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July 2021 | Issue 25 A Monthly Newspaper Issued by The Levant News Media International - London Founder & Director: Thaer Alhajji | Chief Editor: Shiyar Khaleal

Ebrahim How will Communique Syria’s Raessi’s & Bennett differ Diplomacy in Biden-Putin ’s economic from Bibi? Summit problems

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Biden says Iran will ‘never’ get a nuclear

During a meeting in the Oval Office weapon on his watch with outgoing Israeli president Reuven Rivlin on Monday, President Joe Biden reassured his counterpart about the concerns expressed by as a result of the ongoing talks in Vienna with Iran, and promised him that the will prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear arsenal on his watch. “What I could say is that Iran will never get a nuclear weapon on my watch,” Biden affirmed. The US President confirmed that he had issued orders to carry out raids on Iranian- backed militias, on the Iraqi-Syrian border. Biden indicated that the strikes he ordered were to protect and defend the safety of American forces, weaken and disrupt the ongoing series of attacks against the United States and its allies, in addition to deterring Iran and its backed militias from launching or supporting further attacks on his country's personnel and facilities. American president Joe Biden and his Israeli counterpart Reuven Rivlin

Brussels prepares to impose Rome Conference: U.S. announces more sanctions on Lebanon’s officials than $436 million for the People of Syria The European Unionlegal mechanism is ready, we will While the world awaits a clear In this regard, US Secretary of State revealed that it is discussing, decide the names then things and specific position from the United Anthony Blinken affirmed in a statement among other topics, imposing be ready to implementation”, States of America regarding the Syrian issued by his ministry that his country sanctions on Lebanese political adding that their “goal is file, the American strikes on the pro- "remains committed to supporting the officials, pointing out that as not to impose sanctions on Iranian Iraqi militias in Syria came the Syrian people and promoting respect soon as the legal mechanism is politicians, but rather to push day after the tripartite meeting held for the dignity and human rights of all ready, the EU will decide the them towards carrying out their in Baghdad with Jordanian-Egyptian Syrians." names then things will be ready to responsibilities. participation. Meanwhile, the United States of implementation. He said that the 's The strikes coincided with anAmerica announced lifting sanctions on In a statement to a local channel foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, international meeting of the coalition tools, equipment, and devices related to in Lebanon, the European conveyed a clear message to held in Rome recently, with the the diagnosis and treatment of people Union Ambassador to Lebanon officials during his recent visit participation of 83 ministers and infected with the Corona pandemic in Ralph Tarraf said: "We are to Lebanon, saying to them that delegations from member states, during Syria, and the provision of 436 million discussing imposing sanctions "you cannot continue political which the United States pledged to dollars in additional assistance to on Lebanese political officials competition while the Lebanese continue its efforts to uproot ISIS from displaced Syrians and refugees inside in Brussels, and as soon as the people are starving." Syria and Iraq. Syria and neighboring countries. Reports Iran’s presidential election in the sizzling

In a situation where summer! the scorching temperature in some parts of Iran has reached above 50 degrees Celsius, and some Iranian cities are being recognized as the hottest cities globally, in recent days, electricity in many parts of Iran has been cut off for various reasons for consecutive hours. As a result of this power outage, not only people can use the minimum cooling equipment to reduce heat pressure but also many production units have been shut down, and many other facilities, including hospitals without emergency generators, are facing increasing problems. The electricity interruption has caused the death of many patients with Covid-19 due Elections headquarters staff work to register candidates for the June 18 presidential elections to oxesion system failure. presidential election are expressing their anger dams as the main reason for scale electronic currency rhetoric, Rouhani, in the This has raised the anger and with the regime’s hollow the electricity shortage due extraction farms that last days of his government, protest of the people who, promises, mismanagement to reduced snow and rainfall consume a lot of electricity. wants to reduce the people’s even without this problem, and corruption with their in the winter and spring. Still, This has made Iran the anger. But the situation in have faced other issues gatherings and in social people do not accept this second country after Iran, according to some such as skyrocketing prices, media . They do not believe and consider corruption in to extract cryptocurrencies. leaders of the regime, is very unemployment and shortages in the empty promises of the government as the main Due to the low price of volatile. of essential food items such the presidential candidates cause of electricity shortages. electricity in Iran, even other It exemplifies a barrel as cooking oil, chicken meat, who, like in the past, offer Because after 42 years of countries have officiallyof gunpowder that can eggs, rice, etc. The people promises and forget all of mullah’s reign, while Iran has and unofficially established explode any Day. Khamenei have to wait in long queues them once in power. The the second-largest natural gas cryptography farms with the is well aware of the situation for hours to purchase these people are looking reserves in the world and can agreement and cooperation and people’s discontent and necessities. As a result of all to a regime change and a free easily supply electricity to the of government agencies such had to ask the Guardian these the discontent of the democratic Iran. whole country by gas power as the Revolutionary Guards. Council to disqualify ex- people towards the regime In reality, this election, like plants, the regime has spent Of course, the income government officials such as has reached an explosion other elections in Iran, is tens of billions of dollars to from this investment is not Larijani (a two-time speaker level. a battle zone for different build a nuclear power plant in benefiting the pockets of the of the parliament) and This dissatisfaction with the rivals and factions within the Bushehr to follow its atomic people but the pockets of Ahmadinejad (a 2-time ex- current situation shows itself regime to grasp more share of programs. government affiliates such as president) as candidates to in daily protest rallies, sit-ins, power. The candidates by no Studies have shown that the Revolutionary Guards. prevent any possible rivalry gatherings, in different cities means represent the people. one of the reasons for the The revelation of this issue that would have potentially across Iran. The people’s This year, in particular,lack of electricity is the has increased the anger of set the scene for a widespread demands include their back everyone knows that Ali high consumption due to a the people so much that uprising similar to the one salaries, high inflation,Khamenei, the supreme large number of electronic Hassan Rouhani was forced that took the regime by unemployment. leader, is trying to pull out currency mining farms. In to ostensibly announce surprise in November 2019. The People have decided to Ra’isi’s name out of the ballot order to compensate for that the production of Because, Khamenei is now showcase their dismay and boxes. For that reason, this some of its foreign exchange cryptocurrencies will be incapable of suppressing the dissatisfaction by boycotting year’s presidential election is deficits, which it has faced banned until the end of demonstrations like then , the regime’s sham presidential more meaningless than ever. due to the US embargos, September and the electricity and as a result it could lead election scheduled to be held The government has cited the Iranian regime has, in of all these centers should to the overthrow of the on June 18, 2021. The people the lack of water behind the recent years, set up large- be cut off. By offering such regime. The Levant | Issue 25 - July 2021 2 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Reports Ebrahim Raessi’s plans to solve Iran’s economic problems! according to the government Iranian farmers are facing an even lives. Cyrus Yaqubi officials, more than 35% of people in worse situation, almost everyday Another important point that Iran’s metropolitan areas have been news of farmers’ protests is seen in demonstrates Ibrahim Raessi’s driven to shantytowns in outskirts different parts of the country. They mentality is his disregard for women, While according to all of cities due to inability to pay high protest the loss of their products who make up half of the country’s Iranian and world economists, Iran’s rents and live-in squalid housings due to mismanagement of water population. Even in his unrealistic economy is in despair and collapsing that lack the minimum necessities of resources and artificial price control and empty claims about solving the so much that all economic affairs a family. not based on supply and demand, economic problems of the society, indicators show extreme instability, Many attribute Ra’isi’s claim to the fact which of course are all rooted he did not mention anything the presidential candidates in their that he received classical education in institutionalized corruption about the conditions of women in election debates each make strange only at the level of elementary throughout government agencies. economic affairs or the elimination claims to remedy this situation. school and then attended seminary Because a small number of people of discrimination against them. Of course, according to experts, therefore has no understanding of connected to the regime’s leaders are For example, in the past year, more none of them are real and practical. economic issues. the mafia who control the import of than 770,000 women have lost their For example, while more than a While inflation is currently above 50% all industrial and food items. They jobs, which was 14 times more than quarter of the country’s youth, in Iran and 80% of people live below use government subsidies and import men who have been unemployed amounting to more than 16 million, the poverty line, and they should goods at government exchange rate, during the same period. are unemployed, Ebrahim Raessi stand in long queues for hours to get which is one sixth of the free market, He has not mentioned what role claimed that it would be easy not the most basic foodstuffs like cooking and sell goods at free market exchange women will play in his future only to create jobs for these young oil, chicken or eggs at government rate making huge profit. They have government either, and whether people, but also to provide them rate, and thousands of production caused market instability and the any woman minister will be in his with housing so that they could get units have been shut down due to collapse of domestic industrial and cabinet. Of course, this is something married and start a family! bankruptcy, and their workers have agricultural production. that should not be expected, given He argued that while he was in charge joined the ranks of the unemployed, A poultry farmer says that the price his and other candidates’ patriarchal of Astan Quds Razavi Foundation in Jobs that did not previously exist in he must pay to buy his chicken feed mentality. Mashhad, he was able to solve the Iran, such as dumpster diving, have is higher than the price he earns Therefore, the majority of Iranians, housing problem of several young become commonplace, and many from selling his chickens because especially women, have stated that people by building 10 blocks of have even resorted to subsistence by people connected to Regime’s they will not vote in this election at buildings, and he could also build selling their organs such as kidneys leaders control the chicken feed all and have boycotted it because one million housing units in the and eyes, etc. market. Other farmers were forced to they believe that all these candidates first year of his term and resolve Without presenting any real and abandon their onion and fruit crops are the same and whoever comes to the unemployment problems of 16 achievable plans, Raessi spoke of because the cost of collecting and power will not change the situation in million young people! increasing production capacity and selling them was higher than similar Iran. Their demand is a fundamental According to him, the main problem activating the maritime economy for imported products, and thus these change and overthrow of the Velayat- of housing is land and Iran is a vast job creation! farmers and poultry farmers not only e-Faqih system. They believe that country and there is no shortage This situation is not only related went bankrupt but also could not this situation can only be changed by of land. His claim was made while, to industrial production, but also even pay for expenses of their daily regime change.

The Levant | Issue 25 - July 2021 3 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Reports After Netanyahu unseated will the "alliance of necessity" withstand the

There is no doubt that challenges? among Palestinians, according to the Netanyahu will be the world's fiercest Palestinian Red Crescent. opponent, having lost the power Media reports stated that Israeli he had held for nearly 12 years. He warplanes raided military will use political evasion. The new compounds belonging to Hamas. government, indeed, represents only According to the Israeli army, the minority because most Israelis the raids came in response to the tend to lean more to the right, and launching of incendiary balloons Netanyahu has vowed to work from the Gaza Strip towards Israeli through the opposition to bring down territory. Israel launched airstrikes the government, which he considered on the densely populated sector for “dangerous” and “a failure.” the first time since it announced a The new Prime Minister of the Israeli ceasefire on May 22, after 11 days of government, Naftali Bennett, took fighting. advantage of the political split in the Naftali Bennett Binyamin Netanyahu Israeli right to form this government, The Israeli government and which is made up of parties with they have gotten rid of Netanyahu. Re-escalation between Israel the challenges of the Iranian different ideologies. Once in power, the new government nuclear program Bennett has many obstacles that he will face several challenges, including and the Palestinians needs to overcome, but it has for tension in the public sphere, such Bennett took over the government In a speech by Naftali Bennett, at the now won American administration’s as the right's controversial march. after protests erupted in Eastopening of the Knesset voting session support. The US President, Joe Biden, Hamas has threatened to respond Jerusalem and the West Bank over on the new Israeli government, he congratulated Bennett after the Israeli to the march, known as the "Flags threats to expel Palestinian families indicated that he plans to maintain parliament gave its confidence to the March." The rally was first called from their homes in Jerusalem's Netanyahu's policies towards Iran, new coalition. off on May 10 and again last week. Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood for stressing that "Resuming a nuclear deal with Iran is a mistake that will Iran was at the centre of the Netanyahu had sought for the march settlement associations. The ceasefire legitimize one of the world's most opposition leader's speech, Benjamin to take place before Sunday's vote between Tel Aviv and the Palestinian violent regimes." Netanyahu, who believes that the under a specific agreement between factions in the Gaza Strip was violated for the first time. He made it clear that he would current government is weak and police and organizers. There were reports of an attempted not allow Iran to acquire nuclear cannot confront the United States' His opponents accused him of run-over and stabbing near Hizma weapons, saying: "Israel is not part desire to return to an agreement with inflaming the situation and using a Tehran or take actions against it. village near Ramallah. The Israeli of the nuclear agreement, and will "scorched earth" policy. The march army spokesman, Avichai Adraee, retain 'complete freedom of action' was the first test of the new Israeli reported an attempt to run over and on Iran.” He said that t he 2015 Joint government, headed by Naftali The differing ideologies increase stab in a double attack plot in the Comprehensive Plan of Action Bennett. the fragility of the alliance West Bank. The plot comes after granted Iran international legitimacy Hundreds of ultra-nationalist Israelis Observers believe that the diversity clashes between Israel and armed and billions of dollars to build chanting "Death to Arabs" marched of the new government as a good factions in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli terrorist outposts in Syria, Gaza and across East Jerusalem on Tuesday, thing, they see in it a group of people army launched airstrikes on a Hamas Lebanon. And Yemen. threatening to reignite violence after who know how to work together and training site in the southern Gaza Netanyahu warned that Iran was weeks of the war against Hamas compromise. It will be a unique set- Strip in retaliation to launching rejoicing at the formation of Israel's up because there is no clear leader in militants in the Gaza Strip. incendiary balloons from Gaza weak new government. He criticized the government. The Palestinians in Gaza responded towards Israeli farms. That was the Bennett, saying, "I heard what However, the problem for this by launching incendiary balloons that first confrontation between the two Bennett said about standing firm government is that its only common set at least ten fires in southern Israel. sides since the ceasefire ended 11 days against Iran, and I'm concerned denominator is getting rid of At the same time, Israeli Foreign of fighting last month and resulted because Bennett is doing the opposite Netanyahu. Observers anticipate that Minister Yair Lapid condemned in hundreds of deaths and injuries, of what he promises." the new government will not survive those who chant racist slogans. It is most of whom were Palestinians, in According to Netanyahu, Bennett beyond a few weeks because it a disgrace to Israel, adding, “There the Hamas-controlled strip. does not have the international combines three elements, the Right, are extremists in Israel who see the On Tuesday, East Jerusalem witnessed standing, knowledge, government, the Left, and the Arabs, who do not Israeli flag a symbol of hatred and a demonstration of far-right activists or public confidence that could be have any common denominator. racism. It is a disgrace that could not in the Bab al-Amoud area, which taken seriously when tackling the Hence, differences will arise once be tolerated." resulted in more than 30 injuries Iranian threat. The Levant | Issue 25 - July 2021 4 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Reports What brings together Hamas and the Houthis in Yemen?

Rasha Ammar

Hamad sparked international outrage over the meeting that brought together the movement’s representative in Sana’a, Moaz Abu Shamala, with leaders of the Houthi militia. The meeting took place hours after the “Ma’rib” massacre, that was carried out by the Houthi, and killed dozens of civilians, including children. During the meeting, Abu Shamala praised what he described as the initiatives launched by the militia leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, referring to the call to raise funds, Armed members of the Houthi movement visit the grave of Houthi senior official Saleh al-Sammad at al-Sabeen Square in Sanaa which Later on, provoked disputes between the militia leaders. In an widespread criticism. It portrays itself Yemenis and the Arab is the timing Iranian anti-Arab axis, which seeks official statement, Hamas described as the defender of the Palestinian in which Hamas leader in Yemen to spread the ideology of Khomeini's the meeting between one of its people against aggression, however, honored one of the most prominent revolution. leaders and the Houthi leader, which it applauds a militia that commits Houthi leaders, hours after Houthis Trading with the Palestinian cause involved awarding him “shield of crimes, including genocide, against carried out a horrific massacre in Juma’a says: “The Palestinian factions, honour”, as an act that “does not the Yemeni people. Marib, which killed and injured specifically Hamas, have turned the represent us”. Al-Faqih points out the ongoing dozens, including children and Palestinian cause into a political card Experts and observers linked the coordination over the past years women. that the regional parties use to serve meeting to the close relations between the Brotherhood and the In a statement to Levantnews, the their own interests, it even declares between Hamas and Iran on one Houthi militia in several Yemeni Yemeni researcher explained that the its approval this exploitation. hand, as the Houthi militia is Tehran's regions, as they seek to achieve the Houthis were keen to benefit from the Hamas thinks that gambling with the armed group in Yemen. On the biggest possible gains. They share the wide Arab support for Hamas after its Palestinian cause card is crucial to other hand, they pointed out that same agenda and objectives dictated recent war with Israel, in which it hit resolving the crisis, but reality shows the meeting was part of ongoing by Tehran and the international Tel Aviv and many Israeli cities with that the opposite is true. coordination between the two parties organization of the Brotherhood. advanced military missiles. He adds that Hamas, following the under Iranian auspices, even if Hamas The meeting is neither strange nor latest Israeli war on Gaza, tried to denies this and tries to ward off the surprising, as some felt; it is simply portray itself as the real victor, but relation. part of a series of understandings Regional axis the actual reality on the ground that have been reached between the Ahmed Jumaa, a researcher in contradicts that. two parties aimed at extending the Palestinian affairs, says the problem Gaza is devastated, due to Israel's Two sides of the same coin conflict and deepening the crisis in with the Palestinian factions is that suffocating siege on the Strip, and The Yemeni politician, Muhammad the country in favor of Iranian and they drag Palestine into the regional Tel Aviv is adamant not to open the al-Faqih, believes that Hamas and Brotherhood agendas. players game to serve their political crossings and allow the entry of al-Houthi are two sides of the same interests, whether in Gaza or the West goods to Gaza. coin, and they are linked by central Bank. Their actions indicate that they He stresses the need for the cooperation with Tehran. Iran is the key do not have the political will to for Palestinian forces and factions to put It is not surprising that the Hamas The Yemeni political researcher, reconciliation, which led the Arabs to the Palestinian cause aside and keep representative extended his gratitude Majed Al-Daari, says that the links overlook the Palestinian cause. it away from the politics of regional to Al-Houthi hours after the horrific between the Houthis and Hamas are Jumaa added, “Hamas recognises the powers. To him, it is a just because that massacre they carried out in Marib not new, rather an extension of the importance of its relations with Iran should not be dragged into narrow and shook the world with pictures of relations between Iran and all its allies and seeks to get closer to Tehran by factional and partisan conflicts. This burned children’s bodies. in the , whether with Hamas strengthening its links to the armed will deprive the Palestine cause of In a statement to "Leventnews", Al- or some other Palestinian resistance factions that receive direct Iranian a lot of support, pushing Arabs to Faqih highlighted the contradiction movements. support, especially in Lebanon and abandon it, in light of the polices of illustrated by Hamas, which sparked What caused resentment to the Syria. This relation put Hamas in the the armed factions in Gaza. The Levant | Issue 25 - July 2021 5 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Interview Ilham Ahmed: The regime has received reassuring signals vindicating its policies, and we working on unifying the national opposition followed by international powers. Ammar Zeidan The Kurds are an important part of the Syrian people. They have made great sacrifices throughout the years "Levant News" interviewed of the Syrian crisis. They fought Ilham Ahmed, head of the executive against the terrorist organizations, body of the Syrian Democratic and they are now subjected to the Council, to talk about the relationship worst forms of abuse and violation. with the Syrian regime, what the SDC They have been victim of systematic thinks of the pro-Turkish opposition, displacement in Afrin and Ras al- and the Autonomous Administration’s Ain; while their social identity has decision not to participate in the work been targeted in the rest of the of the Constitutional Committee, regions. Therefore, it is only natural among other issues. for them to seek to resolve their struggle and enhance their existence ■ How do you see the relationship in any political process related to the between the Autonomous Ilham Ahmed Syrian crisis. Administration in north and east Syria and the Syrian regime after reassured the regime about the of the importance of the international ■ What is the future of Syria the presidential elections? Is there advisability of its policies. We believe factor in the Syrian crisis, and the in general and the regions of any communication between the that this strategy leads to wasting more difficulty of achieving any progress northeastern Syria in particular? two parties? opportunities to bring about stability without international legitimacy. ■ I would have liked to talk about ■ In fact, the Syrian regime has not in Syria. Moreover, reconstruction the possibility of a solution soon, but shown any openness towards its is linked to the political process in ■ How does The Syrian Democratic Syria is, unfortunately, is torn by a opponents, especially the national Syria, therefore the economy and Council see the Turkish-backed bitter conflict. Its social and political democratic opposition that accepts the living conditions cannot improve opposition? Are we going to witness structure is disintegrating. There are a political solution. The regime still while the regime continues to reject an agreement between the SDC and many parties that do not want this sees the military solution as the any political solution or initiative. those parties in the coming period? conflict to end; they to see further main and only solution to the Syrian We were and are still open to dialogue divisions and fragmentations among conflict. We have seen how the ■ Does the Autonomous with all Syrians without exception. Syrians. The scene is uncertain, regime responded to international Administration seek to gain the It is a fundamental principle for us. especially when Syrians are not pressures and participated in Geneva regime recognition, in parallel with We feel impowered by our clear capable of making their decisions and Astana talks with the armed external recognition and support? national and political project, which independently. opposition, which has committed ■ We believe that it is fundamentally we are happy to discuss with various We cannot predict the future, but the most horrendous violations important for the dialogue and parties. However, the problem with we hope that we will overcome against Syrians in Idlib, Afrin, Ras al- solution to be Syrian in the first some Syrians is that, driven by them this predicament, embark on Ain and Tal Abyad. place. This is crucial for enhancing strive to survive and protect their establishing sustainable peace and As for the Autonomous the necessary national competence families, they have become pawns stability, and end the occupation Administration, it has expressed to carry out the work and fulfil our in the hands of the regional players of Syrian land. This can only be its readiness to engage in dialogue political project. We have always which have exploited their plight to achieved through delivering justice and find a formula for a political made our position clear regarding serve their own interests. for all Syrians, and recognising and solution, in line with UN Resolution the importance of internal Syrian respecting the ethnic, religious 2254. However, the regime rejects dialogue, not only with the regime, ■ What does the Syrian and cultural diversity of Syria. The any dialogue with the Autonomous but we insist on including the national Democratic Council think about central government cannot solve Administration, and wants to and democratic Syrian opposition, the Kurdish-Kurdish dialogue and Syria's problems and will not make return to the pre-2011 government in which we see a real partner and its implications on the regions of it a strong and stable country. We structure. a front to push the regime to accept northeastern Syria? also believe that northeastern Syria In my opinion, the regime is trying the political solution. However, we ■ This is a different course, but it and the form of self-administration to win time and avoid making any are facing a serious problem with the is complementary to the rest of the based on social contract between the compromise. We believe that the opposition affiliated with Turkey; internal Syrian dialogues. It has components of the region is the best signals Damascus has received from there is no room for democracy in its been welcomed by the public and approach to resolving the Syrian some Arab and Western capitals, ideology or actions. We are also aware officials alike. It has also been closely conflict. The Levant | Issue 25 - July 2021 6 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion

The rebirththe Brotherhood of in 1979.Palestinianuncharismatic. Although Islamic having of rockets Jihad they had at the start of In 1988, PIJ leaders were once again spent 14-years in Israeli prisons, and the Israeli operation. This means Sami Moubayed exiled, this time to Lebanon, where having served on PIJ’s Shura Council, that they may still have up to 17,000 they reached out to Iran and were he didn’t score well in comparison to rockets between the both of them, trained by Hezbollah. They shared a Hamas’ new leadership, embodied by when compared to the 4,350 rockets Days after the ceasefirecommon ideology with Hezbollah, fiery nationalists like Yehya al-Sinwar that were fired during the 11-day was announced in Gaza on 21 May, refusing the 1993 Oslo Peace Accords and Mohammad Deif. Under the conflict.” Some intelligence groups Commander of the Quds Force Esmail and accepting nothing less than pre- first two years of his leadership, PIJ claim that PIJ has up to 8,000 rockets, Ghaani sent a letter to Akram Ajouri, 1948 Mandatory Palestine. Their first sunk into obscurity, remembered as a all-short range, and many being a member of Palestinian Islamic recorded operation was in August military group that used to be active primitive, handmade in Gaza. With Jihad (PIJ)’s nine-man command. 1987 with the killing of the Israeli in the Palestinian underground, Iranian, that can change quickly. He also got on the phone with Ziad military police captain in Gaza, like the now mostly dysfunctional Its setbacks are numerous, however, Nakhaleh, the secretary-general of months before the first intifada, Democratic Front for the Liberation prime of which is that five of its nine- PIJ, showering him with praise for followed in 1989 by an attack on a of Palestine (DFLP). As PIJ slipped man command are based outside his role in latest round of conflict. bus commuting between Tel Aviv from the limelight, Hamas was of Gaza, unlike Hamas, whose top Some analysts are pointing to those and Jerusalem, killing 16 people. adjusting to the new world order, leaders resides inside Palestine. correspondences, saying that they A handful of successful operations accepting conditional truce with Another setback are internal divisions signal a chance of heart in Tehran, followed, which put PIJ on Israel’s hit Israel, while cuddling up to Qatar and within PIJ, which although currently which they claim is now viewing list, leading to the 1995 assassination Turkey. on the backburner, might surface PIJ as equal to Hamas, rather than of Fathi al-Shaqaqi in Malta. A three- in the not-to-distant future, as the subordinate. That analysis is flawed, way siege was laid to group, led on group embarks on a new chapter in its however, and politically incorrect. one front by Hamas, which originally history. Most Palestinians consider Since its inception back in the early viewed them as Brotherhood PIJ as partners in the Gaza 1980s, PIJ has always been far closer defectors, by Yasser Arafat and “victory” and thus, eligible to play to Iran than Hamas. In fact, it had two the Palestinian Liberation a stronger role in Palestinian friends only, being Iran and Syria, Organization (PLO), and of affairs. They had originally unlike Hamas, which remains is on course, by Israel. announced that they would excellent terms with countries like not be participating in the Qatar and Turkey, and good terms parliamentary elections that The era of Ramadan with , China, Malaysia, and were due for this year (which South Africa. Shalah (1995 -2018) have since been postponed by After Shaqaqi’s death he was President Mahmud Abbas). replaced by Ramadan Shalah, If that position changes and The Nasser/Khomeini Influence another peculiar figure in they do run for office, there is a For many years, few have paid close Palestinian military history. With a high chance that they might defeat attention to PIJ. The lion’s share PhD in banking and economics from Hamas—or at least, pose a real threat of research and media attention the University of Durham and a brief to its current leadership, especially has always gone to Hamas, which teaching career at the University of in Gaza. That certainly won’t please stood out as the most aggressive of South Florida, Shalah was a fiery Meanwhile, Iran was men like Sinwar and Deif, who will Palestinian groups since the 1980s. orator and popular figure both in putting plenty of effort into reviving try to clip PIJ’s wings, possibly by Islamic Jihad was often mentioned Palestine and beyond. During his PIJ. That was evident from the latest fanning tension within its leadership. in appendix, or as a footnote, to leadership of PIJ Shalah helped both conflict, when Islamic Jihad fired It’s an open secret in Gaza PIJ leader Hamas, and thus few knew much improve the group’s image in the Arab what some estimate as half of the 4,350 Mohammad al-Hindi sees himself as about the organization. To better World and successfully increased rockets that landed in Israel. Ten days more worthy of leadership than Ziad understand the group, we need to go funding from Iran. Meanwhile, he after the ceasefire was announced, it Nakhaleh. Hindi currently serves back to its founders, Fathi al-Shaqaqi staged operation after operation staged a big parade in Gaza, showing as deputy secretary-general, having and Abdulaziz Awda, two former within Israel, striking at a Tel Aviv off its rockets to the Palestinian nominated himself for the top job members of the Muslim Brotherhood shopping mall (March 1996), a bus Street. It is now poised to play a much back in September 2018, coming (MB) who were exiled from Egypt to headed from Jerusalem to Nazareth larger role in Palestinian domestics, in third after Nakhaleh and Akram Gaza after the 1981 assassination of (March 2002), and a Haifa restaurant threatening the very same group that Ajouri. Hamas very might invest in President Anwar al-Sadat. Shaqaqi (October 2003). had brought it back to the limelight: that tension, using it to break what was a most unusual leader, inspired Hamas. Unlike Hamas, PIJ has not seems like a united command. mutually by Gamal Abdul Nasser served in government. Meaning, it All of that remains speculation, and Ayatollah Khomeini—two PIJ in 20182021- shoulders no responsibility for years however, at least for now. The figures who stood on opposite ends Shalah’s illness was a heavy blow to of corruption and bad government. only solid fact is that Islamic Jihad of the political spectrum of world PIJ, leaving the organization both According to Michael Horowitz, is back and more powerful than history. He was also inspired by the headless and heartless. His successor, head of intelligence at Le Beck, an ever. That is a hard reality that all Brotherhood founder Imam Hasan Ziad Nakhaleh (aka Abu Tarek) had international security consultancy stakeholders, Hamas and Israel al-Banna—another fierce opponent none of his educational merits and firm: “Hamas and PIJ still have included, will have to accept, of Nasser—until his defection from was soft spoken, mild, and rather around two-third of the total number digest, and deal with. The Levant | Issue 25 - July 2021 7 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion How will Bennett differ from Bibi?

Ian Black

Israel’s new government, led by Naftali Bennett, a former settler leader, had its first cabinet meeting on June 20, three months since the country went to the polls for the fourth time in less than two years. Binyamin “Bibi” Netanyahu, after 12 years in office and the country’s longest-serving prime minister, is finally no longer in power. But how much difference will this change make? On domestic issues, potentially quite a lot. Bennett’s unwieldy coalition includes an unprecedently wide range of participants, from his own ultra-nationalist Yamina movement through secular and leftist parties such as to an Arab Islamist Binyamin Netanyahu party – the first time in history that a party representing Israel’s Palestinian is famous for his political skills, change” is to focus mainly on eased slightly. community has taken part in any managed to keep his rivals bickering economic and social issues, for Little change is likely on that government. and divided while he clung to power, example passing a state budget and front but these underlying issues That could have an impact in terms of even after he was indicted in three building new hospitals in the wake of are simply not going to go away. achieving greater equality between criminal corruption cases on charges pandemic pressures. Palestinian expectations of the Israeli the Jewish majority and the 21% Arab he denies. Another key question is how government were unsurprisingly minority, especially since the rioting Netanyahu has been in office for Bennett will respond to pressure low. As Mohammed Shtayyeh, that took place in mixed cities like so long that – after last Sunday’s from the administration of Joe prime minister of the Palestinian Lod, Ramle and Haifa triggered by confidence vote dethroned him – he Biden, which greeted his victory Authority (PA), declared: “We do the recent escalation between Israel unthinkingly returned to a Knesset but seems determined to downplay not see this new government as any and Hamas in the Gaza Strip which seat reserved for the prime minister. expectations of any breakthrough less bad than the previous one, and left 256 Palestinians, including 66 After being discreetly prompted by on Israel-Palestine and to reduce we condemn the announcements of children, and 13 Israelis dead – the an MP from his own Likud party, the US commitment to dealing with the new prime minister in support of worst outbreak of violence since 2014, he moved to a seat designated for the in general, while Israeli settlements”. It is hard to argue and a bleak reminder of the long-term the opposition. And he has still not focusing on reviving the 2015 nuclear with his statement that “the new unsustainability of the status quo. evacuated his official residence in deal with Iran. Yet another is how government has no future if it does Bennett is religiously observant Balfour Street in West Jerusalem, the Netanyahu will behave as the leader not take into consideration the future himself, but his new government may scene of mass demonstrations against of the opposition: the assumption is of the Palestinian people and their also reduce the influence of the ultra- him in recent times. that he will act, as ever, in an entirely legitimate rights.” Hamas, of course, Orthodox parties that benefitted from It is hard to overstate the significance self-serving way. is even more hostile. Netanyahu’s long rule, especially of Bibi’s defeat. “The political Last week’s planned march by far- Lapid will want to renew relations if, as planned, he hands over to his establishment in Israel is embarking right Jewish nationalists through and cooperation with the PA, but he alternate prime minister and foreign on a new path, after two and a half Palestinian neighbourhoods of may face opposition from Bennett, minister, Yair Lapid, leader of Shinui years of irresponsibly drifting from East Jerusalem was Bennett’s first who is unlikely to proceed with the (Change) after two years. Lapid is a one election to the next, after 12 challenge in the wake of last month’s unilateral annexation that Netanyahu, former TV presenter who embodies years in which one person drew all Gaza 11-day flare-up. The march was backed by Donald Trump, supported. Israeli secularism and its hostility to the political oxygen from the room,” re-routed to avoid provocation but Nothing much is expected to happen religious communities – especially in wrote Nahum Barnea, the star the participants still shouted “Death on the central, indeed existential, the light of their non-observance of columnist for the country’s leading to Arabs”. In response incendiary issue of relations between Israel Covid pandemic restrictions. Hebrew daily, Yediot Aharonot, last balloons targeting southern Israel and the Palestinians. In the words The Bennett-Lapid coalition breaks week. were launched from Gaza and Israel of Daniel Seidemann, a well-known a political deadlock that has resulted According to coalition agreements carried out airstrikes on the Gaza Jerusalem peace activist: “Israel will in four snap elections since 2019. with eight separate partners, the Strip, although no casualties were end occupation, or occupation will During that time, Netanyahu, who Bennett-Lapid “government of reported this time and its blockade be the end of us.” The Levant | Issue 25 - July 2021 8 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion

The Dangerous Flaw in the New Israeli Government

Dalia Ziada

The new government in Israel, known as “the government of change,” will hold its first cabinet meeting, on June 20th. However, it has already started working with full capacity and utmost pace since it was sworn in, before the Knesset, on June 13th. There is a lot of optimism inside Israel for finally being able to change Netanyahu after record 12 years in power, enhanced by the failure of four elections, within only two years, to install a new government. However, there are a lot of uncertainties, on regional and international levels, on whether this new government, with its coalition of odds, can appropriately handle the many domestic and regional challenges facing Israel. Israeli Government Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett According to the legally-binding coalition agreement upon which represent nearly 23% of the Israeli parties, shall make it very difficult for Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry. the government is formed, the population. Most of them are young. the government to operate, especially They discussed Egypt’s role in Gaza government will be ruled by two According to Colonel Wagdi Sarhan, on issues related to internal economic and the ceasefire deal and agreed to prime ministers on rotational basis. Chief of the Minorities Unit at the policies and handling the Israeli- meet in person in the near future. For the first two years, Naftali Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), dozens Palestinian conflict. In that regard, Since 2015, the security and economic Bennett, from Yamina Party, will of the young Israeli Arab Muslims we may see in Israel a scenario similar cooperation between Egypt and Israel keep the Prime Minister’s office, challenged the norm and volunteered to the decision-making impasse, that have reached unprecedented horizons, until August 2023. Then, Yair Lapid, to join IDF, in the past few years. In the three-presidencies government of and is expected to strengthen further from Yesh Atid Party, will take over that sense, it may not seem strange Tunisia has fallen into, in the past two in the next years. the Prime Minister position until for the Israeli Arabs to be part years, and caused a lot of sufferings to On the other hand, all of the parties November 2025. Right now, Lapid of the coalition forming the new the Tunisian people. forming the government have a clear serves as the Foreign Minister under government. However, on the foreign policy level, unified position against Iran and its Bennett. Meanwhile, the coalition However, the furious reaction by the odd structure of the coalition proxies. About one week after the forming parties shall contribute to the Israeli Arabs against their Israeli government is expected to benefit election of the Israeli government, a decision-making. Jewish neighbors, during the latest Israel. Apparently, all of the political new president in Iran got elected. On The coalition forming the government episode of war between Hamas and parties forming the government June 19th, Ebrahim Raisi, the senior is composed by a relatively large Israel, in May, should raise an alarm. agree on the main outlines of the Imam, and Chief Judge, who with cold number of political parties that fall In the heat of the conflict, they clashed foreign policy that they should apply. blood had sentenced tens of peaceful at extreme opposites of the political with the Jews, inside Israel, and put Unlike the Netanyahu government, political activists to death, has been spectrum. From the right wing: the country on the brink of a civil which mostly depended on a fait elected as the new President of Iran. Yamina, and Yisrael Beiteinu. From war. Now, as the Arabs, who are also accompli policy, the diversity of Israeli Government the left wing: Meretz, and HaAvoda Islamists, have become an integral the new government may force Looking at the bigger picture of (the ). Liberals part of the Israeli government, how new compromises and diplomatic the Middle East region, in light of from the center: Yesh Atid, Blue and they are expected to react, should a priorities, especially with neighbor these developments, one can hardly White, and the New Hope. Hanging new round of violence erupt between Arab countries and the United States. be optimistic that this new Israeli at a weird spot somewhere on the Hamas and Israel. On one hand, the government-forming government may be able to manage spectrum is the United Arab List Nevertheless, the existence of the political parties, collectively, desire to its many domestic and regional (Raam), which is led by the Islamic Israeli Arabs is not the only indigenous normalize relations with more Arab challenges with this coalition of odds, Movement, a political Islamist group flaw threatening the cohesion of the Gulf countries, while strengthening that includes an Arab Islamist party. operating inside Israel, since 1970s. vision of the new government. In old relations with Egypt and Jordan. This is the biggest flaw that may This is the first time ever for the fact, the structure of the coalition, On June 18th, the new Foreign eventually lead to an early collapse Israeli Arabs to participate in forming which gives decision-making and Minister of Israel, Yair Lapid, made of the coalition or an early collapse of an Israeli government. Arab Israelis veto powers to the many included his first phone call with the Egyptian the entire government. The Levant | Issue 25 - July 2021 9 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion

G7 leaders pose for a "family photo" at the opening of the summit

Communiqueof the later parts of the Cold War. recognition Diplomacy of strategic competition call for the most powerful countries Russia was mentioned seven times, with a disruptive Russia and the need to lead on a mass global vaccination James Denselow China four. There was a stress on for a more nuanced relationship with effort. According to the WHO some the ‘rules-based’ system and despite China, which is largely recognised as eleven billion vaccines are needed being amongst the worst conflicts of the single biggest strategic question to protect the world along the adage The state of the world a generation; neither Yemen or Syria of our time. The communique that “nobody is safe until we’re all according to its most powerful was mentioned at all. explains that the G7 will cooperate safe”. This nice and potentially fluffy people took the form of the two The sense of being a return to more with China “where it is in our sounding motto has very real-world communiques issued this week traditional ways of working was mutual interest on shared global consequences seen most recently following the G7 annual meeting and strengthened by the US and the UK challenges, in particular addressing by the fact that the Indian ‘Delta’ the NATO Summit. These documents, agreeing a grandiose new ‘Atlantic climate change and biodiversity variant of the virus has forced the products of intense negotiation Charter’ just before the meeting to loss in the context of COP26 and UK to delay further unlocking by a between specialist diplomats, are help the world recover from Covid other multilateral discussions. At the month. an important barometer as to what crisis, boost trade and protect same time and in so doing, we will Yet despite 11 billion shots being these alliances consider to the be democracy. The new charter will promote our values, including by needed, the most the G7 could the challenges of our time as well as ‘form the foundation of a sustainable calling on China to respect human commit was 1 billion. As former setting out the broad brush strategy global recovery’ as Prime Minister rights and fundamental freedoms”. UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, they plan to adopt to tackle them. Johnson and the US President There is of course and inherent explained “we need to do for the The G7 looked, from an external promised the world a ‘better future’. tension between the cooperation world what Britain has done for itself: perspective, a huge amount of fun. The G7 communique is of course elements and those that promote to construct a virtuous circle, starting A combination of global leaders not a legal document, nor one policies that are juxtaposed with guaranteed G7 funding that not having had many face-to-face that will suddenly result in the with those currently held by the underwrites the pooled purchasing meetings in the last year as well as foreign or defence policies of any Government in Beijing and it is here of vaccines, which in turn generates the retreat nature of a getaway to of its members suddenly changing that a critical focus will need to be new manufacturing capacity on the Cornish coast in the glorious direction. Instead, it provides a maintained to assess the state of the every continent”. But perhaps we sunshine helped. So did the celebrity compass that more detailed and relationship between the world’s shouldn’t be surprised that in the chefs, the flybys by Red Arrow jets distinct policy will steer these major traditional economic powers and its new era of global competition that and the chance for their partners to powers towards, with the strength new rising competitor. the G7 has set out its stall around, it be photographed enjoying the sea air. of consensus providing the political Whilst the headlines focused on is not the answer to all the world’s Yet the summit’s communique, very capital to prioritise and resource President Biden announcing that problems but just a significant piece much its most business end feature, better. the US was “back” and contrasting in a jigsaw that is made up of many was illuminating in what it did and The fact that Afghanistan and himself to his more disruptive others. The central question remains didn’t focus on. Iraq are mentioned in passing predecessor, there was also insight whether China accepts the jigsaw It read like a slightly retro document reflects a transition away from the into the G7 and its expectations of analogy and whether they and the G7 signifying perhaps a return to more counterterrorism focus of much what it can achieve in the limits of the are able to collaborate constructively conventional multilateral diplomacy of the post-9/11 period into a agreements made. In particular the around its rules and processes. The Levant | Issue 25 - July 2021 10 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion

Behind the debates:clerics in the UK are enthusiasticIranian and push, Influencewithin the law, for its which insupport the its politico-religious UK participants in inter-faith initiatives proscription. Where, in this dispute, aims, or at the very least damage an Paul Stott and outreach work with local elites, is there a demarcation line between opponent. Sites uncovered in a 2020 and Mr Shomali was considered the political and the religious? Such US investigation clearly reflected important enough to meet with senior actions also make Britain nervous. regional Iranian ambitions – Syria- As the Iranian elections near, Scottish officials and politicians at the Those with long memories will victory.com or Yemenpress.org – but western media coverage of Iran tends annual Peace and Unity conference in recall the damage to social cohesion also a surprisingly reflective approach. to focus on two things. Firstly, the Glasgow. on the streets of England when the Who would have associated the vote scheduled for Monday 18th Separating the political and the Ayatollah Khomeini sentenced the domain name criticalstudies.org with June. Secondly, the stalled nuclear religious, when it comes to a country British author Salman Rushdie to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard agreement between Tehran and the like Iran, appears impossible. And the death for blasphemy, following the Corps? world’s powers. An early priority merging of the two impacts upon this publication of The Satanic Verses. Despite this history, Iran possesses of the Biden administration is the country. Last year Tehran condemned Iranian Influence a surprising degree of soft power in reconstitution of the nuclear deal a film, The Lady of Heaven, written As well as demanding the laws of the . For some in Barack Obama signed with Iran, by an exiled Kuwaiti Shia cleric now Islam be upheld in Britain, Iran has political traditions on the left, the that Donald Trump withdrew the living in Buckinghamshire, Sheikh developed a second approach to 1979 Islamic revolution remains a United States from in 2018. Behind Yasser al-Habib. He is denounced gaining and maintaining influence beacon for potential change. Iran the headlines surrounding Iran’s by Tehran for allegedly criticising in this country. Since at least 2013 is typically viewed as more sinned Presidential candidates or the Aisha, one of Muhammad’s wives. the Islamic republic has been behind against than sinner. Those in the anti- intricacies of reconstituting the After the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme a series of fake Facebook pages war movement who have vigorously Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action National Security Council, Ali designed to support the Scottish critiqued America’s conduct in the ( JCPOA), what are Iran’s intentions Shamkhan, called on Britain to ban nationalist cause. Here, the intention Middle East, and Britain’s support towards the UK? How does it conduct The Lady of Heaven, Ambassador is to weaken the United Kingdom for it, have struggled to grasp Iran’s itself in Britain, and what influence Baeidinejad weighed in. Pointing by encouraging the break-away of ambitions in Lebanon, Yemen and does it possess? Iranian Influence out the film had been made here in one of its constituent parts. Whilst especially Syria. Here, Iran pursues a twin track Britain, Baeidinejad described it as an Russian online disinformation often We need to understand Iran, and approach to developing and attempt to divide Muslims. Writing seeks to accelerate division in liberal its hostile intentions, far better. Re- maintaining influence. One isto Sunni and Shia Islamic centres democracies, stressing opposing establishing the nuclear agreement is perfectly legal and open, the other across Britain, he called on Muslims viewpoints simultaneously, Iran not the way to start that challenging comprises the type of online in the UK to condemn the picture, prefers to establish camouflaged sites test. disinformation and chicanery western liberal democracies have come to expect from countries such as Russia, China and North Korea. The first approach is headed via diplomatic staff based at its embassy, under Ambassador Hamid Baeidinejad, one of the negotiators of the JCPOA. Diplomatic relations between Iran and the UK have historically been mixed, and as recently as 2011 staff were ordered to leave Britain after the Iranian authorities had allowed a mob to smash up the British embassy in Tehran. Iran is fortunate that its religious structures in this country have not been interfered with by the British authorities. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s current representative in the UK is Seyed Moosavi, based at one of London’s most prominent Shia religious sites, the Islamic Centre of England, in Maida Vale. Mr Moosavi’s predecessor, Mohammad Ali Shomali, has said of his time in post “Regarding the role of the representatives, it is religious in nature and not political.” Iranian The Levant | Issue 25 - July 2021 11 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion Syria’s Kurds in Biden-Putin Summit

Jwan Dibo

The US president will hold two separate summits during this month. One of them is with Russia’s president on 16th June, and the other is with Turkey’s president on 14th June. Indeed, Kurdish issue in Syria will be an essential part of the talks in these summit meetings. It can, even, be said that the are the common subject between the two distinct meetings. For the Kurds in Syria, the US-Russia summit is more important than the US-Turkish one. There are numerous reasons behind this belief. First, the US and Russia are two great powers involved in Syria, and any potential solution for Syria’s impasse, must be approved by the two states. Second, the possibility of reaching a common understanding between Washington and Moscow on the Fighters from the Kurdish-led and American-backed Syrian Defense Forces (SDF) rights of Syria’s Kurds is much greater than between Washington to work for the Syrian regime, while them. Turkey, in turn, has several some bargaining at the expense of and Ankara. Third, Biden-Putin the US has always urged them to times invaded and occupied their minor issues, for them, such as the summit is pre-scheduled and will stay away from al-Assad regime. The territories by concluding secret deals rights of the Kurds in Syria. be held independently, while Biden- biggest problem was, and still is, with the US and Russia together. The hopes that some or most Erdogan’s meeting will be held on that both countries want to use and The Syrian regime and Iran were and of the Kurds have held for the the sidelines of NATO summit in co-opt Syria’s Kurds for free. Both still are igniting unrests in the areas administration of Democratic Brussels on 14th June. countries, especially the US, has of the Kurdish-led Autonomous President, Joe Biden, seem to Fourth, the Kurds no longer have not, even, protected them against Administration of North and East be illusory. The recent Turkish any hope of a positive change in successive Turkish invasions and Syria, through their militias. In escalation against the Kurdistan Turkey’s position on their rights. On occupations. addition, political forces of the Syrian region of Iraq under the pretext of the contrary, pessimism prevails and It is true that the Kurdish-led SDF Kurds are divided and not united. fighting PKK fighters without any dominates these days, because of the are backed by the US, but the US There are many direct and indirect reaction from the U.S. is sufficient open war that Erdogan’s Turkey is has not adequately protected them outstanding issues between the two evidence. Note that Turkey cannot waging against the Kurds, whether against Turkey’s threat, nor has not superpowers, including the future of invade and occupy more of the lands inside Turkish Kurdistan, Iraqi worked to mitigate the effects of the the political settlement in Syria. But of the Kurdistan region without Kurdistan, or Syrian Kurdistan. stifling economic crisis plaguing their it seems that the Syrian issue does obtaining the American green light. The US and Russia are on opposite regions. This reflects the absence of not occupy an important place in the All U.S. did, so far, was that its sides in Syria. Russia has supported a clear American strategy in Syria. context of those pending problems, ambassador to the Bashar al-Assad’s regime, while the Moreover, it shows that the future of and more precisely the Kurdish issue expressed its concern about the U.S has backed Kurdish-led Syrian the Kurds in Syria is not a big matter in Syria. recent Turkish escalation against the Democratic Forces (SDF). A slew to US and is not one of its priorities. All countries, especially the major Kurdistan region of Iraq. of thorny dossiers between both The Kurds in Syria were and still ones, act according to their interests The rights of the Kurds in Syria were superpowers including political are the weakest player in the Syrian only, and solving the Kurdish issue not and will not turn into a point of future of Syria await the two leaders. conflict. Their enemies are much in Syria does not serve the interests disagreement between Washington The problem was, and still is, that the more than their friends. The US and of U.S. and Russia together. In other and Moscow. On the contrary, it Kurdish role throughout the Syrian Russia have used them more than words, it is not an issue of importance may turn into a bargaining between crisis has been a subject of a sharp once to blackmail Turkey. On the to US foreign policy. In addition, the the two sides in order to reach dispute between Washington and other hand, Russia has threatened two countries can reach temporary settlements for other outstanding Moscow. and intimidated the Kurds more than or semi-permanent settlements for issues, of course, at the expense of Russia has always wanted the Kurds once by encouraging Turkey against some important issues by making the Syrian Kurds. The Levant | Issue 25 - July 2021 12 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion Intra-Kurdish negotiations in Syria

and the newMazloum Abdi Guinness in late 2019 launched the purposerecord to unify the Kurds to a new initiative between Kurdish participate in the peace process in Zara Saleh parties after the Turkish occupation Syria, but unfortunately, the initiative of SereKaniye and Tel Abyad and did not succeed. At a glance at the Afrin in 2018. The initiative for long-term history of intra-Kurdish When the “Guinness Breweries” dialogue between the Kurdish negotiations, we will be found that director Hugh Beaver from Ireland National Council KNC and the the first dialogue has begun between Mazloum Abdi went on an entertainment shooting Kurdish National Unity Parties KNUP the PYD and KNC in June 2012. The six from independent parties, but party, he discovered by the ‘game bird’ was also supported by the former US two parties have signed the Hawler differences returned again as usual. that the golden plover was faster than envoy William Robak. In 2020 both Agreement1and established the Arguably, the two Kurdish parties the red grouse. Then the Guinness parties have reached the first and Kurdish Supreme Committee with should understand the importance of Book of Records idea became a second phase of the agreement that three joint committees that include: the dialogue for the Syrian Kurds and fact in 1955, essentially based on includes a joint political vision for Political Committee, Military their presence in the Geneva peace achievement and success. Hence, the Syria, a federal system of governance, Committee, Services Provision process and in the Constitutional idea of such world records is always the Kurdish question, and the Committee. In December 2013, Committee as well. Consequently, related to the success of any aspects of establishment of the Kurdish political the Presidency of the Kurdistan the Kurdish reconciliation will be life that can benefit humanity. That is authorities. Since September 2020, Region of Iraq called for the Hawler the only way, with the American why the majority of Syrian Kurds are the third phase of negotiations has 2 conference. Despite both parties, presence, to protect the Kurds disappointed regarding the Kurdish- been a dead-end despite the fact PYD and KNC, has reached the from the Assad’s regime, Turkey, Kurdish marathon of negotiations that four American envoys have new agreement but again they opposition, and Iranian militia, and they believe that such ways of repeatedly been changed including failed to succeed because of many and with the Russian green light. dialogue don’t even have a chance to the current one David Brownstein unreasonable causes. Like other Otherwise, such an opportunity of knock the back door of the Guinness who is leading now the rally of the agreements, in 2014 the KNC and change in Syria and with the presence World Records. talks. PYD met in the Kurdish city of Duhok of such international coalition and Going Back to the current ongoing Before the US initiative for Kurdish under American auspices, and they US, might not repeat again under intra-Kurdish negotiations in Syria, negotiations, France also has agreed to form the “Kurdish Political such period that Kurds in Syria can the Chief Commander of the Syrian launched an initiative in August Authority,” a 30-member body—12 fulfil their ambition of autonomy or Democratic Forces SDF general 2019 for intra-Kurdish dialogue with representatives from each party and federal region.

Caricature

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[email protected] The Levant | Issue 25 - July 2021 13 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com