untold sto- through a voice-over text that de- integrated theatre project around cal works for which it will provide ries of oppression, repression, vi- scribes visual elements of the work. an “Actor’s Studio,” whose creation production distribution support. In olence, fear of time and man and The Festival Foundation organ- was one of his basic conditions for five years, the National Theatre pro- other assorted ghosts. ised a free cataract surgery cam- accepting to lead the National Thea- duced 22 works directed by promi- Jaibi said the tentative title of paign, conducted in partnership tre. nent Tunisian directors. the third instalment of his tril- with the Hassan II Foundation of Theatre, Jaibi said, is an ancient In addition to focusing on pro- ogy is “A Dream,” a combination Ophthalmology and the Health beat-up art so it must constantly re- duction and distribution, Jaibi gives A journey filled with popular of bright and a frightening dream, a Ministry, involving many Arab and new itself or risk disappearing. a great deal of importance to host- and critical successes. world between two extremes. Moroccan celebrities. He said the three pillars of the ing foreign theatrical productions. Director of the National theatre are text, direction and ac- Every year, the National Theatre Theatre of Tunisia Fadhel Jaibi. Mohammed Naceur Mouelhi is a Full version of this article appears on tor. The latter is the essence of the is the venue for a variety of perfor- (Al Arab) Tunisian writer. www.thearabweekly.com 24 December 15, 2019 Arab Heritage www.thearabweekly.com

Agenda

Tunis: Through December 21

The sixth Edokkeniet, the New Year of Designers Festival, brings together artisans and designers to showcase local decoration, fashion and food products. The event takes place at Edokken showroom in La Marsa Tunis.

Abu Dhabi: Through December 24

Al Dhafra Festival in the United Arab Emirates is a major inter- national event inspired by the authentic Emirati Bedouin spirit. It features more than a dozen heritage activities and competi- tions, including a camel beauty contest, camel races, poetry, dates competitions and a falcon competition.

Beirut: Moroccan workers prepare soft dates for storing. (Direction du Patrimoine Culturel du Maroc) Through January 6

Organised by the Sursock Mu- seum with the support of the Musee national Picasso-Paris Date palm heritage in Arab in the framework of Picasso- Mediterranee, “Picasso et la famille” explores Pablo Picasso’s relationship to the notion of the family. Bringing together draw- world celebrated by UNESCO ings, etchings, paintings and sculptures, the exhibition spans 77 years of artistic creation. The Arab Weekly staff from the tough desert climate. “One could go as far as to say that, Dubai: had the date palm not existed, the Through February 18 Tunis expansion of the human race into the hot and barren parts of the ‘old’ “La Perle” features 65 artists t may have been the first tree cul- world would have been much more from 23 countries performing tivated by humans, who started restricted,” the FAO said. amazing stunts and aerial antics harvesting its fruit more than Experts disagree about the ori- above an on-stage pool filled 7,000 years ago. gin of the date palm but it prob- with 2.7 million litres of water in I a state-of-the-art, custom-built Its fruit is mentioned in the Quran ably came from the Fertile Crescent at least 20 times, scholars say, and between Egypt and Mesopotamia. theatre. The show takes place at twice as many times in the Bible. Dates were a staple of the Indus Al Habtoor City. The Sumerians called it the “Tree of Valley Civilisation, which stretched Knowledge of Good and Evil.” The through Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tozeur: UN Food and Agriculture Organisa- north-western India, and were pop- December 25-28 tion (FAO) said “few plant species ular in ancient Rome. They followed have developed into an agricultural trade routes to Spain and, historians The Tozeur International Oasis crop so closely connected with hu- said, reached Mexico and California Festival, in southern Tunisia, man life.” by the mid-1700s. will feature art exhibitions and Now, the date palm and its tradi- The date palm has long been a musical performances along tions have been included on UN- symbol of prosperity in the Arab A Palestinian farmer checks the palm tree fruit to make sure it is with displays of local food and ESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural world. It is also associated with disease-free. (Culture & Arts Association, Palestine) traditional crafts. Artists from Heritage of Humanity. The agency fertility. Trees are either male or various countries will perform congratulated the 14 Middle Eastern female, with the latter bearing the and interact with visitors. countries that put forward the nomi- sought-after dates. nation and praised the date palm’s The tree has been immortalised Muscat: role in civilisation. in art and literature as well as holy January 16-February 15 “Date palm knowledge, skills, tra- texts. In Islamic culture, dates are ditions and practices have played among the first foods eaten after The annual Muscat Festival in a pivotal role in strengthening the the sun sets during Ramadan. Many Oman will feature nightly fire- connection between people and Jewish scholars contend that the works, traditional Omani music the land in the Arab region, help- Bible’s reference to “a land flowing performances, local cuisine, ing them face the challenges of the with milk and honey” was an allu- craft displays, exhibitions from harsh desert environment,” UNESCO sion to honey from dates. regional countries and tradition- said in a statement December 11. To celebrate their date palm herit- al dancing. age, some countries have annual fes- tivals, notably the Liwa Date Festival Marrakech: The date palm has long in the United Arab Emirates and the January 26 been a symbol of Dates Festival in Al-Qassim in Saudi prosperity in the Arab Arabia. More than 8,000 runners from world. It is also associated The date palm has an intriguing all over the world will be racing with fertility. future. Scientists are studying the in the Marrakech International tree as a source for biofuel, a so- Marathon in Morocco. Many in- “This historic relationship in the called carbon sink and as a crop ca- ternational sports personalities region has produced a rich cultural pable of withstanding drought. The will participate in the race while heritage of related practices between FAO puts the annual global produc- various touristic activities and people in the region — knowledge tion of dates at about 8.5 million street shows take place during and skills maintained to this day.” tonnes, with countries in the Mid- the event. The date palm is the signature dle East and North Africa the largest tree of desert oases, the rare shade producers. Beirut: provider that produces sweet, deli- The date palm’s longevity is also February 18-March 22 cious fruit. Its scientific name, Phoe- legendary: reports indicate that one nix dactylifera, refers to the ancient of its seeds successfully spouted af- Al Bustan International Festival Phoenicians, who were among its ter being dormant for 2,000 years. of Music and the Performing first exporters. The date palm has The countries that nominated the Arts is a musical celebration that been crucial to life in the Middle date palm for UNESCO cultural herit- takes place at various venues in East, North Africa and South Asia for age status were Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Beirut and promotes music from millennia. Jordan, Kuwait, Mauritania, Moroc- all over the world. The festival This was not lost on the nominat- co, Oman, the Palestinian territories, includes orchestral concerts, ing countries, which wrote: “Date Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, the choral music, opera and dance palms gather in oases of different United Arab Emirates and Yemen. performances. densities within desert areas indi- The designation was made at the cating the presence of water levels 14th session of the Intergovernmen- We welcome submissions of suitable for irrigation. As a result, tal Committee for the Safeguarding calendar items related to this aided mankind in settling down of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in cultural events of interest to despite harsh conditions.” Bogota, Colombia. travellers in the Middle East The FAO noted that the date palm The countries must submit a re- and North Africa. provided a high-energy food that port to the UNESCO committee eve- could be easily stored and carried, ry six years on measures they have Please send tips to: while its towering trunks, some taken to safeguard “the intangible A Yemeni man climbs a palm tree using a rope belt to remove dry [email protected] reaching 36 metres, offered shelter cultural heritage in their territories.” branches. (UNESCO)