UK £2 Issue 193, Year 4 EU €2.50 February 17, 2019 www.thearabweekly.com Qatar: US ‘ally Dilemma Arabic over ISIS or strategic returnees poetry threat?’ to Europe tradition Page 4 Page 16 Page 22 US push against Iran highlights differences between Washington, EU ► Pence accused Washington’s European allies of trying to break US sanctions against Tehran. Thomas Seibert lateral summit in Sochi, Russia, to strengthen an alliance that is eager to hasten the US military exit from Istanbul Syria and reduce Washington’s role elsewhere in the region. n effort by the United “You can’t achieve peace and States to forge a broad in- stability in the Middle East with- ternational alliance against out confronting Iran,” US Secretary A Iran’s influence in the Mid- of State Mike Pompeo said before dle East has highlighted a widening talks with Israeli Prime Minister gap between Washington and its Binyamin Netanyahu on the side- Western European allies as well as lines of the Warsaw conference. NATO partner Turkey. Netanyahu spoke of a “histori- The Trump administration and cal turning point” in Poland. “In a Israel used a meeting in Warsaw to room of some 60 foreign ministers warn that Iran poses a danger and and representatives of dozens of to trumpet a coalition that includes governments, an Israeli prime min- Washington, the Jewish state as ister and the foreign ministers of well as Arab countries such as Saudi the leading Arab countries stood Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, together and spoke with unusual Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Yemen and force, clarity and unity against the Jordan. common threat of the Iranian re- The initiative was overshadowed gime,” he said. by disagreements between the Netanyahu raised eyebrows be- United States and its European al- fore the conference by releasing lies over how to deal with Iran. US a message that included a refer- Vice-President Mike Pence called ence to a “common interest of war on Europeans to follow Washing- with Iran.” The wording was later Glum faces. Iranian President Hassan Rohani (R), Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and Turkish ton’s lead in leaving the interna- changed to “combating Iran.” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meet in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, February 14. tional nuclear agreement with Iranian Foreign Minister Moham- The meeting reflected the fraying of the alliance between Russia, Iran and Turkey over conflicting Tehran, a demand immediately re- mad Javad Zarif responded to Net- agendas in Syria. jected by Germany. European pow- anyahu’s choice of words by com- Erdogan failed to get approval from Russia, the main partner of Syria’s government, to establish a ers are determined to stick with the menting on Twitter: “We’ve always buffer zone in north-eastern Syria to push Kurdish fighters back from the Turkish border. Patience 2015 pact. known Netanyahu’s illusions. Now, was also clearly wearing thin with Ankara regarding Islamist extremists in Idlib province in north- the world — and those attending western Syria. (Reuters) #WarsawCircus — know, too.” The meeting in Poland was Russian cold shoulder towards Turkey in Sochi Page 2 Iranian President Hassan Rohani weakened by the refusal of blamed the United States and its al- Russia, EU foreign policy lies for a suicide bombing in south- chief Federica Mogherini eastern Iran that killed 27 members ened by the refusal of Russia, EU ropean allies of trying to break US Erdogan joined Putin and Rohani and major EU powers to of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard foreign policy chief Federica Mogh- sanctions against Tehran. Some in listing priorities that highlighted take part. Corps (IRGC). The force said a vehi- erini and major EU powers to take leading US partners in Europe Turkish-US differences. cle laden with explosives was used part.Iran was not invited to the “have led the effort to create mech- Speaking before a meeting with “I doubt the meeting helped to attack a bus transporting IRGC Warsaw conference. anisms to break up our sanctions,” Putin, Erdogan stressed his aim of much with advancing Washing- members in Sistan-Baluchistan Moscow and the European Union he said in Warsaw. driving a Syrian-Kurdish militia al- ton’s agenda,” said Ali Vaez, di- province. want to keep the nuclear deal with Another major player missing in lied with the United States away rector of the Iran project at the The Warsaw conference was part Iran alive and France, Germany and the Warsaw meeting was Turkey, from the border. International Crisis Group. “The of a US strategy to build an inter- the United Kingdom, while con- a NATO member and neighbour Putin said a US withdrawal from Europeans remain steadfast in their national front involving Israel and demning Tehran’s ballistic missile of Iran. Turkish President Recep Syria would be “a positive step that commitment to the nuclear deal Arab allies to counter Iran, seen by programme, have opened a new Tayyip Erdogan travelled to Sochi would help stabilise the situation and the anti-Iran Club of Four (the Washington as the main source of channel for non-dollar trade with to meet with Rohani and Russian in this region, where ultimately United States, Israel, the United instability in the Middle East. The Iran to sidestep US sanctions and President Vladimir Putin while the legitimate government should Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia) United States pulled out of the nu- keep the nuclear deal afloat. Tur- leaving it to the Turkish Embassy re-establish control.” Rohani said did not expand,” Vaez said via e- clear deal with Iran last year, argu- key has told Iran it is ready to join in Warsaw to follow events in the the US decision to leave Syria was mail. ing that the international commu- the European trade mechanism, Polish capital. Turkey is opposed to “good news.” As the Warsaw conference was nity needed to employ a tougher the Iranian Mehr news agency re- US sanctions against Iran and has winding up February 14, Russia, approach to confront Tehran. ported. criticised Washington’s decision to Thomas Seibert is an Arab Weekly Iran and Turkey convened a tri- The meeting in Poland was weak- Pence accused Washington’s Eu- leave the nuclear deal. correspondent. Experts warn against climate change fallout in Arab world

Kelly Kennedy the World Economic Forum’s Glob- The authors warn: and Environment Thani bin Ahmed pressure on our food systems and al Risks Report, which was released ·Potential seafood offshore from al-Zeyoudi, who led a session about people’s livelihoods and causing in January. Most of the popula- cities with coastlines on the Ara- climate change and public health at mass displacement and migration.” Washington tion in the Arab world lives within bian Gulf and the Red and Mediter- the recent World Government Sum- While acknowledging solutions 100km of a sea or delta. ranean seas will decrease as coral mit in Dubai. could cause financial upheaval in ost large Arab cities will The threats include temperature reefs die. the short term, the Middle East In- face “unprecedented increases and water scarcity, issues ·Extreme storms, such as cy- The threats include stitute’s report said they are neces- threats” due to climate already affecting people in the Mid- clones, may hit cities more often, sary. Solutions include restricting temperature increases and change in the second dle East, but coastal cities are also causing millions of dollars in dam- construction in at-risk urban areas, M water scarcity, issues half of this century, the Middle East particularly susceptible to rising age and inestimable loss of human avoiding unplanned settlements, Institute’s Laurent Lambert and sea levels because they sit in low- life as water temperatures increase. already affecting people in improving existing at-risk housing Cristina D’Alessandro wrote in a lying areas, the report said. ·Inland flooding could cause por- the Middle East, but coastal areas, building or reinforcing flood report. As temperatures increased tions of cities to become uninhabit- cities are also particularly defences and planning for potential Rising sea levels will affect safety around the world, snow and ice able. susceptible to rising sea emergencies. and living standards of millions have melted, causing water levels “Collectively fighting the causes levels because they sit in This, the report authors said, will of Arab people in the nearer fu- to rise, the United Nations’ Inter- of climate change, better planning low-lying areas. be challenging because not every ture, the authors said in “Climate national Panel on Climate Change and innovating for a sustainable city has the same capability for Change, Sea Level Rise and Sus- said. When water gets warmer, it adaptation of Arab coastal cities are “The facts are very clear,” he urban development planning and tainable Urban Adaptation in Arab takes up more space than does cold becoming national security chal- said. “Not opinions, not politics but because the cities are growing so Coastal Cities.” water. With water temperatures lenges,” Lambert and D’Alessandro scientific facts. Humans — you and quickly. The report focused on how rising likely to continue to go up, water wrote. me — are causing climate change. sea levels could affect coastal cities levels are expected to increase 2 The findings were reiterated by Change that is making droughts Kelly Kennedy is an Arab Weekly in Arab countries, using data from metres by the end of this century. UAE Minister of Climate Change more common and putting massive correspondent in Washington. 2 February 17, 2019 Cover Story After Warsaw and Sochi Russian cold shoulder towards Turkey in Sochi

Thomas Seibert that an assault on neighbouring Idlib could send hundreds of thou- sands of additional refugees into Istanbul Turkey. Moscow, however, has com- racks appeared in Rus- plained that Turkey has not done sia’s alliance with Turkey enough to keep its side of the bar- and Iran when the trio dis- gain and that Islamist militants C played differences about have seized control of much of the way forward in Syria. Idlib. Putin even suggested that Russia and Iran signalled at a the agreement with Turkey could February 14 meeting with Turkey be called off. in Sochi, Russia, that their patience with Ankara regarding Islamist ex- Both Putin and Rohani tremists in Idlib province in north- western Syria was wearing thin. said the Syrian Turkey also failed to get approv- government should move al from Iran and Russia, the main into the area held by US partner of Syria’s government, to troops and the YPG. establish a buffer zone in north- eastern Syria to push Kurdish fight- “Creating the Idlib de-escalation ers back from the Turkish border. zone is a temporary measure. Ag- The three powers had previously gressive sorties of militants must mostly succeeded in keeping con- not go unpunished,” Putin was flicting interests in Syria in check quoted as saying in a Russian TASS but the prospect of a withdrawal of news agency report. US troops, who control about 25% Putin told Turkish President Re- of Syrian territory with the help of cep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian Kurdish allies, has triggered ten- President Hassan Rohani that he sions. wanted to see joint measures “to Russia, Turkey and Iran, united completely destroy this hotbed of in the so-called Astana process for terrorists.” Rohani, during a news Syria that runs parallel to UN ef- conference after the meeting, said forts to end the nearly 8-year war, Idlib should be “cleared” of ex- were unable to announce a suc- tremists. Squaring the circle. A general view at the trilateral summit on Syria in Sochi, February 14. (DPA) cessful end of their year-long effort Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokes- to select a committee to write a man, told Russian news agencies new constitution for Syria. Russian after the summit that no new mili- put too much pressure on Erdogan. tonomous region there. Ankara agencies but he has ruled out direct President Vladimir Putin said ad- tary operation against Idlib had “Turkey’s differences with the US says the Kurdish militia People’s talks with Assad. Turkey is a spon- ditional talks would take place in been agreed on. are pure diplomatic gold for Rus- Protection Units (YPG), a US ally sor of Syrian rebel groups and has Astana in late March or early April. Erdogan blamed the Damascus sia,” Wimmen said. that controls much of the region called for Assad’s resignation. government. “I have conveyed our Oytun Orhan, coordinator of along the Turkish border, is a ter- Orhan said it was conceivable Putin reminded Erdogan expectations as to the regime obey- Syria studies at the Centre for Mid- rorist organisation and a threat to that differences regarding north- of a Turkish-Syrian ing the truce [in Idlib] to my Rus- dle Eastern Studies, a think-tank its national security. eastern Syria could be bridged by anti-terror agreement sian and my Iranian colleagues,” he in Ankara, said Russia, Turkey and Both Putin and Rohani said the coordinated action from Turkey from 1998 that could be said. Iran were searching for a “middle Syrian government should move and Syria. Both sides could work used as a base for Despite the differences, the way” in Idlib. One possibility was into the area held by US troops and out “who controls which areas.” reasons that led to last year’s limited military action against for- the YPG. Before the summit, the Russian consent to Turkish consultations between agreement on Idlib remained un- mer al-Nusra fighters without ig- Russian Foreign Ministry remind- cross-border action would be cru- the two countries. changed, said Heiko Wimmen, noring Turkey’s security concerns, ed Turkey that Ankara should not cial but there was no indication Under a Russian-Turkish deal project director for Iraq, Syria and Orhan said. send troops into Syria without get- that Erdogan returned to Turkey hammered out last year, Ankara Lebanon at the International Crisis Some analysts said such action ting permission from the govern- with a nod by Putin, Wimmen said. was to reduce the influence of ex- Group. could start after Turkey’s local ment of Syrian President Bashar “I can’t see a green light here, not tremists in Idlib in exchange for a “A wave of refugees from Idlib elections March 31 but it remains Assad. even a yellow one. Will Erdogan postponement of a Syrian govern- would be a huge problem for Tur- unclear how an attack on jihadists Putin also reminded Erdogan of go in without that green light from ment attack on the province, the key and the Europeans as well,” in Idlib could be conducted with- a Turkish-Syrian anti-terror agree- Moscow? I very much doubt it,” last rebel bastion in Syria and a re- Wimmen said. “Russia’s main goal out risking a new refugee crisis. ment from 1998 that could be used Wimmen said. gion crammed with 3 million peo- is a political rehabilitation of the Turkey is keen to use the with- as a base for consultations between Russia, Turkey and Iran found ple. Syrian regime, so a catastrophic de- drawal of US troops to create a the two countries. Erdogan has common ground, however, in Turkey, which has 3.6 million velopment in Idlib wouldn’t help.” “safe zone” on the Syrian side of said there were contacts between Sochi in welcoming the planned US Syrians in its territory, is concerned In addition, Putin did not want to its border to destroy a Kurdish au- Turkish and Syrian intelligence pull-out from Syria.

Viewpoint In Warsaw, conflicting agendas stand in the way

he 2-day peace and compete with the interest in coun- have fluctuated between confron- Donald Trump’s disengagement security conference tering Iran. tational and polar cold. from the region, said it would not organised by the United Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin The mullahs have systematically attend the conference. Russia has accused Washington of harbour- Claude Salhani States in Warsaw is in- Netanyahu used the meeting to its own game, with its own rules dicative of the manner push the notion that Israel’s nor- ing “hegemonic” designs on the and aligned players. the Trump administra- malisation of relations with Arab region. The United States was repre- Ttion conducts business and policies countries is possible without ad- One could say the same about sented by Vice-President Mike in the Middle East. Uncertainty and dressing the Palestinian issue. Iran’s aggressive policies in the Pence and Secretary of State Mike wavering marked the event from The breakthroughs Israel had Middle East where Tehran has been Pompeo, both relative novices in the start. hoped to achieve in Warsaw were, encroaching politically, militarily international affairs with no expe- It is with the idea of confronting despite Netanyahu’s hype, below and socially. rience in the field outside of work Iran’s hostile policies in the Middle the country’s expectations. As Iran has, since the revolution 40 as members of Congress. East that Washington organised expressed by Saudi King Salman years ago, adopted a neo-colonial- Syria is again found holding the gathering, inviting 70 coun- bin Abdulaziz Al Saud before the ist attitude in projecting its vision that all-important key to regional tries. Intended to impress and meeting, solidarity of moderate of Shia-influenced radical Islam peace or war. As a result of Syria’s perhaps somewhat bully Iran, the Arab countries with the Palestin- on the region. Its intent has been civil war, both Russia and Iran find conference had to be refocused by ians has not been affected by their to force its sectarian and militant themselves playing central roles in organisers on wider objectives of will to confront Iran’s designs. vision of Islam on the people of the Syria. “peace and security in the Middle Israel’s short-sighted attitude as region. To those ends, Iran has not The Warsaw conference seems East” to accommodate reluctant well as the Palestinians’ determi- shied away from using terrorism. confusing, starting with its very participants. nation not to engage Washington When they overthrew the pompous title: “Ministerial to If Washington was gung-ho on will only delay the needed discus- 2,500-year-old monarchy in Iran, Promote a Future of Peace and slamming Iran, this was far from sion of the Palestinian-Israeli con- the mullahs promised the Iranian Security in the Middle East.” what its European allies had in flict. Normalisation between Israel people a better, brighter tomor- The Trump administration want- mind. The European Union hoped and the Arab world cannot deflect row. The Iranians will have to wait. ed to form a US-aligned coalition to to maintain the 2015 agreement attention from that. Iran finds itself somewhat of an confront Iran’s aggressive policies aimed at preventing Iran from Some Iranian leaders called the international pariah, shunned by in the region but, by delegating acquiring nuclear weapons. The Warsaw meeting “a circus,” saying many nations for its acceptance of the summit to his vice-president, United States, under President they would not be intimidated by terrorism as a political tool. Per- Trump involuntarily signalled his Barack Obama, was a signatory of American “imperialist designs” haps of far greater concern to the lack of interest in the event and, in the accords but Trump pulled the and that Iran would continue to de- individual Iranian is the shape of so doing, sealed its fate. By delegating the United States out of the deal last velop a strong military to promote the country’s economy. Any action against Iran will May and imposed stringent sanc- its interests. Iran buttressed its Granted, many of Iran’s econom- depend less on grandiloquent summit to his vice- tions on Tehran. stance with threats to burn Israeli ic problems stem from US-imposed conferences than on the abil- president, Trump Of the countries directly con- cities. sanctions applied by the Trump ity of the United States to garner involuntarily cerned by the conference’s main Since the Islamic Revolution in administration, which accuses the support of willing allies and focus, Iran was not invited and 1979, when Iranian students, acting Tehran of pursuing its ambition to partners around a clear vision of its signalled his lack of Russia refused to attend. with the blessing of the imams, obtain nuclear weapons. objectives towards Tehran and the interest in the event One of the main sources of the stormed the US Embassy, took 52 Russia, which holds a major piece Middle East. Middle East’s continued strife, the American diplomats hostage and of the Middle East puzzle as a result and, in so doing, Israeli-Palestinian conflict was not held them for 444 days, relations of President Vladimir Putin’s inter- Claude Salhani is a regular sealed its fate. a focus of the meeting. It could not between Iran and the United States ventionist policy and US President columnist for The Arab Weekly. February 17, 2019 3 Cover Story After Warsaw and Sochi Why Turkey needs to decide where it stands as alliances shift

ade. It called for regime change in Syria; sowed division with support for Hamas and Qatar; has Yavuz Baydar allegedly had sanctions-evading murky dealings with Iran, which led to a federal case in the United States, and has been unable — or s the winds of a new unwilling — to resolve its domestic Cold War blow across Kurdish issue. the geopolitical land- The results of the missteps are scape, familiar alli- clear. Islamic State fighters are ances are bound to be present in Idlib; there are rifts radically redefined. with NATO on Turkey’s purchase AThe United States is turbulent of the S-400 missile defence and ailing, its policies no longer system from Russia; the impasse coherent. Europe, increasingly at continues regarding the so-called odds with its ally across the Atlan- buffer zone in mainly Kurdish tic, is anxious about its defence north-eastern Syria and Turkey’s capabilities vis-a-vis “the East,” economy has suffered a sharp which is to say Russia. decline. China, discreetly assertive, is In the circumstances, it would waiting for its golden moment and be unreasonable to expect any Russia is successfully combining breakthrough in the conflicts in long-term expansionist strategies which Turkey has been involved. with patient, well-calculated steps Erdogan’s Justice and Develop- to project strength. Not just a mess but a quagmire. A fighter from the Turkey-backed National Liberation ment Party faces local elections Three recent gatherings ex- Front (NLF) holds an assault rifle as he stands in front of the flags of March 31, the country’s last vote (AFP) posed the disarray in the world (L to R) the Syrian opposition, the NLF and Turkey, last January. until 2022. So Erdogan is investing order. in other tactics these days: play The Middle East summit in War- ings, it is Turkey that stands out as In the old world order, Turkey for time until the elections and saw highlighted the magnitude of the power-at-large, the loose can- had established a position as one keep all options open on all key the divisions in the Western bloc. non whose final choices will have of the Middle East’s four major questions. NATO’s ministerial meeting considerable effect on the new players, along with Iran, Israel Erdogan, however, may have seemed an exercise in measuring world order taking shape. and Saudi Arabia. No longer. Yes, run out of time on that scheme. the depths of differences of opin- Ankara is undecided on almost it is still flexing its muscles but its The world order is being reshaped ion regarding security structures every major issue that occupies political objectives are unclear. with speed and intensity, so much in Europe and military strategies the world powers. Turkey is torn For years, Turkey has been so that Turkey, a NATO member, in the Middle East. between various positions be- adrift, having lost much of its must decide where it stands. Meanwhile, a third summit took cause its internal power structure credibility among traditional Limbo may be destabilising for the place in Russia and the trio gath- centres around one man. allies but unable to gain the trust world beyond Turkey’s borders. ered there was consciously defiant Turkish President Recep Tayyip of others, such as Russia. Mean- It is likely Erdogan and his party of the other meetings. Erdogan may have forged a repu- while, other major Middle Eastern will emerge victorious in the local With respect to all three gather- tation as a masterly tactician but players are decisively working on elections. Only after that will we he also revealed himself to be a their strategies, deepening rela- be able to see the direction that failed strategist in almost every tionships and building alliances Turkey sets sail. Turkey is adrift because policy area. His slaloming on with an eye on the new world tactics leaves Erdogan vulnerable order. Yavuz Baydar is a Turkish of four major missteps in to interest groups in Ankara that Turkey is adrift because of four journalist and regular columnist the past decade. seek to manipulate him. major missteps in the past dec- for The Arab Weekly. The past as prologue: Syria and the Adana Accord

Syria’s and the international com- dangerous stalemate in north-east- necessarily satisfying its demands munity’s agenda. ern Syria. for regional autonomy outlined in Now, with US forces packing to Washington and its allies in the a ten-point paper already under Geoffrey Aronson leave, the race to shape the area’s West are opposed in principle to discussion with Damascus. future — and with it that of post-war any understanding that requires Turkish and YPG officials down- Syria as a whole — is in full swing. acknowledging reconciliation with play their interest in the Adana The summit in Sochi, Russia, Febru- the Assad regime but the Trump model but, after outlining its short- ary 14, which brought Russian, administration has few tools to im- comings, both note with a degree ne chapter is closing Turkish and Iranian presidents to- pose its will. Beginning with efforts of resignation that “in the end one on the Syrian war and gether, is the most recent example of its allies in the YPG to establish must be practical.” another is opening. of this effort. a dialogue with Damascus last Damascus has offered what is The Assad govern- Turkey stands on one side of the summer, Washington’s confused for the taciturn regime a ringing ment defeated its en- divide, arguing for the dismantling efforts since December to construct endorsement of the idea. “Syria,” emies in the moderate of the YPG as a fighting and govern- an agreement have been rejected by notes a communique reported in Oopposition. The Islamic State (ISIS) ing force and its replacement in Syr- everyone. state news agency SANA, “stresses will soon lose its last territorial ia by Turkey and its Syrian proxies. The US policy is fatally compro- that activation of the [Adana] agree- foothold in the country. The Assad government and the YPG mised by its disregard for the guid- ment can be done by making the Of all Syrian President Bashar support the return of the regime, ing principle of every successful situation on the borders the way it Assad’s opponents, only al-Nusra with the latter demanding a greater diplomatic effort to reconcile war- used to be before between the two Front remains as a coherent fighting measure of regional autonomy. ring demands in the region since countries.” force, controlling more than 70% of The contrasting demands for the Lausanne Conference in 1923 In contrast to the “chaos” — the the area around Idlib, but there is a the YPG-controlled area produced — the primacy of state sovereignty. word used by a senior Turkish rare unanimity among all parties to a dangerous stalemate that may US policy is built on various options intimate of President Recep Tayyip the conflict that al-Nusra has no role result in a Turkish assault across of continuing foreign occupation Erdogan — that in their view char- in Syria’s future. Sooner or later it the border even before the United of the region held by the YPG, part acterises US policy, the understand- will be crushed. States folds up its tent sometime in of its central effort to deny Syria ings reached between Turkey and No such consensus exists about spring. sovereign control of the territory or Syria in 1998 and now placed on the the future of north-eastern Syria, The failure of any one party to the frontier with Turkey. agenda by Moscow offer a tested which is controlled by the Syrian impose its vision for the future In contrast, the Adana Accord framework to restore a hard border Kurdish People’s Protection Units is leading to the resurrection of creates a recognised “hard bor- between Ankara and Damascus, (YPG). The region from Manbij east- the Adana Accord as an accept- der” between Ankara and Damas- return the issue of the Kurdish ward along the Euphrates includes able if not preferred framework cus and enshrines the sovereign military for resolution as part of a approximately 30% of the country. for reaffirming Syrian sovereignty, responsibility of each country for reconstituted national Syrian Arab Rich in agriculture and oil, the area averting war between Syria and maintaining peace along the shared Army and re-establish the central is the only remaining hot front Turkey, establishing an agreed frontier. Only if Syria fails to fulfill governing and administrative along Syria’s borders. upon Syrian framework for address- these commitments and becomes authority of the central government Even before the surprise an- ing the demands of Syria’s Kurdish a protected haven for the Kurd- as part of a broader intra-Syrian nouncement in December that the community and accelerating the ish militants is a Turkish military mechanism for addressing long- United States would withdraw its re-establishment of Syrian govern- response sanctified. standing Kurdish grievances. forces from the conflict, the future ance and control along the shared Russia has emerged as the Wishing and hoping are never of the area and its relationship to Syrian-Turkish border. influential champion of the Adana good guides to policy making, whomever rules in Damascus was The Adana Accord has already model, as part of its support for a especially when it comes to Syria, working its way to the top of both prevented war between Syria and broader intra-Syrian dialogue be- nor are formulas meant to increase Turkey. In 1998, the understandings tween Damascus and the Kurds. the cost of Syria’s uneasy post-war reached between the two parties In recent months, Moscow has transition. committed Syria to end its backing mounted a persistent but low-key The Adana option once proved it- The Adana option once proved for the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, effort to establish the Adana princi- self as a workable model to address itself as a workable model to preventing a Turkish invasion to ples as an acceptable way forward; strategic Syrian and Turkish inter- address strategic Syrian and destroy the organisation’s presence protecting Turkey by removing the ests. Parties looking for an accept- in Syria along the shared border. spectre of a hostile Kurdish military able diplomatic road map for the Turkish interests. Parties Today, as Syria seeks to rebuild force along its border, satisfying the future would do well to revive it. looking for an acceptable its security architecture along its central Syrian demand for a restora- frontiers, the accord is viewed with tion of its sovereignty throughout Geoffrey Aronson is a non-resident diplomatic road map for the varying degrees of enthusiasm, the country and offering Kurds a scholar at the Middle East Institute future would do well to revive it. offering all parties a way out of the mechanism for addressing if not in Washington. 4 February 17, 2019 News & Analysis Gulf Yemen US congressmen, military figures criticise Qatar’s support for Iran, ties to terrorism

Thomas Frank The conference, organised by the Philadelphia-based Middle East Forum, took place four weeks after Washington top US and Qatari officials met in Doha and agreed to cooperate on embers of the US Con- military and diplomatic issues. The gress and other Ameri- US Defence Department signed an can officials sharply de- agreement with Qatar’s Ministry of M nounced Qatar recently, Defence about US activities at the citing Doha’s alignment with Iran Al Udeid Airbase, site of the largest and alleged support of terrorist US military base in the Middle East. groups. US Secretary of State Mike At a conference focusing on Qa- Pompeo met with Qatari Foreign tar’s relationship with the United Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrah- States, lawmakers warned that man bin Jassim al-Thani, to discuss US officials should consider scal- cooperation in the Middle East. ing back the US presence in Qatar, US relations with Qatar have fluc- where 11,000 US troops are based tuated since June 2017 when Saudi at the US military’s Middle East Arabia and other Arab countries command centre. imposed an economic boycott on “For those that continue to aid Qatar over its alleged support to ex- bad actors, a realignment of mili- tremism, its fomenting of regional tary support may be long overdue,” unrest and allowing funds to flow US Representative Roger Marshall, to terrorist groups. US President a Republican from Kansas, said in Donald Trump initially denounced reference to Qatar. “Its blind eye Qatar but seemed to back off his to terrorism funding in its own criticism and in April 2018 wel- borders continues to undermine comed Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim American security and calls into bin Hamad al-Thani to the White question the long-term partnership House. of the US-operated base within the Qatar remains a pariah to many in country.” the United States, including mem- Raising questions. One of the sessions of the “Qatar: Ally or Strategic Threat” conference in Washington. bers of Congress, former military (Middle East Forum) US Representative leaders and some Jewish groups. Roger Marshall Charles Wald, a retired US Air Force general who was deputy the Qataris would be drawn to Iran, Award from the Times of London can Jews such as lawyer and com- Qatar’s “blind eye to terrorism commander of US military opera- which is directly across the Arabian in 1999. mentator Alan Dershowitz for ac- funding in its own borders tions in Europe, said at the forum Gulf, “but if they either want to be- In 2008, Boteach was named cepting a Qatar-funded trip to meet continues to undermine that Qatar made a mistake in align- come isolated or aligned with Iran, ninth on Newsweek’s list of the the country’s leaders and then American security and calls ing with Iran. that would be a big mistake.” “Top 50 Rabbis in America.” praising the country. “That white- into question the long-term “I think Qatar has to choose. One of the sharpest rebukes Boteach has publicly clashed wash will live in infamy in the an- partnership of the US-operated They have to decide if they’re going came from Shmuel Boteach, a Jew- with Qatar over its support of nals of the American-Jewish com- base within the country.” to be aligned with traditionally GCC ish Orthodox rabbi and popular extremist activities of Hamas munity,” Boteach said. Western countries or if they want public speaker and author who re- and assailed Doha for trying to Doha has invited many influ- Representative Warren David- to align themselves with Iran,” ceived the “Preacher of the Year” whitewash its image. ential US Jewish figures to visit son, a Republican from Ohio and Wald said referring to the Gulf Co- “If Qatar wants a better image in Qatar as part of a public relations a former US Army officer, assailed operation Council. “You can’t have Qatar remains a pariah to the United States then buying up drive. The invitations have proven Qatar for “allowing senior leaders it both ways because Iran does not vast liquefied oil fields in Texas is controversial within the Ameri- of Hamas to operate in Doha” and allow both-way playing. That’s the many in the United not the way. Stopping to kill peo- can Jewish community and the US for enabling funding of “terrorists problem. You’re dancing with the States, including ple, including innocent Palestinian public. and violent extremist groups, par- devil when you start working with members of Congress, people, that’s the way,” Boteach ticularly regional al-Qaeda affili- Iran.” former military leaders said. Thomas Frank is an Arab Weekly ates such as al-Nusra Front.” Wald said he understood why and some Jewish groups. Boteach criticised fellow Ameri- correspondent in Washington. Viewpoint It’s been eight years since Yemen’s ‘youth revolution.’ So what are we celebrating?

t’s been eight years since further every hour of every day. history and bring back the author- lives, of infrastructure and of the outbreak of the “youth The leaders of that movement ity of the Imamate priesthood economic wealth. revolution” in Yemen, driven from al-Islah Party, the political after a decade of patiently waiting Yemenis have paid a heavy Tariq Karman by the winds of the “Arab current that led the opposition to for the right time to pounce on tribute of blood and livelihood. spring” uprisings coming Saleh’s regime and the uprising power. Their vengeful spirit was Tens of thousands of people were from Tunisia via Egypt. against it, claim innocence of the clearly illustrated when the Hou- killed and double that number IAt the beginning and for most bad things that happened and this entered Sana’a as partners of have been injured and ended up people, these uprisings seemed continue to happen in Yemen. the Muslim Brotherhood on that with permanent disabilities. Hun- spontaneous and popular but They blame the former presi- disastrous February 11. dreds of thousands more have they turned out to be an excuse dent, who handed them power They had been dreaming about been displaced to the four corners for the execution of a malicious under the terms of the Gulf initia- doing that since the beginning of the world. So, what are they and carefully calculated plan to tive, and they blame the coup by of the glorious revolution of celebrating? overthrow Arab regimes, destroy the Houthis, who were just one September 1962 and they found Reality and international their countries and displace their player in their sinister uprising in the disaster of February 11 the reports have spoken more than populations. and who, as expected, share their perfect gate for reintroducing the once of the more than 22 million “The people want to overthrow celebrations every year because Imamate regime. It must be ad- Yemenis who need humanitarian the regime.” Brandishing this they know if it hadn’t been for the mitted that the constant bickering assistance — that is more than loathsome slogan, young Yemenis calamitous uprising of February and divisiveness of the republican 75% of the total population. Some began their movement, thinking 11, 2011, there wouldn’t have been ranks helped them tremendously. 8.4 million people suffer from that it was only an expression of a Houthi coup on September 21, Eight meagre years have passed food insecurity and are facing their desire to oust President Ali 2014. and the people of Yemen received famine and 4 million people have Abdullah Saleh and solve Yemen’s It was thanks to the perpetual nothing from the high priests of been displaced forcibly. So, what social problems caused by the sit-ins in Sana’a’s Change Square sedition except destruction and are they celebrating in Yemen? corruption of his regime. Lit- that the Houthi militias were able desolation. The common people Eight years since the big disas- tle did they know that whoever to move from Saada. It was also have lost their country while ter of February 11, the republican developed that slogan meant it thanks to neutralising the 1st those seditious vampires sit in camp in Yemen is engaged in literally and nothing less. Armoured Brigade when its com- their ivory towers and suck up the a futile internal struggle. The The only thing that Yemen has mander, Ali Mohsen, joined the people’s wealth. only beneficiaries of that strug- seen so far is the literal applica- “reformist revolution” that the They had nothing to talk about gle are the Houthi militias. The tion of “overthrow the regime” Houthi militias crossed to Sana’a, this past February 11, no achieve- latter have exercised a system- without leading to any improve- something they wouldn’t have ment to celebrate, except per- atic policy of retaliation against ment. This meant the destruction dreamed of doing for decades. haps the selfies they took in the the Yemenis. They’ve striven to of the institutions of the state, of If the goals of those so-called world’s cities either as tourists or create a social rift by any means the army and of the police plus leaders were patriotic, there refugees. They can’t stop talking necessary and cornered Yemenis Eight meagre years the ensuing political, economic wouldn’t be anything for them about the outcomes of the Na- in a tight spot, all in the service and social catastrophes. to celebrate. So, what are they tional Dialogue, which could have of the Houthis’ sectarian project have passed and the Today, the leaders of that move- celebrating amid the horrors and been achieved by constructive as they deliver Yemen to their people of Yemen ment are celebrating the anniver- tragedies and calamities that sur- and responsible dialogue without masters in Iran. received nothing from sary of their movement despite round Yemenis today? Was over- resorting to destruction. This is the same Yemen that the destruction, devastation and throwing the Saleh regime worth The calamity of February 11 was was proud of its democratic the high priests of corruption they brought about. the price and does it deserve to be a bitter harvest for every Yemeni, system, of its republic and of its sedition except Had their goals been patriotic and celebrated? those who supported that chaos Arab identity. So, what are they honourable, they wouldn’t have The February calamity was a and those who opposed it. It was celebrating in Sana’a? destruction and dared celebrate while the country heaven-sent opportunity for those a chaotic drift that produced desolation. was falling down the drain a bit aspiring to turn back the wheels of nothing but terrible loss of human Tariq Karman is a Yemeni writer. February 17, 2019 5 News & Analysis Syria ISIS threat likely to continue after Baghouz battle in eastern Syria Simon Speakman Cordall left inside are the most extremist and ideologically driven militants.” None of the Kurdish command- Tunis ers or their Western backers antici- pates that Baghouz will withstand he Kurdish-led Syrian the assault for long and, with its Democratic Forces (SDF) capture, the last remnants of ISIS’s are engaged in one of the caliphate would be expunged from T bitterest battles of the Syria. Syrian civil war as the US-backed ISIS’s identity was indistinguish- coalition fights to claim the small able from the caliphate, the project amount of territory held by the Is- that ISIS established on territory lamic State (ISIS) in eastern Syria. approximately the size of Britain Despite proclamations that the from which they carried out ritual loss of territory would represent an executions and harshly ruled. end to ISIS, analysts have warned Thousands of international re- the threat the group poses would cruits flocked to ISIS’s banner. The likely continue beyond the battle. group’s reach extended to the lu- Entrenched in a small patch of crative oil fields of Iraq and Syria, land near the hamlet of Baghouz helping finance ISIS’s ambitions. on the Iraqi border, a core of ISIS’s Despite the loss of territory, most hardened fighters appeared many of those resources remain. ready to fight to the last. Citizens, Jeffrey Martini, senior Middle deserters and the jihadists’ wives East researcher at the RAND Cor- and children have fled by the hun- poration, said CENTCOM Com- dreds as coalition jets bombed mander US Army General Joseph the countryside and SDF fighters Votel noted that an estimated moved closer. 20,000-30,000 ISIS fighters had gone to ground in areas outside of Baghouz. Much of ISIS’s ability to “So, while Baghouz is important recruit lay not so much in given the concentration of fighters the pull of the caliphate as there, the overwhelming majority Final push. Fighters with the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) hold a position during an with the push provided by of ISIS fighters are not in Baghouz,” operation to expel ISIS jihadists from the Baghouz area in eastern Syria, February 13. (AFP) recruits’ own Martini said. “Unfortunately, this circumstances. speaks to ISIS’s ability to mount insurgent attacks and potentially that the loss of territory would do “The appeal of ISIS is more about tain. What the final loss of ISIS’s “We are facing severe fighting regain territory in the future.” little to diminish ISIS threat. the socio-economic circumstances territory may mean for US actions because the area that we are sur- At its peak in 2015, ISIS was esti- “Of all international terrorist of people driven to join them than in the region and those of Syria’s rounding is very small,” Adnan mated to have generated around $6 organisations it remains the most about them having territory,” said other international actors is not. Afrini, an SDF commander told the billion in revenue. The Washington likely to carry out a large-scale Lina Khatib, the head of the Middle However, for ISIS, the future Guardian, a British newspaper, on Post reported last December that complex attack… and it continues East and North Africa Programme looks more sure. “As long as politi- February 13. analysis suggested the group had its determination to undermine at Chatham House, a think-tank in cal, social and economic circum- “It is very dense with fighters smuggled more than $400 million stabilisation efforts and to fuel sec- London, “As long as people suffer stances result in grievances within and they are among their most ex- out of Syria and Iraq. tarian tensions,” she said. from social and economic depriva- the population, ISIS will not be treme and experienced soldiers. Michele Coninsx, assistant UN Much of ISIS’s ability to recruit tion and as long as ISIS have mon- fully defeated,” Khatib said. They use suicide bombers in their secretary-general in charge of lay not so much in the pull of the etary resources, they will continue counterattacks and tunnels. There counterterrorism, speaking to the caliphate as with the push provid- to find people to join.” Simon Speakman Cordall is a is no sign of surrender. The fighters UN Security Council, cautioned ed by recruits’ own circumstances. That Baghouz will fall looks cer- freelance writer. Damascus infuriates Islamist conservatives with amendments to civil law

Sami Moubayed wanting to take on multiple wives off their daughters through legal the Faculty of Sharia at Damascus families, and societies at large, into must prove their financial ability, proxy, without the bride showing University. “In the name of moder- greater poverty.” through a monthly salary of no less up for the marriage ceremony. That nity, we are plunging this country The battle for women’s rights in Beirut than $1,000, and to find separate has been scrapped and women are into the unknown,” he said. “This Syria is exactly 100 years old. In homes for their different wives. required to appear in person for law is dangerous. It will encourage 1919, Syrian women petitioned the yrian President Bashar Assad Both conditions are technically marriage and to offer verbal con- men to take on secret mistresses or country’s first post-Ottoman par- signed off on amendments difficult in a society where average sent without family intimidation. to visit brothels to meet their (sex- liament, demanding the right to to the country’s civil law monthly wages do not exceed $100- Women activists said they are ual) needs.” vote in elections and run for public S that place strict restrictions $200. The Syrian Ministry of Justice thrilled with the legislation but Is- “According to Islam, men could office. Both were drowned by con- on polygamy and authorising DNA said 40% of marriages in 2018 were lamist conservatives are furious. only remarry if they can spend servatives in the chamber and suf- tests to determine bloodlines. for second wives, a number that is Abu Suleiman Khamis, a mosque equally on two or more house- frage rights were not granted until Both reforms had long been expected to drop significantly. preacher in the Damascus coun- holds,” said Sheikh Said Selu, a 1949. vetoed by Islamic jurists who de- The legal marriage age has been tryside village of Saqba, said: “Hu- mosque preacher in Damascus. The only Arab country that pre- scribed them as “un-Islamic.” They fixed at 18 for both men and wom- mans are not entitled to interfere “A disclaimer in the Quran notes ceded Syria was Iraq, which gave have become a necessity, however, en, although in the past both sexes where God’s command is clear and the ‘if’ and adds that this justice women voting rights in 1948. Leb- due to crippling social and eco- could register a marriage at the age not up for interpretation. Muslim cannot be achieved, making it close anon and Egypt followed in the nomic hardships and the increased of 12-15, if they were able to prove men are entitled to remarry. Pe- to impossible. In today’s world, 1950s but Jordan didn’t pass such number of children born out of “physical and emotional” readi- riod.” however, a man can barely pro- legislation until the early 1970s. A wedlock. ness for married life. His views were echoed by Riad vide for himself. Despite that, they schoolteacher nominated herself The legislation, passed earlier Fathers were entitled to marry al-Khatib, a fourth-year student at continue to remarry, sinking their for parliament in 1953 but she was this month by parliament and the defeated at the poll. Women only Higher Islamic Jurisprudence New entered the legislative branch in Council, aims at remodelling Syria priorities. 1973. as a “progressive nation” commit- A general Much inspiration for the new ted to modernity and women em- view of the Syrian law came from Tunisia 1956 powerment. courthouse Code of Personal Status. That doc- The legislation gives women the in Damascus. ument, initiated by Habib Bour- right to include a clause in marriage (Reuters) guiba, abolished polygamy, gave documents conditioning that their women the right to file for divorce husbands don’t take a second, third and enacted a minimum age for or fourth wife, as allowed by sharia. marriage. The Prophet Mohammad had In 1981, he banned the hijab from multiple wives and Muslim socie- government offices, a step that Syr- ties have encouraged polygamy ia tried to copy in 2010 by banning in times of war — the condition in the niqab at schools and universi- Syria at present — especially for ties. That measure was revoked a widows of men killed on the battle- few months later when the niqab field. Polygamy has been marketed was legalised and the country’s as a “social and religious duty” only casino was shut down shortly towards society at large, with sup- after anti-government demonstra- porters claiming that it limits adul- tions started. tery and blasphemy. By taking a step back, Damascus By law, women previously were was trying to please and appease entitled to file for divorce if they the Islamic street — an objective objected to their husband’s remar- that is no longer a priority, it seems, riage but only after relinquishing after the new civil code was passed all rights to financial compensation in February. under Islamic law. Now, they can file for divorce Sami Moubayed is a Syrian and be automatically and fully historian and author of “Under the compensated. Additionally, men Black Flag” (IB Tauris, 2015). 6 February 17, 2019 Opinion

Editorial The Palestinian cause still matters hen Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the eve of the Warsaw conference that Riyadh “permanently stands by Palestine and its Wpeople’s right to an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital,” he was making a point that needed to be made. Despite the Saudi initiative, which was the backbone of the only still-valid Arab peace plan, Palestinian and Arab leaders have had their share of policy miscalculations that have delayed settlement of the Palestinians’ prob- lem. Washington’s unhurried attitude and Israel’s short-sighted hubris further complicate the search for a fair and lasting solution. The timing of King Salman’s remarks shows that, regardless of other unfolding challenges, the Palestinian issue remains a crucial part of any framework for peace and security in the region. Meeting the challenges posed by terrorist and extremist groups as well as addressing the threat that Iran represents to peace and security do not contradict the need for a fair settlement of the Palestinian problem. Just the opposite. © Yaser Ahmed for The Arab Weekly A solution to the Palestinian issue would take away a propaganda asset from political oppor- tunists and demagogues of all shades with imperial designs, such as Iran and Turkey. It Sana’a is a victim of Iran’s would deprive radical entities and terrorist groups of a convenient narrative with which they too often try to mobilise support and export of revolution justify violence. When al-Shabab, a Somali al-Qaeda affiliate, Khairallah Khairallah carried out a murderous attack in Kenya in Janu- Sana’a is but one victim of this Iranian export, which brings only ary, it referred to US policy on Jerusalem to justify its misdeeds. destruction and desolation, backwardness and sectarian strife. “The mujahideen carried out this operation… [as] a response to the witless remarks of US he only thing that issued by the International trenchment in one part of President Donald Trump and his declaration of al-Quds [Jerusalem] as the capital of Israel,” matters for the Hou- Court of Justice in The Hague in Yemen. al-Shabab said, referring to the Nairobi attack, this is the establish- connection with Rafik Hariri’s So any new formula for Yemen which killed at least 21 people. ment of a certain assassination on February 14, will have to account for the The terrorists echoed the words of Ayman reality in Yemen and 2005, is further proof of this. existence of a Houthi entity that al-Zawahiri, leader of central al-Qaeda. In an important part of Whether in Yemen, Iraq or enjoys international cover, espe- September, he raised the Jerusalem issue to Tthat objective is a cease-fire in Lebanon, Iran is seeking break- cially after the pressure exerted promote his conspiratorial view of the world. Hodeidah. throughs wherever it can. After by international organisations on “When Trump insists on moving the American The Houthis want to remain the Houthis got their hands on the Arab alliance since last May Embassy to Jerusalem as an open show of in the city and by the port to Sana’a, they moved towards to avoid a military solution in American recognition of Jerusalem as the establish an Iranian presence Taiz and southern Yemen. They Hodeidah. eternal capital of Israel, his decision does not on the Red Sea. That is all there are still in Taiz, where there is Sooner or later, we will find emerge from a vacuum; rather it is a clear-cut articulation of this Judeo-Christian bias,” is to it. Iran is using the United a Zaidi pocket. What cannot be out whether the Americans are Zawahiri said. Nations to create a new status overlooked is that they have serious about standing up to Iran The words of al-Qaeda leaders do not carry quo in Yemen: a Houthi entity supporters in Taiz, the Shafi’is in the region. Unfortunately, credibility. These terrorist leaders are the last to with Sana’a as the capital and in particular. The city is under judging by the events in Yemen, be entitled to speak on behalf of the Palestin- an all-important foothold on undeclared alliance between it doesn’t look like they are. ians or for peace and justice. The same applies to the Red Sea. the Houthis and the Muslim Iran, on the other hand, is fol- extremists of all hues. However, as long as the Amid the confusion in Yemen Brotherhood, or at least those lowing a policy of taking quick legitimate aspirations of the Palestinians to today, the illegitimate Houthi who have an interest in dividing bites at the Americans wherever statehood and dignity remain unfulfilled, so presence in Sana’a, which has Yemen between the two sides. it has proxies; so it is no coinci- will the conditions for comprehensive peace been occupied since September Were it not for the Arab alli- dence that the Iraqi government and security in the region. 21, 2014, has been overlooked. ance that is still fighting to kick is not yet complete despite the The international community Iran out of Yemen, the Houthis presence of a prime minister and is distracted by Hodeidah and would still be in Aden, which of the fact that the parliamentary Iran’s dubious its future but no mention is they controlled for a short time, elections were more than eight being made of the fundamental and in Mocha, through which months ago. celebration problem: the Houthis’ presence the Bab el Mandeb Strait can be In Syria, the demographic in the capital. controlled. makeup and balance in many s it celebrates the 40th anniversary What are the Houthis doing in In southern Yemen, the Hou- areas, especially in Damascus of its revolution, Iran marks a dangerous turn in the history of Sana’a? They wouldn’t have got this struck alliances. This ex- and its surroundings, and along the region. Four decades of their hands on the capital were plains why there are southern- the border between Lebanon sectarian politics and aggressive it not for the many mistakes ers in the government formed and Syria, have been changed. regional policies have not made by the legitimate govern- by the Houthis in Sana’a. In Lebanon, the government of improved the lives of Iranians nor ment and other pro-legitimacy What is unfolding in Yemen Prime Minister Saad Hariri could earnedA Iran the confidence of its neighbours. forces. is another chapter in the bat- not be formed until Iran had The regime’s Manichaean worldview leaves no At some point in the conflict, tle with Iran in Yemen. The made sure that it had breached room for compromise or coexistence with other the legitimate government and Houthis will take advantage of the Sunnis and the Druze after its nations. Couched in an “Islamic” and “revolu- its allies restricted their mis- every opportunity and of every wide-ranging penetration, which tionary” narrative, it sees endless enemies at sion to making life miserable for fissure in the opposite camp dates to the agreement signed home and abroad. former Yemeni President Ali Ab- to have their own political and February 6, 2006, by Lebanese Tehran’s chronic paranoia drives its relentless arms race, including the pursuit of nuclear and dullah Saleh. The latter waged geographical entity. President Michel Aoun and Hez- missile programmes. It drives it to crack down war on the Houthis from 2004- The situation in Yemen can- bollah Secretary-General Hassan on internal criticism and dissent, which it 10. He had an opportunity to not be isolated from the context Nasrallah. systematically describes as the result of external win the confrontation but didn’t of the Iranian expansion As we wait to see if change conspiracies. take it. Saleh paid with his life project. That project is based will take place inside Iran and if Reporters without Borders said 860 journalists for toying with the Houthis. mainly on the long-term policy US sanctions have any effect on were arrested in the 30 years following the 1979 It is certain that the master- of fragmenting societies and Tehran’s behaviour beyond its revolution, including three who were executed. mind of the Houthis is not Ab- institutions in Arab countries. borders, the Yemenis, Syrians, With its rejection of the excesses of the shah delmalik al-Houthi. Someone in Like it or not, the Houthis Iraqis and Lebanese will, un- and the many promises it made to Iran’s poor, Tehran and in Beirut has been emerged as the foremost win- fortunately, suffer at the hands the Khomeini-led uprising had a base of popular doing the thinking and plan- ners of the popular uprising of the madmen of the Islamic support but the promises the regime could not keep and its repressive behaviour laid bare the ning for them. against Saleh’s regime in 2011. Revolution. disingenuous intentions of the “revolutionary” The Houthis have always The Muslim Brothers, who This revolution was a genuine leaders. had a very close and profound took advantage of the wave of one when it happened 40 years Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi relationship with Lebanese popular protests at the time and ago and overthrew the shah’s said: “In my view, it’s very likely because, at the Hezbollah and that is no secret. who tried, through their armed regime but it didn’t help Iran and beginning of the revolution, 90% of the Iranian The Houthis are following the militias, to assassinate the the Iranians live in better condi- population wanted this regime and now, if you strategy of “take and make former president on June 3, had tions. The regime brought by this take another poll through free elections, you more demands” and that is ex- no clue that everything they revolution knows only how to will see that 90% of people don’t want the actly what Hezbollah has been had been doing was in Iran’s forge ahead with the revolution regime anymore.” doing in Lebanon and what Iran interest. outside Iranian borders. Sana’a is When running for president in 2017, Moham- has been doing in Iraq. It’s been four-and-a-half but one victim of this Iranian ex- mad Bagher Ghalibaf, then mayor of Tehran, This is something that those years since the Houthis seized port, which brings only destruc- said the ruling political class had the support of just 4% of Iranians. who initially underestimated control of Sana’a. Since then, tion and desolation, backward- The whole clergy-dominated political class, the extent of coordination we’ve witnessed the retreat of ness and sectarian strife. hardliners and reformers alike, provokes despair between the Syrian regime and the Iranian project in Yemen from ordinary Iranians. Time for a change. Iran and its lackeys paid no thanks to the Decisive Storm Khairallah Khairallah is a attention to. The indictment campaign as well as its en- Lebanese writer. February 17, 2019 7 Opinion

Only an independent Iraq can bottle Iran up Published by Al Arab Publishing House Tallha Abdulrazaq If the United States was serious about dealing with Iranian ambitions, then it might have Publisher and Group Executive Editor empowered and facilitated a truly sovereign government born of a national movement. Haitham El-Zobaidi, PhD Editor-in-Chief very US presi- Barack Obama and Trump, dent since Jimmy the United States provided Oussama Romdhani Carter has had close air support to a host of nothing but bad pro-Iran Shia jihadists fighting words for the under the umbrella organisa- Managing Editor Iranian leadership tion of the Popular Mobilisation Iman Zayat Esince Ayatollah Ruhollah Forces, responsible for some of Khomeini overthrew the shah the most horrific sectarian war Deputy Managing Editor in 1979. For 40 years, we have crimes seen in generations. and Online Editor heard American administra- The fight against the Islamic Mamoon Alabbasi tions talk about the threat State is undoubtedly important Iran poses to regional and but what is the point of em- Senior Editor global stability and how that powering one set of jihadists to John Hendel menace must be stopped. fight another? That is an assessment that If the United States was seri- Chief Copy Editor very few who truly study the ous about dealing with Iranian Richard Pretorius modern Middle East would ambitions, then it might have disagree with. empowered and facilitated a Copy Editors However, as with US Presi- Heavy legacy. A picture of the late Iranian revolutionary truly sovereign government Stephen Quillen dent Donald Trump’s and leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (C) is seen at his for- born of a national movement Kyle Arensdorf US Secretary of State Mike mer home in Najaf, Iraq, February 9. (Reuters) built around the common Pompeo’s tweeted remarks values and shared culture and East/West Section Editor on the 40th anniversary of identity that Iraqis feel across Mahmud el-Shafey (London) the Iranian revolution, it is already seen? across Syria. the ethno-sectarian divide. not just the theocratic regime Iran-backed militias roam Long before Russia directly During the Iran-Iraq War Gulf Section Editor that has provided nothing Iraq at will and extort, exploit intervened on Syrian Presi- in the 1980s, Sunnis, Shias, Mohammed Alkhereiji but 40 years of failure. The and kill people. Their politi- dent Bashar Assad’s side, Kurds, Turkmens and even United States itself has failed cal arms control key minis- arguably the regime would Yazidis fought together against Society and Travel to deal with a threat that tries supported by the United have fallen were it not for the Khomeinist threat for Sections Editor has bothered it far longer States and financed directly Iranian power projection eight years. They did so not Samar Kadi than, say, former Iraqi leader by the Iraqi budget in a po- moving through its colonised for Ba’athism, as such a flawed Saddam Hussein ever did. litical patronage system that Iraqi hub. ideology would not have held Contributing Editor That is why it comes as makes any notion of democ- Despite that, the United people stand firmly together Rashmee Roshan Lall rather disappointing when racy in Iraq laughable. States is proposing to sit at an in a conventional conflict for Trump announced that US Through Iran’s control airbase and “watch.” almost a decade. They did it for troops would remain in the over Iraq and influence over This smacks of a lack of Iraq and because they felt they Senior Correspondents Ayn al-Asad Airbase near most of its affairs, Tehran has seriousness on the part of were Iraqis. Ramadi in western Iraq “to moved men, money and arms Washington that for four Only a revival of such a Lamine Ghanmi (Tunis) watch Iran.” Not only is the into neighbouring Syria and decades has not managed national spirit can break Iran’s Thomas Seibert (Istanbul) base as far from the Iraqi-Ira- beyond. Iraqi Shia jihadists, to effect regime change or control over Iraq and begin Kelly Kennedy (Washington) nian border as can be when bolstered by their Afghan even moderation on a sup- the process of bottling up the measuring Iraq east to west and Pakistani counterparts posed sworn enemy who mullah regime within its own Regular Columnists but it will also do nothing to in the so-called Fatemiyoun has targeted and killed US borders. Claude Salhani prevent Iranian activities. brigades and other radical soldiers and civilians as well Yavuz Baydar What exactly does the Shia militant formations, as causing untold damage to Tallha Abdulrazaq is a United States need to have participated in Iranian regional allies. researcher at the University of Correspondents “watch” any more than what Islamic Revolutionary Let us not forget that under Exeter’s Strategy and Security the entire world has Guard Corps’ operations both former US President Institute in England. Saad Guerraoui (Casablanca) Dunia El-Zobaidi (London) Roua Khlifi (Tunis) The Shylock card only serves Israel’s purpose Chief Designer Marwen el-Hmedi Rashmee Roshan Lall Designers Any time the actions of the Israeli state are criticised, the accusation of anti-Semitism Ibrahim Ben Bechir becomes real and attention is deflected from the reason Israel deserves to be criticised. Hanen Jebali

even days on from Benjamin Franklin. for Omar and Tlaib to make mean the pope would be call- the controversy When asked who was the point without allowing ing the shots on what went on Contact editor at: over an American- flashing “Benjamins” around, their criticism to be cast as in the White House?’ Would the [email protected] Muslim congress- Omar named “AIPAC,” the hostility to Jews as a com- president somehow be more woman’s alleged American Israel Public Affairs munity. loyal to the Vatican than he anti-Semitism, the Committee, a lobby group. The controversy over was to the American people?” Sonly uncontroversial truth is In the storm of protest that Omar’s alleged anti-Semitism On the campaign trail, Ken- as follows: The issue has not followed, Omar apologised, raises very real issues about nedy took careful note of the gone away; we will be revisit- acknowledging that “anti- the political role available suspicion. “I am not the Catho- Al Arab Publishing House ing it. Again. And again. And Semitism is real” and express- to people who belong to lic candidate for president,” Quadrant Building again. ing gratitude for instruction minority groups and espe- he told church ministers in 177-179 Hammersmith Road This, because the recent from Jewish allies and col- cially those, such as Omar Houston. “I am the Democratic London W6 8BS election to Congress of two leagues “on the painful his- and Tlaib, who emerge from Party’s candidate for presi- outspoken Muslim women is tory of anti-Semitic tropes.” relatively new immigrant dent who happens also to be a bound to bring new atten- She also reiterated her op- communities in the United Catholic. I do not speak for my tion to the Palestinian-Israeli position to the “problematic States. church on public matters and Tel: (+44) 20 7602 3999 conflict. With new attention role of lobbyists” in American They have a special respon- the church does not speak for Fax: (+44) 20 7602 8778 will come new, trenchant politics, even-handedly and sibility as Muslim politicians me.” criticism of Israel, at least for smartly spreading the criti- who serve a diverse constitu- As president, Kennedy kept as long as its political actions cism to include AIPAC, the ency and must represent the his distance from the church are oppressive towards Pales- National Rifle Association values of the American melt- hierarchy while continuing to US Publisher: tinians. and those who advance the ing pot. Not only must they practise his faith. The Arab Weekly USA LLC. Most of that criticism will fossil fuel industry. This was call out Islamophobia but This is a good template for be deemed anti-Semitic. On a less incendiary characteri- they must be mindful of anti- American-Muslim politicians. [email protected] occasion, that charge will sation of the issue of lobby- Semitism as well. Anything Their challenge is to high- [email protected] be justified. Any time the ists’ power in the United less reflects — badly — on the light human rights concerns, actions of the Israeli state are States and some of the heat American Muslim commu- such as the Palestinians’, as Tel: 248-679-6624 criticised using stereotypes was taken out of that particu- nity. a universal issue rather than about people of the Jewish lar debate. While this may seem unfair, specific to the Muslim faith. faith — greedy hook-nosed There will be other rows every new minority group in It is hard to do when Israel Shylocks who engage in and they will assuredly focus the political sphere has faced defends itself by casting all usury and occult practices on Israeli impunity and the additional scrutiny. When criticism as hostility to the — the accusation of anti- reluctance of powerful Amer- John F. Kennedy ran for office worldwide Jewish community. Semitism becomes real and ican politicians to confront in 1960, his campaign was It routinely evokes the horror Subscription & Advertising: attention is deflected from it. Omar’s fellow Muslim con- almost crushed by the canard of the Holocaust as a reminder [email protected] the reason Israel deserves to gresswoman, Rashida Tlaib, that America’s first Roman of the effects of anti-Semitism. Tel : (+44) 020 3667 7249 be criticised. is of Palestinian ethnicity Catholic president would be All the more reason to be This is the trap newly and argues passionately for in thrall to the pope. careful not to use words and elected US Representative the Boycott, Divestment and Larry Tye, who studied images that serve Israel’s Mohamed Al Mufti Ilhan Omar fell into February Sanctions campaign against the Kennedy family for his purpose. Marketing & Advertising 10 when she tweeted about Israel. 2016 book about Kennedy’s Manager the power of “Benjamins” to That the plight of the Pal- brother Bobby, described the Rashmee Roshan Lall is influence American politi- estinians will feature in the “bigotry” as follows: It “was a columnist for The Arab Direct: (+44) 20 8742 9262 cians in favour of Israel. The 116th US Congress and much expressed in the sort of catch- Weekly. Her blog can be found www.alarab.co.uk “Benjamins” reference was more than it has in a while is word of, ‘If a Catholic were in at www.rashmee.com and she to $100 bills, which feature a given. The challenge will be the White House, would that is on Twitter: @rashmeerl. 8 February 17, 2019 Debate Lebanon

Lebanon fields ‘patchwork plan’ to address plight of Syrian refugees

political bloc of the concept of the voluntary nature of the refugees’ return and the respect Makram Rabah of all provisions connected to preventing forced return.” While Hariri ostensibly stressed the voluntary and safe return of refugees, he gave the ll cultures have an portfolio of minister of state for array of bedtime refugee affairs to the pro-Syrian stories, ones to coax and Iranian political group keen children to drift off on Lebanon’s normalisation with to sleep. For Arabs, the Assad regime. “The Story of the Oil More troubling is that Hariri’s Bottle”A is one such tale that has no compromise over the voluntary real beginning or end but repeats clause is coupled with his the same story until the frustrated cabinet’s adoption of the Russian listener finally dozes off. repartition plan, which proposes This is more or less the case of an immediate return of the the Syrian refugees in general Syrian refugees to areas Syrian but more so in Lebanon, where President Bashar Assad and his successive cabinets, including allies deem safe. the newly formed body, have While many elements in the failed to address this growing Lebanese government place humanitarian crisis. great weight on this “Russian Anyone slightly familiar with initiative” most experts and the Lebanese political structure activists in the field see no real knows the refugee crisis and the potential for this wishful plan, government’s lack of a clear, which is a fundraising gimmick effective policy go beyond mere to convince the Europeans to incompetence or corruption. provide money for this some- Paying the cost of reactive measures. A Lebanese security official holds Syrian Simply, the Lebanese govern- what impossible feat. refugee children, who fled to Lebanon, as they wait for buses to go back to Syria from ment has no policy to handle the Rouba Mhaissen, founding the southern village of Shebaa, last April. (Reuters) 1.5 million refugees who are director at Sawa for Development burdening the country’s econ- and Aid, a civil society organisa- omy and crumbling infrastruc- tion that works closely with the refugees with the much-needed so-called threat of naturalisa- ture. Syrian refugees, said this direc- humanitarian protection allotted tion. The ministerial statement tion is perilous for both the to them by human rights conven- These same populist voices recently presented in parliament government and its guests. tion and above all human refuse to acknowledge that it is did not greatly depart from Mhaissen warned: “It will be decency. their own corruption and earlier government approaches, problematic for the government Most of the refugees across clientelist networks that over- what Nasser Yassin, director of of Lebanon to send refugees back Lebanon lack legal protection burden the economy and that the research at the Issam Fares en masse as the Russian initiative because government regulations funds for refugees’ aid over the Institute for Public Policy and is calling for the conditions for complicated residency require- last few years have, in more than International Affairs at the safe, dignified and voluntary ments, leaving them as illegal one way, benefited the Lebanese American University of Beirut, return are still not in place.” aliens who face huge fines and and delayed the inevitable called an “ad-hoc patchwork She added that, above all, deportation. This unfortunate economic collapse. plan.” “Lebanon has to abide by the reality has transformed the Patchwork reactive measures Yassin said the major shift in unified position of Arab coun- refugees into easy targets for can no longer pass as policies the government track was “the tries and the international host communities that use the and the Hariri cabinet can no abandonment of Lebanese Prime community and against the lack of documentation to abuse longer expect the weary public to Minister Saad Hariri and his principle of non-refoulement. So and intimidate refugees. listen to a senseless never-end- we are yet to see the channels The greatest injury to the ing tale of intentions to make through which the government refugees, however, is the things right. The greatest injury to the statement will be applied when it persistence of Lebanese political comes to return.” factions to blame the country’s Makram Rabah is a lecturer at refugees is the persistence of While some experts might have economic hardship on them and the American University of Lebanese political factions to divergent views on how to spearhead a xenophobic cam- Beirut and author of “A Campus handle the refugee crisis, Yassin paign to scare the Lebanese at War: Student Politics at the blame the country’s economic and Mhaissen stressed the populace into confronting the American University of Beirut, hardship on them. cabinet’s urgency to provide the 1967-1975.” Hezbollah is a dominant force in Lebanon’s new cabinet

Delicate the refugee portfolio, is a staunch balance. Le- supporter of the Syrian regime banese Prime and has vowed to do whatever it Rami Rayess Minister Saad takes to push Syrian refugees back Hariri during into their country, a policy that a meeting at could jeopardise the lives of tens the govern- of thousands. mental palace Such positions, which many n January, Lebanon agreed in Beirut, consider to be a step towards to a new cabinet after nine February 6. normalising relations with the months of political stale- (Reuters) Assad regime, deepened internal mate. The long-awaited divisions over Lebanon’s relations government restructured the with Damascus, which recently balance of power in ways that issued a “terrorist list” that in- Idid not reflect the results of parlia- cluded Hariri, Geagea and Druze mentary elections in May 2018. leader Walid Jumblatt. Much of this has to do with the Lebanon’s political and confes- compromise that led to the elec- sional structure was built on a tion of Michel Aoun as president delicate balance of power. Each in 2017, which gave undue influ- time that balance has been upset, ence to Hezbollah and its allies. the country has experienced tur- Lebanese Foreign Minister bulence. This happened in 1958, Gebran Bassil recently stated that, in 1968 and, of course, when civil had it not been for Hezbollah, war broke out in 1975. Aoun — his father-in-law — would Hariri went against the wishes of Hezbollah’s control of weapons. The political dynamics in not have become president. That his followers when he nominated Previous cabinets have spent Lebanon are quite different now. revelation shows just how closely Aoun as president and Geagea weeks agonising over the issue, The Lebanese left, supported by Bassil’s Free Patriotic Movement offered his support, drawing fierce sometimes putting them on the Palestinian factions in the 1970s, is aligned with Hezbollah, even at backlash. verge of collapse. has lost influence, partly because the expense of other partners, in- Lebanon’s new cabinet is deeply However, with the new cabinet, of reforms introduced by the cluding Prime Minister Saad Hariri unbalanced, with 18 of its 30 min- the Lebanese Forces raised only Taif Agreement (1989) and new and Lebanese Forces leader Samir isters affiliated with the Hezbollah mild opposition to Hezbollah’s actors, such as Hezbollah, that Geagea, who backed Aoun. camp. This raised concerns over weapons, after which a ministe- have changed the way the political the country’s future and stability, rial statement was unanimously game is played. especially as the so-called Axis of passed. Will Lebanon descend into The Lebanese left supported by Resistance — Iran, Hezbollah and Hezbollah officials considered chaos? It’s hard to say given the Palestinian factions in the 1970s Syria — claims victory in Syria. this evidence that a culture of re- competing interests of local and Each time a cabinet is formed in sistance is entrenched in Lebanese regional stakeholders. What is cer- has lost influence, partly Lebanon, the ministerial declara- political life and that the previous tain is that the country is as fragile because of reforms introduced tion — a comprehensive overview opposition had lost ground. as it has always been. by the Taif Agreement (1989) of the body’s policy positions Not only is the cabinet decid- presented to parliament to gain edly pro-Hezbollah, it includes Rami Rayess is a Lebanese writer. and new actors, such as a vote of confidence — has been ministers with questionable back- Follow him on Twitter: Hezbollah. delayed due to the tricky issue of grounds. Saleh al-Gharib, assigned @RamiRayess. February 17, 2019 9 News & Analysis Iraq US sanctions against Iran could prove to be an opportunity for Iraq

Manuel Langendorf ness Development in Baghdad, and Muna al-Jaffal adding that Iran had “flooded the market” with products and goods. “Instead of looking at the sanc- London tions as a problem for Iraq they should be looked at as an opportu- hen Iranian Foreign nity,” said Entifadh Qanbar, presi- Minister Mohammad dent of the Future Foundation in Cheaper imports. A shop worker arranges cans of Iranian tomato paste at a supermarket in the Iraqi Javad Zarif visited Washington. He said Iraq’s reliance city of Najaf, last October. (Reuters) W Baghdad in January, on Iranian imports was a mistake his entourage included representa- that had weakened Iraqi industry. tives of more than 50 companies. The sanctions, said Muhanad “I, therefore, doubt that sanc- year in oil-rich southern Iraq Morshed added that the govern- The trip to Iraq came at a pivotal Seloom, an Iraq analyst at the Uni- tions… can enhance Iraq’s industri- showed, frustration at high levels ment had improved the process of time for Iran’s economy, only versity of Exeter, are “good for al and commercial opportunities,” of corruption and a lack of jobs and registering companies and regulat- months after the US reimposed Iraq” because they give Iraqi trad- she said. services remain high. The new gov- ing taxes but more work to create a sanctions against Tehran as a result ers a “chance to breathe.” Iranian Ali Sameer, a supermarket owner ernment under Prime Minister Adel favourable business environment of US President Donald Trump’s goods, he said, were cheaper due in Baghdad, said sanctions would Abdul-Mahdi is under pressure to was needed. Nicholson said it was decision to withdraw from the Iran to Iran’s superior resources and in- have a negative effect on his shop deliver results before another hot the government’s task to set and nuclear deal. frastructure, while Iraqi businesses because most of his dairy products summer strikes. hold up “the best parameters for In Baghdad, Zarif argued that the suffered from electricity cuts and were from Iran and shoppers did Observers said Iraq’s internal international companies to partner United States had failed to derail water shortages in the agricultural not know the quality of new Iraqi problems will negatively affect how with local companies and invest.” the expansion of cooperation be- sector. products. “My only hope is that the much the country will profit from a Much will depend on how the tween Iran and Iraq. Several days Iran was “taking advantage of the Iraqi government will improve the changed business environment cre- Iraqi government manages the earlier, US Secretary of State Mike disorganisation and weaknesses of Iraqi industry and products,” Sa- ated by the sanctions against Iran. balancing act of maintaining good Pompeo was in the Iraqi capital to the system in Iraq,” Seloom argued. meer said. Nicholson said that “only the free relations with both Washington shore up support for the sanctions In this environment, Iraqi farmers, Other shop owners said the sanc- market and private investment can and Tehran. Iraq has sought to be and broader efforts against Iran. for example, “would have a chance tions would not have a major effect turn the economic corner for the exempt from the US sanctions but The high-level visits highlight- to catch up and stand on their own on their business. nation,” calling bribery and corrup- stated that it is complying due to ed the importance of Iraq for the feet,” he said, “if supported by the As Iran’s western neighbour, tion the “most difficult challenge” American pressure. Trump administration’s campaign government.” Morshed predicted, Iraq would be- for the new government. Seloom said the sanctions came to push back Iran’s influence in However, as the sanctions weak- come a “transit point for the smug- Qanbar cited a lack of infrastruc- “handy for the short term, not the the region. Iraq’s economy plays a ened the Iranian rial, cheaper goods gling of Iranian goods and will be a ture, which was deterring inves- long term.” “For the long term,” he crucial role in this, being the big- from Iran have continued to flow platform for international conflict.” tors. Another issue, he argued, was concluded, “we definitely prefer gest non-oil export market for Iran into Iraq, the Wall Street Journal re- Seloom added that the border be- a persistent attitude in the govern- to have a stable, prosperous Iran with an annual trade volume of $9 ported in January. tween the two countries was not ment bureaucracy of seeing for- that we can do business with on an billion. Iranian goods, including Not everyone agreed that the well-controlled. eign investors as enemies. “When equal footing.” agricultural products, fruit, poul- sanctions would have a positive ef- Despite years of battles against the investor comes to Iraq, he gets In the US-Iranian conflict, Iraq try and construction materials, are fect on Iraq. In an interview, Bar- Islamic State militants, Iraq’s eco- drained, embezzled, blackmailed in will continue to be a pivotal player. a common sight in Iraq. Iran also oness Emma Nicholson, UK trade nomic outlook is positive. The every direction possible,” Qanbar provides about 40% of Iraq’s elec- envoy to Iraq and president of the country’s GDP product is expect- said. Manuel Langendorf is a writer tricity. Iraq Britain Business Council, said ed to grow 6.2% in 2019, said the Iraq was ranked 169th out of 180 focusing on the MENA region. “Iran is an influential factor in sanctions were “generally not help- World Bank, which noted a strong on Transparency International’s Muna al-Jaffal is an Iraqi freelance the Iraqi business world,” said Anas ful to business and industry since rebound in non-oil growth. “Corruption Perceptions Index journalist in Baghdad. Morshed, founder of Morshed Busi- they interfere with the market.” However, as mass protests last 2017.” Viewpoint A year after Kuwait conference, Iraq is no closer to reconstruction

he official proclama- by forces belonging to the [PMF] tion of the defeat of forced to pay taxes for sufficient the Islamic State (ISIS) protection and back-up.” Nazli Tarzi was loudly celebrated Funding mobilised by the World throughout Iraq and Bank reconstruction project in 2015 even in Washington but has contributed only modestly to Ta place untouched by such opti- small projects in war-devastated mism is Mosul and its surrounding territories, mainly the rebuilding cities, which are now mountains of of bridges, basic infrastructure and post-war rubble. connectivity. France pledged 1 billion euros Mosul’s airport, residential dis- ($1.13 billion) to help Iraq’s recon- tricts, market squares and hospitals struction when French Foreign were all crushed under the weight Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian visited of the war on ISIS but few alloca- Baghdad January 14. The French tions within the Iraqi budget for gesture comes almost one year this year offer safeguards that these after donor countries pledged $30 areas receive the attention they billion to rebuild Iraq. desperately need. Pledges at the International Con- Big promises have yielded intan- ference for Reconstruction of Iraq, Still to be rebuilt. An Iraqi pushes a cart past rubble of what was a gible outcomes, espousing wide last February in Kuwait, have fallen seven-storey building in Mosul, January 13. (AFP) distrust in the next phase of Iraqi short of delivering the turnaround reconstruction. Also under sus- or urban renewal of neighbour- picion are the motives of Kuwait. hoods, green spaces and mosques favoured foreign associates. Foreign firms are eyeing con- It has demanded the resumption as existed prior to ISIS’s capture of Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs tracts and tenders, that — as has of reparation payments from Iraq Iraq’s second largest city. Mohamed al-Hakim volunteered to become the unofficial norm — are over damages incurred as a result The pledges, proposed by the as- establish an interagency committee sealed with colossal kickbacks of Saddam Hussein’s invasion of sembly of representatives from 76 to oversee the management of the and bribes. Another concern is the Kuwait 28 years ago. countries and global institutions, $30 billion raised and to rally inves- feasibility of conducting busi- In November, the UN Compensa- have translated into very little on tors from across the globe. ness in a context where no local tion Commission announced an the ground. Doubts over the dis- The committee is either lay- authority exists and where security outstanding sum of $4.5 billion that bursement of funds and execution ing low or has had no projects to is not guaranteed, as shown by Iraq is expected to pay. Kuwait has of projects remain high. oversee as more of Mosul’s features insurgents who carry out sporadic not published a detailed breakdown Beyond platitudes and requests fade into debris as was the fate of attacks in nearby Kirkuk. of the pledges or their terms, which for assistance to generate the $88 Mosul’s seven-storey building — Militias drawn from Iraq’s were presented at the summit. billion required, Baghdad has not one of the lost gems designed by Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) Many of the pledges were in the responded to the lack of deliver- renowned architect Rifat Chadirji. control important routes into the form of loans from the World Bank, ance. Its allies, however, have been Other heritage sites, some dating city, policing every product and the European Union and others but Big promises have irrepressibly vocal about rebuild- to the ninth century, may follow body that pass through. This is a offered at enormous interest rates. yielded intangible ing the country. Turkey reiterated suit without the dedicated will to battleground that donors are in no The quick-fix solution such loans outcomes, its preparedness to “contribute to breathe life into dilapidated struc- position to navigate or contest. offer will, however, hold Iraq’s infrastructure” in Iraq, the Euro- tures. It is unclear when the responsi- future ransom. espousing wide pean Union pledged more than Like its fall, Mosul’s “victory” bility for Mosul will be handed to a distrust in the next $450 million and Jordan expressed ushers in new dangers and old new Mosul police force. One source Nazli Tarzi is an independent hope of breathing life back into its actors. inside the old city said “local and journalist, whose writings and phase of Iraqi own construction sector by vying Armed groups are eager to con- small businesses are at a greater films focus on Iraq’s ancient history reconstruction. for contracts alongside Baghdad’s trol any cash flow in these areas. risk now, harassed or extorted and contemporary political scene. 10 February 17, 2019 Spotlight Bouteflika’s Fifth Term Algerian president seeks fifth term in election fraught with many risks

Lamine Ghanmi “generational change” of leadership without undermining stability. Since Algeria’s electoral process Tunis began January 18, nearly 200 people have registered as candidates, more lgerian President Abdelaziz than double the number in 2014. Bouteflika announced he However, many say Bouteflika, would pursue a fifth term in power since 1999, will easily win A in office in April’s elections, a fifth term. The country’s ruling prompting criticism from the oppo- National Liberation Front and three sition and concerns about the coun- other parties, which together form try’s future. the so-called presidential majority, Bouteflika, who turns 82 on predict “elections will be a mere for- March 2, has rarely been seen in pub- mality.” lic since suffering a stroke in 2013. “April 18 will be a day of celebra- He last appeared in public Novem- tions of the victory of President Few options. An Algerian man reads a newspaper at a bus station next to a banner showing the ber 1 during a wreath-laying ceremo- Bouteflika,” a statement from the Algerian flag with a portrait of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in Algiers. (AFP) ny at a memorial service for Algerian group said. independence fighters. Bouteflika The president’s backers said he ist Workers Party. “We do not know Former Prime Minister Ali Benflis geria had a bloody decade-long civil appeared frail as he struggled to ob- planned to continue redeveloping what will happen until then and said Bouteflika’s re-election was be- war in the 1990s pitting the govern- serve rituals during the recitation of the country, which suffered a de- how citizens will react. ing orchestrated by officials behind ment against radical Islamists. the opening verse of the Quran. structive civil war in the 1990s. “The elections are going to take the scenes and that it risked “push- “All Algerians know that if Boutef- However, he has vowed to exert “a “During his last mandate, we re- place on moving ground. Now, most ing Algeria into an uncertain future.” lika is re-elected there will be no lot of spirit” to overcome his health built all stories of Algeria’s houses, of the population mistrusts the elec- “Those who are behind the fifth vendetta or a general audit nor call- problems and carry out his “ulti- including in the economic, social tions but if they change their minds mandate would not have received ing into question what was done in mate duty” to lead. and cultural fields,” said former and decide to occupy voting places the president’s approval were he the past 20 years,” said Said Bouc- Opposition leaders and analysts Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal, to try to prevent voter fraud, what conscious,” Benflis said. etta, a political writer who supports warned that Bouteflika’s re-elec- who heads the president’s re-elec- will happen then? We know that Other opposition figures also cast Bouteflika’s re-election. tion would risk an “unprecedented tion campaign. regime predators will resort to vio- doubt on whether Bouteflika was The status quo has stalled reform groundswell” of discontent, particu- “The goal now is to roll out the lence and they have the means to do “willingly” seeking a fifth mandate. efforts, however, while the state larly among young Algerians strug- roof… to solidify and protect Algeria i t .” Benflis warned that Bouteflika’s considers the interests of the coun- gling with economic hardship. once and for all and make it able to Ali Laskri, president of the main re-election would mean “inertia and try’s influential elites. Algeria has battled high unem- resist and confront the challenges of secularist opposition Socialist Forc- stagnation” for Algeria. “The regime is holding on and ployment and lacklustre growth for the next century with great seren- es Front, which has called for an “The country will continue to be it is increasingly clear that pro-de- years, prompting many young peo- i t y.” elections boycott and peaceful pop- run by extra-constitutional forces, mocracy opposition has yet to gain ple to emigrate. Asked whether Bouteflika’s fifth ular resistance, said: “Bouteflika is which continue usurping the func- enough strength to impose change,” However, Bouteflika is credited term would be his last, Sellal said here for life.” tion and prerogatives of the presi- said political writer Bachir Maed- with forging stability and providing “no.” “This regime has always func- dent and they will continue to talk jahed. “Even a possible scenario of for basic social needs and remains Opposition politicians voiced con- tioned that way and has not and act on behalf of the president,” a meaningful change does not exist popular. cern about deep public mistrust over changed,” he said. “In 2011, Boutef- said Benflis. for now.” The president’s supporters say upcoming elections. lika talked about the same reforms However, analysts said the pri- re-electing Bouteflika on a reform “We are terrified,” said Louisa Ha- and generational change but no mary fear of most Algerians is the Lamine Ghanmi is an Arab Weekly agenda would help bring about a noune, secretary-general of the left- change dawned.” “resurgence of the radical Islam.” Al- correspondent in Tunis. Viewpoint Weak opposition discredits Algeria’s electoral process

he picture of Algeria’s pluralistic democratic state in the presidential elections in years of independence. This April became clear after failure did not come out of nothing but was the result of power Azraj Omar President Abdelaziz Bouteflika ended struggles and the degeneration of speculation about his ethics at the highest levels of Tcandidacy. The leaders of the power, as well as the deepest so-called opposition parties and structure of Algerian society. people who aspired to the position The incredible spread of of head of state have been shocked corruption in all administrative by Bouteflika’s announcement that and economic state organs and he would stand for another affiliated institutions helps presidential term, his fifth. maintain the rot. The result is an One Algerian newspaper said increasingly ignorant citizenry, a Bouteflika’s candidacy was a palpable deterioration of the premature killing of presidential educational system making it elections. It should be said that the useful only for spawning an managers of the private newspa- unqualified and unemployable per and most so-called opinion labour force and the emergence of pollsters and political actors in a culture of opportunism that has Algeria have failed to scientifically taken over the Algerian adminis- analyse the causes behind this trative, social and economic pathological clinging to power in landscape. Algerian politics. By not doing so, Does Algeria’s problem lie only In disarray. A supporter of the Algerian opposition gestures as she they refuse to acknowledge facts in the presence of Bouteflika and is pushed away by police officers in Algiers. (AFP) that shaped the structure of his clinging to power? Algerian political reality since Opposition parties in their reality is mainly that the embry- opposition bloc to counter the independence. fragmented and weak positions onic genes of the opposition are policies of the ruling regime and There is no doubt that the cannot be the much-sought descended from institutions and its candidate in presidential fundamental problems and the alternative, especially given that culture of the ruling regime in elections. mentality and behaviour of the shortcoming of the Algerian Algeria. The absence of a joint pro- monopolising power in Algeria opposition parties is that they did Consequently, most leaders of gramme for these parties, along have not received serious analyti- not produce leading figures who opposition parties are legitimate with the number of personalities cal study. Neutral Algerian the Algerian people might identify offspring of the regime and its who pop up on election occasions, analysts specialised in national with and follow. Further, the political, intellectual, administra- undermine the formation of any political affairs, opposition parties parties did not play a leading role tive and dictatorial culture. This unified political polity. These and their leaders lack training in in breaking the mentality and explains why there has not been a dispersed parties have produced scientific approaches and thought practices of power monopoly and normal and steady growth of and reproduced the culture of Most leaders of that would help them deal with uprooting the cultural foundations democratic ethics in the opposi- power monopoly that they accuse the diseases that have plagued of dictatorship. tion parties in terms of manage- Bouteflika and others of following. opposition parties Algerian society since the post- It should be said that Bouteflika, ment or smooth transfer of This has transformed presiden- are legitimate independence armed struggle for independent candidate General leadership. Indeed, some party tial elections in Algeria into a offspring of the power and the decade of conflict Ali Ghediri or the candidate of the leaders refuse to operate accord- folkloric show that is neither with Islamists who won the first Movement for the Society of Peace ing to the democratic principle of credible nor trustworthy, two regime and its phase of parliamentarian elec- and others are not exceptional smooth transfer of leadership. basic requirements for civilised political, intellectual, tions. cases but the result of this culture Opposition parties also failed to political action. The main problem that shakes of dictatorship. implement the foundations of the administrative and the fabric of Algerian political Political analysts note that the Mazafran Agreements, including Azraj Omar is an Algerian poet, dictatorial culture. reality is the failure to build a tragedy of the Algerian political the promise to form a single writer and intellectual. February 17, 2019 11 News & Analysis Maghreb Mauritania’s opposition seeks candidate outside its divided ranks

Lamine Ghanmi mostly descended from black for- mer slaves. They are widely dis- criminated against, with many in Tunis Mauritania viewing them as an un- derclass. auritania’s leading op- Secularists insisted on nominat- position parties plan to ing Mohamed Ould Mouloud, head back an independent of the Union of Progressive Forces. M candidate in the upcom- Unable to overcome division, the ing presidential elections after fail- opposition committee set out to ing to select a nominee from within recruit an independent candidate. their own ranks. Local media said the committee Leaders of the main opposition shortlisted former Prime Minister groups, including more than 30 cen- Sidi Mohamed Ould Boubacar and trist, secularist and Islamist parties, former Senator El Cheikh Ould Sidi agreed in January to back a unified Ould Hanna for the position. candidate, establishing a committee Political writers and intellectuals to decide on the nominee. partial to the opposition argued it However, the group was unable to should negotiate with the govern- agree on a consensus candidate and ment to put forward a reform agen- issued a statement that the “com- da in exchange for electoral support. mittee is tasked to focus on a can- “The opposition has to decide didate from outside the opposition what it wants from its participation who would be backed by the opposi- in the elections. Does it seek to voice tion parties.” its positions or create change?” Major divisions have risen be- asked political writer Sidi Mohamed tween Sawab, the Muslim Brother- Younes. “If the aim of the opposition hood’s affiliate in Mauritania, and is to win power through elections, secularists. Sawab lobbied for Biram the way to the power is barricaded ‘Reform agenda’. A 2016 file picture shows members of the Mauritanian opposition taking part in a (AFP) Dah Abeid, a prominent anti-slavery by tanks and ammunition boxes.” protest march in Nouakchott. advocate, to its traditional support Younes and others supporting the base. opposition urged it to select an inde- that suffered marginalisation, loss Cheikh Abdallahi. Mauritanian Ould Abdel Aziz’s successor. Sawab’s leaders argued that Abeid pendent candidate acceptable to the of rights and other hardships for 28 President Mohamed Ould Abdel Ould el Ghazouani “has a pro- would receive the most public sup- “regime’s constituencies” or back years,” he added. Aziz, then head of the presidential found knowledge of the issues as he port, increasing their odds against Ould el Ghazouani. Ould el Ghazouani “represents the guard, was also fired at that time but was familiar with the security and the government’s candidate, De- “If it wants to follow the ‘plebi- continuity of the current regime,” became president in a military coup political situations during the [en- fence Minister Mohamed Ould el scite way,’ the opposition should Sidi Mohamed Ould Mham, chair- later that year. tirety of the previous administra- Ghazouani. open a dialogue with the govern- man of Mauritania’s ruling Union tion],” Mham said. “He is one of the Abeid, who leads the Initiative ment’s candidate in return for con- for the Republic Party, said to party main pillars of the regime.” for the Resurgence of Abolition- ditions including that the elections members in January. Major divisions have risen Ould Abdel Aziz said he would ism Movement in Mauritania, has campaign be open and fair, the line- Ould el Ghazouani, army chief of between Sawab, the step down this year at the end of been imprisoned three times, most up of the next government be inclu- staff, was appointed defence minis- Muslim Brotherhood’s his second term following elections recently in August ahead of na- sive and better foundations for next ter in November, replacing veteran affiliate in Mauritania, this summer. By peacefully hand- tional elections. Still, he was voted local, parliament and presidential politician Jallow Mamadou Bhatia and secularists. ing over the presidency, Ould Abdel into parliament in September, after elections to open the way for a gen- and ending a 23-year tradition of a Aziz would move Mauritania closer which he was freed from prison. uine power change in the future,” civilian holding the position. The two former generals have in line with the rest of West Af- Abeid draws significant support Younes said. Ould el Ghazouani was among maintained close ties and analysts rica and join African leaders work- from Mauritania’s large Haratin “Those in power now fear the those dismissed in 2008 by for- had almost unanimously predicted ing to instil democratic principles community, whose members are risks of a takeover by the opposition mer President Sidi Mohamed Ould that Ould el Ghazouani would be at home. Viewpoint Saudi-Moroccan relations are not helped by silence

iyadh and Rabat are Media reports said that after the position that cannot be considered ing that cannot be allowed to turn giving lessons in the art Moroccan foreign minister’s live neutral in the Qatari conflict. into a controversy. of diplomacy. The two interview with the Qatari channel, While both countries preferred to However, denying the existence Mohamed Kawas capitals are being highly Al Arabiya broadcast a documen- observe silence about this problem, of differences in opinions and posi- professional in manag- tary that said Morocco had invaded it did add to the pile of many other tions between both countries and ing what was said to be a Western Sahara following the depar- small problems. It seems the Moroc- trying to conceal their signs cannot Rdispute between them. ture of the Spanish colonists in 1975. can foreign minister’s interview be a viable way for building the kind Saudi Arabia’s and Morocco’s his- This version is rejected by Morocco with Al Jazeera and the ensuing Al of relations that are supposed to be torical relationship is old and strate- because it considers Western Sahara Arabiya report on the Western Saha- strategic and old. gic. For decades, the two countries an integral part of its territory. ra question were connected with the Morocco’s position on the war in had stayed on the same track. Apparently, there are other twists fact that Morocco was not included Yemen has changed. Bourita said If one is to draw an analogy, the in the story. in Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Morocco’s involvement in the Arab currently strained relations between Morocco had taken a neutral bin Salman bin Abdulaziz’s tour of coalition had “changed.” Morocco, the European Union and the United position regarding the boycott by Maghreb countries. Obviously, the for example, is no longer participat- States, an alliance rooted in history Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United diplomacy of silence has failed. ing in the coalition forces’ military and values, can be likened to the Arab Emirates and Bahrain against Both countries have found the exercises and ministerial meetings. nature of Riyadh’s relations with Qatar. Rabat has always maintained virtue of silence too much to bear Rabat has been showing signs Rabat. a point of neutrality and balance in but, on the other hand and as their of discomfort and reservation that It seems that what happened be- its Arab relations and Morocco has diplomatic wisdom has shown, they Riyadh needs to pick up on and tween Saudi Arabia and Morocco is followed a foreign policy that shows do not tolerate the hype either. understand. The situation in Yemen nothing more than, in the words of the country as free and independ- It appeared that the so-called re- is now a matter of international at- the Moroccan ambassador to Saudi ent in its decisions, orientations and call of the Moroccan ambassador in tention involving the world’s major Arabia, a “summer shower.” As both foreign options. Riyadh for consultation reflected a powers. So Morocco’s position, in countries endeavour to dismiss the Nevertheless, although neutral- reaction to what cannot be tolerated its form, will not affect the interna- controversy and its symptoms, it ity was the defining characteristic in matters of fundamental principles tional approaches to the matter but, seems clear that the signs of discord of the official positions of many regarding the Western Sahara issue. in its content, it expresses Morocco’s have accumulated to the point countries towards the Arab Quartet’s One could argue that the report confusion regarding coordination, they can no longer be hidden from engagement with Qatar, in the case on Al Arabiya does not necessarily consultation and integration in the observers of Arab affairs. of Morocco, it was accompanied reflect Saudi Arabia’s official posi- relations between the two kingdoms Morocco returned its ambassador by a decision to send aid to Doha tion but Morocco’s sensitivity about and their behaviour. to Riyadh after the Moroccan Minis- and that can only be seen as bias its territorial integrity cannot bear Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed, try of Foreign Affairs denied reports towards Qatar. any silence about what Morocco in October 2017, said “the crisis with of his recall to Rabat. Before that, Logically, Doha does not need has always considered to be its right Qatar is a very, very small, issue.” Ambassador Mustapha Mansouri Morocco’s aid. Qatar is a rich coun- since the late King Hassan II’s Green By contrast, the Western Sahara was quoted as saying that “the rea- try with international relations and March on the region. question is a very, very big issue for son for his recall is related to recent communication networks through- Rabat knows that Saudi Arabia’s Morocco. developments in the relationship out the world that have not been position on the question of West- This is why both countries some- between the two countries, espe- interrupted by boycotts. Therefore, ern Sahara, just like the position of times resort to serious diplomatic cially after Al Arabiya TV, the Saudi- Morocco’s decision to send aid to the Gulf Cooperation Council, was tools in their reactions and counter- Saudi Arabia’s and owned news channel, broadcast Qatar can only be considered a pro-Morocco and supportive of its reactions to each other’s positions. Morocco’s historical a report calling into question the coded message that Qatar and the policies there. Riyadh knows that It is true that if talk is silver then relationship is old territorial integrity of the kingdom boycotting quartet understand only despite its ups and downs, its rela- silence is gold, as the Arabic saying of Morocco. That was deemed to be too well. tionship with Morocco cannot waver goes, but Saudi-Moroccan relations and strategic. For a reaction to Moroccan Minister of Morocco may have its reasons and around such a fundamental and can no longer tolerate too much decades, the two Foreign Affairs and International Co- strategies in its relations with Saudi strategic issue for all Moroccans, silence. operation Nasser Bourita’s interview Arabia. However, Riyadh can only their king and their government. So, countries had stayed with the Qatari-owned Al Jazeera take note of the Moroccan position both countries wisely suppressed Mohamad Kawas is a Lebanese on the same track. channel.” and its tendency to emphasise a the symptoms of a misunderstand- writer. 12 February 17, 2019 Debate China in MENA China sees risks, profits in MENA

For now, though, Beijing’s investments are intertwined with Alessandro significant risks — financial, Arduino environmental, social and governance-related — both for the recipient countries and for China. Considering the different context he Middle East and and specific political economic North Africa region has environment of each country, such long had a reputation as investments may end up aggravat- a difficult environment ing rather than mitigating risks. If for foreign investors. China is going to fill the power Nevertheless, Chinese vacuum created by American Tprivate and state-led companies detachment from the region, it have been increasingly interested will represent an important shift in in the area, not only for natural Beijing’s regional role. resource exploitation but also for Beijing’s diplomatic and greenfield investment and the crea- economic support of the Bashar tion of commercial hubs. Assad regime in Syria, its increas- However, Chinese investors ing willingness to mediate in the have struggled to comprehend the Palestinian crisis or the increasing complexity of the local business number of state visits in the environment and the challenges Middle East represent the renewed imposed by sudden changes in Challenges and promises. Chinese and Syrian businessmen set up their national flags importance of the region for government relations and abrupt during a meeting to discuss reconstruction projects in Syria. (Reuters) Beijing. eruption of violence and instabil- To avoid making the same errors ity in the region. that have been seen in several Although minor compared to the critics but from China’s leading pian government renegotiated a cases of BRI state-led investments investments China has in Eurasia credit insurance entity, the China longer time frame for debt — such as the Ethiopia-Djibouti and sub-Saharan Africa, Chinese Export and Credit Insurance repayment — 30 years instead of railroad — a broader Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) in Corporation (Sinosure), whose the agreed 10 years — and Sinosure financial engagement in the MENA MENA is rising. In 2016, China concerns about the viability of the had to absorb $1 billion in losses. region should include interna- became the leading investor in the Addis-Djibouti Railway line While China has a long-standing tional financial institutions and region and last year Chinese exposed how some BRI-led economic presence in Africa, the public-private partnerships so that President Xi Jinping pledged $23 infrastructure projects are in dire Middle East is increasingly the multinational development banks billion in financial cooperation need of proper risk management. target of Chinese FDI. As the and the private sector can help to projects, humanitarian assistance Inaugurated at the beginning of United States progressively mobilise capital and, most and development aid to Arab 2018, the estimated $4 billion withdraws from the region’s important, supply the knowledge countries. freight railway has been marred by economic and security situation, necessary to avoid costly mis- The Chinese promise of infra- power shortages and below Chinese state-owned enterprises takes. structural investment and sustain- predicted cargo volumes. The are gaining ground. International support to Chinese able development carried by the Addis Ababa-Djibouti loss of $1 Nevertheless, in North Africa FDI should focus on a small Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is billion is a case in point. and the Middle East, to varying number of flagship projects that facing a harsh reality. News about The inability to repay the degrees, Chinese investors face a include multiple stakeholders and the possible loss of $1 billion in the Chinese loan in a timely fashion is complex spectrum of risks due to exhibit a quantifiable positive Djibouti-Addis Ababa infrastruc- the result of inflated expectations the nature of transitions in the effect. Engaging and cooperating ture project is not coming from BRI from both sides. How China region. with China in new infrastructure restructures its loans will affect However, for each of these development is not only a way to not only the MENA region but also countries, ties of all kinds with share the investment risk burden If China is going to fill the other debtor countries renegotiat- China have been strengthening but could increase the efficiency power vacuum created by ing terms with Beijing. and the BRI hopes to be a game and the positive spillovers to all On paper, the Addis Ababa-Dji- changer in many ways. It has the the involved stakeholders. American detachment from the bouti railway, connecting the potential to fill substantial parts of region, it will represent an landlocked country to the mari- the gap in infrastructure financing Alessandro Arduino is the author time trade routes of the Red Sea, across the region. In the long term, of “China’s Private Army. important shift in Beijing’s promised easy returns on invest- it could contribute to a more stable Protecting the New Silk Road,” regional role. ment. Reality differs. The Ethio- business and investment climate. Palgrave-Macmillan, 2018. China is no saviour for sanctions-hit Iran

of European majors such as Total. fall in Chinese exports in the nine heavy water reactor according to In 2014, a dissatisfied Tehran months of the Iranian calendar the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal. ended China National Petroleum ending December 20. Salehi attributed this to Beijing’s Gareth Smyth Corporation’s role in the major Bourse & Bazaar attributed the fears of US sanctions. Azadegan field, although the fall to a decision by China’s Chinese Foreign Ministry project’s status is unclear. Kunlun Bank to put Iran trade on spokesman Geng Shuang this Iran recently expressed disquiet hold and, in December, to restrict month welcomed Europe’s he Chinese are over progress in phase 11 of the it to humanitarian goods. Oddly, establishment of the Instrument coming to Iran not South Pars gas field, where the Kunlun is already sanctioned by in Support of Trade Exchanges just to convince Chinese firm became the lead the US Treasury for involvement (INSTEX), a special purpose Iranian merchants developer after Total exited in with Iran and had been processing vehicle (SPV) to protect Iran trade “ to buy from them fear of sanctions introduced after trade in euros and yuan. from Washington’s sanctions. but as a nation US President Donald Trump Two other factors are in play. Geng hinted China might use studyingT other countries’ history,” withdrew from the 2015 nuclear High inflation in Iran has probably INSTEX, a move that could said a middle-aged Tehran profes- deal. dampened demand. Iran also has enhance the international role of sional. “They remind me of British Iran’s preference for Europe is a growing commitment to the yuan, which was accepted as a travellers some years ago, with evident outside the energy sector. self-sufficiency or the resistance reserve currency by European paper and a pen, writing down When the European Union ended economy: imports from China of banks in 2018. information.” financial and energy sanctions $16.4 billion in 2016 were down “This is an ever-more compli- In the early 2000s, the Chinese after the 2015 nuclear agreement from the record $24.3 billion of cated situation with Iran, China built three lines of the Tehran was signed, bilateral trade with 2014. and the US,” said an Arab security metro, power stations and a Europe leapt 53% in 2017. “The authorities, including analyst in Europe. “We don’t highway from Tehran to the Despite US sanctions increasing [Iranian] President [Hassan] expect the SPV to be commensu- Caspian Sea. Haier, the white China’s importance for Iran, the Rohani, have been telling people rate with the grand talk. It will goods group, opened a joint relationship remains far from that buying too many Chinese basically do food and medicine.” venture production line at straightforward. goods means exporting jobs,” said Any Chinese participation Isfahan. Tehran’s first Chinese- First, Beijing’s state-run energy the Tehran professional. “[State] would be cautious, he added, and run restaurant opened with companies drive hard bargains in television has been showing with an eye to its more important waitresses in Chinese tunics and buying oil and in oil recovery emotional videos supporting dealings with the United States. hijabs. projects. Iranian products.” “China has a lot to lose from Iranian shoe and textile manu- Second, Iran is relatively low in Politically, China condemned this trade war [with Washington], facturers complained of an influx Beijing’s calculations. At $500 US withdrawal from the nuclear especially at a time when [its] of Chinese plastic sandals appar- billion, China’s annual exports to deal and, like Russia, rejected economy is slowing. I don’t think ently intended for Africa and the United States dwarf its trade Europe’s protests over Tehran’s US-China relations will return to cheap polyester blankets adorned with Iran of about $40 billion. missile programme. “No country where they were even if the with Superman and other While Iran supplied China with an is under any obligation to observe Democrats win the White House emblems but still, by 2010, Iran’s average 588,000 barrels per day sanctions unilaterally imposed by in 2020, because there is biparti- trade with China surpassed that (bpd) of crude in 2018, Beijing the United States,” opined the san concern over China’s threat to with Europe. bought more from Russia (1.44 Communist Party’s China Daily, US predominance. The Chinese While welcoming Chinese million bpd) and Saudi Arabia which criticised America for are ahead in many crucial areas energy companies, Iran has long (1.14 million bpd). risking “what the international like artificial intelligence, rated their technology below that An analysis by London business community has achieved on the quantum computing, 5G, fintech analysts Bourse & Bazaar sug- nuclear issue… [while] further [financial technology] and gested that China’s exports to Iran destabilising the Middle East.” electric cars.” Despite US sanctions increasing dropped 70% from October to And yet Ali Akbar Salehi, head China’s importance for Iran, the December after two months of of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisa- Gareth Smyth is a regular tightened US sanctions. Iranian tion, recently reiterated com- contributor to The Arab Weekly. relationship remains far from customs figures reported by Radio plaints of the Chinese dragging He has reported from the Middle straightforward. Farda suggest a 12% year-on-year their feet in redesigning the Arak East since 1992. February 17, 2019 13 Special Focus China in MENA Chinese textile city a test for Egypt’s industry

Mohamed Hammad

Cairo

roducers and experts in the textile industry said the es- tablishment of a Chinese P textile city in Egypt will se- verely harm the debt-ridden local clothing manufacturing industry, which operates with dated equip- ment and machinery. Mankai Textile Industrial Park will contain 592 factories, making it one of the largest specialised in- dustrial zones in the country. To expedite formal procedures and speed the project’s implemen- tation, its oversight was transferred from the Industrial Development Authority to the New Urban Com- munities. “The beginning of May will see the start of the pilot operations of the Chinese industrial city’s first- phase factories,” said Egyptian Minister of Commerce and Indus- try Amr Nassar said. He added that Sadat City, 90km north of Cairo, was chosen as the site of the Chinese industrial park, (Reuters) which will cover 3.1 million sq. me- Fragile sector. A labourer works at a textile mill in Mahalla el-Kubra, about 110km north of Cairo. tres. It is expected that all phases of the project will be completed with more than 60 Chinese inves- The Egyptian Ministry of Busi- yarn costs about $3.40 per kilo- to have the new park focus on for- within four years. tors to sign contracts selling more ness Sector allocated approxi- gram, of which $1.70 goes towards eign markets. “This is a step that The Egyptian Army Engineering factories for the same phase. mately $1.5 billion to update state- workers’ wages. we are expecting,” he said, “but Corps has completed the first half The company is having promo- owned spinning and weaving Furthermore, the new Chinese things have not been clear so far.” of the initial phase of the project, tional and marketing trade shows companies whose production lines factories will rely on digital au- The government has begun a covering about 600,000 sq. me- for the project in several Chinese have aged but financial indicators tomation, which will greatly re- plan to develop the spinning and tres, for 150 factories. It will em- provinces. About 25 Chinese del- show the process has been difficult. duce labour costs and make mat- weaving sector and imported gins ploy state-of-the-art spinning and egations recently visited the park. Of the 32 companies of the state- ters more complicated for local exceeding current production ca- weaving technology. Mufrih el-Beltagy, president of run Cotton & Textile Industries manufacturers. In Egyptian textile pacity. The sector’s problem, there- Former Minister of Industry Misr Ameriya Spinning & Weav- Holding Company, 22 are operating factories, and especially the state- fore, does not reside in the number Tariq Qabeel, who last year signed ing Company, said new textile and at losses totalling nearly $152 mil- owned ones, about 74% of reve- of factories available but rather in the agreement establishing the In- clothing city spells the end of the lion. nues go to wages, compared to 13% low production capacity. dustrial Park, said the value of the Egyptian textile industry, especial- The local textile industry is suf- in international companies. The Ningxia Mankai Investment total production of the project, ly because the project’s output is fering from economic reform Mohamed el-Morshedi, head of Company is establishing a school once it is operating at full capacity, meant for the local market instead measures, especially the lifting of the Textile Industries Chamber of to bring workers up to speed with will be approximately $9 billion per of for exportation. energy subsidies, implemented the Federation of Egyptian Indus- the spinning and weaving indus- year. “The new factories and the tex- by the government more than two tries, said the Chinese Textile In- try’s latest technology to guarantee Chinese government-owned tile will be using modern machines years ago. The industry had grown dustrial Park would not contribute skilled labour to handle new pro- Ningxia Mankai Investment Com- and equipment that reduce pro- since its inception in the cradle of to solving the problems of the spin- duction techniques in the textile pany, which will oversee the pro- duction costs and this will compli- governmental support and protec- ning and weaving sector but would park. ject, signed preliminary sales con- cate matters for Egyptian factories tion. adversely affect it if production is tracts with 48 Chinese factories for and could drive them out of the Factories import Indian yarn at directed to the local market. Mohamed Hammad is an Egyptian the first phase and is negotiating market,” Beltagy added. about $3 per kilogram, while local Morshedi stressed the necessity writer.

Viewpoint China’s deep pockets in Egypt

few statistics sum blanket term for virtually all of fret about repressive laws that Chinese contract costs appear to up the considerable China’s foreign policy. It includes restrict NGOs, fuelling tensions have financed the coffers of the change that has financing infrastructure, such as that create openings for Russia friends of former Maldives Francis Ghilès occurred in relations ports, railways, free trade zones and China. When Egypt bought President Abdulla Yameen. between China and in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, new weapons from China, it was China’s investment boom in the Egypt in the years Pakistan, Djibouti and various beholden to wealthy Gulf backers Maldives began four years ago sinceA Abdel Fattah al-Sisi became countries in Africa. to finance them. Saudi Arabia after a visit by Xi. Beijing’s Sisi may have taken a leaf from alone accounted for $25 billion of president of Egypt. growing interest in the archipel- Cumulative Chinese foreign Gamal Abdel Nasser’s book. In aid and investment in Egypt from ago, whose population is tiny but direct investment in Egypt is 1955, Egypt’s most famous 2014-17. whose exclusive economic zone estimated at $23 billion, though modern leader, tired of US Egypt can be of use to China in covers 859,000 sq.km, reflects its the figure is skewed by a $20 reluctance to sell him weapons other ways. In May 2017, the strategic location in a section of billion investment announced and the World Bank’s refusal to Chinese government demanded the Indian Ocean that touches the but not yet realised by China finance the building of a new the return from overseas of all main shipping routes between Fortune Land Development in the Aswan dam, approached the Uighur students, members of the China, its oil suppliers in the planned administrative capital Soviet Union. This led to an arms Muslim ethnic minority in the far Middle East and Europe. east of Cairo. race with disastrous conse- western Chinese province of Malaysian Prime Minister China State Engineering quences for the region but Xinjiang. Hundreds of Uighur Mahathir bin Mohamed, in Corporation has been contracted especially for Egypt. students were sent to massive January, said that his country to build 20 towers in the new city, Sisi has also turned to Russia, detention camps in China, which would be “impoverished” if it including what is billed as the tall- with which he signed arms deals observers say hold as many as 1 proceeded with a $20 billion est tower in Africa, in a separate worth $3.1 billion in 2014 and an million people. China has done all Chinese rail project agreed by his contract. The Chinese conglomer- agreement, in 2017, to finance it can to clamp down on the predecessor. His warning of a ate TEDA-Suez is expanding its and oversee the construction of a Uighurs over the past decade and “new version of colonialism” was industrial zone near the Red Sea $21 billion nuclear power plant attempt to repatriate those echoed in Myanmar, Pakistan and port of Ain Sokhna. near El Alamein. studying abroad. Sri Lanka. The number of Chinese tourists Unlike Russia, China has very Chinese investments are seen Sisi has visited Beijing five visiting Egypt more than doubled deep pockets. in Cairo as a win-win situation. times since he became Egypt’s in 2017 to 300,000 from the year At a time when relations Egyptian exports start from a president and Xi has travelled to before and keeps growing. These between Egypt and the United very low base of $40 million in Cairo once. So far, relations visits are encouraged by the States remain uncertain, diversi- 2018 and it is difficult to see, between the two countries are a ever-expanding number of fying its foreign relations and beyond oranges, grapes and bed of roses. Sisi could, however, charter flights between the two finding allies other than its tourists, what sources of export do worse than to look at how countries. traditional partners in Europe income Egypt could offer the relations have soured between Egypt must be The Sisi administration has and the United States makes Chinese economy. China and some of its partners, capitalised on Egypt’s strategic sense for Cairo. Egypt must be mindful of the not least Pakistan. mindful of the fact location — the Suez Canal lies at Relations between former US fact that more of China’s invest- China may have deep pockets that more of the heart of the Maritime Silk President Barack Obama and Sisi ment in massive infrastructure but there are always strings Road, which is a key component were frosty amid US accusations projects abroad are turning sour. attached to financing megapro- China’s investment of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s of human rights violations. Sisi In the Maldives, President jects, with the Middle Kingdom as in massive all-encompassing Belt and Road has made a state visit to Washing- Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has with the United States or Russia. infrastructure Initiative. ton but US President Donald denounced the terms of the The Chinese concept started as Trump’s long-term strategy massive loans made by China to Francis Ghilès is an associate projects abroad are a project to connect Europe and towards Egypt remains unclear. his country. That fuelled allega- fellow at the Barcelona Centre for turning sour. Asia but has broadened into a The US Congress continues to tions of corruption as inflated International Affairs. 14 February 17, 2019 News & Analysis Egypt Egypt hopes to lead African Union into greater stability, prosperity

Amr Emam tion of African countries and played an important role in the subsequent development of those states. Cairo Nevertheless, relations between Egypt and many African countries gyptian President Abdel suffered a series of setbacks in the Fattah al-Sisi assuming the two decades preceding the 2011 chairmanship of the African uprising that toppled Egyptian E Union is an important po- President Hosni Mubarak. Mubarak litical and diplomatic milestone for exerted little diplomatic effort in Egypt, analysts said. Africa, preferring to focus on other Apart from being the culmination parts of the world. of an effort by Cairo to return to Cairo’s relations with Africa re- the African fold, it places Egypt in ceived a painful blow in July 2013 position to lead the continent into when the African Union Peace greater stability, reconstruction and and Security Council suspended economic cooperation, they said. Egypt’s participation in the African “Egypt is a wonderful model Union to protest political develop- [that] African countries can learn ments that accompanied the oust- from,” said Hamdi Bekheit, a mem- ing of Islamist President Muham- ber of the African Affairs Commit- mad Morsi tee in the Egyptian parliament. “It The council reversed the suspen- is a country that has succeeded in sion in January 2014, with Sisi then making the transition from unrest trying to restore relations between to stability and then reconstruc- Cairo and its African neighbours. tion, following the political events Sisi has been strongly demon- of 2011.” strating Cairo’s commitment to Af- Sisi formally took the chairman- rica. Nearly 30% of his foreign trips ship of the African Union on Feb- have been to African capitals, an Big plans. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (R) and the incoming Chairman of the African Union ruary 10 during the organisation’s unprecedented figure compared to Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat attend a news conference in Addis Ababa, February 11. (Reuters) General Assembly in Addis Ababa. previous Egyptian leaders. The 2-day session was convened Egypt says it has a plan to lead Af- under the theme “The Year of Refu- ricans into greater stability and re- tries, analysts said. Inter-African trade makes up the continent,” Sisi said in Addis gees, Returnees and Internally Dis- construction, especially countries “These lessons emanate from only 14% of the overall trade of Af- Ababa. placed Persons: Towards Durable suffering conflicts or those just out Egypt’s expertise in rebuilding rican countries. Egypt, whose trade Last November, Egypt opened a Solutions to Forced displacement of conflicts. Cairo said it would host itself following the tough chal- with African countries amounted Sahel and Sahara counterterrorism in Africa.” an African post-conflict reconstruc- lenges it faced because of political to $5 billion last year, invests $8 bil- centre in its new administrative Sisi told the other African leaders tion centre to develop strategies for developments in it in those years,” lion in the continent. capital. In December, it hosted a of the importance of institutional reconstruction of countries follow- Bekheit said. Sisi, who has developed warm joint exercise with several African reform in the African Union; set- ing conflict resolution. Egypt wants to prioritise trade ties with many world leaders, as- militaries, with the aim of raising tling conflicts in Africa; fighting ter- among African countries, particu- pires to invest these relationships the counterterrorism capacities of rorism; and increasing trade among Sisi aspires to invest these larly with the Continental Free in enlisting support from advanced Sudan, Nigeria and Burkina Faso. African countries. relationships in enlisting Trade Area (CFTA), which aims to industrial states in modernising the “Egypt has a vast counterter- “Our work must continue to im- move all African Union members African investment sector. rorism expertise it can share with prove peace and security in Africa support from advanced closer to a single market. Cairo also hopes to use expertise other states on the continent,” said in a holistic and sustainable man- industrial states in The CFTA was agreed to by 44 it acquired in its war against terror- Amani al-Taweel, a researcher at ner,” Sisi said. “Mediation and pre- modernising the African members in March 2018 but only ism in helping African countries local think-tank Al-Ahram Centre ventive diplomacy will remain one investment sector. 19 countries, including Egypt, have increase their counterterrorism ca- for Political and Strategic Studies. of the priorities of the African Un- ratified the agreement. Cairo also pabilities. “Counterterrorism is an Egyptian ion.” Egypt, which rose slowly up from asserted it intends to move forward “Terrorism remains a cancer that priority, both at the continental and Egypt was one of the founders of turmoil over the past eight years with the modernisation of the in- affects African nations and steals international levels.” the Organisation of African Unity, and initiated a series of develop- dustrial sector, joint investments the dreams of our people and we now the African Union, in 1963. Cai- ment projects, has important les- and cooperation with influential must identify and combat those Amr Emam is a Cairo-based ro was instrumental in the libera- sons to teach other African coun- players in other continents. who fund terrorism activities on contributor to The Arab Weekly. ISIS Sinai turning to narcotics to bankroll operations

Ahmed Megahid Strip to receive arms, recruits and supplies from allied Salafi jihadist organisations. A significant stream Cairo of ISIS support was also said to come via the sea, which is why mili- he Egyptian military has in- tants were fighting not to lose that tensified its crackdown on support corridor. illegal drug manufacturing Militants are increasingly turning T sites and warehouses in Si- to the narcotics trade, analysts said. nai, battling what security analysts The Egyptian military announced said was a tactical shift by the Is- the destruction of drug warehous- lamic State (ISIS) branch, which is es in recent weeks. On January 29, increasingly resorting to the narcot- police discovered half a tonne of ics trade to finance its operations. marijuana in an underground lair in The military is trying to eliminate central Sinai. ISIS by cutting off its external sup- “Drugs are an easy way for the or- port and revenue streams. ganisation to get money and main- “This is why it is turning to a num- tain its operational capabilities,” ber of new tactics to secure funding said security expert Nasr Salim. for its operations,” said retired army “ISIS has to find different financing General Gamal Eddine Mazloum. methods now that it holes itself up “ISIS is resorting to drugs to bank- in the mountains of Sinai and is in- roll these operations and ensure a capable of communicating with the continual flow of money.” outside world, because of ongoing operations against it.” A statement from the General The move into the narcotics Command of the Egyptian Armed trade, analysts said, Forces in January said authorities showed ISIS’s desperation had seized 2,666 kilograms of can- as Cairo continued military nabis, 6,826 kilograms of marijuana, operations against it. 43 kilograms of heroin and opium and 2.5 million “narcotic tablets.” More than one route. A pile of confiscated bars of hashish on display before being burnt in Gaza City. Egypt’s “Operation Sinai 2018,” Local media reported that Egypt’s (AFP) which entered its second year this military was eliminating drug man- month, has mounted a siege in the ufacturing facilities and warehous- Sinai Peninsula, including the de- es in Sinai. trade, analysts said, showed the Service, the official media arm of “ISIS is in a systematic attempt to ployment of Egyptian Navy units In October 2018, a local newspa- desperation of the group as Cairo the Egyptian government, stated. turn the drug trade into an impor- off the coast. per reported prosecutions linked to continued military operations Cairo’s move to specifically target tant source of income,” said retired Militants in Sinai receive support ISIS’s growing involvement in the against it. drug facilities in Sinai was fuelled army General Hesham al-Halabi. from various sources, including narcotics trade. The stories said ISIS “This is also demonstrated by the by intelligence collected by Egyp- “The radical group wants to use fi- some in Libya. Egypt has countered shifted deeper into the drug trade in number of attacks the organisation tian officers and intelligence per- nancial returns from this trade in by expending most resources to its early 2018, when it was running out is able to stage,” Salem said. sonnel in Sinai, including informa- financing its activities.” western border. of money, to maintain operations In 2018, ISIS carried out eight at- tion from militants who have been ISIS also depends on a network of and add recruits. tacks, compared with 200 in 2017, arrested and interrogated by Egyp- Ahmed Megahid is an Egyptian tunnels between Sinai and the Gaza ISIS’s move into the narcotics figures from the State Information tian authorities. reporter based in Cairo. February 17, 2019 15 Debate Palestine Israel

The Palestinian cause is a backdrop to new US-Russia rivalry

The American push on the Palestinian issue is not totally Mohamed disconnected from a push in the Aboelfadl same file by Russia. Palestinian factions were invited to meet in Moscow to discuss reconciliation and ways to overcome the current obstacles. ne of the problems Moscow’s invitation was well plaguing the Palestin- received by most Palestinian ian cause is that it is forces, led by the Palestinian often used as a Authority, which, let’s not forget, playing card in the entered a delicate stage of disa- intrigues and greement with the US administra- Omanoeuvrings of local, regional tion. and international forces. The permanent conflicts and A Middle East tour by White tensions in the Middle East have House senior adviser Jared given Moscow opportunity to Kushner and US Middle East envoy increase its presence, interactions Jason Greenblatt confirm that and political repositioning in the Washington is adamant on moving region while Washington’s forward with its deal for settling capabilities seemed to be declin- the Palestinian issue. ing. There have been signs of The stops for both White House confusion in the US moves and in officials were selected to allow its visions and practices, including Exploiting the vacuum. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (C) talks during a meeting them to convince their interlocu- in its handling of the Palestinian with representatives of Palestinian groups and movements in Moscow, February 12. (Reuters) tors and offer generous economic question. support that would contribute to Naturally, Russia coveted control the Palestinian issue to other abandon the Palestinian cause. alleviating the humanitarian of an important part of the regional issues, incentives and This is an important message for pressure in the Gaza Strip and to Palestinian card. awards that might encourage those who considered appealing to create political hope in the area. Even though Israel does not reluctant sides to respond to the the Russian sponsor to adjust the Reducing the tour’s objectives to believe in safeguarding its inter- proposals. prevailing imbalance. just its economic aspects does not ests through a moderate approach Russian interest in the Palestin- The United States still has the imply the absence of other to all issues, it did respond ian cause has taken different forms tools to prevent the successful dimensions because the logic of positively to Russian initiatives in past decades and has left a good outcome of any endeavour by any obtaining aid in the first place out of tactical considerations at impression, contrary to the force looking to achieving a requires political sacrifices and least. Israeli interests intersect stubbornly pro-Israeli American breakthrough in the Palestinian limiting the Palestinian issue to its with Moscow’s in Syria, for tendencies. The United States is question without involving Uncle material components without example, and therefore Israel was bothered by any international Sam. This is exactly the kind of regard to its content and its very careful to avoid direct clashes vacuum in the Middle East that behaviour that much smaller foundations is rejected by many with Russia there. might give Moscow an opportunity forces than the United States resort Arab countries. This situation worries the US to expand in the region. Washing- to when they want to stop progress The way the US administration is administration and prompted it to ton is trying to retake the lead on on any question if they do not get proceeding suggests that it is not move quickly by sending positive the peace process. what they want. willing to forgo its role in the signals to the Palestinians so as not The problem is that this eco- The hidden game Washington is Palestinian scene and that it would to completely lose control of the nomic and political US racket is not playing with Moscow in the reconsider plan contents that were Palestinian card. going to end Washington’s Palestinian arena is like sports in leaked about what’s become The United States, Russia and reluctance to put forward its which results are decided by referred to as US President Donald other countries are aware of the famous deal nor will it convince scoring points, not by goals. This Trump’s “Deal of the Century.” complexity of the Palestinian issue the Palestinians and Arab coun- kind of game can last forever. and of the difficulty of reaching a tries to support its hidden agenda. Thus, the Palestinian cause will compromise on a shared vision for It won’t help to restore confidence remain frozen until further notice The hidden game Washington is a comprehensive solution, in the Trump administration after but that has never been a problem especially while the region is all the steps it took to confirm its for local, regional and interna- playing with Moscow in the facing tremendous challenges stubborn support for Israel. tional stakeholders in the Palestin- Palestinian arena is like sports in from various sources at different All the moves made by Washing- ian question. levels. ton in the Middle East and even which results are decided by This is probably why each major those to be made in the future Mohamed Aboelfadl is scoring points, not by goals. player in the region wants to tie clearly announce that it will not an Egyptian writer. Palestinian issue turning to financial confrontation

ing as the middleman in distribut- tury,” he shouldn’t be blamed for potential outcomes. ing funds to Hamas survivors in it for the simple reason that the Some Palestinians did pay at- the Gaza Strip. American side did not reveal its tention to the goals behind the Adli Sadeq The whole comedy has become famous deal and has yet to make cessation of Gazan salaries. The a strange riddle that sparked proposals. The issue is nothing motives behind this matter are not heated discussions about its but a subject of controversy. No merely conniving and exclusion- hidden secrets, forcing Hamas Arab or Palestinian party should ary. Their enormous social effects to announce its refusal to accept be held accountable for their posi- strike at the heart of Palestinians’ he contours of an the final installment of payments tion on the issue, which remains lives in an already stricken region eyebrow-raising and transferred from Tel Aviv. unclear. and would cause structural, psy- odd paradox came to What’s going on in this business The second point in the bid to chological and political changes light recently in the of detaining the rightful stipends Riyadh regards the Palestinian Au- and alter equations and loyalties Palestinian territories. of the martyrs’ families and gov- thority’s financial situation in case and people’s views of their lead- As more exclusion- ernment employees in Gaza and the problem with the Netanyahu ers. Tary measures were taken by Pal- what are the positions of parties government, which is escalating There is nothing more effective estinian Authority (PA) President concerned? the confrontation with the PA for than hunger in bending people’s Mahmoud Abbas against Fatah The one who is gradually and electoral reasons, gets worst. convictions and traditional al- and families of martyrs in Gaza, brutally implementing salary cuts Netanyahu’s Likud party is legiances and in drawing them denying thousands of Palestinians is being accused — by the same seeking to strengthen its position towards any safety loophole. monthly stipends and deepening people he receives orders from ahead of this April’s elections. If Many are ruling out that the the disastrous socio-economic and obeys — of doing just the op- Netanyahu diverts part of the Pal- harsh measures affecting thou- conditions in the Gaza Strip, simi- posite. Netanyahu is threatening estinian funds, the PA is at risk of sands of families in the Gaza Strip lar reprisal measures were being to deduct sums allocated to pris- collapsing and the situation could stem from authoritarian or region- taken by the United States against oners and the families of martyrs get out of hand. alist tendencies without regard the Palestinian Authority itself. from customs duties owed to Pacification is an important to or awareness of the goals and Among those measures is bar- the Palestinians by the Israel Tax element in Palestinian internal af- outcomes sought by those taking ring large US financial institutions Authority. Abbas quickly asserted fairs, whether in the West Bank or such measures. from conducting business with that the Palestinians would not in Gaza, and depends on the PA’s In such a context, the Palestin- the Palestinian Authority, which accept any customs payments if financial ability to appease some ian situation stagnates. New puts this authority in jeopardy. they were missing a single penny. segment of its society and Pales- setbacks occur every day, leading Amid this financial Catch-22, In a visit to Saudi Arabia, which tinian figures, as well as to pay for to a marked deterioration in poli- Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin began February 11, Abbas was the security systems and forces at tics, society, security, with slander Netanyahu’s government is in- said to try to convince Saudi King both places. and smearing rife in media. The creasing pressure on Abbas to stop Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to For the PA to avoid collaps- most basic hopes of returning disbursing salaries of prisoners intervene with the Trump admin- ing if Netanyahu goes too far in to a semblance of regularity and and the families of martyrs when istration. severing Palestinian funds, the organisation in political affairs are the Netanyahu government is act- Abbas is focusing on two points. expected element of relief should receding. First, the Palestinian Authority’s be Saudi Arabia, whether in terms If such a return is not possible policies, both the social and of providing the needed funds on ideological bases, let it at least There is nothing more effective security ones, are compatible with and ensuring their delivery or by be on rational ones worthy of the the United States’ fundamental interjecting with the Trump ad- traditions of modern Palestinian than hunger in bending intentions in its conflict with the ministration to rein in Netanyahu. militancy and dismissive of any people’s convictions and PA, even if any objection remains In the context of this conflict of attempt to separate the West Bank traditional allegiances and in based on the United States’ unilat- interests, the security component and Gaza. eral decisions on Jerusalem. is receding in favour of money drawing them towards any As to Abbas’s declared position considerations as to influencing Adli Sadeq is a Palestinian writer safety loophole. regarding the “Deal of the Cen- the Palestinian situation and its and political analyst. 16 February 17, 2019 Spotlight ISIS Returnees Fate of ISIS children poses special problem for Europe

Mamoon Alabbasi faith in Syria’s judicial system but it has allowed Europeans suspected of links to ISIS to be tried in Iraq, de- London spite concerns from rights groups. “Iraq has prosecuted foreign ealing with the children of adults and children as young as 9 foreign fighters of Islamic for links to ISIS — often in proce- State (ISIS) militants in dures that fail fair trial standards — D Syria and Iraq is posing a but has also asked countries to take dilemma for governments in their back the children,” said HRW. home countries, especially in Eu- Scores of women and children rope. were returned to Russia, Kazakh- Many of the foreign fighters are in stan, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Egypt prison or special camps in Iraq and and Sudan. However, Western Syria. At al-Hol camp in north-east- countries have been less welcom- ern Syria, more than 3,000 foreign ing amid strong public pressure women and children are being held against such moves. by the US-backed Syrian Democrat- There are European fears over ic Forces (SDF). security, especially because it is dif- “Thousands are sleeping rough in ficult to gather evidence to pros- its reception area, exposed to rain ecute those who are suspected to and freezing temperatures. With- have been engaged in terrorism out enough toilets to accommodate abroad. the mushrooming population, chil- The fears are not only concern- dren defecate out in the open,” the ing the wives of ISIS members but Telegraph newspaper in London also of their children. Last year, reported. France’s then top counterterrorism prosecutor, Francois Molins, de- scribed the children of ISIS mem- Observers said allowing bers as “time bombs.” young children to die in There reportedly had been cases the wilderness or waste in which children of ISIS members away in jails would help New dilemma. A boy looks on as civilians fleeing the battered Islamic State-held holdout of Baghouz were reunited with relatives in in eastern Syria sit in the back of a truck, February 11. (AFP) the jihadist narrative. Germany but there is “no return programme for the children of ISIS “Conditions are so bad that in the members,” the German Foreign the report stated. the United States called for the re- Even as SDF fighters prepared last two months 35 children have Ministry told CNN. Observers said allowing young patriation of ISIS foreign fighters, to take the ISIS-held village of died in or on their way to the camp, Humanitarian concerns aside, children to die in the wilderness or a request that Europeans and Ca- Baghouz in Syria, negotiations be- from cold or malnutrition, earn- there are risks that leaving ISIS waste away in jails would help the nadians are likely to find more ob- tween the Kurdish militiamen and ing it the nickname the ‘Camp of family members in the region could jihadist narrative. jectionable than the return of the ISIS continued for the safe exit of Death’.” pose a security threat to the Middle “Leaving them there only feeds families of the jihadists. the jihadists without a fight. Human rights groups called for East and to the West. the ISIS narrative that the West Despite US pressure, Washing- the return of the children of ISIS “Currently, the number of global hates Muslims, that the West hates ton’s Western allies are not keen to members to their home countries. attacks successfully conducted by Islam,” Alexandra Bain, director of Humanitarian concerns receive ISIS members or their fami- “Countries… should ensure that returning ISIS minors is still com- Families Against Violent Extrem- aside, there are risks that lies. all child nationals detained abroad paratively low,” said a report by the ism, told Canada’s CBC News. leaving ISIS family “We’ve heard the request or the solely because they are the sons and London think-tank International “Bringing these kids home and members in the region suggestion from the United States daughters of alleged or confirmed Centre for the Study of Radicalisa- healing them and allowing them could pose a security but, at this point, the fact of the ISIS members are swiftly and safely tion titled “From Daesh to Diaspo- to lead productive lives encour- threat to the Middle East matter remains that is a dangerous brought home unless they fear ill- ra: Tracing the Women and Minors ages them in the future to stand up and to the West. and dysfunctional part of the world treatment upon return,” Human of Islamic State.” against violent extremism — to be in which we have no diplomatic Rights Watch (HRW) said. “However, without effective a voice against joining things like SDF militiamen said they could presence,” Canada’s Public Safety “Children should be treated, de-radicalisation and reintegra- ISIS and that’s really what we’re not shoulder the burden of housing Minister Ralph Goodale told CBC first and foremost, as victims and tion initiatives tailored to chil- hoping for.” ISIS prisoners or their families. The News. should not be prosecuted for links dren and teenagers, indoctrinated The issue of repatriation in not militiamen previously struck deals to groups such as ISIS, absent evi- and trained minors will continue confined to women and children. with ISIS fighters, allowing the ji- Mamoon Alabbasi is Deputy dence of violent acts.” to pose a significant threat in the Following its announcement of hadists to leave with their heavy Managing Editor and Online Editor The European Union has little future, wherever they end up,” withdrawing its troops from Syria, weapons. of The Arab Weekly. Viewpoint Do fighters returning from Syria threaten Central Asia and China?

in kinetic action, China and the Alessandro Arduino hroughout 2018, vari- ened Uighur fighters who either Nevertheless, security respon- ous security organisa- joined the Turkistan Islamic Party other SCO members are increas- sibilities are going to be shared tions, from Russia to (TIP) or the Islamic State. There ingly focused on how to contain by the SCO members to different the European Union, are no reliable data of the number the terrorist spillover before it degrees. Going forward, China pointed out the threat of Uighurs who joined militant becomes an acute problem. must grapple with how diplo- created by foreign groups in Syria and the estimates During the 2018 session of the macy driven by investment, which Tfighters returning from the Middle range from hundreds to the thou- SCO Security Council, Chinese served Beijing well in the past East, especially from Syria. sands. President Xi Jinping emphasised decade, can be sustained by other The Shanghai Cooperation The inability to make reliable the need for cooperation and means. Reluctance to formulate a Organisation (SCO), which in- estimates is compounded by the security to sustain the momentum proper strategy in Syria and in the cludes China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, practical difficulties in researching for Eurasia’s economic growth. overall Middle East and North Af- Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakh- terrorist trends in active combat Chinese conflict resolution efforts rica region could hamper China’s stan, Pakistan and India (Iran, zones. This plays into the hands in Syria, which began in 2016, will response capabilities in case of a Afghanistan, Belarus and Mongolia of countries that perhaps gain an gain renewed importance in 2019. crisis. In this respect, the challenge have observer status), refers to advantage by exaggerating the In addition to economic support, posed by returning Uighur fighters the danger posed by these return- number of fighters returning from security containment measures is not going to be solely resolved ing combat veterans, as “terrorist war zones. The clash between real- will be added to the roster of Bei- by Chinese economic aid to Syria. spillover.” ity and propaganda will become jing’s activities in the country. Beijing is aware that the Belt The primary focus of the SCO is apparent early in 2019. Joint patrols along the Mekong and Road Initiative is firmly an- enhancement of regional security Reports in 2017 and early 2018 River by the Chinese People chored on the receiving countries’ and combating terrorism, extrem- — recently disproved — suggested Armed Police, the first over- political stability and security. ism and separatism. The organisa- that Beijing was preparing to seas PLA base in Djibouti and a The negative reverberations of tion’s latest summit stressed mu- dispatch the People Liberation peacekeeping mission in Africa the Syrian conflict and the Middle tual security concerns with special Army (PLA) to combat the terrorist under the aegis of the United East instability towards Eurasia reference to Syria and Afghanistan. menace in Syria. In 2019, Chinese Nations are examples of China’s are going to affect China’s win-win The SCO warned that the “terrorist assistance to Syria will occur but in expanding security footprint. In narrative of global connectivity spillover” would become a signifi- the framework of a reconstruction this regard, the Wakhan corridor and sustainable development. cant security problem in 2019. process. military base in Afghanistan and Beijing’s mantra of “prosper- From Beijing’s perspective, if The deployment of the Chinese the transfer of military hardware ity brings stability” is not always efforts to stabilise Syria are not military to target TIP fighters to the Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan the case with regards to political managed correctly, the resulting remains a very remote possibility. border forces show a gradual shift violence. In this respect, Beijing’s insecurity will have a negative Nevertheless, an increased Chi- in the Chinese attitude towards imminent economic involve- influence on its Belt and Road nese economic footprint in Syria deployment of Chinese military ment in the Syrian post-conflict Initiative and undermine China’s could attract terrorist attacks that forces overseas. Cooperation with reconstruction process is not a Beijing is aware policies in the Xinjiang Uighur may prove to be more sophisti- Damascus could be considered guarantee that all problems will be that the Belt and Autonomous Region. cated than recent assaults against Beijing’s next step towards a more solved. Syria’s geographic posi- The situation in Xinjiang Beijing’s diplomatic structures in proactive policy. tion makes it strategic for Beijing’s Road Initiative is provoked international uproar Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan. Chinese strategies to protect its global economic, energy and firmly anchored on concerning the treatment of ethnic The protracted conflict in Syria investments in Syria will affect the security architecture. Uighurs and the Chinese govern- increases the probability that the SCO’s counterterrorism efforts. Since the Chinese economic the receiving ment’s narrative of the Xinjiang country will become a source Previously, the only voice for a presence in Damascus is intended countries’ political situation has come under interna- for the propagation of terrorist comprehensive engagement was to accelerate the global rebalanc- tional media scrutiny. ideologies and the proliferation of limited to Moscow but a deeper ing of power, missteps could in- stability and China is also facing the threat extremist networks in Eurasia. In Chinese involvement could mean volve leaving Beijing in a perilous security. posed by the return of battle-hard- addition to Russia’s involvement a greater role for the organisation. quagmire. February 17, 2019 17 News & Analysis Regional Security Enhancing Arab ‘military effectiveness’ in the face of evolving challenges

Kelly Kennedy

Washington

iddle Eastern militar- ies used to build their defence systems and M then depend on out- siders to man them but, as Arab countries face additional threats and aid from the West decreases, that strategy must change, Ken- neth Pollack argues in a new book. Outside forces — the United States or the Soviet Union, for example — would send military equipment to Arab countries and provide training and manpower when trouble came, Pollack said. However, as US President Donald Trump talks about pulling out of the region and as threats increase, the strategy needed to change. “You have real conventional military threats in a way that you didn’t in the 1980s, ‘90s and even early 2000s,” Pollack said at the Middle East Institute in Washing- ton. “We need you to build your Is culture an issue? Jordanian Army members participate in a drill during a US Black Hawk helicopters handover ceremony at a Jorda- (Reuters) defence capabilities and you need nian military base near the town of Zarqa. to do it yourselves” has become the attitude of the West towards to be top-level because many Arab listed soldiers face training diffi- Regarding the United Arab Emir- liant idea and it demonstrates Middle East allies, added Pollack, countries have a history of poor culties because they didn’t grow ates, which he does not discuss what is capable even with our a resident scholar at the American civilian-military relations, Pollack up exposed to technology. That in the book, Pollack said he had military of today. The Emirates Enterprise Institute, a conserva- said. Often, there have been “re- makes it harder to step into an only recently become fully aware have the lessons, at least for a state tive think-tank in Washington. gimes of questionable legitimacy” F-16 fighter jet than an old Soviet the UAE was acting on its own in military.” In “Armies of Sand: The Past, worried about military generals plane, which is simpler to operate. Yemen. However, he pointed out, He said Saudi Arabia has also be- Present and Future of Arab Mili- overthrowing them because that’s The third and biggest problem, Abu Dhabi offers a powerful ex- gun addressing the problems. tary Effectiveness,” Pollack states how the person in charge got there Pollack said, was that junior offic- ample of how an Arab army could Can culture get in the way of there are problems from “the top himself, Pollack said. ers haven’t been taught or allowed operate. military technology and know- to the bottom” of Middle Eastern to think for themselves. They wait “First of all, they’ve been very how transfer? military hierarchies. He called for guidance from the top in situ- smart about this,” he said. They’ve “We keep trying to train them as the command-and-control ar- Abu Dhabi offers a ations that those in charge can’t recruited a small section of people if they are us,” Pollack said. rangements at the general-officer powerful example of react quickly to or even see what’s as mid-level officers — men and That did not work because, Pol- level “nonsensical,” junior officers how an Arab army could happening in a war zone. women — who are different, who lack said, the US military denied “passive,” “inflexible,” “unimagi- operate. In the West, a top commander of- have an extensive Western educa- the existence of culture: Every- native” and “completely incapa- fers a general sense of what needs tion, who are imaginative, who are one’s the same and everyone can ble” of responding to battlefield He added that former Iraqi Presi- to be done and then leaves it to reactive and who have had more be trained the same. scenarios and average enlisted sol- dent Saddam Hussein intention- subordinates to determine how contact with technology, he said. “They do the usual American diers inept when it comes to their ally put people “he knew to be idi- best to do it, including how to re- This allows them to offer guidance thing: They talk louder and slow- weapons. ots” in charge of the military so he spond based on what the other to the rest of the military. er,” Pollack said, “but they won’t This, he said, was a cultural is- didn’t have to worry about being side does. “[They are] basically eliminat- do it our way. It does not feel right sue. overthrown. The solution, Pollack said, was ing all of the problems that I talked to them. You have to focus on their First, general officers tended not Second, many lower-level en- also based on culture. about,” Pollack said. “It is a bril- strengths.” Viewpoint Ballistic missiles: From Iran with hate

t a rally to commemo- economical, they are conventional rate the 40th anniver- weapons. Unlike the case with sary of the 1979 nuclear weapons, Iran is not Ali Alfoneh Islamic Revolution, bound by treaty obligations to Iranian President abstain from developing missile Hassan Rohani said: capabilities. “WeA have and will not ask for The Joint Comprehensive Plan anyone’s permission to strengthen of Action (JCPOA), also known as our defensive capabilities such as the Iran nuclear deal, did not missiles.” oblige Tehran to restrain its On the same occasion, the missile activities. UN Security Islamic Revolutionary Guard Council Resolution 2231, which Corps (IRGC) issued a statement codified the JCPOA, called on Iran that emphasised its “unstoppable “not to undertake any activity resolve in developing its missile related to ballistic missiles capabilities in order to strengthen designed to be capable of deliver- [Iran’s] national power and ing nuclear weapons, including deterrence.” This, said the IRGC, launches using such ballistic will not be subject to negotiation. missile technology.” This resolu- Both Rohani’s and the IRGC’s tion in effect watered down the Sly tactics. A surface-to-surface ballistic missile on display in an emphasis on Iran’s non-negotiable stricter UN Security Council undisclosed location in Iran. (AP) missile capabilities is understand- Resolution 1929 from 2010. able. Iran’s military expenditure The regime in Tehran is broke in the fiscal year from March 2018 and tries to compensate for its a war. It will collapse even before Tehran’s communication is estimated to be $19.6 billion, weaknesses by developing ballistic being hit by these missiles.” strategy is not working. In In declaring the target which makes defence spending missiles within the framework of Yemeni Houthis, who benefit declaring the target of ballistic 7.5% of the budget. In compari- its international obligations. from the military largesse of the missiles in Hebrew and by hiding of ballistic missiles in son, Iran’s regional rival Saudi Why all the fuss about the IRGC in their fight against the behind the Yemeni Houthis as Hebrew and by hiding Arabia allocated $51 billion — missiles then? Here, one needs to Saudi-led coalition, have on manufacturers and dispatchers of behind the Yemeni about 17% of the budget — to pay attention to Iran’s communi- numerous occasions launched missiles against the Saudis, defence in its $295 billion 2019 cation skills, which provoke strong Iran-made missiles at targets in Tehran makes an otherwise Houthis as budget. reactions in the region and abroad. Saudi Arabia. The Saudis claim to legitimate conventional deterrent dispatchers of Lacking funds to modernise its In March 2016, Iran test-fired have intercepted most of the capability seem suspect. antiquated air force and cut off two ballistic missiles adorned missiles but admit at least 112 Why the IRGC communications missiles against the from American and western with Hebrew text that read: civilians have been killed in such directors insist on this strategy Saudis, Tehran makes European arms manufacturers, “Israel must be wiped out.” attacks since 2015. remains a mystery. They could an otherwise Iran has engaged in a decades- Brigadier-General Amir-Ali Iranian news sources often just as well have adorned their long effort to develop an indig- Hajizadeh, the IRGC’s air and report on the accuracy of the missiles with the text, in Hebrew legitimate enous missile programme. This is space chief commander, com- Houthis’ “domestically manufac- and Arabic: “From Iran with hate.” conventional an attempt to address the dispar- menting on the “Strength of tured missiles,” which are fired in ity with Saudi Arabia and other Guardianship” war games, said: “retaliation for the kingdom’s Ali Alfoneh is a senior fellow at deterrent capability regional rivals. “Israel is surrounded by Islamic campaign of military aggression the Arab Gulf States Institute seem suspect. Not only are ballistic missiles countries and will not last long in against the impoverished nation.” in Washington. 18 February 17, 2019 Economy Iran Sanctions

Will Trump remove waivers Briefs Airbus pulls plug on A380 jet from oil sanctions against Iran? after Emirates Jareer Elass Troubled reduces order waters. An Iranian European aerospace giant Airbus Washington military said February 14 that it would stop speedboat building its A380 superjumbo. he Trump administration patrols the The final two double-deckers may be talking tough about waters as a will be delivered in 2021 after the reducing Iranian crude ex- tanker prepares Dubai-based Emirates decided to T ports to “zero” through its to dock at the reduce its total orders by 39 planes, imposed sanctions on Tehran but oil oil facility Airbus said. prices are expected to heavily influ- in the Khark “Without Emirates, Airbus has no ence what Washington does when Island, Iran. substantial order backlog,” Guil- waivers granted to eight countries (AFP) laume Faure, who is taking over as for importing Iranian crude expire Airbus CEO, said in a conference in May. call. Given US President Donald Airbus had at one point chalked Trump’s conviction that high oil up more than 320 orders for the prices are a political detriment do- superjumbo, which has a list price mestically, his administration could of $446 million. maintain some — if not a majority Analysts had warned that Airbus — of the eight significant reduction wouldn’t start to recover the exceptions (SREs) for another six roughly $28 billion in costs unless months beginning in May. at least 400 planes were sold and Brian Hook, the Trump adminis- The Trump administration evalu- pre-sanctions’ levels of 2.6 mil- Arabia led an OPEC campaign with possibly up to 600. tration’s special representative for ated market conditions in granting lion-2.7 million bpd. independent producer allies to re- With the reduced orders from Iran, has been adamant that Wash- the 180-day waivers when sanc- The introduction of the SREs has duce output to drive up prices. Emirates, the A380’s biggest client, ington is not planning to extend tions were imposed November 5. not been without hiccups for Teh- Originally on board with Trump’s Airbus said its order book now the SREs. During an interview with “So we had very carefully calibrat- ran. China and India were uninter- goal of keeping a lid on oil prices stood at just 274 planes. Japanese public broadcaster NHK ed the balancing of our national rupted in receiving Iranian oil in before the sanctions were re-intro- on February 6, Hook stated: “We security goals and our economic in- November, while Turkey resumed duced, Riyadh decided that its own (Agence France-Presse) are not looking to grant any future terests,” Hook said. “The president Iranian oil imports in December. budget needs should take priority waivers or exceptions to our sanc- was very clear that he did not want However, South Korea only began over the American leader’s desire tions regime, whether its oil or any- to cause a spike in oil, and so we accepting Iranian condensate in to placate his political base. thing else.” granted eight oil exceptions — sig- late January, after halting imports Riyadh is eyeing oil prices as Saudi king nificant reduction exceptions.” from Tehran in September. Af- high as $80-$85 a barrel to fund its launches $8 billion Industry estimates When asked whether the United ter tackling tanker insurance and spending plans. With international States would extend the SREs, Hook banking issues, Japanese firms also crude prices averaging $50-$60 a in development suggest that Iran’s responded: “All I can say is that we resumed buying Iranian crude in barrel amid soft global demand and crude exports have believe that… when we have a bet- late January. high US oil production, Saudi Ara- projects tumbled to 1 million-1.3 ter-supplied oil market, then that Taiwan, an occasional purchaser bia is taking additional corrective million bpd from pre- puts us in a much better climate to of Iranian oil, has declined to use action, announcing it would reduce Saudi King Salman bin Ab- sanctions’ levels of 2.6 accelerate the path to zero.” its SRE. Iranian Oil Minister Bijan its oil output by another 500,000 dulaziz Al Saud announced pro- million-2.7 million bpd. The Trump administration allo- Zanganeh blasted the two remain- bpd in March. jects worth $8 billion, the latest in cated SREs to China, India, South ing countries that were issued Many factors can alter oil markets a series of high-profile investment Hook expressed the same senti- Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Turkey, Italy waivers but stopped doing oil busi- in the next several months as the plans that signal support for his ment at an energy forum January 12 and Greece, conditional on “prom- ness with Tehran. Zanganeh said on Trump administration considers a son, Saudi Crown Prince Moham- in Abu Dhabi, though he intimated ising to reduce their dependence on February 4 that “Greece and Italy second round of waiver extensions. med bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. that the state of the oil markets Iranian crude.” Iran’s top crude buy- have been granted exemptions by Italy, Greece and Taiwan have tak- In addition to 360 new projects would factor into Washington’s de- er, China, for example, was expect- America but they don’t buy Iranian en themselves out of the equation. announced February 13, King Sal- cision-making. ed to halve its normal purchases of oil and they don’t answer our ques- Therefore, Washington may decide man proclaimed the opening of He noted that renewed sanctions Iranian oil to about 360,000 barrels tions.” to roll over the SREs for the remain- 921 other projects already built at a were meant to maximise economic per day (bpd), while second largest The decision to grant SREs in ing five countries with demands of total cost of another $13.9 billion. pressure on Tehran to force it into buyer India was similarly pressed to November caught oil markets off steeper import cuts to November negotiations on a new nuclear deal. reduce its Iranian imports to around guard. Saudi Arabia and others had as a guarantee that oil prices won’t (Reuters) “On the energy side, we have been 300,000 bpd from typical volumes boosted their oil exports while US overheat. very successful and there are going of 450,000-550,000 bpd. production was reaching record to be much deeper reductions of Ira- Industry estimates suggest that highs to make up for an anticipated Jareer Elass reports from Yemen aims to nian imports… Our goal is to get to Iran’s crude exports have tumbled drop in Iranian crude deliveries. Oil Washington on energy issues zero as fast as possible,” Hook said. to 1 million-1.3 million bpd from prices, however, crashed and Saudi for The Arab Weekly. export about 75,000 bpd oil Viewpoint in 2019 Yemeni officials hope to scale Is Europe’s trade tool with Iran just a ‘political act’? up the country’s oil production to 110,000 barrels per day (bpd) in Gareth Smyth oil sanctions. government much to go on in their gramme and its regional alliances, 2019, with exports nearing 75,000 INSTEX is designed to isolate trade struggles with hardliners over the Europe’s strategy is not just to keep bpd, Yemeni Oil Minister Amir al- with Iran from threatened US penal- future of the JCPOA.” Tehran within the JCPOA but to Aidarous said. NSTEX, the European mecha- ties against anyone buying Iranian Dalton identified immediate draw it further into multilateral insti- The country produced an aver- nism to facilitate trade with oil or dealing with Iranian entities, challenges in Iran establishing an tutions and the global economy. The age 50,000 bpd in 2018 compared Iran in the face of tightening US including the Central Bank of Iran. institution to liaise with INSTEX and EU statement on INSTEX referred with an average of 127,000 bpd in sanctions, has drawn a luke- Essentially, it would match anyone in establishing confidence among explicitly to Iran joining the Finan- 2014. Last year it exported some warm reaction in Tehran. buying from Iran with anyone sell- European exporters that they can cial Action Task Force, the intergov- quantities of oil. Iranian President Hassan Ro- ing to Iran, with the buyer paying safely deposit in their banks “inflows ernmental financial transparency Ihani, Foreign Secretary Mohammad INSTEX, which would pay the seller. to their accounts that are not ‘Iranian body, a move under consideration in (Reuters) Javad Zarif and leading conservative The Europeans said the mechanism funds’ but are due to them because Tehran. parliamentarian Alaaeddin Borou- would start with medicine and food. of transactions with Iran.” Some in Europe see INSTEX as jerdi all described INSTEX — Instru- “INSTEX has potential because it Nonetheless, Dalton said INSTEX challenging US dominance of world Algeria energy ment in Support of Trade Exchanges favours smaller firms in both EU and was “really welcome and a stout financial systems built up through — as an overdue “first step.” Iran,” said Djavad Salehi-Isfahani, an effort” by Europe. He expressed dollar-clearing and SWIFT financial revenues up 15% Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashe- economics professor at Virginia Tech optimism it would yield fruit: “If messaging since the September 2001 mi, principlist deputy from Mashhad and visiting fellow at the Brookings these problems are surmounted, and terror attacks on the United States. in 2018 and Kalat, slammed INSTEX as a Institution in Washington. “Iran’s I expect them to be, INSTEX should Hence, French Foreign Minister “disgrace.” He said it undermined smaller firms have a harder time — I’ll guess by June — start easing the Jean-Yves Le Drian called setting up Algeria’s energy earnings rose Iran’s independence and violated the getting around sanctions and are supply of drugs and medical devices INSTEX “a political act.” 15.3% in 2018 from the previous 2015 nuclear agreement, formally treated worse in markets with less to Iran. Later, perhaps by 2020, How far might this go? year due to higher global oil prices, known as the Joint Comprehensive competition, like Russia and China. INSTEX may assist the supply of key Chinese Foreign Ministry spokes- the government said. Plan of Action (JCPOA), under which “Large firms like [energy major] industrial goods and the sale of some man Geng Shuang welcomed the Stronger revenues helped to Iran was to curb its nuclear pro- Total will not use INSTEX because Iranian oil.” European Union’s “determination reduce the OPEC member’s trade gramme in return for the lifting of they would lose business in the US. Michael Tockuss of the Iran- to uphold multilateralism” and said deficit by 53.7% to $5 billion in sanctions. Links to the EU help Iran have a Germany Chamber of Commerce he looked forward to INSTEX being 2018, customs figures indicated. In general, the Iranian media more diversified trade and foreign told the German business magazine “open to third parties.” Oil and gas exports, which ac- expressed scepticism that INSTEX policy.” WirtschaftsWoche that 5,000-7,000 “Potentially INSTEX is a water- counted for 93.1% of total sales would help Iran maintain oil exports. Sir Richard Dalton, UK ambassador small and medium-sized German shed in seeking to establish that abroad, reached $38.3 billion, up The vital foreign-exchange earner is to Iran from 2002-06, said INSTEX’s companies want to continue trade European businesses should trade from $33.3 billion in 2017, the fig- well down from 2.6 million barrels effects should not be exaggerated. with Iran. He suggested the only where EU law permits and should ures showed. per day since the United States im- “It will not lift the growth rate [in firms at risk of US sanctions were not be held hostage to the dollar and The overall value of exports stood posed sanctions after leaving JCPOA Iran], improve oil sales short term, those “that have American employ- US extra-territorial sanctions,” said at $41.2 billion compared with $35.2 last May. Iranian Oil Minister Bijan reduce inflation or unemployment,” ees or shareholders or have used Dalton. billion in 2017. Imports rose 0.3% to Zanganeh recently said the only he said. “It will therefore not address American money in their company “Will other countries link some $46.2 billion in 2018, the customs European country buying Iranian the structural problems plaguing or their activities, such as hedge of their trade to the INSTEX proce- data showed. oil was Turkey, although Greece and Iran under US maximum pressure. It funds.” dures? A stone has been thrown into Italy as well as Ankara have been will not, on its own, restore hope to While Europe shares US and Gulf the pond, and no-one can be clear (Reuters) given waivers from Washington’s Iranians in general nor give Rohani’s misgivings over Iran’s missile pro- how far the ripples will go or when.” February 17, 2019 19 Economy AMU revamps Maghreb railway project

Lamine Ghanmi

Tunis

he Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) has received a grant from the African Develop- T ment Bank to modernise an integrated regional railway network between Morocco, Algeria and Tuni- sia, a step analysts said was crucial to strengthening ties in North Africa. “The idea of a railway linking Tu- nisia, Algeria and Morocco is very old,” said Yacine Bendjaballah, CEO of the National Company for Rail Transport. “Transport officials from the AMU have discussed it many times when they’ve met.” The plan involves the modernisa- tion and expansion of 2,350km of rail lines between Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia by 2060. There is to be a meeting of regional railway officials in March in Tunis to discuss steps to further the project. The AMU includes Algeria, Moroc- co, Libya, Mauritania and Tunisia, but only Tunisia, Algeria and Moroc- co have national railway networks, developed a century ago during French colonial rule. Trains shipped materials, such as phosphates and iron-ore, to coastal hubs in the three (Reuters) African countries. On track. A general view of the construction site of Fast Rail Network (RFR) in Tunis, last September. The railway modernisation plan will cost about $4 billion over 40 a 260km line from Annaba, Algeria, The World Bank said integrating nomic and trade issues, this move- tries are increasingly aware of the years. to Tunis, via the Tunisian city of the economies of Algeria, Morocco ment of integration helps sustain advantages of railway transport The AMU’s feasibility assessment Jendouba. and Tunisia would have helped peace and security in the region and and they’ve been giving it more at- of the project showed a potential The question of whether the pro- grow their economies 34%, 27% and helps the continuity of its common tention since the early 1990s,” Ben train transport of 6,738 passengers ject will materialise hinges on if the 24%, respectively, from 2005-15. human values.” Amor said. and 8,388 tonnes of goods per day AMU, which has been stalled for The bank estimated that the lack of Moroccan university teacher on its Tunis-Algiers section. years due to regional divisions, will economic integration cost the re- Driss Lagrini, who heads a civic As- The study showed that by the come to an agreement. The AMU gion 2% annually in growth. There is to be a meeting of sociation for the Maghreb Action, time the project matures in 2060, has been unable to deliver on many An integrated Morocco, Mauri- regional railway officials said the AMU has failed to enact more than 36,000 passengers would promises, such as closer security tania, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya in March in Tunis to “bold initiatives” to achieve the travel in trains every day between cooperation, diplomatic rapproche- would have attracted more foreign discuss steps to further crucial objective of better integrat- Morocco and Algeria and more ment and free trade for a region of investment, analysts said. the project. ing the region. than 22,000 tonnes of merchandise approximately 100 million people. “Today more than ever, we must “The region faces domestic chal- would be transported. It has been largely inactive due to focus on the Maghreb integration Ben Amor said he expected the lenges like achieving stronger In its initial stages the project political tensions between members and its links with the Euro-Mediter- Maghreb project to help the region growth and external challenges like would see to the upgrade of 350km and a lack of political will, compli- ranean area,” said Tunisian expert build a railway industry that creates terrorism, illegal migration and co- of railway linking the Fez, Morocco, cating efforts to integrate the region Kamel Ben Amor, a researcher spe- jobs and helps make train transpor- operation with the European Un- to Akid Abbes, Algeria. It also covers that experts say would be a boon for cialising in rail links in the Maghreb. tation less costly. ion, making Maghreb integration a the modernisation and expansion of the economy. “Besides giving answers to eco- “The authorities in three coun- necessity,” he said.

Viewpoint ‘Blue Economy’ could be a pillar of Morocco’s development

he Moroccan govern- efforts under the government’s ment recently made ef- Ibhar 1 and Ibhar 2 programmes. forts to strengthen the Only a small minority of fishermen Mohamed Alaoui fisheries sector’s role in can take advantage of fishing on the economy by 2030. the high seas. To increase the con- The aquaculture sector — fish Ttribution of the “Blue Economy,” farming — is among priority pro- Rabat is seeking to benefit from jects for Rabat. Production stands experiments from around the at 510 tonnes per year. However, world, especially the Australian ECOSOC said it considered the model, through training, research sector not sufficiently developed, and biosafety as well as develop- compared to other countries in ment projects. the region, because of challenges Moroccan Agriculture and Fish- related to real estate, financing eries Minister Aziz Akhannouch and taxation. recently met with Agriculture Min- Khalid Bensami, chairman ister of the State of Victoria Jaclyn of ECOSOC’s Environment and Symes to discuss the topic. Development Committee, pointed “Australia has adopted an ap- out that one of the major problems proach based on a vision that facing Morocco’s Blue Economy focuses mainly on product quality was the lack of coordination and biosafety and these are as- After the catch. A fishing boat sails off the coast of the Moroccan among the various stakeholders. pects that are of particular interest city of Larache. (AFP) Bensami said the national to Morocco,” Akhannouch said at a strategy recommended by ECOSOC news conference. He said Australia ture in 2011 to develop the fishing the Blue Economy a key pillar would enable proper planning of and Morocco were interested in sector and study the challenges in strengthening the national the maritime sector, allowing co- developing partnerships in the facing it. economy within the framework of ordination of all parties concerned sector. Fishing activities contribute the country’s development model. and reducing negative competition Industry experts said Morocco significantly to ensuring Morocco’s Morocco has coasts on the Medi- among them. could become a maritime fish- food security. It is one of the most terranean and the Atlantic, with Morocco could benefit more ing capital because of its great job-creating and fastest-growing a total coastline of 2,000km, and from the Blue Economy if coor- marine wealth and huge renew- economic sectors in the country. it has a 1.2 million sq.km marine dination between the different able resources. Marine products Official data indicate the sector economic zone. sectors was intensified through a account for half of the country’s employs 97,000 people, in addi- Morocco ranks 13th globally in long-term strategic vision based food exports. tion to 108,000 fishermen, and terms of the marine fish produc- on a participatory, inclusive and The government is seeking to in- represents 84% of the country’s tion and is the leading producer integrated approach. crease export earnings to $3 billion planned targets by next year under in Africa and the Arab world. The The aim is to increase produc- by next year. The United Nations’ the Halieutis Strategy. FAO’s “2018 The State of Fisheries tion and make better use of the To increase the Food and Agriculture Organisation Morocco’s Blue Economy con- and Aquaculture” report said total sector to create wealth and addi- contribution of the (FAO) projected that Morocco’s tributes nearly 2% of the country’s national natural fish production of tional employment opportunities, “Blue Economy,” fisheries output could rise 18.2% GDP, which some say is too little, Morocco for 2016 was 1.43 mil- as well as enhance the capaci- by 2030 to 1.7 million tonnes of given the length of the Moroccan lion tonnes, an increase of 81,000 ties of sectors related to the Blue Rabat is seeking to fish per year. coastline. tonnes over the previous year. Economy while preserving the benefit from Ten years ago, Morocco inaugu- Ahmed al-Shami, of the Eco- An ECOSOC report last year marine environment. rated the Halieutis Strategy and nomic, Social and Environmental pointed out that the traditional experiments from established the National Agency Council (ECOSOC), said Morocco’s fishing sector in Morocco suffers Mohamed Alaoui is a Moroccan around the world. for the Development of Aquacul- maritime qualifications can make from social problems, despite writer. 20 February 17, 2019 Spotlight UAE Tolerance

Message of tolerance dominates Dubai’s World Government Summit

Caline Malek Francis,” Sheikh Abdullah said Feb- ruary 10. “This was a message by the UAE to say that, through its govern- Dubai ment and its people, the UAE is not just responsible for providing you strong message of tolerance with a good life but we respect your was sent out from the World religion and your belief because this Government Summit in is our national duty and your right.” A Dubai following the historic A recent study revealed that 47% visit of Roman Catholic Pope Francis of those interviewed in Europe said to Abu Dhabi. there is a conflict between Islam and “We have to stand by these prin- the values of European societies. In ciples and this historical declara- Arab countries, 25% of respondents tion, which they signed, is a call for said Christianity is in conflict with brotherhood, peace and fraternity the values of Islam while 72% of Eu- between all believers and non-be- ropean respondents expressed worry lievers,” UAE Minister of Foreign about the increase in violence. In the Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Arab world, that figure stood at 53%. al-Nahyan said about the pope and “There is clearly a real problem,” Grand Imam of al-Azhar Ahmed al- Sheikh Abdullah said. “We cannot Tayeb and the Declaration on Human confirm religion is the cause of this Fraternity. problem. It wasn’t created to push “As such, the Zayed International people to violence but it was used to Fund for Coexistence was estab- justify extremism and terrorism and lished to implement international it has been distorted throughout his- projects and programmes in culture tory. Freedom is a right for all — free- and education. Educational cur- dom of thought, plurality, religion, riculums will enhance the values of race, colour and language.” fraternity and scholarships will be He spoke of a gap between religion dedicated to encouraging scientific and the development of technology. research in all the values included in “We give so much importance to reli- this declaration.” gious initiatives in an era dominated High hopes for the future. Emirati women smile while attending the World Government Summit in by technology because religion is an Dubai, February 10. (AP) essential foundation of our spirit,” In a video message to world Sheikh Abdullah said. governments at the summit, “It guides us but it has sometimes “Perhaps now more than ever, “The meeting between both re- ance will turn to scholars and inves- Pope Francis said that the dominated logic and rationale, which thinking and acting require a true di- ligious leaders allowed the world tigate the history of successful cities good, if it is not common is how extremists and terrorists have alogue with others,” he said “because to examine the UAE’s positive ad- around the world. good, is not actually good. emerged in places around the world; without others, there is no future for vocacy for multiculturalism and in “We will look at how cities and so- so we should never forget the role me. I hope that in your activities, you recognising of the role of religion cieties can be engines of tolerance of religious leaders to call for peace start from the face of people, from an in promoting human dignity, peace and social change and what the role A programme will train teachers and brotherhood. We need a belief awareness of the cry of people and of and prosperity,” said Sheikh Nahyan. of religion can be in helping cities to be messengers of peace and fra- that comforts us, gives us peace and the poor and from reflecting on chil- “Tolerance enables open, honest and and societies foster tolerance and ac- ternity. The fund will encompass we would like to strike a balance be- dren’s questions.” confident dialogue among people ceptance,” he added. “Governments programmes by global institutions tween development and religion be- Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak al- who may differ from one another can and should compel a certain de- contributing to peace-making to en- cause this represents a unique model Nahyan, UAE minister of tolerance, and leads to a mutual understanding gree of tolerance by imposing and courage a shift from violence and for us to be ready for the future.” spoke of the country’s will for the and respect to all.” enforcing laws that punish harmful extremism. In a video message to world gov- global community to prosper and He said cultivating tolerance in a acts of intolerance.” “We, in the UAE, are very proud ernments at the summit, Pope Fran- to live in peace and harmony, no- city of distinctly different individu- and we were thrilled to see those cis said that the good, if it is not com- tably in this Year of Tolerance in als was not as straightforward. In Caline Malek is an Arab Weekly 180,000 people welcoming Pope mon good, is not actually good. the Emirates. that regard, the Ministry of Toler- contributor in Abu Dhabi. Viewpoint Why events surrounding Pope Francis’s UAE visit were so important

celebrate mass in a stadium with Before signing the declaration, and violence born of hatred and ence, with its stated purpose, could 35,000 in attendance inside the Tayeb urged countries in the region with some groups turning religion not even have been imagined. stadium and more than 100,000 to “continue to embrace your into a rigid political ideology or One of my favourite theologians, James J. Zogby assembled outside. This was too big brothers from Christian sects eve- weaponising religion into a tool of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, had a re- and too historic to be dismissed, as rywhere, as they are our partners repression or war, the conference markable way of seeing the unfold- some suggested, as a PR stunt by in the homeland.” Christians, he presented a direct challenge to ing of human history and the expan- the United Arab Emirates to burnish added, should not be viewed as extremists everywhere. sion of human consciousness and its image as a tolerant society that “minorities” but as equal citizens. Some Western observers have collective self-awareness. In looking recently delivered one of the promotes religious freedom or as a In his remarks, Francis not only made light of these gatherings or at the mess we see in today’s world, opening addresses at a confer- way for the pope to distract atten- spoke out against the scourge of war, have been cynical about the Emir- Teilhard would caution us not to ence in Abu Dhabi dedicated tion from the church’s sex abuse specifically mentioning the devas- ates’ creation of a Ministry of Toler- despair. It’s not that things are worse to creating understanding and scandal. tating conflicts in Yemen, Syria, Iraq ance or the UAE declaring this to be than they’ve ever been, it’s just that building relationships and mu- How big was it? Just ask the Emir- and Libya, he also echoed the grand an official “Year of Tolerance.” In my we are more aware than ever of the tual respect among the world’s ates’ nearly 1 million Catholics. For imam’s call for “societies where remarks at the opening of the con- injustice, bigotry, the violence and Ireligious leaders. them, it was not only the excite- people of different beliefs have the ference, I questioned the arrogance pain we cause one another. The conference coincided with ment of seeing their beloved Fran- same rights of citizenship.” that is at the root of this cynicism. At the same time, this expanding Pope Francis’s historic visit to cis, it was a validation of their faith The declaration affirms this point, “All of us,” I said, “East and West, awareness of the world has given the United Arab Emirates and his and as a clear a message as could saying: “The concept of citizenship are facing similar challenges. No rise to a new consciousness that has signing with Grand Imam of al- be sent that freedom of religion is is based on equality of rights and country is immune and no society led us to create vehicles for change Azhar Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb of a secure in the United Arab Emirates. duties, under which all enjoy justice. or faith community is innocent. that never existed before to promote document committing them both to What they found especially hearten- It is therefore crucial to establish There are Christian fundamentalists, universal human rights, advance working to build “Human Frater- ing was the fact that UAE govern- in our societies the concept of full Muslim extremists, Jewish extrem- health care and protect the environ- nity.” ment ministers attended the mass citizenship and reject the discrimi- ists and Hindu nationalists. ment. I was pleased to have had the and exchanged with others the “kiss natory use of the term “minorities,” “There are some in the West who In light of this, I think about Tayeb opportunity to participate in these of peace” as a gesture of solidarity. which engenders feelings of isola- point an accusing finger at the East working with former US President events because if I had to rely on the These weren’t the first such signs tion and inferiority.” and, to be sure, there are problems Jimmy Carter to cure diseases in Washington Post’s non-account of of respect shown by the UAE for There is no doubt that these two to point at: Ethnic and religious Africa or Lamia Makkar, a young the pope’s visit I would never have the Christian community. In the prominent figures meeting and com- minority communities have been Egyptian-American high school girl understood the significance of what mid-1960s Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan mitting to work to promote religious targets for violence and victims in the Emirates, working with her transpired over those three historic al-Nahyan built the first church for freedom, mutual respect and full in- of discrimination, their labour is friends to raise money to build a days. Catholic expats in Abu Dhabi. There clusion of all faiths as equal citizens exploited, their human rights are school in Haiti. The New York Times was the only are currently 40 churches and, in in their countries can have an effect. denied. Even imagining actions of this sort US daily newspaper to cover the addition to Catholics, there are However, the “icing on the cake” “But, with Islamophobic, anti- would have been impossible a cen- visit and its treatment was mostly Protestants, Orthodox and Evan- was the 2-day Conference on Human Semitic, homophobic hate crimes tury ago. Now, large and small, they fair. The Times addressed the gelicals. UAE officials frequently Fraternity, a gathering of 600 reli- increasing in the US and Europe, are happening every day, in every importance of the visit while still attend services on Christmas and gious leaders and opinion shapers with incidents of racially motivated place. They are clear evidence of the insisting on seeing the combination other special events. In the face of that concluded with the meeting violence occurring with disturbing expanded global consciousness that of the pope and the United Arab growing concerns with extremism of Francis and Tayeb. Among the frequency in the US, we need to do is transforming our human relation- Emirates as convenient pegs for and violence against Christians, the participants were Christians of all less finger-pointing and more look- ships. That was why the papal visit remarks about the UAE’s opulence, pope’s visit and the reaffirmation of denominations, Muslims, Jews, Hin- ing at ourselves and then turn not and the coming together of religious the war in Yemen, the Roman official support for the community dus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains. on each other but to each other and leaders were so important. Catholic church’s sex abuse problem were deeply affirming. There have been many interfaith understand that we share a common Of course, one visit, one declara- and Francis’s conflicts with his On the day before the mass in sessions in the United Arab Emir- problem and can benefit from work- tion and conference will not produce conservative opposition. Zayed Stadium, Francis and Tayeb ates involving the three Abrahamic ing together to find solutions. the change we need but they do Those are all important issues signed the “Document on Human faiths. This most recent effort, “And so I begin by asking us to ap- serve to continue the expansion of and should be reported (or it may Fraternity.” In that document, both however, was more expansive and proach this engagement with humil- our awareness of each other and to be more correct to say “have been clerics called on their co-religionists its rhetoric bolder in scope. It was ity, recognising the truth behind the build the relationships we will need covered many times over”) but cer- to “stop using religion to incite about finding the common ground delightful Italian proverb that says to create the human fraternity that tainly not at the expense of diluting hatred, violence, extremism and and respect necessary to build a hu- ‘everyone has their own fleas.’” Pope Francis and Grand Imam Tayeb the importance of what was unfold- blind fanaticism and to refrain from man family. I attended the events in Abu Dhabi envisioned in their statement. ing during Francis’s visit. using the name of God to justify The very fact of the meeting was with the clear recognition of the fact The pope went to the Arabian acts of murder, exile, terrorism and historic. In the face of disturbing that just a century ago, the papal James J. Zogby is president of the Peninsula to a Muslim country to oppression.” worldwide evidence of intolerance visit, the declaration and the confer- Arab American Institute. February 17, 2019 21 Society Women Interview Diversity, gender inclusion can be drivers for innovation in Arab world

ogy has the potential to improve open innovation and they do so by the lives of people everywhere. supporting directly the entrepre- Khadija This comes with the enormous neurs through mentorship, Hamouchi responsibility to ensure that tech donations and in-kind support. is designed for the end users’ “There certainly has been knowl- benefit and with them. edge transfer between foundations ● Khadija Hamouchi “Today, there’s a lot of anxiety and local start-ups. Solve members interviews Hala Hanna, surrounding the impact of technol- from the Arab region have shown a managing director of ogy on our lives. First, there’s the strong interest in engaging and supporting early stage innovation, Solve, a social impact question of how many jobs will disappear and how we will particularly in the education marketplace at the continue to adapt to the dramati- sector. Massachusetts Institute cally changing nature of work. “The Queen Rania Foundation, of Technology. “Second, there’s the way tech for example, has worked with our impacts our well-being, the way Refugee Education and Youth, ala Hanna has gone we connect with each other and as Skills and the Workforce of the from Beirut to a society. Does tech bring us closer Future Solve teams to not only Boston and she’s together or make us further help pilot their edtech solutions in hoping to make the entrenched in our views? Jordan but also provide strategic return journey in “And third, there’s the question advice and mentorship. This spirit by helping of privacy and of the trade-offs we philanthropic partner-to-social her home region make daily, giving away our data in entrepreneur knowledge transfer Hscale up the social effects of exchange for free services.” equips the Solve teams with unpar- technology. TAW: What needs to happen for alleled opportunities for growth Hanna is managing director of the Arab world to undergo a digital and greater impact on the ground, Solve, a business incubator and transformation? while providing the foundation idea marketplace at the Massachu- HH: “It’s hard to talk about the with first access to talent with setts Institute of Technology. She Arab world as a monolith. The innovative solutions to fit the local helps tech entrepreneurs from disparities within the region are so context.” around the world. wide and various countries are A future in code. Managing Director of Solve Hala Hanna. TAW: What would be the one She has worked on impact working through various levels of (Courtesy of Hala Hanna) miracle needed for the Arab world strategy at the World Economic the Maslow pyramid of needs for to have a glittering future? Forum and advised governments their populations. HH: “More diversity and on public sector reform and donor “Without the most basic peace mission is to support that. That’s surrounds this topic in our region. inclusion, particularly when it engagement at the World Bank and and reconstruction — especially for why we’ve built an open innova- “In the education field, we have comes to gender inclusion. the United Nations. She has also Yemen and Syria — real transfor- tion platform where anyone Kiron, a start-up making it easier Technology and entrepreneurship advised non-profits on strategy. mation will be hard to come by. anywhere can take part in the for refugee youth to integrate back are two fields that tend to be She spoke to The Arab Weekly “Without education that process. into formal university education in male-dominated and yet at Solve, via Skype, discussing issues prepares youth for the skills of the “As for the Arab world, if Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. We’d through a highly selective and including how countries in the future, upcoming generations’ necessity is the mother of inven- love to get more innovators from meritocratic process, 52% of the Middle East are at different stages contribution to their nation’s tion, we have infinite drivers to be and working in the region.” teams we support are women-led. I of Abraham Maslow’s five-tier transformation will be stunted. innovative! We see it at Solve TAW: Are there any particular believe women will propel the hierarchy of human needs. “And without the values of through the applications we lessons to be learned in terms of region forward. This means that a country must diversity and inclusion, it will be receive from the region, particu- shaping regional innovation? “We see the potential every day first address its people’s basic impossible to be globally competi- larly those tackling refugee issues, HH: “We function like a market- at a global level and the Arab requirements, such as the need for tive. If we can’t make revolutions education outcomes and health place for social impact innovation, region is no different. Did you food, water and security before it work, then there’s nothing wrong problems. For example, the selecting innovators on the one know that today, in Lebanon and can move up the tier to the highest with incremental change. It’s London-based start-up Century hand and brokering partnerships the UAE, there are as many women aspiration — achieving full stagnation that is depressing.” Tech helps educators adapt their between them and our member graduating from engineering as potential. TAW: How does innovation in teaching styles to their students’ organisations on the other hand. men, if not more? This is impor- Technology can help the Middle the Arab world compare with that learning needs through an interac- Our current members include tant, because the future is in code East, Hanna said, but change must in other developing regions? tive platform across Lebanon and multiple regional organisations, and we want women to be writing happen at its own pace. HH: “At MIT Solve, we believe the UAE. including the Queen Rania it, too.” The Arab Weekly (TAW): ingenuity and creativity exist “Tomo, a mobile application Foundation for Education and Technology is bringing about everywhere. We see innovators from Saudi Arabia, addresses Development. Khadija Hamouchi is a social change, isn’t it? Is that good? and entrepreneurs globally using mental health head on, providing a “Our members are indeed Belgian-Moroccan social Hala Hanna (HH): “At Solve, we technology to solve challenges for support platform for those committed to our mission to solve entrepreneur and founder of tend to be techno-optimists. We their local communities in clever suffering from depression and the world’s most pressing prob- SEJAAL, an initiative that is believe that, applied well, technol- and unprecedented ways. Our attacking the stigma that still lems through partnership and building an app for young people. Egyptian writer’s life turns into ordeal after penning book against the hijab

Amr Emam Anwer said. “Women, even those andria. wearing the hijab, were very keen Anwer began a campaign a few to buy the book.” months ago calling on women to Cairo However, it has touched a nerve wear shorts and colourful dresses. inside extremist circles and An- She and like-minded thinkers and woman writer’s life is be- wer has received death threats. writers said the hijab is a politi- ing threatened after the She said she is afraid to leave cal statement, not a mere piece of publication of her book her home, prevents her children cloth. It is, they say, a symbol of A about one of the most from going out and, before driving the ideological control Islamist controversial issues in Islam, the her car, checks whether an explo- movements impose on Egyptian hijab. sive device had been planted in it. society. Dena Anwer, a pharmacist, has “My utmost fear now is that the This is why Anwer is confront- stuck out as a model of social non- extremists can physically liqui- ing this control and fights her own conformity, especially regarding date me after I was morally liqui- battle against political Islam. She what women should wear in pub- dated by society and the media,” wears short dresses in public and lic and women’s rights. She has Anwer said. speaks and writes about wom- written a book documenting the Anwer is not the first free think- en’s rights to wear whatever they experiences of women who took er to fall afoul of extremists. De- want. off the hijab after being forced to spite official efforts to keep the lid Her book is the latest in a series wear it by their family. on extremism, extremist thought of publications calling for abolish- seems to be deeply rooted in the ing the grip of Islamist groups on Difficult challenge. Dena Anwer at the Cairo International Book mind of many Egyptians. the general public. Fair. (Amr Emam) Anwer’s book faced Egypt, which has been home to “I pay a heavy price for speaking hostility at the Cairo some of the world’s most noto- and thinking differently,” Anwer International Book Fair, rious Islamist organisations, in- said. “Sorry to say, I am paying it said those threatening to kill An- The book is mainly about what despite — or perhaps cluding the Muslim Brotherhood, alone.” wer cannot present a convincing Anwer described as the injus- because of — its saw a rise in the Salafist ideol- Some writers have expressed counterargument. tice women are bearing. She said popularity. ogy from 1970s when hundreds of support and warned against at- “Sorry to say, some people claim women who revolt against social thousands of Egyptians travelled tacks on her. to have exclusive access to correct norms by taking off the hijab are to the Gulf and returned with “What she is facing is intellec- Islam and to be the guardians of subjected to violence. Anwer’s “Those Taking Off the large amounts of money and Wah- tual terrorism that must be vig- the faith, which is totally untrue,” She said she will continue to de- Hijab: The Silent Revolution” sold habist ideas. orously confronted,” said Cherif she said. fend her ideas. well at the recent Cairo Interna- Among their demands was that Choubachy, a writer and another Anwer’s book faced hostility at “I, however, feel afraid for my tional Book Fair. All available their wives, sisters and neigh- campaigner against the hijab. “We the Cairo International Book Fair, children and my personal safety,” copies of the book were sold and bours cover up from head to toe. should not allow those with back- despite — or perhaps because of — Anwer said. “I may be forced to Anwer made some of her personal This happened at a time when a ward thoughts to have the upper its popularity. Salafist publishers fall totally silent but I will never copies available to eager readers. hijab-wearing female was a rarity hand.” at the fair asked administrators to change my ideas or apologise for “This was surprising to me,” on the streets of Cairo and Alex- Leftist writer Farida al-Naqash ban the book. expressing them.” 22 February 17, 2019 Culture Arabic Poetry in the Gulf

Viewpoint The seductive appeal of Arabic poetry

nobility, eloquence and, at times, steps of Arabs,” broadcast by Al sensitivity. Arabiya TV. The birthplace of the most Presented by the brilliant Eid Iman Zayat exquisite gems of Arabic poetry al-Yahya, the programme ex- is Saudi Arabia, where the seven plores Saudi history and presents wonders of this art, Mu’allaqat, exceptional poetry by some of the were once, tradition says, sus- best poets in the world. In each pended on the Kaaba in Mecca. episode, viewers are transported Saudis take great pride in this into a magical dimension, where heritage, through which they stories of Arabian knights, great or hundreds of years, have developed a reputation for poets, brave women and a unique poetry has been the being among the most eloquent land come to life, demonstrat- pre-eminent form of people in the region and the Arab ing the core values of Saudis and artistic expression in world. With poems by Antarah their deep-seated heritage. the Arab world and an ibn Shaddad, Al-Khansa, Imru’ Saudis’ passion for poetry is intimate part of the al-Qais, Samaw’al ibn ‘Adiya and shared by many of their Arabian Fregion’s language and culture. In Zuhayr bin Abi Sulma, Saudi his- Peninsula neighbours, who have the Gulf especially, poetry has tory is full of wondrous stories of also made rich contributions played a major role, with people adventures, great achievement to the field. Indeed Emiratis, viewing the craft as a pillar of and bravery. Yemenis, Qataris, Kuwaitis and their identity and heritage. Bahrainis have all left their mark Visiting the United Arab Emir- on Arabic poetry, using the art’s ates in recent years, I have been power to express pain, beauty incredibly impressed by how While Nabati poetry and wonder, as well as to convey popular the art is in the Gulf deep messages, stories and emo- region and by the skill of many may resemble tions. poets, some as young as 6 and 7 classical poetry in its Throughout the centuries, po- years old. etry’s popularity has only grown Knowing that poetry is a form and artistic in the region, attracting new sophisticated art form with a structure, it is distinct audiences in the Arabian Penin- unique structure, I was puzzled in its use of Bedouin sula and Arab countries in North by the genius of young children Africa and the Levant. from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the vernacular. Today, the trend has been UAE, Oman and Kuwait who boosted by Emirati TV pro- could instantly compose po- grammes such as “Million’s Poet” ems with complex themes and and “Prince of Poets,” which rhythms before skilfully reciting The history of poetry in Saudi are some of the most popular them. Arabia does not stop there. From competition shows in the world, After listening to many young one generation to another, Saudis sometimes designated as the Arab talents, I understood the signifi- have built on this great tradi- world’s equivalent of “American cance and mystery this art craft tion, with contemporaries such Idol.” has held for people of the Arabian as Ali al-Damini, Hissa Hilal, Ali In the UAE, poetry is celebrated Peninsula and the high stature ac- Al-Hawirini and Thuraya Qabil at all festivals and national corded poets in their societies. carrying the torch today. celebrations, including Al Dhfara More than a competition. Members of the jury of the “Prince of Since pre-Islamic ages, the Ara- For those interested in learning Camel Festival, the Liwa Date Poets” TV show, February 12. (“Prince of Poets”) bian Peninsula has been home to about the unique history of Saudi Festival, the Baynounah Camel world-class poetry that is deeply poetry and culture, there is no Mazaynah and the UAE’s National connected to values of bravery, better place than “In the Foot- Day. In Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and the rest of the seven emir- genre in the Arab Gulf region. ates, the least that can be said While Nabati poetry may re- is that poetry has been a daily semble classical poetry in its form practice in Majalis (social gather- and artistic structure, it is distinct ings) and during smaller private in its use of Bedouin vernacular. occasions. When listening to Nabati, one is So what is that that makes poet- struck by the pure charm of its ry so powerful and ubiquitous? desert heritage. After discussing the topic with Unlike many poems in the Emiratis and Saudis in Abu Dhabi, West, Nabati poems are true I may have solved the riddle. extensions of Arabian culture Poetry to many in the Gulf is the and values passed down across most effective way to commu- generations. They are aimed at nicate a message to the outside preserving the collective memory world. Not only does it change of the region and paying homage our way of viewing the world, to the coexistence of nature and they say, it pushes us to think man. outside the box and engage with Luckily, Nabati is accessible to powerful, layered messages full those who speak and read Arabic, of depth and emotion. though it may require some effort I share this view. Arabic poetry to decipher certain terms from is an art of a thousand colours, various local dialects. While it with themes ranging from Madih may be a difficult undertaking, (eulogy or panegyric) to Hija (a requiring time and energy to poem criticising someone), Ritha understand, Nabati poetry is a (elegy), Wasf (description), Ghaz- worthwhile endeavour. al (love poems), Tardiyyah (hunt My hope is that such poems will poetry), Fakhr (pride poems) to be translated into more languages Hamasah (war poems). so the world can share in the Before visiting the Arabian immense talent of the people of Peninsula, I was more than fond the Gulf and feel the beautiful of classical poetry and a true ad- sensation conveyed through their mirer of the Arabic language as a meticulously crafted and beauti- vehicle for one of the greatest cul- fully recited words. tures the world has known. Once An art of a thousand colours. Emirati poet Sheikha al-Mtiri recites a poem as she takes part in the there, I fell under the spell of the Iman Zayat is the Managing eighth season of “Prince of Poets,” February 12. (“Prince of Poets”) Nabati, the most popular poetic Editor of The Arab Weekly. Viewpoint ‘Prince of Poets’ rekindles grand tradition of classical poetry

Iman Zayat Standout performances from introduced the public to new as a refuge, a unique mode of the structure and style of classical Amani Zaibi from Tunisia, Sheikha poets who are gaining a following, expressing beauty, emotion and poetry. al-Mtiri from the United Arab Emir- bolstered by a collection of poems insight with characteristic grace. During this season’s final n Abu Dhabi, “knights of ates, Ibtihal Triter from Sudan and from the show put out by the Po- Of course, this is not a new episode, the winning poet will Arabic poetry,” as they are Rabaa Adawiya Badri from Algeria etry Academy in Abu Dhabi. observation. Poets have always be awarded the Burda — a gown affectionately called by ad- are putting pressure on their male Many classical poetry fans in provided medicine for the soul and representing Arab historical herit- mirers, are engaged in a fierce counterparts, who have tradition- the Arab world said the following the most profound answers to ex- age — but all will join the star of the competition to win the hearts ally considered poetry to be their “Prince of Poets” has attracted has istential questions, all with words show in celebrating an entrenched and minds of the public and domain, adding an extra layer of played no small role in revamping and rhythms weaved together with heritage and appreciating how the Ithe jury. competition and entertainment to classical Arabic poetry. immense skill. show has enriched this ancient “Prince of Poets,” a classical Ara- the drama. While there is some truth to this, “Prince of Poets” has built on literary craft. bic poetry competition taking place Through eight seasons, “Prince the popularity of poetry in the Arab that tradition, giving a priceless While the world around us re- every two years, is one of a kind in of Poets” highlighted poetry’s world cuts deeper, representing a gift to all Arabic speakers. The signs that some art forms are relics the Arab region and the world. growing popularity in the Arab core form of expression as old as programme has added tremen- of another era, let us be grateful This season, the winner may well world and showcased the region’s language itself. dous value to the Arabic literary for programmes such as “Prince of turn out to be a “princess,” because diverse poetic traditions. Especially in the contemporary canon and provided contestants Poets” and “Million’s Poet,” which numerous female contestants are While poetry is considered a world full of stress and material- and viewers with valuable literary give hope that traditions will grow stealing the limelight. traditional craft, the programme ism, classical Arabic poetry acts criticism, furthering insight into stronger for generations to come. February 17, 2019 23 Culture Books Casablanca book fair showcases Spanish culture

Saad Guerraoui honour also reflects the movement of creativity in the neighbouring country,” said Ouazzani. Casablanca Director General of Books and Encouragement of Reading in Spain asablanca’s International Garcia Valdes emphasised Moroc- Book Fair (SIEL) offered a cans’ growing interest in books in rich programme that show- Spanish. C cased books from various “The Spanish Federation of Pub- parts of the world and celebrated lishers sought to establish contacts Spain as guest of honour. with Moroccan publishers at SIEL in Some 720 exhibitors from 42 a bid to promote exchange between countries exhibited more than both literatures,” said Valdes. 128,000 book titles during SIEL’s The Spanish pavilion dedicated 25th edition, which closed Febru- a storytelling programme of two ary 17. daily sessions for children aged SIEL Director Hassan el-Ouazzani 6-12 years. The stories sought to said that approximately 350 writ- strengthen children’s values such ers, poets, researchers, economists as love, cooperation, humility, soli- and politicians from around the darity and generosity. world participated in debates and The France pavilion spotlight- poetry readings. ed youth literature with “youth” Moroccan Prime Minister Saad mornings focused on stories in Eddine El Othmani says the book Arabic and French, drawing and fair “is gaining notoriety year after writing workshops. The French In- year, attracting publishing houses stitute of Morocco organised comic and exhibitors from around the book tours, youth writers and writ- world and stands out for the quality ers across Morocco on the sidelines of the cultural products on display.” of the book fair. This year’s edition saw a noticea- ble Chinese participation in the fair with five publishing houses. “China has lately become one of Some 720 the biggest participants in the book exhibitors from 42 fair thanks to an agreement be- tween SIEL and Beijing internation- countries exhibited al book fair to bolster participation more than 128,000 book in them,” said Ouazzani. Last year, Morocco was guest of titles during SIEL’s 25th Still striving for quality. A visitor browses through a book at the 25th edition of Casablanca’s honour at Beijing’s International International Book Fair. (Saad Guerraoui) edition. Book Fair. SIEL visitors had the opportu- “The choice of Spain as a guest nity to attend evening gatherings poet Mahmoud Darwish for his life- ence and the text of the creation of ney of Fathallah Al Halabi.” of honour testifies to Morocco’s celebrating poetry and the creative time achievement in poetry. the state of Palestine, which was The prize for the “Contemporary openness to the most prominent power of poetic speech given by “Mahmoud Darwish will always delivered by Yasser Arafat in 1988 Journey: The New Sinbad” was cultures in the world,” Othmani Moroccan and Arab poets. Direc- be present among us. Through his in Algiers, a text that was a rhetoric won by Sudanese Ahmad Hassan said, adding that this year’s event tor of the Tetouan House of Poetry literary and poetic creations, he with a political, civil and humani- for “Exotic Travel: Travelling in the promoted the cultural exchange Mokhliss Saghir said those events touched the most sensitive fibres of tarian content,” he added. African Continent,” Egypt’s Mehdi with the Spanish-speaking coun- evenings were among the fair’s his readers and his audience,” said The Ibn Battouta Awards for Moubarek for “40 Days in India” tries by devoting a pavilion to Latin highlights for lovers of poetry. Palestinian writer Yahya Yakhlef. Travel Literature were announced and Mokhtar Saad Chahata for “In America. “Morocco has always been a “This emblem of Palestinian poetry during the book fair. the Country of Samba: The Daily Ouazzani said Spain’s presence in land of cultures that has inspired is also a voice of the Palestinian re- In the Travel Story category, Life of an Arab in Brazil.” the fair was a symbol of the close- many poets around the world,” said sistance, which has promoted the Jordan’s Haytham Serhan won for ness of cultural and historic ties be- Saghir. culture of life of his people.” “Nachwat Achumul” and Saudi Saad Guerraoui is a contributor tween the two countries. Poets from the Arab world paid “Mahmoud Darwish… wrote the Arabia’s Oussama Ibn Salman al- to The Arab Weekly on Maghreb “Spain’s participation as guest of tribute to late iconic Palestinian text of the Declaration of Independ- Falih was honoured for “The Jour- issues. Egypt’s oldest library renovated after terrorist devastation

Ahmed Megahid and homes of the rich and Egypt’s emirs and pashas. Cairo As of 1886, a copy of every book published in Egypt had to be de- he National Library in Cai- posited at the library, turning it ro, the Middle East’s oldest into a must-visit place for Egypt’s library, has been restored and the Arab world’s researchers, T to its former glory with fi- book-lovers and students. nancial support from the United The renovation of the library is Arab Emirates backed by Egyptian the latest episode in cultural co- resolve to defy terrorism. operation between Egypt and the The library, officially known as United Arab Emirates. This coop- the House of Books and National eration focuses on rescuing Egypt’s Manuscripts, was devastated in cultural heritage, parts of which January 2014 by a car bomb explo- were threatened by the unrest and sion that targeted the adjacent Cai- terrorism. ro Security Directorate. The bomb- Qasimi said at the February 3 ing damaged the library’s facade, reopening of the library that cul- windows, furniture and shelves. ture continues to be at the heart “We were fortunate that most of of Egypt’s battle against terrorist the ancient manuscripts and books groups. of the library were not ruined,” said “The library we are reopening Aida Abdel Ghani, the library’s di- today has always been a centre of rector-general. “The manuscripts learning and enlightenment,” he that were damaged were rushed to said. the Ministry of Culture and Minis- In 2012, Sheikh Sultan helped try of Antiquities for repair.” Egypt restore the Egyptian Sci- Culture beats terror. Books on display at the renovated National Library in Egypt. (Ahmed Megahid) The loss of hundreds of thou- entific Institute, an 18th century sands of unique old books, man- centre constructed by Napoleon uscripts, maps and documents from Germany. tant books were in the libraries of Ismail was afraid that books and Bonaparte to conduct research would have dealt irreversible dam- “This upgrade was necessary to major mosques and at the homes of manuscripts would be smuggled during his campaign in Egypt. The age to humanity, Abdel Ghani said. protect the manuscripts and pieces emirs and the country’s elite. out of Egypt to Turkey, Europe or building burned in December 2011 Restoring the building to its of the library,” Abdel Ghani said. the United States. and hundreds of ancient books and former condition required the in- “We have some of the world’s most Ismail, who considered the con- manuscripts were destroyed. vestment of millions of dollars. important manuscripts, making The renovation of the struction of the library his national Director of the Alexandria Li- Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Sultan bin the library a tourist attraction as library is the latest episode cultural project, paid 13,000 Turk- brary Mustafa al-Fiqi said the Na- Muhammad al-Qasimi provided well.” in cultural cooperation ish liras in 1876 to buy the personal tional Library needed immediate $2 million for a comprehensive There are nearly 1 million vol- between Egypt and the book collection of his brother, intervention to rescue it from the overhaul of the library. umes in the library. It has an art United Arab Emirates. Mustafa Fazil Pasha, who had just devastation caused by the 2014 The rehabilitation included the museum that contains 63 of the died in Istanbul. The collection bombing. total renewal of all the sections of world’s most ancient manuscripts, Concerned about the loss of this contained 3,458 rare volumes, “It is a pillar of culture, not the library, installation of advanced in addition to 16 ancient copies of heritage, Ottoman ruler Khedive including 2,473 in Arabic, 650 in only throughout Egypt, but security equipment and the re- the Quran, one of which dates to Ismail (1863-79) ordered the con- Turkish and 335 in Farsi. also throughout the whole Arab placement of the shelves, tiles and the second Hegira century. struction of a library where all the At its opening, the National Li- world,” Fiqi said. “It is one of the glass windows. New manuscript Before the construction of the country’s important books and brary had 20,000 volumes, refer- world’s most important herit- showcases, lighting systems and National Library in 1870, Egypt’s ancient manuscripts could be col- ence books and maps. They were age centres with an unequalled curtains were specially imported cultural heritage and most impor- lected and protected. mostly collected from mosques cultural treasure.” 24 February 17, 2019 Travel www.thearabweekly.com

Agenda

Manama: Through May 15

“The Bahrain National Museum: A 30th anniversary retrospective” exhibition traces the history of the Bahrain National Museum and highlights major milestones.

Dubai: February 20-22

The 17th Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival will take place at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. Local and international jazz and blues artists, such as Alicia Keys, Snow Patrol and British jazz-funk band Jamiroquai, are to perform at the festival.

Marrakech: February 24-May 16 An aerial view of Hammana-Lamartine Valley. (Hammana Municipality) The Marrakech Biennale is a festival with the mission to build bridges between cultures through the arts. The seventh edition will High expectations for a take a multidisciplinary approach to introduce artists and works primarily from the Arab world, the Mediterranean region and sub- longer ski season in Lebanon Saharan Africa. Amman: March 1-3 Samar Kadi snowboard at the Zaarour Club Ski School, run in collaboration with Dead Sea Fashion Week is an the French skiing school, Ecole du annual event and country-wide Zaarour Ski Francais. celebration of talent, creativity and Mountain Express, Red Rock and diversity that aims to combine the nowstorms that hit Lebanon La Cabane ski lifts across the moun- worlds of fashion, art, music and in January collapsed refugee tain take skiers to the top of multi- culture. Innovative runway shows, tents and damaged agricul- level slopes that start at altitudes presentations and entertainment S ture but they were a blessing of 1,700 metres to more than 2,000 encourage collaborations and con- to the country’s ski resorts, where metres. sumer relationships between de- the winter sports season opened Non-skiers can enjoy the scen- signers, buyers and media experts. with a big splash of dazzling white. ery on top of the highest slope by With snow-blanketed mountain travelling in the Mountain Express Beirut: slopes and temperatures near freez- chairlift to the panoramic peak 360. March 10-15 ing, ski lovers and businesses are “The view from there is unbeatable. hoping for a strong skiing season. You can see the Mediterranean on The Beirut International Women “We had a good start of the sea- one side, the Bekaa Valley on the Film Festival is an annual event son this year,” said Alain Sawaya, other side, as well as the mountains that gathers film-makers and cin- marketing director of Zaarour Ski of Matn and Keserwan regions,” Sa- A snow-covered building at the Zaarour Ski Club. (Zaarour Ski Club) ema lovers from around the world. Club. “Nothing to compare with last waya said. The festival aims to highlight the year’s very short season that was The physically disabled will soon power of women in various life ruined by warm weather and hardly be able to experience the thrills of will continue to sustain the season,” Laqlouq and the Cedars. The lat- situations. lasted 13 days.” sliding down the Zaarour slopes Zgheib said. ter, in northern Lebanon and the “The longer the season is the bet- with the introduction of handiski. While Lebanese skiers are seen farthest from Beirut (a 2-hour Luxor: ter it is for the people who make a “It is a 50-kilogram chair on two less on the slopes of the costly drive) has the most elevated slopes March 15-21 living out of the business and ski ski boards and driven by a certified sports, the number of foreign visi- stretching between 2,095 and 2,850 lovers are happier. Last season was and experienced ‘pilot’,” Sawaya tors has increased, Zgheib noted. metres. The eighth Luxor African Film Fes- almost nil in terms of snowfall. This said. “We are giving the opportunity “Those who used to ski five times a The average cost of a day pass to tival will screen films produced in year we opened the slopes on De- for the disabled who cannot go on month are coming up once or twice the slopes is $35 on weekdays and African countries in competitions cember 31 and so far the operation the slopes to discover the joy of ski- now due to economic restraints but, $50 on weekends, excluding equip- for Long Narratives, Long Docu- has been going on well,” Sawaya ing. Those who cannot ski can also on the other hand, we are seeing ment rental. Shops for renting or mentaries and Short Films. said. use it but the rides for the handi- more foreigners from Gulf countries buying ski equipment are available At 35km from Beirut, Zaarour’s capped will be for free.” coming here because Lebanon is at all resorts. Zammour, Tunisia: ski slopes on the eastern face of Faraya Mzaar, an hour from Bei- close by and suitable for short win- Normally the ski season in Leba- March 27-30 Mount Sannine in the Matn District rut, is another popular ski station. ter vacations,” he said. non extends from December to are the closest to the capital. With 25 chairlifts, 40 slopes and 100 “Many keep coming back and March. In higher altitude resorts, The third Zammour Fest will take With six ski runs of various lev- sq.km of terrain suitable for snow- bring their friends along. They had such as the Cedars, the season may place in a Berber village in the els of difficulty, including two for shoeing and cross-country skiing, it the idea that Lebanon has desert extend until May, depending on the Tunisian Sahara. Over four days beginners, the site is good for ama- is known as the Middle East’s larg- and were pleasantly surprised,” weather. and three nights, visitors camp in teurs as well as seasoned skiers. est ski resort. Zgheib said. There are high expectations for Bedouin tents, trek or bike in the “We aim to be a family friendly The resort partially opened De- Faraya Mzaar also boasts the ski and tourism to thrive this sea- village, visit mountains, attend resort. Two slopes are specially de- cember 21 but now all slopes are longest zip line in the region, a glide son, though volatile factors, such as folklore parties and enjoy tradi- signed for fun activities where chil- well blanketed and operational, of 1,000 metres over the slopes weather and political uncertainty, tional food. dren can go sledging and tubing. said Atef Zgheib, head of operations starting on Jabal Dib’s Peak at 2,250 continue to challenge ski resorts’ They can reach the top of the slopes at Mzaar Ski Resort. metres. performances. Tunis: on a ‘magic carpet’ and then slide “This year the season started In addition to Zaarour and Far- April 4-14 down,” Sawaya said. early, before Christmas, and we had aya Mzaar, Lebanon has three other Samar Kadi is The Arab Weekly Beginners can learn to ski and good snow. We hope the weather well-equipped ski stations — Faqra, Travel and Society section editor. The 14th Jazz a Carthage, an annual music festival, brings together renowned international and local musicians for concerts, lectures, exhibitions and nightly jam ses- sions. Concerts take place in Gam- marth, Tunis, Sidi Bou Said and La Marsa.

Merzouga Desert: April 5-15

The Marathon des Sables is one of the most gruelling ultramarathons. Runners must endure extreme weather conditions in the Sa- hara on a 250km run through sand dunes and elevations in southern Morocco.

We welcome submissions of calendar items related to cultural events of interest to travellers in the Middle East and North Africa. Please send tips to: A view of the ski station in Matn. (Zaarour Ski Club) Ski slopes at the Zaarour club in Matn. (Zaarour Ski Club) [email protected]