Page 1 |No. 17|Nov 2019 US Traces in Iraq,MEHR NEWSAGENCY Mehr Vision|No.17|November 2019 Lebanon Unrest Page 2 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Contents

Iran’s Leader: US, West spy services inciting unrest in regional states 3 Foreign Ministry’s reaction to Lebanon developments 4 Nasrallah warns against foreign conspiracies in Lebanon through exploiting protests 5

Cover Story Cover Middle East a safer place without US 6

Continuous duality by Washington 8 INSTEX has a limited scope: Finaud 9 Bolton’s firing should never be confused with change of course in Trump’s foreign policy towards Iran: Entessar 10

Politics Europe’s pretext for evading Iran’s demands 11 Middle East OSCE would be a major development to settle regional disputes: Logoglu 12

Iran welcomes any move toward preservation of Syrian integrity 14 “Strategically brilliant” sellout: Trump’s betrayal of the Kurds 14 Turkey’s Erdogan makes unreasonable demands from Iranian media on Ankara incursion 16 Direct talks with Syrian govt. key to resolve Turkey’s security concerns: Logoglu 17 Assad: Liberating northern Syria from Kurds ‘ultimate goal’ 17

5 amazing facts about Arbaeen walk as pointed by Leader Ayatollah Khamenei 19 Mehr Vision US, S Arabia have been trying to derail Arbaeen trek, senior IranianMP says 21

Dossier Arbaeen security provided by all Iraqi forces: Iraqi envoy 21 Managing Director: Mohammad Shojayian Over 15.2mn pilgrims attend this year’s Arbaeen ceremonies in Karbala 22

Editorial Board: Iraq, Syria defeated ISIL with Iran’s logistic support: FM spox 24 Seyyed Amir Hassan Baghdadi’s death won’t be an end to ‘Daeshism’: Govt. spox 24 Dehghani, Mohammad Ghaderi, Majid Rafiee, US propaganda on Baghdadi’s death aims to undermine efforts of Payman Yazdani Resistance Axis: IRGC 25

Editorial Coordinator: Marjohn Sheikhi Iranian viewpoint: US’ strategy to play major role in global energy market 27 Contributors: Turkey might bring in Russia, China, Iran to team up in new regional energy corridors 28 Payman Yazdani, Mohammad Ghaderi, Marjohn Sheikhi, Another American bullet at sanctions-proof Iran 30 Mohammad Ali Haqshenas, US might topple Saudi Arabia as the world’s top oil exporter sooner than planned 31 Haniyeh Sadat Jafariyeh, Economy Geopolitical expert talks of US plan to grab Saudi oil share from global market 33 Zahra Mirzafarjouyan, Javad Heirannia

Art Director: ‘Passion, penchant for uncertainty’ are what you need for archaeology, Mahboubeh Azizi says Prof. Barbara Kaim 35 Phone: +98-21-43051350 Veterinary services, crucial but less appreciated 37 Email: [email protected] Iran’s submissions to 2020 Academy Awards 39 Address: No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Persian leopard’s global range 40 Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran Culture Shahr-e Sukhteh, Iran’s archaeological gem 41 Iranian adventurer tells of journey to the North Pole 42 Mehr Vision welcomes contributions by readers which can be sent via email. Time to re-enforce fight against apartheid via sports 44 A bitter shock after a sweet victory 45

Sport Time to change Iran volleyball main squad? 46 Cover Story Page 3 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Iran’s Leader: US, West spy services inciting unrest in regional states

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali void in this regard, nothing can be done. No positive course of Khamenei has warned that the United States and Western action can be adopted.” spy services, funded by certain reactionary countries of the The Leader said the Iraqi and Lebanese nations need region, have been fomenting turmoil and insecurity in other to remain vigilant and realize that the enemies in fact in- regional states, calling for vigilance against such enemy tend to disrupt their domestic legal structures and create a plots. vacuum in those states, advising people in both countries to follow up on their “legitimate demands” through legal The Leader made the remarks on October 30 in the wake of channels. the latest bout of violent protests that have gripped Iraq and “The top priority for them is to overcome insecurity,” Aya- Lebanon for several weeks. tollah Khamenei said, in an address to those who are con- Ayatollah Khamenei described insecurity as “the biggest cerned for the well-being of the people of Iraq and Lebanon. damage” a country could suffer, warning against plots being The Leader recalled that Iran had been the target of sim- pursued by the enemies to rob regional countries of security. ilar conspiracies in the past, but that the country managed The elements instigating such “dangerous hostilities” are to thwart those plots thanks to the nation’s vigilance and the known, said the Leader, adding that “the US and the Western preparedness of its Armed Forces. intelligence services, financed by certain reactionary coun- “They have devised such plans for our dear country as tries of the region, are behind such incidents.” well. Fortunately, the nation entered the arena on time. It was “The priority of sympathizers of those countries – such as vigilant and the Armed Forces were present as well and they Iraq and Lebanon which face certain problems –is to cure inse- helped to foil the plot. This cure exists for all the countries curity. Their people too should know that although they have who face this problem. This is the first point. You should know legitimate demands, those demands can only be met within that you are the preservers of security – in other words, the the law. The enemy wants to upset legal structures. When preservers of the most important asset that a nation has. Se- there is no legal structure in a country and when there is a curity is a key to other assets.” Cover Story Page 4 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Foreign Ministry’s reaction to Lebanon developments

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran 150 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). has emphasized the need for unity and rapport in Lebanon after the country’s Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned from Foreign Ministry’s reaction to Iraq developments his post on October 29. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyyed Abbas Mousavi says Tehran In a statement, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Af- is closely and sensitively monitoring the ongoing develop- fairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyyed Abbas Mousavi re- ments and protests in Iraq that have killed dozens of peo- acted to the current situation in Lebanon after Prime Minister ple. Saad Hariri turned in his resignation to President Michel Aoun. In a statement on Oct. 27 in reaction to the ongoing de- “We hope the Lebanese nation and government would suc- velopments in Iraq, Mousavi said, “The Islamic Republic of cessfully get through such serious and sensitive juncture with Iran supports the Iraqi people’s demands and requests, which rapport,” Mousavi noted. have been clearly highlighted in the statements and remarks The spokesperson also stressed the need for stabili- by the Iraqi religious authorities and Prime Minister Adil Ab- ty and constancy of the friendly and brotherly country of dul-Mahdi.” Lebanon, adding, “The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasiz- Mousavi also expressed deep regret over the recent inci- es the need for the solidarity, unity and rapport among all dents in Iraq that have killed and injured tens of people and Lebanese clans, parties and characters in order to maintain caused damages to public property, at the attempts to take the country’s stability and security and to respond to the advantage of the public demands, and at the escalation of vi- legitimate demands of the Lebanese people at a calm at- olence. mosphere.” “We are confident that the Iraqi government, nation and The protests first began on October 17, hitting Lebanon at religious authorities will be able to overcome the problems a time of worsening financial crisis — banks were closed for a and work on the prosperity of Iraq through solidarity.” 10th day on Oct. 29 along with schools and businesses. “Since the formation of the new Iraq, the Islamic Repub- Unemployment stands at more than 20 percent, according lic of Iran has always been a supporter of the Iraqi govern- to official figures. ment and nation, and has offered its capacities to the friendly, The Lebanese Finance Ministry says the national debt is brotherly and neighboring state, Iraq, at sensitive junctures,” hovering around $85 billion, which accounts for more than Mousavi concluded. Cover Story Page 5 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Nasrallah warns against foreign conspiracies in Lebanon through exploiting protests

Secretary-General of Lebanese Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah Stressing the resistance’s stance against the hostile has warned against the prospects of political attacks against measures of the US, he said, “The resistance always keeps Lebanon by international and regional powers. its promise and is always ready to defend the Lebanese ter- ritories.” Speaking on Oct. 25, Hezbollah leader said that the Resist- Regarding the recent unrest in the country, he said, “We ance movement will not accept the resignation of the Leba- call for dialogue between political parties, parliamentarians, nese government as a solution to end the recent popular pro- and honest protest leaders.” tests in the country. “Our country needs everyone and everyone must shoulder He said that Hezbollah ways ready to discuss ways to end his responsibility,” he stressed. the political sectarianism in Lebanon. Meanwhile, he said that Noting that “Hezbollah was never in control of any govern- social livelihood demands have been diverted to target the ment that passed,” he said, “This is only an attempt to hold Resistance movement. Hezbollah responsible for the corruption in the country.” He called certain individuals and groups who are behind “Even when we say that we don’t support the resignation the protest as corrupt people who are pursuing conspiracies of any government, it is for the sake of the country not Hez- from some regional and international powers. bollah’s,” he underlined. Certain embassies and suspicious sides are funding pro- Pointing to the resignation of PM Saad Hariri, Nasrallah tests to achieve their own objectives, he noted, warning the said, the resistance did not support his resignation. “It was his protests to know who these sides are, their objectives, what choice and he had his own reasons.” sorts of foreign agendas they are pursuing. “Now the Prime Minister resigned, this means that the Some corrupt elements have infiltrated in popular move- whole government fell, so there is no chance to implement ment in Lebanon, according to Hezbollah chief. any form of reformations or have an economic hope, we just Meanwhile, the Hezbollah leader described the protest as have to wait.” spontaneous that raise legitimate demands, while warning Nasrallah further said, “Whatever the new government that certain sides are seeking to exploit the popular protest to was formed of, its major goals must be to regain the people’s settle accounts with Hezbollah. trust. This is why this government must have all the trustwor- In another address on Nov. 1, Nasrallah lashed out at the thy elements: Seriousness, constant work, setting priorities, US for its corruptive role in hindering Lebanon’s path of de- clearance and transparency.” velopment. “We never asked protestors to leave the streets, we asked “The US has always been an obstacle vis a vis Lebanese to them to give change for the government to make reforma- make any developments or reformations,” Nasrallah said on tions,” he added. Friday in a speech made at the memorial ceremony held for Elsewhere, he commented on an Israeli drone that was the departure of the Islamic researcher Sayyed Jaafar Morta- targeted a day prior by the resistance in the Lebanese skies, da. saying, “This proves that the resistance has a military lead- “The American role creates disruption and crises,” added ership that works without getting influenced by any internal the Hezbollah chief, Al-Manar reported. developments.” Cover Story Page 6 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Middle East a safer place without US

By: Ali Shamkhani 5. It seems that America’s governing body has reached Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Rear this conclusion through actual experiences that the equation Admiral Ali Shamkhani, has penned an article in Persian of power and political geometry in the world have changed, about the adverse presence of US in the region. especially at its heart, the Middle East; and that the United States can no longer claim reign over the international system 1. Three clear remarks by senior US officials in the past two despite all its massive propaganda. months reveal some truths which the country’s governing body previously lacked the courage to accept and express. 6. America has come to realize that it has only two ways to go; either it has to just be content with an empty mask of 2. After Yemeni Ansarullah’s drone attack on Aramco oil being a global superpower through bearing its great costs, or facilities in Saudi Arabia and in response to Saudi Kingdom’s to take a realistic approach, acknowledge the present reality pressure to confront the perpetrators of this attack, US offi- of the world, and free itself from enormous costs of this ex- cials clearly emphasized on not meeting the Saudi request and posed show. it was announced that it is the Saudi Arabia which has been attacked not the US. 7. The US governing body has realized that today, for any reason, it has no superpower requirements and returning 3. Following consecutive political and military defeats in to the peak era is impossible and out of reach; its inabil- the region, the $8 Trillion costs of US military presence in the ity to execute strategic projects such as ‘partitioning the region came to light and it was announced that America’s Middle East’, ‘Deal of the Century’, ‘regime change in Iran’, presence in the Middle East has yielded no result and was a ‘instating Saudi Arabia as the regional police’, ‘Yemen war’, foolish act. ‘Afghan peace’, and ‘Syrian crisis’ and etc. has been proved to all. 4. Recently and after Turkey’s aggression on northern Syria and the US’s turning its back on its Kurd allies, American of- 8. The US government’s bitter but instructive admissions ficials admitted to having caused a bloody war in Iraq under have led many West Asian nations, even those who have been the false pretext of weapons of mass destruction and stated preparing the grounds for and hosting America’s presence in that stepping into the trap of the Middle East was the worst the region for years, to acknowledge that ‘the Middle East decision America has ever made in history. without America is a safer place’. Page 7 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Politics Politics Page 8 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Continuous duality by Washington By: Mohammad Ghaderi menting John Bolton’s anti-Iran plans. But, he was finally forced to dismiss Bolton after lots of strategic and tactical The US Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook, blunders. This situation got to the point that Trump, who claimed in an interview with Alhurra recently that Iran had appointed Bolton as his national security adviser, should decide between its economy or talks with the blamed him for the mess. United States. Hook’s recent remarks, also repeated by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, are just an absurd and useless The official has called Trump’s policies against Iran “dip- attempt to create duality and dilemma for Iran. lomatic” and that Trump has acted so “generously” in this “The Iranian regime must fundamentally change its regard! behavior and act like a normal nation. Or it can watch its Hook also said Washington should not reduce sanctions economy collapse,” Pompeo said in a tweet on Friday. to have a meeting with Iran. In remarks almost a year ago, Pompeo also said Iranian It is obvious that after a nearly three-year failure against officials must listen to Washington “if they want their peo- Iran’s power, US officials have resorted to a dichotomous ple to eat”. approach. Obviously, there is no dilemma as Iran has rebuffed US Early in his presidency, Trump and his supporters demands and its economy has not collapsed. In contrast, warned Iran to choose between a complete breakdown there is the dichotomy of Trump’s fall and unconditional of its system or meet US demands. But today following acknowledgment to Iranian power. the heavy defeat of the “maximum pressure” strategy Now, it is Trump’s turn to choose one of these op- against Tehran, the White House’s officials have taken tions. a few steps back and are talking about wrecking Iran’s Indeed, the harder the US tries to deal with Iran di- economy. chotomously, the costs of the United States’ defeat On the other hand, many US officials’ measures for con- against a “powerful Iran” will be increased. This is a fronting Iran have turned out to be wrong, since Trump matter that many US foreign policy strategists have con- sought to overthrow the Islamic Republic system by imple- firmed. Politics Page 9 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

INSTEX has a limited scope: Finaud By Javad Heirannia efforts to mediate between Iran and the United States? French efforts are continuing, so it may be premature Marc Finaud, the former French Foreign Ministry to call them a defeat. But the opposition from the United spokesman, says that the INSTEX mechanism is States does make such efforts a hard challenge. operational but has a limited scope. Iran has announced that by early November it will take A senior member of Geneva Centre for Security Policy new measures to reduce its obligations in JCPOA. Why also says that “Regarding US sanctions in other areas, Eu- doesn’t Europe make a serious effort to preserve the ropean companies may be deterred by the impact of sec- JCPOA and just announce daily that the country has joined ondary sanctions and will most likely not sacrifice their in- INSTEX but nothing actually happens? terests on the American market if they have less stakes in The INSTEX mechanism was always considered as a lim- Iran. Unfortunately, the EU can offer some legal protection, ited step to facilitate trade in humanitarian goods. The EU but the ultimate decisions will be made by the companies.” and its member states until now have complied with all Following is the full text of the interview: their commitments in the JCPOA and regret the resump- tion of U.S. sanctions that also affect their companies wish- French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian warned ing to trade with Iran. that the United States and Iran have only one month to implement the Paris plan to keep JCPOA alive. Is France Do you think that the INSTEX mechanism will be in a position to warn against keeping things that the operational in light of US warnings about sanctions on the Europeans themselves failed to fulfill? companies that work with them and meet Iran’s needs? It is always difficult and it takes time to convince all the The INSTEX mechanism is operational but has a limited EU member states but since there is so far no alternative to scope. Regarding US sanctions in other areas, European the French proposals for mediation to salvage the JCPOA, companies may be deterred by the impact of secondary it is likely that the French initiative will be supported by sanctions and will most likely not sacrifice their interests the EU. on the American market if they have less stakes in Iran. Un- fortunately, the EU can offer some legal protection, but the Does this warning mean a defeat in French diplomatic ultimate decisions will be made by the companies. Politics Page 10 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Bolton’s firing should never be confused with change of course in Trump’s foreign policy towards Iran: Entessar

Interview by Javad Heirannia Iran. Bolton was simply a bolt in the vast cog of the US an- ti-Iran foreign policy machinery that has deep roots in various Nader Entessar, Professor Emeritus of Political Science from elements of the US government, including the US congress. University of South Alabama says that Bolton’s firing was due primarily to personality conflicts in the upper-echelon of It was speculated that Trump would be on a diplomatic Trump’s foreign policy team and had very little to do with course with Iran after dismissal of Bolton. On the other hand, policy differences toward Iran. Yemeni attacks on Aramco have prompted Washington to declare that it is ready to fight Iran. What is your assessment He adds that “In fact, the whole foreign policy team is com- of this situation? posed of hawks.” This incident clearly demonstrates that Bolton’s dismissal Entessar says “Iran should never confuse Bolton’s firing didn’t make a dent in the Trump administration’s Iran policy with a change of course in Trump’s foreign policy towards and that the pro-war hawks in the US are still very much in Iran.” charge. Following is the full text of the interview: Since Pompeo has a Bolton-like approach, can Trump change What is your assessment of John Bolton’s dismissal? Will the Pompeo as well? militant faction become a minority with this layoff? As Trump has demonstrated throughout the course of his Bolton’s firing was due primarily to personality conflicts presidency, nobody in his administration is immune from be- in the upper-echelon of Trump’s foreign policy team and ing fired. The only exception to this rule is the case of his im- had very little to do with policy differences toward Iran. In mediate relatives, like his daughter Ivanka and his son-in-law fact, the whole foreign policy team is composed of hawks. Jared Kushner. So far, Mike Pompeo has been an obedient Iran should never confuse Bolton’s firing with a change of soldier and has not challenged any of Trump’s major foreign course in Trump’s foreign policy towards Iran. There has policy moves. AS long he continues to play this role, Pompeo been no change in this regard, nor there will be one in the is probably safe. future under Mike Pompeo’s management of the US State Department. Given the change of a person like Bolton, will Israeli policies in the US State Department fade or shift? What effect will Bolton’s dismissal have on US foreign policy No. Israel has a staunch and unflinching supporter in Mike toward Iran? Pompeo and his entire US State Department’s upper echelon. As I indicated in my previous answer, John Bolton’s firing Pompeo is the most loyal Likud supporter who has headed the will have minimal or no impact on US foreign policy toward State Department in many years. Politics Page 11 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Europe’s pretext for evading Iran’s demands

By: Hamid Bayati sure in 1996 when Washington imposed plaint before the European courts and sanctions against Cuba without com- demand compensation if they face the The opportunity to save the JCPOA (the panionship of its European partners. In US sanctions for their trade with Iran. nuclear deal concluded between Iran 1996, the European nations managed But the said blocking law approach has and the 5+1 group in 2015) is narrowing to resist against the US via ratifying new not thus far been implemented. down, but the European signatories laws. Now there is a question whether The EU still lacks a united policy to of the international deal, known as Europe is currently able to resist against turn rhetoric to applicable policies. In EU3 (Britain, France and Germany), the US pressure and unilateralism as the meantime, deep engagement of the are not daring enough to counter the they did in case of Cuba? European and US economies means that US and accept the expenses of their Professor Hunter says, “Iran issue is European politicians do not want to face resistance against Washington’s illegal more complicated than Cuba because severe reaction from European compa- withdrawal from the JCPOA. it is linked to other Middle East-related nies which do not want to choose one at issues. Europe has very little economic the cost of the US market. The European countries are evading relations with Cuba. Moreover, Ameri- At the end, it should be mentioned their responsibility to fulfill their com- ca was not so keen in getting European that the European countries’ action mitments under the pretext that com- cooperation regarding Cuba than it has over preliminary nuclear deal in 2003 panies are private, claiming that due to been vis a vis Iran. The main issue is that and also over the JCPOA testifies their the companies’ non-governmental sta- Europe does not want to endanger its disloyalty to their promises. The Euro- tus they are not able to force them to economic interests in America for Iran’s pean signatories of the JCPOA have not trade with or invest in Iran. sake.” thus far done any acceptable measure Based on the evidence, the EU3 can Bloomberg news network’s analyst to convince Iran to stay in the deal. Now, grant legal guarantees to their com- Janothan Tirone also believes that the instead of pressing Brussels to protect panies to protect them against the US European Union’s reactions towards the JCPOA as an important international sanctions. the US measures against Iran and the deal, Paris has given a one-month time Shireen Hunter, a professor at JCPOA is mostly summarized in political to Iran to agree with French President Georgetown University, has said, “The gestures, holding meetings and issuing Emmanuel Macron’s plan to save the current laws are not very effective in statements in support of the nuclear deal. countering American sanctions. More- deal. The analyst says Europe has been Measures adopted by both the EU over, the real issue is that Europe does very slow in applying policies to de- and the US since May 2018, when Don- not want to escalate confrontation with crease the US sanction pressure on Iran. ald Trump withdrew Washington from America for the sake of Iran.” He further said last summer Europe the JCPOA, have proved that Tehran The European countries’ refusal to unveiled a new version of blocking law must never rely on the Western side’s fulfill their commitments to the nuclear to counter the US secondary sanctions. promises and that Brussels must shoul- deal is mostly different from their- re The blocking law approach allows the der its responsibility to convince Iran to sistance approach against the US pres- European companies to lodge a com- remain in the deal. Politics Page 12 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Middle East OSCE would be a major development to settle regional disputes: Logoglu

Interview by Payman Yazdani my, heightening political tensions in the world.” Commenting on the US and Russia’s gains of recent ten- Turkish veteran politician says creation of a Middle East sions in Persian Gulf as two major oil producing countries, he OSCE, led by Turkey, Iran and others of the region would be a added, “The US and Russia, even if they are colluding to es- major development to maintain regional security. tablish their hegemony over oil and gas, stand to make only short-lived gains, but are in the longer run poised to suffer, Saudi young prince is getting more familiar with the con- while I do not believe that there is such an American-Russian sequences of the illegal war he waged against Yemeni people conspiracy at work, particularly the US must be called on to in 2015 with the green light of the US. Yemenis retaliatory ease its harsh rhetoric against Iran and Venezuela.” drone attack on Saudi Aramco oil installations cut Saudi oil Raising a way out of regional problems, Turkish politician production seriously which is going to be replaced by US in said, “In this vein, I believe if there is the opportunity for the global oil market. proposed meeting to take place, President Rouhani would do Pushing the Saudi Arabia to the quagmire of Yemen by the well to meet President Trump at New York and reveal bare US is interpreted in line with the US long term policy to grab the facts of American policy for the whole world to see. On share of other oil producing countries by 2024 as Washington the other hand, if there is a chance to move forward after is planning to export 9 million barrel of oil a day thanks to such an encounter, then Iran and the region would all stand production of Shale oil which has changed the oil consuming to benefit.” country to a major oil producing one. He added, “On a wider scale, the situation calls for a more Dr. Osman Faruk Logoglu Turkish veteran politician and a coordinated effort on the part of the regional states to ad- senior member of CHP was interviewed on the issue. dress the problems of their region and to reduce the inter- Touching upon the possible consequences of recent re- vention and interference of outside powers in their affairs. taliatory Yemeni’s attack on Saudi Aramco plants and the Regional ownership is the step to take. To this end, the cre- US efforts to drive major oil producing companies out of oil ation of a Middle East OSCE, led by Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria, market, logoglu said, “Disrupting the oil flow from the Persian Egypt, Saudi Arabia and others of the region would be a ma- Gulf and removing Venezuela from the circle of oil suppliers jor development, an idea now being publicly floated by the will surely have terrible consequences for the global econo- main opposition party CHP in Turkey.” Dossier Turkish offensive into northern Syria Dossier Page 14 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Iran welcomes any move toward preservation of Syrian integrity Iran has expressed its support to an agreement between Russia and Turkey over the recent developments in northern Syria, saying it would welcome any step toward preserving Syria’s territorial integrity.

“Iran welcomes any measure leading to the preservation of Syria’s integrity and sovereignty... Hence, Tehran welcomes the agreement between Russia and Turkey to end the conflicts in northern Syria, considering it as a positive step toward re- storing the peace and stability in the region,” Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyyed Abbas Mousavi said on Oct. 23. The Iranian spokesman expressed hope that the agreement will both help resolve Turkey’s security concerns and respect Syr- ia’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty. Turkish Presi- dent Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart reached an agreement on developments going on in northern Syria. act of aggression. The announcement was made after marathon talks in So- Repeating Iran’s position that none of the existing crises in chi between Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the Middle East could be resolved through military interven- Tuesday, hours before a five-day truce between Turkish and tion, Mousavi said that dialogue is the only way to deal with Kurdish US-backed forces was due to expire. such challenges. Turkish military forces launched an invasion of northeast Tehran has shown from the beginning of the Syria crisis Syria on October 9 in a bid to clear Kurdish militants of the so- that it is looking to reduce tensions in the region and has called People’s Protection Units (YPG) from its border areas. already tried practical measures to stop the violence, the The Syrian government has condemned the offensive as an spokesman said.

“Strategically brilliant” sellout: Trump’s betrayal of the Kurds By: Yuram Abdullah Weiler lobbying for a Turkish bank indicted “Syria is protecting the Kurds.” Earlier, for evading US sanctions against Iran. he had stated that he was “fully pre- Trump’s betrayal of the Kurds not Meanwhile, his secretary of state was pared to swiftly destroy Turkey’s econo- only should give ample evidence of US pontificating on being a Christian lead- my if Turkish leaders continue down this perfidy, but also should be a lesson for er who holds himself to a “high set of dangerous and destructive path.” all who fancy themselves as allies of standards.” In his executive order issued Octo- the United States. Three days after Trump’s announce- ber 14, Trump specifically wrote that ment of a US troop withdrawal from Turkey’s assault “undermines the cam- “At last the world knows America as Syria, Turkish President Recep Tayyip paign to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq the savior of the world!” —US president Erdogan ordered Turkish forces to enter and Syria or ISIS,” and “constitutes an Woodrow Wilson the country to neutralize the Kurdish unusual and extraordinary threat to the Turkey invaded the Syrian Arab Re- People’s Defense Units (YPK “terrorists”) national security and foreign policy of public on October 9 following a US pull- and stabilize the border zone. Placing his the United States.” As a consequence, out. The US Congress has started an bipolar affliction on full display, Trump Trump has declared a national emergen- impeachment inquiry of Donald Trump, has alternated between praise for the cy, and authorized sanctions against any who apparently gave the green light for Turkish leader’s actions and threats to “current or former official of the- Gov the Turkish invasion. The US president’s bring down the Turkish economy. “I view ernment of Turkey.” Moreover, the order lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, was accused of the situation on the Turkish border with contains broad language that appears to operating a “shadow shakedown” op- Syria to be, for the United States, stra- go well beyond sanctions on Turkey and eration against Ukraine’s president and tegically brilliant,” he exuded, claiming, its officials by sanctioning any “foreign Dossier Page 15 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY person” who is found by the US secre- aggression and demonstrated as much deal with the EU for a cool €6 billion in tary of state to have been complicit in when Turkish artillery shells “bracketed” 2016 to retain displaced Syrians, pres- obstructing or preventing a “political a US commando outpost near Kobani on sure has mounted among his supporters solution to the conflict in Syria.” October 4, detonating about 300 meters to repatriate the refugees following the Minimizing the abrupt abandonment away on either side. There is deep sym- recession in 2018 and drop in currency of his Kurdish ally, Trump quipped, “Any- bolism in this Turkish shelling of the US value along with double-digit inflation. one who wants to assist Syria in protect- outpost; Kobani was the first success by Erdogan’s perspective on immigrants ing the Kurds is good with me, whether the US-backed Kurdish forces in routing would also appear closely to parallel it is Russia, China, or Napoleon Bona- ISIS from their territory. Trump’s. parte.” US House of Representatives One aspect of the Turkish incursion Another aspect of the Turkish mil- Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized Trump’s into Syria, which may appeal to Trump’s itary operation, which also benefits impetuous act, noting, “His erratic demonstrated racist tendencies, is the Trump, is that the resulting chaos will decision-making is threatening lives, inherent ethnic cleansing bound to oc- divert public attention from the recently risking regional security and undermin- cur. Erdogan, after failing to topple the initiated congressional investigation into ing America’s credibility in the world.” government of President Bashar al-As- his impeachment. Shortly after Trump’s South Carolina Republican Senator Lind- sad, found his country awash in refu- election in 2016, Harvard University sey Graham, perpetually a Trump lap- gees, some 3.6 million ethnic Arabs. professor of international relations Ste- dog, predictably supported his master His plan for the so-called “safe zone,” phen Walt warned that Trump might after some initial squeamish protests which his invasion is designed to cre- make “an Erdogan-like attempt to use categorizing the troop withdrawal as ate by purging the indigenous Kurdish a terrorist attack or some other equally “shortsighted,” ?irresponsible” and “un- population, is to settle the largely Sun- dramatic event as an excuse to declare nerving to its core.” ni Arab Syrian refugees in place of the a ‘state of emergency’ and to assume Turkey’s actions in Syria present a Kurds to form a de facto demilitarized unprecedented executive authority.” As conundrum for the United States. As zone, thereby eliminating the threat of noted above, by his executive order dat- a NATO member with an estimated cross-border raids by separatists aligned ed October 14, 2019, Trump has already 435,000 troops, the largest con- declared a state of emergency. tingent of military personnel in In view of the abandon- the organization outside of the ment of the Kurds by the US, US, Turkey is not a country with not the mention the JCPOA, which Washington can trifle. Er- the “Iran nuclear deal,” how do?an is a powerful leader and could the Islamic Republic a man of action, as opposed of Iran negotiate with such a to his American counterpart “partner?” Of the 374 trea- who is a blowhard full of bluff, ties negotiated by the US with bravado, and bluster, but who indigenous peoples of North backpedals and vacillates when America, only one was hon- confronted by a hardened, po- ored. Although signing on the litically savvy opponent. By 1997 Kyoto Protocol, the US holding U.S, nuclear weapons, has neither ratified nor en- about fifty B61 gravity atom- forced it. Trump withdrew ic bombs, at Incirlik hostage, Erdo?an with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). from the 2015 Paris Climate Accord; effectively has called Trump’s bluff of Scattered across Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Bush II withdrew from the 1998 Rome sanctions “devastating to Turkey’s econ- Turkey, the Kurds form the largest eth- Statute of the International Criminal omy,” leaving the latter little choice but nic group in the world without their own Court. The United States is the only na- to send his vice president and secretary country. Erdogan has blatantly threat- tion to have not ratified the 1989 Con- of state to do damage control on behalf ened the Syrian Kurds, declaring, “If you vention on the Rights of the Child, the of the NATO alliance. want to live in Kurdistan, there is a Kurd- 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Off the record, a US defense official istan in northern Iraq. Take all the terror Treaty, the 1997 Mine-Ban Treaty, and has conceded that the US nukes at Incir- lovers with you, clear off and live there.” over forty other treaties. lik “were now essentially Erdogan’s hos- Along similarly racist lines are Er- Rather than being “the savior of the tages,” but to remove them from there dogan’s threats to flood Europe with world,” as US President Woodrow Wil- would not only be a politically ticklish en- refugees, should European leaders fail son haughtily proclaimed at the Treaty deavor but also would almost certainly to go along with his invasion and occu- of Versailles after the First World War, mean the end of the US-Turkey alliance pation plans for northern Syria. “If you the US seems hell-bent on being its and possibly, even NATO itself. In addi- try to describe our current operation as scourge. Trump’s betrayal of the Kurds tion, with its possession of the precise an occupation, our task will be simple,” not only should give ample evidence of grid coordinates of former US, and now Erdo? a remarked. “We will open the US perfidy, but also should be a lesson Kurdish, positions in Syria, Turkey has gates and send 3.6 million refugees your for all who fancy themselves as allies of the upper hand in this act of unilateral way.” While the Turkish leader struck a the United States. Dossier Page 16 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Turkey’s Erdogan makes unreasonable demands from Iranian media on Ankara incursion

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tue. said he was chi agreement. How will we carry out this process? Can part- upset by some statements by Iranian media on Ankara’s nered countries betray each other like this?” he questioned. offensive in Syria. Here are some reasons why he shouldn’t have said that. Difference between Iran and Turkey One should remind Erdogan that Iranian media enjoy free- Iran and Turkey are two neighbors with extensive politi- dom and they cannot be forced to obey the government and cal, economic and cultural ties which have strengthened Teh- tell whatever the government wishes. ran-Ankara relations. However, in the case of Turkey’s attack on northern Syria, Sometimes, though, the policies of the two countries differ Foreign Minister Zarif had also pointed criticism at Ankara. on a particular issue. Turkey, for example, took the side of the Tehran has announced that it understands Turkey’s security rebels at the outset of the Syrian crisis and for a time, it even concerns but military measures cannot be a solution to this became a terminal for the transfer of weapons and terrorists problem. of other countries to Syria. “The imperative now is to end the incursion into #Syria & In addition, it is only natural that a government official or address all concerns through #ADANA. Meanwhile, it is essen- the media of the two countries criticize the policy of the other tial that the core principles of JUS IN BELLO are fully observed: side on a particular issue, which is one of the signs of democ- distinction between civilians and combatant, & prohibition on racy and freedom of expression. inflicting unnecessary suffering,” Zarif wrote in a tweet on Oc- One of the cases recently criticized by Iranian officials and tober 15. media is Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria, code- Earlier and in an interview with TRT, Zarif highlighted that named by Turkey as Operation Peace Spring. security will not be achieved through acts of aggression and Whether or not the attack is legitimate under internation- invasion against Syria and that Iran has offered better options al law or other international regulations is not our concern to Turkey to settle the issue. here, but rather to point out a number of facts to the Turkish Turkey is the fifth country in the world with the most jailed president. journalists. Critics and the members of the media could face The Turkish president on Tuesday said he was upset by imprisonment for criticizing their in Turkey; but the situation some statements by Iran on Ankara’s operation in Syria. “Var- is different in Iran. ious statements are unfortunately coming from Iran. But they In fact, war comes with destruction and ugliness, and don’t come from Rouhani. Mr. Rouhani should better force whether President Receb Tayeb Erdogan likes it or not, the them to keep silence,” Erdogan stated. modern technologies and media will not let him hide the ugly Iran has been involved in the nuclear case for 20 years, and face of war. everyone knows what Turkey’s position had been during this Is it normal for a president to ask a counterpart of his to time. Now “Some cracked voices are raising from Iran. Not silence the opposing voices in their country? only from Rouhani, but from his fellows as well. Of course, Recognizing other countries’ sovereignty and not interfer- these needed to be silenced especially by Mr. Rouhani,” he ing in their internal affairs are vital issues that should be re- said. spected by all world leaders, not only in words, but also in “We are the three countries (Turkey, Russia, Iran) of the So- deeds. Dossier Page 17 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Direct talks with Syrian govt. key to resolve Turkey’s security concerns: Logoglu

Veteran Turkish politician says President Logoglu noted that regional peace and se- Recep Tayyab Erdogan should hold direct curity will be more beneficial to Turkey than talks with the Syrian government if he Russia and the US. wants to resolve Turkey’s security concerns Therefore, he added, Ankara should start permanently. talks with the Syrian government because other agreements, like the Turkey-Russia deal, “We must ask ourselves that why Turkey is will not resolve the security issues permanent- talking with the US and Russia [over the north ly and will only lead to renewing the truce. Syria developments], but not with the Syrian He was referring to an agreement between government?” Dr. Osman Faruk Logoglu, a Russia and Turkey that was implemented on senior member of Turkey’s Republican Peo- Wednesday to ensure Kurdish forces withdraw ple’s Party (CHP), said in an interview with BBC from areas close to Syria’s border with Turkey on Wednesday. and to launch joint patrols. He pointed to Turkey’s emphasis on its commitment to Turkey moved into northern Syria on October 9 after the US “Syria’s independence and territorial integrity”, saying, “Syria President, Donald Trump, pulled American troops out of the area. is our neighbor and we should directly talk to them” to resolve Tens of thousands of people have fled their homes, amid the issues. growing international criticism of the attack.

Assad: Liberating northern Syria from Kurds ‘ultimate goal’ Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says “We have to distinguish between ul- “Erdogan and his group are enemies, his country’s ultimate goal is to restore timate or strategic goals... and tactical because he leads these policies, but state authority over Kurdish-controlled approaches,” he said, stressing that his until now most of the political forces in northeastern regions in the wake of forces will eventually reclaim territory Turkey are against Erdogan’s policies,” an abrupt US troop withdrawal and taken by Ankara’s latest offensive. he argued. a Turkish offensive against the Kurds The Kurdish YPG militia had reached Assad noted that Iran and Russia, as there. a deal with Damascus to take up posi- state-guarantors of Syrian peace efforts, tions near the border after US President have been negotiating with Turkey over In an interview with state TV on Oct. Donald Trump’s announcement of pull- the past year. 31, the Syrian president also said an out of US troops in northeastern Syria Both Tehran and Moscow, along with agreement last week between Turkey left them feeling abandoned. Lebanon’s Hezbollah resistance move- and Russia to drive out Kurdish-led Peo- Assad, however, added that Damas- ment have helped Syria with its war ple’s Protection Units (YPG) militants cus will not demand that armed groups against foreign-backed militancy over from a 30-kilometer “safe zone” along there hand over weapons immediately the recent years. the border was a step that would help when the army enters those areas in a The Syrian president asserted that Damascus in regaining control, though final deal with the Kurds that restores Turkey had agreed as part of the Astana gradually, over the northeastern areas. state control. peace talks to end its presence in Idlib The Turkey-Russia deal, which would The Syrian head of state said he did province. However, he said, the Syrian halt the weeks-long Turkish invasion, not intend to call Turkey an “enemy”, forces decided to liberate the province. calls for the withdrawal of Syrian Kurdish but Turkish President Recep Tayyip Er- “The Turks did not abide by this militants from areas along the Turkish bor- dogan and many Turkish political elite agreement, but we are liberating Idlib,” der with the aim of establishing a “safe were enemies of Syria because of their he said. zone” that Ankara claims will be used to hostility towards the Arab neighbor. “In the end, we liberated areas grad- repatriate some of the three-million-plus “We must ensure that we don’t turn ually through military operations. The Syrian refugees it currently hosts. Turkey into an enemy and here comes same will apply in the northern region Assad said during the interview that the role of friends” such as Russia and after exhausting all political options,” agreement is “temporary.” Iran, he said. Assad added. Page 18 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Dossier Arbaeen Processions Dossier Page 19 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY 5 amazing facts about Arbaeen walk as pointed by Leader Ayatollah Khamenei

Arbaeen rally is truly an unprecedented for brotherhood between masses of the because they are the pilgrims of Hus- event, not only in our own times but people and between our two nations. sein. This love for Hussein ibn Ali is an also in history. We do not know of any What they narrate to us about the extraordinary matter. We do not know similar gathering in history which is behavior of you dear Iraqi brothers at of similar events anywhere in the world organized more warmly every year. It is the mawakeb [places set up to cater and at any time in the world. I hope that unprecedented. Husseini pilgrims] on the way to Karba- Allah the Exalted will make you and I, la and your generous behavior towards have more of this love in our hearts. 1. Our dear Iraqi brother’s hospitality Husseini pilgrims are things which are Of course, the opportunity that you towards the pilgrims of Imam Hussain unprecedented. Such things are unprec- have in this regard is a blessing that God is matchless edented in today’s world. The Arbaeen has bestowed on you. The blessing that From the bottom of my heart and on rally is unprecedented in history: such you have at your disposal to cater to the behalf of the great Iranian nation, I would is your generous behavior, in the true guests of Imam Hussein (greetings be like to thank you mokebdaran [caterers sense of the word! You have shown Is- upon him) is a very valuable phenome- of pilgrims on the way to Karbala] who lamic and Arabian generosity through non. This is a divine blessing. This is di- perfected the meaning of generosity, af- your conduct and your actions and all vine mercy that should be appreciated fection, and kindness during the days of originate from the love of the Master of and I know that you already appreciate Arbaeen. Also, I would like to thank the Martyrs (God’s greetings be upon him), it. great Iraqi nation and the Iraqi govern- from the love of Hussein ibn Ali. Arbaeen rally which is truly an un- ment officials who ensured the safety of You do these things because you precedented event, not only in our own pilgrims and who prepared the ground. greatly love Imam Hussein (as). You times but also in history. We do not In particular, I really deem it necessary wash the feet of Husseini pilgrims, you know of any similar gathering in history to thank the esteemed religious scholars help their bodies when exposed to ex- which is organized more warmly every and the grand Marja taqlids of Iraq who treme fatigue. You massage them, feed year. It is unprecedented. This Hussein prepared the ground for pilgrimage and them and give them places to sleep movement is influential in raising aware- Dossier Page 20 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY ness about Imam Hussein (greetings be er on a daily basis. This is the message tice. If the capacities of Islamic countries upon him). With the rally that primarily of Ashura which was issued from the – the capacities of Iran, Iraq and other takes place between Najaf and Karbala throat of Abi Abdullah [Imam Hussein] countries in West Asia and North Africa every year, Arbaeen has become global. and of Zaynab al-Kubra (God’s greet- – are gathered together and if they join The people all over the world are glued ings be upon her) at the height of their hands and are tied together, then the to this movement. Imam Hussein (greet- loneliness! Today, this message has im- Islamic Ummah will show what divine ings be upon him) and Husseini knowl- bued the whole world. Hussein (praise dignity means! It will show the great Is- edge have become global thanks to this be upon him) belongs to humanity. We lamic civilization to global societies. Our great popular movement. Shias are proud of being the followers of goal should be this and this Arbaeen ral- Imam Hussein, but Imam Hussein does ly can prove to be an influential means 2. Hussain Ib Ali’s (a.s.) rationale is the not only belong to us. Islamic denomi- to that end. rationale of defending the Truth nations, Shia and Sunni, are all standing Today, we need to get the world to under the flag of Imam Hussein. Even 5. Arbaeen rally creates more bond and know Hussein ibn Ali. The world – which those who do not follow Islam partici- unity among Muslim brethren is suffering from oppression, corrup- pate in this rally and this will continue, People from tens of countries par- tion, malevolence, and vice – needs to God willing. ticipate in Arbaeen rally and they be- know the Husseini liberation spirit and This is a great sign which is being come the guests of the people of Iraq. sentiment. Today, the hearts of people shown by Allah the Exalted. At a time We should try to strengthen the already throughout the world and the hearts when the enemies of Islam and the firm bonds between Muslim brothers: of youth and innocent nations beat for enemies of the Islamic Ummah are the bond between Iraqis and non-Iraqis, such a truth. If Imam Hussein (greetings working against the Islamic Ummah the bond between Shia and Sunni and be upon him) is introduced to the world, with all sorts of weapons – with mon- the bond between Arabs, Fars, Turks, it is actually Islam and the Quran which ey, politics, and guns – all of a sudden, and Kurds. These bonds are a source of have been introduced. Allah the Exalted gives such greatness bliss. They are a sign of divine mercy. Today, they propagandize against and significance to the Arbaeen rally! The enemy is trying to create discord, Islam and Islamic teachings with hun- This is a great sign of God. This is a sign but he has failed and by Allah’s favor dreds of means. Against this hostile of the divine will to help the Islamic and grace, he will continue to fail. move made by the camp of kufr and ar- Ummah. This shows that the Will of We – Iran and Iraq – are two na- rogance, it is the movement of Husseini Allah the Exalted has opted to help the tions that are interconnected. Our understanding which can single-hand- Islamic Ummah. bodies, our hearts, and our souls are edly resist, stand firm and introduce the connected together. What has creat- truth of Islam and of the Quran to the 4. Arbaeen rally can be an expressive ed this connection is faith in Allah and world. means of the actualization of the love for Ahlul Bayt (greetings be upon The logic of Hussein ibn Ali (greet- Islamic Civilization them) and for Hussein ibn Ali (praise ings be upon him) is the logic of de- Today, Islamic nations have thank- be upon him). And by Allah’s favor, fending the truth and resistance fully awakened. The Iraqi nation is a this will increase on a daily basis. The against oppression, transgression, de- great, dignified, cultured and deter- enemies will hatch plots, but it will be viation, and arrogance. This is the log- mined nation. In recent events, Ira- of no avail. From the beginning of the ic of Imam Hussein. Today, the world qi youth have shown that they have Islamic Revolution until today, it has needs this logic. Today, the world is the power to protect their nation and been 40 years that the US, its cohorts, witness to the rule of kufr, arrogance, their country against global plots. This its agents and its mercenaries have and corruption. The world is witness is very valuable. The youth of Iraq been scheming and doing various ac- to the rule of oppression. The message managed to destroy the domestic plot tivities. They spend money, issue of Imam Hussein is the salvation of the which could have led to a civil war in threats and impose sanctions. world. The great movement of Arbae- Iraq. The plot hatched by Daesh and However, despite their foolish de- en conveys this message to the whole the takfiri group was no small plot. sires, in the past 40 years, the Islamic world and by Allah’s favor and grace, They spent massive amounts of mon- Republic has changed from a thin sap- this movement should be strength- ey. They formulated plans to turn Iraq ling to a strong tree: “Whose root is ened on a daily basis. – one of the main Arab and Islamic firmly fixed, and its branches reach to countries – into a battlefield and to pit the heavens.” [The Holy Quran, 24: 14] 3. The magnificent Arbaeen rally is a Shias against Sunnis. [Audience chant death to America and sign that the Will of Allah has opted to With the fatwa issued by the grand death to Israel]. I hope that by Allah’s assist the Islamic Ummah Marja taqlids of Iraq, Iraqi youth man- favor, the slogan that you are chanting Arbaeen has become global and it aged to show resistance and to foil this against the US and the Zionist regime will be more so in the future. This is the plot. This was not a minor achievement and against the enemies and the arro- blood of Hussein ibn Ali which is boiling and feat! The great Iraqi nation can help gant will be realized in a not-too-distant after the passage of 1,400 years! This its country reach the peak of dignity. future. And by Allah’s favor, you will suc- blood will become fresher and liveli- These capacities should be put into prac- ceed in doing that. Dossier Page 21 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY US, S Arabia have been trying to derail Arbaeen trek, senior Iranian MP says A senior Iranian lawmaker said the United States and Saudi Arabia have not been able to affect historical Iran-Iraq relations, adding that the Arbaeen trek has been immune against the plots.

Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a member of Parliament National Se- curity and Foreign Policy Committee told Mehr correspondent that “the US policy in Iraq was to occupy the country. They were trying to make Iraq one of the US states, but the Islamic Republic of Iran along with the Iraqi people and government defeated the United States and will continue to support the Iraqi people and government.” While ISIL was operating in Iraq, the Islamic Republic to- gether with the Iraqi, Syrian and Russian governments set up a joint operation room in Baghdad and Damascus, the senior lawmaker added. the region. He also said that the United States and Saudi Arabia have But, he added, that their anger will get nowhere. failed to affect historical Iran-Iraq ties, adding that they have Boroujerdi further noted that Iran’s actions and recent meet- been trying to negatively affect public participation in the- Ar ings of Popular Mobilizations Forces (PMF) leaders and the visit baeen trek. of Muqtada al-Sadr further deepened Iran-Iraq relations. Saudi Arabia and the US are angry about Iran’s policies in The senior Iranian lawmaker also noted that Saudi Arabia Iraq and Syria and have engaged in military, propaganda cam- has been trying recently to gain the support of Muqtada al-Sa- paigns and political confrontation against Iran, according to dr, that is why his meeting with the Leader of the Islamic Re- Boroujerdi. public of Iran was crucial. Referring to the meetings of Iraqi religious authorities in It is noteworthy that every year, millions of Shia Muslims charge of Arbaeen processions as well as senior Iraqi cleric even Sunni Muslims, Christians and Zoroastrians, etc. from Muqtada al-Sadr with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution various nationalities depart for the holy Iraqi cities of Najaf Ayatollah Khamenei in Tehran recently, he added that the US and Karbala to commemorate the 40th day (Arbaeen in Ara- and Saudi Arabia are discontent with such meetings and are bic) after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH) in the bat- angry that Ayatollah Khamenei has a special place in Iraq and tle of Karbala on Ashura Day in 680 AD.

Arbaeen security provided by all Iraqi forces: Iraqi envoy

Iraq’s Ambassador to Tehran Sa’ad Jawad Qandil said that holy city.” security measures for Arbaeen pilgrimage are provided by Turning to the role of all Iraqi forces. Hashd Al Shabi in provid- ing security during Arbae- He made the remarks in an interview with Mehr News en ceremonies, he said, Agency on Oct. 17. “all Iraqi armed and po- In response to a question on the number of Iranian pilgrims lice forces, Hashd Al Shabi who participated at Arbaeen rituals this year, he said the esti- (Popular Mobilization Forces) and intelligence services of the mated number stood that about three million Iranian pilgrims. country provide full security for Arbaeen pilgrims.” “Iraqi government has mobilized all its forces and facilities He then responded to a question on trade transactions for rendering high-quality services to pilgrims in border re- between the two countries, saying “Iran and Iraq enjoy high gions,” he said. potentials for boosting trade activities.” Moreover, full security has been provided at border cross- He put the current trade volume exchanges between Iran ings, he said, adding, “major measures have been taken on and Iraq at about $12 billion, expandable to $20 billion under all routes leading to Karbala for transferring pilgrims to this the new agreement made between the two countries. Dossier Page 22 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Over 15.2mn pilgrims attend this year’s Arbaeen ceremonies in Karbala

From October 5 to October 19, over 15.22 million pilgrims receive them and render their services to the visitors. These entered the holy city of Karbala from five cities of Baghdad, services included many activities such as documenting the Najaf, Babylon, al-Hurr and Hussainiyeh, according to the the number of visitors by the electronic counting system for statistics given by the electronic counting system for the arrival at the main entrances of Karbala. This system was in- arrivals from the main entrances of Karbala. stalled and managed by the Communications’ division of the al-Abbas’s Holy Shrine for the fourth year in a row, and the The al-Abbas’s Holy Shrine announced on Saturday, in an statistical analysis documentation of the rest of the services in official statement received by the al-Kafeel Global Network, the holy city of Karbala by the al-Kafeel Center for Information that the number of the visitors during the Arba’een of Imam and Statistical Studies. Hussein (peace be upon him) of this year, i.e. from October The number of visitors registered according to the electron- 6 to 19, 2019, has reached 15.229.955 visitors, according to ic counting system in five axes (Baghdad - Karbala, Najaf - Kar- the statistics given by the electronic counting system for the bala, Babylon - Karbala, Hussaynia - Karbala, and al-Hurr-Kar- arrivals from the main entrances of Karbala. bala.) is 15,229,955 visitors, in the said period. The following is the text of the statement: The number of visitors in the preceding year was “As usual for more than 13 centuries, the holy city of Kar- 15,322,949.” bala was honored by the guests and visitors of Aba Abdillah On October 20, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani sent a al-Hussein (peace be upon him) in the blessed Ziyarat of Ar- message to Iraqi President Barham Salih and Prime Minister ba’een this year. Adil Abdul-Mahdi to appreciate efforts of the country in hold- The servants of the holy shrines had the great honor to ing this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage. Page 23 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Dossier Reactions to ISIL chieftain Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s death Dossier Page 24 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Iraq, Syria defeated ISIL with Iran’s logistic support: FM spox Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi, reacting to the reports on Baghdadi’s death in a US military raid, said the ISIL terrorist group had been long defeated by Iraqi and Syrian nations with Iran’s logistic support.

He said characters like Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and other similar terrorists, have been trained and supported by the US itself, which takes them out of the picture once their expira- tion date is due. “ISIL was defeated by the youth from the Resistance Front. Iraqi and Syrian nations, with Iran’s logistic support, had de- feated this terrorist group long before,” Mousavi said. He went on to warn, “although we defeated ISIL with help from other regional nations, their ideology is still alive, and it is likely that the survivors of this group would be reorganized by the US to carry out further destructive measures in the re- consumption.” gion.” “Killing Baghdadi was no big deal, since ISIL had been de- “It’s not that surprising that the US’ move in killing Baghda- feated by us and other countries in the region. We should wait di is receiving so much media hype,” he said. “Every year close and see what other plans the region’s enemies have in mind to the US elections, Americans play such cards for domestic for the future,” Mousavi added.

Baghdadi’s death won’t be an end to ‘Daeshism’: Govt. spox

Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei said that just as Ali Rabiei, the government spokesman said on Sunday. Bin Laden’s death did not eradicate the roots of terrorism, “Terrorism in the Middle East and northern Africa stems the death of ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi will not be an from military policies, oil money, and the US support for des- end to ‘Daeshism’. potism,” he added. “The Daeshism foundation will not be destroyed by bombs He made the remark in reaction to reports that the US mil- and missiles as long as regional petrodollars and Takfiri ideol- itary had managed to kill Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of ogy exist,” Rabiei said, adding that these two sources must be the Daesh (ISIL) Takfiri terrorist group, during a raid on Oct. 28. first eradicated. “Iran, with its World Against Violence and Extremism plan, “Just as the death of [al-Qaeda founder] Bin Laden did not is at the forefront of combating Daesh and promoting a diplo- eradicate the roots of terror, the death of al-Baghdadi will not matic, strategic and ideological approach against Daeshism,” be an end to Daeshism,” he said. Dossier Page 25 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

US propaganda on Baghdadi’s death aims to undermine efforts of Resistance Axis: IRGC A ranking IRGC commander said that Washington aims to “ISIL was created by Americans and supported by them play down the role of Resistance Axis in fighting terrorism in during the past years; so Americans were well aware of the the region. terror leader’s hiding place,” he added. “US leaders came to this conclusion that ISIL was of no use “ISIL has been defeated by regional nations and the Resist- for them any longer,” he said adding that they are now mount- ance Axis and Americans aim to question the role of Re- ing propaganda to claim that they are the ones fighting with sistance in the fight against terrorism and say that ‘we are terrorism. the one undermining ISIL and fighting terrorism’, but this is He noted that al-Baghdadi’s story is very similar to the not the case,” Brigadier General Ismail Kowsari, Deputy Com- case of Bin-Laden al-Qaeda, saying US created both and mander of IRGC’s Sarollah Base, told Mehr News Agency on then as soon as their expiration date arrived, made a me- Oct. 29, a day after reports on the death of ISIL leader Abu dia buzz and said that they have killed leaders of Takifiri Bakr al-Baghdadi in a US raid was released. terrorism. Despite creating an anti-ISIL coalition, Americans didn’t Meanwhile, UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said in a press adopt any measure against terrorists and rather, backed these briefing said the United Nations cannot verify the credibil- terror groups with all might and the support still continues, ity of the United States’ statement announcing the death he added. of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and believes that such informa- Trump has repeatedly admitted during his presidential tion has to be confirmed by the various authorities on the election campaign that ISIL was founded by the United States, ground. Kowsari said. Op-ed Page 26 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Economy Economy Page 27 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Iranian viewpoint: US’ strategy to play major role in global energy market

By: Payman Yazdani & Javad Heiran Nia pany Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) and its joint ventures declined to some 770,000 barrels per day (bpd) from 992,565 Enjoying the world’s major shale oil reserves and thanks to its bpd in July and 1.13 million bpd in June, according to revised technological power the United States has become independent data. It is noteworthy that the countries oil production was 2 from the Persian Gulf and the Middle East oil and is positioning million and 373 thousand barrels a day in 2016. itself to play a major role in world energy market. Iran’s oil production has also decreased some 1.5 to 2 million barrels a day during the last 10 years due to the US sanctions. Former US President Barak Obama’s strategy of “pivot to Washington is also trying to reduce the Russia’s share of east” which was based on the above mentioned fact is now global oil market by slapping sanctions against the country confirmed by Donald Trump after recent drone attack on Sau- and threatening its European consumers. di Aramco oil installations. The US’ green light to Saudi Arabia to attack Yemen which Despite the US independence of the Persian Gulf energy, led the country to a quagmire can also be interpreted in line the country will not close its eyes on controlling the energy with the US efforts to grab its ally’s share of oil market to ma- routes in the region to keep pressure on rivals like China. terialize its geopolitical goals. A couple of days ago Yemeni’s A report by Rystad Energy shows that production of shale retaliatory drone attack on Saudi Aramco oil plant forced Sau- oil in the US has changed the country to enjoy the biggest oil di Arabia to cut half of its oil production and immediately the reserves in the world. (264 billion barrels). 50 percent of the US announced Washington is ready to replace Saudi oil in the US oil reserve is shale oil. The report says the US shale oil pro- world market. In the long term this can result in grabbing of duction is going to exceed 14.5 million barrel a day. Saudi share of market by the US. In 2012 the US Department of Energy announced that pro- By sanctioning oil producing countries and creating ten- duction of shale oil would have been economical if the price sions in oil rich regions the US is pursuing its geopolitical goals: of the oil had been above 54 dollar for a barrel, but World First, by disrupting existing major exporters including Sau- Energy agency findings showed that the price for each barrel di Arabia, Venezuela, Iran and Russia and raising prices, the of oil should be over 60$ if the shale oil production is going to US is able to make its own exports more competitive. Second, be economically justified. grabbing share of other producers by tools of sanction and Development of shale oil production has paved the way for disturbing their oil export. Third, containing and keeping pressure Washington to use it as a political tool against other major on rivals like China, EU and Japan by creating tensions in Persian oil producers in the world to materialize its geopolitical goals. Gulf which their economies are heavily dependent on the oil Sanctioning of major oil producing countries and creating ten- coming from the region. Fourth, creating a lucrative market for sions in oil rich regions like Persian Gulf by the US in recent the US military industry and weapons by adding to tensions in years all can be interpreted in line with the US efforts to posi- the Persian Gulf region. Saudi Arabia has been the world biggest tion itself as a major player in world energy market. weapon importer in 2018. Fifth, keeping pressure on Persian Reuters in a September 2019 report revealed that overall Gulf nondemocratic kingdoms who are reluctant to join the exports of crude and refined products by state-run oil com- US proposed naval security mission in Strait of Hormuz. Economy Page 28 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Former Turkish PM’s adviser : Turkey might bring in Russia, China, Iran to team up in new regional energy corridors

Interview by Zahra Mirzafarjouyan

Referring to EU and the US partial policy toward energy resources in Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East, Mehmet Ogutcu says Turkey might bring in Russia, China and Iran to team up in the new energy corridors in this region.

The Eastern Mediterranean region is rapidly changing. The turbulent political transition in Egypt after the Arab Spring, the war in Syria, the tensions between Israeli regime and Gaza and the nev- er-ending dispute between Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus are -all togeth- er- reshuffling the regional geopolitical equilibrium. At the same time natural gas findings are flourishing in -the off shore of Egypt, Israeli-occupied territo- Russian, Caspian and Black Sea crude function. It is, in a nutshell, a must to en- ries and Cyprus, reshaping the regional oil, chemicals, coal and nuclear fuels to gage Turkey constructively in the Medi- energy map and rapidly making the East- reach the international markets via the terranean and seek “win-win” solutions ern Mediterranean a world-class natural Bosphorus and Mediterranean. rather than even talking about isolating gas province. These geopolitical and en- Historically, Turkey has been the chief it. ergy pressures are rapidly converging, advocate and champion of free trade, For Ankara, having free maritime ac- generating a number of new challenges freedom of movement and cultural ex- cess to the Mediterranean all the way and opportunities for each player in the changes in the Mediterranean and can from the Bosphorus down the Aegean region. still serve this purpose if a soft, but as- Sea to Gibraltar and Suez are of critical To know more insight about the issue, sertive power strategy can be re-engi- strategic importance. In my view, free- we have reached out to Mehmet Ogut- neered as in early 2000s without hav- dom of navigation is more vital for Tur- cu, Chairman of London Energy Club. ing to resort to what some analysts call key than the current natural gas related Following is the text of our interview “gunboat” diplomacy. disputes. It is for this reason that Turkey with him: However, due to some miscalcula- is not shying away from escalating the tions and self-imposed distancing itself situation in the region and most recently What is the strategic and geo-economic from Egypt, Israel and Syria (as well as a in Libya even though it is already under importance of the Mediterranean Sea new axis of Saudi Arabia and some oth- pressure on multiple fronts. for Turkey? er Persian Gulf nations formed against We like it or not, Turkey is unques- Turkey in the Middle East and North Af- Could you please explain why tionably the regional superpower in rica, coupled with an alliance of Egypt, Ankara argues that Turkish Cypriots the East Mediterranean by virtue of its Greece, Israel and South Cyprus), there have the right to exploit gas in economy, military, human capital and are strong efforts to exclude Turkey from the region? (According to Turkey’s cultural hinterland. It is also the region’s the regional game over the past decade. own interpretation of international largest energy economy, which can I do not believe that, without Turkey maritime law) purchase the pipeline or LNG gas from - the most important power and source Although the Turkish Republic of the recent discoveries and can provide of certain disagreements in the region - Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is recognized transit facilities from the region to high it is possible to bring lasting peace and only by Turkey, it is an entity that rep- demand and value European markets prosperity to the East Mediterranean resents slightly less than half of the is- through its reliable gas infrastructure and the newly created 7-country East land’s 1.2 million population and Turkish already in place. It is also the bridge for Mediterranean Natural Gas Forum will Cypriots were recognized as an equal Economy Page 29 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY founder of the Republic of Cyprus in the security collaboration are only a few the Mediterranean are caused in large 1960s till 1974 when Turkey was forced areas where both sides work together. measure by an energy war, either over to militarily intervene to protect the However, it is much bigger than that pic- resources or control of shipping/pipe- Turkish Cypriots against an Athens engi- ture involving Turkey’s place in the new line routes to high value and secure mar- neered coup attempt. world and regional order and how the kets. The insecurity of the Strait of Hor- International legal considerations EU and Turkey can work together in a muz, as experienced recently, and the aside, there is a reality on the ground, win-win fashion, irrespective of the fail- influence of Iran on the Persian Gulf and which must be taken into consider- ing accession process Turkey has been in other Middle Eastern disputes, have led ation when it comes to natural gas for longer than half a century. to the proposals to create several new discoveries, exploitation, and sharing Energy Corridor proposals, some overtly of revenues. They have not been con- How could Turkey’s actions in the and some covertly. This corridor busi- sulted or brought into decision-mak- Eastern Mediterranean alter its relation ness will perhaps emerge as the most ing processes from the outset. There with NATO? important conflict area of the next cen- were only vague statements from Nic- For NATO, Turkey is a vital ally in a re- tury. All the major players of the world osia that when value will be generated gion where NATO borders are surround- are now struggling to have their share they will be given their fair share. This ed by instabilities and security risks in such corridors including the linking of is not the way to go, offering handouts such as Russia, Syria, Iraq, Caspian and Iran-Iraq-Syria to the Mediterranean or arbitrarily. Ankara as a guarantor is ad- Southeast Europe. Despite difficulties connecting the Persian Gulf to the Med- vocating TRNC’s right to the resourc- with the US particularly in Syria, the East iterranean in order to bypass the Strait es endowment in the island. This is Mediterranean and Black Sea, NATO still of Hormuz. Turkey is particularly sensi- separate from Ankara’s own assertion values Turkey’s strong engagement with tive to the Kurdish energy corridor over about violations of its own continen- and contribution to the Alliance and Iraq and Syria and has been a fiercest tal shelf and exclusive economic zone wants to avoid the risk of a disentangled opponent to such design. (EEZ) in the East Mediterranean. Turkey shifting towards greater military co-operation with Russia, China and What is the US stance toward What do EU sanctions to Turkey mean? Iran. disputes over the energy sources in Do they have power to stop Turkey from Overall, I believe that NATO will strive Mediterranean Sea? drilling around the Cyprus coast? Or to keep Turkey engaged as a construc- Clearly, neither the EU nor the US fol- are they rather considered symbolic? tive force in the region that should not low a neutral position in the East Med considering the EU-Turkey migration be upset and that should be somehow energy and geopolitical disputes - defi- deal and cooperation in security policy accommodated. It seems that Turkey nitely far from Turkey’s position regard- and energy transport? will not allow South Cyprus to join the ing natural gas exploration in disputed EU sanctions have been adopted Alliance despite repeated attempts and areas and exclusive economic zone as- under pressure from South Cyprus and will also remain a stumbling block to sertions. ExxonMobil is already active in Greece, two EU member countries, greater collaboration with Israel in the Cyprus for natural gas exploration. The which sought assurance from other fel- region given their not so friendly atti- US continues to support Israeli, Egyptian low members for protecting what they tude towards Turkey on a score of issues and Cypriot stances, and warns Turkey call “the EU territory” no matter how in the region. to respect sovereignty of these coun- disputed and controversial borders and tries particularly as regards acreages EEZs could be. It is said that one of the reasons that distributed to international oil and gas Sanctions are important only in sym- pulled Turkey into crisis in Syria is the companies in the disputed areas. The US bolic terms - they are not the ones that matter of energy transit. I mean Iran has also joined the latest meeting of the are likely to seriously hurt the already could transit its oil and gas to Europe East Mediterranean Natural Gas Forum worsening Turco-EU ties. They will not via Iraq and Syria and also it is said that as an observer. It is unlikely that Ankara stop Turkey seeking its protection of Turkey has territorial dispute. What do will change its position no matter what interests in the region at all - to the you think of this? pressures might come from Washington contrary, they have caused anger and DC or Brussels. If further pushed to the frustration, arguing that the EU can no It is no secret that Turkey wants to corner, it will not be surprising for Tur- longer be a “honest broker” for resolv- become a regional energy hub for the key to bring in Russia, China and Iran to ing the disputes in the region. There are crude oil, gas and electricity flows from team up in the new energy corridors in some deep-rooted fundamental inter- Russia, Iran, the Caspian, Iraq and East this region. ests of the EU that drive the relations Mediterranean. Despite there is a long Mehmet Ogutcu is Chairman of Lon- with Turkey, which cannot in my opinion way to go for the early materialization don Energy Club, and CEO for Global be sacrificed under any circumstances of this Turkish ambition, still any efforts Resources Partnership. He was a former for the sake of appeasing Greece and to undercut or bypass Turkey will not be Turkish diplomat, advisor to the Prime Greek Cyprus. welcomed in Ankara. Minister, senior executive of Interna- Migration deal, energy security, en- We know that the wars and conflicts tional Energy Agency, OECD and British vironment, neighbourhood policy, and in the Middle East, the Persian Gulf and Gas. Economy Page 30 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Another American bullet at sanctions-proof Iran

By: Haniyeh Sadat Jafariyeh

In wake of the air strikes on two Saudi oil facilities on September 14, the US President Donald Trump sanctioned the Iran Central Bank (CBI) and two other financial bodies, claiming that they have supported the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), its Quds Force and the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah.

In a statement on September 20, the US Treasury Department said its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action against the CBI, the National De- velopment Fund of Iran (NDFI), and Ete- mad Tejarate Pars Co. under its counter- terrorism authority. “Iran’s NDF, which is Iran’s sovereign wealth fund and whose board of trus- construct its survival road relying on do- added. “The new sanctions are aimed tees include Iran’s president, oil min- mestic capabilities and cooperation with at blocking Iran’s international transac- ister, and the governor of the Central foreign partners. tions and its access to food and medi- Bank, has been a major source of for- “America’s foreign policy is a frustrat- cine. This move is unacceptable and eign currency and funding for the IRGC- ed and confused one, which has no basis dangerous.” QF and Iran’s Ministry of Defense and other than bullying, unilateralism, and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL),” the conducting economic terrorism against Sanctions in practice Treasury said in its statement. others, and it lacks the required capa- The question is now about the im- “Etemad Tejarate Pars, also desig- bility to offer any rational and dynamic pacts of this new round of sanctions on nated, is an Iran-based company that is diplomatic initiative for peaceful settle- the international transactions of CBI and used to conceal financial transfers for ment of its differences with other coun- NDFI, which are intended to safeguard MODAFL’s military purchases, including tries,” Mousavi added. the welfare of the Iranian people as funds originating from the NDF,” the CBI Governor Abdolnaser Hemma- main state-run bodies. same statement added. ti said Friday that the US re-imposition As discussed, sanctions are not new of sanctions on CBI revealed just how since CBI has been subject to US sanc- Iran’s reaction ‘empty-handed’ the US is in pursuing tions for a while, including under the Reacting to the new embargo, Iran the pressure campaign against Iran. National Defense Authorization Act Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Seyyed “If such measures had any effect in (NDAA). The sanctions may not put Abbas Mousavi said “Americans should advancing their unjust demands, Iran’s the European created financial mech- acknowledge that imposition of sanc- economic situation would have been anism for trade with Tehran, known as tions is a failed policy and the excessive different from what it is now,” Hemmati INSTEX, into trouble, because the Euro- use of this trick and wielding dollar like noted. pean mechanism has been created to a weapon have called the US credibility Iranian FM Mohammad Javad Zarif circumvent the US sanctions. However, and economy into question. The era of also reacted to the United States’ CBI the new embargo is able to target trans- recognizing America as a credible eco- designation, saying the move clearly action of humanitarian goods including nomic partner has long passed.” shows Washington’s “desperate ap- food and medicine, some express worry. As Iranian officials and experts be- proach” toward the Islamic Republic. NDFI had also been severely affected lieve, the announced sanctions are not “The Americans have imposed any sanc- by the US sanctions imposed on Iran’s new; rather a paraphrase of the old tions they could on the Islamic Republic. oil and banking sectors over the past ones. Thanks to previous sanctions, What they are doing now is sanctioning months and new US sanctions are be- which were among the toughest, Iran an entity which has been sanctioned lieved to have not significant influence has had the chance to learn how to before under a different pretext,” he on the performance of the Fund. Economy Page 31 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Iranian financial and banking system nessed and the recent embargo is not putting restrictions on private Turkish have gained favorable achievements new, in practice. The deadlocks for the banks. and experiences in the sanctions era. CBI had been previously created,” Hos- It is worth noting that as of CBI desig- For example, Iran has learnt how to seini Hashemi told Mehr news, “By the nation, Iran’s forex market has witnessed skirt SWIFT and US dollar in its financial way, no one can ignore the probable in- no fluctuations, which can be a proof for transactions with some specific coun- fluence of the recent designation of CBI inefficiency of the new sanctions. tries. since it can put monetary transactions in Governor Hemmati said in a state- new challenges or put CBI foreign assets War of words, futile restrictions ment on 18 September that the country at risk of getting blocked.” Iran and US are in a cold war and is ‘planning to evade American econom- “Since the sanctions target dol- president Trump is using economic tools ic sanctions by switching entirely away lar-based transactions, Iran has been to put political pressure against Iran. from the dollar to national currencies in seeking new financial channels during New round of sanctions on CBI is mutual trade and by bypassing SWIFT. the past recent years such as replacing more of a propaganda, which will for Such steps have been discussed with dollar and in some cases euro with other sure reinforce the previous sanctions Turkey and Russia.’ currencies, including Rupiah, Yuan, Lira, and will act as an option for taking ad- In an interview with Mehr news Dirham and Ruble, in its transactions vantage from Iran in case of any future agency Iranian banking expert, Bahaod- with foreign partners in a bid to prevent negotiations. din Hosseini Hashemi said “we cannot OFAC from imposing sanctions,” Hos- Iran has called on the internation- deny the impacts of the sanctions at seini Hashemi explained. al community to consider establishing any level, they will fortify the previous In addition, by putting sanctions on a new economic system, which would embargoes and will create some diffi- CBI, the US has sought to expand US’ minimize the effects of US hostile poli- culties, for sure. They will increase Iran’s restriction to a wider range on financial cies on international free trade. costs of having its international financial entities who cooperate with the Irani- The country officials urge the US to transactions.” an central bank. However, in practice, understand that it is no longer the sole “About the recent sanctions, I can say sanctioning trade banks of a country is economic superpower in the world and that, since CBI and Melli Bank of Iran more practical than its central one be- as they announced, there are many had been put under sanctions by the cause, for example, punishing central countries, which are interested in Iran’s US previously, the main consequences bank of Turkey for its cooperation with market and in the opportunities of es- of the sanctions had already been wit- CBI would be much more difficult than tablishing good economic ties with Iran.

Chairman of London Energy Club: US might topple Saudi Arabia as the world’s top oil exporter sooner than planned

Interview by Zahra Mirzafarjouyan ity after Saturday’s attacks on Aramco oil Referring to the drone attacks on Sau- plants could take “weeks not days”. di oil plants, he said, “I believe that we Commenting on recent drone attack An attack on Saudi oil facilities on have experienced the “Pearl Harbour of on Saudi Aramco Mehmet Ogutcu Saturday is believed to have disrupted the oil industry” on 14 September. Sau- says prior to this attack, the US was half the country’s production capacity, di Aramco lost about 5.7 million barrels planning to double its crude oil exports making the United States the only real per day of output after 10 unmanned to 9 million barrels per day by 2024. holder of the global supply cushion via aerial vehicles struck the world’s biggest That means the US might topple Saudi its ability to raise own output or to sof- crude-processing facility in Abqaiq and Arabia as the world’s top oil exporter ten sanctions against other major oil the Kingdom’s second-biggest oil field in sooner than planned. producers. Khurais.” Following drone attacks on Saudi oil Some believe that it surely is no co- “The drone attack, removing 5 -per plants, the White House said on Satur- incidence the US is targeting virtually cent of the global oil production, will be day that the United States was commit- every major energy producer from Iran, remembered as a watershed incident in ted to keeping oil markets well-sup- Venezuela, and Russia, but also includ- the world oil history. Its impact will be plied in the wake of an attack on Saudi ing its own “allies” such as Saudi Arabia. severely felt not only for a few weeks Arabian oil plants by Yemen. We reached out to Mehmet Ogut- when damaged Saudi oil installations According to some sources in Saudi cu, Chairman of London Energy Club to will be repaired and crude supplies will Arabia, its return to full oil supply capac- shed more light on the issue. start flowing again business as usual. Economy Page 32 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

The impact will be much longer. The The US is pointing a finger to Iran down about 2 million barrels and oil world’s largest oil exporter is vulnerable as behind this attack and said it would production hit its lowest levels since the and its air defense system has proven to provide evidence. Traditional US allies Iran-Iraq war.” be ineffective,” he added. are however not on-board. Geopolitics Regarding the Iran-Saudi Arabia re- Ogutcu went on to say, “For oil mar- and great-power competition are play- lation in recent years, Ogutcu noted, kets, it is the single worst sudden disrup- ing a greater role these days, and while “While Saudi Arabia supports econom- tion ever, and while Saudi Arabia may be that may satisfy some narrow interests, ically squeezing the Iranian regime, they able to return some supply within days, it does not bode well for stable energy may not wish to see a war with Iran. the attacks highlight the vulnerability prices, or for the secure and dependable While the context has changed in light of the world’s most important export- delivery of energy along global supply of the weekend attack, the reasons have er. They also add further political risk chains. not. Saudi Arabia would find itself on to prices, raising the specter of more Only China, which imports most of the front line of an armed conflict, with destabilization in the Middle East and its crude from the Persian Gulf, will Iran or its proxies to the east, south, and the threat of US retaliation against Iran. be financially hit at the tune of $1.1 north. Such a conflict would also crip- Even, with a price that could easily dou- billion for each dollar increase per ple plans for an Aramco IPO and would ble, the Saudi remaining exports will still barrel. Thus, except for China, few cause driving foreign investment from earn amounts close to what they earned of the players will seek to defuse the the country. before.” situation, all feeling that they have lit- Saudi Arabia has many long term Commenting on who are the most tle to lose and much to gain. Hence, reasons to showcase its resilience and beneficiaries of the tension in the- re it would seem that the September 14 de-escalate. Until now, Iran and Sau- gion, he mentioned, “The Russians will attack stands a strong chance of esca- di Arabia were protected by the fear be great beneficiaries of this escalat- lating into an all-out conflict. of mutual destruction of their main oil ing crisis as they will earn much more The sanctions are already cutting $42 export assets, should one attack the per barrel on their oil and gas exports. billion/year of oil exports from Iran’s other’s facilities. Now that the Iranians Of course, the United States, now the economy. They have slashed Iran’s oil have lost most of their export capacity largest exporter in the world, will also production and exports to historic lows. due to the sanctions, this fear of mutual benefit greatly. Remember, prior to this Before the US sanctions, Iran produced destruction is no longer there. attack, the US was planning to double its 3.8 million barrels/day and exported How Washington and Riyadh choose crude oil exports to 9 million barrels per 2.5 million barrels. Oil made up 80% of to respond (for now limited to rhetoric) day by 2024. That means the US might Iran’s exports. The US ended sanctions will show exactly whether this is a flash topple Saudi Arabia as the world’s top waivers for major importers of Iranian in the pan or a step-change in Persian oil exporter sooner than planned. oil in May 2019. Iran’s oil exports were Gulf tensions.” Economy Page 33 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Geopolitical expert talks of US plan to grab Saudi oil share from global market

Interview by Payman Yazdani dependent on US protection and placing them directly at the center of US-driven conflict in the Middle East. Anthony Cartalucci says it surely is no coincidence the US is In addition to the energy oriented implications of this re- targeting virtually every major energy producer from Iran, cent incident - the attacks and how they are being exploited Venezuela, and Russia, but also including its own “allies” by the White House helps move forward Washington’s plans such as Saudi Arabia. to provoke wider conflict with Iran. The US has recently placed troops in Saudi Arabia and as it continues to ratchet up ten- Following drone attacks on Saudi oil plants by Yemenis, sions with Iran, is creating a potential conflict that will consume the White House said on Saturday that the United States was not the US, its territory, people, and resources, but Saudi Arabia’s committed to keeping oil markets well-supplied in the wake of and other Persian Gulf nations aligned with the US.” an attack on Saudi Arabian oil plants by Yemen’s Houthi group. Commenting on the ways to tackle the tensions in the re- many believe since the US has become a major oil producer gion, he noted,”As US power wanes, the ability for nations tra- in the world it is trying to grab the share of the major oil pro- ditionally aligned with the US and the wider West have an op- ducing countries in global energy market by different tools like portunity to build ties with emerging global powers like China sanctioning and creating tensions. and re-emerging global powers like Russia. For example, while Sanctioning Iran, Russia and Venezuela in recent years can the US was “pivoting” toward Southeast Asia - the region itself be interpreted in this context. To this end even the US is trying made its own pivot toward China and other Eurasian powers. to grab its regional ally’s share, Saudi Arabia. Nations once thought of as close US allies are now deeply in- To touch upon the issue we reached out to Bangkok- based vested in moving into the future as close Chinese and Russian geopolitical researcher Anthony Cartalucci. allies. Referring to US real goal of creating tensions in the Persian Another aspect of Southeast Asia’s transformation out from Gulf and dragging Saudi Arabia to the quagmire of Yemen war, under US primacy was the improvement of relations between he said, “The US is positioning itself as an exporter of energy. nations pitted against one another by US interests. However its gas and oil is more expensive to extract, process, Saudi Arabia and other nations in the region currently suf- and ship overseas. By disrupting existing major exporters and fering because of their “allied” status with the US must per- raising prices, the US is able to make its own exports more form a similar “pivot.” Just like in Southeast Asia, the Persian competitive. It surely is no coincidence the US is targeting Gulf will benefit greatly if relations were improved between virtually every major energy producer from Iran, Venezuela, nations like Saudi Arabia and Iran. But also just like in South- and Russia, but also including its own “allies” such as Saudi east Asia where the US targeted each and every nation escap- Arabia.” ing out from under its regional primacy with political instabil- He added, “The resulting conflict is also a huge boon for ity, economic extortion, and even terrorism, the Persian Gulf America’s other major export - weapons.” will have to prepare for some hard times before its situation Cartalucci went on to say,”The US has used Saudi Arabia as improves. Of course, the alterative is allowing the US to fight a pawn for decades - encouraging the worst and most unsus- its regional allies down to the last Saudi, Emarati, and Qatari, tainable kinds economic and foreign policies, keeping them leaving nations entirely broken.” Page 34 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Culture Culture Page 35 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY ‘Passion, penchant for uncertainty’ are what you need for archaeology, says Prof. Barbara Kaim

By: Marjohn Sheikhi

Renowned Polish Professor Barbara Kaim, an archaeologist with a focus on Iran and Central Asia, says you need passion and a penchant for uncertainty to venture into the realm of archaeology.

Professor Barbara Kaim is a renowned scholar and scientist from the Warsaw University, Poland, specializing in the ar- chaeology of Iran and Central Asia. Her archaeological excavations in Turkmenistan and Persia, particularly the Sassanian era, shed more light on the culture and heritage of Iran. Her focus has been directed to fire temples in Central Asia for the most part. Since 1997, Prof. Kaim has been conducting I was always interested in history, Turkmenistan; which, I should note that excavations in the Serakhs region in but because I also wanted to travel, I while the border nowadays divides the Turkmenistan, in the remnants of one chose archaeology. During my studies, two countries, the culture of antiquity is of the best preserved Partho-Sasanian I didn’t know what branch of archae- the same. It is the Iranian culture. So, for temples. This experience enabled her ology I wanted to get into deeper, but me it was very interesting and relevant to to compare the Central Asian temples then I made a trip to Iran with a group come here. For the excavations, we chose with the Iranian ones and then share her of other students, which proved to be one place in Khorasan. The name of the knowledge with Iranian scientists. She is an eye-opener for me. This was the first place is Khune-ye Div, ‘House of Devil’ – also an author of many publications on time I saw the famous Persian monu- the Zarathustrian fire temples, as well as ments such as Pasargadae and Persep- Did you choose that place for the name? ancient Iranian art and culture. olis, not in the books but with my own No, No. We chose that place because Last Sunday, the University of Tehran, eyes. And I realized this is exactly what I we were told that there’s probably re- in collaboration with the Polish embassy, wanted to do: To study Iran’s past. While mains of a fire temple. Because I was organized a program in honor of Profes- on the trip, we met several Iranian peo- working on fire temples in Turkmenistan, sor Kaim, for her valuable achievements ple who were really kind and friendly, so it seemed natural to follow up the same while conducting extensive research I thought it would be good to work here. subject in Iran. So, we signed the agree- and excavations in Iran. This is how I realized what my dream ment, but after we returned to Warsaw, After the event, I had a chance to sit was. Dr. Azarnoush called me and told me he down with the renowned, yet extremely When I was finishing my PhD on a needs my help with an important rescue humble scholar, for an interview. scholarship in Belgium, I had the pleas- excavation in Tange Bulaghi near Pasar- Prof. Kaim believes in the value of ure to work with Professor Louis Vanden gadae, where an artificial lake was going even the smallest of discoveries, ‘the Berghe, who was very famous at the to be constructed and there was the not-so-interesting piece of pottery’, and time in Iran because he spent several fear that many archaeological objects how that value is not inherent in the years in excavations in Lorestan. In fact, would be submerged. So, it was our ob- object itself, but in the way the people the ‘Luristan Bronzes’ were his sub- ligation as archaeologists to be there. from all walks of life interact with it. ject. While in Belgium, I met Masoud That’s how my first mission in Iran be- Here’s what this great scholar had to Azarnoush, who became the director gan. We started working on the Sivand share about her experiences as an ar- of the Iranian Center Archaeological dam project there. We excavated some chaeologist: Research several years later, and he in- Achaemenid remains and also Sassanian vited me to visit Iran and maybe work villages. This was very important to me, Will you please tell me a little about on a site there. But at that time, I was because usually archaeologists choose yourself, and how you got into already working in Turkmenistan. More a significant place to work on, like cities archaeology and ended up here in Iran? precisely, on the border of Iran and or temples, something exceptional, but Culture Page 36 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY when it comes to life in villages in an- convinced that not only me but a very tant. And also, the uncertainty. You are tiquity, we know almost nothing. So, I broad audience should know about the never certain that you will still be work- think the results of that excavation are discoveries. It is a pleasure for an ar- ing in this place tomorrow. This is, for very important as they shed more light chaeologist to see that the object which me, very exciting. on rural settlements. she has found is put into the museum. Most people, when they think about After that, we went to Sabzevar to archaeological discoveries, tend to think start working on the Khune-ye Div. Af- So, you don’t find the value in the object in terms of conventionally valuable ob- ter three years of excavation, we could itself but in the way other people could jects like gold artifacts or something finally say it was another fire temple. interact with it. like that, but this is usually not the case. Maybe a pilgrim center. And it was also Yes, exactly. This is some kind of an Making major discoveries is of course in function during the Islamic period, ethic of our job. important, but what is even more im- which was another important finding. portant to us is the small things, the Now, I’m still working in Turkmenistan What advice do you have for students not-so-interesting pieces of pottery, on a Sassanian site. The site is important wishing to become an archaeologist? for example. This kind of object is im- because it was a place where a big own- What skill sets are required? portant for chronology. So, it’s not just er of land was living. So, we can see how The passion is the most important about the big discoveries, but also the life in this province was like. They were quality to have. I think archaeology is a small things. involved mostly in agriculture, which is very good job for people who like to be very important for the reconstruction of in situations where you don’t know what Looking back, how do you view the ancient economy. tomorrow has in store for you. Because changes in archaeology since you of the new discoveries, new obstacles… started out working in the field? You mentioned that fire temples have you can plan something but after sever- The most important change is the been your main focus during the al days, there’s nothing left of your plans more attention that has been given to excavations. What about fire temples because somebody in the team has stratigraphy while excavating. The Lay- interests you so much? What secrets decided something else. For Iranian ar- er by layer process. For example, if this do they hold? chaeologists, what is important, I think, building became an archaeological site, As you know, Zarathustrianism is a is to work on the archaeology of the and unprofessional archaeologists were very traditional religion. For me, the modern time. When I see here in Teh- to carry out excavations on it, they could most exciting thing is that we could ran the buildings from the Qajar period, just say that this is the floor, but they find from the Parthian period, let’s say which are so beautiful, I think it’s very couldn’t tell you this building was in from the 1st century AD, the same in- important to document these buildings. function from this year, for several years struments that they use nowadays. It is Maybe carry out some small excavations or even centuries, and when it went out something exceptional that you can re- to know when exactly the building was of function. Therefore, the most impor- construct religion having only the mod- constructed, when it stopped to be in tant thing to pay attention to on excava- ern sources. While we don’t have any function, and so on. You have so many tion sites is stratigraphic principles. sources on the religious ceremonies in beautiful and old buildings in Tehran, Another important change is that ar- the past, when you see the same instru- which you have to care about. I think chaeologists have been publishing the re- ments being used you can imagine that working on these buildings is very im- sults of their excavations. If you don’t pub- they were used during the same cere- portant for the future. lish the results, your work is for nothing. mony. And this is a fantastic find. So, although archaeology is the study How can we make archaeological Speaking of, what has been one of your of the past, you think the discoveries discoveries more accessible and most exciting discoveries? can be relevant to the future? relevant to the public? The most exciting discovery was Of course. We are all still very much There is in fact a branch of archaeol- made before me, I think (laughs). But involved in the past because our culture ogy called ‘public archaeology’, in which maybe Mele Hairam fire temple in the has roots in the past. It’s not possible the excavation team is obliged to organ- Sarakhs oasis in south-western Turk- for the human beings to cast aside the ize a lesson for the local people about menistan, which was very well-pre- past of previous generations. Everything what they have worked on and discov- served. For an archaeologist, it is very we do now has roots in the experiences ered. This is very important work, be- unique to find a site that has been of our previous generations. This is very cause if people understand about their well-preserved through ancient times. important for the human race. past, they could inform the relevant And we also managed to uncover sev- bodies about the discoveries they made eral items which are very important for In your opinion, what makes being an by chance. This is how public archaeol- the iconography of Zoroastrianism. archaeologist so rewarding? ogy introduces our work to the public. Our work is very hard, but it becomes Have you ever unearthed an artifact better as we work in teams. The col- Archaeological discoveries are that you wished you could keep for lective efforts of our research are very nowadays being used in reimagining yourself? important. The discussions that happen and rebuilding ancient civilizations No. Certainly not. Because I am among your colleagues is very impor- in the world of entertainment, for Culture Page 37 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY example in video games. There are ture, a student of history told me that ple tried to discover some instruments certain games in which you as the in their class, they are taught about to make their lives easier as they do player can walk through, for example the Greek civilization and the bar- now, and it was a practice carried out ancient Egypt or Renaissance Italy, and barians, and that I was the first who throughout the whole world, not just in interact with the people and take into opened their eyes and showed them Greece. And if you do this reconstruc- the scenery. If you were approached that there was another great civiliza- tion, what is important is to make it as by a game studio team and consulted tion at the same time as the Greek. And I exact as possible. It’s not easy to make about ancient Persia, what aspect of it think that it is important for all students, a movie or a video game about the past. would you like to see come to life? no matter which field they’re studying, For that, you have to make extensive Well, last year, I had a lecture about be it engineering or medicine, to know studies to make the reconstruction as the Achaemenid court. After the lec- that during the ancient times, the peo- true as possible. Veterinary services, crucial but less appreciated

Interview by By Faranak Bakhtiari

Iran marks the National Veterinary Day on October 6. Despite the high contribution of veterinary services to the health of both animals and humans, measures done to appreciate the services are not sufficient and the sector needs more serious attention, Payam Mohebbi, head of Tehran Pet Hospital told the Tehran Times on Friday.

National Veterinary Day history October 6 was designated as the National Veterinary Day in 1990, which was supposed to be celebrated each year. After trying to dedicate a day to the veterinary, Dr. Hassan Tajbakhsh pro- posed a day in Mid-October, which was a blessed day in ancient Iran. In the past, the 14th day of each month was called goosh rooz (derived and challenges facing it? along with benefits, he said. from the name of an angel named Mohebbi explained that “Veteri- However, in many contexts, veter- Gaoosh; the guardian angel of cattle narians highly contribute to health inary services could contribute to the and useful animals). infrastructure in the country. In other provision of essential public health in- Although, any national day obser- words, veterinary services play a cru- terventions by providing food security vances contribute to the achievement cial role in human health as well as as well as livestock and animal safety. of different purposes like promoting livestock with controlling highly con- This is while, veterinary, most of the awareness and action on important is- tagious diseases and infections which time if not always, have been over- sues, stimulate interest in activities and threaten the people’s lives in case of looked in our country either by the programs; about this day neither suffi- lack of food safety. people or by the officials, mostly- be cient attention is paid to, nor effective Human have been living with ani- cause of the poor management and efforts are done to overcome the chal- mals and their world swirled together lack of a single responsible body for the lenges in this field, Mohebbi lamented. from long ago to an extent that human veterinary system.” started using the animals to stay alive; Unfortunately, physicians have been What are the main role of veterinary so that there have been complications the focus of attention, with veterinari- Culture Page 38 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY ans hiding behind it; despite their im- But human has always strived to make a fair share of resources. portant role, he said, adding, “physio- survive, to do so, had interfered with Because, if we stop using technolo- logical needs should first be satisfied nature and wildlife, namely, mass pro- gies or medicine or any modern ways which refers to food safety and is di- duction of livestock, destroying forests of tackling issues, then nature even rectly provided by veterinarians, while or wild habitats for farmland, produc- cannot control it; and the prevalence physicians come the next. ing emissions driving the climate crisis, of many life-threatening diseases Year by year, new technology and polluting rivers and oceans. along with huge consequences of in- modern approaches replaces the old Today, the shift towards flexitarian, terference with nature will blow up the ones; so health system is not an excep- vegetarian and vegan lifestyles is unde- world,” he also highlighted. tion and managing it using the old pol- niable, with some people cutting down icies is not possible anymore. on their meat consumption as a result Animal cruelty cases are believed to Health in the world is an integrat- of becoming more conscious towards be increased, is it right? How can it be ed system and benefits from an inte- the environment and animal welfare. stopped? grated management system which is Reducing meat consumption may Animal cruelty cases have not been controlled by a single body, unlike our contribute to a decline in some envi- recently increased in the society, this country that health system has been ronmental issues such as methane gas our attention that got more -attract torn apart and each body is tasked with as cows and other ruminant animals ed to such happenings which mostly a part of it.” emit methane, a potent greenhouse comes from the increased interaction Ministry of Health, Ministry of Ag- gas, when they digest grasses and between human and animals, Moheb- riculture, and Department of Environ- plants, he explained, noting, the world bi said. ment in Iran are the responsible bod- needs to reduce emissions from fossil He went on to add that there have ies for the health system, and lay the fuels and agriculture to sufficiently rein always been people who were mental- blame on each other when facing a in climate change. ly ill and aggressive to animals every- problem, he lamented. “However, it cannot be completely where in the world, and this is a social It even come up with educational done in the world, we cannot persuade phenomenon and requires social solu- problems, for instance, the Ministry of billions of people who have been feed- tions as well. Education accepts many students into ing on meat for hundred years as well “But what can really stop acts of cru- the veterinary course regardless of the as those producing it to cut meat con- elty to animals is only training and edu- career capacity, he also noted. sumption and production. cating the people, otherwise no fining, To overcome these issues, the coun- It might be even effective in having jailing or threatening can efficiently try’s health system must be redefined a better world, but people and man- prevent such behavior. and transformations need to be done, ufacturers’ uneasiness about less use Culture promotion and changing even if it comes at the cost of merging of meat will be a barrier despite the people’s behavior toward animals is of ministries, he added. problems that may appear as a result, great importance while the role of the The related bodies are supposed including, a drop in milk consumption media is undeniable,” he suggested. to prepare the healthcare roadmap of and consequently diseases. next 10 years at the time, not to think Moreover, dismantling livestock in- How veterinarians can promote of plans implemented years ago and dustry will bring our country huge loss- animal protection? its outcomes, these are the challenges es and many active in agricultural sec- Mohebbi noted that not any veter- that might be the main obsession of tor will also lose career,” he lamented. inarian is an animal supporter, but as healthcare system if not tackled now, long as they are involved in ensuring Mohebbi highlighted. Can we take a chance at being the health of people and animals, they managed by nature once again? play a part role in animal protection. A recently launched campaign went “As I mentioned before, we in- Here are two debates on animal viral among people highlighting the creased our chance of survival rights and welfare, veterinarians are heavy environmental impacts of among other creatures, changing the supposed to enforce the animal right conventional meat production and animals, lands and nature over time, with offering adequate care for injured the concerns people have about the which might not necessarily have or ill animals and not to abuse them, welfare of animals under industrial been the right option, but stopping it but when it comes to animal welfare all farming, how much is it reliable? today is impossible, so the best and parts of the society are responsible, he “Many years ago, the population only way is proper and sustainable explained. of humans was much less than that of management. On the other hand, concern for ani- today because nature was managing Poor environmental policies are mals’ welfare is also deeply embedded it, whenever the population exceeded definitely the main reason behind run- in duties of veterinarians toward ani- the natural resources capacity, diseas- ning off resources, such as water, for- mals; but being an animal right advo- es and microbes have shown up and ests, soil and so on; which is mostly fac- cate or supporter totally depends on balanced the population. ing the world; to overcome it, we must the personality, he concluded. Culture Page 39 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Iran’s submissions to 2020 Academy Awards

By:Marjohn Sheikhi

For the first time, the Iranian cinema has introduced nominees for four categories of the 92nd Academy Awards, including a documentary which is also Iran’s entry for international feature, an animated feature film and two short films.

The preliminary list of nominees for the 92nd Academy Awards includes four titles from Iran in four different catego- ries: a documentary which is also the country’s entry for the best internation- al feature, an animated feature and two short films. Interestingly, there is no feature film from Iran, which won the Academy Award for the Best Foreign Language Mousavi and Kourosh Atai, as its entry 32 submissions for this year’s Animat- Film in 2017 for ‘The Salesman’ and in for the best international feature cate- ed Feature category of the Academy 2012 for ‘A Separation’, both of which gory (formerly foreign language film) in Awards. directed by Iranian filmmaker Asghar the 92nd Academy Awards. The Iranian animation is an open in- Farhadi. ‘Finding Farideh’ is about an Irani- terpretation of the story of ‘Zahhak’, a Out of the four submissions, the an- an girl named Farideh, who has been page from one of the central tales of imated feature ‘The Last Fiction’ has a adopted by a Dutch couple 40 years ago, the ‘Book of Kings/Shahnameh’ written slightly better chance to make it into and now she overcomes her fears and by acclaimed Persian poet Ferdowsi be- the final list of nominees as it is compet- travels to her motherland Iran for the tween 977 and 1010. ing with only 31 other titles for the five first time to meet three families who The film follows Zahhak’s treacherous available slots. claim to be her real family, and to find rise to the throne in Jamkard in Persia. out about her Iranian identity and cul- The young and naïve hero Afaridoun will International Feature and Documentary ture. have to save the kingdom and its people Iran selected the documentary ‘Find- The documentary has taken part in from darkness. But he must first con- ing Farideh’, co-directed by Azadeh a number of international film festivals quer his own demons in this portrayal of such as the Big Sky Documentary Persian mythology which reveals human Film Festival in the US, and was se- nature. lected as best documentary at the ‘The Last Fiction’ premiered at An- 20th Iran Cinema Celebration in necy, the world’s top animation film Tehran in September 2013. festival in France, and won several ‘Finding Farideh’ is also eligi- awards at international film festivals ble for the Feature Documentaries including the best feature animation category of the 92nd Academy award at the 3rd international South Awards. American films festival in Chile, the The ten-nominee list for the best best film award at the 3rd Ajayu In- international feature category will ternational Animation Festival in Peru, be announced in December. The the best score award at the 22nd Bu- final nominees, which include five cheon International Fantastic Film Fes- titles, will be announced on 13 Jan- tival in South Korea, as well as Best uary. Animated Future Film at the 16th edi- tion of San Diego International Kids’ Animated Feature Film Film Festival in the US. ‘The Last Fiction’, written and While submissions reached a record directed by Ashkan Rahgozar and high this year, only five slots are guar- produced by Ehsan Rasulof at anteed for the best animated feature Hoorakhsh Studios, is one of the Oscar category, which include Pixar’s Culture Page 40 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

‘Toy Story 4’ and DreamWorks’ ‘How Festival in Albania. award at the International Cinema sec- to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden The film is about a young girl who tion of the 19th Odense International World’, as well as Netflix’s ‘I Lost My wants to renew her driving license but Film Festival in Denmark. Body’. she is sent to the traffic police center for ‘Pedovore’ is a social drama which According to Indiewire, the members her tattoos. zeros in on the issues of the youngsters of the Short Films and Feature Anima- ‘Tattoo’, as Delaram’s seventh experi- dealing with problems like child labor, tion Branch are automatically eligible to ence as a director and first time as the bad parenting or having no parents at nominate the films for the five available producer, had previously won the Crys- all. slots, with other Academy members in- tal Bear for best short in the Generation Iran has participated at the Academy vited to opt in by watching a minimum 14plus at the 69th Berlin International Awards 24 times. Three times, the Irani- number of films. Film Festival. The short film had also an submissions had managed to make it taken part at other prestigious festivals into the final list of nominees and two Short Film (Live Action) such as Melbourne and Raindance in times they won the Oscar (‘The Sales- ‘Tattoo’, directed by Farhad -Delar the UK. man’, ‘A Separation’.) am, was introduced to the 92nd Acad- This is the second Iranian short The 92nd Academy Awards ceremo- emy Awards after winning the best film film introduced to the 2020 Academy ny is slated to be held on February 9, award at the 17th edition of the Os- Awards. ‘Pedovore’ by Mohammad Kart 2020 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, car-Qualifying Tirana International Film was the first after winning the main Los Angeles, California.

Persian leopard’s global range

By: Jamshid Parchizadeh

The Persian leopard is classed as “Endangered” on the Red List of the “International Union for Conservation of Nature” with an estimated population size of 871 to 1,290 individuals.

It occurs: 1) throughout Iran, 2) southern Turkmenistan, 3) parts of Afghanistan, 4) northwestern and southern Azer- baijan, 5) northeastern Iraq, 6) southwestern Dagestan in the Russian Federation, 7) southern and southwestern Armenia, 8) eastern and southeastern Turkey, 9) eastern and southeast- ern Georgia, 10) parts of Pakistan, 11) small parts of Tajikistan, and 12) probably small parts of Uzbekistan. 1) Iran: after the extinction of the Persian lion and Caspian tiger from Iran’s fauna, the leopard is now the largest member of eight felid species surviving today in Iran with between 550 and 850 individuals. 7) Armenia: fewer than 10 individual leopards are restricted 2) Turkmenistan: the mountainous southern edge of Turk- to the Zangezur Mountains that defines the border between menistan holds an estimated 78 to 90 Persian leopards. Armenia’s southern province of Syunik and Azerbaijan’s Nakh- 3) Afghanistan: it is believed that Persian leopard occurs in chyvan Autonomous Republic. the central highland regions of Afghanistan, such as the Hindu 8) Turkey: there may be fewer than 5 Persian leopards in Kush and the Wakhan Corridor, but at very low numbers. Turkey. The leopard lives in the southeastern frontier region of 4) Azerbaijan: approximately 15 Persian leopards occur in Anatolia in areas close to the eastern or northeastern Turkish the Hyrkan National Park in the Talysh Mountains and the border. Zangezur National Park in the Nakhchivan/Azerbaijan-South- 9) Georgia: there are very few Persian leopards (i.e., fewer ern Armenia sector. than 5 individuals) left in the wild in this country. 5) Iraq: there may be as many as 10 Persian leopards in the 10) Pakistan: the regions located to the west of the Indus mountainous areas of northeastern Iraq’s Kurdistan region River in Swat, Dir, Indus Kohistan, and Baluchistan are believed along the border with Iran and Turkey. to hold an unknown number of Persian leopards in Pakistan. 6) The Russian Federation: totally, no more than 10 Persian 11) Tajikistan and Uzbekistan: if the leopard is present in leopards inhabit four places in Russian Federation: a) Assa Uzbekistan, there could be as many as 10 individuals in the River Valley in Ingushetia, b) Armkhi River Valley in Ossetia, Babatag Mountains and the Kugitang Mountains in the far c) Andiskoye Koysu and Avarskoye Koysu headwaters in Dag- southeastern region of Uzbekistan bordering Afghanistan, Ta- estan, and d) Sharoargun and Argun river valleys in Chechnya. jikistan, and Turkmenistan. Culture Page 41 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Shahr-e Sukhteh, Iran’s archaeological gem

By: Zahra Mirzafarjouyan

Shahr-e Sukhteh is a lost jewel in Iran which archeologists consider it as the world’s first city in terms of urban texture, population and urban planning. It is the remains ofan ancient city and archaeological site of a sizable Bronze Age in southwestern Iran.

Ranked among the most ancient countries of the world, Iran is house to numerous old, mysterious and peculiar civili- zations. Sistan and Baluchistan Province is an old province in Iran. It has many monuments including Shahr-e Sukhteh. The civilization of Shahr-e Sukhteh is one of the wonders of the ancient world. The archeological findings in this area testi- fy to the emergence of the first human settlements in eastern Iran. Shahr-e Sukhteh, meaning burnt city, which dates back to more than 5000 years ago, is one of the heritages of Iran. It is located near Zabol road to Zahedan in Sistan and Baluchistan Province, southeast of Iran. The city was built in 3200 B.C and people were living in four eras between 3200-1800 B.C. The total area of the city is 280 hectares and is divided into residential, central and industrial area, as well as cemetery and monuments. The residential area of the city is 80 hectares where people lived in this part at that time. It is built in a completely non-earthquake zone and dur- ing the history, it was completely burnt 3 times before being years ago. abandoned in 1800 BCE. Once in the initial level of its growth A 10-centimeter (3.937-inch) ruler, accurate to half a milli- and the other times are at the moment of its destruction. meter has been found in Shahr-e Sukhteh which means peo- However, in 2100 BC, the city was suddenly evacuated with- ple who lived in this city had a lot of developments in math- out any signs. ematics. The site was discovered and investigated by Aurel Stein in There was a well-managed pottery system in the city for the early 1900s. It was excavated in 1967, and has been under water supply and sewage. It is interesting to know that the constant exploration by Italian and Iranian archaeologists until people of Shahr-e Sukhteh played with backgammon in that the 1970s. Shahr-e Sukhteh remained under a 20-centimeter period. thick layer of ash and dust for around 4000 years before being Around 21000 graves have been discovered in the west and discovered. The dry desert climate of the region also helped to south part of the city and analyzing the remains of the dead preserve the remaining of this civilization. bodies has led to very unique and absorbing findings. One of It is not only the extent of this city that has made Shahr-e the biggest skeletons of the world has been unearthed here Sukhteh as one of the largest ancient cities in Iran and the with 5 meter and 21 centimeter height which belongs to a 35 Middle East. The discoveries demonstrate a great deal of to 40-year old man. development and advancement of these civilizations which During the archaeological excavations at Shahr-e Sukhteh sound really incredible. in 1970s was found a pottery vessel which has pattern of a There were various industries such as textile, masonry, jew- goat and tree on it. The artifact bears five images depicting elry, etc. in this city which made it one of the most advanced a wild goat jumping up to eat the leaves of a tree. When the cities in the world. 12 kinds of fabric are found among the ru- vessel is twisted you can see the images merge and make a ins of the Shahr-e Sukhteh that indicate the textile industry of “bounce back” animation telling the story of the goat eating the city. from a tree. This also means that the world oldest cartoon The world’s first known artificial eyeball, with 2 holes in character is a goat. both sides and a golden thread to hold it in place, has been Shahr-e Sukhteh is one of the UNESCO’s world heritage unearthed from the skeleton of a woman’s body in Shahr-e centers in this region which is associated with Jiroft culture, Sukhteh. one of the oldest civilizations on earth along with Helmand One of the most wonderful things which discovered in culture. It was registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List this city is the oldest signs of brain surgery. The skeleton of a in June 2014. 14-years-old girl was discovered in the graveyard of this city The best time to visit Shahr-e Sukhteh is in winter and which shows that doctors did a brain surgery for her 4800 spring and visiting this palce will take one hour to one day. Culture Page 42 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Iranian adventurer tells of journey to the North Pole By: Afshin Majlesi

The North Pole is one of the most remote, yet inaccessible places on Earth. However, it is possible to reach there particularly in June and July when the ice is thinner.

Hossein Naseri, an avid Iranian voy- ager, has recently come back from an epic journey to the North Pole. He tells us about the expedition in an interview with the Tehran Times. “Planning for my journey took some 35 months because it concerned some fitness measures to enhance physi- cal strength needed for kayaking and ice-climbing to name a few,” Naseri ex- plained. He said that the journey required some time-consuming paperwork and legal issues, including a Schen- gen Visa, adding “Even in an earlier wasn’t easy at all because everyone dant there.” attempt last year, I was deported wanted to come from somewhere in the Talking about tough moments, he from one of the Norwegian islands, world, some from long distances, but noted, “During the darkness, two of us because I didn’t have a visa for en- eventually we were together; beginning were guarding others during posts that tering the free zone.” our adventure.” changed every two hours. Our special “Prior to the tough voyage, I made “Well, so many are traveling to the outfits helped us to tolerate 60 degrees massive efforts to win support from the Arctic by boat or car, as tourists but our below zero.” [Iranian] government or the private sec- itinerary was the same as that of Irani- “The weather in those days varied tor. Unfortunately I wasn’t successful. an brothers, Abdullah and Issa Omidvar, between 17 to 33 degrees below zero, However, Iran named me a goodwill had some 65 years ago.” as a very fierce wind was blowing. ambassador of the environment to the In the 1950s, the Omidvar brothers There we examined environmental North Pole. I also stayed some time in set out on a 10-year expedition around issues such as extinction of animals, Canada to complete some fitness pro- the world on motorbikes and in a Citroen clean Earth, clean air, melting po- grams.” 2CV, a journey that deliberately passed lar ice, rising water levels and global He stated that his departure point through places that include Congo, the warming.” was from Imam Khomeini International Arctic Circle and the entire length of the Talking about cultural scene of the Airport, when he left Tehran for Istanbul Andes. journey, the adventurer said, “In addi- on August 14. Paris and Oslo were his “It might be interesting to know that tion to our adventurous journey, -I car following stopovers. we had about two trucks of burden that ried three flags as ambassadors of Irani- “We (travelers to the North Pole) included security devises, guns, medical an artists, ambassador of Iranian music, were a group of 12 people from nine supplies, tents, boxes of food and cloth- and ambassador of Iranian sports, which countries, including Finland, England, ing, amongst many other things such as the three were planted there for the Australia and the U.S., the Czech Re- kayaks, motor boats. Bringing together first time.” public and Iran. We had a year of in- such stuff by icebreakers was a huge and “I came back home on August 22.” teraction in order to plan our journey,” tough project itself.” Naseri has so far visited 75 fascinat- he said. He added, “We eventually left our ing spots of the world including, the In response to a question regarding campsite, moving some eight hours per Grand Canyon, the Antelope Canyon, how they organized the journey, he day. However, every two hours at night, Amazon rainforest, various waterfalls answered, “We coordinated our depar- two of us were guarding with open eyes and mountains and the most recently ture date and got together in Oslo. That to notice polar bears, which were abun- the North Pole. Page 43 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Sport Sport Page 44 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Time to re-enforce fight against apartheid via sports As the International Judo Federation imposed a ban on Iran’s Israel or its representatives.” Due to Tel Aviv’s pressure, Inter- judo, it’s now time to take a closer look at the incident. national Paralympic Committee stripped Malaysia of hosting the event but that is the price you have to pay for supporting IJF’s disciplinary commission announced that it has im- an oppressed nation. posed an indefinite ban on Iran and that the ban will stand Another instance is the case of South Africa when the Inter- until the Iranian Judo Federation respect the IJF Statutes. The national Olympics Committee banned the apartheid regime ban came as Saeid Mollaei of Iran allegedly conceded a defeat from participating in international events such as the Olym- against Belgian rival in 2019 World Championships in Tokyo to pics for some 20 years. The measure proved to be a move for- avoid a potential opponent from an Israeli regime’s athlete. ward in the fight against racial discrimination in the African Iranian athletes do not take on rivals from the Israeli regime country. But what about ethnic and religious discrimination and the reason goes back to the history of conflicts between of Israel? Iran and the regime. One cannot ignore that Israel has become so powerful in Tehran doesn’t recognize Israel as a state and considers it sports diplomacy and has managed to realize its goals in the an occupying regime that is illegally being settled in Palestine. international sports body. There are many examples to be dis- It’s been decades that Tehran is calling on the international cussed. Through Israeli pressure, UEFA fined the Celtic club bodies to stop the regime in Tel Aviv from oppressing the Pal- after Scottish fans displayed Palestinian flags in a game with estinian nation. an Israeli opponent in 2016. However, waving an Israeli flag is A UN report in 2017 highlights that “Israel has established a norm in Ajax games! an apartheid regime that dominates the Palestinian people as Or you can study the case of raising Israeli flag by Ghana’s a whole.” The fact is that a statement from the UN cannot be John Paintsil after scoring a match against the Czech Republic neglected unless one enjoys strong lobbies in various bodies. in the 2006 World Cup. FIFA didn’t fine the player or the feder- But what is the role of independent states in fighting against ation and just ‘hoped’ that some incidents would not repeat. ‘apartheid’ if the UN fails to do so? There are many options However, Egyptian players were fined for showing pro-Gaza on the table and one of them is putting limits on an apart- slogans under their shirt during the Gaza war. heid regime’s participation in global events, including sports From another perspective, one can point criticism to the events. Such as the one Malaysia put on Israeli swimmers in Iranian sports officials for failing to defend the interest of the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships. Prime Minister country in the international bodies. We have a list of countries Mahathir Mohamad said that the Israeli swimmers would not that their teams don’t play each other because of their intense be let into the country. Also, Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdul- political disputes such as the case of Azerbaijan and Armenia. lah said that Malaysia “will not host any more events involving The same can happen with Iran and the Israeli regime. Sport Page 45 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY A bitter shock after a sweet victory

By: Reza Khosravi Kong and then an unexpected 14-0 victory over Cambodia in Tehran. But less than a week after this sweet victory came a The defeat of Team Melli against Bahrain on Oct. 15 warned 1-0 bitter defeat against Bahrain. Marc Wilmots and his men of the difficult path ahead of the Neither Hong Kong nor Cambodia was equipped enough team to reach its third consecutive FIFA World Cup finals. to truly evaluate Wilmot’s team and experts believed that matches against Iraq and Bahrain would be the real tests. Team Melli’s Belgian coach came across his first major ob- Rough road began with ‘rude’ Bahraini fans stacle on Tuesday and the team should now cope with many The match against Bahrain started with fans’ disrespect for difficulties to overcome this barrier. Iran’s national anthem and demonstrated part of reality about It could be anticipated that who succeeds Carlos Queiroz, Team Melli’s readiness. The team’s failure to reach full readi- the Portuguese coach who had managed the team for eight ness is natural for a new coach who has just sit on the bench. years and achieved fair results, would have a hard time in Also, Team Melli has not held regular training in this period Team Melli to maintain the results and improve the overall and Wilmots has not had the required time to build the team performance. Finally, the Iranian football federation reached he wants. an agreement with the former Belgian national team’s head A lackluster first half against Bahrain proved that the play- coach Marc Wilmots in May 2019. ers required more time to fit in Wilmot’s style of football. In Wilmots accepted this responsibility while Team Melli had the first half, one could clearly feel the players’ arrogance for experience back-to-back World Cup finals under Queiroz and that 14-0 victory over Cambodia; they underestimated their although the team didn’t advance to the quarterfinals, it ful- rival and were punished by a team that was ready for victory. filled and aroused the expectations of Iranian fans. The fact is that neither the two victories over Hong Kong Wilmots invited the same players as Queiroz did in the first and Cambodia nor the loss against Bahrain was the total real- team’s announcement; a logical move to trust the previous ity of the team. Team Melli enjoys great capabilities and just coach till you get a better understanding of your new team. needs more time. Mainly entered the team under Queiroz, As expected, he has gradually changed the invitation list in the this generation has now grown to maturity and most of them past two months as one can see the elimination of some main can play for the team in the coming years. players such as Alireza Jahanbakhsh and the inclusion of new Iran doesn’t lack good and reliable players in any post. The players such as Mohammad Mohebbi. question is whether Wilmots can make the best use of this Moderate results in five matches human resource or not. Wilmots has so far guided the team in three official and two It is too early to judge Team Melli. Defeat against Bahrain friendly games, collecting three wins, one draw, and one de- came at the best time possible; it both get players out of the feat. In his first match as the team’s coach, Iran defeated Syria air of conceit for the victory against Cambodia and warned of 5-0 and then came a 1-1 draw against South Korea in Seoul. the match against Iraq. This defeat made the team understand World Cup 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023 qualifiers campaign that they have a tough way to go to advance to the next round started for Iran in Group C with a 2-0 away victory over Hong of qualifications from this group. Sport Page 46 |No. 17|Nov 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Time to change Iran volleyball main squad? By: Mohammad Ali Haqshenas “We should provide more space for the youth so that we can use them in major competitions like Olympics qualifiers and even Iran national volleyball team is going to take part in the in the Olympics in case the main player suffer from fatigue or in- 2019 FIVB World Cup with its main players while experts are juries.” worried about consequences of Igor kolakovic’s decision to “Players such as Saeid Marouf, Amir Ghafour, Mousavi, and use the same squad in successive events. need Milad Ebadipour to rest and we should not put pressure on them more than usual,” he said, adding, “Every individual has a Iran recently lifted the Asian trophy at home with its main different line of thinking. Igor doesn’t have the courage to change players and less than a week after the event’s final, they again and I think he is making a mistake.” have to prepare for another important world competition, 2019 Iran volleyball technical staff have repeatedly said that their FIVB World Cup. main is to secure a berth to 2020 Tokyo Olympics; its qualifica- Amir Khoshkhabar, the team’s manager, told Mehr News tions will be held in China’s Jiangmen on January 7-12 where the Agency on Sunday that 14 players who were part of the team in team has to compete with top eight Asian rivals to win the event Asian Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship will be dispatched to and secure its second presence in Olympics after 2016 Rio. Japan for the World Cup. He said that Mohammad Mousavi has The Iranian team will start training again on Tuesday for 2019 asked not to be part of the team in the upcoming competition. FIVB World Cup which is going to be held in Japan from October “I’m neither injured nor there is any other issue; my body just 1 to 15. A total of 12 teams which are top two teams of each needs more rest,” Mousavi, the Asian Championship’s best mid- continent, plus Japan as host and Poland as World champion, will dle blocker, told Fars News Agency on Monday about his decision. compete in the World Cup in a round-robin format. So Iran has to “We are soldiers of Team Melli and whenever coaches ask, play 11 high-pressure matches which will start with an encounter we should play. Any decision by coaches is respectable and we against 2019 VNL’s winner Russia on October 1. should follow it. I think the team is doing a good job in giving Fielding top guns in an event where the team has a little space to the youth but I believe technical staff can do more in this chance of podium certainly increases the risk of injuries. regard,” Mousavi added. It also should be noted that Kolakovic has not totally eliminat- Iran has used almost the same squad in the past several years ed the younger players. He invited the MPV of 2019 FIVB Men’s under Igor kolakovic, raising criticism from experts in the field U21 World Championship, Amir Hossein Esfandiar, to Team Melli that he may be putting the future of Iran volleyball at risk. for the first time in the Asian event and he proved his qualities in “We should not seek podium in the World Cup and we should the competition. set the stage for younger players because in the near future we The coach has also trusted some younger talents like Moham- will need most of these younger athletes. The belief and confi- madreza Hazratpour, Aliasghar Mojarad, Porya Yali, and Javad Karimi dence should be injected to the youth through formation change who have not let him down with their world-class performances. and what a better place than FIVB World Cup to take the risk of What experts say is that giving the younger generation a chance doing this,” Jabbar Ghouchannejad, a volleyball expert told Mehr to experience world-class events would give them the courage and on Sunday. confidence to build a shinier future for Iran volleyball.