UK £2 Issue 219, Year 5 August 25, 2019 EU €2.50 www.thearabweekly.com Elections Political Iran’s dubious in in connection France with Houthis Pages 6,8 Page 12 Pages 4,6 engages peaceful transition after crisis − but challenges abound ► Achieving a peaceful outcome to Sudan’s conflicts and resolving the economic crisis are the twin priorities of newly appointed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.

Mohamed Aboelfadl tion was focused on two issues: the peaceful transfer of power to civil- ian authority and reaching a com- prehensive peace. She pointed out that many inter- udan began implementing national powers tied the provision transitional arrangements of economic aid to Sudan to pro- after the swearing-in of the gress made on the issue, as well as S 11 members of the Sovereign dealing with crises resulting from Council and Prime Minister Abdalla the large number of refugees and Hamdok. displaced persons and the inequita- The country is set to work on ma- ble distribution of wealth. jor crises left by the 30-year rule of Sudan has received aid pledges ousted President Omar al-Bashir from many countries. Saudi Arabia and to capitalise on the people ral- and the were lying in addition to the strong re- at the forefront of foreign countries gional and international support delivering on such promises. for the power-sharing agreement Nearly bankrupt, Sudan needs to between the Transitional Military address the dire economic situation Council and the Forces of Freedom at the root of much of its turmoil. and Change. “With the right vision, with the Sudanese General Abdel Fattah right policies, we will be able to ad- al-Burhan, who headed the military dress this economic crisis,” Hamdok Historic moment. Sudan’s new Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok speaks during a news conference in council, was sworn in as chairman promised. , August 21. (AP) of the Sovereign Council. The new government is count- Hamdok, a UN senior economist, ing on having Sudan removed from was selected to lead the 39-month the US terrorism list and on ending dan on the US terrorism list. ing the transitional period. But in A large segment of the Sudanese transitional government and will the effects of economic sanctions to “The sooner the government jockeying for those roles, they are population is optimistic that bal- effectively start tackling the coun- facilitate the flow of aid and invest- makes rapid progress towards peace, aware of the general consensus in anced external relations will be es- try’s many unresolved crises. He ment in Sudan. the more it will receive foreign aid Sudan in favour of excluding former tablished by Khartoum away from said he was giving top priority to Khartoum has received positive and the sooner it implements real regime figures from the political the ideologically slanted connec- achieving a comprehensive peace signals from Washington since al- economic solutions and citizens feel process and holding them account- tions sought by al-Bashir’s regime. and will need all the African experi- Bashir’s ouster but the Trump ad- that there is real change,” Tijani said. able for misdeeds under al-Bashir. Towards that end, the announced ence he has to end conflicts in Dar- ministration has yet to take concrete There is also wariness in Khar- US Representative Jim McGov- agreement seems to have given fur, Kordofan and Blue Nile. steps towards lifting the sanctions, toum about risks posed by support- ern, a Massachusetts Democrat, Sudan a sizeable advantage. The Tamador al-Tayeb, an academic preferring to wait to make sure there ers of the Islamic Movement and expressed “grave concerns” about United States, Norway and Britain at the Institute for Diplomatic Stud- are no setbacks to the process. the former regime and the chance whether officials associated with welcomed the progress made. “The ies in Khartoum, said: “All parties Sudanese researcher Hamid Tijani they may try to sabotage the power- the former regime “will prove trust- appointment of a civilian-led gov- should take advantage of the cur- said that after the transition agree- sharing agreement. Many of those worthy partners given their history ernment presents an opportunity to rent consensus… What lies ahead ment there is overwhelming expec- groups’ leaders openly rejected the of violence, repression, corruption rebuild a stable economy and create is a tough period of negotiations to tation the United States will move agreement and vowed to disrupt its and bad faith.” a government that respects human take care of the pending issues and quickly to remove Sudan from its implementation. Observers said members of the rights and personal freedoms,” they reassure the marginalised regions.” terrorism list. Some Sudan experts said that former establishment share a strong said in a statement. Tayeb insisted that the attention Tijani said Hamdok will not allow such threats can be understood in tendency to yield to the new au- of the international community extremist forces on Sudanese soil, the context of Islamist leaders’ de- thorities’ decisions and to avoid the Mohamed Aboelfadl is an Egyptian since the beginning of the revolu- which had led to the placing of Su- sire to seek some political role dur- repeat of previous mistakes. writer. Attack on Turkish convoy in Syria strains Ankara’s alliance with Moscow Thomas Seibert Turkey might lack necessary lever- tured the town from rebels and to Turkey’s growing dependence While Russia is Assad’s main age to change Russia’s approach in began encircling enemy positions on Russia following the recent pur- backer, Turkey has been supporting Idlib, the last rebel stronghold in south of it, the Syrian Observatory chase of the Russian S-400 missile rebel groups fighting Syrian govern- Istanbul Syria after more than eight years for Human Rights said. defence system by Ankara. ment forces. In recent years, Russia of war and an area crammed with 3 Damascus said authorities “The delivery of the Russian- and Turkey had pushed their differ- urkey and Russia have co- million people. opened a “humanitarian corridor” made S-400 missile systems to Tur- ences to the side as they teamed operated for years in Syria Reports said tens of thousands of so civilians from the besieged rebel- key ties the hands of Ankara to re- with Iran in the so-called Astana despite conflicting interests civilians in Idlib started to move to- held area in northern Hama prov- sist [the Idlib] regime offensive in a process to end the Syrian war. The T in the war but attacks on a wards the Turkish border as fighting ince can move to parts of the coun- tough way and react harshly against Astana trio hopes that a constitu- Turkish military convoy and a Turk- drew closer. try controlled by the government. Moscow’s turning a blind eye to the tional committee for Syria can start ish observation post in Idlib prov- A Russian-backed Syrian govern- developments on the ground,” Has work next month. ince put unprecedented pressure ment advance in Idlib is squeez- wrote in response to questions. “An- However, the attack on the convoy on the alliance between the two ing Turkey’s position in the region. Under the agreement with kara might have to leave the ninth exposed deep differences between powers. Concerns by Ankara about a new Russia last September, military point in Idlib,” he added in Ankara and Moscow. As Turkey Syrian government air strikes hit influx of refugees led to a Turkish- Turkey was to rein in Islamist reference to the observation post in protested the attack on the convoy, near the Turkish convoy August 19 Russian agreement last year that fighters in Idlib, a region Morek. Russian President Vladimir Putin re- as it approached front lines in Idlib. was supposed to stabilise the situ- dominated by the Hayat The escalation in Idlib came amid affirmed his support for Assad. Ankara said the convoy was on its ation in Idlib but the attack on the Tahrir al-Sham militia. speculation about an impending “We support the efforts of the way to one of 12 Turkish observa- convoy raises doubts about the vi- Russia and Syria say Turkey Turkish military incursion into Syrian Army… to end these terror- tion posts in the province when the ability of that deal. has not lived up to its north-eastern Syria. Ankara said it ist threats,” Putin told French Presi- vehicles, which numbered about 40 The Turkish Defence Ministry commitments under the deal. is determined to push Syrian Kurd- dent Emmanuel Macron during a and included tanks, Agence France- said the attack on the convoy vio- ish fighters from the border there. meeting August 19 in France, add- Presse reported, came under attack. lated Ankara’s agreements with The recovery of those areas Talks between Turkey and the Unit- ing: “We never said that in Idlib ter- Three days later, Turkey’s state- Moscow, which had been informed would mark an important gain for ed States, which backs the Kurdish rorists would feel comfortable.” run news agency said a Turkish ob- in advance about the convoy. Three Syrian President Bashar Assad in People’s Protection Units militia, Under the agreement with Russia servation post in Idlib came under civilians were killed and 12 wound- the north-western region. A series about the establishment of a “secu- last September, Turkey was to rein “harassing fire” by Syrian govern- ed, Ankara said. of truces brokered via Russian- rity zone” appear to have irked the in Islamist fighters in Idlib, a region ment jets. The Anadolu Agency re- Syrian state media said the dis- Turkish talks has failed to end the Kremlin, Has said. dominated by the Hayat Tahrir al- ported no damage or injuries in the patch of the convoy into Syria was fighting. “From Moscow’s perspective, the Sham militia. Russia and Syria say incident. an act of aggression to help insur- Kerim Has, a Moscow-based ex- bilateral Turkey-US negotiations Turkey has not lived up to its com- The escalation could have conse- gents fighting a Syrian Army ad- pert on Russian-Turkish relations, might have a risk of paving the way mitments under the deal. quences for Turkey’s overall poli- vance in Khan Sheikhoun, a town said Ankara might be forced to give to a far-reaching Washington-de- cies in Syria, which rely heavily on in rebel hands since 2014 and which up at least one of its positions in signed and -mediated and an Anka- Thomas Seibert is an Arab Weekly consent by Russia, the main foreign was bombed with sarin gas in 2017. Idlib, despite Ankara’s insistence ra-approved Kurdish autonomy in correspondent. player in the conflict. Observers said Syrian government forces cap- that it will not do so. Has pointed Syria” in the long run, Has wrote. P2,7 2 August 25, 2019 Cover Story Syria Foreign influence sinks rebels’ morale to its lowest in Idlib

Kyle Orton Hama front has begun to break their way. There was never doubt that As- London sad and Iran regard the recapture of Idlib — and every other inch of yrian President Bashar As- Syrian territory — as an existen- sad’s regime, supported by tial security issue and would only Russia and, in a more deni- allow the area to remain outside S able form, Iran, began an of its control for as long as it was offensive against the last insur- forcibly prevented from doing oth- gent-held enclave in Syria, Idlib, erwise. in late April. Until a month ago, Likewise, there was no doubt this looked like an embarrassing that, when the moment came for fiasco: with a minimal increase in the Assad/Iran system to make its Turkish support to its rebel prox- move on Idlib, it would be assisted ies, pro-Assad forces gained about by Vladimir Putin’s Russia. What- 1% of the southern part of “Greater ever daylight there is between Idlib.” Moscow and Tehran over Syria, it In the last fortnight, however, will never amount to an exploitable the pro-Assad coalition has made schism. That the Russia-Iran stra- important breakthroughs that tegic relationship has been misread could prove decisive. by the United States, and — The Assad regime declared a most important in this case — Tur- ceasefire in Idlib on August 1 but key remains one of the enduring it was quickly clear this was mean- mysteries of the Syrian war. ingless and the regime openly re- Turkey arranged an Idlib cease- pudiated the ceasefire within four fire with Russia in September 2018 days. Savage aerial attacks recom- that was welcomed internationally menced on rebel bastions includ- as a reprieve. It was a poisoned of- ing Kafr Zayta, Latamina and Khan fering. On its own terms, the ac- Sheikhoun, the latter a key focus cord put the initiative in the hands of the offensive from pro-Assad of the pro-Assad forces. By laying forces that tried to besiege north- the emphasis on the terrorism is- ern Hama. sue related to HTS and condition- ing the truce on Ankara disman- tling HTS, which the Turks could There was no doubt that, not do and which would only have when the moment came for smoothed the way for the pro- the Assad/Iran system to Assad offensive had it succeeded, make its move on Idlib, it it left the Russians with a stand- War of attrition. A rebel fighter stands near the remains of a downed regime warplane near the would be assisted by ing pretext. This dynamic has now jihadist-held town of Khan Sheikhoun in southern Idlib, August 14. (AFP) Vladimir Putin’s Russia. played out. When Putin met with French At the other end of the Idlib President Emmanuel Macron on and Russia based on “trust.” houn, severing the northern Hama Accusations of treachery are be- pocket, near Kabani, administra- August 19, the Russian president The final hurdle was Turkey. In portion of “Greater Idlib” and be- ginning to be exchanged between tively part of Latakia governorate, was able to, in effect, say he was May 2018, Ankara completed its sieging a pocket that included a insurgents, a tell-tale sign of an the pro-Assad coalition attacked, respecting Macron’s call for imple- 12th and final observation post in Turkish observation post at Morek. impending loss when factions try clearly to stretch insurgent capac- menting the Sochi agreement by Idlib. Those positions were under- Any deterrent effect the Turkish ob- to pre-emptively assign blame. ity. not preventing the Assad offensive stood to be political tripwires that servation posts had evaporated if The sheer scale of the casualties Though thousands of people that was going to “end these ter- were essentially militarily indefen- Ankara’s reaction to this aggression inflicted by the pro-Assad coali- were displaced by indiscriminate rorist threats.” sible. The thinking went that Mos- is anything but escalatory force — tion’s increased use of indiscrimi- Assad regime and Russian air Sochi “never said that in Idlib cow would prevent the pro-Assad and there is no indication Turkey is nate air power has done much to strikes, insurgent coordination — terrorists would feel comfortable,” coalition attacking Turkish posi- thinking in such terms. To the con- bring this about but recent events between the Turkish-supported Putin added. tions because it wanted to keep its trary, it seems likely that Turkey are only part of the story. The at- mainstream rebels and the jihad- It is little wonder Putin felt free to entente with Turkey so it could con- will opt for an evacuation, possibly trition and demoralisation as the ists of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) humiliate Macron in his own coun- tinue to sow divisions in NATO and arranged through the Russians. revolution realised its defeat and — remained relatively solid. try given his generally cringing Turkey could escalate if challenged. Any Turkish deal with Moscow its remnants came under foreign Other Turkish proxies from Efrin tone and approach. After all, Putin The first assumption was deeply to recover its own people would influence are trends that hollowed entered Idlib to fortify insurgent brazenly interfered in France’s de- flawed and it was up to Turkey to mean even further concessions to out Idlib’s defences long ago. lines, a proposal that HTS had mocracy to try to prevent Macron demonstrate the second when it be paid by Ankara’s rebel allies and previously vetoed. The pro-Assad being elected and here Macron was was tested. This did not happen. this would compound a situation Kyle Orton is a forces are struggling to make head- offering a “multilateral… architec- By August 22, the pro-Assad coa- in which there is every indication analyst. Follow him on : way on the Kabani front but the ture” between the European Union lition had captured Khan Sheik- that rebel morale is breaking. @KyleWOrton. Viewpoint Turkish intervention in Idlib may never come

he targeting of a Turk- towns — Kobane, Ras al-Ayn and lation that, this time around, a up to 20km away from the Turk- ish convoy deep within Tel Rifaat — in the northern Aleppo backchannel agreement had been ish border but not to end their Syrian territory raised countryside, in which he claimed reached between him and the Rus- military presence altogether nor Sami Moubayed tensions in the Middle Kurdish militia leaders were hiding sians or that something went hor- to relinquish their arms. Instead East to unprecedented since fleeing Afrin last year. Rather ribly wrong between him and the of a safe zone, the Americans were levels, coming at the than send reinforcements to Idlib, United States, pushing him further using a new term, called “military Theels of what appeared to be a Erdogan withdrew his best men into the lap of Russian President arrangements” between the Turk- final push to retake the north- to the Aleppo countryside, seeing Vladimir Putin. ish and US armies, also adding to western city of Idlib by the Russian that they were more needed now After a stormy phone call be- Erdogan’s anger. and Syrian armies. in his battle against the Kurds. tween Erdogan and US President Joint American-Turkish patrols, The convoy was heading to- Hoping to get one or all three Donald Trump in mid-August, they insisted, were intended to wards Idlib to protect one of 12 Kurdish cities from the Russians, it quickly became clear that the keep an eye on any Islamist re- Turkish checkpoints, rather than Erdogan initially did not object to latter was the case. Contrary to emergence, rather to clean the to confront both armies. Those the Idlib operation, only making earlier promises, Erdogan had area from Kurdish presence. The checkpoints were erected in 2018 sure that it targeted none of his been told that the Trump adminis- Syrian Democratic Forces and the via the Astana peace process, after checkpoints or any of the fighters tration had no intention of grant- People’s Protection Units were red all, and signed off by the two co- on his payroll in the National Front ing him a full-fledge safe zone in lines that Erdogan could not cross, guarantors, being Russia and Iran. for Liberation, a loose coalition of north-eastern Syria or of giving added the Americans forcefully. The incident raised false hope pro-Turkish Syrian military groups. him a green light to come after With little surprise, Erdogan for the Syrian armed opposition, Erdogan had done it before, Kurdish separatists, funded and silently walked away from the who wrongly believed that the when he turned a blind eye to the armed by the United States. American offer, right back into the Turkish Army was marching into retaking of eastern Aleppo in 2016 The Turkish president had open arms of his Russian counter- Syria to protect it from a massive in exchange for letting him march explicitly requested a safe zone part. That might explain why the military assault by the Syrian and on Jarabulus, al-Bab and Azaz and stretching across 460km, from bombing of the Turkish convoy Russian armies. On August 19, then again in 2018 when he aban- Jarabulus on the Syrian-Turkish amounted to nothing and why no the day of the convoy attack, the doned his proxies in East Ghouta border, to Faysh Khabour, an As- Turkish reinforcements were sent opposition lost the strategic city of in exchange for a green light to syrian town on the Tigris River in to the armed opposition in Idlib. Khan Sheikhoun in the southern march on the Kurds of Afrin, west Iraq. Erdogan had envisioned a More will come out of this no suburb of Idlib province, which it of the Euphrates River. depth of no less than 32km for his doubt, when Erdogan and Putin had held since 2015. This time, however, the territo- safe zone, enabling him to carve meet in Ankara on September 11, Russia and Turkey declared Idlib rial swap did not happen, infuriat- out an area free of any Kurdish with Iranian President Hassan More will come out of a demilitarised zone last year, ing the Turkish president, who military presence, where he could Rohani, and paying the high price giving Turkish President Recep responded by sending reinforce- repopulate Syrian refugees living will be the armed men of Idlib, this when Erdogan Tayyip Erdogan the right to go ments to the rebels of Idlib in early in Turkey since 2011. The United who are waiting for a Turkish and Putin meet in after militants from Hayat Tahrir June, hampering the government States said it would accept a safe intervention to save them — an al-Sham and push them out of the troop advance and greatly delay- zone 14-15km in depth, spreading intervention, it seems, that won’t Ankara on September province by mid-October 2018. ing a Russian victory. across no more than 80-100km in be coming anytime soon. 11 and paying the high Erdogan missed that deadline, A ceasefire collapsed in early length, between Ras al-Ayn and price will be the however — and all its extensions — August and operations resumed Tab Abyad. Sami Moubayed is a Syrian his- showing more interest in regain- in Idlib. Erdogan was surprisingly The Americans were ready to torian and author of “Under the armed men of Idlib. ing three strategic Kurdish-held silent once again, raising specu- ask the Kurds to retreat inward, Black Flag” (IB Tauris, 2015). August 25, 2019 3 Debate Lebanon Why the US decided that Lebanon’s affairs are its business

News of the sudden reconcili- ation arranged by Baabda Palace between Druze leaders Walid Mohamad Kawas Jumblatt and Talal Arslan suggest that its details were cooked up in- ternally and drafted by Berri with S Secretary of State Hezbollah’s full blessing and that Mike Pompeo was in pushing for that reconciliation did Lebanon last March not really need the US Embassy’s and — right there in statement after the Qabrshmoun the heart of Beirut — incident June 30. accused Hezbollah of Thus, through its embassy state- Uterrorism. Speaker of the Leba- ment, Washington notified those nese parliament Nabih Berri and concerned that the United States’ Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran behaviour was about to change Bassil quickly denied Pompeo’s and become clearer, more vibrant accusations, saying Hezbollah is a and perhaps less diplomatic than Lebanese political party and part of before. It looked like Beirut had the country’s political scene. recaptured its role as one of the Baabda Palace issued a statement major capitals on the US map saying Lebanese President Michel for the region. It also looked like Aoun told Pompeo that Hezbollah Washington’s approach to many of was a Lebanese party with a popu- the files in the region requires that lar base that represented one of the Lebanon take positions that country’s main communities. are consistent with US strategic Pompeo recently repeated directions in the Middle East. his accusations while Thus, the position of receiving Lebanese US President Donald Prime Minister Saad Trump’s adminis- Hariri. Pompeo said It has become tration towards Lebanon was “a obvious that building Lebanon takes a country threat- the largest US Embassy 180-degree turn ened by Iran and in the Middle East in from his prede- Sudden interest. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (L) shakes hands with Lebanese Foreign Hezbollah.” Beirut places Lebanon cessor Barack Minister Gebran Bassil after a public statement in Beirut, last March. (AP) This time, plat- within the vital US Obama’s approach forms loyal to and sphere in the region. to the Lebanese a strategic priority, rather than a confirm its presence in Beirut and sphere in the region. allied with Hezbol- situation. formal diplomatic effort. it would be a substantial one. Hez- Speaking in Washington about lah in Lebanon did In the past, Wash- For the United States, however, bollah, of course, condemned the the need to control the crossings not immediately react, ington was indifferent the settlement of the Lebanese-Is- statement as blatant US interfer- and block illegal inlets on all of allowing Hariri’s silence to the risk of having Beirut raeli border dispute is also linked ence in Lebanon’s affairs. Lebanon’s borders aims at raising on Washington’s accusations fall onto the list of Arab capitals to reviving the energy delibera- However, this statement, along ramparts around the country to reflect the position of the that Iran is boasting to have con- tions in the Eastern Mediterrane- with the international protection to protect it from Iran’s plans in Lebanese government. Hariri trol over but now Washington is an. Thus, Washington has a vested it provided to Jumblatt and in Syria and protect it from what the concluded that “we cannot change directly concerned with a series of interest in cooling off the dispute addition to Washington’s asser- international plans for Syria might the US administration’s position on files that Pompeo released in his that threatens prospecting in the tion of its continued support for bring, especially having it remain sanctions against Hezbollah but we talks with Hariri. two countries’ fields and those Lebanese institutions, its contin- in the Russian sphere. are working to spare Lebanon any The United States is working to shared with Cyprus as well. ued mediation to end the border So, considering the absence of consequences.” mediate an end to the land and If Washington solves Lebanon’s dispute and to the possibility of a Russian and a Chinese position, Beirut speaks more frequently sea border dispute between Leba- problem, that would pave the way extending US sanctions to certain expect new decisions by Washing- than Washington about upcoming non and Israel. The United States for key international players in the Lebanese non-Shia figures allied ton targeting the Lebanese cover US sanctions that will target some says that an agreement on this energy field to invest in the area, with Hezbollah, can only be con- for what is an Iranian party in Lebanese who are Hezbollah’s allies issue would remove border ten- something Moscow likes and that sidered an official announcement Lebanon and that will set a bound- and some from outside the Shia sions that have a justification for is why it supported the US efforts by the US administration that ary between what is Lebanese and community. Hezbollah to retain its weapons. from behind the scenes. Washington has decided to openly what is Iranian in the country. Similarly, pundits from Beirut, For Pompeo, Hezbollah’s weapons Washington is placing Lebanon interfere in Lebanese affairs. Hariri himself said the matter was not Washington, first suggested are Iran’s and they are a threat to in the centre of the US-Iranian It has become obvious that being debated in the US Congress. that Aoun, Berri and Bassil were go- Israel. Thus, the administration’s conflict. The August 7 statement building the largest US Embassy ing to be placed on the US sanctions unabashed endeavour to protect by the US Embassy implied that in the Middle East in Beirut Mohamad Kawas is a Lebanese lists. Israel considers such a settlement the United States would work to places Lebanon within the vital US writer. Something is rotten in the state of Lebanon

Lebanon’s cabinet, then led by electricity shortage. However, Tammam Salam, promised to de- predictably, Hariri’s cabinet is vise a national waste management adopting only half-baked meas- strategy that would transition ures while burdening Lebanese Makram Rabah the country to modern recycling taxpayers with masterplans that techniques incorporating waste- are doomed to fail. ddressing a worsening to-energy solutions. Three years For now, Lebanon’s waste crisis garbage crisis, Leba- later, the government has made is limited to its northern district nese Prime Minister no progress in implementing this but it will eventually extend all Saad Hariri lambasted strategy, still using three major across the country. When that the country’s Chris- landfills, which are quickly reach- happens, Hariri’s government will tian and Muslim ing capacity, to dispose of the surely use the crisis to force the communitiesA for blaming each country’s waste. public’s hand. Lebanese will face other rather than helping forge a A major obstacle to implement- the stark choice of either living solution. ing waste-to-energy solutions, in the midst of garbage-infested “The problem is that the Mus- namely incinerators, is public streets or supporting any govern- lims do not accept the garbage of health concerns. If not managed ment-backed solution, however the Christians and the Christians appropriately, clinical waste incin- irrational. do the same and what is hap- erators can be toxic and carcino- The issue drives home the point pening is nothing short of a genic, so many Lebanese have that Lebanon is going through a pandemic,” said Hariri. taken a “not in my back- government breakdown. Not only With these gloomy yard” attitude to them. is the economy threatened by US and nauseating This is only natural. sanctions targeting Hezbollah, but, words, Hariri The public’s under- more important, it is at the mercy summed up the For now, Lebanon’s standable distrust of the corrupt political class’s country’s mental- waste crisis is limited of a government unquenchable appetite. Hoping for ity on its garbage to its northern district that has proven to this situation to change on its own crisis. Lebanon but it will eventually be incompetent is no more logical than hoping for threatens to be extend all across the and unreliable the devil to repent. swept up in its leads them to be More than likely, it will only second waste crisis country. sceptical of assur- get worse. The streets of Lebanon in three years, one ances that incinera- will soon reek of garbage and the that will solidify its tors will be maintained Stubborn problem. Workers are seen at a waste treatment plant people will take to social media to reputation as a political in accordance with inter- east of Beirut. (AFP) express their outrage, which will and literal wasteland. national health standards. soon peter out. Hariri’s diagnosis of Leba- The Lebanese are not mere vic- The reality, however, will stay non’s waste management woes tims. They are also culprits in the recycling rate, at par with some of well-being of humans and animals the same: that there is something is deceptive and sinister, a clear country’s waste problem, largely the most underdeveloped nations alike.” rotten in the state of Lebanon — effort to exonerate himself and the refusing to join the civilised world in the world. The most unnerving part of and it is not only the garbage. rest of the political class from the in recycling or reducing unneces- Lebanese law and culture pro- Lebanon’s waste crisis is that, if root of the problem. sary waste. mote the use of plastic products, taken seriously, it could not only Makram Rabah is a lecturer at Lebanon’s first garbage cri- Despite many local initiatives, while even groups such as al- be remedied but capitalised on. the American University of Beirut sis was in the summer of 2015, the Lebanese have yet to adopt Shabaab, a Somali terror organi- Indeed, proper implementation and author of “A Campus at War: prompting nationwide protests recycling as a way of life. The sation, have banned the product of waste-to-energy projects could Student Politics at the American under the slogan “You stink.” country has an embarrassing 8% for being “a serious threat to the help Lebanon solve its chronic University of Beirut, 1967-1975.” 4 August 25, 2019 News & Analysis Gulf Yemen India-Pakistan tensions could be a worry for Gulf countries

Sabahat Khan ongoing India-Pakistan tensions is more troubling than usual. India announced it is abandoning its “not first use” doctrine regarding nuclear weapons in a pointed warn- ensions between India and ing to Pakistan and a major redirec- Pakistan have escalated tion of its military strategy. dramatically since Indian Earlier this year, the Indian Air T Prime Minister Narendra Force, in response to a terrorist at- Modi’s government revoked Article tack on an Indian military convoy in 370, which had guaranteed “special Kashmir’s Pulwama district, crossed status” for the disputed Himalayan into Pakistan for a dangerous “sur- region of Kashmir since 1954. gical strike” on what it said was a India-administered Kashmir, training camp for militants. Pakistan formerly a princely state with an conducted counterstrikes against overwhelming Muslim majority, Indian targets before downing two has been disputed by the nuclear- fighter aircraft and capturing a pilot. armed rivals since the partition of Since then, India and Pakistan have British India in 1947 along religious effectively been on a war-footing lines. India and Pakistan have been and their militaries on high alert. to war with each other over Kashmir Kashmir has witnessed seething Hopes for de-escalation. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan (L) welcomes Saudi Crown Prince twice before, in 1947 and 1965, but resentment for years. Despite a fo- Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the Prime Minister’s House, last February. (DPA) their heavily manned borders are cus on infrastructure development rarely if ever peaceful, even in times by New Delhi for Kashmir, there is of relative quiet. rising frustration to its overarching gress — the party of Mahatma Gan- to South Asia’s latest instability. Af- India and Pakistan. Political risks political strategy. dhi, India’s founding father. ghanistan’s budding peace process, that arise because of ideologically The past few years have seen Critics see revocation of Article in which India and Pakistan have driven politics, whether in India or If the course of events Kashmir’s elected representatives 370 as a mechanism to alter the de- been involved in a low-level proxy Pakistan, are undesirable for the leads to a seriously and civil society sidelined as direct mographics of Kashmir because it war, could be endangered. Regional global investment community at deteriorating situation, rule from New Delhi was imposed. would allow Indian nationals to pur- trade and logistics will also suffer as large and could set the wider neigh- including conflict between Protests and riots by Kashmiris in- chase real estate in Kashmir. With Pakistan closes its borders to Indian bourhood onto a dangerous track. India and Pakistan, the tensified and young Kashmiris have elected Kashmiri representatives goods and services, including the Successful dispute resolution fallout for the Arab Gulf, been left increasingly disenfran- hitherto recognised by New Delhi trade corridor for Indian goods des- between India and Pakistan would like all other long-term chised. Even Kashmiri politicians removed from political discourse tined for Afghanistan and Central unlock huge trade potential trans- traditionally viewed as having a tilt and debate, this is a move fraught Asia as well as overflight permission regionally, from which the Arab stakeholders, would be towards New Delhi are under house with high risks. for India-bound aviation traffic. Gulf is well-placed to benefit. Short significant. arrest. India and Pakistan, which both For the Arab Gulf, an economi- of that, if the course of events leads Ending Kashmir’s “special sta- recognise Kashmir as a bilateral cally resurgent India is an impor- to a seriously deteriorating situ- Despite both India and Pakistan tus,” which guaranteed the region dispute, have agreements in place tant strategic partner for the future ation, including conflict between becoming nuclear weapons states in autonomy until a final settlement against unilateral attempts to whereas with Pakistan there is a India and Pakistan, which have a 1998, the scenario of a catastrophic is reached, was a move by the Modi change the status quo of the region. strong historical legacy of close ties. combined population of more than clash between the neighbours has government to appease its hardened If revoking Article 370 leads to more Both India and Pakistan are amid 1.5 billion, the fallout for the Arab not dissipated. Kashmir, said to be right-wing support base and to show tensions and violence not only be- record-breaking, multibillion-dollar Gulf, like all other long-term stake- the world’s most militarised zone, its strength after a resounding re- tween Kashmiris and Indian forces investments from the Arab Gulf, holders, would be significant. has been in lockdown since Modi’s election. However, the move came but also between Pakistan and India particularly Saudi Arabia and the move as a communications black- against unanimous resistance from as some anticipate, then it repre- United Arab Emirates. Sabahat Khan, based in Dubai, out and emergency curfew is en- Kashmiri political groups as well as sents a regressive development for The Arab Gulf’s strategic outlook maintains a cross-disciplinary forced by New Delhi. India’s mainstream political parties, regional peace efforts. for South Asia places a premium on focus in international security, The geopolitical context to the including the Indian National Con- There are regional implications stability both within and between defence policy and strategic issues. Viewpoint Appointment of Houthi ambassador to Iran is bad news for Yemen

he appointment of British ambassador and associates Ibrahim Mohamed of the Saudi-backed President Abd al-Dailami as Houthi Rabbo Mansour Hadi accuse Iran of Ali Alfoneh “ambassador extraor- the same by recognising the Houthi dinary and plenipo- government. tentiary” to Tehran The Emirati-backed southern Thas predictably provoked strong separatists, currently in control of reactions in the Middle East and Aden, constitute a separate entity, elsewhere but neither the whose relations with the Hadi Houthis nor the regime in Tehran supporters and the Houthis are yet appear particularly concerned to be determined. about international condemna- Amid Yemen’s chaos, the Houthis tions. no longer appear so concerned The question is who will benefit about being depicted as an Iranian most from the symbolic gesture: proxy. As long as diplomatic, the Houthis, who try to appear as financial and military support from independent from foreign powers, Tehran can help them fight their or Iran, which just as consistently adversaries and stabilise Houthi boasts of its regional influence rule over some parts of Yemeni through proxies? Just as important: Clear as day. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (R) territory, they appear willing to run How is Iran’s formal recognition of meets with Mohammed Abdul-Salam, spokesman for Yemen’s the risk of association with Tehran. the Houthi “government” likely to Houthi rebels, in Tehran, August 13. (AFP) Same goes for Tehran, which affect the fractured Yemeni state? opportunistically endorsed and The appointment of a Houthi Houthi, the rebels’ leader, delivered “This person [Dailami] has no supported the Houthis as they “ambassador” was preceded by a speech in which he declared his official position — we will not meet waged a low-cost but high-yield years of stealth Iranian military, intention to engage in diplomatic him.” proxy war against Saudi Arabia economic and diplomatic support efforts and reach out to “friendly Dailami tweeted in response: and the United Arab Emirates. By to the Houthis. Relations between countries, in particular, the Islamic “Michael Aron, UK ambassador to formally recognising the Houthi Tehran Tehran and the Houthis reached a Republic of Iran.” the ‘hotel cabinet’ appears afflicted government, the Iranian leadership high point August 13 when Iranian The next day, he appointed with political Alzheimer’s. Being believes it can place itself at the opportunistically Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei Dailami “ambassador” to Tehran outside of Yemen for long, he has heart of the conflict and a key to endorsed and received an official Houthi and the Iranian Foreign Ministry forgotten the alphabet of political solve a crisis it has hitherto taken delegation in Tehran. recognised the appointment. and diplomatic norms… Meeting advantage of. supported the Condemning what he described Previously, the Houthis were you does not honour us.” This is bad news for Yemen, Houthis as they wage as the “crimes committed by the officially represented in Damascus. While such exchanges have which may once again be separated a low-cost but high- Saudis and the Emiratis in Yemen,” In his first move, Dailami created become normal in the age of into several political entities but Khamenei warned: “They are a Twitter account. As his first Twitter diplomacy of US President that may not bring about peace to yield proxy war pursuing the goal of dismembering “diplomatic” initiative, he started Donald Trump, they indicate the the hard-tried Yemenis. against Saudi Arabia Yemen. One must forcefully resist a not-so-diplomatic social media sensitive nature of the matter: Just this conspiracy and defend the fight with British Ambassador to as Khamenei accuses Saudi Arabia Ali Alfoneh is a senior fellow at and the United Arab territorial integrity of Yemen.” Yemen Michael Aron, who, on and the United Arab Emirates of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Emirates. On August 17, Abdulmalik al- August 19, declared on Twitter: trying to dismember Yemen, the Washington. August 25, 2019 5 News & Analysis Iraq Israel’s involvement in Iraq raids risks inflaming regional tensions

The Arab Weekly staff Brigades, an Iran-backed militia. In a statement, it said it held the United States responsible for the London strikes and said any additional at- tacks would be met with a harsh n a development that could fur- response. ther fuel tensions in Iraq and “Be sure that if the confrontation thrust the country into a wider between us starts, it will only end I regional confrontation, Israel with your removal from the region was suspected of attacking Iran- once and for all,” it said. backed militia depots in Iraq. The United States maintains 5,000 Experts said there are mounting troops in Iraq and some groups such risks of a showdown pitting Israel as the Hezbollah Brigades want and the United States against Iran them to leave. On the other hand, and its proxies across the Middle Iran wields powerful influence in East after US officials confirmed Iraq through its support of the mi- that Israel was responsible for the litias, which are sanctioned by the bombing of a suspected Iranian Iraqi government and were a major weapons depot in Iraq in July. force in the fight against the Islamic The attack marked a significant State (ISIS). escalation in Israel’s years-long The PMF is officially an arm of the campaign against what it sees as Iraqi security forces but a handful Iranian military assets in the region. operate semi-independently and The confirmation came after Is- several have strong ties to Iran. raeli Prime Minister Binyamin Ne- The militias began as informal tanyahu strongly hinted that Israel volunteer forces in 2014 to help de- was behind recent raids against bas- fend the country against ISIS and es and munition depots belonging are credited with helping defeat the to Iran-backed paramilitary forces group. Since then, militias with the operating in Iraq. closest ties to Iran have been con- The attacks have not been sidered Iranian proxies whose in- claimed by any side and left Iraqi terests align with their sponsors in Facing complex choice. A member of the paramilitary Popular Mobilisation Forces explains how to officials scrambling for a response Tehran rather than the Iraqi govern- use weapons to new recruits in Basra, August 4. () amid speculation that Israel may ment. Some of their leaders are on have been behind them. the US terrorism list. The deputy head of the Iraqi Shia Israeli officials said they have be- out an air raid on an Iranian weap- There had been speculation in tack, believed to be the first Israeli militias, known collectively as the come a conduit for Iran’s transit of ons depot in July that killed two Israel that the army was attack- bombing in Iraq in nearly four dec- Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), weapons to militias in Syria and to Iranian military commanders. The ing targets in Iraq. In an interview ades, represents an expansion of said Israeli unmanned aerial vehi- Lebanon-based Hezbollah. Iran has US officials spoke on condition of August 22 with a Russian-language the military campaign Israel has cles had been used in the attacks become a critical partner for the anonymity because they were not TV station, Netanyahu indicated carried out against Iranian targets but ultimately blamed Washington Syrian government, which has al- authorised to discuss the matter the speculation was accurate. in Syria. and threatened strong retaliation lowed it to build a substantial mili- with the media. “I don’t give Iran immunity any- It also steps up Israel’s campaign for any future attack. tary infrastructure there, which Is- The July 19 attack struck a militia where,” he said, accusing the Ira- against Iranian military involve- Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri rael has repeatedly attacked. base in Amirli, in Iraq’s northern nians of trying to establish bases ment across the region. al-Maliki, known for his strong alle- Iraq, where multiple foreign forc- Saladin province, causing a huge “against us everywhere,” including Israel has acknowledged hun- giance to Iran, warned of a “strong es are fighting ISIS, has made it clear explosion and fire. A senior official Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq. dreds of raids on Iranian targets in response” if it was proven that Is- it wants no part of the fight in Syria. with the Shia militias at the time Asked whether that means Is- neighbouring Syria, primarily hit- rael was behind the air strikes. Iraq is a close ally of Iran but Iraqi told the Associated Press that the rael was operating in Iraq, Netan- ting arms shipments believed to be In a statement August 23, Maliki officials are concerned about being base hit housed advisers from Iran yahu said: “We act in many arenas destined for Iran’s Hezbollah allies. said that, if Israel continues to tar- used by Tehran or by Washington, and Lebanon. against a country that desires to Israel considers Iran to be its get Iraq, the country “will trans- which is trying to punish Iran for On August 12, an explosion at annihilate us. Of course, I gave the greatest enemy and has repeatedly form into a battle arena that drags in its military activities in the Middle Al-Saqr military base shook nearby security forces a free hand and the promised that it would not allow multiple countries, including Iran.” East. Baghdad and killed one civilian. instruction to do what is needed to the Iranians, who are support- The comments by Maliki, who There were at least three explo- The base housed a weapons depot thwart these plans of Iran.” ing the forces of Syrian President was prime minister for eight years sions in July at Iraqi Shia militia bas- for the Iraqi federal police and the The New York Times, citing Is- Bashar Assad, to establish a per- and now heads a Shia bloc in par- es. US officials confirmed Israel was PMF. The most recent explosion raeli and US officials, reported that manent military presence in Syria. liament, followed fiery threats to responsible for at least one of them. was August 20 at a munitions depot Israel bombed an Iranian weap- the United States by the Hezbollah Two US officials said Israel carried north of Baghdad. ons depot in Iraq in July. The at- (With news agencies)

Viewpoint Iran’s battle in Iraq

is evolving in favour of Iran. The A few months ago, there were the Iraqi prime minister reflects victorious from those elections Iraqi government is providing an signs of an Iraqi rejection of Iranian a desire to consider the interests but there is no concrete translation Khairallah official cover for the militias of the hegemony. There are still, deep and wishes of Iran and its Iraqi of that victory. There is only Khairallah Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF). in Iraqi society, including Shia tools, especially the PMF. Will an Iranian victory after Tehran Regardless of whether the blast at circles, signs of total rejection of there be an American reaction prevented Haider al-Abadi from Al-Sagr was caused by overheating Iranian colonialism but what is to this or shall we consider the forming a new government and he United States has of poorly stored missiles and clearly transpiring now is that time Trump administration not much imposed its own alternative, Abdul- two predicaments: one ammunition or by an Israeli or US is working for Iran, whose regime different from Barack Obama’s in Mahdi, on the Iraqi people. in Afghanistan and strike, it has become increasingly is fighting a life-or-death battle in that they both would ignore Iraq’s The Trump administration has an another in Iraq. The difficult to distinguish between the Iraq. importance to Iran? opportunity to show it is different Trump administration official institutions of the Iraqi state At least two things have been from Obama’s. The place to show has had no choice but and the PMF. confirmed by Iranian actions in it is in Iraq, where Iran is in a big Tto negotiate with the Taliban to Little by little, the regime in Iraq: the depth of the Iranian battle. limit its losses in Afghanistan. As Iraq is becoming like the Islamic penetration into institutions of the Who is going to win in What cannot be ignored is that for Iraq, Washington is increas- Republic founded by Ayatollah Iraqi state and the lack of immunity Iraq? Iraq faces three the Iranian expansion project had ingly discovering that Iran has Ruhollah Khomeini. At the base of against Iranian ambitions by Iraqi a new start from Iraq after 2003. penetrated Iraq far deeper and this Iranian regime, one finds the Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi. options: to be an Iraqi Certainly, Iran’s proxies in Syria, wider than previously thought Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, We are witnessing some sort of Iraq, an Iranian Iraq or Lebanon and Yemen cannot be and that the Iraqi social fabric whose counterpart in Iraq would be American perplexity about what an American Iraq. ignored but what must be kept in that is resisting Iranian colonial- the PMF. These are simply militias to do in Iraq. The US sanctions mind above all is that Iraq is vital ism is losing to Iran-sponsored affiliated with pro-Iranian Iraqi against Iran are bearing fruit but for Iran, especially now that it has sectarian militias — the same parties. what cannot be ignored is that Iraq Iran has adopted an offensive been proven that it is Tehran’s militias whose leaders entered Most of the militias participated has become the needed extra lung policy in Iraq and the US spare lung. Baghdad in 2003 on the back of an in the 8-year Iraq-Iran war on the for Iran, allowing Tehran to resist administration does not have a The Trump administration American tank. Iranian side. They are Iraqis who being suffocated by the sanctions. well-defined Iraqi policy. If it had possesses an integrated vision of Who is going to win in Iraq? Iraq had fought against their country The latest evidence for that one, it wouldn’t have let the Kurds the Iranian role in the region and faces three options: to be an Iraqi and that is exactly what seems to be development is the decision to down when they defied the Iraqi the threat it poses. What is it going Iraq, an Iranian Iraq or an American required of every Iraqi citizen these ban all non-Iraqi flights in Iraqi government with a referendum to do about it? Iraq. The United States, which has a days — to place his or her sectarian airspace announced by the Iraqi on the independence of Iraqi There is a need for a clear vested regional interest in Iraq, had affiliation above everything else to government through the so-called Kurdistan in September 2017. That American policy in Iraq, away from thought that the mere overthrow serve the Iranian expansion project Joint Operations Command, which was just two years ago. To this day, all the excuses. There is hope in the of Saddam Hussein’s regime in in all its dimensions. met two days after the explosion at the Kurds suffer the consequences fact that the Iraqi government still 2003 would lead to a democratic Sixteen years after invading Iraq, Al-Sagr under the chairmanship of of the misalignment between their carries the desire to fix whatever pluralistic regime in Iraq that would the United States is reaping what Abdul-Mahdi. agenda and that of the United can be fixed in terms of its Arab serve as a model for other countries it sowed. It is reaping the presence The decision is directed at the States, which ultimately served relations, especially with the Gulf in the region. of Kata’ib Jund al-Imam and of the US administration, which the Iraqi Iranian interests. countries. The explosion August 12 at Al- Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhad in Al-Sagr, government fears is behind the A year and a half ago, legislative Sagr military base south of Baghdad a camp that is supposed to belong strike at Al-Sagr. What is certain, elections took place in Iraq. Khairallah Khairallah is a Lebanese revealed that the situation in Iraq to the Iraqi Interior Ministry. however, is that the position of Muqtada al-Sadr emerged writer. 6 August 25, 2019 Opinion

Editorial The stakes for Tunisia and the Arab world in the disinformation debate are high

unisian elections are shedding interest- ing light on the uses and abuses of social media in the treatment of political issues, especially in electoral contexts. All over social media, the unfettered Tdiscussion of contentious issues within the election context is giving way to controversial allegations, unsubstantiated rumours and accusations of inaccurate and misleading state- ments. The use of sponsored posts on Facebook has drawn the scrutiny of the Tunisian Independent High Authority for Elections, which wants to know if such posts violate the country’s electoral regulations, including the strict ban on foreign campaign financing. The issue of foreign interference in Tunisia’s social media arose last May when Facebook announced that it closed Facebook and Instagram accounts aimed at influencing public opinion and elections in several countries, including Tunisia. Fake pages were managed by the Archimedes Group, a Tel Aviv-based international lobbying firm, which boasts of an ability to “change reality” and of “winning campaigns worldwide.” © Yaser Ahmed for The Arab Weekly Among the pages dedicated to Tunisia, one was titled, ironically, “Stop Disinformation and Lies in Tunisia.” It would take a miracle Concern is rising in Tunisia over the confusion of the public as it deals with a relentless flow of unchecked allegations and blatant fabrications. One of the leading news websites in Tunisia said it to restore Yemen’s unity would dedicate a special page to the checking of information. It is the first Tunisian news outlet to join the Khairallah Khairallah International Fact-Checking Network, which advocates for “nonpartisan and transparent The more you get to know Yemen, the more fact-checking” as “a powerful instrument of you discover how ignorant you are about it. accountability journalism.” This is a welcome initiative by media professionals who should exercise their right to vetting information and t is hard to believe connections between Sana’a There are many ensuring its accuracy. that Yemen has lost and Tehran. complicating factors related The debate in Tunisia is and should be of direct It was a strange concern to the Arab world as the region is not any hope of one day to the behaviour and impervious to the swirling currents of disinfor- recovering its unity. If agreement in the absence practices of the “legitimate” mation and incitement that are sweeping the what is required today of Iranian tourists or government in Aden. That global communication landscape. is to end Yemen’s businessmen interested government took its army At the opposite, the Arab public continues to be Itragedy within a reasonable in travelling to Yemen and to Aden and President a target of extremist narratives, conspiracy time period, then what is of Yemenis desiring to go Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi theories and distorted information. needed is to look for to Iran. The only possible started behaving like former The problem is obviously global; so are the another political formula exception was of Yemenis President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s remedies to be considered. The Global Disinformation Index, a nonprofit for the country. who might have needed to officers had. organisation that works on disinformation, which It might be difficult to be trained for combat or There was one small it defines as inaccurate information spread accept but the situation in brainwashed ideologically difference between the “purposefully and/or maliciously,” sees a diver- Yemen is becoming more and religiously. two: Hadi was not willing to sity of actors involved. These include political complex by the day and, How long will the Houthi remain in Aden more than two operators, businesses and states. It said it is wary with these complications, state, which the United or three days a month. these “darkest forces in our society” are deter- there are bound to be more Nations has accepted to Aden is now under the mined “to exploit the openness and connected- ness that the Internet and social media has given poverty, hunger, disease deal with as the counterpart control of the Southern us to spread division, fear and mistrust.” and entirely unschooled of Yemen’s “legitimate” Transitional Council. One “Disinformation has been used as a tool to generations. government, last? thing that must always be weaponise mass influence and disseminate There are complex In Sana’a, the Houthis kept in mind about southern propaganda. It has brought extreme fallout for factors at play in northern seem determined to stay Yemen is that the people of economies, politics and societies around the and central Yemen. In the forever unless a miracle Aden and of the governorates globe,” the index warned. south, one must remember happens to save the city’s of Lahij and Dhale have Social media operators are shouldering part of population from the the burden in addressing the problem but that is that those provinces once always refused to be under not believed to be enough. Last March, Facebook constituted an independent injustice and backwardness the domination of the purged accounts linked to disinformation country that lasted they bring. There is nothing governorates of Abyan and campaigns connected to Iran, Russia, Macedonia for 23 years of internal to indicate that the Houthis Shabwa. and Kosovo. Iran has been caught by many wars, assassinations and are willing to reach an The situation in Yemen investigators researching global social media liquidations. agreement of any kind with cannot be addressed without interference. The complications in the any other party in Yemen, addressing the fact that each In a statement last July, Twitter’s Head of Site north are best illustrated while the Arabian Peninsula Yemeni region is marked by Integrity Yoel Roth said Facebook eliminated “more than 2,800 inauthentic accounts originat- by the Houthi presence countries seem doomed to its own complexities and a ing in Iran.” in Sana’a. What hope can live with an Iranian entity different set of relations with “These accounts employed a range of false anyone expect in a city on Yemeni territory. other regions. personas to target conversations about political ruled by the Houthis, As for Taiz, the capital of For instance, how to and social issues in Iran and globally,” Roth said. sectarian zealots with Yemen’s centre, it suffers a address the issue of a vast In a separate statement, Facebook said it no independent political different plight considering province such as Hadramawt, “removed 51 Facebook accounts, 36 Pages, seven project linked to Yemenis the criminal complicity which has all the geographical Groups and three Instagram accounts involved in coordinated inauthentic behaviour that origi- and their ambitions? between the Houthis and and economic characteristics nated in Iran.” The problem is that there the Muslim Brotherhood in to be an independent state, Disinformation is also big business. The Global is no hope of uprooting Yemen, both determined to let alone the characteristic Disinformation Index said advertising on extrem- the Houthis from Sana’a perpetuate the status quo. nature of its people inside ist and disinformation websites is the source of considering the balance It is no secret that and outside the province? about $235 million of income each year. of power and the United the Yemeni centre is a The situation in And Hadramawt is not a CNN reported: “That means the people behind Nations’ desire to recognise Shafi’i region and that unique case. websites propagating hate or false information Yemen cannot be it is the most densely don’t just have an ideological influence — they them as a political force by addressed without The topic of can also make big money from advertisers.” dint of fait accompli. populated area of ​ addressing the fact that Yemen can be, and Websites in question include major platforms It was a remarkable turn Yemen. There is each Yemeni region is is often, simplified such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube but also of events that the Houthis nothing in Sana’a to marked by its own to the extreme. fringe sites and discussion portals such as 4chan, recently appointed an interest the people Some people say the 8chan and Gab. 8chan was used by white nation- ambassador to Tehran. of Taiz. Why should complexities and a north has nothing alist extremists in the terrorist attack of Christch- What they did after their they be interested in a different set of relations in common with the urch, New Zealand last March or the more recent public visit to the Iranian capital that is no longer with other regions. south and the southern bloody attack in El Paso, Texas. While US and European decision makers and capital was only a sequel to open on all Yemenis mind is quite different legislators discuss initiatives aimed at curtailing what they had started five regardless of their sects or from the northern character. the use by unscrupulous operators and extremists years ago when they seized regions? In the end, the more you get of online platforms to disseminate false claims Sana’a. Let’s put the north and to know Yemen, the more you and hate messages, the Arab world should not be The next day, the Houthis centre aside and ask about discover how ignorant you are far behind. signed an agreement the south and the events about it. Truth and tolerance deserve to be shielded from with Iranian authorities in Aden. The problem in There is indeed a pressing abuse. This imperative does not, however, justify governments’ temptation to over-regulate or in which Iranian airlines Aden is not just that the need to elaborate an adequate unjustifiably restrict the free exchange of ideas. It would ensure 14 weekly “legitimate” government formula for the future of is time for the Arab world to get more actively flights from Tehran to wants to return to the capital a country that can never involved in the debate. Sana’a. Yemen Air would of the south to exercise its recover its unity without a ensure the same number of functions from there. miracle. August 25, 2019 7 Opinion

Syrian regime and its opposition Published by Al Arab are two sides of the same coin Publishing House Baha al-Awam Publisher The regime sold out the country and its people to stay in power. Similarly, the opposition and Group Executive Editor factions cashed in on the revolution, pocketed the money and then fled the country. Haitham El-Zobaidi, PhD

journalist friend not have rebelled against the dared oppose the factions from the outset, more honest Editor-in-Chief from Idlib wrote Assad regime and destroyed was branded a traitor and in their positions than the Oussama Romdhani on Facebook: their lives for the sake of prosecuted on the same opposition supporters and “For several a bunch of mercenaries, charges that Assad levels have not abandoned it. years, civilians opportunists and tyrants. at his opponents. Instead Some say that political and Managing Editor in Idlib have The regime sold out the of liberating Syrians, the religious leaders from both Iman Zayat enduredA the cruelty of country and its people to opposition factions built the regime and the opposition prisons and detention centres certain factions and their stay in power. Similarly, the are less guilty than military Deputy Managing Editor grip on our lives. Even opposition factions cashed in in their areas of control leaders of shedding Syrian and Online Editor authors of posts on social on the revolution, pocketed and exiled and killed many blood. Far from it. The clergy Mamoon Alabbasi media have been persecuted. the money and then fled the innocent people. sold the armed factions in both We are not accusing anyone country. The regime robbed Proof for this is abundant. camps indulgence cheques Senior Editor of treason; we are just the people of all kinds of An exemplary non-exhaustive to atone for their crimes and mentioning facts. He who freedoms in the name of the list would include leaked the politicians are the ones John Hendel has made himself the March Revolution and the recordings of faction leaders who sedated the people with Chief Copy Editor guardian of a people must Corrective Movement. The fighting over aid funds; tranquillising slogans robbing protect them.” opposition factions did the overflowing food warehouses them of their freedom and Richard Pretorius Those words sum up same in areas they seized in Ghouta that the factions turned them into incubators Copy Editors the reality of the Syrian and ruled in the name of the kept for themselves while for terrorism on both sides. opposition, not only in revolution against Assad’s the people starved My friend from Idlib Stephen Quillen Idlib, but anywhere Syrians regime. under the siege of said he who appoints Kyle Arensdorf The regime’s liberated themselves from Before the revolution, no the regime; and himself a guardian of the Assad regime only to Syrian dared criticise the the kidnapping of supporters were, from the people must protect East/West Section Editor the outset, more honest end up under the yoke of Assad regime, which robbed Razan Zeitouna them but the Syrians Mahmud el-Shafey (London) armed factions. They rebelled citizens of their freedom to and her colleagues in their positions than did not revolt against against Syrian President speak under the pretext that for documenting the opposition Assad’s guardianship Gulf Section Editor Bashar Assad’s tyranny only the country was in a state violations made by supporters and have in the hope of replacing Mohammed Alkhereiji to find themselves enslaved of war and that any internal the opposition and not abandoned it. it with that of Tahrir by those factions under the criticism would weaken the the regime. al-Sham leader Abu Society and Travel pretext of hollow slogans such country’s morale and the Just as the regime Mohammad Golani. Sections Editor as “Protecting the Revolution” nation’s resilience against the is subject to the will Anyone thinking that the Samar Kadi or “Revolution Forever” or Israeli occupier. Not only did of those who support it, most Syrians deserve from “Revolution is Life.” Syrians not fight the Israeli the fate of the opposition their revolution is the Syrian The opposition factions did occupier, they were gagged factions is controlled by the National Coalition or al-Nusra Senior Correspondents not offer a better alternative to and shackled by Assad while sponsors behind it, fighting Front must be thinking in the the Assad regime. They were being told he was fighting and surrendering whenever same way as those who believe Lamine Ghanmi () often worse. When one looks colonialism and imperialism. the latter see fit. This is what that the only true leaders the Thomas Seibert (Istanbul) deeper into the situation, Opposition factions did happened in Aleppo and in country has ever given birth one finds that the opposition the same. They also were the governorates of Damascus to are the Assad father and his Regular Columnists and the regime are two sides gagged and shackled under and Daraa and this is what is “cubs.” Rashmee Roshan Lall of the same coin. There is the pretence of the “mother happening today in Idlib. Claude Salhani no difference. If the Syrians of all wars” — the one against It is worth noting that the Baha al-Awam is a Syrian Yavuz Baydar had known this, they would Assad’s regime. Anyone who regime’s supporters were, writer. Correspondents Nazli Tarzi (London) Erdogan’s triple impasse: The US, Russia and the Kurds Saad Guerraoui () Dunia El-Zobaidi (London) Yavuz Baydar Roua Khlifi (Tunis) The removal of mayors, who were elected with more Chief Designer than 53% of the vote, is a blow to the will of the voters. Marwen el-Hmedi

oday one is do not see Erdogan holding hardcore, militarist-nationalist consensus. Designers inclined to talk of a to his commitments and still group with a strong influence With a double impasse Ibrahim Ben Bechir double impasse for favouring regime change in within the Turkish security in Syria, the appointment of Turkey. The Syria with hard-line Sunni apparatus and demands, not a government trustees in three Hanen Jebali massive Syrian fighters in mind. retreat from Syria, but to open major Kurdish municipalities offensive into Idlib Moscow may have calculated direct dialogue with the Assad added more elements to the Tprovince, backed by the that the standoff between regime. social turmoil in Turkey. It Contact editor at: Russian military, begins pitting Ankara and Washington over Divisions in Ankara leave is apparent that the move [email protected] Ankara against Moscow and it the safe zone has made Turkey prospects open for a final was premeditated, aimed may prove the point of those more vulnerable. To gain an showdown over who will rule at weakening the HDP and arguing that the Sochi process upper hand over the future Turkey. Much depends on the alienating some reformist was stillborn from the onset. of Syria, it initiated a final pace of developments in the circles within the CHP. A closure Whatever the case, one point thrust at the heart of Idlib, Syrian theatre. case against HDP is also on the is clear: the last stronghold of disregarding the humanitarian On the surface, there is the agenda. Al Arab Publishing House jihadist forces has surfaced as disaster it causes for the civilian Kurdish dimension, which Another objective could Quadrant Building the area where Turkish and population. After all, Russia keeps Ankara in convulsions. be to provoke street violence 177-179 Hammersmith Road Syrian-Russian interests will may have reasoned, after the Stuck in a vicious circle for or attacks by the outlawed London W6 8BS clash. sale of S-400 missiles to Turkey, decades, Turkey’s political Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) It can be argued that Turkish it has nothing to lose. Win-win class has once more returned at home or against Turkish Army President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for Russian President Vladimir to the default position, as the posts in Syria — just to create is not only at odds with the Putin and his Damascus ally. battle against Turkey’s Kurds pretexts for countermeasures. Tel: (+44) 20 7602 3999 United States. No matter what In Ankara, some pundits intensifies. In any case, the removal of Fax: (+44) 20 7602 8778 direction he chooses, he will be close to the Turkish Army say The unlawful removal of mayors, who were elected with only playing for time, nothing the United States is the real three elected Kurdish mayors by more than 53% of the vote, is a more. game-setter on the safe zone Erdogan has shown that the two blow to the will of the voters. He knows the Americans and some generals are not alliances that competed against Not only has it hampered US Publisher: will impose their will in the happy about what they see each other in recent local prospects for a renewed peace The Arab Weekly USA LLC. so-called “safe zone,” mainly as the sealing of protection elections — “Public,” bringing process between Ankara and the to protect their local of the Kurdish People’s together Erdogan’s Justice PKK, it has acted as a silencer [email protected] allies from Turkey. Protection Units and Development Party with for optimists arguing that the [email protected] The United States controlling the the ultranationalist National process was only a matter of is allied with As long as Erdogan area. For now, it is Movement Party and “Nation,” when, not if. Tel: 248-679-6624 the Syrian is in power and backed only a tension- CHP taking side with the Erdogan and his partner in Democratic by extreme hardliners builder in offshoot of the ultranationalist the alliance, Devlet Bahceli, Forces, Ankara. There have shown there is no room for in key positions, there Iyi — have not been that far a hybrid is not much from each other, regarding wishful thinking or for hope. If combat front will never be a peaceful said about the the Kurdish issue. Opposition anything, the brutal domestic dominated solution of the Kurdish Syrian offensive parties have given the offensive against the HDP should by the Kurdish issue. and Idlib issue impression they are closer to tell the world that, as long as Subscription & Advertising: fighters in Rojava, from the same supporting the oppressive state Erdogan is in power and backed [email protected] north-eastern circles. than trying to salvage whatever by extreme hardliners in key Tel : (+44) 020 3667 7249 Syria. These forces will It has to do with remains of democracy. positions, there will never be a remain a deterrent against the long-brewing division If Erdogan knows anything, it peaceful solution of the Kurdish the Islamic State and the risk of views between Erdogan’s is that he can extend his power issue. Mohamed Al Mufti of advances by Iran. It will camp, which supports the and control the state apparatus So, we should not be talking Marketing & Advertising be also a bargaining chip when jihadist-dominated Free Syrian as long as he can keep the of double impasse but rather of a Manager the time comes to redesign the Army against Assad’s military, secular-nationalist opposition triple impasse. Syrian administrative map. and the camp that includes bloc closer to his rule, by Direct: (+44) 20 8742 9262 The Russians have not the secular main opposition continuing to demonise the pro- Yavuz Baydar is a Turkish www.alarab.co.uk trusted Turkey, especially Republican People’s Party (CHP) Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic journalist and regular columnist under Erdogan’s rule. They and a tiny Homeland Party, a Party (HDP). He thrives on this for The Arab Weekly. 8 August 25, 2019 News & Analysis

Women set to play key role in Tunisian presidential elections

Iman Zayat role,” including by joining “social movements, demonstrations, dis- Tunis seminating on social platforms the models of resistance and organising unisia’s presidential election marches and rallies of solidarity.” season is not yet officially Tunisian women gained the right under way but voters are to vote in 1957, one year after the T already scrutinising candi- country’s independence. Two years dates’ platforms and their commit- later, they began to hold key posi- ment to representing the electorate. tions in local, regional and national Out of 7,081,307 registered voters institutions, as well as in govern- in the country, some 1.5 million will ment and parliament. be casting ballots for the first time. In 1999, Tunisia introduced quo- These new voters, data released by tas for women in electoral lists — the Independent High Authority for although this only became legally Elections indicate, are dispropor- binding in 2011. In 2014, Emna Man- tionately women and youth, mean- sour Karoui and Kalthoum Kennou ing these two groups will likely play became the first Tunisian women an outsized role in determining Tu- to run for president since the proc- nisia’s future. lamation of the republic. This year, Unexpected turn of events. Nabil Karoui submits his candidacy document to Tunisia’s Independent Tunisian women will be an impor- those two women are entering the High Authority for Elections in Tunis, August 2. (AFP) tant voting bloc to watch, particu- parliamentary race. larly if the election goes to a second There are two females running in round, as expected. During Tuni- the presidential race: Abir Moussi, sia’s presidential election in 2014, leader of the anti-Islamist Free Des- Arrest of candidate unsettles first women were decisive in placing Beji tourian Party, and Selma Elloumi Caid Essebsi in power. He won 61% Rekik, leader of Al Amal party. of the female vote, compared to 39% Rekik, who said she is open to lap of Tunisia’s presidential race for his opponent Moncef Marzouki. withdrawing from the race if cen- This time, however, there are trist parties agree on a candidate to clear divisions among Tunisian represent their camp, voiced sup- Lamine Ghanmi submitted his candidacy August he or she could receive support from women that will add a new dimen- port for a draft law on equality of 8. He stressed his “independence” the leftist camp, which suffers its di- sion to the electoral landscape, Tu- inheritance, a bill proposed by Caid from party politics and business in- visions between Hamma Hammami, nisian experts and political analysts Essebsi to ensure women are allot- Tunis terests. Opinion polls indicated that 67, who is locked in a fight with par- said. ted the same inheritance rights as Tunisians do not trust political par- liament member Mongi Rahoui, 55, “This election season, there is their male counterparts. unisia’s presidential field ties and view politicians through for that bloc’s support. division within the female elec- is shaping up as the most the prism of personality. The front-runner of the Islamist- toral mass, mainly due to women’s diverse in terms of person- Zbidi was the first candidate to and-other conservatives’ camp is disappointment following the elec- Despite the presence of female presidential T alities, featuring candidates make public policy specifics that parliament Deputy Speaker Abdel- tions of 2014,” said Sana Ghenima, who are widely known and others positioned him as the main rival of fattah Mourou, 71. Mourou, a highly president of the civil society group candidates, women remain trying to enhance their profiles. the Islamists as he outlined a desire placed officer in Ennahda, will fight Femmes et Leadership (Women and under-represented in The arrest August 23 of Nabil Ka- for a change of the regime favoured rivals in his own camp, including Leadership) and spokeswoman for positions of power in roui, a media magnate and one of by the Islamist Ennahda Movement former President Moncef Marzouki, the electoral campaign of presiden- Tunisia. the prime candidates, on charges of to shore up its dominance of the 74, who appeals to Islamist vot- tial candidate Abdelkrim Zbidi. money laundering and tax evasion, government even when it is a mi- ers with his support to the Muslim “Currently, we are working to Moussi expressed reservations threw the election into unexpected nority in the society. Brotherhood in the region and their ensure that dispersion does not be- about the draft law, claiming that turmoil. Despite its decline in public sup- state backers Turkey and Qatar. come the major cause for a possible the recommendation for equal in- A judge decided in July to bar port, Ennahda has seven ministers Former Prime Minister Hamadi failure of progressive candidates,” heritance in the report of the Com- both Karoui and his brother Ghazi in the government versus two in Jebali, 70, who was one of Ennah- she said. mission on Individual Liberties and Karoui from international travel previous cabinets. da’s chiefs before he departed the Iqbal Gharbi, a professor at Zei- Equality could allocate some inher- after an investigation into alleged Zbidi said he sees it as a priority party after secularist protesters touna University, agreed that itance to children born outside of money laundering and tax eva- to investigate the possible link be- forced him to step down as prime women “do not constitute a uni- marriage and legislate for the rebel- sion. The case was initiated by lo- tween a suspected “secret organi- minister in 2013, competes for Is- fied mass,” saying: “Each of them lion of the individual against social cal transparency civic association sation” and the assassinations of lamist ballots as well. will vote according to her political norms. “I Watch.” two secularist opposition figures in Among populist independent and social conviction, her personal As Tunisian women begin evalu- It is not clear how Karoui’s arrest 2013. Leftist activists have accused candidates, university law teacher background and her cultural and ating candidates in the crowded will affect Tunisia’s election cam- Ennahda’s Islamists of ties to the al- Kais Said, 61, is a conservative- material capital.” field, Gharbi said, they will likely paign. leged secret organisation. Ennahda leaning candidate who aims to To mobilise women voters, Gh- be drawn to leaders “whose po- There are 26 confirmed candi- has denied it. challenge known politicians with enima said, candidates must make litical programmes will consolidate dates and four others trying to get experience in government to em- “pragmatic arguments” that appeal the legal and social achievements back into the race after winning a phasise his potential as an inde- to both women and their children. of women and whose project of so- court appeal against their exclusion Tunisia’s elections are pendent with bold promises. He She said she was confident that ciety will embody their dreams of by Tunisia’s Independent High Au- building up as an initial said he believes he can pull off an “women will vote responsibly and freedom and total equality.” thority for Elections. no-holds barred- upset and stun the political class he civilly.” “The notion of parity is essential The presidential elections Sep- competition between often derides. Despite persistent challenges, Tu- for the young Tunisian democracy, tember 15 are centred on big ideas, contenders in the secularist Karoui’s detention is bound to be nisia has been a pioneer for women’s not only in terms of principles, but while detailed proposals on bread- centrist camp. one of the issues in election debates. rights in the region. Today, more because a democracy that does not and-butter topics are left for parlia- His candidacy has been controver- than 60 years after the enactmen­ t represent the entire society is defi- mentary elections, which will fol- Zbidi’s position puts him in stark sial since he surged into a leading of its visionary Code of Personal Sta- cient. Parity is an ideal that must be low October 6. contrast to Chahed, who has been position in opinion polls. A major is- tus, Tunisian women enjoy social pursued,” Gharbi said. Some candidates have been more criticised for his silence about the sue was the boost he received from freedoms and legal rights and pro- Despite the presence of female aggressive in suggesting specific re- “secret organisation” and its possi- Nessma TV, a private channel man- tections that are rare in other Arab presidential candidates, women forms with others promising details ble role in the assassinations. aged by him and his brother. He was countries. remain under-represented in posi- at the formal beginning of the cam- Zbidi sounded bitter about a accused by critics of using Nessma But still facing resistance from tions of power in Tunisia. paign September 2. All are vying smear campaign against him on to showcase his charitable activities conservative forces in the coun- While Tunisia is likely to see high to differentiate themselves in the social media, which he blamed on to enhance his popularity, especial- try, women are pressing ahead to voter participation in the upcoming crowded field. state-affiliated institutions, a thinly ly among the poor. achieve full equality. elections, there are increasing calls The elections are building up as veiled accusation against the gov- The channel was also accused by “Democracy can only be egalitar- for a sanction vote to punish the rul- a no-holds barred-competition be- ernment. regulators of “positioning itself to ian,” Gharbi said. “It is fundamental ing class. tween contenders in the secularist Chahed, at 43 the youngest prime influence government bodies” and that women enjoy full citizenship, Gharbi said: “A sanction vote is, centrist camp and later as a tussle minister in Tunisia’s history, sought rebuked for failing to make public in law and in the face of the law. To- in a modern representative democ- between Islamists and the leftist to display his freshness as he com- its list of shareholders. day, the international community racy, a punitive vote, intended to and secularist camp. plained in public about obstacles he It is not certain if Karoui’s candi- sees women’s rights as an integral express people’s discontent at the Former Defence Minister Ab- faced as prime minister from “el- dacy can survive his troubles with part of human rights, indivisible performance of political leaders. In delkrim Zbidi and Tunisian Prime derly rivals.” the judiciary, but unless he receives and universal. The Tunisia we as- Tunisia, it is a danger for our nascent Minister Youssef Chahed have been The two candidates will be tack- a sentence specifically banning him pire for can only be liberal, plural democracy. To mitigate the sanction the two most visible contenders in led in their own camp by at least from running, he would still be a and secularised.” vote and creeping absenteeism, we the modernist camp. eight other contenders, including candidate. Supporters are using the Since the 2011 uprising in the should focus on education. We must Chahed, rushing to state televi- Karoui, 56, a populist television arrest to depict him as a victim of country, Tunisian women have in- motivate, explain to citizens the sion August 22 to make a speech magnate now under arrest. the ruling system. creasingly taken their struggle to high stakes of democracy and the to the country 30 minutes before Other challengers to Chahed and “Karoui is a pure product of po- the political arena, hoping to secure complexity of the state’s affairs.” a scheduled television appearance Zbidi include anti-Islamist politi- litical marketing and populism de- more gains. The first round of Tunisia’s presi- by Zbidi, said: “To ensure the trans- cian Abir Moussi, 44, who heads spite the foul language and thug This struggle, Gharbi said, has dential election is to take place Sep- parency of the presidential election the Free Destourian Party. She com- practices he uses,” said former Sec- been carried on by a long history of tember 15, with a possible second and the equal opportunities be- petes on the same grounds as secu- retary of State for American and female figures that form the coun- round November 3. tween all candidates,” he was tem- larist Mohsen Marzouk, 54, a former Asian Affairs Hedi Ben Abbes. “We try’s “collective unconscious,” such The election was moved forward porarily delegating his prime min- adviser to former Tunisian Presi- have striven to produce evidence as “Elissa – Dido, the founder of following the death in July of Caid isterial duties to Minister of Public dent Beji Caid Essebsi and chairman to the contrary but to no avail. The and Kahina, an emblem- Essebsi, who in 2014 was the first Service Kamel Morjane. of Machrou Tounes, and former power of the television screen pre- atic figure of the Berber resistance. democratically elected president in Morjane is a leader in Chahed’s Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa, 57. vails always.” This legacy of female empow- Tunisia’s modern history. Tahya Tounes party. If one of the modernist candidates erment continued right up to the Zbidi, 69, announced his resigna- makes it to the run-off against an Is- Lamine Ghanmi is an Arab Weekly Tunisian revolution, she said, in Iman Zayat is Managing Editor of tion as defence minister before he lamist or Islamist-backed candidate, correspondent in Tunis. which “women played a decisive The Arab Weekly. August 25, 2019 9 News & Analysis Maghreb battles shift south and to diplomatic front

Michel Cousins representatives about a ceasefire and restarting the dialogue process. , too, while backing the Tunis LNA, is trying to entice Misrata into a political compromise. In phone here have been new offen- talks with US Secretary of State sives in the fighting south Mike Pompeo, Egyptian Foreign of between Govern- Minister Sameh Shoukry agreed on T ment of National Accord the need for a comprehensive po- forces, which targeted the small litical solution. town of Esbeia, and the Libyan Na- Officials in Misrata, however, tional Army, whose soldiers struck reportedly told Williams that any at Gharyan. dialogue must exclude LNA Field- The Government of National Ac- Marshal Khalifa Haftar, a view also cord (GNA) attempt to take the endorsed by GNA leader Fayez al- small town of Esbeia, south of the Sarraj. destroyed Tripoli International Air- Events in southern Libya may port, and the Libyan National Army have a much greater longer-term ef- (LNA) battle to recapture Gharyan, fect on the country. 100km south of Tripoli, were both Following months of intermit- about the LNA’s supply lines. tent clashes between the LNA and Tebus nominally loyal to the GNA, Events south of Libya a mainly Tebu force took Murzuq may have a much greater on August 17. This resulted in a mass exodus of the majority Arab longer-term effect on population, members of Al-Ahali the country. tribe, which supported the LNA. It Esbeia controls the LNA’s main was reported that, over three days, route from its Tarhouna base to the 25,000 people fled. The mayor of capital. Capturing it would cripple neighbouring Wadi Utbah, where the LNA ground offensive. Gharyan many went, requested urgent help On shaky ground. Fighters of Libya’s UN-backed Government of National Accord of Fayez al-Sarraj had controlled the LNA other main because his municipality could not take their position during clashes with LNA forces in Tripoli. (DPA) supply route until it was lost. Re- cope. capturing it would enable the LNA There were differing accounts as to extend the ground offensive. to whether they fled out of fear or cannot afford to begin a new ground those who moved into Libya after Libya can afford. It would almost The Esbeia attack was highly co- were forced out. There were also offensive to take it and maintain the 2011 Libyan revolution in search certainly draw in the far more nu- ordinated. For the first time, the various reports of whether the Tebu the fight south of Tripoli. Haftar is of opportunity. Many, however, are merous Amazigh in northern Libya, GNA used combined air strikes who, until the exodus accounted likely to leave it for the moment. Libyan Tebus, with full Libyan na- fearful that they might be next on and artillery fire followed by an for about 40% of the population, The exodus of the Ahali could tionality. the hit list. They are highly sensi- advance by ground forces. Casual- would let them return. poison the relationship in Libya be- Additionally, there are the Tebus tive to the slightest criticism. ties appear to have been high. The A Tebu source said negotiations tween Arabs and the Tebus, one of brought in from Chad by Muammar In Chad, Deby’s government, LNA said it killed 15 GNA fighters were under way to enable them to the country’s three ethnic minori- Qaddafi in the 1970s and ’80s with which is on friendly terms with Haf- and destroyed 12 vehicles. It did not return and that Tebu leaders realise ties, along with the Amazigh and a promise of citizenship that was tar, ordered the border with Libya disclose how many of its men had the political dangers of not allow- the Tuareg. never delivered. They and their closed except for two monitored been killed. ing them back but that the talks Just as the LNA refers to all those children born in Libya consider crossings. This has to do with ethnic Both attacks apparently failed. had been complicated by Ahali whom it is fighting against in Trip- themselves Libyan. clashes in eastern Chad; the borders Despite claims by both that they demands for security guarantees oli as militants or terrorists, it has The blanket dismissal of the Te- are also closed with Sudan and the took territory, the stalemate con- involving the presence of other taken to referring to the Tebus as bus as Chadians is not heard just Central African Republic. In the case tinues. forces. However, the Tebus were “Chadians” and “mercenaries,” who within the LNA and its supporters. of Libya, however, Deby wants to be On the political front, UN Deputy unwilling to make such guarantees have to be forced out of the country. It is increasingly being heard in assured that his opponents there do Special Representative Stephanie because it would mean the return A number of the Tebus in Murzuq western Libya as well. The exodus not cause him addition trouble. Williams was in Misrata for two of pro-LNA forces. and elsewhere in southern Libya of the Al-Ahali from Murzuq is like- days of talks with municipal and The LNA carried out air strikes are Chadians, either opponents of ly to fuel this further. Michel Cousins is a contributor to military leaders and civil society against Murzuq after it fell but it Chadian President Idriss Deby or An ethnic war is the last thing The Arab Weekly on Libyan issues. Viewpoint Russia and France wary of ’s Hirak six months after onset

hen French since the beginning of the popular officials convinced themselves that elections carry the risk of putting President revolt, referred to as Hirak, against democracy would make Algeria Islamists — more particularly the Emmanuel the regime, a revolt that took France, more anti-French, while Russia does Muslim Brotherhood — in power. Francis Ghilès Macron and the European Union, the United not want to lose a rich client such However, there is little evidence that Russian Presi- States and Arab countries, including as Algeria as a major purchaser of such political forces would top the dent Vladimir Algeria’s neighbours, by surprise. weapons. poll. WPutin met at the French president’s The manner the crisis has unfolded Russia knows the Algerian Army Scaremongering works well — they summer retreat of Fort de Bregan- has left seasoned observers and buys more weapons than it needs, might even push the argument and con, they ostensibly discussed the diplomats dumbfounded all the that kickbacks to some generals are say that free elections would be a gift never-ending crises in Syria and more. Many had predicted violence very lucrative. Gaid Salah has thrown to Turkey and Qatar, which sponsor Ukraine. No mention was made of would be the inevitable outcome of dozens of entrepreneurs in prison on the Muslim Brotherhood. Algeria, a country that seldom hits the mass popular revolt. That has charges of corruption but no case has One simply has to listen to the headlines in the West, except not been the case and attempts by been brought to court. This suggests any number of young Algerians occasionally in France. authorities to slow internet access or he is trying to entertain the crowds interviewed on radio in Algeria to August 22 marked six months block news websites had little real but has no intention of cleaning the appreciate that most are far more effect. Augean stables. sophisticated analysts of their Popular mobilisation did not French officials know that were country and their region than many weaken during the summer months cases to be brought to court, many Western think-tanks. as General Ahmed Gaid Salah might French companies would be shown They remain, rightly or wrongly, have hoped. The Hirak leaders to be the source of bribes. What is very attached to what they see as refuse to speak to him or his peers, true of French companies is true of the rights of the Palestinian people, let alone appoint representatives others, from Europe to China, whose they look upon US President Donald to any council that would organise contracts were a major source of Trump as a holy fool whose sabre- elections. They, rightly, believe enrichment of the Bouteflika clan. rattling in the Gulf does not serve senior officers have no intention of The corruption charges laid at the interests of anybody, a point of conducting a fair presidential poll. the foot of Algerian leaders are true view, interestingly enough, shared If Gaid Salah attempts to organise a enough but it takes two to tango in by European leaders, including in presidential election quickly, the lack the system of free trade and Far West London. of candidates will abort the project, capitalism in which we live. What The Hirak, as is its equivalent in as happened in June. is true in the case of Algeria is true Sudan, is a very deep wave that will Senior figures in Algerian society elsewhere. not be halted easily. Were French advised the Hirak leaders to hold Best manage international trade — and US leaders capable of strategic back from any engagement with Gaid and corruption — behind closed doors. thinking and foresight they would Salah until he comes clean with his Just imagine if Algeria were to elect a welcome it and tell Gaid Salah, real intentions. president and deputies democratically, politely and strictly in private, Foreign leaders who have a stake people who had the interests of the that a democratic Algeria would in Algeria are worried. In the absence country at heart and not simply the comfort the position of the country’s of a recognisable US position, France urge to line their pockets. powerful army, ensure its overall and Russia are the two leading This might give ideas to their peers security, not least domestically, powers with influence in Algeria. in the Middle East, to the detriment and give a huge boost to the much- Others, such as Germany, Italy, Spain of Western bankers who thrive on needed economic reforms that and China and Arab Gulf countries, the corruption of dictatorships. Just could, in time, help to diversify the may have economic interests imagine an Algeria that behaved in a economy. Such a change could only but they have few if no means of more modern and less corrupt way. comfort France’s long-term interests influencing events, the European Democracy could be contagious, to and those of Europe. Union even less. the horror of many, notably in the Paths cross. French President Emmanuel Macron (R) meets with Neither Russia nor France is keen Middle East. Francis Ghilès is an associate fellow Algeria’s interim President Abdelkader Bensalah in Tunis, July 27. to see democracy prevail in Africa’s So, Macron and Putin might at the Barcelona Centre for Interna- (AP) largest country. Many senior French choose to argue that free and fair tional Affairs. 10 August 25, 2019 News & Analysis Egypt

Hostility mounts against Syrian refugees in Egypt

Ahmed Megahid those subscribers access the in- ternet through their cell phones. This means nearly half the popu- Cairo lation turns to the internet for news and commentary, making it yrian refugees are facing a a powerful political reality. wave of hostility in Egypt, Syrian refugees are caught in with locals accusing them the middle, finding themselves S of dominating business ac- the subject of intense political tivities and filling valuable em- discussion and debate. ployment positions. There are approximately “Syrians are taking the jobs 550,000 Syrian refugees in Egypt, of Egyptian workers,” said Alaa the Egyptian Foreign Ministry Mamdouh, who works at an elec- said, but independent estimates trical appliance shop in Cairo. “No put the number far higher. other government in the world Syrians have established com- would allow refugees to do this.” munities in many Egyptian cities Anti-refugee sentiment began and have become serious actors rising after a resident of Alexan- in many economic sectors. Syr- dria posted a video on Twitter ians are prominent in the food purportedly showing the Syrian and beverage and retail sectors owner of a restaurant in her apart- and often outnumber Egyptian ment building responding to her barbers. complaints with personal insults. There have been complaints In the video, the woman plead- that wealthy Syrians are driving ed for authorities to close the up the cost of housing and con- restaurant, located just below tributing to the gentrification of her balcony, saying the noise and certain neighbourhoods. workers’ disruptive behaviour violated her living standards. The restaurant was soon shut down by There are approximately municipal authorities. The owner 550,000 Syrian refugees was also reportedly wanted for in Egypt, the Egyptian other offences. Foreign Ministry said, However, the video continued but independent to fuel anger, with many calling estimates put the Mystery lingers. Cars drive by a checkpoint at the Kalinin Nuclear Power Plant in Udomlya, some for the state to crack down on ref- number far higher. 330km outside Moscow. (AFP) ugees who violate Egyptian laws. The incident highlighted the An Egyptian shop owner from centrality of social media in 6th of October City, a sprawling Egypt, where tens of millions community on the south-west- regularly turn to their computers ern outskirts of Cairo that has or phones for socio-political com- become a Syrian enclave, told a Egypt under pressure mentary. local newspaper that Syrians are The 2011 uprising against long- able to pay far more than locals, time Egyptian President Hosni making them preferred tenants. Mubarak started on social media, Egyptian authorities have be- as did a subsequent campaign gun to respond to locals’ com- to rethink plans for against the Muslim Brotherhood, plaints, raiding Syrians’ shops, which took over after Mubarak’s including in 6th of October, and in ouster. some cases shutting them down. Egyptian President Abdel Fat- While the government has not tah al-Sisi has frequently said so- contributed to anti-immigrant nuclear power plant cial media have been central to rhetoric — Sisi has welcomed and political developments and are expressed admiration for Syrian “uncontrollable.” refugees on numerous occasions, Hassan Abdel Zaher Atomic Energy Agency in 1957, This is less about money, how- Information technology expert even calling Egypt their second has been trying to have its own ever, and more about lives, oppo- Osama Mustafa said social media home — Syrians are increasingly nuclear power programme since nents of the project said. make for a new powerful tool, concerned about what is to come. Cairo 1955. “The construction of the plant especially after the “Arab spring” “It is unfair to punish all the Egyptian President Abdel Fat- makes it necessary for us to abide revolutions. refugees because of the mis- he Egyptian government tah al-Sisi’s administration signed by the highest safety standards,” “For Egyptians,” he said, “social takes committed by one or two is under pressure to re- an agreement for the use of Rus- Tantawi said. media are an important platform of them,” said Abu Fawaz, a Syr- consider a plan to con- sian nuclear technology in 2015 A year after the operation of where they can easily and fear- ian barber from 6th of October. T struct the country’s first and signed a contract for the con- its first phase in 2026, the plant lessly voice out their views on “Some people are there to exag- nuclear power plant in coopera- struction of the power plant in would contribute 10% of all elec- everything.” gerate the mistakes of the refu- tion with Russia. Dabaa in December 2017. tricity in Egypt. By 2050, it would As of February, there were 40.9 gees with the aim of turning the Egyptian politicians, media fig- There are, however, calls for provide 30% of the country’s elec- million internet subscribers in public against them.” ures and commentators called on scrapping the project. Those calls tricity. Egypt, the Egyptian Ministry of the government to turn to safer are driven by fears from a repeat Egypt’s annual electricity gen- Communications and Informa- Ahmed Megahid is an Egyptian and cheaper alternatives to nucle- of the August 8 incident. eration has reached 58,000 meg- tion Technology said; 34.4% of reporter in Cairo. ar power, especially after a myste- The Egyptian Nuclear Power awatts, which is more than the rious explosion rocked a military Plants Authority (NPPA), the na- country’s currently needs after base in north-western Russia. tional nuclear energy agency, said spending tens of billions of dol- “There are many risks to the the blast in Russia had nothing to lars on new electricity plants and use of nuclear technologies,” said do with nuclear power plants in starting the use of renewable en- Egyptian lawmaker Ahmed al- Russia. “Debates on the explo- ergy. Tantawi. “The government needs sion in Russia are misplaced and However, Egypt’s rapidly grow- to reconsider the project, espe- blown out of proportion,” it said ing population will need more cially if it only wants to use it in in a statement. electricity in the future. A nuclear the generation of electrical pow- power programme also should er, of which we have surpluses help Cairo diversity its energy already.” Egyptian politicians, media sources. The Russian government has figures and commentators Egypt has a plan to turn into a not clarified the circumstances of called on the government to power-sharing centre in the re- the August 8 explosion that killed turn to safer and cheaper gion, having developed electric- five research workers. The blast is alternatives to nuclear ity interconnectivity programmes believed to have been caused by power, especially after a with Libya and Sudan. Cairo also a nuclear-powered missile test mysterious explosion plans to share electricity with gone wrong. rocked a military base in other countries in the Mediterra- The Russian state-run Rosatom north-western Russia. nean basin. Nuclear Energy Corporation, The nuclear power plant is im- which oversaw the missile test, portant for the localisation of nu- is to oversee the construction “Russian nuclear technology clear technologies, a move that of the Egyptian nuclear power is fully trustworthy,” Egyptian would serve the industrial sector plant. Construction of the plant Minister of Electricity Mohamed and nuclear-based scientific re- is to start next year in El Dabaa, Shaker said. search, specialists said. a coastal region in north-western Opposition to the project is part- “This project is extremely im- Egypt. ly driven by its cost. The plant, to portant for the future of energy in The plant is to include four nu- be constructed over 45 sq.km and Egypt,” said Ali Abdel Nabi, a for- clear reactors, each of which with will cost $28.8 billion. Russia will mer vice-chairman of the NPPA. the capacity to generate 1,200 contribute $25 billion in a loan to “Nuclear energy will provide us megawatts of power. The first re- be repaid by Egypt over 13 years at with clean and also safe energy.” actor is scheduled to begin opera- an interest rate of 3%. tions in 2026. The Russian loan would add to Hassan Abdel Zaher Egypt, one of the founding Egypt’s growing external debt, is a Cairo-based contributor Struggling to cope. Syrian refugee Ahmad al-Khatib cleans his auto members of the International which has reached $106 billion. to The Arab Weekly. rickshaw outside his home in Cairo. (Reuters) August 25, 2019 11 News & Analysis Palestine Israel With situation deteriorating, Palestinian territories could erupt ahead of Israeli elections

Manuel Langendorf coastal enclave unchanged. Baconi said the motivation for the rise in border attacks was to increase pres- London sure on Israel to alleviate the block- ade. n increase in attacks along Gaza faces an “unprecedented hu- the Gaza-Israel border and manitarian crisis,” the UN humani- a Palestinian intelligence tarian agency said. Citing security A report indicate how vola- measures, Israel has for more than tile the security situation remains in a decade restricted the freedom of Israel and the Palestinian territories. movement for goods and people in Violence has once again flared at and out of Gaza, which has severely the Gaza-Israel border. Several Pal- affected the ’s economy. estinians reportedly tried to cross While electricity supply in Gaza into Israel but were met with tank increased this year, in June it was and helicopter fire, the Israeli mili- limited to 12 hours per day. The tary said. The Health Ministry in the World Food Programme reported Gaza Strip said August 18 that three that 51% of Gaza respondents said Palestinians were killed in the inci- they had borrowed food or money dent. from relatives or friends in June. The attempted border crossing “Hamas wants to quicken the occurred shortly after three rockets pace of the ceasefire deal,” said were fired from the Gaza Strip into Neri Zilber, director of research at Israel. Neither Hamas nor the Pal- BICOM, a think-tank in London. estinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) claimed Hamas, Zilber said, is using the elec- responsibility for the incursion. Ha- toral calendar in Israel to pressure mas called it the work of “rebellious Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Ne- youths,” terminology it has used to tanyahu. “The bottom line is that distance itself from similar attacks. everyone knows, especially the Ha- In a sign of the volatility of the mas leadership, that the last thing situation despite a de facto cease- Netanyahu wants is a war, definitely Volatile border. Palestinians demonstrate near the fence along the border with Israel in the eastern fire, Hamas and PIJ warned that the not before or during an election,” he Gaza Strip, August 16. (AFP) “rebellion of the youth” in Gaza was said. “a harbinger of an explosion.” The increase in violence has left a “widespread operation in Gaza,” before the elections. financial crisis is affecting PA civil A senior Hamas official previous- its mark on Israel’s election cam- while also acting against Iran’s in- The Palestinian intelligence re- servants and security forces, as well ly told an Arab newspaper that the paign. Benny Gantz, Netanyahu’s volvement in Syria. Steinitz lashed port came against the backdrop of as the wider West Bank economy, Islamist movement’s leaders were main challenger in the September 17 out against the Blue and White par- the PA’s deep financial crisis, mainly said Zilber, adding: “That has an concerned that the rise in lone-wolf election, called Netanyahu “weak.” ty, led by Gantz, saying its leaders, triggered by its decision not to ac- impact on the ground because it attacks could push both sides to- Gantz, a former head of the Israel including several former generals, cept the transfer of taxes collected increases public dissatisfaction and wards a major confrontation. Ha- Defence Forces, said Israel had lost did not have a long-term solution for on its behalf by Israel. The Israeli the potential for unrest.” mas and PIJ called the “Israeli occu- its deterrence when it comes to the Gaza, “and they still don’t.” government previously ordered Abbas announced in July that the pation… responsible for the crimes Gaza Strip. Attacks from the Gaza Strip are deducting from the transfers the PA was ending all agreements with targeting the young people who… Netanyahu, who recently be- not the only security issue affecting amount the PA pays to the families Israel, including security coordina- protested the continued blockade.” came Israel’s longest-serving prime Israeli-Palestinian relations. Israeli of imprisoned Palestinians. tion. He has made similar threats minister, is in favour of managing media outlet Ynet cited a Palestin- A Palestinian official told Agence previously, which were never im- Netanyahu is in favour of the conflict, not resolving it, said ian intelligence report that warned France Presse on August 22 that the plemented. Security coordination Menachem Klein, professor of po- deteriorating economic and politi- PA had reached an agreement with “is still intact,” said Zilber. He said managing the conflict, litical studies at Bar-Ilan University cal conditions in the occupied West Israel to receive duties on oil and the Palestinians formed a commit- not resolving it, said and former adviser to former Israeli Bank could lead to a violent upris- fuel worth approximately $500 mil- tee to assess how the severing of ties Menachem Klein, Prime Minister Ehud Barak. This ing. It said that Hamas’s violent re- lion. would be implemented. professor of political means there are “ups and downs, sistance is seen as having yielded Klein said Palestinian President Ending security coordination studies at Bar-Ilan mismanagement and miscalcula- more benefits than the Palestinian Mahmoud Abbas’s “political strat- would be a “game changer,” said Zil- University. tions” because of election consid- Authority’s cooperation with Israel. egy does not work except for block- ber. “As much as it would harm Is- erations, Klein said. Klein said these assessments were ing [US President Donald] Trump’s rael and stability in the West Bank, Tareq Baconi, of the International Yuval Steinitz, a member of Ne- not new and were shared by Israeli deal.” the PA would also pay a major prize Crisis Group, commented on so- tanyahu’s security cabinet, coun- intelligence. Israel’s Haaretz news- News recently emerged that Ab- if things got out of hand,” he said. cial media that Israel had failed “to tered claims that the Netanyahu was paper reported that Israeli assess- bas fired his advisers and ordered ease the blockade during periods of weak on Hamas. He told Israeli radio ments spoke of the possibility that former ministers to return money Manuel Langendorf is a writer calm,” leaving the situation in the that Netanyahu was preparing for increased violence could break out received through a pay rise. The focusing on the MENA region. Viewpoint Netanyahu and Abbas offer antagonistic visions, no glimmer of compromise

Authority is asserting authority over ago. When the pact was reached in as “effective annexation.” Protests and a new floor for the camp’s the 60% of the West Bank controlled 1997, Netanyahu was in his first, such as these long ago ceased centre for disabled people. Geoffrey by Israeli settlements (Area C). abortive term as prime minister. to impress anyone, least of all Abbas’s meagre offering to Aronson However extravagant such Today, he is Israel’s longest-serving Netanyahu. long suffering refugees presents a declarations, they reflect genuine leader, besting even David Ben- Amid the current election depressing contrast to the bounty antagonism between Israeli and Gurion, and Israel has yet to transfer campaign, Netanyahu repeated his that the state of Israel bestows t is the silly season in Israel Palestinian visions of the future of even one dunam of the West Bank to annexation pledge at a cornerstone- to settlers living just across the — national elections are the Palestinian territories that are sovereign Palestinian control. laying ceremony for 650 new street. His rhetoric pales before scheduled for September 17 deeper and more lasting than mere Netanyahu set the combative housing units in the settlement of Netanyahu’s brick-and-mortar — so politicians such as Israeli electioneering. tone that has long defined his Beit El. achievements that the residents of Prime Minister Binyamin Whose agenda for the future is relationship with Abbas before “We promised to build hundreds Jalazoun and elsewhere throughout Netanyahu can perhaps be founded on a realistic assessment of his April 9 victory at the polls. of housing units. Today we are doing the Palestinian Territories see Iforgiven for making outrageous the situation on the ground and who In contrast to his earlier if it, both because we promised and expanding before their eyes. statements aimed at mobilising is fantasising about implementing unenthusiastic endorsement because our mission is to establish As both leaders face the future, their supporters. a vision that has little chance of of Palestinian statehood at US the nation of Israel in our country, the model for their engagement is Netanyahu vows to settle realisation? President Barack Obama’s urging, to secure our sovereignty over our not the uneasy consensus of Oslo everywhere and annex the West Which leader has the capability Netanyahu dismissed the prospect historic homeland,” he said. but the far more bellicose assertions Bank to Israel. Not to be outdone, to make good on his declarations of Palestinian statehood as “a Abbas, speaking across the road of competing and antagonistic Palestine Liberation Organisation and which is simply blowing danger to our existence.” at Jalazoun two days later, declared visions, informed by the brutal (PLO) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas smoke? Whom are we to believe? Not only is Palestinian sovereignty his own vision to an audience of reality of Israel’s domination of the dismisses settlements as a passing Netanyahu, Abbas or neither of out of the question, Netanyahu refugees. West Bank, including the Palestinian breeze, declares an end to security them? announced to Israel’s Channel “We will remain and no one Authority. cooperation with Israel and The Oslo era was marked by 12 on April 6 that “I am going to will be able to move us out of our Abbas may well abhor the announces that the Palestinian a willingness of Israeli Prime apply Israeli sovereignty but I don’t homeland. He who wants to do that: security cooperation with Israel that Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO distinguish between settlement ‘Go.’ The unexpected visitor in this defines — and makes possible — the Chairman Yasser Arafat to establish, blocs and isolated settlements… country has no right in this country. very existence of the Palestinian Abbas’s rhetoric pales however uneasily, a common From my perspective, each of those Thus, we tell them: ‘Every brick you Authority. His not infrequent platform for diplomatic and settlement points is Israeli. We have laid in our land and every house you declarations of an end to such before Netanyahu’s practical engagement, supported responsibility [for them] as the built in our land will vanish, if God cooperation no doubt genuinely brick-and-mortar by the international community. government of Israel. I don’t uproot permits,” Abbas said. reflect his preference but no one This consensus was not without any, and I won’t transfer them to “Whatever homes they announce confuses his desire with an ability to achievements that the its shortcomings but it produced the sovereignty of the Palestinians. I here or settlements there, they will execute. Lacking sovereignty in his residents of Jalazoun agreements such as the Oslo II take care of them all.” all disappear, if God wills it. They own country, he understands that and elsewhere accords and the agreed return of the Netanyahu has good reason to will be in the dustbins of history and such collaboration is, in his words, PLO to Palestine. believe the Trump administration, they will remember that this land is “sacred.” In this at least he and throughout the The Oslo system, however, has which has recognised Jerusalem for its people, its residents and the Netanyahu agree Palestinian Territories been broken for some time. There as Israel’s capital and the Golan Canaanites who were here 5,000 has not been a diplomatic agreement Heights as sovereign Israeli territory, years ago. We are the Canaanites.” Geoffrey Aronson is a non-resident see expanding before between Israel and the PLO since the has blessed his strategy, decried At the end of his speech, Abbas scholar at the Middle East Institute their eyes. Hebron agreement almost 25 years by the United Nations and Britain promised residents two ambulances in Washington. 12 August 25, 2019 News & Analysis Political Islam Viewpoint How Islamists and their sponsors held sway over Muslim communities in secular France

Majed Nehme

rench newspaper Le Point asked, after the first Gulf War in 1991: “What’s left of France’s Arab policy?” to which Michel Jobert retorted: F“Barbes-Rochechouart.” As illustrated by Jobert’s response, the Gaullist policy of France towards the Arab world was reduced to the management of a Parisian neighbourhood, symbolising the resignation of the country and the failure of its policies towards immigration integration and Islam. Jobert was one of the first Gaullist political figures. Minister of Foreign Affairs under Georges Pompidou (1973-74) and State Secretary for Foreign Trade (1981- 83) under Francois Mitterrand, Jobert is considered one of the main architects of France’s Arab policy. Along with Jean-Pierre Chevenement, Jobert was the first French politician to recognise the significance of France’s abandonment of its Arab policy, when one of his successors, socialist Roland Dumas, sounded its death knell around the beginning of the first Gulf War. Dumas, minister of External Substantial Turkish influence. Turkish Muslims pray during a funeral ceremony in Lorient, western France. (AFP) Relations under Mitterrand, told Le Monde newspaper in December Afghanistan and at a time when an effective and dangerous the Union of Islamic Organisations in that sprung from the “Arab spring” 1991: “To speak of the Arab world civil war was looming in Algeria, proselytising job, taking advantage Europe or the Federation of Islamic and their guilty links with the is a myth in itself. An Arab policy is this conflict, in which France on one side of the failure of the Organisations in Europe, created regimes and movements that openly another [myth].” had intervened directly, can be French model of integration and, by the Muslim Brotherhood, which claimed Islamism. Dumas would regret that considered the starting point of on the other side, of the total were at the creation of the Union There was some hope that a break statement 20 years later, especially the malaise among the Muslims of lack of involvement on the part of Islamic Organisations in France with the Islamists was imminent with the beginning of the inaptly France. of the countries of origin of those (now Muslims of France), a disputed and the prospect of criminalising named “Arab spring” in 2011. In the face of hostile and biased communities, mainly Maghreb and contestable organisation whose the organisation of the Muslim Does France no longer have a media coverage devoid of nuance countries, and of the abandonment representativeness is openly rejected Brotherhood was discussed. Some comprehensive Arab policy? Does of the events, Muslims felt they of their past policy of supervision. by most Muslims. It was this opposition parties in France — the it only have a transactional policy counted for nothing or even were Practically at the same time, organisation that invited to France Republicans and the former National based on arms sales in particular? considered “inside enemies.” especially after the dissolution dubious or dangerous Islamist Front — and in the , That would be too short an “With the Gulf War, we of the National Liberation Front figures such as Yusuf al-Qaradawi, formerly a stronghold for Islamists, explanation. understood in a few weeks the in Algeria and the introduction now banned from entering France. suggested its ban, like it was done by Since the Arab world imploded silence of our elderly,” said novelist of multiparty politics after 1988, Worried about complacency the United States. in upheaval, major world powers, Djamel Walli. “Desert Storm (the Algeria, whose community is shown towards the Muslim including France, ceased to wield a first Gulf War) put an end to the last the largest in France, ceased to Brotherhood, especially since coherent policy towards the region. mirages of integration. French in follow up on and supervise its the election of Nicolas Sarkozy as Starting from a false With the collapse of the Soviet my mind, I became Arab once again former citizens so neighbourhood president in 2007, many politicians Union and the corollary end of the overnight.” associations took over the task and intellectuals in France sounded premise that political Yalta Conference, the United States This identity and ideological and those were often infiltrated by the alarm but it wasn’t to be. With Islam is the only rose above the ruins of bipolarism divide, on top of another social Islamists or pro-Berber activists. the tsunami that blew over the Arab to emerge as the sole major world divide and the failure of the Islamists in France were courted world in 2011, and amplified by current power. integration model because and financially and ideologically Qatari media, collusion with Qatar “representative” of Mitterrand understood this and of a lack of resources and supported by Wahhabi currents has increased. Islam, successive considered it dangerous to oppose political will, created the rise of of Islam in the 1970s and 1990s. The first serious investigation this war that would have serious communitarianism and its corollary, They will be relayed by the Muslim into this collusion between French governments in Paris repercussions on French internal radical Islamism and even terrorism. Brotherhood, funded and controlled politicians and Qatar, written by helped hand over the affairs. He confided to Nouvel Rather than look into the by Qatar and Turkey. Jacques-Marie Bourget and Nicolas Observateur’s Josette Alia that US disastrous tensions, French If Turkey, especially after the Beau, was published in 2013 under suburbs to President George H.W. Bush was authorities allowed the situation seizure of power by the Islamist the evocative title: “Le vilain petit associations affiliated determined to wage this war and in the suburbs to rot and appeared, Justice and Development Party in Qatar, cet ami qui nous veut du mal” with the Muslim that Mitterrand will not be able to by negligence and blindness, to be 2002, could count on a substantial (“The Little Villain of Qatar, a Friend oppose it. complacent, if not complicit, with Turkish community in Europe, Who Wants Us Harm”). Brotherhood. He then quipped: “As for the the most obscurantist currents many of whom were either That work led to other Arabs, they will eventually forget.” indoctrinating French Muslim subjugated or blackmailed by the investigations, including “Quand le Could these announcements It was a fatal error of judgment. citizens. new power in Ankara, this was not Qatar fait de notre pays son terrain be mere declarations of intention What had eluded Mitterrand was the Starting from a false premise that the case of Qatar which, from the de jeu” (“When Qatar Transforms to calm a French public opinion explosive psychological effect this political Islam is the only current 2000s, became a disruptive and Our Country Into Its Playground”) traumatised by terrorist attacks that neocolonial war would have on the representative of Islam, bringing harmful element in France’s Muslim by Vanessa Ratignier and Pierre Pean had fallen on France since 2015 or French front and particularly on the changes in the Arab world and in community. published one year after the first could they be the beginning of a real Muslims of France. the Muslim community of France, To satisfy its excessive ambition book. break with the past? Occurring during the war in successive governments in Paris, to control this community, right The latest of this series of damning Entangled in the management both on the left and on the right under the nose of the Maghreb investigations was published this of the crisis created by the Yellow of the political spectrum, apart countries and Egypt, Qatar resorted year by two French specialists of Vests movement, Macron strongly To satisfy its excessive from rare lucid and courageous to its chequebook, deployed the Arab world — Christian Chesnot stigmatised the Muslim Brotherhood republican-minded personalities unprecedented media coverage from France Inter and Georges but did not openly name it. He ambition to control such as Chevenement, the current through al Jazeera and sent Muslim Malbrunot from Le Figaro — under simply attacked those who “in the this community, Qatar lay president of the Fondation des Brotherhood activists. the title “Qatar Papers: comment name of a religion pursue a political oeuvres de l’islam, fell into the trap The latter, cajoled by the West l’émirat finance l’islam de France project, that of a political Islam that resorted to its of political Islam and helped to hand which welcomed them and saw et d’Europe” (“Qatar Papers: How wants to divide our republic.” chequebook, deployed over the suburbs to communalist them as “freedom fighters,” to the Emirate Finances the Islam of Between the declamations and the an unprecedented societies and associations affiliated use Ronald Reagan’s famous label France and Europe”). partition of this beautiful sentence, with the Muslim Brotherhood and about the future terrorists of al- With the election of Emmanuel there is only one small step that the media coverage and financed mainly by Turkey and Qaeda, infiltrated the main Islamic Macron as president in 2017, the French authorities hesitate to cross. sent in activists from Qatar. organisations that claimed to be question of the Islam of France was For the time being. Those two countries, the last representative of the Muslims of again on the agenda, especially after the Muslim sponsors of the Muslim Brotherhood France. the calamitous management by his Majed Nehme is a Syrian-French Brotherhood. and political Islam, are doing It should be pointed out that it is two predecessors of armed conflicts journalist in Paris. August 25, 2019 13 News & Analysis Political Islam Interview Egyptian thinker sees ‘no salvation without separation of religion and politics’

Islamist groups, be they political or He stressed that resolving the jihadist, because they share problem of political Islam in a common constants related to being principled manner requires separa- Mustafa Abid intolerant, opposed to scientific tion of religion from the state so reasoning and contemptuous of religion remains removed from all women. political and legislative processes. olitics is a human He said the war with religious Unfortunately, some countries act, relative, variable extremism is far from over and that answered the call of political Islam and flexible while international powers have not and even amplified it and that was religion is absolute, reached the stage of agreeing on a big mistake. sacred and fixed. policies to eliminate the scourge. Heggy added that some may Mixing the two “Even if there is an international think that establishing real secular- without checks consensus on the inevitability of ism in Arab societies is impossible produces disorder, confronting political Islam but we must know there are no Pdistortion, violence and may end organisations, it is difficult to impossibilities in politics, in in bloody terrorism. The experi- totally get rid of it because the reform projects and on the paths of ence of political Islam is the proof problem lies beyond the failure and development and progress. of that. fragmentation of any one of these “Achieving progress can change This is why Egyptian political organisations at any given time,” the thinking patterns of the Arab thinker Tarek Heggy said defeating said Heggy. “There is a source that mind, which is, like any other Warning. Egyptian political thinker Tarek Heggy. (Al Arab) terrorism requires separating is still able to generate various mind, apt to evolve and change as a religion from politics and liberat- other groups for the same goal and result of real experiences and ing thought by raising people’s driven by the same idea. revisions,” he said. the progress of Western Europe Heggy said hasty and ill-planned awareness and refuting extremist “The first thing that needs to be He pointed out that there are was the result of several factors. revolutions and rapid changes do modes of thinking. done is to critique and assail the Arab societies, such as Tunisia, The first was the great reduction of not serve development projects. Heggy said the war on terror is roots of its main narrative that we that have been quicker in overcom- the power and influence of the He cited the “Arab spring” upris- both “a security and intellectual find scattered throughout history ing the dominance of religious clergy, then came the rise of ings, which, in his view, served the war.” The security front is needed in various forms and with minor thought and that the results of freedom of thought and the use of agenda of political Islam. These “to confront the armed groups differences.” secularism associated with reform critical thinking. These factors led “revolutions” destroyed countries, using law, determination and the He said the writings of Ibn will bolster opposition to political to the development of the values of such as Syria, Libya and Yemen, necessary firmness against Taymiyyah are still alive seven Islam. progress. that used to be stable. [them].” On the intellectual level, centuries after his death. The ideas Heggy insisted that those calling An analysis of Arab societies’ Although Heggy warned that there is a necessity “to confront that Muhammed bin Abdul Wahab, for a return to religious and contemporary political, economic, tolerance in the Arab region had inherited beliefs that groups Abu al-A’la Mawdudi and Sayyid cultural roots have nothing to offer social, cultural, educational and receded in recent decades, he affiliated with political Islam keep Qutb sowed are available to all and society except big vague promises. media aspects confirms those envi- pointed out that educational repeating without critical evalua- they are the principal basis of Intellectuals, however, know that ronments lack values ​​of pro- institutions, the media and other tion.” violence. All of them built their Islamic history is a purely human gress. cultural bodies are platforms Heggy said the most crucial of views on the idea of ​​hating and history that witnessed prosperity, Heggy said renewing and capable of dealing scientifically battles is one of education and rejecting the other. which many would like to over- modernising religious discourse is and objectively with this fatal flaw religious discourse. Heggy added that there may be state, followed by recession, then “a matter of life or death for Arab in the thinking patterns of the In his book, “The Plague of “tactical differences” between one collapse when it produced a societies. It’s a task that must be great majority in Arab societies. Radicalism,” Heggy deconstructs faction of political Islam and mindset based on pure transmis- carried out by the state and cannot Achieving significant success political Islamist thinking and another. The Muslim Brotherhood, sion and total opposition to be left to religious institutions. and progress in this area is difficult reveals its distortions and contra- for example, may not operate in reasoning and innovation. Heggy There is an urgent need to open the because the fruits of any effective dictions. He concludes that a the same way as al-Qaeda or Boko said the period some call the gates of ijtihad, for it is unreason- reform programme will only moderate political Islam is an Haram or even the Islamic State “Golden Age” was one whose able to seek solutions to problems become visible after a few years. illusion. but all of them are “strategically features reflected the realities of of the year 2019 by going back to Heggy pointed to the existence aligned, pursue the same goals and the Middle Ages. the products of minds that existed Mustafa Abid is an Egyptian of intimate links between all carry the same hatred.” In his books, Heggy argues that ten centuries ago.” writer.

Viewpoint Is Sufism an alternative to political Islam?

love among human beings and and sanctifying their well-being messages and allusions to the point charlatanism, as some have said. conceives Islam as a tolerant religion is akin to sanctifying the Creator the meanings of their conversations Their mission would be to redirect that renounces violence, accepts and demeaning them is akin to are opaque to others. Sufi writing is the Sufi discourse, energies and Hisham al-Najjar through its values ​​and intentions demeaning Allah. also charged with strangeness and spiritual manifestations towards the principles of freedom and Sufism has taught large segments spiritual explosion as if the Sufi was reforming and improving reality human rights and does not clash of the populations of Damascus, writing for himself and creating his while preserving the ceremonial and he current version of with progress and change that Baghdad and Cairo, for example, own special discourse. folkloric manifestations of Sufism political Islam is losing benefit humanity. that God is everywhere and that Just as universities produce because they represent its biggest ground because of the To be a Sufi means to rise above believers should love Him more scholars and scientists in various capital for attracting millions of destruction, violence racism and sectarian rivalries and than fear Him. It is thanks to this disciplines who do their part in people to Sufism. and terrorism it caused arrogance in the name of religion. Sufi heritage that these cities have advancing their country, Sufism Some scholars argued that Sufism and because it sowed Sufism rejects slogans such as “We not produced many fundamentalist must do its part in nourishing and is not suitable to compete with Tseeds of hatred and division in are on the right path and everybody figures in modern times. developing an individual’s spiritual, dynamic Islam because it focuses societies and between peoples. To else is in the wrong” that political Knowing one’s self as a human intellectual and moral abilities on being good to others and on prevent political Islam from Islam used in trying to wipe out being before anything else is one to become an active and reliable worshipping the Almighty without regaining its influence by playing the idea of ​​brotherhood and social of the cornerstones of the Sufi element of the society. giving importance to political gains. on contradictions and exploiting cohesion. experience. It is the basis of all There is a need for a paradigmatic However, this is exactly what is narrow agendas of some forces, On the contrary, Sufism is open to knowledge. Sufi literature states that shift in the Sufi approach. Instead of needed and desired. the vacuum must be filled with a everyone, regardless of their faith man is a model for the universe and attracting individuals and isolating The Sufi current should not tolerant and rational version of or ethnic origin: “Come, come. It the main gateway to the knowledge them from society and helping them have political wings that would Islam. doesn’t matter who you are or why of God. pursue spiritual salvation, Sufism represent it, as was the case with Many Western circles have you’re here” for all human beings Therefore, Sufi theorisation has must start focusing on the societal political Islam in post-revolution become interested in the models are partners in seeking divine delved deeply in the essence of role of the Sufi. Egypt. If Sufism is to achieve of tolerant Islam in Indonesia, proximity. humankind, trying to understand The civilisational role of Sufism success as a reform movement, it which are based on fundamentals A Sufi tolerates all religions, human qualities and behaviour to requires that it shifts its paradigms. must remain a purely independent of authentic Sufism. Those models beliefs and ideas. He is like “the land diagnose man’s shortcomings for the Instead of building the spiritual and social movement that cannot be appeal particularly to politicians that is trodden by the righteous and purpose of imagining therapeutic moral fibre of the Sufi individual politicised, nor should it be allowed who see them as capable of the evildoer and like the cloud that alternatives to correct his path for the purpose of freeing him or to politicise religion and exploit it confronting extremist and militant hovers above all and like the rain towards salvation and finding God. her from the shackles of reality for political gain. movements. That has prompted that quenches everything.” What is required is to combine and letting him or her fly high For Sufism to replace political some governments suffering from A Sufi professes love for all the individual character of the Sufi in the rarefied air of spirituality, Islam, which has exhausted its the scourge of extremists to give it humanity and this is exactly what experience with a collective societal Sufism should also start developing purposes and failed, its discourse attention and support. the world wants and needs to weed character it lacks. There is a need the individual for the purpose of must be rationalised and its Sufism in Islam is popular and has out the Islamic models, given by the to shift Sufism from a movement walking with both feet anchored in performance must be developed a broad presence among Muslims. Muslim Brotherhood and the Islamic of self-knowledge and self- reality and for reforming this reality. so that it rises to become a national Sufism embraces the essence of State, that nurture hatred and transformation in search of one’s Thus, Sufism will start producing and societal project and not just an religion, which calls for peace and resentment in the name of religion. salvation to a reform movement that creative individuals who will individual’s project or a movement’s Contrary to political Islam, affects the social reality through the actively contribute to society’s project. Sufism passionately calls for the return to noble values ​​and ideals, renaissance, fully aware of their When this happens, individuals protection and preservation of the not because of a worldly need roles in the divine plan of giving would flock to Sufi structures, not The Sufi current human species. It warns against the or because one’s desire to please them the responsibility of being for the purpose of developing their should not have destruction of the human structure authority or attain power but on the God’s agents on earth for the individualities or serving a group political wings that because its destruction amounts to basis of one’s love for humanity and purpose of colonising it and making but to serve society and participate demolishing God’s most complete for one’s homeland and one’s desire it prosper. in the renaissance of the whole would represent it, as and perfect image. Sufis care about to reform them for their own sake. There is room for having umma, be it in the East or in the was the case with every human being, regardless of Many Sufi mystics are careful not scholars and intellectuals West. his or her beliefs, and will always to discuss their experiences and specifically dedicating their political Islam in seek to protect the sanctity of life knowledge with people outside efforts to transforming Sufism to Hisham al-Najjar is an Egyptian post-revolution Egypt. and property, for respecting others their circles. They tend to use coded a state free of eccentricities and writer. 14 August 25, 2019 News & Analysis Turkey

Viewpoint Turkey’s promising new political party

party as an enemy of the AKP. However, it’s hard to see how Babacan’s party could rise to Mujgan Halis power without knocking off the party that has dominated Turkish politics for nearly two he forces rallying decades. around Ali Baba- Erdogan often says he can, as he prepares assigned Babacan and his to launch a new followers to important posts political party, within the state but the lead- have been the ing figures of the new party Tsubject of much discussion in say this is untrue. They said Turkish political circles, so I the AKP founders performed jumped at the opportunity to cross-country research and speak with a few Babacan made assignments based on heavyweights for insight into need and suitability when the the party’s vision. party was first established. Babacan, a former deputy “AKP was a team, a team prime minister in charge of movement. This team suc- the economy and a founding ceeded and we saw the result member of Turkey’s ruling when the team’s composition Troubling turn. Pervin Buldan (C), co-leader of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), Justice and Development Party was disordered,” one of the speaks during a news conference at HDP headquarters in Istanbul, August 20. (AFP) (AKP), resigned from the AKP Babacan party leaders said. in July. Former Turkish President Since then, talk about his Abdullah Gul is regularly plans for a new party was linked to Babacan’s party but either ignored or censored by the leaders contacted could Dismissal of Kurdish mayors the mainly pro-government not confirm that Gul would media. However, almost noth- be involved. “We often come ing has been more closely together and benefit from his fuels opposition’s fears of new tracked on social media and ideas,” one said. Gul is not in the halls of power and that expected to take an official includes former Prime Minis- role in the new party, they ter Ahmet Davutoglu’s plans explained, but would surely wave of repression in Turkey for his own party. observe and advise, like a big The figures I spoke to said brother. they expect to establish the Everyone is wondering Thomas Seibert widely shared on social media. glu, also slammed the move. Babacan party by the end of about the selection criteria Yeneroglu called the police action “Negating the will of the peo- the year. These leaders were for those who want to join the “terrifying” and demanded offic- ple is unacceptable,” he wrote on tight-lipped about who will party. Leading figures of the Istanbul ers involved be taken off duty and Twitter. Imamoglu was removed be involved in the party but movement said they plan to tried in court. from office over alleged voting ir- prominent figures from aca- choose cadres who represent ritics of Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Turkey’s presi- regularities shortly after apparent- demia are expected to contrib- all social layers of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan say dent from 2007-14, and former ly being elected in March but won ute to Babacan’s movement. but, because nepotism has the controversial dismissal Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, a rerun election in June. Several academics become a major issue C of recently elected mayors former allies of Erdogan who have Ersin Ramoglu, a columnist for have been studying in recent years, peo- of three large cities in Turkey’s emerged as potential political op- the pro-government Sabah news- the policies of the ple worry that the Kurdish region could herald a new ponents, said the dismissals were paper, suggested that CHP mayors AKP and other The new political new party will wave of repression against the op- out of line with democracy. such as Imamoglu could be “re- political parties, party has real end up being a position in general. Erdogan adviser Yigit Bulut re- moved from office any minute” which will pro- promise. We just need poor replica of Less than five months after mu- sponded by posting on Twitter that because of their alleged support vide important the old one. nicipal elections, Turkey’s Interior Gul’s and Davutoglu’s criticism for Gulen. data for the new to get through a few “In the first Ministry removed Diyarbakir May- was “treason.” more months of party’s political years of the or Selcuk Mizrakli, Mardin Mayor Some critics said the govern- The opposition said the line. In addition, whispers before it AKP, relatives Ahmet Turk and Van Mayor Bedia ment might bring down opposition economic bureau- steps into the light. were prevented Ozgokce Ertan from their posts mayors in other parts of the coun- mayors’ removal was a crats looking to from taking higher over accusations that the Kurdish try as well. response by the take part in repairing positions in the politicians had ties to the Kurdis- “The ultimate aim is to put pres- government to electoral Turkey’s economic trou- party,” one of the lead- tan Workers’ Party (PKK), seen as sure on democracy,” Nazmi Gur, a defeats in the municipal bles are expected to side with ing Babacan figures said. a terrorist organisation by Turkey deputy HDP chairman, said by tel- elections. Babacan. “In the new movement, we and the West. ephone. “Ankara, Adana and Istan- Leading figures of the will recall these principles of Police detained 418 people in 29 bul could be next in line.” Metin Feyzioglu, the chairman of movement said they feel a the AKP and act accordingly. provinces in a related investigation Erdogan oversaw peace talks be- Turkey’s bar association, said the responsibility to improve the We will have two criteria: be a targeting people with suspected tween the Turkish state and Kurd- removal of elected officials by gov- lives of Turkish citizens. Some good person and do your job links to the PKK, the ministry said. ish representatives earlier this dec- ernment decree was undemocrat- of them were allies of Turk- properly.” The opposition said the mayors’ ade but the reconciliation attempt ic. The Ankara office of Turkey’s ish President Recep Tayyip Several figures who spear- removal was a response by the failed. Today, the AKP relies on the Chamber of Architects said the de- Erdogan who said the public is headed the AKP’s efforts to government to defeats in the mu- right-wing Nationalist Action Party cision was tantamount to “stealing unaware of their internal ob- solve the Kurdish question nicipal elections, when Erdogan’s (MHP) for its majority in parlia- the will of the people” because the jections to AKP policies. They are expected to join the new Justice and Development Party ment. The MHP is strictly opposed three mayors had been cleared to said the AKP had left behind party. For that reason, steps by (AKP) lost power in Istanbul, An- to any concession in the Kurdish run in the March elections. the principles that united its Babacan and his friends have kara, Adana and other key cities. question and welcomed the dis- The dismissals and detentions of supporters when the party was been closely monitored by the missal of the mayors. alleged PKK supporters came amid founded in 2001. Kurds. Government critics in Turkey preparations by Erdogan’s govern- The movement initiated Although it is unlikely that Fahri Erenel, and abroad say the country has ment for a military incursion into by Babacan has been closely the new party will be able to a former general seen rising trends of autocracy the Kurdish region in north-east- monitored by the AKP and steal votes from the pro-Kurd- since a coup attempt in 2016. Au- ern Syria. The possible area of the there have been reports in ish Peoples’ Democratic Party thorities have detained tens of operation borders Turkey’s Kurd- pro-government media that (HDP), it will surely have the thousands of suspects while more ish provinces; the city of Mardin the AKP hoped to trigger a potential to attract AKP voters “If you are so deeply engaged than 100,000 public sector em- lies 20km north of the Syrian bor- “pre-term birth” of the party, in Kurdish cities, considering in anti-terror fighting in the ployees, including police officers, der. forcing it to launch before it the region’s problems. north of Iraq and Syria, you judges and teachers, were fired The government says it must de- was ready. The party’s future leaders cannot leave the interior [of over suspected links to the move- fend the country against the PKK, Although no one is willing are aware of this and confident Turkey] to its own devices.” ment of Fethullah Gulen, a US- which took up arms against Ankara to admit it, it’s clear that Ba- that Turkey’s mainly Kurd- based Islamic cleric accused by the in 1984. More than 40,000 people bacan’s movement has created ish south-east, which has had Turk, Mizrakli and Ertan, mem- government of masterminding the have died in related fighting and panic in the ruling party. De- more than its share of econom- bers of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ takeover attempt. terrorist attacks since then. spite some AKP members be- ic issues, will listen to former Democratic Party (HDP), were re- The European Union said the Some observers said the aim of ing careful to adopt moderate economy tsar Babacan. placed with the governors of their move against the mayors carried the government’s strike against language about the movement, The attentive style of the respective provinces. In Turkey, the risk of damaging Turkish de- Kurdish politicians and activists pro-government columnists new party and many Kurds’ provincial governors are not elect- mocracy further. was to guarantee that Turkey’s said Erdogan is sure to target distrust of the AKP, because of ed but named by the government “Dismissals and detentions of lo- Kurdish region would remain calm Babacan and the party and its ending of the peace process in Ankara. cal politicians and appointment of during a possible Turkish mili- label them “traitors.” and repeated dismissals of The move was condemned by trustees deprive voters of political tary offensive against the Kurd- Babacan’s future colleagues democratically elected HDP the opposition and civil society representation at the local level, ish YPG militia on the Syrian side said they have been slowly mayors, are likely to put Baba- representatives. More important and seriously risk damaging lo- of the border. The Turkish military establishing the party as they can’s party in good position to for Erdogan, the dismissals and cal democracy,” an EU spokesman is also fighting the PKK in northern focused on organising resourc- attract Kurdish votes. harsh police action against protest- said in a statement. Iraq. es and preparing a policy plan The party has real promise. ers in the Kurdish region and Istan- Veli Agbaba, deputy leader of “If you are so deeply engaged that would address Turkey’s We just need to get through a bul following the ousters met with the main opposition Republican in anti-terror fighting in northern problems. few more months of whispers criticism in the AKP as well. People’s Party (CHP), wrote on Iraq and Syria, you cannot leave Asked if they sought to before it steps into the light. AKP lawmaker Mustafa Yenero- Twitter that the dismissals were the interior [of Turkey] to its own weaken the AKP and win over glu took to Twitter to condemn tantamount to fascism and a blow devices,” Fahri Erenel, a former its voters, they said they were Mujgan Halis is a Turkish police beatings of a demonstra- against democracy. while Istan- general, told the pro-government not aiming to position the new writer. tor in Van, a video of which was bul’s CHP mayor, Ekrem Imamo- Yeni Safak newspaper. August 25, 2019 15 News & Analysis Iran Iranian oil tanker on course for new escalation with United States

Thomas Seibert the confrontation somewhat but the row surrounding the oil tanker could reignite it. Iran recently un- Istanbul veiled a new domestically devel- oped air defence system. n Iranian tanker carrying Ship-tracking systems indicated 2 million barrels of oil was the Adrian Darya I was on course for sailing into a possible po- Kalamata in Greece but the Greek A litical storm, as the United government, under pressure from States threatened “action” against the United States, said the vessel the vessel. was too big to dock in Greece. The Adrian Darya was on course Athens is anxious not to endan- In the eye of the wind. A crew member raises the Iranian flag on oil tanker Adrian Darya I, previously ger its strategic ties with the United towards the Eastern Mediterranean named Grace I, as it sits anchored in the Strait of Gibraltar, August 18. (Reuters) after being released by British au- States, to which it looks for support thorities in Gibraltar following a against neighbouring Turkey’s oil stand-off that lasted more than a and gas prospecting ventures off lead to a dangerous escalation. Macron has been at the fore- Macron said he had worked out month. The ship, formerly known Greece’s Aegean Sea islands and Asked whether the United States front of EU efforts to find common “proposals either for a softening of as Grace I and flying a Panamanian Cyprus, or with Israel. could renew its seizure request af- ground that would leave the 2015 sanctions or a compensation mech- flag, was renamed and supplied Following a failed attempt by ter the tanker sailed from Gibraltar, international nuclear agreement anism to enable the Iranian people with a new crew and an Iranian flag Washington to block the ship’s de- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokes- with Iran in place and lighten the to live better.” In return, he would before it left Gibraltar. The desti- parture from Gibraltar, US Secre- man Abbas Mousavi said: “Such burden of crippling US sanctions expect Iran to comply fully with nation of the tanker and its cargo, tary of State Mike Pompeo warned an action and even the talk of it… against Tehran. Since the United the nuclear deal and for Tehran to worth tens of millions of dollars, governments in the region against would endanger shipping safety in States abandoned the nuclear deal engage in new negotiations that remained a mystery. hosting the Adrian Darya I. He said open seas.” last year, Iran has responded with a would include its ballistic missile Washington was determined to act “Iran has issued the necessary series of moves, including retreat- programme if it turned out that the ship was warnings through official channels, ing from some of its commitments “We shall see what the response Athens is anxious not to heading for Syria, an Iranian ally especially the Swiss Embassy, to to limit its nuclear activity. from the Iranians is in the hours endanger its strategic ties under international sanctions. American officials not to commit Speaking before hosting a G7 ahead and we shall see how the with the United States, to British marines seized the tanker such an error because it would have summit, Macron said he wanted the Americans are ready to move for- which it looks for support in Gibraltar in early July follow- heavy consequences,” Mousavi meeting to yield a clearer strategy ward,” Macron said. against Turkey’s oil and gas ing intelligence — possibly coming said in remarks on state television. on how to avoid a further deteriora- Iranian Foreign Minister Moham- prospecting ventures off from the United States — that the represents US interests tion in the region. mad Javad Zarif, who was on a tour Greece’s Aegean Sea islands vessel was travelling to Syria. Iran in Iran because Washington and “In the coming hours before the through Scandinavian countries and Cyprus, or with Israel. has denied this but has not said Tehran do not have diplomatic rela- G7, I will have meetings with the and then was to meet with Macron, what the destination is. tions. Iranians and propose ideas,” Ma- said Iran would not start a war in Tensions between Iran and the “If that ship again heads to Syria, The exchange between Iran and cron said. Leaders from the United the Gulf but would defend itself. United States over Tehran’s nu- we will take every action we can the United States over the tanker States, Britain, France, Germany, It- “Will there be a war in the… Gulf? clear programme and US sanctions consistent with those sanctions to came shortly before French Presi- aly, Canada, Japan and the Europe- I can tell you that we will not start have raised the spectre of a new prevent that,” Pompeo said. dent Emmanuel Macron embarked an Union were to attend the Group the war… but we will defend our- war in the Middle East. Mediation Iran said any attempt by the Unit- on a new mediation effort between of Seven meetings in the south- selves,” Zarif said at the Norwegian efforts by European powers cooled ed States to seize the ship could Iran and the United States. western French resort of Biarritz. Institute of International Affairs.

Viewpoint Criticism of Larijani reflects pressures within Iran’s ruling class

Many resent the Larijani Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 40, in prison in family’s influence — his four Tehran since 2016, is reportedly brothers include Ali, the parlia- facing tougher conditions, while her husband, Richard Ratcliffe, Gareth Smyth mentary speaker — and they were publicly targeted by criticised British Prime Minister Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Boris Johnson for inaction over he arrest of Akbar president of Iran from 2005-13 her plight. Tabari, a senior if an but the Larijanis have always Some in Iran’s political class obscure official in been seen as loyal lieutenants of proclaimed triumph in Gibral- Iran’s Expediency Khamenei. tar’s release of the Iranian Council, sparked a Mehrzad Boroujerdi, director supertanker Grace I (since nasty spat among of the School of Public and renamed the Adrian Darya I), TIran’s senior politicians. Corrup- International Affairs at Virginia carrying 2 million barrels of oil tion charges related to Tabari’s Tech, is among those detecting but many vent annoyance at work in the judiciary have disquiet at the top. “There is a Europe’s failure to offer tangible implications for both leading major campaign to discredit relief from US sanctions. candidates to succeed Ayatollah Larijani and it seems to be In a television interview, Ali Ali Khamenei as Iranian supreme happening with Khamenei’s Shamkhani, Iran’s top security leader: Sadegh Larijani, former blessing as a way of paving the official, told NBC he had joined judiciary chief; and Ebrahim way for Ebrahim Raeisi [to those in Iran who believe the Raeisi, current judiciary chief. become leader after Khamenei],” 2015 nuclear agreement was a Tabari was already at the Boroujerdi said. “This way, mistake. This broke from Iran’s judiciary when Larijani was Raeisi can be presented as a strategy of putting pressure on appointed its head in 2009 but he corruption crusader. The fact Striving to be in front. Mohammad-Javad Larijani, secretary of other signatories by taking steps rose in the ranks under a man that national TV is attacking the High Council for Human rights, poses prior to a meeting in beyond the deal restrictions: whose family hails from his Larijani is no accident.” Tehran, last June. (AFP) since June, Tehran has expanded home province, Mazandaran. The judiciary began an stocks of enriched uranium Tabari became first the judici- anti-corruption campaign when beyond 300 kilograms, increas- ary’s finance director and then Raeisi, previously head of the Saeid Golkar, assistant professor “All these attacks [on Larijani] ing enrichment beyond 3.67% executive deputy, posts with powerful foundation managing of Political Science at the in such a short time required and resumed work on the Arak access to ample resources. the Imam Reza shrine in Mash- University of Tennessee at coordination,” said Golkar. heavy-water reactor. When Larijani stepped down had, was appointed its head in Chattanooga. “People no longer “That’s why Larijani wrote this “There are pressures within earlier this year — chief justices March. Raeisi dismissed some talk of ‘hardliners’ and ‘moder- letter saying he was like a safe the elite, from society and from serve ten years — to become judges and invited Iranians to ates’ but about unemployment containing secrets: ‘If you want outside,” said Golkar. “Sham- secretary at the Expediency send him complaints or sugges- and corruption, about people in to push me, I will talk about khani was one of those who Council, which arbitrates tions through social media. After Tehran who can apparently make everything.’ He realised the best pushed the idea [of the nuclear between state bodies, Tabari it emerged that Larijani had 63 millions overnight while they defence is attack.” deal] and he is reflecting serious went with him. News of Tabari’s bank accounts, Raeisi made great struggle to feed their family. The timing, however, is not frustration with Europe. It’s arrest in July came from parlia- play of how few he had. There is a new reality. Khamenei ideal. Dissension among the difficult. If Iran withdraws from mentary deputy Hassan Norouzi Popular concern over corrup- is trying to kill several birds with elites comes as Iran’s leaders the deal, they will push Europe and was confirmed by judiciary tion increased with the eco- one stone.” struggle with growing interna- closer to the US. If they do spokesman Gholam Hossein nomic recession because of Undaunted, Larijani hit back tional challenges. nothing, they appear to accept a Esmaili. stringent US sanctions since US with an open letter on the Victories for Iran are scant. situation where they receive no Since then, tempers have risen President Donald Trump Expediency Council website The judiciary has confirmed a benefits.” with criticism of Larijani on state withdrew last year from Iran’s questioning Yazdi’s religious 10-year sentence for spying on television and statements along 2015 nuclear agreement with credentials. Larijani suggested Aras Amiri, 34, an Iranian Gareth Smyth is a regular similar lines from Ayatollah world powers. he was “paying the price” for his resident in the United Kingdom contributor to The Arab Weekly. Mohammad Yazdi, judiciary chief “This isn’t just a matter of own investigations into malprac- working for the British Council. He has reported from the Middle 1989-99 and close to Khamenei. undermining the Larijanis,” said tice by senior officials. The dual national Nazanin East since 1992. 16 August 25, 2019 News & Analysis East West Netanyahu’s decision to bar Muslim congresswomen complicates US-Israel ties

Emily Przyborowski Tlaib refused, saying: “I could not go until I was a free, Ameri- can, United States congresswoman Washington coming there not only to see my grandmother but to talk to Pales- srael-US relations became a tinian and Israeli organisations that hyper-partisan issue after Is- believed that my grandmother de- raeli Prime Minister Binyamin served human dignity as much as I Netanyahu, apparently acting anyone else does.” at the behest of US President Don- Omar, in a news conference Au- ald Trump, barred two Democratic gust 19, said “the decision to ban congresswomen from entering Is- me and my colleague, the first two rael. Muslim-American women elected Israeli authorities announced in to Congress, is nothing less than mid-August that US Representative an attempt by an ally of the United Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Min- States to suppress our ability to do nesota, and Representative Rashida our jobs as elected officials.” Tlaib, a Democrat from Michigan, Omar and Tlaib were supported would not be allowed to visit Israel. by other Democrats in Congress. Their entry was barred from Is- Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi rael following a Twitter posting and House Majority Leader Steny by Trump stating: “It would show Hoyer condemned the Israeli deci- great weakness if Israel allowed sion. Pelosi said: “Israel’s denial of Rep. Omar and Rep. Tlaib to visit. entry to Congresswomen Tlaib and They hate Israel & all Jewish peo- Omar is a sign of weakness and be- ple, & there is nothing that can neath the dignity of the great State be said or done to change their of Israel. The president’s state- minds.” ments about the congresswomen Israeli author Ruth Margalit are a sign of ignorance and disre- wrote in the New Yorker that “(i)t spect, and beneath the dignity of was also a public-relations disaster the Office of the President.” for the Israeli government, as Net- Trump has been outspoken about Forlorn hope. Muftia Tlaib, the maternal grandmother of US Representative Rashida Tlaib, walks with her son anyahu undoubtedly understood.” his support for Israel and main- Bassam (R) outside their home in the village of Beit Ur al-Fauqa in the occupied West Bank, August 15. (AFP) Omar and Tlaib were to travel tained a close relationship with to Israel on a trip sponsored by Netanyahu, however, American- MIFTAH, a pro-Palestinian group Jewish support for the Republican ment and Sanctions movement bill ened Israeli voters’ trust in him. between Israel and America, we led by Hanan Ashrawi, an Execu- Party has ebbed during Trump’s before Congress, Netanyahu needs Further loss of support over a crisis would not deny entry to any Mem- tive Committee member of the Pal- time in office. to secure Trump’s veto if the meas- with the United States could seri- ber of Congress into Israel.’” estine Liberation Organisation. Many attribute the shift to con- ure is passed in Congress. ously endanger his chances of re- Despite the outcry concerning The trip was to include meet- troversial stances and remarks by Netanyahu’s compliance with election. Tlaib and Omar’s ban on entering ings with Arab Knesset member Trump such as one made August Trump’s urging that Tlaib and Omar Support for Israel has long been Israel, it is unlikely the relation- Aida Touma-Sliman and leaders of 20 in which he referred to Jewish be prevented from entering Israel a bipartisan stance in the United ship between Israel and the United Breaking the Silence, a non-profit Americans who vote for Democrats sparked unprecedented criticism States. Democratic supporters of States will change over the issue. On group founded by former Israel as having “either a total lack of even from staunch supporters of Israel, including Hoyer, who leads August 21, Israeli President Reuven Defence Forces soldiers who are knowledge or great disloyalty” and the Israeli right. The American Is- an annual week-long trip for Demo- Rivlin spoke with Pelosi, asserting against the Israeli occupation of the are anti-Semitic in nature. rael Public Affairs Committee, said, crats in Israel, to educate lawmak- afterward that “the link between Palestinian territories. Ahead of the September 17 elec- although it disagreed with Tlaib’s ers on Israel. [the United States and Israel] is be- Tlaib also planned to visit her tion in Israel, Netanyahu needed to and Omar’s views on Israel, it “also Hoyer has been outspoken about tween peoples, based on historical 90-year-old grandmother in the maintain positive relations with the believed every member of Congress his disapproval for Netanyahu’s de- ties, deep, strong friendships and West Bank. After the decision to Trump administration and secure should be able to visit and experi- cision to bar the congresswomen, shared values, not dependent on prevent their entry, Tlaib was grant- the votes of both Israeli voters and ence our democratic ally Israel saying: “This action is contrary to the links with either party.” ed a “humanitarian exception” to the support of conservative Repub- firsthand.” the statement and assurances to me visit her grandmother under the licans, including evangelical Chris- Netanyahu is facing an indict- by Israel’s ambassador to the Unit- Emily Przyborowski is an condition that she not support the tians who back Israeli settlement ment on three charges of corrup- ed States that ‘out of respect for the Arab Weekly correspondent in boycott movement while in Israel. policies. With a Boycott, Divest- tion, allegations that have weak- US Congress and the great alliance Washington. Viewpoint Trump faces congressional backlash on plans to slash foreign aid

is heavily involved in the Middle humanitarian efforts. ally in the US Senate Lindsey Trump’s decision on Jerusalem, East, such as peacekeepers It even generated controversy Graham, a Republican from is no longer an honest broker in Gregory between Israeli and Syrian within the Trump administra- South Carolina who is chairman the peace process. Aftandilian forces near the Golan Heights as tion, with US Secretary of State of the Senate Appropriations Trump, on August 18, stated: well as humanitarian assistance Mike Pompeo reportedly Subcommittee for Foreign “We give billions of dollars to to Syrian and other refugees, the opposing the cuts, though he Assistance, wrote a joint letter countries that don’t like us cuts would have a direct and has been circumspect in public to the president stating: “Not — don’t like us even a little bit… vershadowed in a adverse effect not only on the about them, while Office of only do these cuts have the In some cases, these are coun- news cycle domi- region but on the US image in Management and Budget potential to undermine signifi- tries that we should not be nated by US Presi- the region. Director Russ Vought and cant national security and giving [aid] to.” dent Donald The proposed cuts would be Treasury Secretary Steven anti-terrorism efforts or our The second reason, which is Trump’s announce- done by a process known as Mnuchin supported the cuts. diplomats and international much more important for ment cancelling a “rescission.” Congress would Interestingly, some overseas partners overseas but we fear Trump, is that he wants to use Otrip to Denmark over his bizarre have 45 days to approve a projects supported by key such a rescission package could this issue in the 2020 presiden- desire to purchase Greenland rescission package that would figures in the Trump adminis- complicate the ability of the tial campaign. Many fiscal and his claim that American Jews affect funds already appropri- tration, such as Ivanka Trump’s administration and Congress to conservatives, part of Trump’s would be “very disloyal” if they ated by the legislature. During “Women’s Global Development work constructively on future base, are upset that the federal voted for Democrats, was the that period, funds are frozen and Prosperity Initiative” and a appropriation deals.” budget forecasts a deficit of president’s plan to slash some and, if Congress does not programme aimed at protecting In addition, Republican close to $1 trillion this fiscal $4.3 billion in foreign economic approve the rescission package, Christian minorities supported Chairman of the Senate Foreign year. Trump knows that a large aid. This proposal has generated the funds are released. by US Vice-President Mike Relations Committee Jim Risch, portion of the American considerable opposition in the The rescission proposal, Pence are exempt from the of Idaho, and the ranking electorate mistakenly believes US Congress, even among which has not been sent to proposed cuts. Republican of the House Foreign that US foreign aid is in the Trump’s fellow Republicans. Congress, generated much Trump’s main opposition is Affairs Committee Michael range of 20% of the budget The plan envisions $2.3 billion criticism in it as well as among from key congressional leaders. McCaul, of Texas, warned the whereas in reality such aid in cuts to USAID (the main NGOs supporting the United US Representative Nita Lowey, a White House that the rescission accounts for 1%. foreign aid arm of the govern- Nations and international Democrat from New York and proposal would be “inappropri- By playing to public senti- ment) and $2 billion in cuts to chairwoman of the Foreign ate” and that such action ments that the United States is US State Department economic Assistance Appropriations “would be precedent-setting “wasting” money overseas, aid programmes to countries Subcommittee in the House of and a direct affront to the money that should be either around the world, presumably Representatives, stated that the separation of powers.” saved or spent in the United including the Middle East. Trump knows that a appropriated funds have strong So, given this opposition, why States, Trump can play to his Washington publication large portion of the support in Congress, adding that is Trump so eager to pursue political base which strongly Politico reported the cuts would there was “bipartisan, wide- these cuts? First, is his belief supports his “America First” include $787 million for UN American electorate spread understanding that these that US foreign relations should approach, even if Congress, as is peacekeeping programmes; mistakenly believes funds are essential for US global be transactional. He believes likely, blocks his rescission $364 million for other UN that US foreign aid is leadership and protecting the that countries or entities should attempt. programmes, such as humani- security of the American only be given assistance if they tarian and human rights endeav- in the range of 20% of people.” are in lockstep with US policy. Gregory Aftandilian is a lecturer ours; and $522 million in core the budget whereas in Representative Hal Rogers of This explains in part Trump’s in the Pardee School of Global funding to the UN organisa- Kentucky, who is the ranking decision to cut most funding to Studies at Boston University and tion. reality such aid Republican on Lowey’s subcom- the Palestinian Authority after it a former US State Department Given that the United Nations accounts for 1%. mittee, and Trump’s erstwhile said the United States, after Middle East analyst. August 25, 2019 17 News & Analysis East West Europe grapples with ISIS returnees and their families

Stephen Quillen stan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have been the most proactive in returning fighters and their fami- Tunis lies home. More often viewing ex- tremism as a socio-psychological ith the Islamic State’s phenomenon that can be remedied so-called caliphate off with proper government oversight, the map, European these countries returned hundreds W countries are strug- of ISIS fighters and their families gling to deal with hundreds of and sought to reintegrate them foreign fighter recruits and their into society. families who are seeking to return Russia has led the way on the is- to their home countries. sue, said Tanya Lokshina, Human Since 2011, some 13,000 Euro- Rights Watch associate director for pean nationals have joined the Is- Europe and Central Asia. lamic State (ISIS), posing unique “Russia’s human rights record is legal and security challenges for deeply problematic but it has done Legal and ethical conundrum. Belgian women Tatiana Wielandt (L) and Bouchra Abouallal, who their home countries. Today, with a lot — more than Western democ- joined ISIS in Syria, speak to reporters in Ain Issa, Syria, last March. (Reuters) many held in overcrowded Kurd- racies — on the issue of returns,” ish-controlled prisons, European Lokshina told the Moscow Times governments must decide how to in February. “Globally, Russia had case-by-case basis but has resisted to ISIS members” would soon “be The UK government maintains proceed: Should they strip the ter- the most active programme to re- calls to return adult ISIS members. handed over to the German For- that it has the power to revoke ror suspects of their nationality, turn detainees from Iraq and Syria, Germany, which saw some 1,000 eign Ministry at the Semalka Bor- an individual’s citizenship if it is repatriate and prosecute them at notably children.” of its citizens join ISIS, says it is der Crossing.” “conducive to the public good” home or leave them at the mercy In Western Europe, the story has committed to returning them but “It’s the first repatriation of over and does not leave them stateless, of their captors? been different. Fearful of expos- cites logistical roadblocks to doing 100 ISIS-linked German children, or if they are eligible for citizen- ing populations to potential terror so. plus scores of men & women, held ship of another country. risks, countries such as France, “Germany has a responsibility in North-East Syria.” Human rights activists, howev- Germany, which saw some Germany and the United Kingdom for its citizens, even if they have The United Kingdom, mean- er, generally argue that European 1,000 of its citizens join ISIS, have been reluctant — and some- committed serious crimes,” Armin while, opted for a different ap- states should repatriate their citi- says it is committed to times downright unwilling — to Schuster, a domestic policy expert proach, revoking the citizenships zens and, when possible, put them returning them but cites take back ISIS suspects and their with Chancellor Angela Merkel’s of high-profile ISIS members it through the legal system at home. logistical roadblocks to families. Christian Democrats, told German does not want to return home. “All countries, including West- doing so. Increasingly, they are coming publication Der Spiegel. Jack Letts, a 24-year-old British- ern European ones, with citizens under pressure to change course, Initially, the German Foreign born Muslim convert detained in a held in Iraq and north-eastern Even more thorny is the status including by US President Donald Ministry sought to repatriate only Kurdish prison, was the latest to be Syria need to address two basic of their children and other family Trump, who said the United States children of ISIS fighters but a court targeted with this policy. Dubbed issues,” wrote Letta Tayler of Hu- members who were taken to ISIS is unwilling to pay for the indefi- ruled in June that a female ISIS “Jihadi Jack” in the media, he was man Rights Watch. “The right of territory against their will. While nite detention of ISIS fighters. member must be returned with stripped of his British citizenship everyone to return to their home governments bear some responsi- “If Europe doesn’t take them, her children, setting a controver- after it was ruled that he would be country, without their home state bility for ensuring their safe return, then I have no choice but to re- sial precedent in a country where eligible for citizenship in Canada, throwing up direct or indirect bar- this often requires the expenditure lease them into the countries from religious and ethnic tensions are where his father is from. riers; and the duty to ensure justice of significant resources and comes which they came, which [are] Ger- already high. A similar case made headlines for the worst crimes committed in at a high political cost. many and France and other plac- On August 17, the Rojava Infor- in February when 19-year-old ISIS Syria and Iraq through fair trials for So far, various governments es,” Trump threatened on Twitter. mation Centre, of the Autonomous member Shamima Begum, who those most responsible.” have taken different approaches. Belgium says it plans to repatri- Administration of North and East is of Bangladeshi heritage, was In Central Asia, countries such as ate all children under the age of 10 of Syria, wrote on Twitter that “a stripped of her British nationality, Stephen Quillen is an Arab Kosovo, Turkey, Russia, Kazakh- and adjudicate those over 10 on a number of German orphans born effectively leaving her stateless. Weekly correspondent in Tunis. Viewpoint Bad jihadists make for good politics

he unsurprising thing associate with them. In February, Fourteen years on, Letts and bringing them to justice.” about the Jack Letts UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid Begum are proof that Britain Clearly, Britain, like most other Rashmee case is that Britain revoked the British citizenship of remains in denial. It is unwilling Western countries, has little Roshan Lall isn’t taking the Shamima Begum, the teenaged to take responsibility for the interest in leading the way on its Oxford-born-and- wife of a Dutch Islamic State young men and women who homegrown jihadists and the bred former Islamic (ISIS) fighter. Now, it’s Letts. went to British schools and complex mix of trials, monitoring TState fighter return. What’s They are the more high-profile colleges, were part of the British and rehabilitation required to surprising is the bitter public row examples of Britain’s habitual system, were radicalised while in deal with them. Instead, it that erupted between close way of dealing with citizens it the United Kingdom and left to prefers to make them someone Western allies on the issue. deems a security threat or, at the join the caliphate so trium- else’s problem. In the first Canada, lumped with responsi- very least, an undesirable risk to phantly proclaimed by ISIS. instance, it is the Kurds, who are bility for the formerly dual public order. Publicly available When these British jihadists are holding Begum and Letts. For British-Canadian national, has statistics indicate that at least captured overseas, the United Letts, a second responsible entity publicly hit out at the United 150 British nationals have been Kingdom is quicker than most is supposed to be Canada. Kingdom. Canadian Minister of stripped of citizenship since other Western countries to sever But Canada, which is bracing Public Safety Ralph Goodale 2010. links. for a bitter election in October, is expressed disappointment at Talk in Britain after the July For the most part, such actions recalcitrant. Worse, Letts is Britain’s “unilateral action to 2005 London suicide attacks was provoke no domestic outcry and becoming a campaign issue, with offload their responsibilities.” of the bombers’ Pakistani few calls for a reappraisal of right Canadian Prime Minister Justin John McKay, chairman of ethnicity. The coordinated and wrong. Begum’s predica- Trudeau’s main political rival Canada’s parliamentary Commit- bombings, which came to be ment made headlines for the Andrew Scheer, declaring that, if tee on Public Safety and National called 7/7 in the style of 9/11 in callousness with which she was elected, he “will not lift a finger” Security, railed at the United the United States, were the worst effectively rendered stateless, to help Letts. Kingdom’s “gutless” behav- jihadist atrocity on British soil with Bangladeshi officials The message is clear. Once iour. until the 2017 Manchester Arena denying she had a claim to upon a time, Britain and Canada The charge of gutlessness is attack. Bangladeshi citizenship through were supposed to stand for easily understood. Britain Three of the four perpetrators her family. justice but they now define their stripped Letts of citizenship, of 7/7 were second-generation However, the cynicism of the national interest by narrow and thereby making him the respon- Pakistanis. The subsequent Letts decision prompted at least nakedly political criteria. No sibility of the Canadian govern- British drumbeat — that Pakistan one prominent British politician Western politician wants to be No Western politician ment. This, despite that Letts was the place as well as the reason to speak out. Former British responsible for bringing poten- was born in the United Kingdom, for the bombers’ radicalisation Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood tially dangerous radicals back wants to be grew up in the United Kingdom, — was slapped down by Pakistani said removing Letts’s citizenship home and he or she will say it as responsible for went to school in the United officials and commentators. They “shunts the responsibility loudly as possible. Bad jihadists Kingdom, converted to Islam in acidly pointed out the inescap- elsewhere” when many fighters make good politics. bringing potentially the United Kingdom and left for able fact that the attackers were were “radicalised here in the dangerous radicals Syria from the United King- homegrown and had been UK.” Rashmee Roshan Lall is a home and he or she dom. radicalised in the United King- He added that Britain “should columnist for The Arab Weekly. However, it is of a piece with dom. They urged Britain to take be leading calls” on how “foreign Her blog can be found at www. will say it as loudly as Britain’s past attempts to responsibility for the actions of its fighters face justice and who is rashmee.com and she is on possible. disavow jihadists and those who own citizens. ultimately responsible for Twitter: @rashmeerl. 18 August 25, 2019 Economy

Egypt seeks economic opportunities in shipping Briefs

Mohamed Hammad Revenues up for Cairo Dubai’s global port firm DP World he Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Re- Global port operator DP World sources announced plans reported stronger financials for the T to maximise its logistics first half of 2019, with revenue up services for ships transiting its nearly 32% and profits up almost coasts and waterways. 27% from the same period last year. Cairo said it would increase its DP World said revenue for the first fleet of service ships with about half of 2019 reached $3.5 billion and five new tankers to supply vessels profits amounted to $753 million. with fuel and other logistical ser- The company’s earnings before vices. “The move is in line with interest, tax and other fees were up the country’s strategy to become a nearly 22% to $1.6 billion. regional energy hub in the Eastern The company appears to be on Mediterranean region,” Egyptian course to surpass last year’s profits Petroleum Minister Tarek el-Molla Untapped potential. A ship crosses the Gulf of Suez towards the Red Sea before entering the Suez Canal of $1.29 billion. said. near Ismailia port city. (Reuters) He said the government seeks to (The Associated Press) add value to its fuel services sector, of its refuelling ships about a year The canal last year recorded the Last April, Royal Caribbean’s which coincides with the develop- ago, quadrupling Egypt’s fuel sup- highest number of vessel crossings Quantum-Ultra-class cruise ship ment of safety systems for logistics ply capacity to 187,000 tonnes. The in one single day, 81 vessels with Spectrum of the Seas, the larg- in line with local standards com- improvements enhanced Egypt’s 6.1 million tonnes of cargo. est passenger ship in the world, patible with British systems. competitiveness and encouraged To prepare for enhanced work in crossed the Suez Canal on its maid- The oil products tanker Misr 1 the Petroleum Ministry to upgrade ship logistics, Rasheed Petroleum en voyage. The ship is 347.1 metres Egypt raises Sinai moored at the city of Port Said on its refuelling tankers. developed a Safety Volume for Lo- long, 41.4 metres wide and displac- August 13. The vessel operates a Cairo is betting on the project for gistics Services, which establishes es 170,000 tonnes. It can accom- investment 75% dual-supply system and has a fuel the development of the Suez Canal minimum international standards modate more than 4,200 passen- capacity of about 1,750 tonnes. axis, which is likely to open invest- and practices in equipment and op- gers and has a crew of 1,500. It paid in 2019-20 Hussein Fathy, president of Misr ment for the Egyptian economy erations. about $1 million in transit fees. Petroleum Company, a public com- through the localisation of re-ex- It includes the development of The Megamax 24, one of the Egypt said it would invest 5.2 pany affiliated with the Petroleum port industries, such as shipbuild- standard operating and risk man- world’s largest container ships with billion Egyptian pounds ($315 mil- Ministry and which owns the fuel ing and vehicle manufacturing. agement procedures for high-risk a capacity of 23,000 containers, lion) in the Sinai Peninsula in fiscal supply vessels, announced that the Re-export operations would activities, the definition and identi- also crossed the canal. 2019-20, a 75% rise on the year, in a other tankers would arrive in Egypt result in major activities in ship- fication of major accident risks as- Cairo is to begin receiving Israeli venture officials said was intended this year and next. ping and traffic through the canal, sociated with logistics operations, gas in September. It is to be lique- to stabilise a region hit by violence He said Egyptian fuel supply which is expected to increase de- various risk management systems fied and processed at the Edco Sta- from armed groups. vessels use a single-supply system mand for logistics services, wheth- involved in managing the risks and tion on the Mediterranean coast The Egyptian Planning Ministry not compatible with supertankers, er fuel supply, maintenance or food reducing them to ensure the safety before export to international mar- said the 2019-20 investments would which prompted the company to supplies in addition to opening of personnel and appropriate per- kets. This is expected to increase be “general investments directed to upgrade its fleet. Egypt’s fleet of tourism opportunities for the ves- formance standards for logistical ship traffic in the Mediterranean all sectors.” refuelling vessels has operated on sels’ crews. safety elements. and open logistics investment op- The government hopes investing rudimentary refuelling systems for The only revenue from the Suez Adel al-Lamaie, chairman of the portunities for Cairo. in the region will help curb extrem- 43 years with a capacity of no more Canal comes from transit fees. The Transport Committee at the Egyp- Egypt is also awaiting the arrival ism and bring stability by reducing than 35,000 tonnes of fuel a year. Suez Canal Authority announced a tian Businessmen Association, said of Cypriot gas by 2024, Cypriot En- higher-than-average unemploy- Cairo’s limited technical capabil- record $3.6 billion in revenues for not developing maritime logistics ergy Minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis ment. ities in refuelling services, plus the the last fiscal year but that level systems has cost Egypt opportuni- said during the recent Eastern Med- North Sinai will receive $174 high cost of operating older vessels, was still considered weak, com- ties to capitalise on investment. iterranean Gas Forum in Cairo. This million of the investments, while affected its ability to compete in re- pared to Singapore’s experience He said the government’s initia- would require Cairo to keep pace South Sinai will take $144 million, fuelling transit ships, for which it in providing logistics services to tive was positive but that the gov- with changes in commercial gas traf- Planning Minister Hala al-Saeed said was more economical to push on ships and which generates about ernment still needs to make availa- fic, increasing services in the logis- in a statement. to the Jebel Ali region in the United ten times as much revenue. ble larger supply and maintenance tics activities for transit ships. Arab Emirates for refuelling. A total of 70,679 ships, trans- vessels to attract the business of gi- (Reuters) Egypt adjusted its refuelling porting 4.3 billion tonnes of cargo, ant cargo vessels as they cross the Mohamed Hammad is an Egyptian prices and increased the capacity transited the Suez Canal in 2018. Suez Canal. writer. Viewpoint UAE to tax e-smoking products, sweetened With eye on Vision 2030, Saudi ramps up privatisation efforts drinks starting 2020 from oil exports. delays. The NCP stated there were Although the qualification The United Arab Emirates said it “In 2019, we will have more no “obstacles” to privatising up to document for bidders does not would impose a 100% “selective” than 20 services that will be 16 of the kingdom’s football clubs mention a requirement that the tax on electronic smoking products Jareer Elass prioritised, most of them in water, by 2020 but Qusai al-Fawaz, then mills must remain majority and a 50% tax on sweetened drinks agriculture, energy and some of president of the Saudi Football Saudi-owned, foreign investors starting January 1, state news them in sports,” he said. Federation, had a different may be reluctant to pursue agency WAM reported. In June, Crown Prince Moham- perspective. making offers without clarifica- The decision is in line with the med told Asharq Al-Awsat that the “I don’t have an exact time for tion. At least one consortium United Arab Emirates’ commit- government would finalise this,” Fawaz said in January. “I involving a Saudi firm had ment to implement the unified tax audi Arabia appears to privatisation deals valued at don’t know whether it will be expressed interest in the sale. agreement of the Gulf Cooperation be moving forward with approximately $533 million by the 2020 or 2022 until the plan is Reports suggest that Saudi-based Council, WAM said. plans to privatise end of this year. ready.” Al Rajhi Holding Group and non-oil assets, taking Riyadh’s privatisation initiative Turki al-Sheikh, former head of Dubai-based Al Ghurair Group (Reuters) action to sell flour mills for 2020, which was published by the Saudi Sports Authority, were considering working and the first of several the Saudi Press Agency in April estimated that selling all 16 of the together to bid on the flour Sdesalination plants. 2018, highlighted the goal of football clubs could raise $800 mills. The move, part of Saudi efforts attracting 14 public-private million-$1.5 billion. One major privatisation effort to generate $9 billion-$11 billion partnership (PPP) investments Plans to sell a minority stake in in the kingdom’s water sector was Iran moves to strike in non-oil revenue and create valued at $6.4 billion-$7.5 billion. Riyadh’s King Khalid Interna- reportedly nearing completion. 12,000 jobs by next year, may Riyadh includes PPP arrange- tional Airport were put on hold in The sale of the Ras al-Khair 4 zeroes from its prove daunting, given the pace ments to build and operate 2018 and although the country’s desalination plant near Jubail in battered currency and, while such privatisation infrastructure as well as partake ports have yet to start privatising. Eastern province is said to be efforts crack open the door to in state asset sales in its definition Foreign companies were author- well-advanced and should be foreign investment in state of privatisation. ised last year to apply for port wrapped up by year’s end. The Iran’s president sent a bill to enterprises, there remains The initiative pinpointed the shipping agent licences without plant is valued at $7.2 billion, parliament that would cut four ambiguity as to whether Saudi corporatisation of Saudi ports and having to work with a local which would provide a huge zeroes from the value of the coun- partners will be required to the privatisation of the produc- investor. chunk of Riyadh’s dollar target try’s sanctions-battered currency, participate in some of those asset tion section of the Saudi Saline The original time frame for the goal for privatisation sales for the rial, as tensions remain high sales. Water Conversion Corporation sale of SAGO’s four flour mills 2020 but details, including who between Tehran and Washington. The Saudi government wants (SWCC) and the Ras al-Khair envisioned the privatisation to be has made the investment and the By sending the bill to lawmakers, to raise as much as $200 billion desalination plant. It also completed by the end of 2016. sale’s timing, are scarce. Iranian President Hassan Rohani’s through privatisation in the addressed privatising the national Initially, there had been height- The Ras al-Khair sale is the first government shows it is serious coming years, in addition to the football league, selling flour mills ened interest in the SAGO privati- component of the privatisation of about an idea mulled for some $100 billion it anticipates from its operated by the state grain buyer, sation deal from large agribusi- the production portion of SWCC. time in Iran, where people discuss share listing of up to 5% of state the Saudi Grains Organisation ness firms, including Archer The SWCC, which operates some monetary transactions in both oil and gas giant Saudi Aramco. (SAGO), and privatising some Daniels Midland Company and 30 desalination plants in the rials and — informally but more Saudi Crown Prince Moham- services in the transportation Bunge Ltd., but the slow process kingdom, earlier this year asked commonly — in tomans. A toman is med bin Salman bin Abdulaziz in sector. has reportedly turned away some Saudi and international banks to worth 10 rials. an interview last October The kingdom’s National Centre potential buyers. submit proposals to advise on If approved by lawmakers, Iran’s indicated the kingdom would for Privatisation (NCP) in January Following a pre-qualification selling stakes in its assets, with Central Bank would, in effect, privatise more than 20 compa- said it saw the 2020 goals “as phase that ended in June, SAGO four to six desalination facilities devalue the rial and rename it as nies this year as part of Saudi attainable targets. Progress in announced that qualified compa- expected to be in contention. toman. Vision 2030 — the umbrella plan most cases is going according to nies could participate in the to revamp the Gulf country’s schedule.” bidding phase by performing due Jareer Elass reports from (The Associated Press) economy by substantially However, several high-profile diligence and submitting financial Washington on energy issues for reducing dependence on income privatisation proposals have seen offers. The Arab Weekly. August 25, 2019 19 Economy New challenges to Lebanese economy as Fitch downgrades credit rating

Simon Speakman Cordall lic spending would be curtailed and its debt managed. Lebanon’s sovereign debt rating Tunis has been deteriorating for nearly five years and its credit default nternational credit rating swap rates have almost doubled agency Fitch has downgraded in the past year. Lebanon has the Lebanon’s credit rating, add- third highest debt-to-GDP ratio in I ing to mounting speculation the world, projected by Standard about the health of the Lebanese and Poor’s to reach 133% by the end economy and its ability to service of 2019. Only Venezuela and Greece its debts. outstrip it. The new credit rating of CCC, “The austerity budget will not announced August 23 by Fitch, re- reach the goal of reducing the gov- duced Lebanon from a B- rating, ernment budget deficit to 7.6% of suggesting the country will only be GDP in 2019 (from 11.5% in 2018) able to make good on its debts un- because the budget was passed in der favourable conditions, rather late July when most of the spend- than from under the engine of its ing for 2019 had already taken place own economy. in line with the 2018 budget,” said Ratings agency Standard and Gabrielle Ventura, an economist at Poor’s maintained its B-/B rating IHS Markit. for Lebanon, stating: “Despite a “Although the new auster- significant decline in investor con- ity measures are likely to reduce fidence,” Lebanon’s central bank’s the primary deficit in the coming usable foreign exchange reserves, years, without additional reforms estimated to be about $19 billion by the overall debt will continue to the end of the year, “remain suffi- rise above already-unsustainable cient to service government debt in levels.” the near term.” Servicing Lebanon’s debt ac- Standard and Poor’s downgraded counts for more than 50% of gov- Lebanon’s credit rating from stable ernment revenue. Spending on to negative in March, citing a “lack wages and pensions account for of material reforms to reduce the one-third, while the cost of subsi- Struggling economy. A general view shows the Arab Bank building in Beirut Central District. (Reuters) budget deficit,” the agency said at dising the country’s failing power the time. Fitch’s announcement infrastructure is approximately August 23 is likely to compound 10%. Little has been earmarked for a decade, Goldman Sachs said. ed consequences. The high rates of its reserves, the bank has sought to that damage. profit-generating investments or “The ‘fuel’ to the Lebanese econ- interest intended to convince the protect the country’s exchange rate Lebanese Prime Minister Saad relief for the private sector. The re- omy appears to be drying up be- diaspora to maintain deposits have and finance the current account Hariri and Finance Minister Ali Has- sult has been the steady ratcheting cause the government’s ‘financial increased the cost of maintaining deficit, 27% of GDP in 2018 and san Khalil, ahead of the Fitch an- up of debt, without assets to show engineering’ scheme is unsustain- the government’s debt and damp- running at an average of 24% over nouncement, attempted to reassure for it. able in the long run, particularly ened investment. the past eight years. investors and the Lebanese public, To manage both its creditors and if diaspora depositors pull their Exacerbating Lebanon’s prob- dismayed at further economic set- defend the dollar peg, Lebanon has funds from commercial banks, Lebanon has the third lems is a domestic political envi- backs. Khalil, writing on Twitter, typically relied upon banking de- slowing the government’s access to ronment that barely borders on said: “I assure you that we are not posits from its diaspora, with the foreign currency funding,” Ventura highest debt-to-GDP functional. With widespread cor- a bankrupt country and we have the central bank depending on what said. “This appears to have already ratio in the world, ruption, waste, sanctions and rule ability to overcome any difficulties, it terms “financial engineering” begun. Deposits fell by 0.3% in the projected by Standard by a political establishment whose whatever the classification.” to maintain the influx of hard cur- period from June 2018 to June 2019 and Poor’s to reach 133% sectarian clientelism makes funda- The latest challenges to the rency. and we expect deposit flight to es- by the end of 2019. mental reform almost impossible, Lebanese economy come despite However, while recent efforts calate rapidly, especially if a sov- the sweeping changes Lebanon an “austerity” budget, announced may have gone some way in shor- ereign rating downgrade occurs as Moreover, as the fiscal risks esca- needs appear beyond its grasp. earlier this year, that sought to re- ing up Lebanon’s foreign asset re- predicted.” lated in the past 18 months, so, too, assure the country’s creditors that serves, deposits began to drop in Lebanon’s attempts at financial have interest rates offered by the Simon Speakman Cordall is a the cost of Lebanon’s massive pub- May for the first time in more than engineering have led to unintend- central bank. As it bids to shore up freelance writer. Lebanon fails to woo Gulf tourists despite lifting of travel ban

Samar Kadi the average tourist,” Achkar said. their almost 9-year absence from For decades, Lebanon has been Lebanon, while the younger gen- reliant on the Gulf market for tour- eration, who have grown up travel- Beirut ism. Gulf visitors started returning ling to the likes of London, Dubai in small numbers over the previ- and Istanbul, might conceivably audi Arabia’s lifting of a trav- ous year and this year but it was pass on visiting Lebanon. el ban to Lebanon in Febru- nowhere near the numbers in 2010 “Some have not set foot in Leb- ary raised expectations for and before. anon for the past seven or nine S a booming summer tourism A combination of political insta- years,” Achkar said. “They have season and the return of Arab Gulf bility, the Syrian war next door and probably found alternative desti- tourists but, despite 8% growth in regional tensions shied away Arab nations and got used to other holi- the tourism sector, figures were tourists from Lebanon in the past day countries such as Turkey, Cy- highly disappointing, said Pierre eight years, said Achkar, who is also prus, Greece and Spain, which offer Achkar, president of the Lebanese the mayor of the mountain village them great incentives. They even Federation for Tourism Industries Broumana, a popular summer re- offer them permanent residency in and the Lebanese Hotel Associa- treat for Gulf tourists. return for buying properties and in- tion. He cited tourists’ concerns over vesting in the country.” “Frankly, we had anticipated a Hezbollah’s threat to side with Iran The Lebanese Ministry of Tour- larger number of visitors to come in case of a clash with the United ism said the sector recorded 8% to Lebanon during and before the States and its Arab allies, includ- growth in the first seven months Eid al-Adha holiday, especially from ing Saudi Arabia, and the Druze of 2019, compared to the same pe- Saudi Arabia and other Gulf coun- incident in the mountain village of riod last year. Hotel occupancy in tries. Unfortunately, the Gulf peo- Qabrshmoun in which two people Unmet expectations. Tourists take pictures as the sun sets over the Beirut was about 70% and 40-50% ple did not come for the summer,” were killed in June. in Beirut. (AP) outside the capital. Achkar said. “What is being circulated in the “This not enough for the tourism “There was an improvement in international media about instabil- sector to recover,” Achkar said. “We the number of visitors (from the ity and potential armed conflicts in to visit Lebanon after the mountain — 30% — in the number of tourists had expected and hoped for a 25% Gulf) this year compared to the the country is extremely harmful. incident, noting that tension has from European countries than the growth and a minimum of 90% oc- previous years but we have noticed Everybody has access to the news struck Lebanon at a time when its previous year and that the num- cupancy in Beirut and more than that their stay is becoming shorter these days and what they are read- tourism had started to show recov- ber of tourists from Saudi Arabia 70% outside.” and they are not bringing their ing and seeing is discouraging for ery signals. doubled to 44,000 tourists in the He said returns from the tourism whole family with them as they tourism, especially for Gulf tourists, “I have been sickened by what first half of 2019 compared to last sector have dropped by more than used to do. Achkar said. was happening on the ground be- year. 35% since 2009-10. “We have always stressed that “The incident of Qabrshmoun cause the tourism sector is already Achkar said a sample survey “We have been suffering losses the backbone of tourism in Leba- triggered all kinds of rumours and suffering and if politicians stop conducted by the municipality in for the past nine years. We need at non are Arab tourists, especially fears about imminent civil war, sec- flogging themselves, only then we the area of Broumana showed that least two to three very good sea- visitors from the Gulf countries. tarian conflict and a Christian-Druze will be able to overcome the crisis,” none of the Saudi owners have re- sons to recuperate and compensate When Gulf tourists used to visit rift. When they (Arab tourists) hear Kedanian declared, lamenting how habilitated their houses and many the losses. Definitely, the season Lebanon, their average stay was such news, they would think: ‘Why political rhetoric escalated against did not even check on their proper- was not up to our expectations and ten days and sometimes a month should I go there?’” Achkar said. the backdrop of the Qabrshmoun ties. ambitions,” Achkar added. or more, especially those who own Lebanese Tourism Minister Ave- incident. He argued that Gulf nationals properties here. Moreover, the Gulf dis Kedanian has stressed the se- The minister noted, however, have likely developed other pre- Samar Kadi is The Arab Weekly tourists spend much more than curity concerns of tourists bound that there is a remarkable growth ferred travel destinations during Travel and Society section editor. 20 August 25, 2019 Society Media ‘Fateen,’ a children’s TV series with a message

Nahed Khuzam

Dubai

fter enjoying a successful first season, the production team of the Emirati animat- A ed series “Fateen” recently began work on a second season. The series, produced by the chil- dren’s TV channel Majid, revolves around a 7-year-old boy named Fa- teen, who is curious and passionate about asking and researching ques- tions. Fateen loves reading, science, innovation and imagination. In each episode, he embarks on an adven- ture to give young viewers a piece of information or a different way of thinking and researching. Fateen lives with his parents and sister, as well as the robot Shahiro. He has a small laboratory at home where he performs simple experi- ments with the help of his father, robot and sister. “Fateen” is a cartoon targeted at children under the age of 9. It seeks to encourage them to research, in- novate and learn. Like other pro- grammes and materials offered by the Majid TV channel since its launch in 2015, it mainly targets Arab audiences and presents con- tent harmonious with their values​ and customs. The management of the chan- nel said “Fateen” aims, through an interesting and attractive presen- tation, to inspire children to move towards creative and innovative A desire to learn. A grab shows a scene from the Emirati animated series “Fateen.” (Al Arab) thinking and encourage them to ask questions and look for the answers, without forgetting fun and humour. tolerance and coexistence. This can credible and spontaneous. The chil- Majid TV is expected to produce world and its characters have been Majid TV produced other series be seen in the relationships between dren involved were selected from a more programmes along the lines well received by millions of young before “Fateen” but it may be the Fateen and his friends, who are from large number of precocious young of “Fateen.” After a hiatus, produc- readers. most successful, given the tech- various countries, which mirrors the people. tion work on new episodes for “Ka- Majid TV channel owns the copy- niques used in its production. The United Arab Emirates’ current real- The episodes were written to in- slan” was completed. The episodes, right of all cartoon characters de- first season of “Fateen” contained 26 ity. spire children to move towards crea- which focused on the role of women veloped for Majid magazine. The episodes of about 15 minutes each. Fateen’s voice is provided by a tive and innovative thinking and en- in society, were aired after Rama- channel is owned by the Fateen is the latest character de- young boy and the character’s sister courage them to ask questions and dan. Media Foundation. The channel’s veloped in the well-known cartoon by a girl. This is unusual compared look for answers, just as Fateen does. The first issue of Majid maga- launch is a continuation of the magazine Majid. The channel’s of- to other local and dubbed foreign Each episode’s plot centres on a spe- zine was published in 1979 as magazine’s strategy to provide edu- ficials said the main idea behind cartoons in which voices are often cific scientific fact and its details and part of a broad cultural project for cational and entertainment content turning this specific character into a rendered by adult actors. applications in testable inventions. Arab children under the auspices for Arab children. TV programme was to simplify sci- Majid TV CEO Mariam al-Serkal It helps viewers, whether children or of UAE founder Sheikh Zayed bin ence for children and emphasise im- said relying on the voices of child adults, overcome some of the obsta- Sultan al-Nahyan. The magazine Nahed Khuzam is an Egyptian portant values, ​​such as promoting performers makes the cartoon more cles faced in everyday life. is distributed throughout the Arab writer. Egyptians do not trust their media

Ahmed Gamal said Egyptian satellite channels evolving events in Sudan, Libya, suffer from relying on a single Algeria, Tunisia, Syria, Yemen, Iran style and approach in dealing with and the Gulf. Their reporting on Cairo fast unfolding events. Thus, there those events was superficial at best are often the same topics, issues, and well below the analytical depth study by the Department questions and answers — and even and seriousness required by the im- of Mass Communication the same guests — on all channels, portance of these events to Egypt. Research of the National which lead to mistrust and causes About 10 years ago, Egyptian A Centre for Social and Crim- audiences to shun the channels. channels enjoyed widespread pop- inal Research in Egypt reported that ularity in the Arab world. Now, they 40% of young Egyptian respond- The plan of Egyptian have become unable to deal with ents said they watch satellite targeted campaigns led by channels channels and that 11% were attract- satellite channels to financed by Qatar and Turkey on ed to foreign TV channels because expand their Arab behalf of the Muslim Brotherhood. they distrust local channels and influence by introducing The Egyptian channels have lim- find their content boring. two new channels − ited their role to denying rumours Although the study, which in- eXtranews and ONlive TV perpetrated by the other channels volved a sample of 1,500 people − collided with the official without going into extensive dis- in Egypt aged 18-35, pointed out desire to control them. cussion to convince the public of that 49% of respondents said they the wisdom of the government’s watched Egyptian channels, they Mekkawi pointed out that alter- positions and choices. were focused on movies, serials native opinions were absent from Observers said the weakness of The next challenge. Billboards advertise “Watch iT,” Egypt’s first and football games but uninterest- the media scene in Egypt so people state-owned media led to the loss video-streaming app, in Cairo. (AFP) ed in political, social and economic tune to other platforms where some of many foreign political battles. programmes on those channels. degree of diversity and profession- The points of view purported by This means that almost half of alism is available to satisfy their de- countries opposed to the Egyptian tive developed by Muslim Broth- tranews and ONlive TV — collided Egyptians do not turn to local me- sire for the truth about what is go- government are dominating public erhood’s media that describe the with the official desire to control dia controlled by official bodies ing on around them, even if those opinion in Egypt and overshadow former professional player as a them. Both channels were well- who seek to promote official poli- platforms do not have a high rate of official attempts to correct the pub- “politically oppressed individual” received at first but ONlive had to cies. confidence. lic mental image of what is happen- rather than a citizen whose fate close and eXtranews was kept as a The government centre responsi- Even circles close to the govern- ing at home. would be decided by the legal sys- mouthpiece for the government. ble for the study called for improv- ment express displeasure with The sympathy shown by Alge- tem. Aboutrika lives in Doha. Journalist Mohamed Said Mah- ing Egyptian media and content Egyptian state-owned news media, rian football fans during the recent The problem is not limited to re- fouz said young Egyptians have and insisted on the importance of regarding them aimless and weak. Africa Cup of Nations tournament porting about foreign events but been attracted to various symbols having an Egyptian public satellite Poet Farouk Guweida, who is in Egypt towards former Egyp- involves news of terrorist events and figures. Mahfouz, a member of channel in tune with the spirit of also a contributor to Al-Ahram tian player Mohamed Aboutrika, at home. Egyptian viewers find it the Training and Education Com- the times by offering objective pres- newspaper, said in a recent article an analyst on the Qatari channel difficult to find relevant content mittee of the Journalists’ Union, entations of all opinions. published by private newspaper Al- beIN sports, illustrated the govern- on local media channels. On many said diversification of digital con- It stressed the need to produce Masry Al-Youm that “Egypt’s public ment’s failure to deliver its mes- occasions, other Arab channels tent display and continuous inno- content focused on the concerns information ranks last in terms of sages. Aboutrika has been placed were quicker than Egyptian sta- vation in terms of presentation and and aspirations of young Egyptians performance, professionalism and on Egypt’s terror list because of tions in reporting unfolding events ease of use by online media have so they can rely on local media to serious coverage.” Ironically, Al- suspected ties to the Muslim Broth- in Egypt. made winning back television audi- develop political and social aware- Ahram had refused to publish Gu- erhood, his lawyer told Reuters. Mekkawi explained that the plan ences nearly impossible. ness. weida’s article. Fans cheered Aboutrika’s name of Egyptian satellite channels to Hassan Emad Mekkawi, profes- Many state-owned media outlets during the games, which proves expand their Arab influence by in- Ahmed Gamal is an Egyptian sor of media at , in Egypt failed to keep up with fast- their vulnerability to the narra- troducing two new channels — eX- writer. August 25, 2019 21 Society Women Dar Amneh, the safe house for Jordanian women

Roufan Nahhas Harout said Dar Amneh plays an important role in protecting women threatened by their families for rea- Amman sons such as disapproved behav- iour, allegedly bringing shame to safe house for women at the family through illicit relations, risk of being victims of involved in sexual acts or behaviour so-called honour killings seen by relatives as related to “hon- A by relatives is providing a our.” lifeline to those in danger. “Staff members, who have gone A reported 17,426 women in through several training courses, Jordan were exposed to violence have been instrumental in making from 2013-18 and 7,288 cases were life easy for the women here,” he reported in the first six months said. of 2019, officials said. There were “The house provides food, cloth- 89 reported cases of women be- ing, training and rehabilitation ser- ing killed in 2018, compared to 127 vices, physical and psychological in 2017 and 133 in 2016. So far this recovery, health and guidance edu- year, 12 women and six children cation, legal assistance to the ben- have been victims of their families. eficiary and seeking to solve their Most of the reports involved hon- problems in line with the principles our killing. of human rights in coordination Major step forward. A Saudi woman smiles with her national ID at the Bahrain immigration Dar Amneh — “Safe House” — with related entities.” checkpoint, August 22. (Reuters) aims to abandon the concept of He said Dar Amneh works with “protective custody” and integrate the public sector and civil society to at-risk women into an environment provide suitable work opportunities more like a family home until it is for its residents. safe for them to resume their nor- The Jordanian Ministry of Social Saudi women secure mal life. Development said it sponsors an an- “The opening of the guest house nual average of 515 abused women, for women is an important step 130 children exploited by their fam- for Jordan because, for the longest ily to become street beggars, 86 girls time, women were threatened to be abused by their social environment another rights milestone killed by their families for reasons and 77 girls accused and convicted such as honour killing and were of breaking the law. placed in prison under protective The Sisterhood Is Global Institute Mohammed Alkhereiji destiny,” tweeted Saudi media per- “These combined changes are custody, sometimes for years,” ac- NGO commended Dar Amneh as sonality Muna AbuSulayman, the among the most sweeping reforms tivist Rana Husseini said. “an important step towards the end New York Times reported. She said of women’s rights that Saudi Ara- “The measure was taken to pro- of the protective custody of women London she was so elated by the news that bia has made and the first sig- tect the women from their families and girls subject to violence and she could not sleep. nificant break with the country’s who, as a cultural thing, want to threats.” audi authorities have lifted male guardianship system, which cleanse family honour. A male’s ac- The Jordanian National Commis- a ban that prevented women has allowed men to control Saudi tions will not greatly affect or hurt sion for Women, led by Jordanian from travelling without the Hundreds of women women’s lives from birth to death,” his family’s standing like a wom- Princess Basma bint Talal, labelled written consent of a male in Eastern province Rothna Begum, senior women’s S crossed into Bahrain an’s actions would.” Dar Amneh a success. guardian, moving the kingdom rights researcher at Human Rights Husseini, whose book “Murder “Opening a safe guesthouse with closer to abolishing its controver- on August 19 Watch said in a release. in the Name of Honour” focused systematic standards complies with sial guardian system. unaccompanied. “Now the Saudi authorities on women killed in crimes she re- the conditions for the promotion of The Saudi Interior Ministry an- should uproot all remaining dis- ported about, said: “The good thing human rights in Jordan,” the com- nounced on August 20 that authori- “These new regulations are his- crimination against women in both about the safe house is that women mission said in a statement. “The ties had implemented the cabinet’s tory in the making,” the first Saudi law and practice.” feel at home and do many activities. provision of social and psycho- decision to amend the kingdom’s female ambassador, Princess Ree- The developments were not free The most important thing is that logical care coupled with economic travel system, which includes al- ma bint Bandar bin Sultan, wrote of glitches. The change led to a rush they don’t see themselves in prison empowerment programmes will lowing passports to be issued to on Twitter, adding that the Saudi of Saudi women applying for pass- but more of a temporary home until reduce the women’s psychological women aged over 21 without the leadership had “proved its un- ports through the Saudi online ap- their situation is solved.” burden and restore their confidence permission of a male guardian. equivocal commitment to gender plication Absher. However, the site Dar Amneh is very similar to in themselves in a healthy manner.” Women will also be able to register equality.” had not been updated to reflect the other walled villas on the outskirts Social media play a major role the births of their children, as well Some Saudi women jested at changes, forcing female passport of Amman, with several apart- in the abuse of women. In 2015, a as a marriage or divorce. some of the limitations of the lat- seekers to apply for documentation ments that include kitchens and study indicated that 60% of wom- Individuals under the age of 21, est amendments to - in person. children’s playrooms that can ac- en were abused by their husbands minors under Saudi law, won’t ship system. commodate 40 women. However, because of using social networks. need permission to obtain a pass- “Congratulations, I can go to the security concerns are handled seri- Rumours often lead to the killing of port or travel if they are married or passport office and get my pass- The number of women who ously, starting with a ban on mobile women out of suspicions. are travelling to study on a govern- port without my guardian’s ap- crossed entry points in the phones in case there are apps that In 2003, a Jordanian has confessed ment scholarship. proval. Now I just need my father’s Eastern province exceeded use GPS or social networks with to cutting his sister’s throat and The easing of the travel restric- permission to go to the passport 1,000 within a few hours. check-in capabilities stabbing her 20 times because she tions was welcomed by most Saudi office,” quipped a Saudi woman, “Before the establishment of was rarely home. In 2017, a divorced women. identifying herself as “Riyal,” on The change in law is the latest Dar Amneh, women were exposed 43-year-old woman was killed by “The decision represents the Twitter. reform step by Saudi King Salman to what is legally referred to as her 25-year-old brother and, in the ‘most important step’ Saudi has Hundreds of women in Eastern bin Abdulaziz Al Saudi and Crown ‘protective custody’ in which they same year, an 18-year-old killed his taken on the road to reform and province crossed into Bahrain on Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin were placed in the Jwaideh Wom- sister while she was sleeping after society’s progress,” a Saudi Twit- August 19 unaccompanied. The Abdulaziz, seen by many as at- en’s Correctional and Rehabilita- the brother found a mobile phone ter user identifying herself as Talia Saudi Gazette said the number of tempts to modernise the conserva- tion Centre for indefinite periods, that belonged to his sister and that wrote. women who crossed entry points tive kingdom. which sometimes exceeded 10 the family didn’t know about. “This change means women are in the Eastern province exceeded Since 2015, Saudi Arabia has en- years,” said Mahmoud al-Harout, The Prevention of Crimes Act in a way in full control of their legal 1,000 within a few hours. acted significant reforms, including director of Juvenile and Commu- No. 7 of 1954, which gives gover- disbanding of the so-called religious nity Security. nors authorities to detain people police, the reversal of the women’s “Since [Dar Amneh] opened, administratively, was designed to driving ban, easing aspects of the women have the opportunity to arrest people to prevent crimes but kingdom’s male guardianship sys- stay and receive psychological, also for women who are arrested tem, granting women independ- legal, social, medical and recrea- because of family issues and are ent access to government services, tional services until they decide in danger of becoming victims of jobs, education and health care, to leave after the threat has ended “honour crimes.” without the need for prior consent. and that their lives are safe again. Since last September, Dar Amneh These steps are also tied to the Dar Amneh is a place to reconnect has received 60 women as an alter- Vision 2030 social and economic re- women with their families and not native to protective custody. Twen- form plan, designed to diversify the to punish them,” he added. ty-five of the women have been re- kingdom’s economy from the ener- The World Health Organisa- turned to their families. gy sector while creating job oppor- tion estimates indicate that about Harout said the absence of the tunities. Although economic in na- 35% of women experienced either role of the family coupled with a ture, the reform plan also addresses physical or sexual intimate partner lack of psychological health care are social issues, such as inequality of violence or non-partner sexual vio- the main challenges. the sexes. lence in their lifetime. “Parents should be aware of how Crown Prince Mohammed em- The United Nations defines vio- to direct their children and stay phasised that point in an interview lence against women as “any act of close to them and share their prob- with CBS’s “60 Minutes,” in March gender-based violence that results lems. Most of the victims were ex- 2018, in which he stressed equality in, or is likely to result in, physical, posed to bad behaviour because of of the sexes. “Absolutely,” he said. sexual or mental harm or suffer- lack of care and support by their “We are all human beings and there ing to women, including threats families,” he said. is no difference.” of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether oc- Roufan Nahhas is a journalist History in the making. An immigration officer assists a Saudi woman Mohammed Alkhereiji is the Gulf curring in public or in private life.” based in Jordan. at the Bahrain immigration checkpoint, August 22. (Reuters) section editor of The Arab Weekly. 22 August 25, 2019 Tunisia Postcard The day Tunisia’s La Goulette became, once again, a little Sicily

Michel Cousins La Goulette was Italian, most of astic choir, celebrated mass and them Sicilians. They called it La preached. Goletta, a translation of the Arabic The language was mainly La Goulette name for the place, Halq al-Wed French but parts were in Italian (the “gullet”), referring to the ca- and Arabic, reflecting the ethnic di- he Tunis suburb of La Gou- nal linking the to the versity of the congregation. There lette, about 5 miles north sea. were Italians, Kenyans, Nigerians, of the Tunisian capital, is Piccola Sicilia is the least entic- other West Africans, French, Poles T a picturesque town well ing part of La Goulette. Largely and Tunisians. Many Tunisians, known for being a ferry port — it separated from much of the dis- reverently watching the proceed- has been the principal port for Tu- trict by mighty walls erected by ings, occasionally asked what was nis for centuries — and the location the Spanish after they captured happening. of several of the country’s best res- La Goulette and Tunis in 1535, it taurants. is a sad mix of soulless modern The suburb’s seashore restau- apartment blocks, decaying Italian Beyond the church rants are often packed with cus- buildings, vacant lots and the for- courtyard, in the public tomers. These days the district is lorn remnants of the massive 16th- square bedecked with somewhat in a rundown condition century fortifications. Tunisian flags, a crowd although some Tunisian business- During the week, the square — almost entirely men say it is ready for redevel- and the area around the church composed of Tunisian opment, given its many assets: are deserted, other than when lo- Muslims — waited location on the Mediterranean, cals head to the nearby mosque at patiently in the heat for numerous restaurants and rich prayer time. The silence is occa- the procession to start. cosmopolitan history and culture. sionally punctuated by the sound Until the 1970s, La Goulette’s of a motorbike or of metal being The heat in the packed church population was a vibrant mix of cut at a workshop a stone’s throw was too much for some who had to Italians, Maltese, Muslims and from the church. push their way out to try and cool Jews. There is still evidence of However, for a few hours on Au- down outside for a few minutes. that. The buildings and houses are gust 15, La Goulette was again a lit- Many women, though, had fans typical of a 1920s prosperous Ital- tle bit of Sicily. and gently tried to cool themselves ian seaside town. There remains a In the Catholic world, August 15 throughout mass. Then came the small Jewish community, includ- is the feast of the Assumption, the procession. ing a Jewish retirement home, and day on which Catholics believe the The statue of the Madonna of in another part of the district, near mother of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, Trapani, which normally stands the ferry terminal, there is a work- was “assumed” bodily into heaven. above an altar in a side chapel, was ing and recently repainted Roman It is a public holiday in Italy, Spain slowly carried out of the church, Catholic church that looks as if it is and places as far apart as Malta surrounded by a cheering crowd. straight out of Sicily. and Mexico, Chile and the Central “Viva La Madonna di Trapani,” African Republic, Poland and Por- some cried. Local Tunisian women tugal, even in secular France. It is ululated. The statue of the a public holiday, too, in Orthodox A sea of mobile phones took Madonna of Trapani, Greece, Cyprus and Romania. photos and videos. On the balco- which normally stands In Italy and Spain, there is often nies of the surrounding apartment above an altar in a side an outdoor procession of a statue blocks, locals watched and took chapel, was slowly of the Virgin, with large crowds pictures. carried out of the thronging around. So, too, in Tuni- There were hundreds and hun- church, surrounded by a sia’s La Goulette. dreds of people; one report put the On August 15 this year, the large number at more than 1,000. cheering crowd. “Viva La A view of the Madonna di Trapani in La Goulette. (Alfonso Campisi) Madonna di Trapani,” church was overflowing beyond The procession is something of capacity well before mass started a remarkable revival. Devotion to some cried. in the late afternoon. the Madonna of Trapani in Sicily Beyond the church courtyard, started in La Goulette in the 19th live in La Goulette had started to The fact that it took place at The Sicily connection is real in the public square bedecked with century, it is said, by Sicilian fish- leave. all and that there were so many enough. The area around the Tunisian flags, a crowd — almost ermen. The tradition was revived in locals in attendance was some- church is called Piccola Sicilia (Lit- entirely composed of Tunisian Until the early 1960s, the pro- 2017 and has grown in popularity. thing on which several people tle Sicily) and, until the 1960s, it Muslims — waited patiently in the cession used to cross the town and Not just in popularity but in dis- commented. was the thriving Sicilian heart in heat for the procession to start. head towards the seafront before tance travelled. In 2017 and 2018, “I did not know Tunisia is this La Goulette. They had to wait some two hours. returning to the church. Then it the statue was taken to the church tolerant,” said one smiling Italian There were cafes and shops Inside the church, the Catho- stopped for various reasons — po- gates. This year, it went through tourist who had heard about the where Italian was the everyday lic archbishop of Tunis, an Ital- litical correctness as much as the the gates and into the public square procession that day and turned up. language. Until Tunisian inde- ian, Ilario Antoniazzi, assisted by fact that many in the Italian and in front before slowly returning to “We are very open,” responded pendence, half the population of numerous clergy and an enthusi- Maltese community that used to the church. a proud Tunisian man.

Crowds watch the procession of the Assumption in the Tunis suburb of La Goulette.(Simon Speakman Cordall) People gather to attend the procession of the Assumption in La Goulette.(Azza Baaziz) August 25, 2019 23 Heritage Travel

Historical re-enactors pose at the entrance of the Souk Okaz Festival in Taif. (AFP) Souk Okaz Festival blends Arab heritage with modern culture

Habib Lassoued “The Souk Okaz was not In its 13th edition, Souk Okaz brought back to life from the past, Festival offers cultural, sports, after such a long absence, just so social, commercial and economic Taif it remains a prisoner to that past,” events focusing on the specifici- said Prince Khalid. “The festival ties of the area while still open to he Souk Okaz Festival came to transpose the fair’s past the rest of the kingdom and the kicked off in the Taif region into the reality of the present and Arab world. in Saudi Arabia with 11 Arab to serve as a platform to look into Jadat Okaz — Okaz Main Street T countries participating, the future. It is meant to introduce — is a favourite among festival go- sharing cultural and social heritage the intellectual and cultural herit- ers. More than 2,000 professional and presenting a diversity of rich age of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia actors, donning period costumes cultural and artistic activities. to the entire world and to show- and speaking Classical Arabic as if In the pre-Islamic era, Arab case the cultural and intellectual they sprang straight out of ancient tribes used to have three major history of the Arab and Islamic civ- history, roamed the fairgrounds. fairs that served as commercial, so- ilisation which had emerged from This year’s edition of the festi- cial and cultural hubs for the whole the Arabian Peninsula. val featured more than 70 events region. They took place in various spread over four main areas of the parts of the Arabian Peninsula on a The festival serves as an fairgrounds and the city. regular basis. Arabs used to travel occasion to honour The “Arab Neighbourhood” in from far and wide to these fairs to writers and intellectuals the middle of Souk Okaz is a new trade and listen to sermons and from inside and outside event presented under the um- self-glorifying speeches. They had brella of the “Taif Season.” In ad- poetry contests during these fairs, Saudi Arabia. dition to hosting the Saudi pavil- adjudicated by the greatest bards “The fair is also meant to serve ion, it has pavilions from Lebanon, among them. as a window onto the future for the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Souk Okaz was one of those Saudi citizens, especially young , Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, three major fairs. The others were men and women, to glimpse at Egypt, Tunisia and . the Majana and the Dhi Majaz fairs. what is being planned for the fu- One of the festival’s activi- Souk Okaz dates to 501AD and was ture of this world and the future of ties, hosted by the Saudi National an annual 20-day event. humans on this planet.” Museum, presents pathways and That was how the organising trade routes used by the inhabit- committee of Souk Okaz Festival in- ants of the Arabian Peninsula, pro- troduced its marquee event, which viding art and history aficionados took place in Taif in August. The with a glimpse of the role played modern rendition of the fair com- by trade in the area. bines various arts and literature The exhibition includes and attracts stars of Arabic po- nearly three dozen etry and song, as well as schol- archaeological arte- ars, thinkers and researchers. facts discovered in the The festival serves also kingdom, ranging from as an occasion to honour the Neolithic period, A Saudi woman rides a horse during the Souk Okaz Festival in Taif. writers and intellectu- about 5000BC to the (AFP) als from inside and pre-Islamic and early outside Saudi Arabia Arab civilisations, to and hosts exhibi- the Islamic and medi- as the Rose Museum, the Perfume the festival, with seminars and re- tions of popular eval Islamic eras and Laboratory, the Rose Orchestra, the citals as part of the competition for culture in several up to the three stages Rose Circus and rose manufactur- the Souk Okaz International Prize Arab countries. leading to the ing handicrafts. for Classical Arabic Poetry admin- The idea of ​​ establishment The Crown Prince Camel Festi- istered by the King Faisal Centre reviving the his- of the modern val, one of the world’s largest and for Research and Islamic Studies. toric Okaz fair is Saudi state. most important camel races, is a For the first time, the poetry com- credited to the late Another highlight of the festival. petition was broadcast as an inter- Saudi King Faisal initiative is The festival has resuscitated the active Arabic television show. bin Abdulaziz, as the “Rose tradition of horseback riding by There were 22 poets from 11 Arab noted by Prince Village” in women, through a first-of-its-kind countries competing for the poetry Khalid al-Faisal, al-Rudaf Park, event for Saudi female horse riders prizes. They were selected from an governor of Mecca which hosts to show their skills riding purebred initial pool of 161 candidates. and president of the events Arabian horses in programmes festival’s organising A boy takes a selfie with a historical re-enactor at the Souk celebrating combining beauty and agility. Habib Lassoued is a Tunisian committee. Okaz Festival in the Saudi city of Taif. (AFP) roses, such Poetry is given ample time in writer. 24 August 25, 2019

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