Issue 224, Year 5 UK £2 September 29, 2019 www.thearabweekly.com EU €2.50 Who’s fanning Interview the flames Tunisian presidential in Egypt? candidate speaks from detention Page 10 Page 8 Deflecting Jacques Chirac remembered blame at the UN as ‘friend of the Arab world’ The Arab Weekly staff London

he 74th UN General As- sembly was an occasion for some regional leaders to T clamour for support in deal- ing with crises but for others the moment was right to try to deflect blame for ongoing strife. That was the case for the Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- Thani, who blamed Libya’s woes on unnamed foreign actors. “Certain countries say they for- mally participate in international efforts on one hand and then un- dermine these efforts on another hand by supporting warlords and terrorist militias for their narrow interests against the legitimate gov- ernment,” Sheikh Tamim said. He seemed to be alluding to Egypt, whose President Abdel Fat- tah al-Sisi earlier called for “saving” Libya from “chaos perpetrated by militias and prevent the interven- tion of external actors in Libya’s in- ternal affairs.” Sheikh Tamim was not allud- ing to the armed gangs and terror- ist militias, reportedly fighting on the side of the internationally rec- ognised Government of National Accord headed by Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj against the Libyan National Army. Qatar backs those “warlords and terrorist mili- tias.” Neither did Sheikh Tamim men- “This is a provocation!” French President Jacques Chirac pushes an Israeli security man as he protests angrily about tight security tion the role played by Turkey in surrounding his visit to the Arab part of Jerusalem’s old city, October 1996. (AFP) apparently providing drones and advice in the Libyan conflict. Samar Kadi ian cause was dramatically illus- with US President George W. Bush. A personal friend of slain Leba- Aside from Qatar and Turkey, trated by his burst of anger at the A few months later, however, Chi- nese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, several countries, including France, Israeli police in Jerusalem when rac would seek to mend ties with Chirac visited Lebanon on various Italy, Russia, Egypt and Gulf na- Beirut they sought to prevent him from the United States and accept the occasions, the last time in 2005 to tions, are said to be backing one side meeting with Palestinians in Octo- fait accompli in Iraq. attend Hariri’s funeral. Chirac was against the other in Libya’s conflict. ormer French President ber 1996. “This is a provocation!” Chirac maintained special ties instrumental in setting up an in- To stem foreign interference in Jacques Chirac, who died he told them in English. “What do with Lebanon. He played an instru- ternational commission to investi- Libya, Germany has called for an September 26 at the age of you want? Me to go to my plane mental role in the adoption of at gate Hariri’s assassination and the international conference to con- F 86, will be remembered as and go back to France? Is that what least two UN Security Council res- international tribunal for Lebanon vene in October as a step towards a “friend of the Arab world.” you want? Let them go.” olutions on Lebanon — Resolution to prosecute his killers. resolving the conflict. Chirac, president from 1995- Chirac will also be remembered 1559 in 2004 calling for the with- Chirac firmed up ties with coun- During a meeting in New York 2007, maintained close ties with for the funeral worthy of a head of drawal of foreign forces (Syrian) tries of the Maghreb where he was with Sarraj, Turkish President Re- the Arab region, a policy initi- state given by France to Palestin- from Lebanon and disarmament of often welcomed like a hero. He cep Tayyip Erdogan was reported ated by French General Charles de ian leader Yasser Arafat, who died non-state factions (Hezbollah) and encouraged the North African geo- to have “reiterated his country’s Gaulle after the independence of there in November 2004. Resolution 1701 in 2006 that saw political grouping to rise above its support” for Sarraj’s “firm position Algeria in 1962 and reconfirmed History will particularly remem- Hezbollah gunmen withdraw from endemic divisions. in defence of the capital Tripoli,” an during the Arab-Israeli war of June ber Chirac for his opposition to the border area with Israel and the official statement said. 1967. the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 UN Interim Force in Lebanon rein- Samar Kadi in Beirut contributed Erdogan’s priority seemed to be Chirac’s support for the Palestin- and his willingness to cross swords forced and its mandate expanded. to this report. to deflect blame from Iran in the September 14 attacks against Ara- mco installations in Saudi Arabia. “I don’t think it would be the right thing to do to blame Iran,” Er- No US-Iran summit at UN, tensions soar dogan said in an interview with US cable channel Fox News. Thomas Seibert precondition for talks. “I said, of tween Trump and Rohani in New tions relief and I don’t see Trump course, NO!” Trump tweeted. York. granting relief as this would make In his speech at the United Na- Roland Popp, a security analyst him vulnerable in the domestic Istanbul tions, Trump accused Iranian lead- specialising on Middle Eastern af- sphere,” Popp said. ers of “bloodlust” and called on fairs, said conditions in New York In a sign that both Iran and the ensions between Iran and other nations to put pressure on were not right for a summit. United States remain publicly open the United States escalated Iran after the September 14 attacks “There are signals that Iran is to some form of dialogue despite as the leaders of the two on Saudi oil facilities that Washing- willing to contemplate an Iran their political differences, which T countries made conflict- ton blames on Tehran despite its Nuclear Deal Plus, which could be have raised the risk of war in the ing claims in their continuing row denials. a face-saving device for Trump’s Middle East, officials said the two over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions Led by France, European powers retreat from the brink,” Popp said sides were in contact over a possi- and regional aggression, frustrat- worked to organise a meeting be- by e-mail, in reference to the 2015 ble prisoner swap. ing European efforts to organise nuclear agreement that Trump tore US authorities released and de- the first summit between the two Roland Popp, up last year. ported an Iranian woman, Negar countries. a security analyst A new pact “might include some Ghodskani, who had pleaded guilty Iranian President Hassan Rohani specialising on Middle boilerplate language on Iran’s re- to exporting restricted US technol- said US President Donald Trump Eastern affairs gional policies and some aspira- ogy to Iran. There was speculation had offered to lift all US sanctions “There are signals that Iran tional language on ballistic mis- that Iran might release a detained in exchange for Iran’s willingness is willing to contemplate an siles,” Popp added. US doctoral student, Xiyue Wang. to join an Iranian-US summit dur- However, he said he did not ex- Iran Nuclear Deal Plus, which Treading on thin ice. Qatari ing the UN General Assembly in could be a face-saving device pect Iran to give in to US demands Thomas Seibert is an Arab Weekly New York. Trump denied any such on missiles or regional policies. “I correspondent. Emir addresses the United for Trump’s retreat from the Nations General Assembly, offer had been made, saying that brink.” doubt that Rohani can start nego- Iran wanted sanctions relief as a tiations with Trump without sanc- P2-3,13,16 September 24. (AP) 2 September 29, 2019 Cover Story Iran threat, Palestinian-Israeli conflict top concerns of Arab leaders at UN

Amr Emam the occupation continues.” He called for instituting the two- state solution to give Palestinians the Cairo chance to establish their own state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem he need for collective action as its capital. against terrorism and extrem- “The two-state solution is the only ism, climate change, eco- genuine solution,” King Abdullah T nomic problems and regional said. “The alternative is one segre- conflicts were at the heart of Arab gated state with unequal laws that concerns during the 74th UN General is dependent on force, betraying the Assembly in New York. deepest values of the good people on The Palestinian-Israeli conflict and both sides.” Iran’s destabilising role in the region Palestinian President Mahmoud were common issues in speeches of Abbas repeated almost the same mes- almost all Arab leaders and delega- sage on September 26. “Can we have tion heads who addressed the annual a one-state where everybody lives gathering. equally?” Abbas asked. “Israel is seiz- Jordanian King Abdullah II said no ing the land and destroying the two- crisis had done more global damage state solution.” than the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He said he is only supportive of a “Neither side has achieved a du- two-state solution. rable peace that a secure future “This is the only solution,” he said. depends on,” King Abdullah said “This is international legitimacy. I September 24. “Regional and world will not accept apartheid.” stability has continued to pay the From Morocco to Iraq and from price.” Egypt to Lebanon, there was near He said it was ironic that the land unanimity among the top Arab offi- holy to three faiths — Judaism, Chris- cials who addressed the assembly on tianity and Islam — should be a place the need for settling the Palestinian- for conflict. This is the land, he said, Israeli conflict. Unresolved issue. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks during the 74th Session of the where prophets walked, the land Almost all those addressing the as- General Assembly at UN Headquarters in New York, September 26. (AFP) where generations of Muslims, Chris- sembly also underscored readiness tians and Jews have sought to live in by Arab countries to move ahead obedience to God, teaching their chil- along the lines of the Arab peace ini- backward, they said. Adding to the the affairs of Arab countries by non- preserve its security and stability. dren compassion, mercy and respect tiative of 2002. Palestinians’ misery are electoral Arab states, to Kuwaiti Prime Minis- “We also call on the international for others. Arab leaders put the need for find- pledges by Israeli Prime Minister Bin- ter Sheikh Jaber al-Sabah, who called community to shoulder its respon- ing a settlement to the conflict at a yamin Netanyahu to annex the Jor- on Tehran to start confidence-build- sibilities in ensuring the freedom of From Morocco to Iraq and time of high uncertainty for the Pal- dan Valley if he is given a new term as ing measures. navigation at the Gulf,” Sabah said. prime minister. from Egypt to Lebanon, estinian struggle for self-determina- “It should start a serious dialogue Iraqi President Barham Salih de- tion. Abbas described the Deal of the based on respecting the sovereignty scribed attacks in the Arab Gulf and there was near unanimity Wars in the Arab region, the im- Century as “deceptive” and “illusive.” of regional states and respect for on Saudi Arabia as a “dangerous de- among the top Arab officials plosion of some countries and ter- “I challenge the United States if it their internal affairs,” Sabah said on velopment.” who addressed the assembly rorism have forced the struggle into has any Deal of the Century,” Abbas September 25. “This will contribute “We in Iraq are very concerned on the need for settling the the backseat. It had been the “core” said. “Whatever it proclaims is re- to establishing relations on the prin- by this tension and this escalation,” Palestinian-Israeli conflict. issue of the Arabs, as King Abdullah jected.” ciples of mutual respect and coop- Salih said on September 25. “Our se- termed it, for decades. Iran’s destabilising role in the re- eration.” curity is tied to the security of the “Segregation, forced displacement, Speculation about a US blueprint gion also featured in the speeches He said Kuwait strongly con- Gulf and the security of the region.” violence and mistrust do not belong for settling the Middle East conflict, of most Arab leaders, from Egyptian demned attacks on Saudi oil facilities in this Holy Land,” King Abdullah known as Deal of the Century, threat- President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who and reaffirmed its full support to the Amr Emam is a regular contributor to said. “It is a global moral tragedy that ens to take this struggle many steps said Egypt opposed interference in measures Saudi Arabia is taking to The Arab Weekly. Iran’s ‘pinprick politics’ test the patience of European nations

Thomas Seibert The Europeans issued their state- dle Eastern affairs, said via e-mail. ment blaming Iran after British “I am convinced, however, that the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Ger- hawks in Tehran have long given Istanbul man Chancellor Angela Merkel and up on Europe and instead have put French President Emmanuel Ma- their money on the strategy of In- ven after the United States cron met on the sidelines of the UN verse Maximum Pressure, i.e. going tore up the nuclear agree- General Assembly in New York. to the brink of war.” ment with Iran last year, Teh- Johnson went further than Ma- Iranian Foreign Minister Moham- E ran could count on European cron and Merkel by suggesting mad Javad Zarif, who only weeks powers to resist Washington’s efforts that Trump should negotiate a ago praised French efforts to dif- at isolating the country and present- new agreement with Iran. Trump’s fuse the Iranian-US crisis, lashed ing it as a villain on the international claim that the 2015 nuclear pact is out at the three powers involved. stage but Iran’s lucky streak could be too weak to stop a suspected Ira- In a tweet, Zarif condemned the Buying time. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (C-R) over. nian nuclear weapons programme “E3’s paralysis” because they had and members of the Iranian delegation attend the 74th session of As a result, the risk of war is ris- and Iranian aggression in the Mid- failed to honour the 2015 nuclear the UN General Assembly, September 25. (AP) ing, analysts say. dle East lies at the core of the US- agreement since the US departure In a sign that Tehran may have Iranian rift. from the treaty. He accused Europe overplayed its hand with the attack US Secretary of State Mike of “parroting absurd US claims” and and arguing that the European ance for five years, said they were on oil installations in Saudi Ara- Pompeo, a driving force behind the said there would be “no new deal” Union’s overriding interest was to behind the action. bia, key European players France, United States’ “maximum pres- before the United States returned keep the 2015 nuclear deal alive but Following the attack, Trump Germany and the United Kingdom sure” campaign against Tehran, to compliance with the 2015 treaty. the September 14 attack appears to tightened economic sanctions on blamed Iran for the attack. The thanked the European countries Iran’s armed forces Chief-of-Staff have crossed a line for the Europe- Iran and ordered more US troops to three powers gave US President for their statement blaming Iran, Major-General Mohammad Baqeri an powers. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Donald Trump a political boost by saying: “This will strengthen diplo- warned his country’s adversaries With France, Germany and the Emirates in a show of support for urging Tehran to agree to talks on its macy and the cause of peace.” against military action, saying “the United Kingdom joining a grow- key allies. However, the US presi- nuclear and missile programmes as However, France, Germany and result of a violation towards this ing international consensus that dent has not ordered military force well as on regional security issues, the United Kingdom, known as the country will be captivity and de- Iran was behind the attack in Saudi against Iran, resisting pressure a long-time demand by Trump. “E3,” failed to get Trump and Ira- feat.” Arabia, Iran is more isolated than at from conservative hawks who say France, which has mediated be- nian President Hassan Rohani to Tehran’s defiance could not hide any time since Trump announced Iran must be punished. tween Iran and the United States in meet face to face. Iran said it had the fact that Europe’s statement the United States’ withdrawal from Popp said events at the UN meet- the name of the European Union, turned down an offer by the United had knocked over an important pil- the international nuclear deal. ing meant the danger of a military called on Iran to take the “path of States to lift sanctions in exchange lar of Iran’s strategy. “It is clear to us that Iran bears re- conflict had risen. de-escalation” and German Foreign for talks but Trump said that Teh- Tehran has been careful to keep sponsibility for this attack. There is “The most likely next develop- Minister Heiko Maas declared that ran wanted him to cancel sanctions the E3 out of the US camp, using no other plausible explanation. We ment is another Iranian or Irani- Europe was no longer willing to ac- before talks, which he refused to “plausible deniability” to distance support ongoing investigations to an-inspired pinprick action in the cept Iran’s “pinpricks politics.” do. itself from aggressive acts, such as establish further details,” France, Gulf region, directed again against “Patience is wearing thin in Eu- “The doves in Tehran might still the one in Saudi Arabia on Septem- Germany and the United Kingdom the Saudis or against shipping in rope and Tehran should heed this hope that the Europeans will be ber 14 or from attacks on several oil said. the strait of Hormuz,” Popp wrote. warning,” Sanam Vakil, senior able to rescue whatever remains tankers in the Gulf in May. Iran denied involvement in the “Iran has to raise the stakes in order research fellow at the Chatham of the [Iran nuclear agreement] Europe seemed willing to go Saudi attack. Yemen’s Iran-backed to make Inverse Maximum Pressure House MENA Programme, wrote on compromise,” Roland Popp, a se- along with the strategy, ignoring Houthi rebels, who have been fight- a success and this will heighten the Twitter. curity analyst specialising in Mid- Iranian provocations in the Gulf ing a war against a Saudi-led alli- danger of war.” September 29, 2019 3 Cover Story

Viewpoint Macron’s proposals, a bridge too far for US, Iran

“defends peace based on democ- racy and the ballot box everywhere, Gregory including in Syria, Bahrain and other Aftandilian countries in the region.” The back-and-forth claims and accusations indicate that neither f there was any hope for an leader wanted to look weak while easing of tensions between the speaking on the world stage and was United States and Iran, the not going to change his fundamental duelling speeches at the UN outlook. For Trump, Iran cannot be General Assembly by US trusted with any nuclear programme I President Donald Trump and and he sees Iran’s missiles as a re- Iranian President Hassan Rohani gional threat, especially considering negated the chances for that the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia. possibility. For Rohani, the sanctions have Not only did the two leaders not been illegally imposed on Iran and meet, as was rumoured might hap- countries like Saudi Arabia and the pen just a couple of weeks ago, but United States are the ones causing Maximum pressure, minimum impact. US President Donald Trump addresses the UN General their messages to the world body havoc in the region. Assembly at UN Headquarters in New York, September 24. (AFP) were in direct contradiction to one Both leaders left the door open a another. bit to the possibility that they could Trump labelled Iran as one of the have a better relationship in the “greatest security threats facing future. Trump said the United States peace-loving nations.” He accused has never believed in permanent Tehran of fuelling the wars in Syria enemies and underscored that its Sharp differences and Yemen and charged that it was closest friends today “were once pursuing a “fanatical quest for our gravest foes.” He added that the nuclear weapons and the means to United States was ready to embrace deliver them.” friendship with those who seek Rohani underscored that the peace. “imaginary Iranian threat” has been Rohani said he hoped the United keep Washington, used by some leaders to “jus- States would refrain from “follow- tify a long catalogue of crimes and ing the interests of warmongering catastrophic practices over the past pressure groups” to arrive at a point three decades” citing, in particular, where the two countries reach a the arming of Iraq’s Saddam Hussein framework to “manage our differ- Tehran apart and supporting the Taliban and al- ences.” Rohani also suggested that Qaeda in Afghanistan. he would be amenable to giving the Western powers more assurances Emily Przyborowski be tightened.” York. Rohani ruled out a meeting with about Iran’s peaceful nuclear intent. However, some experts said Trump Trump before the General Assembly Given the duelling Rohani also placed conditions on missed an opportunity to mobilise began, indicating that he was only this small olive branch, saying: “Stop Washington other countries against Iran. David interested in a meeting if the United speeches at the the sanctions so as to open the way Adesnik, research director at the States lifted sanctions. United Nations, for the start of negotiations.” n a stark illustration of the failed Foundation for Defense of Democra- In his speech, however, he seemed Macron’s proposed French President Emmanuel attempts by world leaders to fa- cy, writing for the Fox News website, to leave the option of talks with Trump Macron laid out his vision for a cilitate a meeting between Iranian said Trump “should have called for open. deal may be a bridge compromise deal — ensuring Iran I President Hassan Rohani and US a unified [UN] Security Council con- “This is the message of the Iranian too far for both the has no path towards a nuclear President Donald Trump, Rohani and demnation of Iran, along with severe nation: Let’s return to justice, to peace, weapon, a resolution of the Yemen Trump used speeches at the UN Gen- economic and diplomatic sanctions to law, commitment and promise and United States and war, addressing other conflicts in eral Assembly to issue threats and at- against the Islamic Republic by all UN finally to the negotiating table,” he Iran. the region, freedom of navigation tack each other’s policies. members that would stay in effect said. in the Gulf, addressing the lifting of Trump’s UN speech came days after until Iran takes responsibility for the Former CIA analyst Ken Pollack, an On the nuclear issue, Rohani sanctions and curbing Iran’s missile tensions with Iran heightened over recent attacks and agrees to change its expert on Middle Eastern politics and emphasised that “notwithstanding programme. the September 14 Saudi Aramco at- behaviour.” resident scholar at American Enter- the position of others,” Iran’s nu- If such a comprehensive deal were tack and subsequent tightening of the Rohani claimed in his General As- prise Institute, said he does not believe clear programme is “exclusively for to succeed, both the United States sanctions on Iran. sembly speech that the US sanctions that Rohani and Trump will engage in peaceful purposes.” Iran has an in- and Iran would have to dial down Trump indicated that Washington were acts of “international piracy” talks any time soon and, even if they ternational right, he said, to pursue their accusations but that will be dif- saw little reason to engage Iran in and “merciless economic terrorism.” do, there is “no sign that the Iranians nuclear enrichment for such pur- ficult to do. Moreover, it is far from direct talks, seeing Tehran as offer- Suzanne DiMaggio, a senior fellow would be willing to make real conces- poses. Moreover, he added, weapons certain whether the United States ing no concessions. The US leader at the Carnegie Institute said Rohani sions.” of mass destruction have “no place” will modify its position on keeping denounced Iran as having “used the “offered this enticement: If you fulfil British Prime Minister Boris John- in Iran’s security framework. sanctions in place until Iran changes funds to build nuclear-capable mis- the US’s deal commitments, then a son voiced support for a new Iranian Trump emphasised that he with- its behaviour or whether Iran would siles, increase internal repression, fi- more-for-more deal is possible. We nuclear deal, saying: “I hope that there drew from the 2015 nuclear deal to be willing to curb its missile pro- nance terrorism and fund havoc and can rebrand it but the photo op will will be a Trump deal, to be totally hon- stop “Iran’s path to nuclear weapons gramme, which it sees as important slaughter in Syria and Yemen.” come when negotiations are conclud- est with you.” and missiles” and implemented for its national defence. Trump called for other countries to ed, not before.” The United Kingdom, France and “severe sanctions” on the regime as Given the duelling speeches at the support his efforts in combating Iran, The approach seemed hardly entic- Germany issued a joint statement Sep- a result. He charged that Tehran, in United Nations, Macron’s proposed saying: “We ask all nations to isolate ing to the United States, which wanted tember 23 backing the US claim that the hope of freeing itself from the deal may be a bridge too far for both Iran’s regime as long as its aggression Iran to halt its missile and nuclear de- Iran was responsible for the Saudi Ara- sanctions, embarked on “violent and the United States and Iran. continues and we ask all nations to velopment programmes and refrain mco attack. unprovoked aggression,” including support Iran’s people as they struggle from expansionist and bellicose poli- There were different interpretations the September 14 attack on Saudi oil Gregory Aftandilian is a lecturer in to reclaim their religious and right- cies in the Middle East and Gulf re- of the stances of European countries. facilities. the Pardee School of Global Studies eous destiny.” gion. While some observers saw in the state- Labelling Iran’s policies as “blood- at Boston University and a former His message was clear: “As long as Despite efforts by French and Brit- ment a reflection of a new consensus lust,” Trump added that sanctions US State Department Middle East Iran’s menacing behaviour continues, ish leaders, Trump and Rohani did against Iran over suspicions of its in- would not be lifted “as long as Iran’s analyst. sanctions will not be lifted, they will not meet during their time in New volvement in the September 14 attack menacing behaviour continues.” on Saudi oil installations, others were Rohani claimed Iran is only sceptical. interested in “peace” and “tranquil- They said that, despite the state- lity” and is an “anchor of stability” ment naming Iran as responsible for in an otherwise “ocean of regional the attack, the European countries instabilities.” He labelled the sanc- were not necessarily in agreement tions imposed by the United States with Trump on how to handle Iran. as “inhumane” and against peace. Writing for Foreign Policy, Ilan Rohani added that the sanctions Goldenberg and Kaleigh Thomas, of are not just aimed at political leaders the Centre for a New American Securi- but against the “common people” ty’s Middle East Security Programme, who are victimised by such policies; said: “This statement was not coor- hence, the sanctions violate funda- dinated with the United States and mental human rights. makes the centrepiece of any de-es- Trump accused the Iranian calation policy a return to the nuclear regime of blatant anti-Semitism in deal, which the Trump administration its strident anti-Israeli positions. opposes.” He accused the regime of “stealing” Pollack also cast doubt over the Eu- the Iranian people’s money to fund ropean powers’ support of Trump. “massacres” at home and abroad. “I haven’t seen anything to suggest Rohani charged that the Pales- they are actually coming on board tinians are subjected to structural with Trump,” said Pollack. “They don’t violence in which their basic rights like what Iran is doing but, ultimately, are “tragically violated.” He said the they blame the US for provoking Iran Iranian people, in recent elections, and putting them in this position.” voted for “hope, foresight and pru- dent moderation” and, in an indirect Emily Przyborowski is an Arab swipe at Saudi Arabia, said Iran Key dates in Iran-US tensions since the Iranian revolution in 1979. (AFP) Weekly correspondent in Washington. 4 September 29, 2019 News & Analysis Qatar Tough times for Muslim Brotherhood and its Qatari sponsors in Europe

reveal, opened their eyes to the media where the amalgam of suspected deception. They said Islam, immigration and terrorism the person gave them computer has become commonplace. Majed Nehme files containing information from The documents shed light the Qatar Charity NGO controlled on Qatar Charity’s financing of by the state. 22 projects in France, about 40 espite an abun- They said they were given in Italy and dozens of others dance of books, “hundreds of e-mail exchanges throughout Europe over a 10-year reports, investiga- between [Qatar Charity] and the period for about $123 million. tions and debates beneficiaries of its largesse, most This is an important sum but not devoted to the often associations close to the sufficient to demonstrate all the D murky games Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamic workings of the strategy of influ- played by the Qatari monarchy, movement supported by Qatar ence over European Muslims. a documentary broadcast by the outside of its borders. It also con- The documentary, however, French-German TV channel tained records of bank transfers, does not pay enough attention ARTE will stand as a reference e-mails and tables recording the to the funding by Qatar of media on the subject. amounts of aid paid to Islamic that relay and amplify the dis- The documentary is not the associations, sums intended for course of political Islam and have first significant work by jour- the construction of schools and an influence far more important nalists Georges Malbrunot and mosques or for the purchase of than mosques, cultural centres Christian Chesnot, co-writers real estate.” and associations. of this investigation. Malbrunot Malbrunot’s and Chesnot’s At the top of the list of the reported on the Middle East for investigation involved more media outlets is Al Jazeera, Le Figaro. Chesnot is a member than two years of meetings and which participates shamelessly of the editorial staff of the public confrontations with the leaders in spreading the Muslim Brother- radio France Inter. of the associations and Islamic hood’s message, trampling in the Both men are fluent in Arabic NGOs in Europe mentioned in the process on all rules of ethics. Al and are familiar with the com- documents and who benefited Jazeera is not only picked up by plex realities of the Middle East. from the largesse of Qatar Char- the millions of satellite dishes In 2004, while reporting on the ity. dotting the roofs of European war in Iraq, they were kidnapped They said they were particu- suburbs, it is distributed free and held hostage for 124 days larly stunned by the size of the by cable operators right under by an armed group calling itself sums granted, the identity of the the nose and with the bless- the Islamic Army of Iraq. They beneficiaries, their vague and ing of the Conseil Superieur de were freed through the efforts of pre-established versions of the l’Audiovisuel, the French regula- French and Syrian intelligence facts and the purpose of these tory authority for audio-visual services and since then have operations. They asked: “Why media. written several books devoted to fund an Islamic centre in Alta in Among the benefactors and the Middle East, including “Qatar northern Norway? Or one on the donors of Qatar Charity, which Papers,” which served as the ba- island of Jersey, better known as is supposed to be a private NGO, sis for the documentary “Qatar: a tax haven than for its tiny Mus- are members of the ruling Qatari guerre d’influence sur l’islam lim community? Why buy a high dynasty, including Emir Sheikh d’Europe” (“Qatar: A War of In- school in France? Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. fluence on Islam in Europe”). “Little by little, a real spider’s Al Jazeera, a real propaganda What is it all about? web appeared to us, revealing outlet and a weapon of psy-war “Initially,” they wrote, “we that Europe was a priority for against those who dare oppose were rather impressed by the Qatar Charity,” they said. Sheikh Tamim’s policies and his success story embodied by this The strategy of influence ped- conception of Islam, is financed small gas emirate. We did not dling, control and instrumen- directly from Qatari state coffers Embarrassing revelations. French President Emmanuel Macron (R) and believe that it was at the same talisation of Muslims of Europe at a cost of several hundreds of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani after their meeting at time developing a policy to gain indicated by the documents millions of dollars a year. the Elysee Palace in Paris, September 19. (AP) control of Islam in France and carried great prejudice to these So, it should not be a surprise in Europe. We were far from the Muslims, insofar as it credits the that among the 13 conditions im- truth.” Islamophobic cliche of a new “Is- posed on Qatar by Egypt, Saudi an opportunistic move? They said they were fooled by lamic invasion” of Europe, a new Arabia, the United Arab Emirates Qatar has its back to the wall, Qatar’s capacity for concealment “conquest” and “great transfer,” and Bahrain for lifting the sanc- with its influence strategy being of its strategy to spread political cliches spread in times of crisis tions against it was the closing of decried at all levels. There are Islam as defined by the Muslim by a European far right bent on Al Jazeera and Qatar Charity. many books that demystify its Brotherhood. hammering the identity issue. Before the broadcast of the policy of support for the Muslim Chesnot and Malbrunot said It also bears something to wor- documentary on ARTE, the Brotherhood. The latest exam- an anonymous whistle-blower, ry public opinion subjected to French-German channel was sub- ple is Franco-Algerian journalist whose identity they refuse to brainwashing by the mainstream jected to pressure and intimida- Mohammed Sifaoui’s “Taqiyya, tion to remove the documentary Comment les Freres musulmans from its programming. The Qatari veulent infiltrer la France” (“Ta- government tried and failed. qiyya, How the Muslim Brother- The satirical French weekly Le hood wants to Infiltrate France”). Canard enchaine, generally citing There are many books In an interview with Le Figaro, reliable sources, revealed in its Sifaoui said the Brotherhood’s September 18 issue: “The Qatari that demystify ideology “is a totalitarian ideol- authorities are deeply concerned ogy that seeks to standardise about this documentary, which Qatar’s policy of thought and society. Their goal has already been broadcast in support for the is not so much to Islamise the Switzerland and Belgium… As to country as to take power within Al Jazeera channel, belonging to Muslim Brotherhood. the Muslim community, to weigh the emir of Qatar, it is desperate- The latest example is on France.” ly seeking to acquire the interna- “The Muslim Brothers are tional broadcasting rights of the Franco-Algerian also dangerous because they documentary,” surely to bury it insidiously attack all the univer- for good. journalist sal values consider​​ ed as gains in Far from complying with the Mohammed Sifaoui’s democracies: secularism, equal- injunctions of the Qatari lobby, ity between men and women, the ARTE maintained its program- “Taqiyya, How the rights of sexual and religious mi- ming. Muslim Brotherhood norities...,” he said. “In addition, Qatari authorities have closed they create dividing factors by Qatar Charity UK, which had wants to Infiltrate spreading hatred and rejection of acted as the headquarters of the the other. Finally, through their organisation in Europe. France.” imposture of being victimised, During the preview screening their contempt for the republic of the documentary, Chesnot and its principles, they intel- said Qatar stopped financing the lectually arm potentially violent project of the Museum of Islamic people and surreptitiously legiti- Civilisations in La Chaux-de- mise their actions.” Fonds, Switzerland, which was It is to the credit of both mentioned in the documentary authors of this informative as one of the beneficiaries of documentary to have contributed Qatar Charity’s largesse. to revisiting the inexhaustible Was it a tactical retreat or a debate on the role of the advo- definitive abandonment of the cates and financiers of political strategy of exploiting the Brother- Islam in Europe, but the debate is hood’s version of Islam in France not over. and in Europe in the service of Open secrets. Poster of ARTE’s documentary “Qatar: A War of Qatar’s destabilising policies in Majed Nehme is a Syrian-French Influence on Islam in Europe.” (Courtesy of ARTE) the region? Was it a real retreat or journalist in Paris. September 29, 2019 5 News & Analysis Gulf A year after Khashoggi case,Turkish-Saudi ties are deeply strained

Thomas Seibert indicated personal accountability for hood members fleeing Egypt and other the killing inside the Saudi consulate countries. Almost 500 members of the in Istanbul by operatives seen as close Brotherhood from Turkey and abroad Istanbul to him in an interview with US broad- gathered for a recent conference in Is- caster the Public Broadcasting System tanbul. year after the killing of Saudi (PBS). “It happened under my watch. Erdogan also appeared to blame Sau- dissident journalist Jamal I get all the responsibility because it di Arabia for the attacks on Saudi oil in- Khashoggi in Istanbul, rela- happened under my watch,” he told stallations on September 14, while Ri- A tions between Turkey and PBS’s Martin Smith. yadh, Washington and Europe say Iran Saudi Arabia show no sign of emerging Turkish President Recep Tayyip was responsible. from their crisis. Erdogan’s government leaked investi- Speaking at a meeting with Iranian Both countries remain divided not gation results to the media to suggest President Hassan Rohani and Russian just over the Khashoggi case but over that the killing had been ordered by leader Vladimir Putin in Ankara, Er- matters of political principle as well. the highest levels of the Saudi gov- dogan asked: “Who dropped the first Turkey is a major backer of the Mus- ernment. Pro-government media in bombs on Yemen?”, an apparent ref- lim Brotherhood, while Saudi Arabia, Turkey openly accused Crown Prince erence to Saudi Arabia. “I think if we along with allies such as the United Mohammed of ordering Khashoggi’s answer that question, we will arrive at Frosty relations. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu Arab Emirates and Egypt, regard the death. the conclusion that the point we have attends the opening session of a summit of the 57-member Brotherhood as a terrorist organisa- Turkey, however, failed to achieve reached today is a provocation.” Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Mecca, June 1. (AFP) tion. its political goals. In a blow to Ankara’s Earlier in September, the pro-Erdog- “The Turkish-Saudi relations remain plans, the US administration refused to an newspaper Sabah published what complex today, combining rivalry over sanction Saudi Arabia for the killing and it said was the transcript of a record- dogan visited the kingdom was July cally in order to prevent it from hosting regional influence with bilateral eco- US President Donald Trump renewed ing by Turkey’s intelligence service of 2017. That is a long time ago.” a Saudi opposition in the region,” the nomic-financial trade,” Joe Macaron, his support for the Saudi crown prince. Khashoggi’s last words. The bilateral crisis has strengthened Daily Sabah newspaper, an English- a fellow at the Arab Centre in Wash- Escalation in the row with Iran has Saudi Arabia has accused Turkey of the two countries’ regional rivalry. language sister publication of Sabah ington, said via e-mail. “No doubt, further strengthened the alliance be- fomenting unrest in the region. Crown Turkey has been cooperating with which is also close to the government, the Khashoggi murder has strained tween Washington and Riyadh. Trump Prince Mohammed was quoted as tell- Saudi Arabia’s nemesis, Iran, in the said this year. Turkish-Saudi relationship but it didn’t announced he was ordering additional ing Egyptian newspaper editors last Syrian conflict and has boosted its ties Macaron said that even though Tur- cause a disrupt yet.” troops to Saudi Arabia and the United year that Turkey was part of a “triangle with Qatar, another country at odds key failed to have Crown Prince Mo- Saudi prosecutors say intelligence Arab Emirates to help them to defend of evil,” together with Iran and radical with Riyadh and has been supporting hammed removed from office, he had officers killed Khashoggi, a columnist themselves against potential Iranian Islamist groups. the Muslim Brotherhood. Turkish me- not come out of the affair unscathed. for the Washington Post, in the Saudi threats. Travel warnings for Turkey by Saudi dia reports say Ankara is to soon open a “While some in the Turkish gov- consulate in Istanbul in a rogue opera- Erdogan is not prepared to change authorities have led to a steep decline second military base in Qatar. ernment might secretly wish to have tion on October 2, 2018, and disposed his policies, however. in the number of Saudi tourists in Tur- “It is because the bilateral relations [Crown Prince Mohammed] out of of his body. He recently told an audience in New key. [with Saudi Arabia] had already deteri- power, their ability to do so is limited Khashoggi’s death triggered interna- York that his government would keep Birol Baskan, a non-resident scholar orated that Turkey developed stronger given the Trump administration’s sup- tional outcry, with Turkey emerging as calling for justice with regards to the at the Middle East Institute in Wash- ties with Qatar,” Baskan said. port to the Saudi leadership,” Macaron an especially harsh critic of the Saudis. Khashoggi case and to the 2013 ousting ington, said bilateral relations were not A return to normalcy in relations is said. “However, recent events show Ankara’s approach was led by the over- of former Egyptian President Moham- quite as toxic today as they were imme- unlikely, not just because of differenc- that [the crown prince’s] influence has all aim of linking Saudi Crown Prince med Morsi, a leading Muslim Brother- diately after Khashoggi’s death. es over the Khashoggi killing. been largely contained in comparison Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz hood representative, “even if some “Yet, the relations have not recov- “The Khashoggi crisis was not a with the bold agenda he pursued in to the crime. people don’t like it.” ered either,” Baskan said via e-mail. single event; it was a political ploy de- the last two years and this was partially Crown Prince Mohammed publicly Turkey has given shelter to Brother- “The last time Turkey’s President Er- signed to strangle Turkey diplomati- due to the Khashoggi murder.”

Viewpoint Attack on Saudi oil facilities demonstrates drone threat

were identical to the Iranian-built most important refining facility before. For example, the German Ababil T model. While the Iranian showcased the efficiency and dive-bomber Ju 87 Stuka employed drone is not as technologically effectiveness of drones as an a siren to affect the morale of anti- Alessandro advanced as its Western counter- inexpensive attack platform. This aircraft units during the Second Arduino parts, it is relatively inexpensive is the definition of asymmetric World War. and can be assembled using off- warfare. After having claimed responsibil- combined drone the-shelf components. At the same time, opportuni- ity for the attack, a Houthi military and missile attack The May and August drone ties for retaliation are not only spokesman announced that several on the biggest strikes carried out by the Houthis related to the proportional use of other targets had been identified in Aramco oil process- against Aramco oil refineries could force but it is equally important to the territory of the Saudi coalition’s ing facilities in be considered a dress rehearsal to determine beyond doubt who was allies, including the United Arab Saudi Arabia’s probe Saudi aerial defences before responsible for the attack. In an Emirates. AbqaiqA and Khurais severely a much broader and brazen at- era of transitional uncertainty, the Saudi Energy Minister Prince Ab- The widespread tack against Aramco oil facilities. dulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz crippled facilities that produced narrative of a “ragtag” militia turn- 5.7 million barrels of oil per Doubts on the legitimacy of the ing overnight into a highly skilled economic stressed that the attack was not day. Houthis claim persist. armed drone specialist has not exclusively aimed at Saudi Arabia The game to determine who What these attacks have in com- been well received by analysts. ramifications of the but against the global economy was responsible for this attack is mon is that the drone is one of the Evidence is mounting, however, sudden surge on the because the Aramco oilfield is an ongoing. On the one hand, Saudi easiest parts of the equation to that an attack of this magnitude important cog of the globalisation Arabia and the United States point obtain. Other elements required required the assistance of a state oil price by 14.6% a machine. at Iran as the mastermind behind to carry out drone strikes include actor. The only certainty is related barrel the day after At the same time, the perception the attack, for which Yemen’s advanced scouting and planning, to ripple effects that this kind of from the Trump administration is Houthi rebels claimed respon- deep knowledge of the objec- drone attack is having in the finan- the attack are to avoid becoming entangled in a sibility. On the other hand, Iran tive to pinpoint weak links in the cial and social spheres. military confrontation in the area. warned the United States that it defence and the ability to identify The widespread economic rami- affecting countries The United States has achieved is ready to respond to any action high-value targets to cause the fications of the sudden surge on far from the Middle energy independence and Trump over its alleged involvement. In greatest damage within the war- the oil price by 14.6% a barrel the has stated how this kind of attack is the middle, the Chinese govern- head’s weight limits. day after the attack are affecting East. a global problem that must be ad- ment called for restraint. Satellite images provided by the countries far from the Middle East. dressed by a broad coalition. US President Donald Trump ex- US government show 19 damaged Just minutes following the attack One predictable outcome is that pressed on Twitter that the United facilities. The recovered wreck- the oil price spiked 20%, adjusting a significant portion of the Saudis’ States was “locked and loaded” on age indicate the drone attack was to an increase of 8% from the price $51 billion defence budget is going a possible culprit and US Secretary compounded by cruise missiles. before the attack. to be reoriented towards the devel- of State Mike Pompeo unequivo- If properly salvaged, the circuit An interesting path to be ex- oping anti-drone capabilities. cally accused Iran on the same board of the attacking unmanned plored in the search for a culprit If the drone menace is not ad- media, without specifying details aerial vehicles could be used to could be linked to financial vehicles dressed in an appropriate manner on Tehran involvement. trace the source of the attack. shorting in the financial market both on defence grounds and in an The Houthis have claimed The attack equation requires oil-related stocks just before the international regulatory frame- responsibility for several drone a reliable and fast communica- attack. At the same time, attention work, the last word on drone at- attacks against high-value targets tion link between the controller generated by anonymous drone tacks will not be related to another in Yemen and an oil refinery adja- and the drone. These variables attacks increases the chance of un- bombing of oil fields or even a cent to Riyadh. The attack on the could not be easily mastered by necessary panic among the general civilian high-value target such as an Aramco oil facilities is different. small groups such as the Houthis, public. international airport; instead, it will Western military analysts aired without the support of a large, The unmistakable buzzing sound be linked to a declaration of war. doubts that a “ragtag” militia sophisticated and well-funded of the drone’s propeller is the could plan and carry out sophisti- intelligence organisation with forbearer of an immediate strike. Alessandro Arduino is the author cated aerial drone strikes. effective command-and control The unnerving buzzing sound of “China’s Private Army. Protect- The drones employed in previ- structures. that is associated with impending ing the New Silk Road,” Palgrave- ous strikes claimed by the Houthis The attack against the Saudis’ death from above has been used Macmillan, 2018. 6 September 29, 2019 Opinion

Editorial Iran tops concerns at the UN General Assembly s is the case each year, the UN General Assembly allows world leaders to discuss main international issues. For the 193 members, issues were as diverse as the preoccupations of humanity. However, this year, again, theA Middle East was the focus of much of the world’s attention and reasons for concern. The Middle East and North Africa region is still prey to conflict and devastation and the toll from armed violence continues to mount. Through its own initiatives and the efforts of its envoys, the United Nations has been involved in the search for peaceful settlements to wars in Syria, Yemen and Libya and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Despite the urgency of these issues, the atten- tion of the international community was more focused on another hotbed of tensions: Iran’s behaviour in the Gulf region. Since the September 14 attack on Aramco installations — widely blamed on Iran — the risks of a regional if not a global conflagration have not been higher. The conditions put forward by Iran on sitting down with the United States upended attempts by French President Emmanuel Macron to arrange for © Yaser Ahmed for The Arab Weekly a face-to-face meeting between US President Donald Trump and Iranian counterpart Hassan Rohani. The conditions described by German Chancellor Five years of Houthi Angela Merkel as “unrealistic” could obviously not be met. An Iranian official, quoted by Reuters, said: “They (the Americans) should return to the troublemaking in Sana’a [Iranian nuclear agreement], lift sanctions and end Khairallah Khairallah this unfair maximum pressure on Iran. Then, of course, they can join the talks under the deal.” The same week Rohani was at the United One thing that the “legitimate” government is good at is engaging in Nations, Iranian Defence Minister General Amir losing internal conflicts. Hatami was rejecting any deal with the United States that would reduce Iran’s “missile power.” n September 21, 2014, gained that status the first day of It’s been five years since Sana’a’s The chasm between Iranian and US positions the Houthis took con- their full control of Sana’a. tragedy. In the meantime, the Hou- remained very wide. Trump, who wanted tighter trol of Sana’a. Their Their new status was enshrined this assassinated former Yemeni restrictions on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic pro- with the signing of the Stockholm grammes as well as an end to its provocations and action ended, albeit President Ali Abdullah Saleh at his proxy wars in the Middle East, told the United temporarily, any at- Agreement in late 2018, an agree- home in Sana’a. There is no indica- Nations that: “As long as Iran’s menacing behav- tempt to improve the ment that excluded, except for the tion they will be leaving the capital iour continues, sanctions will not be lifted. They Osituation of the Yemeni capital, Houthis of course, any other party anytime soon. will be tightened.” especially because they do not that has political or military weight What makes it more difficult is New sanctions were, in fact, announced Septem- have a viable political, economic, besides the so-called “legitimacy” that the “legitimacy” camp has not ber 25. educational or cultural project. camp represented by a baseless made any progress on any military Washington seems willing to bet on Tehran All they had for the people of interim president, Abd Rabbo front. This “legitimacy” was kicked eventually changing its posture as it feels more the Yemen was turning a section of Mansour Hadi. out of Aden as it had been kicked brunt of tighter sanctions and increased isolation. northern Yemen into an Iranian No, the Houthis are not in a bet- out of Sana’a and nobody knows Rohani warned the United Nations that the Gulf base and changing the nature of ter position because they have not exactly what it did and is still doing region was “on the edge of collapse, as a single the society wherever they are to- been able to control all of Yemen in Taiz. blunder can fuel a big fire.” Considering Iran’s record of provocations, it is not difficult to guess wards more backwardness, radical- as they had expected. They had The “legitimacy” camp failed to where the blunder could originate. ism and rejection of the other. to limit their ambitions at a stage absorb the meaning of coordination On this painful anniversary, all when they were forming secret alli- with the people of Aden and its en- we can do is pray for the people ances with extremist groups in the virons, especially those of Lahji and Tourism in MENA of Sana’a and hope for quick relief orbit of the Muslim Brotherhood in Dhale. As it continues to decline, from their suffering because they central and southern Yemen and questions are raised about the real is resilient in face have become prisoners of ignorant others with special connections to intentions of the UN secretary- thugs who have only one thing them, like the Hashemite connec- general’s envoy to Yemen and about to offer: their so-called sarkha of tion, in Hadramawt governorate. those of the United States and of setbacks “Death to America. Death to Israel. The Houthis were both for and Britain in the long term. he announced bankruptcy of the Thomas Damnation on the Jews.” against secession. They tried Five years after Iran’s takeover Cook company sparked wariness among In other words, the unique to win over separatist groups of Sana’a using its proxies, the governments and hotel owners in the purpose of their fight is to let Iran’s in Hadramawt but their master Houthis, we have concluded that it region. Thousands of British tourists voice boom over the entire Arabian project partially failed when the is impossible to dislodge them from were stranded in many of the travel Peninsula, of which Yemen is an Yemeni and Arab coalition forces Sana’a by relying on the “legiti- company’s destinations. These included integral part. recaptured Mukalla from al-Qaeda mate” government led by a person Tcountries in the region such as Morocco, Tunisia, After the Houthis had taken and Aden and Mocha from the who thinks that he can be another Egypt and Turkey. Sana’a, their leader Abdelmalik al- Houthis and besieged Hodeidah in Saleh. There won’t be another The failure of the British company to meet its Houthi pompously announced the May 2018. Saleh, despite the man’s qualities financial commitments could hinder the rebound of the tourism sector and negatively affect the establishment of a regime that had As the Houthis celebrate the fifth and shortcomings. fragile economies of the region. wiped out the republican regime anniversary of the establishment We also must conclude that the Tourism, however, should be resilient enough to in Yemen. of their emirate in Sana’a, where former Yemen we knew, whether withstand the abrupt shake-up of the tour opera- We know that part of Iran’s war they had moved from their caves one united Yemen or two independ- tors’ world after the Thomas Cook bankruptcy. on Saudi Arabia is based in Yemen. in Saada, there is a need to face the ent Yemens, is part of the distant Tourism is a great economic asset to MENA Had it not been for Operation truth rather than run away from it past. There are so many questions countries. Recent figures released by the World Decisive Storm, launched by the or try to hide it. about the future: How long will Tourism Organisation show that MENA attracted Arab coalition in March 2015, all It needs to be recognised that Iran remain in Yemen and what no fewer than 87 million tourists last year, 8% of of Yemen would have been under the main reason the Houthis were are the boundaries of the entity it the world’s share. That constituted a growth rate of Iranian control, including Aden able to invade Sana’a was the is seeking to establish there? How about 10% compared to the year before. Revenues and the strategic port of Mocha, legitimate government itself. This long will it be allowed to rely on the in 2017 were estimated at $77 billion. In 2018, Saudi government, led by Hadi, had Arabia ranked as the top MENA destination with 21 which controls the Bab el Mandeb presence of an inefficient “legiti- million visitors. Straight, the entrance to the Red enough military forces to confront mate” government that is good for Tourism was a vital source of revenue for many Sea and the Suez Canal. the Houthis in the mountains of everything except confronting Iran of the countries of MENA. It was the case for the Are the Houthis in a better situ- Amran before they reached the and its proxies? United Arab Emirates ($21 billion), Saudi Arabia ation now than five years ago? The gates of the capital. However, One thing that this “legitimate” ($12 billion), Egypt and Lebanon ($8 billion each), answer is a mitigated yes and no. the interim president preferred government is good at is engaging Morocco ($7 billion), Qatar ($6 billion), Jordan ($5 Yes, because the Houthis are in to ignore the various messages in losing internal conflicts. billion) and Bahrain ($4 billion). a position to negotiate by offering and warnings addressed to him With such a “legitimate” gov- The region boasts a variety of assets: Natural to stop firing rockets and drones by former President Ali Abdullah ernment, the Houthis can relax. beauty, archaeological riches, cultural diversity into Saudi territory in exchange for Saleh and refused to confront the They’re sure to have a party that and modern hotel and airport infrastructure. stopping raids on their positions. Houthis in Amran. will do what is required of them on Tourism expansion will help the region diversify There is no denying that they Not only that, Hadi was wait- their behalf and that will continue its income-yielding activities beyond oil and help draw investment and business but tourism will control the city of Hodeidah and ing for the Houthis in Sana’a and to facilitate their stay in Sana’a for continue to depend on the state of regional and its strategic port on the Red Sea signed with them the so-called the foreseeable future. It will help global economies and the stability of oil prices. It is after efforts to dislodge them were peace and partnership agreement them penetrate Yemeni society also vulnerable to fallout from security incidents. thwarted, with the precious help of under the supervision of Jamal even deeper to spread injustice, As the cases of Tunisia and Egypt have shown, UN Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Benomar, the representative of the ignorance and underdevelopment tourism is quite able to rebound from terrorist Griffiths. UN secretary-general at the time. at every level in a city that does not shocks. However, their biggest gain was The Houthis quickly turned deserve what has happened to it International travel industry in MENA should having Griffiths and the United against the legitimate government and to its people. also be able to absorb the shock caused by the Nations consider them equal to the and placed the interim president Thomas Cook bankruptcy. legitimate Yemeni government, under house arrest, forcing him to Khairallah Khairallah is a Lebanese although we should admit they resign. writer. September 29, 2019 7 Opinion

Is Oman another proxy for Iran and Qatar? Published by Al Arab Salem Humaid Publishing House The beneficiary of the path Muscat is trying to sponsor in cooperation Publisher with Doha is Iran and its branches in Yemen and the region. and Group Executive Editor Haitham El-Zobaidi, PhD atar, in collabora- process guiding the country’s aware of their details, even camp who are known for their tion with Oman, is diplomacy. It has been serv- though they involved ministers Qatari leanings goes in the direc- Editor-in-Chief leading feverish ing Tehran’s interests for some working under his leadership. tion of torpedoing the coalition’s Oussama Romdhani efforts to divert time. What Muscat has been doing efforts and of bringing the Hou- the issue of There is no doubt that Muscat for some time is not only cover- this back to the fore to legitimise Qlegitimacy in has become the preferred ing up its non-participation their illegal coup. Managing Editor Yemen and split the legitimate meeting place for Iran’s friends, in the Arab coalition, but also What has been leaked from Iman Zayat government camp by creating proxies and agents and all those acting against the coalition in the Muscat meetings refers to groups and entities within that wishing to get close to it. Under various ways to the benefit of coming appointments aimed Deputy Managing Editor front that oppose the Arab the cover of the shaky Omani the Iranian side. at overthrowing the legitimate and Online Editor coalition, which is trying to diplomacy, meetings take place It is common knowledge government with Qatari-Omani- Mamoon Alabbasi save Yemen from Iran’s grip and delegations come together among diplomatic circles that Iranian help, under the cover of represented by the Houthis. to work on pleasing Tehran and those wishing to communicate a so-called National Salvation Muscat’s diplomatic efforts scoring political victories on its with the Houthis and their Front. Senior Editor have been, at best, dubious, es- behalf. political wing should travel to From the first statement by John Hendel pecially as they coincided with There has been a spurt in Oman. Muscat has been turned this group, there is a clear idea the beginning of Iran’s appetite the manifestations of rap- into the headquarters for of the extent of Qatar’s role in for playing with the national prochement with Iran with Houthi political leaders and it it. Doha is pushing for a deal Chief Copy Editor security of the countries of the celebrations and rituals. Omani facilitates their travels between between the Houthis and some Gulf region. opponents, for instance, moni- Tehran, Muscat, Beirut and parties in the legitimate Yemeni Richard Pretorius Iran had found in Muscat tored changes in this year’s other capitals, as well as helping government, thus obliterating Copy Editors the ideal diplomatic conduit Shia celebrations on religious them spread their lies before the coalition’s efforts. for some of its plans, then its occasions in one of the sultan- human rights organisations. The Qataris and Omanis are Stephen Quillen efforts shifted towards Qatar ate’s regions. The celebrations Whoever makes the effort to tampering with the Yemeni file Kyle Arensdorf when Doha chose to break away followed what amounted to a examine the situation closely in ways that aim to turn the from its Gulf environment. The semi-official announcement of will find that the Omani side problem in Yemen from a coup Qatari regime began playing a the birth of Omani Hezbollah, will continue its approach of against legitimacy by Iranian Gulf Section Editor role that Muscat is celebrating to join the family of Iran’s arms playing a role that allows it to agents into an internal crisis Mohammed Alkhereiji so as not to appear to be as the in the Arab region. continuously be close to Tehran between Yemeni parties. The only Gulf country throwing Among recent moves spon- at the expense of the security of beneficiary of the path Muscat Society and Travel itself into Tehran’s embrace. sored by the sultanate in favour the Gulf. is trying to sponsor in coopera- Sections Editor Oman’s bias, however, has of Iran and the Houthis and to The most prominent item tion with Doha is Iran and its Samar Kadi gone beyond acting as Tehran’s co-opt Yemeni legitimacy, Mus- on the agenda of the meetings branches in Yemen and the diplomatic arm in the region cat hosted what was supposed sponsored by Muscat was tak- region. Senior Correspondents and moved from coordinat- to be a secret meeting that ing a stand against the Arab alli- Muscat has not been far from Lamine Ghanmi (Tunis) ing between the West and Iran included three figures from the ance, through the formation of events happening in the Yemeni and of beautifying Iran’s image “legitimacy camp” in Yemen. an alliance that tends to adopt file. On the contrary, it con- Thomas Seibert (Istanbul)

the Iranian viewpoint. Its aim in Western diplomatic circles The secrecy bubble cracked tributed to hindering coalition Regular Columnists to creating a political arm for even though Omani media tried would be to enable the Houthis efforts and has never ceased to Tehran in the sultanate and to camouflage its nature. to come up with a distorted play a major role in support of Rashmee Roshan Lall for expressing Iran’s ambitions That these obscure meetings peace process that does not the Iranian approach. Claude Salhani in the region from within the had to do with highly suspi- serve long-term stability in the Yavuz Baydar Omani environment. cious schemes can be deduced region. Salem Humaid is chairman and These efforts were made to from the fact that even the Muscat’s involvement in founder of al-Mezmaah Centre appear to be providing support prime minister of the legitimate arranging unannounced visits for Studies and Research in Correspondents for the official Omani political government of Yemen was not by leaders from the legitimacy Dubai. Nazli Tarzi (London) Saad Guerraoui (Casablanca) Thomas Cook setback is an Dunia El-Zobaidi (London) Roua Khlifi (Tunis)

opportunity to rethink regional tourism Chief Designer Rashmee Roshan Lall Marwen el-Hmedi

Instead of the resorts, which Thomas Cook pioneered, how about home stays, tents, Designers small pensiones and a scaled-down, more organic form of hospitality? Ibrahim Ben Bechir Hanen Jebali urkey, Tunisia, Tour companies such as to Britain, then the world’s remember in a week or two, Egypt… the grim Thomas Cook were part of that leading power. Cook & Son having forged no real human regional roll call of effort to create an easily digest- received special treatment from connections in the process. Now Contact editor at: countries affected ible narrative about foreign lo- the Egyptian viceroy, opened that Thomas Cook is no more, [email protected] by the collapse of cales for Western consumption. its first Middle East office in the tourism prospects of Turkey, Thomas Cook, the Incidentally, the first Baedeker Cairo in 1872, acquired hotels Tunisia and Egypt appear to Tworld’s oldest travel company. guide, once considered indis- in Egypt and heavily marketed have dimmed. The death rattle of Thomas pensable for Western travellers, the country as a winter resort. However, this low point could Cook has been ­­heard over many appeared around the same Eventually, it opened tourism be a launchpad for rethinking years in the firm’s increasingly time as Thomas Cook’s tours. all along the Nile river and regional tourism. The 21st cen- Al Arab Publishing House feeble announcements of losses Baedeker typically offered ad- assumed a monopoly of Nile tury is very different from the Quadrant Building and insurmountable debt but, vice along the following lines: steamboat traffic. world in which Thomas Cook 177-179 Hammersmith Road now that it has given up the Tangier market in Morocco Thomas Cook tours became began his business. It is beset London W6 8BS ghost, it’s time for a reassess- is “an indescribable mass of so famous they were written by worries about climate change ment. What to make of the tour- Oriental humanity”; and the about by Charles Dickens and and mass tourism’s carbon ism model Thomas Cook built average Egyptian is “no more Anthony Trollope. Thomas footprint in terms of flights and and what it has meant for the intelligent than a child.” Cook, the man, became a celeb- hotels. With migrants and for- Tel: (+44) 20 7602 3999 Middle East and North Africa Historian F. Robert Hunter rity, attending the 1869 opening eigners increasingly demonised, Fax: (+44) 20 7602 8778 region? said “tourism was inseparable of the Suez Canal alongside it is increasingly important to The truth is, Thomas Cook from the West’s conquest of the Empress Eugenie of France. forge human connections. flourished because it was crea- Middle East. Beginning in the From 1869-82, the year of There is an opportunity tive enough to package the Mid- 19th century, the Middle East Britain’s “temporary” military now to develop a richer visitor US Publisher: dle East — its places and people was subjected to European eco- occupation of Egypt, Cook & experience, which focuses on The Arab Weekly USA LLC. — as a stereotype. Thomas nomic penetration and political Son claimed to be engaged in the region’s many-layered cul- Cook was one of several mid- control… Empire provided Cook the “business of peace.” In a tural, historical and traditional [email protected] 19th-century initiatives to help & Son with new fields to con- distant echo of the political resources. Instead of the resorts, [email protected] Western travellers navigate quer, not only in Egypt, but also pressures faced today by Hong which Thomas Cook pioneered, the region — but only the geo- in India and beyond.” Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific how about home stays, tents, Tel: 248-679-6624 graphic distance, not the deeper Thomas Cook dominated to take sides during months of small pensiones and a scaled- complex layers of culture. tourism for 178 years. In fact, pro-democracy protests, Cook & down, more organic form of In his book “Colonising it created modern travel as Son remained aloof during the hospitality? It would be more Egypt,” Columbia University po- we know it today, pioneering local rebellion against Egypt’s green and socially responsible, litical theorist Timothy Mitchell discounts, hotel vouchers, food viceroy and his government. and it will be in demand as argues that many European and coupons and tour operators. Hunter says that “by the turn the world increasingly seeks North American travellers in Established by a cabinet maker of the century, there were two authentic experiences. It would Subscription & Advertising: the 19th century sought to tour and Baptist minister in 1841 empires on the Nile — Britain’s also allow for interaction with [email protected] Egypt as if it were an exhibition with domestic excursions in military occupation and Cook’s local host communities, taking Tel : (+44) 020 3667 7249 like those they might have Britain, it was only when Cook Egyptian travel.” East-West contact to a deeper visited at the London, Paris or & Son expanded to the Middle Despite 20th-century de- level. Chicago world’s fairs. There, East that the business really colonisation and enormous It’s time to move on from the Mohamed Al Mufti too, scenes of “the East” were took off. geopolitical change in the 21st Thomas Cook package. Marketing & Advertising on offer. Forging a tourism After a Thomas Cook- century, Middle Eastern tour- Manager economy in the Middle East organised exploratory tour ism continues to be bound up in Rashmee Roshan Lall is a meant creating the same sort of to the Middle East — Turkey, the model pioneered by Cook. columnist for The Arab Weekly. Direct: (+44) 20 8742 9262 accessible packages of reliable Egypt and Palestine/Syria — in This revolves around moving Her blog can be found at www.alarab.co.uk exotica. Mitchell calls it “the 1868, the company grew rapidly large numbers of Westerners www.rashmee.com and she is world as exhibition.” as a result of its connection through places they will barely on Twitter: @rashmeerl. 8 September 29, 2019 News & Analysis Tunisia Interview Presidential candidate Karoui says process ‘breaches principle of equal chances,’ could challenge outcome

is left standing on the field to play by itself. So, the question about my chances in the presidential race is Lamine Ghanmi meaningless, given the current condition. Karoui did not participate in the unisian presidential first-round presidential campaign, candidate Nabil missing the other candidates’ Karoui, speaking televised debates. His requests for from prison, vowed release have been turned down by to challenge the the courts. results of the Karoui said he saw Saied’s election if “any hour-long interview on state TV other candidate” September 26 but was not Twins because, he said, he has been impressed. deprived of his rights to cam- “Having watched and listened to paign. the interview given on the national “In the case of a win by the other TV channel by the candidate candidate, I’m going to contest the Professor Kais Saied, whom I do results as they breach the principle not know personally and for whom of equal chances, which is the only I have great respect, I became guarantor of the credibility of the convinced that his proposal is built election results, ” Karoui told The on a utopian and idealistic vision, Arab Weekly, answering questions very removed from our political relayed by his lawyers to him at and economic reality,” Karoui Mornaguia Prison. said. Karoui, in jail since August 23 on This is all the more true “espe- charges of money laundering and cially that what he proposes in tax evasion, finished second in the terms of democratic processes in field of 26 candidates in the first giving the last word in political and round of Tunisian presidential social choices to the people would Challenging detention. Nabil Karoui, Tunisian media magnate and presidential candidate, August 2. (AFP) elections September 15. Conserva- require the adoption of a new tive jurist Kais Saied won the first constitution and unusual govern- slot for the October 13 runoff. ing mechanisms,” Karoui added. “All he did was suggest leaving “it is based on a realistic vision that intimate knowledge of our eco- “I wasn’t given the chance to This, he said, contrasts with “the the matter to the people based on started with a diagnostic evalua- nomic, social and security reality. communicate my programme and I fact that our country is in a the theoretical model of direct local tion of the situation on the ground We have also validated our pro- was prevented from doing it by a precarious economic and social democracy built on elected and built on a detailed expertise gramme with expert specialists in court order, the timing of which situation and the people expect to structures and levels of governance and knowledge of the major social, all the fields touched upon by our was suspicious. It simply amounts see concrete and tangible remedies at the levels of neighbourhoods, economic and security problems of programme.” to muzzling me and forbidding me that can be implemented on the villages, towns and regions. the Tunisian society, problems that Karoui is president of Qalb to interact with voters,” Karoui short term.” “This scheme requires a com- require daring and concrete Tounes, which is one of the said. “What I’ve noticed from Profes- plete review of the political system solutions in a very short time. front-runners among political “This is almost an unprec- sor Saied’s interview is that he did in a way that might take a long “We have set up programmes and parties and independent slates in edented and surreal situation. It’s not put forth any vision or pro- time.” mechanisms for addressing these the October 6 parliamentary like a World Cup football final gramme or mechanism for dealing Karoui said his plans are much problems, solutions that have been elections. match in which one of the finalists with the economic and social more realistic and based on better elaborated by women and men gets scrapped a couple of hours problems that would meet people’s knowledge of Tunisian realities. from the Qalb Tounes party who Lamine Ghanmi is an Arab Weekly before kickoff and the other team expectations,” Karoui said. “As to our programme,” he said, possess great expertise and correspondent in Tunis. Tunisian election front-runner says ‘uncomfortable’ with detention of rival

Lamine Ghanmi Saied has no big campaign budget. and financial assets. He walked the streets to outline his “Unlike others, I have no media to “People Project” aimed at reinvent- use, no television channels,” Saied said Tunis ing the state based on a top-down ap- in the television interview. proach. However, he admitted being uneasy unisia’s non-traditional presi- Saied discounted critics’ theory that with the situation. “This situation dential hopeful Kais Saied a foreign operation was being waged (with Karoui in jail) is uncomfortable said he deplored that his rival, on his behalf on social media. No one for me and I hope that he is set free but T media tycoon Nabil Karoui, re- offered evidence to back the accusa- the final word belongs to the judiciary,” mained in jail almost two weeks before tion. Saied said. the vote in the presidential election “I have no connection to any foreign Karoui and Qalb Tounes have the runoff. parties and have not travelled abroad backing of popular television channel Saied’s support by an odd combina- since 2014. I’m against foreign med- Nessma TV, which was founded by Ka- tion of radical communists and Islamic dling in our internal affairs,” said Saied. roui in 2007. extremists, not to mention the “revolu- Saied, 61, will face Karoui, 56, in the Karoui’s situation as candidate and tionary wing” of the ruling Islamist En- second round of the vote October 13 prisoner has authorities in a dilemma: nahda Movement, caused liberals and after their electoral showings in the entering the presidential runoff with women rights activists to worry about first round shook Tunisia’s political Unprecedented. Presidential candidate Kais Saied speaks in Karoui in jail could cast doubt on the individual freedoms and some Tuni- landscape. Tunis, September 17. (Reuters) fairness of the electoral process. Tuni- sians to fret about the country’s stabil- Ennahda’s leaders are backing Saied sia’s Independent High Authority for ity if Saied were elected president. in the second round. Ennahda shifted Analysts said the most likely out- ming hope that modernist parties Elections stepped up pressure towards Saied sought to reassure the public its focus to the party’s “revolutionary” come would be Saied winning the would do well in the legislative vote. freeing Karoui to run his campaign. in a live interview with state television, credentials and an opposition to “cor- presidency and Karoui taking the lead Zbidi was absent from the latest two “The inequality between the two saying he was not impervious to such ruption,” a thinly veiled reference to in parliament with Ennahda trailing cabinet meetings in a remarkable sign candidates represents a big embar- concerns as he stressed that the “main Karoui who is in prison on charges of Qalb Tounes. Others saw the possibil- of the divide in the secularist camp. He rassment to the authority and threat- issue of Tunisia is economic and social” money laundering and tax evasion. ity of a President Saied backed by En- urged Chahed to step down, blaming ens the transparency and fairness of and there “is no return back on the Ennahda President Rached Ghan- nahda and other arrangements of radi- him for the failure of the democratic the electoral process,” said authority gains of women and their rights.” nouchi said that, after legislative elec- cal Islamists and independents. camp in the presidential vote. Vice-President Farouk Bouasker. “The Saied, a law university lecturer, fin- tions, Ennahda would like to rule in Such prospects would mean a cha- Chahed emphatically appealed to absence of a candidate from the cam- ished first in the first round of elec- tandem with Saied. He described a otic political scene when Tunisia des- Zbidi and other leaders of the “demo- paign would lead to the cancellation tions September 15, beating seemingly Qalb Tounes led-government after perately needs stability to focus on cratic family” to unite forces for the of the elections or the rejection of the powerful contenders that included Saied’s election as president as unde- economic and social problems. parliamentary elections, saying: “I fear polls.” the country’s prime minister, interim sirable and disruptive to the stability of The loss by secularist, modernis- for Tunisia and its future.” “It is true that Karoui was arrested parliament speaker and minister of de- the political process. ing and centrist presidential can- Karoui’s status as candidate and and detained by a judiciary decision fence. The Islamist movement ruled out didates, including Prime Minister detainee is sowing more confusion but, as an election organisation, we Saied has no party while Karoui estab- a government coalition with Karoui’s Youssef Chahed and Defence Minister about the outcome of the election cy- have authority on him since he is an lished the Qalb Tounes party in June and party if Saied won the presidency and Abdelkrim Zbidi, widened the splits cle. Saied would not say that Karoui is election candidate who won the first is fielding candidates in 33 districts in Qalb Tounes gained the most seats in among secularist parties and fanned disadvantaged during the campaign, round of the vote and we have a say on the October 6 parliamentary elections. parliament. more grudges of their leaders, dim- alluding to Karoui’s reliance on media that matter,” Bouasker said. September 29, 2019 9 News & Analysis Tunisia Viewpoint Many choices but few Tunisia can pull it off but with caveats solutions ahead of

the ruling class from the fallout of its disruptive decisions. It did so after parliamentary race Oussama 2011. If there was ever a benevolent Romdhani Deep State, that would be it. Eventually, the anti-establishment Iman Zayat employment, rising cost of living, when it was dominated by the secu- generation, whether in the presiden- widespread voter apathy, especially larist Nidaa Tounes and Ennahda. n Tunisia today, there are many tial palace or in the parliament, will among youth and a last-minute Saied, who has portrayed himself reasons to worry but there is no have to reckon with stubborn Tunis change in the electoral calendar that as an anti-establishment figure, has compelling reason to doubt the economic realities and Tunisia’s expedited the polls. played off this mentality. The presi- country can overcome its need for outside goodwill. This is not ardly has the outcome of a Tunisians voted in relatively low dential front-runner has also fur- concerns. the time for untested notions. legislative election been as numbers for the first round of presi- thered discussion about decentrali- There is reason to be preoccu- Checks and balances could be uncertain as it is in Tunisia. dential elections September 15, 45% sation and “liquid democracy.” Ipied, above everything else, about provided by the legislative branch. H Just weeks after the first compared to 64% in 2014. Ben Sa- Saied’s calls for delegative democ- the country’s sluggish economy. Parliamentary elections, scheduled round of presidential polls, Tunisia’s lem said such a high degree of voter racy, especially, are gaining traction, With barely 1% GDP growth and for October 6, will, we hope, provide 7 million registered voters are scruti- apathy could “usher” a second earth- with supporters arguing that it al- many years of accumulated lacklus- a governing majority capable of nising hundreds of legislative lists, in- quake in the country, sidelining both lows them to better advocate for tre performance, the country’s engaging the needed reforms. A too cluding thousands of candidates who Islamists and centrists in parliament.” their respective interests. economic engine is, at best, sputter- splintered legislative landscape are seeking office. “Echoing a tendency that marked Sensing the danger that such a ing. could prevent that. Rethinking the The official campaign period began the first round of the presidential trend could represent for its future, Tunisia’s socio-economic woes are system should not be an excuse for September 14 and will run until Octo- elections, we are increasingly hear- Ennahda pledged September 19 its deep and systemic. It would be delaying the economic recovery and ber 5, after which there is a one-day ing of a so-called anti-system vote support for Saied, an independent misleading to think that such woes addressing the needs of young blackout before the vote. that would help the future president, candidate whom Islamists can con- started with the 2010 uprising. generations that cannot wait. As campaigning either Saied or Karoui, garner enough trol if they win enough seats in par- Demonstrations in impoverished Will the new political leaders be gears up, candidates support in parliament to counter op- liament to run the country. regions ignited mass unrest but the able to cope? It remains to be seen; are working to reach position,” she said. By supporting Saied, who is so- tinderbox was just waiting for a but Saied, in his first hour-long live voters on social Beyond the anti-system vote, the cially conservative and appeals to spark. television interview, September 25, media and in person, election could be rattled by the in- even radical fringes of Tunisian so- With high unemployment, regional tried to reassure Tunisians of his going door to door, credibly high number of electoral lists ciety, Ennahda hopes to placate its imbalances and rife suspicion of ability to do so by distancing distributing fliers, on offer. Some 1,300 lists are com- base. corruption, the conflagration was himself on domestic and foreign canvassing markets peting for 27 constituencies, while The party also has little choice predictable. Signs of the incipient policies advocated by the and setting up tents in 165 lists are campaigning for con- after suffering a heavy blow in the unravelling were visible in the radical fringe that claims to strategic locations. stituencies abroad. These numbers presidential election. Its candidate, mining region of south-western speak for him. It is not Experts and analysts could prove overwhelming for voters, Interim Parliament Speaker Abdel- Tunisia since at least 2008. With clear what role said legislative elec- leading many to worry about “blind fattah Mourou finished third with widespread sentiment of unfairness, members of tions are critical for votes.” 12.9% of the vote. the system was cracking at the seams that fringe Tunisians to make “Only in the Tunis 1 constituency, Ennahda’s decline, bolstered by in more than one place. would play in their voices where I’m supposed to vote, we have successive government failures and The socio-economic ills have not his administra- heard. For 49 lists,” said Cyrine Khalfallah, a internal feuding over its direction, gone away. Such conditions fuelled tion. many 28-year-old company worker. “How has been long in the making. an anti-establishment wave of Saied needs to citizens, am I supposed to check out all the Its decline was further evidenced protest in the September 15 election clarify his stances on however, lists?” by recent high-level resignations, as round. more than one issue beyond growing disillu- Abir Chihi, a 30-year-old house- well as rare public displays of disa- In the confused landscape of the reiterating in broad terms his sionment with politics wife, agreed: “I’m quite sure that the greement within a party that is usu- presidential and legislative cam- awareness of the urgency of could lead them to vote majority will vote blindly,” she said. ally highly structured. paigns, anxiety is amplified by economic matters, his respect for for non-traditional lists “However, I’m especially con- messages of incitement and hostility individual rights and commit- or stay home. cerned when it comes to independ- Sensing the danger, exchanged by protagonists and their ment to traditional ties with other “As we talked to people ent lists. Most of the independent supporters. A report by the Tunisian countries. and potential voters, we re- lists are suspected of being endorsed Ennahda pledged its Association for the Integrity of More assurances from Saied corded a deep-running discon- by Islamists or corrupt business- support for Saied, a Democratic Elections stated how would bring tensions another notch tent on the ground, especially when men, who are struggling to make a candidate whom social media and sponsored Face- down. In the meantime, the more it comes to political parties, notably political comeback after their fail- Islamists can control if book pages are making negative experienced modernist candidates, Tahya Tounes and Ennahda,” said ure in presidential elections,” Chihi they win enough seats political advertising online the new wiped out in the first round, will political activist Yasmine Ben Salem, added. in parliament to have a normal. have the next five years to lick their who has worked in large districts in In Tunisia, parliament is afford- major say in how the Despite the fearmongering and wounds and shed their dispropor- the capital such as Ariana, Tunis 1, ed more power than the executive country is run. hyperbole, most Tunisians have not tionate egos. Tunis 2 and Manouba. branch, making control of the body reached the point that they are Before that happens, political and “Most people we talked with favour central to parties’ efforts to advance Lotfi Zitoun, an adviser to Ennah- doubtful of their country’s ability to judicial institutions will have to voting either for independent lists or their agendas. da President Rached Ghannouchi, manage its problems and take the make sure the remaining days of the Qalb Tounes,” a party founded in June Whichever party or coalition announced his resignation in July electoral process to its ultimate current campaign guarantee a fair by media mogul and presidential can- comes out ahead in the upcoming because of strategic differences. destination. shot for the detained hopeful Nabil didate Nabil Karoui, she said. poll will have a major role in setting Zoubeir Shehoudi, a former chief- Kais Saied and Nabil Karoui, the Karoui so the country does not have Ben Salem said voters’ moods head- the agenda over the next 5 years. of-staff for Ghannouchi, resigned two populist front-runners in the to worry about a disgruntled ing into legislative elections were This is why major political par- around the same time. presidential race, both lack govern- candidate disputing the results of the likely informed by the outcome of the ties snubbed by voters in the presi- With concerns growing that En- ment service experience but that’s runoff on October 13. presidential poll, which saw two out- dential poll, including the Islamist nahda is losing influence, Ghan- exactly what the voters wanted: That day, Tunisia should be siders, constitutional law professor Ennahda Movement, are putting re- nouchi has called for voters to turn candidates with little or no connec- celebrating a new democratic Kais Saied and Karoui, who remains newed efforts in the legislative race, out for the legislative race. tion to the discredited establish- milestone not jumping into an in jail on charges of money launder- attempting to shore up as many “The risk that voters reinforce the ment. That’s hardly unique; the unhelpful phase of doubt and ing, advance to a runoff. seats as possible. first-round anti-system choices is world is full of examples of outsiders loathing. The two anti-establishment candi- However, with many Tunisians real,” Ben Salem said. “Among the pulling an upset. dates’ victories have been attributed set on punishing the “system,” the traditional political parties in the Those who were on the media beat Oussama Romdhani is Editor-in- to a growing distrust of Tunisia’s po- political map is expected to end up country, Ennahda is particularly in in the early 1980s remember the Chief of The Arab Weekly. litical elite, deepened by high un- far more fragmented than in 2014, the crosshairs as there is a mounting doubts fuelled by the election of antagonism with its leadership.” Ronald Reagan as US president. Ennahda is not the only party to Sceptical journalistic minds won- feel the election blow or risk a broad- dered then how a Hollywood actor er decline. could have credibility and authority All parties and candidates at the at the Oval Office. A seasoned forefront of the political scene, in- watcher of the US political scene told cluding Tunisian Prime Minister me then: “I am not worried. Even Youssef Chahed and Defence Minis- Mickey Mouse could run the White ter Abdelkrim Zbidi, were jolted by House.” the results. They are scrambling to As other US presidents have always come up with an effective strategy to done, Reagan surrounded himself regain lost territory in the parliamen- with the best advisers he could bring tary race. onboard. He went on to be credited Chahed, reeling from an especially with inducing the fall of the Soviet poor showing in the presidential empire. Many remember that election, urged Tunisia’s centrist, achievement, especially now with modernist camp to unify ahead of the the upcoming celebration of the legislative elections. Zbidi snubbed anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s the call, telling his supporters to vote collapse. only for lists endorsed by political In Tunisia and many other parts of parties and figures who threw their the Arab world, you can bet on civil weight behind his candidacy. service and the large pool of highly If the infighting continues, Tuni- competent cadres to save the day if sia’s democrats could fail to secure politicians mess up. To try to run the enough seats to allow them a signifi- country without them would be cant voice in parliamentary affairs foolhardy and would compound the over the next five years. setbacks. The protective reflex of career public servants, if allowed to At cross purposes. Tunisians consult lists of candidates for the upcoming legislative elections in Iman Zayat is Managing Editor of do their work, will kick in to shield Tunis. (AFP) The Arab Weekly. 10 September 29, 2019 News & Analysis Egypt Eruption of protests triggers speculation about who’s fanning the flames of unrest

Amr Emam Still, some Egyptians bought response from the government.” into Ali’s allegations and took Muslim Brotherhood channels to the streets to ask Sisi to step broadcasting from Turkey and the Cairo down. Rights groups said more Qatari news channel Al Jazeera than 1,000 demonstrators were led the campaign. Before the pro- he prospect of demon- arrested during the protests. tests, they gave Ali’s videos open strations by disgruntled On September 26, two promi- airtime. The coverage they made Egyptians and sympathis- nent academics who were outspo- of the protests was nothing but T ers of the outlawed Mus- ken critics of Sisi were arrested. one-sided, reflecting the views of lim Brotherhood has raised ques- Hazem Hosni, a political science the Muslim Brotherhood and its tions about the parties instigating professor at Cairo University, was affiliates only. — and benefiting from — the un- arrested outside his home, his Videos broadcast on these rest. lawyer, Tarek al-Awadi, wrote on channels were mainly fabrica- “This is particularly true after Facebook. Hassan Nafaa, another tions of protests that did not hap- the sudden eruption of protests political science professor at the pen on September 20. Some chan- in a number of places in the last university, was arrested at his nels used videos of protests that days,” said political researcher home a short time later, a relative happened during the 2011 upris- Amar Ali Hassan. “People are ap- said. ing against long-time Egyptian parently no longer afraid of pro- Nafaa’s arrest came only min- President Hosni Mubarak. testing and expressing their an- utes after a local channel aired a One of the channels broadcast a g e r.” leaked phone conversation be- video of a crowd of football fans Sudden outburst. Protesters shout slogans during a rare tween Nafaa and an Al Jazeera and claimed that the people in anti-government protest in downtown Cairo, September 21. (DPA) Tens of thousands of producer in which he demanded the video were protesting against $1,000 for conducting an inter- Sisi. Twitter and Facebook view with the Qatari channel. The Al Jazeera broadcast a video of type of disruption. He expressed few years. The September 20 pro- accounts were created producer purportedly said Hosni Egyptian actor Mohamed Rama- concern about the possibility that tests had a toll on the economy: ahead of the protests to would be part of the interview. dan and hundreds of his fans run- rumours and the use of modern the Egyptian stock market lost encourage Egyptians to go The media campaign that pre- ning to get a glimpse of him in technologies to misrepresent $3.1 billion in value in three days out against Sisi. ceded, accompanied and fol- Cairo. It removed Ramadan from events could affect Egyptians’ following the protests. lowed the protests was dubious, the video, showed the fans run- morale. There are reports of concerns Unprecedented protests took analysts said. ning and substituted the voice of The media campaign comes as among foreign investors from place September 20 in several The involvement of tradition- the fans with the voice of people the Egyptian economy appears the effect of the protests on their Egyptian cities, including Cairo, ally hostile media left some Egyp- chanting against Sisi. to be improving, tourism inflows businesses. against Egyptian President Abdel tian analysts sceptical about the Ramadan accused the Qatari stabilise and foreign investment Egyptian analysts said they Fattah al-Sisi after a construction spontaneity of the protests. Oth- channel of fabrications. returns to the Egyptian market. were concerned that continued contractor, who worked with the ers saw the involvement of pro- Tens of thousands of Twit- Politically, Egypt has returned protests would negatively affect Egyptian Army for years, accused Brotherhood media outlets as an ter and Facebook accounts were to its traditional position as a re- the tourism sector, which em- Sisi of corruption and the military opportunity to exploit anti-Sisi created ahead of the protests to gional powerhouse and its role in ploys more than 5 million Egyp- of dominating the economy. events. encourage Egyptians to go out preserving regional security. tians. Mohamed Ali, 45, claimed Sisi “This campaign was full of de- against Sisi. Most of the owners of In his five years as president, “There is apparent fear among squandered hundreds of millions ception, trying to give the im- the accounts were in Algeria, Tur- Sisi restored order and security to investors because of the huge of Egyptian pounds on the con- pression that the demonstrations key and Qatar, a survey by Egyp- the streets, scored huge successes amount of rumours propagated struction of palaces, even as pov- were far larger than they were in tian media determined. against a branch of the Islamic in the past days,” said Jihad Auda, erty was acute in the country. Sisi reality,” said Safwat al-Alem, a “This is all part of the fourth- State in Sinai and eradicated Mus- a professor of political science said he had not misspent public professor of mass communication generation warfare waged against lim Brotherhood militias. at Cairo University. “These ru- funds and denied allegations that at Cairo University. “It also de- Egypt,” Alem said. “We should be However, the prospect of ad- mours spread on a massive scale the army was there to control the pended on rumours that spread fully prepared for this warfare.” ditional protests raises fears for in the absence of quick official re- economy. easily in the lack of an immediate Sisi had warned against this economic gains made in the past sponse.” Controversy surrounds Egypt’s construction of presidential palaces

Ahmed Fouad in February 2018, the properties are ering the “imbalance” is more stark on the demarcation of Egypt’s gov- since the pharaonic era and that con- registered as presidential headquar- because of “Egypt’s increasing na- ernorates by constructing new cities structing new presidential palaces ters, not private property. tional poverty, poor education and and government headquarters in de- and ministries headquarters would Cairo Ali, who claimed to have had close health care.” sert areas to ease population density. create jobs and encourage popula- ties to the Egyptian Armed Forces’ Official reports state the percent- This strategy would provide jobs, tion to relocate to new cities and re- gyptian President Abdel Fat- Engineering Authority, which super- age of Egyptians living below the improve services and accommodate duce density in older cities. tah al-Sisi faced a huge con- vises the construction of new cities, poverty line increased from 25.2% the country’s rapidly growing popu- The construction of the new troversy after a self-exiled roads and other projects, did not in 2010 to 32.5% in 2019. However, lation, Sisi said. administrative capital employs E actor accused the govern- point to any new property Sisi con- in education and health care, Egypt Egypt’s population increases ap- 500,000 Egyptians, the Minister of ment of wasting millions of dollars structed for personal use. Instead, improved seven positions to 122nd proximately 2.5 million people every Planning said. Another benefit in and resources by building upscale they are designated as presidential out of 137 in 2019, the Davos Edu- year, making Cairo and other large creating new presidential palaces is hotels and presidential palaces in headquarters or owned by the armed cation Quality Index indicated, and cities among the most densely popu- evacuating archaeological areas, al- the new administrative capital even forces. entered Deutsche Bank Healthcare lated in the world, driving poverty lowing the Ministry of Antiquities while the country struggles with Even if Sisi’s construction projects Quality and Availability Index for the and low quality of life and services, to have them included on UNESCO’s poverty, deteriorating education and fall short of corruption, they reflect first time in 2019. a 2016 UN study said. World Heritage Site list, said Mu- health care. “a clear imbalance in the order of pri- When Sisi first ran for president, Mahmoud El-Sayed, a lecturer of hammad al-Baz, a TV presenter sup- Mohamed Ali, an Egyptian ac- orities,” Hassan Nafaa, an opponent he did not announce a detailed plat- political sociology at Shorouk Acad- porting the govenrment. tor and businessman who lives in political science professor at Cairo form or specify projects. However, it emy, said Egyptians have been mi- Relocating government head- Spain and accused by some Egyp- University, said on Twitter, consid- soon became clear he would focus grating to cities near ruling centres quarters dozens of kilometres from tian lawyers and politicians of being downtown Cairo could prevent state supported by Qatari and Turkish in- institutions from being embroiled in telligence agencies, made the allega- political or security crises that often tions in a series of videos in which hit central Cairo. he urged Egyptians to protest Sisi’s From 2011-13, protesters besieged rule. Protests took place in several the Interior Ministry, the cabinet cities September 20 building and presidential palaces By September 15, the hashtag several times. Other government “#That’s_enough_Sisi” was trending buildings have been hit by terror at- on Twitter, recording more than 1 tacks since 2013. million posts in less than 24 hours. Many poor Egyptians are likely to The opposition seemingly grew continue criticising Sisi for building further enraged after Sisi said in a presidential palaces, especially with September 14 speech: “Yes, we have many pointing to the president’s ad- built palaces and will build more but mission in January 2017 that Egypt is not for myself. I’m working to build “very poor.” a new Egypt.” Many saw this as an However, at the time of those admission of corruption and lik- comments, Sisi was working to se- ened Sisi to former President Hosni cure loans from international lend- Mubarak. ers to ease Egypt’s financial crisis The allegations against Mubarak in 2016-17. The country’s growth and Sisi are different, however. rate increased from 4.2% in 2017 to Mubarak was deemed to have used 5.3% in 2018, giving it more funds public funds to establish palaces reg- for education, wages and health care istered under his name and those of by 24%, 31% and 49%, respectively, his family members. Sisi has over- from 2016-17 to 2019-20, official pub- seen the construction of new pal- Challenged from abroad. An engineer works at the construction site of the future Light Rail lic budgets details state. aces throughout the country, which Train (LTR) project “Al-Salam – New Administrative Capital (NAC)” to link with 10th of Ramadan and was revealed by Egyptian authorities the El-Salam district in east Cairo, July 9. (Reuters) Ahmed Fouad is an Egyptian writer. September 29, 2019 11 Spotlight Arab Affairs What’s behind the early Red Wave military exercises?

Ahmed Fouad main choke points for regional eco- nomic powers, including Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates Cairo and Qatar, seeking to do business with the West. Tens of billions of aval forces from Egypt, dollars in shipments pass through Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the waterways yearly and any dis- Yemen and Djibouti have ruption could seriously harm many N begun the second phase countries’ revenues. of Red Wave joint military exer- While threats to the Gulf would cises as regional waterways grow have a limited effect on the Suez increasingly contentious. Canal, which is especially critical The annual exercises appeared to for global trade, Cairo’s economy go ahead earlier than usually sched- could be hit if the price of oil jumps uled, leading to suggestions they because of a closure of the Strait of might have been moved up as a re- Hormuz. sponse to terror attacks on Saudi oil Egypt imports $4.4 billion of oil firm Saudi Aramco. per year, which accounts for 3.6% The September 14 attack was of its public budget resources. Any claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels large increase in the price of oil but Saudi Arabia and its allies have would prove devastating for Egypt, accused Iran of being behind it. which faces a budget deficit and is The joint naval exercises, which being pressured by lenders to cut take months to organise and would subsidies. not help countries prepare for land The Red Wave exercises could Diplomatic flurry. Sudanese Foreign Minister Asma Mohamed Abdalla (2nd-L) during a meeting with or aerial attacks, however, are un- also affect ties between countries her Egyptian counterpart in Khartoum, September 9. (AFP) likely to have gone ahead due to such as Turkey, Sudan and Djibouti. the Aramco attack but they may be In 2017, the Turkish military be- a response to other threats to Gulf gan talks with the now-ousted re- navigational security. gime of Sudanese President Omar In May and June, Saudi, Emirati, Al-Bashir to establish bases on Japanese and Singaporean tankers Suakin Island in the Red Sea. It also Sudan’s Revolutionary were targeted while transporting oil initiated talks with Djibouti about from Saudi Arabia and the United opening a military base on its coast Arab Emirates via the Arab Gulf and near the Bab el Mandeb Strait. the Gulf of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz. While threats to the Gulf Front prepares for No country or party claimed re- sponsibility for the attacks but would have a limited many governments and intelligence effect on the Suez Canal, agencies blamed Iran and its Houthi Cairo’s economy could allies. be hit if the price of oil talks with Khartoum Mohamed Bahaa Eldin, a profes- jumps because of a sor of political science at Suez Uni- closure of the Strait of versity, said the military exercises, Hormuz. Ahmed Megahid Egypt, like several other region- tween Hamdok and the leaders of which began September 23, are al powers, is interested in seeing the front during the Sudanese prime meant to send messages to Iran and The exercises, analysts said, send peace prevail in Sudan. minister’s visit to Juba, the South the Houthis. Turkey a message that Sudan and Cairo The overriding issue in Sudan is Sudan capital, on September 12. The first message, he said, is that Djibouti are firmly in the Arab fold the status of political Islam, espe- Peace, Hamdok said, is a top Egypt’s “armed forces, the strong- and are receiving support from Arab meeting of movements, cially after al-Bashir’s Islamist re- priority for the Sudanese govern- est in the Arab world and one of militaries, notably Egypt’s. militias and organisations gime was ousted, analysts said. ment. the strongest in the Middle East, “This reflects the fact that the forming the Sudanese “This is why Egypt is so keen are supporting Saudi Arabia and Egyptian and Arab regimes are far- Revolutionary Front has on being part of post-al-Bashir ar- A The meetings signalled consider any threat to its security sighted at the risk of the Turkish begun in Egypt with an eye on uni- rangements in the country,” said a threat to Egypt accordingly.” Sec- military presence in the Red Sea fying the front ahead of peace talks Sudanese political analyst Mo- Sudan’s move from ond, he said: “Arab governments close to Bab el Mandeb Strait which with the government leadership in hamed Saleh Matar. “This is not revolution to peace stand united to protect maritime is the main path to the Suez Canal, Khartoum led by Prime Minister only important for Egypt but also making, as change security, whose instability may also as Turkey is in great tensions with Abdalla Hamdok. important for other countries in sweeps through a directly affect Egypt.” Egypt and many other Arab coun- The meetings, which started Sep- the region.” country that is making a The Arabian Gulf, the Strait of tries,” said Mahmoud Zahran, a jour- tember 21 at Ain Sokhna, signalled Most militias attending the talks new political beginning Hormuz and Egypt’s Suez Canal are nalist who specialises on Turkey. Sudan’s move from revolution to in Egypt said they are opposed to while trying to bury old peace making, as change sweeps political Islam and are concerned differences. through a country that is making a that Sudan’s Islamists could still new political beginning while try- make inroads into Sudan’s political This was probably why front ing to bury old differences. life. senior member Osama Saeed asked The Sudanese Revolutionary Egypt reportedly suggested host- members of his organisation to get Front, which includes several mili- ing a series of conferences on the ready for peace in Sudan. “Peace tias, civil society organisations and reconstruction of Sudan’s western will put the whole political scene political groups, fought against the and southern regions. It also pro- in Sudan in a totally new order,” he Sudanese Army under ousted Pres- posed a conference on delivering said. ident Omar al-Bashir in the western humanitarian aid to the region and The path to peace is far from Sudanese region of Darfur and the another on Sudanese refugees in easy, political analysts said. western regions of Blue Nile and other countries. “A large number of stumbling North Kordofan. Nevertheless, the leaders of blocks are on the road,” said Fayez “There is a new climate in Su- member organisations and mili- al-Sheikh al-Seleik, a Sudanese po- dan and a new political will,” front tias in the Sudanese Revolution- litical analyst. leader El Hadi Idriss said. “There is ary Front are primarily discussing The challenges include whether also a strong will on the part of the the formulation of a unified peace militias will lay down their arms; people of Sudan for the achieve- negotiating strategy with the Su- the status of the front on the Su- ment of peace.” danese government, merging the danese political scene; whether it militias into the Sudanese Army will have a chance to participate and the future of relations with the in the government; and what the Most militias attending Forces of Freedom and Change, Sudanese government can offer it the talks in Egypt said the main opposition coalition in in return for shifting from armed they are opposed to the anti-al-Bashir protests. struggle to political work. political Islam and are At the centre of the talks are Sudan has started taking steps concerned that Sudan’s countries that will likely sponsor towards political and security sta- Islamists could still those between the front and the bility but it has many economic make inroads into Sudanese government, which are problems that limit it as it tries to Sudan’s political life. expected to start October 14. turn the foes of yesterday into the There is reportedly a plan among friends of today, analysts said. Fighting between the govern- front leaders on involving as many “Here comes the role regional ment and militias in western and regional sponsors as they can to countries can play,” Matar said. southern Sudan left a heavy hu- ensure the presence of enough “Gulf states, such as Saudi Arabia man toll and caused an interna- backing for their talks with the and the United Arab Emirates, can tional uproar against al-Bashir. government. Cairo, Abu Dhabi, help a lot by offering economic When the anti-al-Bashir protests Juba and Addis Ababa are on the support that makes the govern- erupted this year, western and list of host capitals for future nego- ment able to honour the pledges it southern Sudan’s militias watched tiations between the government makes to these groups.” Show of force. A 2018 file picture shows Egyptian tanks closely. The downfall of the Suda- and the front. taking part in military exercises in a military base in Matrouh nese autocrat gave them hope old The plan for the peace talks was Ahmed Megahid is an Egyptian Governorate, north-west of Cairo. (AFP) animosities could end. specified in a road map agreed be- reporter in Cairo. 12 September 29, 2019 News & Analysis Syria Russia-Turkey-Iran plan for Syria shuns Kurds, US

Sami Moubayed December but that, too, was also repeatedly delayed because of con- flicting messages that Erdogan was Beirut getting from the Trump administra- tion — whether it wanted to stay in he breakthrough in the Syr- Syria or leave — and by Turkish elec- ian Constitutional Commit- tions last March. tee overshadowed other Erdogan waited for a green light T topics considered at the lat- from the Americans to march on est summit among the presidents of Kurdish separatists, but it never Russia, Iran and Turkey in Ankara. came, forcing him to turn to Putin In addition to agreeing on the and Iranian President Hassan Roha- constitutional procedure, the three ni during the Ankara meeting. leaders postponed a final military In the summer, the Trump ad- operation in Idlib, giving Turkey an- ministration made it clear it would other chance at “cleansing” the Syr- not tolerate any Turkish operation ian province from Hayat Tahrir al- against the Syrian Kurds, seeing Sham, the al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria. them as vital allies in the war on ter- The Syrian and Russian armies ror. would observe the ceasefire in Idlib, Erdogan was also informed that he minimising refugee flow into Tur- would get only a fraction of the safe key. They still aim at retaking the zone that he had wanted along the main M4 and M5 highways along Syrian-Turkish border. The Turkish with entire chunks of the Idlib coun- president had envisioned a buffer tryside by the end of the year, how- zone no less than 460km wide and ever, after stopping short of seeking 32km deep, one that was Kurd-free, to retake Idlib city — for now. The where he could relocate millions of summit agreed to make sure that Syrian refugees from Turkey. the 12 Turkish observation points The Americans signed off on a scattered across the Idlib province safe zone that was 80km wide and are not targeted. 14km deep, with no authority to go The Russian-Turkish deal on Idlib after the Kurds of Syria. Although A mission in jeopardy. A US soldier watches as Syrian Democratic Forces remove military is not new; it was mandated by Rus- agreeing to joint patrols by the Turk- fortifications during the implementation of the security mechanism along the Turkey-Syria border in sian President Vladimir Putin to ish and US armies, they made it clear north-eastern Syria, August 22. (AP) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Er- that their mission was to monitor a dogan during a meeting a year ago. potential Islamic State comeback, are absent. It was the brainchild of leading to eventual normalisation The Syrians wouldn’t mind it, of rather than hunt down Kurdish mi- the Russian president. between Turkey and Syria. The 1998 course, nor would the Iranians, Rus- litias. Russia and Iran will either turn a agreement states that the Turkish sians or Turks. This would effective- Russia and Iran will either At the Ankara summit September blind eye to a forthcoming Turkish Army can advance as far as 5km into ly repeat the 2018 deal that Putin of- turn a blind eye to a 16, Erdogan voiced displeasure with operation or actually nudge it, hop- Syrian territory to chase Kurdish fered the Israelis on southern Syria. forthcoming Turkish what the Americans were suggest- ing to embarrass and incapacitate separatists, if the Syrians fail to hunt When government troops re- operation or actually nudge ing, seeing whether Putin and Ro- the 200 US troops that Trump plans them down, after coordinating with turned to the area, Israel voiced con- it, hoping to embarrass and hani could make him a better offer. to maintain in the Kurdish enclave. Damascus. cern about the full deployment of incapacitate the 200 US The London-based Saudi newspa- Alternatively, they will collectively That 5km zone could be expanded Syrian troops, saying that would put troops that Trump plans to per Asharq Al-Awsat reported that revisit the Adana Agreement of through amendments to the original Hezbollah on its borders with Syria. maintain in the Kurdish Erdogan gave them until early Octo- 1998, which Putin had raised with agreement, reaching up to 14-15km, To address that concern, Putin de- enclave. ber, threatening to act unilaterally on Erdogan last February. which is equal to what the Ameri- ployed Russian troops to the entire the Kurds if they failed to help him. Mention of the Adana Agreement cans offered. The only difference area, which, topped with the return Erdogan was supposed to finish For very different reasons, all resurfaced at Ankara, this time with would be that, through the Ameri- of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, the job of “cleansing” Idlib by mid- three presidents were furious with extra lobbying from Rohani. That cans, Erdogan could not go after the made extra sure Israel’s worries October 2018. He missed the dead- the Americans and determined to agreement would give Erdogan a Kurds but, via the Russians, Iranians were properly addressed. It can eas- line and all its extensions, shifting foil their future projects in Syria — safe zone in Syria without calling it and Syrians, he could. ily be redone on the Syrian-Turkish his focus to three Kurdish enclaves common ground that will undoubt- a safe zone, making it mandatory Putin is also suggesting deploy- border today, this time with the full — Kobane, Ras al-Ayn and Tell Rifaat edly reflect on Kurdish ambitions in for the Syrian and Russian armies to ment of Russian troops along the backing of Iran. — that were more of a security prior- a very negative manner. Success for cleanse the borders from any Kurd- Syrian-Turkish border to serve as ity for Turkey. Ankara, after all, meant continua- ish threat. a double buffer for Erdogan. That, Sami Moubayed is a Syrian Erdogan has been planning an tion of the Astana process, a three- Committees will have to be set up, too, would require amendments to historian and author of “Under the operation against all three since last way one from which the Americans along with monitoring mechanisms, the 1998 agreement. Black Flag” (IB Tauris, 2015).

Viewpoint The quiet tragedy of a teenage boy in Damascus

mid the death and running about and excelling at When, as a 15-year-old after the latter returned from destruction visited their English lessons. Sure, they attending a maths competition London in 1994. on Syria over the got unrivalled attention from in Brazil in 2017, Hafez told O All this said, there’s a line of Stephen Starr last eight years, one the teaching staff and manage- Globo newspaper how Syria was thought going around that Hafez of the biggest ment but, being so young, they being attacked by “invaders.” He may never see the throne, that tragedies is surely had no idea that they were any reflected how “many are blind” the same fate that befell Suda- theA fate of one teenage boy in different. in their view of his father. nese dictator Omar al-Bashir — Damascus. He is extremely tall Back then, they were simply “It’s not a civil war, it’s people overthrown this year in a for his age and has blue eyes, children, doing childish things. taking our home. It is a war military coup — could happen to like his father. He speaks fluent So, to see their young lives, against the people. The popula- Bashar. It’s a long shot, for sure, English, says he wants to study particularly that of eldest son tion and the government are but should the sitting Syrian engineering at university and is and possible future president united against the invaders that president be removed from apparently quite good at Hafez changed forever since are taking over the country,” power it would save his children maths. then — ruined, essentially — by Hafez averred. “Eventually, a life they never chose to Through no fault of his own, his father’s violent suppression violence can be resolved. Over endure. Or it could inspire 17-year-old Hafez Assad, the of the 2011 revolution and conse- time, it can be controlled.” something worse altogether. eldest son of Syrian dictator quent war, is very unfortunate In the interview the world saw There are perhaps millions of Bashar Assad, is setting out to indeed. the first signs of a brainwashed Syrians already hateful of Hafez, live a life no one in their right Little did Hafez know then dictator in the making, not a gunning for his demise. They are mind would choose for their that his life and legacy were child nor a possible future people who have lost their own child. already in motion, carefully laid leader who might seek to bring sons to government air strikes or His will be, in all likelihood, a out before him. about real change for his hunger or pro-government life that results in even more Hafez says he wants to study country. militias. suffering and bloodshed in Syria engineering but the whole world Since then, Hafez has posed The real tragedy of dictator- and that will probably see him knows what fate awaits him. for selfies with jostling men in ship is that it turns innocent one day become a deeply hated While it may take decades for the Old City of Damascus, children into monsters through and feared leader. him to eventually take control, appearing ready to inspire a new absolutely no fault of their own. The first time I encountered the even from now Hafez is being generation of regime loyalists. Hafez has grown up eating the Syrian first lady and her children, groomed for a life of deal-mak- The people of Syria who have same cereal and pizza as our Hafez, Zein and Karim, the kids ing, suppression and brutality to stood by his father, Bashar, will own children, asking the same were all small and attending a ensure that the family name undoubtedly favour Hafez when kind of questions about dino- language school in the Baramkeh rules in Syria for another his time comes. saurs and ghosts. As an adult, district of central Damascus. It generation. In the years ahead, Hafez will however, he may be asked to was about a decade ago and their The lanky teenager may find be taught how to deal with the commit acts of unthinkable security detail was inconspicuous himself facing a terrible future demands of Russia and Iran as a cruelty just so that the house of The real tragedy of as Asma Assad, tall and wafer should the third leader of the junior partner in those relation- Assad may endure. dictatorship is that it thin, strolled through the Assad dynasty turn out to be as ships, to manage the influential With him, a new generation of turns innocent residential streets seemingly brutal as the two that went tribes and families of Qardaha young Syrians may be lost to without a care in the world. before him. and how to govern a post-war violent ways. children into At the language school, the It’s become clear that the country where hope and monsters through children melted into the class- propaganda machine that has opportunity are in scant supply. Stephen Starr is the author of room; despite their differing oiled the Assad regime’s wheels Interestingly, Hafez apparently “Revolt in Syria: Eye-Witness to the absolutely no fault of ages they were all placed in the for decades is already being never personally coached Bashar Uprising” and has lived in Syria and their own. same class. They were playing, planted in Hafez’s own mind. in the ways of governing, even Turkey since 2007. September 29, 2019 13 News & Analysis Iraq Iraq seeks to reassure Saudi Arabia amid Iran-US tensions

Mamoon Alabbasi and prevent the evils of war,” said Abdul-Mahdi, a statement from his office stated. “We received a positive London reaction… and we are closer to op- timism in going forward to ease the op Iraqi officials sought to situation and prevent any clashes or reassure Saudi Arabia that the outbreak of war in the region.” Baghdad was not taking the Abdul-Mahdi’s message of reas- T side of Tehran against Ri- surance was echoed by Iraqi Presi- yadh amid tensions between the dent Barham Salih at the UN General United States and its allies and Iran Assembly in New York the same day and its proxies in the region. the Iraqi prime minister visited Sau- Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul- di Arabia. Mahdi visited Saudi Arabia on Sep- “Targeting the security of the Gulf tember 25 and met with Saudi King and the sisterly kingdom of Saudi Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Arabia is a dangerous development. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin We in Iraq are very concerned by this Salman bin Abdulaziz. tension and this escalation,” Salih “The meeting (between Abdul- said. “Our security is tied to the se- Mahdi and Crown Prince Moham- curity of the Gulf and the region.” med) dealt with regional develop- “The international community ments, particularly the sabotage must offer serious assistance in attacks on Saudi Aramco plants in containing this escalation because Abqaiq and Khurais, stressing Iraqi it would have disastrous repercus- keenness on the security and stabil- sions on the security of the region ‘Good neighbours’ policy. Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi (L) walks with Saudi King Salman ity of the kingdom,” reported the of- and the world,” added Salih. bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during a meeting in Jeddah, September 25. (Reuters) ficial Saudi Press Agency, in a refer- “Iraq will not be part of one axis ence to the September 14 attacks on against another… Iraq will not be a Saudi oil facilities. launching pad for aggression against “We are thankful for the Iraqi Se- litias) under control,” Randa Slim, a warned about the role of the PMF. Responsibility for the attack was any of our neighbouring countries,” curity Forces’ rapid response and senior fellow at the Middle East In- “Relations now between Iraq and claimed by Yemen’s Iran-backed he said. protection of coalition forces in stitute in Washington, told the Asso- Saudi Arabia are excellent,” Jubeir Houthi rebels, who are at war with The remarks by Abdul-Mahdi and Baghdad. We have made clear that ciated Press. told Rudaw. “The entire world is in Saudi Arabia, but the United States Salih were made one day following attacks on coalition personnel and PMF leaders were on edge follow- talks with Iraq to solve the PMF is- blamed direct Iranian involvement. an unclaimed attack using two Katy- facilities will not be tolerated and ing unclaimed attacks against their sue. Iraq has its own sovereignty that Baghdad has long maintained that usha rockets which hit Baghdad’s coalition forces retain the right to bases in Iraq, widely believed to be should be respected and valued.” it remains neutral between Tehran heavily fortified Green Zone, which defend ourselves. We are here at carried out by Israel to counter Ira- Separately, Jubeir accused Iran of and its foes but the Iraqi government houses the US Embassy compound. the invitation of the government nian proxies from solidifying their using Arab Shia communities to in- has struggled to control its Iran- The attack drew condemnation of Iraq and we continue to support presence in Syria. fluence countries in the region. backed militias, known as the Popu- from US-led coalition forces in Bagh- them at their request,” the state- At least two attacks striking the “They believe that every Shia be- lar Mobilisation Forces (PMF). dad. ment added. PMF inside Iraqi territory were car- longs to them. They don’t respect Abdul-Mahdi said he had “intense “There have been no claims of Analysts warned that, in the event ried out by Israel, Abdul-Mahdi told the sovereignty of nations,” Jubeir and frank” meetings with King Sal- responsibility for the recent attack of a conflict between the United the BBC. told the Council on Foreign Rela- man and Crown Prince Mohammed in Baghdad and no coalition or US- States and Iran, the PMF would not Speaking on the sidelines of the tions in New York. aimed at de-escalating tensions in occupied facility was struck, but we stand idly by. General Assembly, Saudi State Minis- the region. take this incident seriously as do our “Regional challenges facing Iraq ter for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir Mamoon Alabbasi is Deputy “We put forward our view on how Iraqi Security Forces partners,” read will make it even more difficult for hailed the improvement of ties be- Managing Editor and Online Editor to… calm the situation in the region a statement from the coalition. Adel Abdul-Mahdi to bring the (mi- tween Baghdad and Riyadh but of The Arab Weekly. Viewpoint Iraq’s well-meaning parliamentary quotas are a disservice to women

holding loyalty to their lists or parties choose veiled and fully women to be compared to these on everybody female candidates sects or ethnic groups much cloaked women who refuse to female MPs, especially when we who do not meet the minimum Bahira higher than loyalty to the say their full name and prefer to recall examples of Iraqi ladies criteria to be a member of al-Shaykhali homeland. be identified through their who have had a big effect on parliament. Unfortunately, these Writer Sabiha Shobbar said the connection to a male like calling Iraqi history, such as novelist women became a heavy burden quota system is an insult to Iraqi themselves “Wife of So and So” Amina Rahal, writer Angele on the parliament and on the lthough giving Iraqi women because it suggests that or “Mother of X” or “Sister of Arstakis, poet Rabab al-Kazimi, people. women a set quota women cannot get votes on their Y.” Judge Sabiha Sheikh Daoud and The partisan blocs had in the parliamentary own merit, votes that reflect Alainah Ji asserted that parties chemistry researcher Albertine nominated women who contrib- elections, a right people’s trust in these women’s carefully and purposely selected Ilya Habboush. uted strongly to the destruction guaranteed by Iraq’s ability to represent them. these models of female candi- Legal experts consider the of women’s rights by either post-US occupation She pointed out that the quota dates to make sure that they quota system a valid transition introducing or supporting bills constitution,A might appear a system was valid at an earlier would serve the interests of the solution to remedy the low that are undemocratic, such as positive distinction, a sort of stage when women did not have parties and not those of the participation of women in the law recognising the validity affirmative action for women, the strong will and confidence to voters. political life. Opponents of the of the Jaafari school of jurispru- this “quota” turned out to be bad run for elections but now they do What is more dangerous, quota system, however, regard it dence, which allows marrying for Iraqi women and harmful to and it has become inappropriate Alainah Ji said, is that the parties as a form of discrimination in the 9-year-old children. their reputation. for women to get seats in selected the most ignorant and representation of women and Sheikhly advocates the The word “quota” translates parliament only through the the less emancipated females, may not reflect the will of voters abolition of the quota system into Arabic as “relative share.” quota. Shobbar said many those who, because of their social by limiting their choices. and a return to letting people Former Iraqi female MP Nadia women reached the parliament upbringing, are traditionalist at Mohammed al-Sheikhly, head choose their representative in al-Jabouri explained that the house because of voters’ trust in the core, ready to follow orders of the Justice Centre in London, accordance with democratic new Iraqi election law ensures them. given by the dominant male in argued that the quota system for standards. that women do not have less Mona Alainah Ji, a former the family — father or elder women is undemocratic. He said Abdel Moneim Al-Mulla, than one-quarter of the seats in professor of sociology at the brother — or by the tribe’s head. the system represents a type of secretary-general of the Interna- parliament. Before that legal University of Baghdad, said the The quota system in Iraq put discrimination against women, tional Organisation of Iraqi Expa- obligation, women in the House quota system did not offer Iraqi forth and promoted models that even if it appears in their triates, said a quota system in of Representatives represented women a real opportunity but harmed the image of Iraqi favour. favour of women is usually no more than 2%. that the parties, especially women in terms of partisan “It is a form of discrimination introduced in parliaments or Jabouri said political Islam Islamic ones, took advantage of women’s intolerance towards between men and women by other political or social bloc only parties and other parties in it to put in parliament women other sects, races or regions and imposing a quota for women in to give those institutions a power manipulated the spirit of with particular qualifications any regard for the higher parliament seats and that is character of modernity, civilisa- the law by enrolling on party lists that have nothing to do with interests of the society or the contrary to a democratic system tion and sophistication and to women not qualified for parlia- parliament work and represent- country. which leaves the right to elect emphasise the leading role of mentary work and who are ing people but were related to Examples of this social and people’s representatives to the women in multiethnic and fanatical in their outlook, party loyalty. She pointed out political backwardness abound. people themselves,” he said. diverse societies and thus that the quota system was not an We have heard an Islamist Sheikhly added that the vividly embody the principle of incentive for empowering female member of parliament experience of the women’s quota gender equality in constructing a The female quota women but exploited them for demand the killing of seven system in the Iraqi parliament better and fair society. partisan gains. people from one sect if seven did not achieve its desired In Iraq, unfortunately, the system has become a Alainah Ji blamed civil parties people from another sect were objectives, which were to female quota system has become burden and an insult for doing the same thing. The killed and we have heard other represent women in parliament a burden and an insult to the role to the role of Iraqi only difference is that the civil ladies defend the interests of during the transitional phase of of Iraqi women in building a parties take advantage of the Iran while keeping silent about the country. modern society since the women in building a women’s exterior look, their Iraq’s interest but most of them At the time when there had to eradication of illiteracy in modern society since fashionable clothing and have no concern other than what be a fair representation of Iraqi 1975. hairstyles to show them off they can reap from being a women in the parliament, we the eradication of rather than promote their representative. found that the electoral blocs Bahira al-Shaykhali is an Iraqi illiteracy in 1975. qualifications, while religious It would be unfair to Iraqi chose to nominate and impose writer. 14 September 29, 2019 News & Analysis Lebanon

US sanctions to spare Hezbollah’s political allies, for now

Simon Speakman Cordall future we will designate, because we have to, individuals in Leba- non who are aiding and assisting Tunis Hezbollah, regardless of their sect or religion.” Asked if that meant al- any in Lebanon looked lies of the group, Schenker replied: on apprehensively as a “Absolutely.” senior US Treasury offi- The suggestion that the United M cial met with Lebanese States might broaden the array of Prime Minister Saad Hariri and sanctions against Hezbollah to in- parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri clude the group’s political allies to explain the latest US economic was first suggested in a policy pa- sanctions against Hezbollah. per in 2017 but never enacted. Nev- The assumption had been that ertheless, the threat has remained the United States was preparing to a potent one. extend its sanctions to include po- A statement issued by the US litical allies of the group, including Embassy ahead of Billingslea’s vis- Lebanese President Michel Aoun, it sought to calm such concerns, af- leader of the Free Patriotic Move- firming that the sanctions were in- ment, and Berri’s Amal Movement. tended to “encourage Lebanon to take the necessary steps to main- tain distance” from Hezbollah. Concerns over the health of The timing of Billingslea’s trip Lebanon’s banking sector, was significant after the United particularly over the States recently applied sanctions availability of foreign targeting Iranian shipping and lim- currency, have been iting oil sales. growing. “Hezbollah was the next logical target,” said Tom Crooke, associ- However, a Lebanese source told ate director at risk and intelligence Agence France-Presse that discus- consultancy S-RM. “The shipping sions among Hariri, Berri and US network targeted in the earlier Treasury Assistant Secretary for sanctions facilitated flows of funds At wits’ end? Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri (R) meets US Treasury Assistant Secretary for (AFP) Terrorist Financing Marshall Bill- to the group, which represents a Terrorist Financing Marshall Billingslea at the governmental palace in Beirut, September 23. ingslea centred on sanctioning en- key Iranian proxy based in a coun- tities thought to be providing ma- try over which the US has some reluctance to sell the US dollars “There has already been a quite measures.” terial support — such as arms and degree of leverage. Therefore, it they needed, staged a one-day clear impact on the financial sec- Crooke said: “Many wealthy financing — to Hezbollah, rather would seem very likely that the US strike. tor, with Jammal Trust Bank, hith- Lebanese nationals have banking than groups that supported it in would extend the sanctions to key The strike is evidence of the erto a fairly typical commercial relationships across Europe and parliament. Hezbollah allies if this meant the vulnerability of Lebanon’s bank- bank, being forced to wind up its the US and, in some cases, these Speculation that the United pressure on Iran was ramped up.” ing sector, operating in an already operations less than a month after individuals’ source of wealth ties States was preparing to sanction Conspicuous among those sus- difficult economic climate. In Au- being added to (the United States’) directly back to the Lebanese individuals providing political pected allies are those in Leba- gust, the US Treasury added Leba- OFAC’s (Office of Foreign Assets banking sector. EU- and US-based support to the group, mooted by non’s banking sector, long the non’s Jammal Trust Bank (JTB) to Control) Specially Designated Na- institutions handling these clients’ US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo engine of the country’s economy. the list of global terrorist organi- tionals (SDN) list,” Crooke said. money now face some quite im- during his visit to Lebanon in Concerns over the health of Leba- sations because of its suspected “JTB is only the second Lebanese portant compliance challenges in March, had appeared to be con- non’s banking sector, particularly links to Hezbollah, charges denied bank to be listed as an SDN. The ensuring they don’t fall foul of the firmed in September when US As- over the availability of foreign cur- by the bank. In early September, a move appears to be intended as a new US sanctions.” sistant Secretary of State for Near rency, have been growing. few weeks after being added to the warning shot to the wider Leba- Eastern Affairs David Schenker On September 19, Lebanese fuel list, the bank requested self-liqui- nese financial sector to cut their Simon Speakman Cordall is a told Lebanese television: “In the importers, frustrated at the banks’ dation. ties with Hezbollah or face similar freelance writer.

Viewpoint Sycophantic Nasrallah begs Iran for more funds

oadeleh-ye calmed” as Khamenei usurped Nasr” power in Iran and the Lebanese — “Winning Shias “declared their allegiance” Ali Alfoneh Formula” to Khamenei as “the chief “ — playing on commander of the Muslims.” the name of Changing of the leadership or LebaneseM Hezbollah Secretary- presidents in Iran did not alter General Hassan Nasrallah, is the the strategic relationship with catchy headline of a special the Lebanese militia. edition of Masir monthly, Nasrallah praised the “pro- published by the office of Iranian phetic” insight of Khamenei, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali who, at a prayer ceremony Khamenei. during which high-ranking The featured story focuses on Hezbollah commanders tried to a 5-hour interview with Nasral- kiss the hands and feet of the lah, which was also uploaded on ayatollah, allegedly predicted YouTube. What is Nasrallah’s the Israeli withdrawal from message and what is Khamenei’s southern Lebanon in May intent with releasing the 2000. interview? The interviewer asked Nasral- Nasrallah’s message is not so lah about Khamenei’s prediction Same old themes. Members of the Lebanese Shia Hezbollah much to the broader Iranian or in 2015 that “Israel won’t survive movement’s security stand guard during a religious procession in (AFP) Lebanese publics as to Khame- the next 25 years.” Nasrallah a suburb of Beirut, September 10. nei, whom he sycophantically responded: “We believe His calls “His Lordship.” Nasrallah Lordship is recognised by God ca’s power peaked prior to the US Lebanon, that he admitted falsely credits Khamenei with a almighty. What he says emanates invasion of Afghanistan. Now, abduction of Israeli soldiers was significant role in the establish- from a higher authority.” America is a descending a mistake and the war a miscal- ment of Hezbollah, 14 minutes However, instead of leaving power.” culation. In this interview, into the first part of the inter- the destruction of Israel to Nasrallah disclosed that however, Nasrallah’s historical view. higher authorities, Nasrallah Iranian Major-General Qassem revisionism depicts his relation- Nasrallah also claims Khame- conditioned fulfilment of Soleimani, commander of the ship with Soleimani in a very nei, during his largely ceremo- Khamenei’s prophecy on extraterritorial operations different light. nial presidency from 1981-89, continued Iranian support to al-Quds Force, visited him in Nasrallah’s litany of real and was the main point of contact “the Resistance.” Beirut in 2006 to give him a imagined victories of Hezbollah between Hezbollah and Iran. In In his remarks concerning the letter from Khamenei. Allegedly, and real and imagined defeats of reality, Iranian parliamentary 2006 Israel-Lebanon war, Khamenei began the letter by the United States and Israel Speaker Akbar Hashemi Rafsan- Nasrallah credited Khamenei calling Hezbollah’s abduction of because of the prophetic if not jani and Grand Ayatollah Hossein with Hezbollah’s “victory.” In two Israeli soldiers “a divine divine wisdom of Khamenei Ali Montazeri, Grand Ayatollah Nasrallah’s account, the 2006 blessing in disguise, since it explains the purpose of his Ruhollah Khomeini’s successor war was a US-Israeli conspiracy forced Israel to attack you in interview: asking for more Nasrallah’s litany of designate, oversaw the Lebanon beginning with invasions of Lebanon.” funding from Tehran. portfolio. Afghanistan, Iraq and Lebanon. Nothing could be further from The Office of the Supreme real and imagined Following a few sentences “[US President George] Bush was the truth. Hezbollah’s reckless- Leader pursues a different goal, victories of Hezbollah about the dismissal of Montazeri a cowboy who wanted to enter ness not only provoked a public which is boosting Khamenei’s as successor designate and the saloon with the severed row between Nasrallah and prestige. The sycophant praises and real and imagined discussing Khomeini’s death in heads of the Resistance, Pales- Soleimani, who fundamentally a weak leader, who needs defeats of the United 1989, Nasrallah admitted that tine and Syria hanging from his perceives Hezbollah as a praise. States and Israel Hezbollah leadership followed belt!” he said. deterrence force against Israel events in Iran with great However, when Nasrallah and did not want to see a war. Ali Alfoneh is a senior fellow at explains the purpose consternation but claims “the consulted Khamenei, the Criticism of Nasrallah was so the Arab Gulf States Institute in of his interview. hearts of the devout were ayatollah allegedly said: “Ameri- widespread within Iran and in Washington. September 29, 2019 15 Debate Palestine Israel

Whether Netanyahu or Gantz, Team Israel will stay on the same page

Geoffrey Aronson

sraeli voters once again pushed the “hold” but- ton and the results will be reflected not only in the country’s domestic politics. Those doing business with IIsrael by choice or by coercion need to know that any govern- ment produced by this election is months — very probably many months — distant. Some form of national unity government, which gives Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, More united than Israel’s embattled but longest- divided. Israeli serving leader, a new, if perhaps Prime Minister only temporary, lease on political Binyamin life, appears to be the probable Netanyahu (L), outcome. President Reuven The next government will be Rivlin (C) and temporary — there are rumblings Benny Gantz, about yet another election in leader of Blue and early 2020 — and constrained by White alliance, its internal rivalries from bold attend a memorial initiatives or grand departures ceremony for late from current policies on issues Israeli President ranging from oft-threatened wars Shimon Peres against Gaza and Iran to Gulf at Mount Herzl security and Syria. in Jerusalem, No matter what political September 19.(AFP) constellation eventually emerges, Netanyahu has marginalised great enthusiasm. That is the alliance, Trump’s dependence on Blue and White for Hamas and of a new government. support among Israel’s political nature of Israeli diplomacy. Israel’s militant rejection of the Hezbollah to be sure. Its leaders Netanyahu’s relations with elite for two issues at the centre Washington’s interest in an treaty and Netanyahu’s lust for have led the battle against Jordan have long been frosty. Blue of international concern: the initiative is losing steam, with confrontation with Tehran will both. As for Iran, they share a and White can be expected to be creation of a Palestinian state an administration increasingly have suffered a real blow. determination to contest Iran’s more solicitous of Jordanian King and the associated demand for an distracted by its domestic Should Blue and White succeed effort to increase its power close Abdullah II’s interests. Israeli retreat from the West Bank. problems, a looming election next where Netanyahu failed and make to Israel’s borders and could Relations with Cairo, especially The Trump White House year and the departure of its key Benny Gantz prime minister, be expected to support Israel’s in the security domain, have has internalised this fact. In architect and his replacement by coalition checks and his own recent campaign in Iraq aimed at flourished in recent years and Israel, Washington’s historic a junior staffer. Israel’s protracted preferences suggest only marginal demonstrating that Iran cannot continuing shared interests in decisions on Jerusalem and post-election calendar may pre- changes in inherited policies enjoy immunity from attack on its Sinai and, to some extent, Gaza the Golan Heights were met empt altogether what promises towards Gaza, Lebanon and Iran frontiers as well. can be expected to continue no with widespread political and to be a half-hearted American in Syria. A government led by the matter who rules in Jerusalem. popular approval. No one in the diplomatic initiative. On these issues, the prime generals of Blue and White may The same holds true elsewhere new government will see any Netanyahu, if he continues minister is only one voice — and well be pressured by the fire- in the region, where policies are advantage in quarrelling with as prime minister, will be not always the decisive one — breathing Netanyahu to prove being driven by broad changes US President Donald Trump’s constrained to act according to his among a most-powerful security their security bona fides, but as in the regional diplomatic and support for the annexation of declared preferences. Markedly establishment headed by the former leaders of Israel’s most security environment. some settlements, the creeping this means a cooling of his pre- Israel Defence Forces’ chief-of- powerful institution — the Israel It would be well to remember annexation of Greater Jerusalem election annexation promises and staff. Policies pursued under Defence Forces — they are more that more unites Netanyahu and and permanent Israeli control a much-reduced freedom of action Netanyahu on Iran and Gaza, for likely to refrain from occupying his opponents than divides them. over the Jordan Valley. when it comes to Iran. example, reflect the prevailing Gaza, starting another war with Whether Netanyahu remains in These elements form the Trump may not lose his most and relatively moderate views of Hezbollah or letting the conflict the chair or Gantz unseats him, territorial core of the much- vociferous cheerleader for an the security establishment that with Iran spin out of control. both are charter members of awaited and oft-postponed Deal aggressive policy of “maximum have promoted policies that, no In other Arab capitals, “Team Israel.” of the Century. pressure” towards Iran but with matter how aggressive, have not particularly Amman and Cairo, No US plan, no matter how a government of national unity, degenerated into outright war on few would mourn a reduction Geoffrey Aronson is a non- generous to Israel, will be greeted including pro-Iran nuclear deal any front. in Netanyahu’s power, which is resident scholar at the Middle East by any Israeli government with generals of the Blue and White There is no love lost among certain no matter the complexion Institute in Washington. Is it wise for Arabs to support Gantz for Israeli prime minister?

attempts to convince Gantz confirmed they would nominate convince Israeli voters that he government, despite their and Netanyahu to form a unity Gantz to lead the government was the candidate to back to support. His alliance’s policies do government failed and he has to ensure Netanyahu would not ensure Israel’s security. He leads not provide for greater equality Kamel Hawwash mandated Netanyahu to form a be nominated to form the next an alliance that includes former between Israeli citizens. They government. government. military leaders Moshe Ya’alon do not call for annulling the Israel’s basic law on the Only the Balad party refused and Gabi Ashkenazi. Each has nation-state law or for ending the he outcome of Israel’s government states that the first to endorse Gantz’s nomination a contentious record with the settlement enterprise. Blue and second election in Knesset member to be tasked by the other members of the Palestinians, particularly in White does not endorse a two- less than a year was with forming a new government Joint List, leaving Odeh with Gaza. state solution nor does it commit predictable: No single has 28 days to do so, after ten out of 13 mandates to use When Netanyahu promised to rescinding the annexation of party achieved a which that person can request in his endeavours to secure to annex the Jordan Valley and occupied East Jerusalem and majority to govern on an extension of up to 14 days. a Gantz premiership. Mtanes the northern Dead Sea, Blue the Syrian Golan Heights. The Tits own. At any time during this period, Shehadeh, Balad party leader, and White stopped short of alliance does not commit to Likud, led by Israeli Prime the lawmaker can inform the told Israeli media: “We always condemning him for hurting ending the siege on Gaza. Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, president that they are unable to said we won’t support peace prospects. Instead, With such Gantz’s party having achieved 32 seats, while the form a government and let him recommending Gantz. the alliance accused such a Zionist and anti-peace relatively new Blue and White give the mandate to someone They don’t have him of using the platform, the wisdom of members alliance led by Benny Gantz else. Balad’s support. We Blue and White does position as an of the Joint List nominating him won 33 seats. The third-largest Netanyahu’s chances of are four partner not endorse a two-state election ploy that has been called into question. By party was the mainly Arab Joint forming a government appear parties. No one solution nor does it copied the Blue recognising and contributing to a List, led by Ayman Odeh, which limited as very little has changed can force the commit to rescinding and White vow to political process that would bring secured 13 seats. since his attempt last April. This other on matters the annexation of ensure the area a government that would not Avigdor Lieberman, leader of means Israel could be heading for of principle.” occupied East remained Israeli meet the very basic needs of the the right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu the third set of elections, while For 27 years, Jerusalem and the “forever.” Palestinian citizens of Israel, the party, which won eight seats, Netanyahu could be indicted in member parties of Syrian Golan Heights. “The residents parties are failing the very people emerged once more as the three corruption cases. the Joint List made of the Jordan Valley they claim to represent. election’s kingmaker. If he fails to form a government a rule of refusing to are not Netanyahu’s The strategy may also drive a Netanyahu’s bloc, composed this time, Rivlin could ask Gantz nominate a candidate propaganda props,” the wedge between members of the of right-wing and ultra-orthodox or another member of the Israeli for prime minister. It was Blue and White statement list, which many worked hard to parties, has 55 out of 120 Knesset parliament to try to put together therefore a surprise to see said. “Blue and White has bring together for this election seats. The centre-left bloc, a government. Otherwise, the them support Gantz for the declared that the Jordan Valley following their failure to do so in excluding Arab parties, has 44 outcome would be another position, particularly because his will be part of Israel forever. It April. This may cause tensions seats. election, something Rivlin said policies are strongly at odds with was Netanyahu who concocted within the list if a third election Party leaders have concluded the country does not want. theirs. a plan to surrender the Jordan is called. their discussions with Israeli In the hustle and bustle of the Gantz, a former army chief Valley in [peace talks in] 2014.” President Reuven Rivlin election season, one of the most who led the deadly 2014 assault It is also the case that Gantz Kamel Hawwash is a Britain- regarding their nominee intriguing announcements was on Gaza, used his achievements would never invite members based Palestinian university for prime minster. Rivlin’s that parts of the Joint List had in an election video to try to of the Joint List to join his professor and writer. 16 September 29, 2019 News & Analysis Turkey Kurdish publishing house struggles with bans as state repression escalates

Constanze Letsch readers and seen as important for the promotion of Kurdish culture as Av- esta. Amsterdam “Avesta has always been independ- ent and let nobody use it for political week before the Diyarbakir propaganda,” said Reha Ruhavioglu, Book Fair, Abdullah Kes- human rights activist and founding kin received an unpleasant member of Rawest. This, he argued, A phone call. The head of the is the reason the publishing house prominent Kurdish publishing house survived through more than 20 years Avesta was told that another of its of censorship, violent conflict and the books had been banned by a Turk- vicious fight over cultural hegemony ish court, raising the number of titles in Turkey. banned in the last 18 months to 14. The Kurdish literature scene is ex- Keskin founded Avesta Publishing panding because of a growing number in 1995, at a time of brutal state repres- of writers, readers and publishers. For sion against Kurds in Turkey. centuries the rich oeuvre of Kurdish “I think the authorities expected culture was passed down orally from that our publishing house would go generation to generation. Until a few under after a few years and a few pub- years ago, high schools did not offer lications,” he said. “Kurdish literature Kurdish language electives and pri- was ignored because the state did not vate Kurdish classes did not exist. Not want to legitimise it by taking Kurdish many Kurds in Turkey, even if they books to court.” do speak Kurdish, know how to read Since then his publishing house has and write in their mother tongue — but produced more than 600 titles, half of their number is fast increasing. them in Kurdish. After the start of the peace process between the Turkish government and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in Books to resist. Osman Baydemir, spokesman of the Pro-Kurdish opposition Peoples’ Democratic With the return of 2012, public interest in Kurdish lan- Party, reads a book in Diyarbakir. (Reuters) repression, fear was back as guage, literature and folklore grew. well. Keskin said readers When police officers visited book often ask whether the fairs, they went to buy, not confiscate, With the return of repression, fear tion for “terrorist propaganda” was kin explained. “Normally they should purchase or the ownership Kurdish books. For the first time in the was back as well. Keskin said readers opened against him because he used come and hand us the court decision of certain titles might spell history of Avesta, the Turkish Ministry often ask whether the purchase or the words like “Kurdistan,” “Kurdish” and in person. Maybe there are so many of legal trouble. of Culture ordered four titles be sent ownership of certain titles might spell “Kurd” on social media. these cases now that they, too, have to public libraries all over the country. legal trouble. “Now we almost miss the state cen- had enough.” Though they were never explic- No longer. After the breakdown of Writers, too, are wary of possible sorship of before,” he said, referring to The publishing house is not permit- itly banned, Kurdish languages were peace negotiations in the summer of book bans. Murat Bayram, who pub- the repressive policies of the 1990s. ted to sell any of the 14 titles banned in criminalised as separatist since the 2015, Turkish state hostility against all lished “Belki isev binive” (“Maybe To- He is only half-joking. “Today book the past 18 months. Another 40 Avesta foundation of the Turkish Republic things Kurdish returned. Bookshops night She Will Sleep”) in 2018, a book bans are completely arbitrary. No- titles are under criminal investigation. in 1923. Legal reforms in 1992 created removed Kurdish-language titles and of stories collected during the violent body knows what is illegal and why. Repression and the economic cri- tentative freedom. Ten years later, the those that treated Kurdish-themed time of curfews in Kurdish towns in The Turkish justice system does not sis in Turkey have left the publishing publication of Kurdish texts was legal- topics from their shelves. Online 2015-16, said he delayed the Turkish even follow its own laws anymore,” house in a tight spot. For the first time ised and a small literature scene start- bookstores deleted them from their translation for now. “It would likely Keskin said. in more than 20 years, Avesta will not ed to develop. Publishing houses in websites. draw the attention of a prosecutor and On August 26, a Turkish court be able to participate in the all-impor- Istanbul and the predominantly Kurd- “A more aggressive state policy face a ban,” he said. banned the Turkish edition of An- tant Istanbul Book Fair in November. ish metropolis Diyarbakir produced against Kurds always also means a Meanwhile, the publication of his drew Collins’ “From the Ashes of An- “It’s too expensive. Sales have hundreds of novels, essays, transla- more aggressive attitude towards book in Italian, English, German and gels,” published by Avesta in 2002. dropped. Paper is still very expensive. tions of foreign literature, non-fiction Kurdish culture in Turkey,” said Kes- Farsi is under way. The book, out of print for almost four Costs keep rising,” Keskin said. “We’ve and children’s books. kin. “In Turkey, Kurds have become a years, was “seized” by prison guards in had to reduce the number of titles As part of their research of Kurdish After the failed coup of July 2016 sensitive subject again,” Bayram said. Kars, where an inmate had requested published in a year.” as a first language, Diyarbakir-based and during the subsequent 2-year state “Anything with the word ‘Kurdistan’ it by post. A court ruled that Collins’s Giving up is not an option, he add- research institute Rawest published of emergency, publishing houses were on it is threatened by a ban, regardless research of mythology and the history ed: “We still have many plans. We will findings on the effect of cultural pub- shut down and books were banned. of the actual content of the publica- of religion was “PKK propaganda.” continue.” lications on Kurdish youth. The report Theatres and private language schools tion.” “This time the police in charge of stated that no other Kurdish publish- in the country’s predominantly Kurd- This is something Keskin knows publications let us know via phone Constanze Letsch is a contributor to ing house is as popular with young ish south-east were closed by decree. only too well: In June, an investiga- call that the book was banned,” Kes- The Arab Weekly in Istanbul.

Viewpoint Returning empty-handed from UN, Erdogan needs victory abroad

he visit of Turkish — as he revealed plans of settle- president — facing pressure of his shaky alliance, the ultra- President Recep ment and construction in foreign because of an impeachment issue nationalist Nationalist Movement Tayyip Erdogan to the soil, without permission of the at home — has become weary of Party, as well as the hawks in Yavuz Baydar UN General Assembly, government of the country in Erdogan. Ankara, some officers on duty and highly anticipated question — or only ridicule as a Trump reportedly sent a the militarist flanks of the because of a potential piece of cunning irredentism. pro-Turkish Republican US political spectrum. The key issue Tface-to-face meeting with US It must be added that Erdogan’s senator, Lindsey Graham, to will be the development of the President Donald Trump, resulted pompous rhetoric once more led Erdogan’s hotel to check whether American side’s choreography on in an anti-climax. to further isolation on the world the latter had anything new to say north-eastern Syria because ties As Turkey continues to be set stage. The rather un-nuanced about his Syria plans and ignored between the US forces on the apart from the West, Ankara is in mention of Kashmir, which the the rest. ground and the local Kurdish limbo with several major foreign Modi-led Indian government Remarkable, too, was the fact commanders are strategically policy issues as key Turkish perceived as exclusively pro-Paki- that Trump in his news confer- solid. institutions, especially the stan, may cause damage in ence while lining up the countries Rumours stemming from Foreign Ministry, seem to be bilateral issues between Turkey whose leaders he had met with in Erdogan’s palace say an incursion suffering from a lack of lucid and India. New York did not mention is more likely than not, that strategic thinking. “Erdogan’s speech also betrays Turkey. Washington would overlook a very Prior to his visit to New York, Turkey’s deep-seated distrust of Back home, Erdogan is in limbo, limited Turkish operation. A Erdogan raised the stakes about a multilateral institutions and leaving a big question hanging major ground offensive, however, possible incursion into Syria, rules,” wrote Dimitar Bechev, a over his next steps. At this stage, would be kerosene on the fire setting a time limit of “until the columnist with Ahval News he remains slightly cautious, developing between Ankara and end of September” for a military Online. “There is no better blending the statements about Washington and, because of the action onto the “east of the illustration of the lone-wolf continued preparation with the US latter’s insistence on remaining on Euphrates,” whose large areas are mindset that informs Turkey’s troops over the establishment of Syrian ground, maybe the final controlled by Kurdish-dominated actions on the world stage. the safe zone with sharp determi- straw, demolishing much of the Syrian Democratic Forces. Turkey’s dealings with regional nation to conduct a solo Turkish 70-year alliance between Wash- His condition, made to Trump, organisations follow a similar offensive. ington and Ankara. was the setting of a 32km-wide pattern. Few would disagree that Meanwhile, the American side Erdogan, a rough political “safe zone” jointly with the US Turkey’s approach to NATO is offered a new deal on F-35 fighter gambler, desperately needs a military for Turkish authorities to highly transactional. The alliance jets and Patriot missile systems, as victory of some sort to restore his settle at least 1 million Syrian is called upon when it suits well as lower tariffs on steel and tarnished image at home. As Erdogan, a rough refugees along the Turkish-Syrian national interests, yet ignored aluminium and a trade deal always, he is calculating the major political gambler, border. Or else, Erdogan said, when the government — or better package that would help the two shifts in the world power arena. desperately needs Turkey would do it alone. put, the Presidential Palace — countries boost trade volume to Given his despair, he remains After much rhetoric, Erdogan thinks it is better to go it alone.” $100 billion from the current $20 capable of going to major lengths a victory of some returned to Turkey essentially More important, however, was billion. to keep politically alive. sort to restore his empty-handed. Certainly, he had Erdogan’s failure to talk with Will this carrot work? It may or had enough time to roar about his Trump, the Turkish leader’s one may not. Yavuz Baydar is a Turkish tarnished image at plans at the General Assembly but and only liaison figure in Wash- Erdogan remains under severe journalist and regular columnist home. his speech raised more concerns ington. It seemed the American pressure from the minor partner for The Arab Weekly. September 29, 2019 17 News & Analysis Iran Iran’s oil trade struggles for survival in the shadows as it tries to evade sanctions

Sabahat Khan off but it is a potentially difficult and resource-intensive effort that is not always viable. Dubai Another method used by tankers intending to take cargo from Iran he modus operandi of Iran’s is to signal a “fake” destination in oil trade drew new atten- close proximity — such as Iraq — and tion as the United Kingdom change to another — Saudi Arabia, for T called out Tehran for breach- example — and switching repeatedly ing assurances after its controversial but ultimately berthing at none of oil tanker, Adrian Darya I, reportedly them. delivered crude oil cargo to the port Increasingly, too, transfers are be- of Tartus, Syria, in contravention of ing conducted away from traditional EU laws. anchorages and even in open waters. Iran sits on some of the world’s Some estimates suggest that for more largest oil reserves and its oil trade than one-third of Iranian oil cargo and the raft of US sanctions against there are multiple tankers involved Tehran that have had a crippling ef- before the oil arrives at its final des- fect on Iranian oil trade remain of tination. worldwide interest. Documents and goods can be falsi- While the Trump administration fied to hide the origin of oil, in full and has maintained the pain-inducing in part. Iran is known to have mixed economic pressure on Iran by target- its own oil with Iraqi oil leaving Bas- ing its oil exports, revenue on which ra. Oil fields produce oil with unique Iran’s economy remains highly de- characteristics but where countries pendent, the country’s oil minister, share fields or have them in close Bijan Zanganeh, has spoken about proximity, it may be possible to re- work going on “day and night” to brand products and mask their origin. maintain Iran’s oil trade through clan- To encourage customers, it is destine means. believed that Iran is selling its oil around $4 a barrel below the market price and a 10% advance payment. Reports estimate Iran’s oil Hide and seek. An Iranian flag flutters on board the Adrian Darya I oil tanker, formerly known as exports to be approximately Full payment is required before the cargo is offloaded at the destination Grace I, off the coast of Gibraltar, August 11. (AFP) 400,000 barrels per day — ports and is reportedly transacted down from a peak of almost through overseas bank accounts 2.5 million barrels per day that are opened just long enough for Syria is among a handful of custom- most 2.5 million barrels per day after pointment of his replacement. That after sanctions were lifted. transfers to be completed. ers still buying Iranian oil but China sanctions were lifted and before the could, as some are anticipating, lead Payment is the most sensitive el- is the most significant. Two months United States departed from the Iran to a change in direction in the stand- Iran has, like Venezuela, another ement to Iran’s oil business today, ago, the United States sanctioned nuclear agreement. off towards new talks. US-sanctioned major oil producer, treated as top secret by Iranian of- Chinese state-run energy company While Iran’s oil trade has been hit US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo adopted a range of measures and ficials. Unsurprisingly, information Zhuhai Zhenrong for violating re- hard, some experts said the country is has reiterated that US President Don- business approaches to work around associated with Iran’s oil trade under strictions on Iran’s oil sector. Beijing conducting more business than most ald Trump is open to talks with Irani- US sanctions as far as possible. the radar has become highly prized criticised and rejected US unilateral were expecting would be possible. an President Hassan Rohani without Oil tankers like the Iranian-owned for Western intelligence agencies. sanctions. The true scale of Iran’s oil produc- preconditions. Trump has said he is Adrian Darya I have been turning off How Iran is evading sanctions, In the case of Iran, Chinese refiners tion, exports and the amounts being not seeking regime change in Teh- their Automatic Identification Sys- selling its oil and, in particular, how may have pre-existing agreements to stowed into storage are unknowable ran and could loosen the pressure of tem (AIS) transponders, electronic it moves its money is the “country’s lifting as much as 250,000 barrels per and estimates vary considerably. sanctions against Iran. devices that provide pinpoint GPS most vital and sensitive informa- day as repayment for earlier business In this context, the departure of location, to mask their location, di- tion,” said Hassan Soleimani, editor- or investments in Iran. John Bolton, the most hawkish offi- Sabahat Khan, based in Dubai, rection of movement and ultimate in-chief for Mashregh, a newspaper Reports estimate Iran’s oil exports cial on Iran in the Trump administra- maintains a cross-disciplinary focus destination port. Satellites can track with close ties to the Iran’s Islamic to be approximately 400,000 barrels tion, as national security adviser is in international security, defence vessels after AIS has been switched Revolutionary Guard Corps. per day — down from a peak of al- being watched closely, as is the ap- policy and strategic issues.

Viewpoint When Trump’s Iran policy takes an Obama-like turn

group’s claim of responsibility for came up with a surreal remedy. tration to deal with the Iranian file is to scrap its nuclear weapons the attacks while British Prime He said with a straight face that in a manner radically different programme. The world is treating Minister Boris Johnson agreed it was time for a new nuclear deal from his predecessor, Barack Iran’s destabilising behaviour in Mohamad Kawas with German Chancellor Angela with Iran. Trump woke up on Obama. the Middle East, including its Merkel on the necessity of a Johnson’s spell and supported it. Trump denounced Obama’s 2015 criminal attacks on Saudi Arabia “collective response” to what was While Iranian President Hassan nuclear deal as the “worst agree- — according to Washington and the here has been a strange committed and against those who Rohani reluctantly proclaimed ment in history.” He withdrew European troika’s conclusions — as turn in the positions of committed it. that his country was ready to make from the nuclear deal on May 8, a debatable issue. The people of the world’s capitals Saudi Arabia has not officially limited amendments to that 2018. Two weeks later, US Secre- the region are simply invited to regarding the Septem- accused Iran of being behind the agreement if its conditions were tary of State Mike Pompeo gave a participate in the debate, even ber 14 attack on Saudi attack on its facilities. It did met. reading of his country’s new policy though the attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities. After declare that weapons used in the For a moment it appeared as if on Iran, presenting a list of 12 facilities were virtually a declara- Tthe incident, the world appeared attack were Iranian and expressed the world has suddenly colluded demands that Iran must meet and tion of war by Tehran. to adjust its stances according to strong suspicions about Tehran with Iran and was playing a rogue commit to implement for Wash- It is no longer acceptable for the an assumption that the misdeed being behind the missile and tune that had nothing to do with ington to lift sanctions and world to see Iran only from the was not only a violation of Saudi drone attacks on Saudi Arabia. the original debate. What is the normalise relations with Tehran. nuclear angle that worries Israel Arabia’s security and sovereignty Riyadh promised to take a firm connection between Iran’s attack Amending the old nuclear deal before anyone else and to disre- but also a vile attack on the world’s position after completing an on Saudi Aramco and the whole was one of those demands. Others gard its disruptive behaviour from energy market and a violation of investigation. controversy surrounding the concerned Iran’s ballistic missiles Yemen all the way to Lebanon by international order and norms. Riyadh has not accused Tehran nuclear deal? What connects the programme, the future of Iran’s way of Iraq and Syria. Riyadh, too, via statements by but Washington did so in the first “collective response” against the destabilising behaviour in the Mid- It is no longer acceptable for the Saudi monarch and his crown hours after the attack. Same thing perpetrator of the “despicable dle East and other issues related to world capitals to weave their deals prince, acknowledged that, just as with London, where Johnson had crime” to the hasty jurisprudence Iran-sponsored terrorism. with Iran without the region much as the attacks were on its harsh words for Iran, blaming it for of the nuclear agreement? How did Suddenly, we are witnessing the having the final say in determining sovereignty, they were an attack the crime, before joining the the problem with Iran become collapse of “Trumpism” and a Iran’s regional role. The position on the stability of the world’s leaders of France and Germany, reduced overnight to disagree- return to “Obamaism.” expressed by UAE Foreign Minister energy sources. That called for an representing the troika of Euro- ments about details in the nuclear Trump is monotonously Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al equally unequivocal international pean signatories of the nuclear agreement? repeating that he would not go to Nahyan on the need for any response. deal with Iran, in issuing a The issue of the nuclear agree- war with Iran. Aided by his buddy agreement with Iran to include the The shift in international common statement blaming Iran ment was nothing more than an Johnson in London, Trump chose countries of the region appears to attitudes came mostly from for the attacks. excuse for Trump and his adminis- to refocus the world’s attention on be a cornerstone of the region’s countries that have long been Riyadh did not accuse Iran but the nuclear deal and dropped all approach to its relations with reluctant to involve themselves in the degree of anger expressed by the other issues about Tehran’s Tehran. the conflict between Iran and the the international community has It is no longer misbehaviour in the Middle East The Obama doctrine outlined by United States since US President suggested that the world is going and the world. After his vitriolic the former US president to Donald Trump withdrew his to end this Iranian absurdity and acceptable for world rhetoric against the “terrorist state journalist Jeffrey Goldberg and country from the 2015 nuclear deal thus inch closer to the US view in capitals to weave of Iran,” here is “presidential published in the Atlantic in the with Iran. confronting Iran. These encourag- their deals with Iran hopeful” Donald Trump strongly spring of 2016 seemed to be about Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo ing signs, however, did not go hoping for a photo opportunity seeking agreement with Iran Abe spoke of a “despicable crime” beyond their expected outcome. without the region with Rohani to boost his chances alone. And that’s exactly what when referring to the Aramco Out of nowhere, and away from having the final say in for a second term as president. Trump is doing. attacks. Before him, French the controversy surrounding the Suddenly, and under US leader- Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Aramco catastrophe and the threat determining Tehran’s ship, it seems that all the interna- Mohamad Kawas is a Lebanese Drian questioned the Houthi to the world oil market, Johnson regional role. tional community wants from Iran writer. 18 September 29, 2019 Economy

Viewpoint Briefs

Mediterranean tourism jolted by Thomas Cook’s collapse Aramco lures sovereign funds to

ship, as well as excessive bonuses hit $2 trillion IPO and perks awarded to the execu- valuation tives that contributed to Thomas Jareer Elass Cook’s financial woes. Saudi Aramco has approached Thomas Cook accepted a $1.1 Abu Dhabi Investment Author- billion rescue plan put forward by ity (ADIA), Singapore’s GIC and he collapse of British its largest shareholder, Chinese other sovereign wealth funds to travel firm Thomas investment giant Fosun Interna- invest in the domestic leg of the Cook has not only tional, which holds an 18% stake in oil giant’s listing at it seeks to stranded some 600,000 the firm and which also owns the achieve a $2 trillion valuation. tourists across the Club Med resort chain and Canadian After initial conversations in globe but it is expected circus company Cirque du Soleil. recent months between Saudi Tto wield a stinging and lingering Under that agreement, Fosun Arabia and governments in the economic punch to Southern was to provide $554.2 million in Gulf and Asia, approaches to Mediterranean countries that were exchange for at least 75% of the their sovereign wealth funds popular holiday destinations company’s tour operator business have started via the banks served by the failed company. and 25% of its airline. Lending appointed to handle Aramco’s Tunisia, Morocco, Turkey, banks and bondholders were to initial public offering (IPO). Egypt and Greece are feeling the give another $554.2 million and A meeting between Aramco’s immediate financial repercus- convert their existing debt to management and a team from sions from the British tour equity — providing them with 25% A long odyssey comes to abrupt end. An Air Travel Organiser’s Abu Dhabi’s ADIA, the world’s operator filing for receivership of the tour operator business and Licence official directs Thomas Cook customers at the airport of third-biggest sovereign wealth and the countries are bracing for a 75% of the airline. Heraklion, on the island of Crete, Greece, September 24. (Reuters) fund, was set up for October. potentially longer-term drag on The deal fell through when their tourism sectors. creditor banks demanded Thomas (Reuters) Thomas Cook, the oldest travel Cook management come up with tourists. The collapse of the UK reservations for Egyptian stays company in the world with a an additional $246.2 million to help travel company has resulted in through April 2020. Blue Sky had network of airlines, resorts and the company through the winter more than $65.2 million in unpaid forecast 100,000 tourists booked hotels that accommodated 22 months when it receives less cash Tunisian hotel bills for stays in July through Thomas Cook would Abu Dhabi raises $10 million travellers annually with and must pay hotels for summer and August, along with the holiday in Egypt next year. package tour deals, declared services. Turkish businessman cancellation of up to 40,000 trips Moroccan hotels are facing billion with triple- bankruptcy on September 23 and Neset Kockar, Thomas Cook’s to the country that had been unpaid bills of around $20.3 million tranche bond announced it would be liquidating second-largest shareholder with an reserved through Thomas Cook for after the British tour company’s its assets. 8% stake, said the British travel the rest of the year. collapse. Thomas Cook accounted The government of Abu Dhabi The UK Civil Aviation Authority firm would either be sold in full or For Turkey, the fall of Thomas for around 100,000 of the country’s has sold $10 billion in bonds, its released a statement, saying: in parts. Cook could mean a drop of 12 million annual holiday-makers first debt issuance in two years, “Thomas Cook Group, including The collapse of Thomas Cook 600,000-700,000 tourists annu- but the Moroccan tourism promo- which attracted hefty demand the UK tour operator and airline, resulted in the immediate ground- ally, Turkey’s Hoteliers Federation tion office had signed an agree- as the oil-rich emirate takes has ceased trading with immediate ing of its planes and shutting the Chairman Osman Ayik said. He ment with the British travel firm in advantage of low rates to partly effect. All Thomas Cook bookings, doors of its numerous travel stated that Thomas Cook owes 2017 to boost the number of offset the effects of falling oil including flights and holidays, agencies, putting 21,000 employ- $123,000-$246,000 to small tourists booked through Thomas prices on state coffers. have now been cancelled.” ees in 16 countries out of work, Turkish hotels in unpaid bills. Cook to 400,000 by 2020. Abu Dhabi has issued $3 bil- The collapse of the global travel including 9,000 in Britain. The The Turkish Tourism Ministry Greece’s PanHellenic Federation lion in 5-year bonds, $3 billion institution that was established in British government quickly warned Turkish hotels that of Hoteliers said the failure of in 10-year and $4 billion in 30- 1841 followed a failed 11th-hour launched its largest peacetime demand payments from tourists or Thomas Cook could cost the year notes, a document issued effort between Thomas Cook repatriation effort, arranging attempts to evict them because of country’s hotel owners as much as by one of the banks leading the management and shareholders to flights to return around 150,000 the collapse of Thomas Cook would $369.5 million, including $98.5 deal stated. secure additional funds for a Britain-based Thomas Cook be prosecuted. The Tourism and million-$123 million lost from bailout package. The firm was $2.1 customers from various holiday Finance ministries worked to put Crete, Greece’s most popular (Reuters) billion in debt, struggling to adjust spots. together a “credit support pack- destination for package holidays. to competition from budget The jolt from the travel firm’s age” to help affected local busi- Cretan hotel owners had not airlines and low-cost online bankruptcy was particularly felt nesses. received payments from Thomas booking sites. A UK and Scandina- throughout the Southern Mediter- Egypt’s favoured tourist locales, Cook since mid-July and hotels on vian heatwave in 2018 that kept ranean. including Red Sea resort towns Corfu and Zakynthos in the Ionian Morocco central holidaymakers at home and Brexit Thomas Cook had only recently Marsa Alam and Hurghada, are Islands had also not been remuner- fears that curtailed travel plans for returned to Tunisia following the expected to experience large ated by the British tour operator. bank holds interest many this summer only added to 2015 jihadist attacks on a Tunis financial losses because of the rate at 2.25% the company’s troubles. museum and the Sousse beach Thomas Cook bankruptcy. Blue Jareer Elass reports from Critics pointed to inflated resort that resulted in the death of Sky, the UK travel firm’s Egyptian Washington on energy issues for Morocco’s central bank kept salaries of the company’s leader- 60 people, including 30 British tour operator, cancelled 25,000 The Arab Weekly. its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.25%, saying current borrowing costs were in line with the medium-term Sudan announces 9-month plan to rescue economy prospects of inflation, growth and public finances. Inflation is expected to slow Khalid Abdelaziz commodity subsidies with direct Hamdok, shortly after his appoint- Sudan is rich in agricultural re- to 0.7% in 2019 from 1.9% last cash transfers to poor families, he ment in late August, said Sudan need- sources but high taxes, corruption year on the back of a drop in added. ed $8 billion in foreign aid over the and mismanagement have held back food prices, before picking up Khartoum Hamdok was expected, during the next two years. He said up to another investment in the sector for decades. to 1.2% in 2020 as domestic UN General Assembly meetings in $2 billion of foreign reserves depos- “We want to take the Sudanese demand improves, the bank udan’s transitional govern- New York, to ask the World Bank for its were needed in the next three economy from an economy based said in a statement following its ment will start a 9-month $2 billion in funding, Elbadawi said. months to halt a fall in the currency. on consumption and imports to a board meeting. economic rescue plan aimed Khartoum has asked the bank to Mounting public anger over short- productive economy and stop ex- S at curbing rampant inflation send three Sudanese experts as sec- ages of food, fuel and hard currency porting products such as livestock (Reuters) while ensuring supplies of basic ondees and to help pay their salaries triggered mass demonstrations that and agriculture as raw materials,” goods and is asking the World Bank to improve Central Bank and Finance forced al-Bashir from power in April. Hamdok said. “Instead, we will aim for $2 billion. Ministry performance during the po- On the politically tricky topic of to process them so as to create add- Shortages of bread, fuel and medi- litical transition. government subsidies for bread, fuel, ed value.” cine coupled with hefty price rises Sudan has been unable to tap the electricity and medicine, Hamdok He said he wants to focus on peace Lebanon’s wheat sparked protests that led to the top- International Monetary Fund and said any changes would only be made building in a nation that has seen pling of long-time ruler Omar al- World Bank for support because the after “deep discussions” with the conflicts flare in multiple parts of the reserves fall due to Bashir in April. The economy has United States lists the country as a people. country and endured a civil war that ‘dollar problem’ remained in turmoil as politicians state sponsor of terrorism. “The people are the ones who will ended in the secession of the South. negotiated a power-sharing deal be- “American officials have informed make the decision on this issue,” he “Stopping war, which represents Lebanese millers said wheat tween the military and civilians. us that removing Sudan from the US said. 70% of the expenditure in the budg- stocks had fallen to dangerous Sudanese Finance Minister Ibra- terrorism list is complicated because Sudan has been in economic tur- et, will create a surplus that can be in- levels, warning the country may him Elbadawi said the new plan, to it is tied to Congress and could take moil since it lost the bulk of its oil vested in production and particularly face a supply crisis unless dol- begin in October, would restructure nine months to a year,” Elbadawi production in 2011 when South Su- agriculture, livestock and related in- lars needed to import the grain the budget and tackle inflation but said. dan seceded after decades of civil dustries,” he said. are supplied at the official rate. leave bread and petrol subsidies in war. It has devalued the pound sev- Shortly after al-Bashir was ousted, In a statement, the Leba- eral times but not been able to halt place until at least June 2020. On the politically tricky the United Arab Emirates and Saudi nese millers’ association urged “It aims… to restructure the bank- the fall. Arabia pledged $3 billion in aid to officials to find a solution for ing sector, rationalise government topic of government “We will work to unify the ex- Sudan in the form of a $500 million dollars to be supplied at the spending, address the state’s finan- subsidies, Hamdok said any change rate and to manage the ex- deposit in the central bank, which official price “so the owners of cial burden and review tax exemp- changes would only be made change rate using a flexible managed Sudan has received, as well as fuel, the mills can resume their work tions, because 60% of economic ac- after “deep discussions” exchange rate,” Hamdok said, with- wheat and medicine. and import the country’s wheat tivity is tax exempt,” Elbadawi said. It with the people. out going into details. Many hope Hamdok can shepherd need”. would also combat corruption. He said Sudan needed to restore Sudan through the transitional pe- The Lebanese pound has been The transitional government, led The new economic plan aims to trust in the banking system. riod but some opposition members pegged against the dollar at a by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, address the country’s weakening cur- Hamdok, who studied agricultural and analysts worry that the power- level of 1,507.5 pounds for more is Sudan’s first since al-Bashir’s over- rency, he said. The Sudanese pound economics, has worked at the African sharing deal may fall short of expecta- than two decades. throw. The government needs bil- is officially set at 45 to the US dollar Development Bank and most recent- tions in a country where the military, lions of dollars to import basic goods, but on the black market on Septem- ly was a special adviser at the Trade backed by Islamists, has dominated (Reuters) such as fuel and flour. Fuel subsidies ber 23 it was trading at 69 pounds. and Development Bank in Ethiopia. for decades. account for 8% of GDP, Elbadawi said. Elbadawi said he hoped to unify the He said Sudan needed to tap its agri- The government wants to replace two exchange rates by June. cultural potential. (Reuters) September 29, 2019 19 Economy Iraq turns to China to boost economy

The Arab Weekly staff

London

raqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul- Mahdi wrapped up a 5-day visit to China meant to boost Iraq’s strug- I gling economy, with an announce- ment that Iraq would join China’s Belt and Road Initiative. “Iraq has gone through war and civ- il strife and is grateful to China for its valuable support,” Abdul-Mahdi said September 23, in comments broadcast by state media outlet China Central Television. “Iraq is willing to work together in the One Belt, One Road framework,” Abdul-Mahdi said after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Iraqi media outlets reported the deals include work on Iraq’s electricity and manufacturing, as well as building a Chinese library in the University of Baghdad.

Xi said that the two countries would cooperate on oil and infrastructure projects.” China would like, from a new starting point together with Iraq, to push forward the China-Iraq strate- gic partnership,” said Xi. Abdul-Mahdi also met with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang. “Li said Shanghai is willing to strengthen cooperation with Iraq in various fields, while supporting local enterprises to invest in Iraq and make New opportunities. Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi (L) and Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang attend a signing ceremony in contributions to the welfare of peo- Beijing, September 23. (AFP) ples of the two nations,” reported the Chinese website Shine.cn. Trade last year between China and poor nations with crippling debt The two countries signed eight Chinese leaders addressed the ten- maintain communications with Iraq Iraq totalled more than $30 billion, and has been eyed with suspicion by agreements on finance and trade, re- sions between the United States and and other parties on the situation,” the Xinhua reported. Beijing is Baghdad’s Washington, which sees it as an at- construction, defence and security, Iran. president said. biggest trade partner, while Iraq is tempt by China to increase its influ- education and culture as well as dip- “The current situation in the Middle Abdul-Mahdi appeared to agree. China’s second biggest oil supplier. ence in the region. lomatic missions, another statement East and Gulf region is complicated “On the regional situation, Abdul- The Belt and Road Initiative is a Abdul-Mahdi said his delegation’s from Abdul-Mahdi’s office stated. and sensitive, Xi said, calling on rel- Mahdi said Iraq is committed to eas- massive global network of ports, rail- visit to China “constitutes a new start Iraqi media outlets reported the evant sides to keep calm, exercise re- ing tensions and avoiding war. Iraq ways, roads and industrial parks span- for Iraq in all economic and security deals include work on Iraq’s electricity straint and solve differences and dis- will enhance communication and co- ning Asia, Africa, the Middle East and fields,” a statement by the Iraqi prime and manufacturing, as well as build- putes through dialogue, negotiation ordination with China in this regard,” Europe, which will see trillions invest- minister’s office said. “We want China ing a Chinese library in the University and other peaceful means to jointly Xinhua reported. ed in new infrastructure. to be a partner in building Iraq’s infra- of Baghdad. safeguard regional peace and stabil- It has faced criticism for saddling structure.” During the visit, Abdul-Mahdi and ity,” reported Xinhua. “China will (With Agence France-Presse) Eager for tourism, Saudis build more hotels and end abaya restrictions

Stephen Kalin but modest dress is, including at pub- lic beaches. He indicated that alcohol remains Riyadh banned: “We will have enough tour- ists to come to Saudi Arabia to enjoy audi Arabia has opened its other things.” doors to foreign tourists, intro- Visas will be available online for ducing a new visa regime for about $80, with no restrictions for S 49 countries and appealing to unaccompanied women as in the foreign companies to invest in a sec- past. Access to the Muslim holy cities tor it hopes will contribute 10% of of Mecca and Medina is restricted. GDP by 2030. Khateeb said China, Japan, Europe A push to diversify the economy. Participants attend the launch of the new tourism visa in (AFP) Saudi Arabia, relatively closed off and the United States were among Diriyah, a UNESCO-listed heritage site, outside Riyadh, September 27. for decades, has relaxed strict social the top outbound targets. codes, such as segregating men and Previously, foreigners travelling including by introducing previously The government wants to attract ing five UNESCO World Heritage women in public places and requir- to Saudi Arabia had been largely re- banned entertainment. 100 million annual visits in 2030, up Sites. ing women to wear all-covering black stricted to resident workers and their Tensions with Iran have also flared. from about 40 million currently. Con- “We remain authentic,” said Kha- robes, or abayas. dependents, business travellers and Riyadh blames Tehran for an attack tribution to GDP is targeted to reach teeb. “We have a great culture where Muslim pilgrims who are given spe- September 14 on Saudi oil facilities, 10% from 3%. many, many tourists would love to Saudi Arabia, which shares cial visas to visit Mecca and Medina. which Iran denies. Asked about negative perceptions come and explore this culture and Plans to admit significant num- Khateeb said the country is “very, of Saudi Arabia among some in the learn more about it and see it and ex- borders with Iraq to the bers of leisure tourists have been very safe” and the attack would not West, Khateeb said: “I am very, very perience it.” north and Yemen to the discussed for years but were blocked affect plans to attract tourists. sure they will have a better judgment The development drive aims at south, boasts vast tracts of by conservative opinion and bureau- Tourism is high on Crown Prince when they come and experience the adding 1 million tourism jobs. Get- desert but also verdant cracy. An e-visa for sporting events Mohammed’s agenda, despite a life here in Saudi Arabia and I prom- ting hundreds of thousands of Saudis mountains, pristine and concerts was introduced last De- shortage of infrastructure. To drive ise them they will leave with great into the workforce remains a major beaches and historical sites. cember. growth, Khateeb estimated $67 bil- memories.” challenge for Crown Prince Moham- The move is part of Crown Prince lion of investments are needed, in- Saudi Arabia, which shares borders med, who has only managed to make Chairman of the Saudi Commission Mohammed bin Salman bin Ab- cluding 500,000 new hotel rooms by with Iraq to the north and Yemen to a dent in the official unemployment for Tourism and National Heritage dulaziz’s plans to develop new in- 2030 — half at government-backed the south, boasts vast tracts of desert rate, which remains at more than 12%. Ahmed al-Khateeb said abayas would dustries to wean the world’s top oil megaprojects and half from private but also verdant mountains, pristine not be mandatory for women tourists exporter off crude and open society, investors. beaches and historical sites, includ- (Reuters) 20 September 29, 2019 Society UAE Space Mission Emirati joins fellow astronauts in orbit, launching Gulf nation into space age

The Arab Weekly staff a country whose young space pro- gramme aspires to reach the cutting edge of global scientific progress. London The pilot, who was hand-picked from among thousands of Emirati he United Arab Emirates’ applicants to fill the seat in the Soy- first astronaut was propelled uz spacecraft, seemed to fully appre- into space September 25 in ciate the significance of his space- T what was hailed as a tower- bound trip, writing hours before his ing advance in the country’s aero- launch that he felt “indescribable… space ambitions. glory and awe.” The Russian spacecraft carrying “Today I carry the dreams and am- Emirati astronaut Hazza al-Man- bition of my country to a whole new soori, who was accompanied by Rus- dimension,” Mansoori wrote. “May sian cosmonaut Oleg Skripochka and Allah grant me success in this mis- NASA astronaut Jessica Meir, docked sion.” with the International Space Station While in space, Mansoori is to con- (ISS) after a 6-hour trip. duct numerous experiments, includ- The three “entered the orbiting ing researching oil emulsification lab and joined six of their station and investigating how Emirati date crewmates for a joyful crew greeting seeds react in a new environment ceremony today,” NASA posted on and give the first tour of the space Twitter. station in Arabic. A video showed the new arrivals He said he also hopes his voyage entering the ISS head first through will shed light on the United Arab a hatch to join their grinning col- Emirates’ space plans, which include leagues, who welcomed them with sending spacecraft — and eventually floating hugs. a life-sustaining “Science City” — to Mars and inspire Emirati youth to Mansoori’s mission is a follow in his footsteps. stunning advance for a “The arrival of Hazza al-Mansoori The journey begins. International Space Station crew members UAE astronaut Hazza al-Mansouri (C), to space is a message to the Arab country whose young space NASA’s US astronaut Jessica Meir (Top) and Roscosmos Russian cosmonaut Oleg Skripochka board the youth… that we can progress and Soyuz MS-15 spacecraft, September 25. (AFP) programme aspires to reach move forward,” Sheikh Mohammed the cutting edge of global wrote. “Our next stop is Mars.” scientific progress. Mansoori is to return to Earth with activities throughout the region and Mission’s Hope Probe in 2020, which year, the Emirati team completed NASA’s Nick Hague and Russian cos- internationally. is designed to study the Martian the design phase and is now assem- Mansoori, a 35-year-old former monaut Alexey Ovchinin on October “Beyond organising, regulating atmosphere and climate and help bling and testing its systems and Emirati fighter pilot was launched 3. Skripochka and Meir are to remain and promoting the UAE space sec- understand the planet’s climate dy- equipment.” from Kazakhstan to the ISS, exhilarat- on the ISS until next spring. tor, the UAE Space Agency continu- namics, global weather mapping and Mansoori’s launch was a landmark ing crowds in Dubai that had gathered The United Arab Emirates’ vision ously works to raise awareness of why and how Mars loses oxygen and advance for the Arab world, which to follow his flight. Dubai’s iconic Burj for space exploration reflects its the space industry and encourage hydrogen into space. has had two previous astronauts trav- Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, larger strategy to prepare for a post- the development and use of space “This ties into the wider Mars el to space but none before to the ISS. lit up the moment of lift-off. oil economy through scientific and science and technology — objectives 2117 project, part of the United Arab In 1985, Prince Sultan bin Salman “Today, we celebrate the historic technological advancement. It aims that will be furthered by Mansoori’s Emirates’ ambitious plans to estab- bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, a fighter pilot flight of the first Emirati astronaut to reduce its dependence on oil to trip to the ISS,” said Mohammed al- lish the first human settlement on and member of the Saudi royal fam- to the International Space Station,” 20% by the year 2021. Ahbabi, director-general of the UAE Mars by 2117,” Ahbabi said. ily, became the first Arab astronaut wrote Dubai ruler Sheikh Moham- Mansoori’s trip is critical within Space Agency. “We are on schedule to launch the to reach Earth orbit, travelling as med bin Rashid al-Maktoum on the United Arab Emirates’ long-term “The UAE’s main concern is ensur- Mars Hope Probe next year, with its part of a seven-person Space Shuttle Twitter. “An Emirati achievement projects, such as the Emirates Mars ing the astronaut’s safe arrival, de- arrival to Mars scheduled to coin- Discovery team with NASA to deploy we take pride in and dedicate to Mission and Mars 2117 project be- parture and productive stay aboard cide with the 50th anniversary of the Arab Satellite Communications Muslim & Arab nations.” cause the mission will enhance col- the ISS.” the United Arab Emirates. [The Mo- Organisation’s first satellite. Mansoori’s mission marks the first laboration with significant global After the ISS mission, the focus hammed bin Rashid Space Centre] Two years later, Syrian military pi- time an Arab astronaut headed to entities in the space industry and of the United Arab Emirates will be MBRSC has continued to make great lot Muhammed Faris travelled to the the ISS and is a stunning advance for support knowledge transfer in space on the launch of the Emirates Mars progress on the Hope Probe. Last Russian space station Mir.

Viewpoint Mansoori’s space quest inspires all young Arabs

benefit of the people of the nomic integration allows young and merchandise could be driven Imagine a Middle East without region instead of looking for entrepreneurs to invest and from Lebanon to Iraq, to Gaza refugees. Where the camps of ways to emigrate to the United prosper anywhere in the and on to Saudi Arabia, Egypt shame — now 71 years in exist- Claude Salhani States, Canada, Europe and region. and Morocco. ence and where second- and Australia looking for greener Hard to visualise? If the Think of what the tourism third-generation refugees are pastures. Europeans could do it, why sector and renewable energy squatting amid rancour and eyond the technologi- Imagine the rise in intellectual couldn’t the countries of the industry could gain from misery — no longer exist. cal and scientific power if students in the Middle Middle East? temperate climates most of the Imagine those camps replaced prowess involved, the East and North Africa could How many wars were fought year. When Europe is freezing by decent, modern and comfort- launch into space of exchange ideas instead of insults between France and Germany? during the winter, depression able tenements with all the an astronaut from the and debate options for progress Between Germany and Russia? and suicide rates climb in amenities of modern life. Where United Arab Emirates instead of hate-inspired scenar- How many armies marched northern Europe. When the sun the idle youth who were once Bshould instil millions of young ios. across Poland? is visible for just a few hours a only too happy to be offered an Arabs with a much-needed dose As Mansoori conducts scien- Europe includes 27 countries, day, if that, the beaches of AK-47, a monthly stipend of a few of hope. tific experiments with his male 23 different languages as diverse Annaba, Hammamet and hundred dollars, along with The journey of Hazza al-Man- and female colleagues aboard the as French, Lithuanian, Hungar- Hurghada — only a couple of unlimited prestige that accompa- soori, a former pilot in the UAE International Space Station, so, ian and Maltese with millions of hours by plane from any Euro- nied the uniform of a “freedom armed forces, sends a message to too, can young Arab and Emirati people practising dozens of pean country — can be very fighter” — and nothing else, let the Arab youth “that we can minds imagine a future without religions but still united as the enticing and affordable. alone hope for a better future — progress and move forward,” said gender-based restrictions be they largest economic market in the Imagine a vast industrial zone can aspire to a better life for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid social, political or religious. world. in Gaza where labour is abun- themselves and their families. al-Maktoum, UAE vice-president Imagine how the level of War in Europe today is unim- dant, easy to train and inexpen- Give them a taste of what life and prime minister. education and understanding aginable because the European sive — and where European and should be like, then take a Imagine a Middle East without would improve if scholars could Union has intertwined the econo- US car manufacturers can open headcount to see how many strife and imagine what the lecture across the region without mies of its members in such a assembly plants and textile mills remain in line for suicide people of the region could being restricted by man-made manner that it is unthinkable for to market their products in the missions. achieve if they applied their frontiers, both physical and any two members to resort to Middle East, Africa and This may be a tall order but if energies towards constructive imagined? armed conflict. beyond. we can send people into space, projects. These are just a few basic ideas So, imagine a conflict-free Imagine Christian pilgrims there may be hope for a better Imagine if the vast sums spent in a sea of endless possibilities, Middle East, where tourists looking to follow in the footsteps future for our children. on defence budgets in the where the only barriers are those arrive by cruise liner to Beirut, of the great prophets, travelling For young Arabs whose dreams countries of the region were erected by demagoguery and Alexandria or Haifa, or by charter unhindered from Israel to the and ambitions have been fettered invested instead on social backward thinking. flights to Baghdad, Marrakech, Palestinian territories to Jordan for too long, Mansoori’s journey welfare, in encouraging business Imagine a terrorism-free Tehran or Ben Gurion airports. to Syria and to Lebanon. Imagine into space shows that even the and stimulating the sciences, Middle East where young people They would be free to roam Muslim pilgrims doing the same sky might not be the limit. such as in sending young Emirati are drawn to artists and thinkers, throughout the region without from Mecca and Medina to men and women into space. not to jihadists and bomb worry of fundamentalist terror or Karbala, Jerusalem and Qom. Claude Salhani is a regular Consider the advances that makers. of Israeli war plans. Imagine all religious minorities columnist for The Arab Weekly could be made in technology and Imagine a Middle East where Visualise how business — and free to worship without sectarian and a senior fellow at the medicine if the best brains in the border disputes belong in the as a result of the standard of stigma or jihadist demonisa- Institute of World Affairs in Middle East could work for the history books and where eco- living — would benefit if people tion. Washington. September 29, 2019 21 Society Education Jordan teachers’ strike underscores educational woes, exasperates parents

Roufan Nahhas 2020,” she said. At a recent rally, JTA spokesman Noor Dein Nadeem called the gov- Amman ernment “stupid” in a video circu- lated on social media. ordan’s teachers’ strike con- “We need a solution for our chil- tinued after talks between the dren who are sitting at home. We Jordan Teachers Association are trying to give them some les- J and the government failed to sons so that they will not miss any- meet teachers’ demands for a 50% thing,” said Aseel Taha, a mother pay rise they claimed was prom- of three. ised five years ago by a previous “Someone should take respon- government. sibility for such a crisis and we, The strike rubbed salt in the as parents, need a solution. It is wounds of the public educational not enough to say matters will be system. Public schools are facing resolved while students are losing many challenges, such as ageing time and missing out on educa- buildings, traditional curriculum, tion.” lack of resources and crowded This is not the first strike by the classrooms. Also more Jordanian JTA, said Nidal Mansour, executive students have been moving from president of the Centre of Defend- private to public schools, which ing Freedom of Journalists. apply two shifts to accommodate “In 2014, there was another more than 131,000 Syrian refugees. strike by the JTA, which was estab- With various challenges facing lished after 2011 as part of the gains the educational system in a coun- reaped from the ‘Arab spring’ such try with 3,856 public schools, cries as the Constitutional Court and the of desperation by parents echo all Independent Election Commission over Jordan asking for a quick solu- of Jordan,” Mansour said. tion to help their children. “Since it was established, there The nationwide strike enforced were concerns and fears by the since September 8 by more than government that this association 100,000 public school teachers will be different from other enti- kept 1.5 million students from ties in the sense that it would have starting the new school year, 120,000 members and more than alarming parents and putting pres- 1.5 million students and that in sure on the government. case of a strike, public life will be Caught in the middle. A limited number of students are seen at one of the public schools during the Jordanian Prime Minister Omar strongly affected.” first day of teachers’ strike in Amman, September 8. (Reuters) Razzaz refused to give in to pres- The strike started when the JTA sure by the 140,000-person Jordan was banned from organising a sit- solve the JTA council based on the they opposed the strike. imagine if I had a family. The cost Teachers Association (JTA), insist- in outside the prime minister’s legitimate reason that the strike is Isra’, a history teacher, said she of living in Jordan is getting really ing that only with “open dialogue” seat at Amman’s Fourth Circle but having a negative effect on the ed- supports the strike because she high and with such salary we can- could the crisis be solved. was allowed to protest outside ucational system,” Mansour said. believes teachers are seriously un- not live,” said Isra’, who asked to “The government is serious and parliament. It escalated as teach- “I believe that the JTA could derpaid. be identified by her first name. committed to finding a fair and ers insisted on the previous loca- have used other ways to convey On how to compensate the loss practical solution to end the teach- tion, which led to a rough stand its demands without resorting to With various challenges of classes, Isra’ said: “We can do between them and security forces. a total strike for mobilising more that as we have the responsibility ers’ strike,” said Minister of State facing the educational for Media Affairs and Government The Public Security Department allies. The government is trying of giving students the best educa- Spokesperson Jumana Ghunaimat. denied allegations of abuse but to discredit the association by ac- system in a country with tion and classes can be compen- “Our main concern is to ensure said 50 teachers had been detained cusing it of disrupting students’ 3,856 public schools, cries sated on weekends or during the better working conditions and sal- during the protest for “illegally education. It fears seeing copycat of desperation by parents winter vacation.” aries for the teachers and we will forcing their way through to the strikes by other associations, like echoed all over Jordan Mansour said the government work on that through a joint com- government’s headquarters.” the Jordan Medical Association, asking for a quick should admit the errors that led to mittee that will be formed from the Mansour said negotiations be- for example, emulating the JTA if solution to help their the strike, acknowledge the raise government and JTA.” tween the JTA and the government [the government] responded posi- children. and negotiate a rescheduling of Ghunaimat said previous gov- failed to reach a solution because tively to the strike,” he said. pay over the next few years. ernments “never promised” the government is refusing, or not A public opinion poll about the “We understand that the situa- Approximately 5 million classes teachers a 50% raise. “They have able, to meet demands for 50% sal- teachers’ strike conducted by Jor- tion has reached a decisive point and 3.7 million hours of study have pledged to improve the work- ary hikes that would cost the budg- dan’s NAMA Strategic Intelligence but we as teachers also believe been lost, a media study stated. ing conditions and salaries of the et $169 million. Solutions, a research, polling and that we deserve the 50% raise as teachers and this is the aim of “The government could go to consultancy firm, indicated that our right. I am a single person who Roufan Nahhas is a journalist the current government starting court and take the decision to dis- 56% of Jordanian respondents said earns $564, which is not enough so based in Jordan. Back-to-school expenses prove prohibitive for Tunisian families

Radhia Guizani were overwhelmed by high prices. for the average Tunisian and we are The head of the National Cham- still expected to meet the expenses ber of Trade for School and Office of electricity, water, sanitation and Tunis Supplies Wholesalers Faisal al-Ab- a successful beginning of the school basi said prices of about half of the year.” ore than 2.5 million Tu- needed school supplies at Tunisian A survey by the National Con- nisian students returned schools increased 60% from 2017-19. sumer Institute at the end of 2018, for the next school year He explained this was primarily due working off a sample of 3,015 family M on September 17 after to increases in the price of raw ma- heads, indicated that about 1.8 mil- most of their families had to scram- terials. lion families in Tunisia find loans ble to deal with the soaring prices of Abbasi said supermarkets bear the indispensable. The survey said 20% schoolbooks and supplies. greatest responsibility in retail price of families with debt resorted to bor- Some families borrowed money hikes, which sometimes reach 30%. rowing to pay off previous loans, Challenges and hopes. Students cross their arms as they listen or bought from parallel markets, Supermarkets are slowly replacing risking being permanently in debt. to their teacher at the Hakim Kassar Primary School in Tunis, despite poorer quality of the goods traditional neighbourhood book- Some families resorted to the September 16. (Reuters) offered and potentially harmful ef- shops as main sources for school parallel market for school supplies, fects on the health of children. supplies. despite potential health risks to stu- Parents have faced additional Textbook prices in Tunisia are dents. different educational levels from the effects (allergies, skin irritation) or pressure this year because of new normally set by the government. “I applied for an advance payment regular bookshops would eat up my cause long-term issues (kidney dis- measures and syllabus changes, Boubaker said textbook prices have on my salary from my institution but entire salary,” she said. ease, cancer). which meant new textbooks and not changed for four years. However, my request was turned down be- The Tunisian Organisation for the materials. Riadh Boubaker, direc- prices for other supplies are pushing cause I had already got a loan from Defence of Consumers campaigned tor of Tunisia’s National Pedagogi- many families to borrow money to the bank,” said Basma al-Hidri, a pri- Supermarkets bear the to raise awareness among parents cal Centre, said the introduction of meet the expenses. vate-sector employee and mother of greatest responsibility in and children about the health risks French as a subject in the syllabus Najiba Kouki, a divorced mother of four children at different education- retail price hikes, which of uncontrolled products and urge for the second year of basic educa- three girls, said: “The back-to-school al levels. “So now I turned to parallel sometimes reach 30%. them to get their supplies through tion and of English in the syllabus season caught up with us while we markets where school supplies are regular channels of distribution of the fourth year of basic education were still reeling from the expenses sold at reasonable prices.” Authorities warned about the because those products have been was among the changes. of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al- “Even if the quality of the supplies health risks of the uncontrolled checked for health risks. After completing compulsory on- Adha. in the parallel market is not always products in the parallel market, line registration, families began pur- “Frankly, our numerous holidays good, they do the trick. Providing saying they may contain hazardous Radhia Guizani is a Tunisian chasing school supplies but many have become a big financial burden the school needs of four children at chemicals that can have immediate writer. 22 September 29, 2019 Culture Arab talents shine at El Gouna Film Festival

Hassan Abdel Zaher El Gouna Film Festival began as a meeting point for storytellers, produc- ers, industry professionals, actors, as- Cairo piring film-makers and audiences from the region and the world. It has become he recent El Gouna Film Festi- a unique platform that will continue val invited international atten- honouring the glory of film, organisers tion by bringing together some said. T of the world’s best movies and Films celebrated at the festival in- brilliant film-makers. cluded the Sudanese feature film “You The third edition of the festival, Will Die at 20,” the seventh feature film Meeting point for celebrities. Syrian directors Talal Derki (R) and his wife Heba Khaled Sherine on which ran from September 19-27, took in Sudanese history and the first by Su- the red carpet during the third edition of El Gouna Film Festival, September 26. (AFP) place at the Red Sea resort of El Gouna, danese director Amjad Abu Alala in 25 which has developed into a noted meet- years. ing point for celebrities. Dozens of films, “It’s heartbreaking but that’s the state Festival. The film offers a glimpse into ecutive vice-president of Metro-Gold- which adapted into films that inspired some from Arab countries and making of cinema in Sudan,” Abu Alala said. working-class life in Tunisia through wyn-Mayer; Cameron Bailey, co-head audiences inside and outside Egypt. their world debuts, were shown during “You Will Die at 20” received inter- the eyes of Noura, a woman seeking di- of Toronto International Film Festival; The exhibition offered visitors a jour- the festival. national critical acclaim. It follows the vorce from an abusive husband. and Resul Pookutty, an Academy Award ney into the works and the life of the “We hope our programme for this story of a young boy in a Sudanese vil- The film was pitched at the first El winner for Best Sound Mixing. writer through his personal belongings, year will be both exciting and inspir- lage who discovers from a prophecy Gouna Film Festival in 2017. In 2019, it This year, the festival signed a part- such as paintings, writings, rare photo- ing,” said festival Director Intishal al- that he will die at the age of 20. How- competed in the Feature Narrative cat- nership with UNICEF. Both bodies graphs and his desk. Timimi. ever, events take a turn when a cinema- egory. cooperated on the development and “The festival succeeded in making its “Papicha,” an Algerian film about ter- tographer arrives in the village with an “The festival is becoming an impor- production of children’s films. They own brand, making up for the lack of rorism and women’s rights, was award- old projector. tant event because it gives an oppor- produced “Hazihi Laylati” (“This is My enough film competitions in the Arab ed the top feature narrative competition The Tunisian film “Noura’s Dream” tunity for directors and actors making Night”), a film that defends the rights of region,” said Egyptian film critic Ahmed prize. The El Gouna Gold Star for best grabbed attention because of the daring their debut,” said Ola al-Shafei, media the children. Saad Eddine. “It is well on the road of Arabic short film went to the Lebanese realm it ventures into and mastery of its director of the festival. The festival commemorated the cen- becoming an event that all cinema lov- film “Exam” and the Sudanese film making. The festival gave these budding film- tennial of Egyptian writer Ihsan Abdel ers across the world wait for every year.” “Talking about Trees” received the El “Noura’s Dream,” the first film by makers the chance to meet with some Quddous, which included an exhibition Gouna Gold Star for best Arabic docu- Tunisian director Hinde Boujemaa, pre- of the world’s most best-known cinema honouring Abdel Quddous who wrote Hassan Abdel Zaher is a Cairo-based mentary. miered at Toronto International Film experts, including Lindsay Sloane, ex- more than 600 novels and stories, 47 of contributor to The Arab Weekly. Sale’s International Women’s Film Festival features Tunisian cinema

Zakia Abdelnabi come first from the depths of society we’ve put in a great deal of effort. Un- for this image of women to change in fortunately, it wasn’t meant for him to cinema.” see the film in theatres with an audi- Sale Tunisian cinema was highlighted at ence.” the Sale festival and Labidi contributed The film tells the story of Salem and t the opening speech of the to the event by showing her award- Halima whose lives had been turned recent 13th International winning feature film “Benzine.” upside down as they searched for their Women’s Film Festival in Sale, She said the film, which was her first son, who was missing after he tried to A Morocco, festival President feature film after several short ones, migrate illegally to Italy shortly after Noureddine Chammaou said cinema was “a challenge on many levels,” not- the overthrow of the regime of Tuni- “is a platform for women to advance ing that it was filmed in southern Tuni- sian President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali their cause and show off their highly sia “in an area where film-makers have on January 14, 2011. artistic skills as writers, directors, ac- never shot before, as well as relying on About her placing the film in south- tresses, managers, producers and crit- novice actors.” ern Tunisia — she is from Gabes in that ics of this fine art.” region — Labidi said it was “purely “The Ground Beneath My Feet,” Sarra Labidi said the spontaneous. I couldn’t imagine the story taking place in another Tunisian an Austrian movie directed by Marie stereotypical image of Kreuter, won the Grand Prize and the city. best screenplay award at the festival’s women in Arab cinema is “I consider this region of Tunisia to closing ceremony. Acting awards went not the product of cinema be very beautiful not from a folkloric to Isa Yasan, Kalbinur Rahmati, Alinaz alone but also of the pictorial perspective as it is for post- Rahmati and Moosa Yasan for their socialising process in Arab cards, but there is some kind of fasci- roles in the Chinese film “A First Fare- families, schools and nating and mysterious beauty about it.” well” by Wang Lina. The best actress society at large. Labidi said she looks at her coming award was given to Zorica Nusheva in to the cinema from a background of Advancing the cause. Tunisian producer Dora Bouchoucha during the North Macedonian film “God Ex- The film is about clandestine im- fine arts as “complementing her movie an interview in Sale, Morocco. (International Women’s Film Festival) ists, Her Name Is Petrunya,” which also migration, “a topic that has been dealt career. The arts all meet and comple- received the Jury Prize. with extensively in Arab and interna- ment each other. It is important for a The festival honoured Tunisian cin- tional cinema but I dealt with the phe- cinematographer to know about the ema by showing five feature films and nomenon in a way different from what history of contemporary and modern documentaries by Tunisian women is prevalent, not from the point of view arts and music because cinema is the directors. of those who migrate but of those who seventh art in the sense that it includes The festival included workshops and stay behind waiting,” she said. all the other arts… My art studies have panel discussions and a regional fo- Labidi studied fine arts in Tunisia helped me a lot in my artistic vision, rum, in cooperation with the UNESCO and travelled to Belgium to study cin- in structuring and framing the shots I office in Morocco, titled “For Gender ema. She has several short films to her take, in deciding on the decor, accesso- Equity in the Audiovisual Industry.” credit. “Benzine” was her first feature ries and design.” The Women’s Film Festival is one of film. Labidi wrote the screenplay, di- Labidi said the question of equality the most prominent Arab and African rected and produced it. It was filmed between men and women in oppor- film festivals that showcase contempo- by her late husband, Ali Ben Abdallah, tunities, especially in artistic fields, is rary women’s issues and problems. who died before the commercial re- “a false question and the problem is Tunisian director Sarra Labidi said lease of the film. posed in the wrong way.” the stereotypical image of women in Recalling fondly working with her “Women have been present in Arab Arab cinema is not the product of cin- husband, Labidi said he had consider- cinema right from its beginnings, as ema alone but also of the socialising able experience in the film industry. proven by the case of Egyptian cin- process in Arab families, schools and “We worked more freely. We were ema,” she said. “As a Tunisian woman, society at large. She said that, in ad- filming together in our own style and I do not really see myself as different dition to festivals, films, forums and according to our own vision. Together, from a man; at least in cinema, I have other events, “breaking the stereotype we formed an integrated team,” she equal chances as my male counter- Reaching out to female talents. Items bearing the logo of the needs a political decision.” said. parts.” International Women’s Film Festival on display in Sale. “Cinema is the mirror of society,” “We dreamed together. We chose (International Women’s Film Festival) Labidi said. “I think that change must the filming locations and the crew and Zakia Abdelnabi is a Moroccan writer. September 29, 2019 23 Culture

Much to see. Sculptures on display at Beirut Art Fair. (Samar Kadi) Cultural frenzy sweeps Beirut with international art exhibits Creative talents. A painting on display at Beirut Art. (Samar Kadi)

Samar Kadi most 40 years and only recently dis- artists, one section of the fair gallery, displayed paintings by Arab the image with a needle.” covered. It includes the works that dubbed “Revealing” was dedicated artists in the diaspora in its first par- “I was interested in Bell’s docu- Madi painted from 1965-70. to emerging artists from the MENA ticipation in Beirut Art Fair. These mentation of the region and I wanted Beirut “A Tribute to Lebanon — an Ori- region. The platform offered ten art- included “Immigration” by Syrian to react to them and deconstruct entalist Voyage” explored Western ists, selected from 400 applicants, artist Khaled Takriti, who lives in them because she was instrumental rom Picasso to Arab and inter- creations inspired by Lebanon from privileged access to collectors and France, and “Alienation” by Bahram in cutting up the Middle East,” said national artists and design- the 18th century to the present day fairgoers. Hajou, a Kurdish Syrian living in Ger- Ahrania, who was also present at Bei- ers, Beirut lived to the beat through artworks and historical ob- “Beirut Art Fair is devoted to the many. rut Art Fair. F of cultural manifestations in jects. discovery of the young interna- “The works are about migration, “The timing (of the exhibition) is September, offering art enthusiasts The exhibition revealed more tional contemporary art scene,” said wars and destruction that swept the very special because there are lots of exclusive experiences in museums than 100 artworks and rare objects Joanna Abou Sleiman-Chevalier, the region,” said Moin Khoury, a Jordani- people making the effort to be here. and cultural spaces. resulting from travels, such as dolls, artistic director of the fair. “We’re an collector and art patron. “It is very There is a lot of excitement,” he add- Beirut Art Week, which includes postcards and photographic and wa- very pleased to present a number of important to show the diversity in ed. the Beirut Art Fair and Beirut Design tercolour albums. Artworks include promising young galleries, some of Arab art and to have the public get to Fair; special exhibitions, including historical Orientalist paintings of which have been operating for less know us through our sufferings and “Picasso et la famille” at the Sursock Lebanon’s mountain and main cities, than a year.” traumas. At the same time, we must Museum, in addition to shows in var- Beirut and Tripoli, as well as works Next to the Beirut Art Fair, Beirut open our eyes to other cultures and More than ious art galleries, electrified the city’s by 20th-century major artists Andy Design Fair featured modern and ideas. It is about exchanging experi- 50 Lebanese and cultural scene. Warhol and David Hockney and pho- contemporary furniture and objects ences, getting to know each other Tours were organised to transport tographs by Don McCullin. by regional and global creators with and coexist.” international galleries art lovers around museums and art In addition to classic galleries rep- approximately 30 exhibitors from “It is good to show that the region from 18 different destinations with multiple stops resenting renowned more than ten countries from the is not only about war and destruc- countries, featuring at art exhibitions and foundations. Middle East, Europe and the Unit- tion but we have arts and creativity,” More than 50 Lebanese and ed States. Khoury said. artists from 35 international galleries from 18 Landscape architect and fur- From photography exhibitions to nationalities, participated different countries, featuring art- niture designer Christian Zahr’s paintings, installations and mod- ists from 35 nationalities, partici- creations, including an alu- ern designs, art lovers had plenty of in Beirut Art Week. pated in Beirut Art Week to bring minium candlestick, a wine bot- choices. even more art, colour and beauty tle holder made from concrete One multidisciplinary exhibition Art aficionado Rima Khodor noted to mark the tenth anniversary and a coffee table in galvanised was Sursock Museum’s “Baalbek, that “having the fairs, exhibitions in of the most awaited annual art metal, can very well be taken as Archives of an Eternity,” which nar- galleries and museums all overlap- event in Beirut. sculptures. “Using galvanised rated the story of Baalbek with time ping, sets the art mood in the city.” “This momentous anniver- metal and concrete is mainly in- and included photographs, paint- “You have people going from one sary marks a decade of accom- spired by the Lebanese vernacular ings, live documentaries, stone ruins exhibition to the other. It is the cul- plishments and growth, es- construction,” said Zahr, who has and old posters that reveal the city’s tural season, an important moment tablishing the fair as a flagship been designing furniture for three 10,000-year history. for artists who want to show their art event of the MENA region’s ar- years. Another exhibition was “10 Sto- and for galleries introducing new art- tistic calendar, one consistent- Lama Khayat Salloum, an inte- ries from the Sursock Museum Col- ists,” Khodor said. ly expanding in artistic scope rior architect turned furniture de- lection,” which provided glimpses She stressed, however, the dis- and international reach,” said signer, introduced pieces from her into certain movements that domi- crepancies in levels and quality of art Beirut Art Fair Founder and new collection specially designed nated the Lebanese artistic herit- displayed at the various locations. Director Laure d’Hauteville, for the fair — an armchair from age through the collective works of “While you have established artists While it plays the role of bleached wood, a coat hanger in the prominent Lebanese artists. represented by serious galleries, you an international cultural in- form of a musical note made from At Janine Rubeiz Gallery, the first have some independent artists that cubator through discovering brass and a wood and marble table. solo exhibition by British-Iranian art- you can tell that they are beginners, emerging artists and redis- As an emerging designer, Salloum ist Farhad Ahrania “Art in Another not even emerging artists,” she said. covering historical ones, the said she was happy with the expo- Language” featured four bodies of “Nonetheless, it is a cultural move- fair’s tenth edition above all sure she got at the fair. “It is huge work, including “A Woman in Arabia” ment that is encouraging the public paid homage to Lebanon. (exposure) because of the quality of showcasing black-and-white photos at large to get a taste of contemporary “Unexpected Trove — the people visiting the fair who are in- of the Middle East taken by Gertrude and modern art and learn to appreci- Unseen Works” shed light terested in design and designers and Bell, the English archaeologist also ate it,” Khodor added. “It is contem- on a recently rediscovered body of Celebrating heritage. Artwork appreciative of the creativity, history known to be a spy in the early 20th porary art the voice of the moment. paintings produced by Lebanese by artist Farhad Ahrania. and modernism we have in Leba- century. Ahrania transferred the ‘Picasso et la famille’ at Sursock, to painter and sculptor Hussein Madi (Janine Rubeiz Gallery) non,” she said. photos to the textile and added em- bring Picasso to Lebanon is a major in Italy. The collection was lost for al- Karim Gallery, a leading Jordanian broidery on top, “travelling through event in art.” 24 September 29, 2019 Travel www.thearabweekly.com

Agenda

Amman: Through October 5

The Amman International Book Fair welcomes more than 500 printing houses from various countries. The 19th edition of the fair will take place at Younis Islam Street.

Beirut: October 2-10

Beirut will celebrate cinema with the 19th Beirut Interna- tional Film Festival. It includes competitions in Long Features, Short Films and Documentaries in addition to Lebanon pre- mieres of films.

A view of the beach in Menzel Temime. (Facebook) Tunis: October 4-13

Dream City, a biennial multidis- Cap Bon’s Menzel ciplinary celebration of contem- porary art, takes place in public spaces in the Medina of Tunis. The event includes movie pro- Temime is a jections, theatre performances, music concerts and art exhibi- tions. Artists from Africa, the Middle East and Europe will hidden gem in participate. Essaouira: Tunisia’s northeast October 11-13 The third MOGA Festival of electronic music and culture will take place in Essaouira, Roua Khlifi produced many leading preachers and Morocco. Performances, educa- imams. tional workshops, beach parties One of the town’s most iconic sites is and digital video installations Menzel Temime the Punic cemetery atop the Hill of Sidi are scheduled. Salem. Recent excavations uncovered he Cap Bon region never ceas- Punic tombs, proving its history dates Sidi Bou Said: es to delight with its beauti- to that era at least. Some tombs, which October 21-26 ful scenery and mesmerising have distinct structures and geometric T coastline. Blessed with alluring patterns, are on display at the foot of The 13th Musiqat Festival takes forest scenery and fine-sand beaches, the mausoleum of Sidi Salem of Menzel place at the Ennejma Ezzahra the north-eastern Tunisian peninsula Temime. palace in Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia. is a haven for vacationers seeking a Safe and tourist-friendly, Menzel The festival includes a variety peaceful holiday getaway from more Temime’s beaches and surrounding of music shows. Artists from commercial environments. hills are great for hikers, who can ex- Spain, Tunisia, Austria, Greece, One of the area’s must-see destina- plore wildlife and observe birdlife in Cuba, Senegal and Morocco are tions is the village of Menzel Temime, a coastal lagoons. Sun-bathing and para- to perform at the festival. refreshing reprieve from urban society sailing are also great options. that boasts a rich landscape and impor- Menzel Temime shares many quali- Tunis: tant economic life. ties with other quaint towns along Cap (Facebook) October 26-November 2 While other coastal towns are more Bon, including beautiful traditional A view of the Grand Mosque in Menzel Temime. urban and industrial, Menzel Tem- houses that can be viewed in the city’s The Carthage Film Festival is ime remains largely untouched, with old neighbourhood. There, the houses’ nature harissa and peppers. Seafood val’s organisers, said the festival grew an annual event that showcases white, sandy beaches and crystal-clear colourful doors stand in beautiful con- is fresh and best enjoyed grilled or ac- from a small meeting of cinema-lovers films from the Maghreb, Africa water surrounding an area that is full trast to their iconic white walls, which companying typical couscous dishes. to a large public event. and the Middle East. of rich nature and history. Just a 1-hour can often be seen being used to dry red The vegetables come straight from “We were a group of friends who drive from Tunis, it has served as an peppers for cooking. nearby fields and farms. were interested in cinema and we had a Beirut: administrative centre for the region The region is known for its abun- One cannot visit Menzel Temime few events in the past called cine night November 10 since 1921. dance of agriculture, boasting the coun- without savouring its signature pas- as well as a club where we watch mov- Dating to the 11th century during the try’s largest market each Tuesday. That try: Kaak Menzel Temime. The white, ies and have debates afterwards,” said The 17th Beirut International Aghlabid dynasty, Menzel Temime has means a fresh supply of vegetables, doughnut-shaped pastry is stuffed with Ben Sassi. Marathon features elite runners flourished throughout history because meat and fruit and, as a result, great dates, cooked in a traditional tabouna “Last summer we decided to go big- from many countries zigzagging of its economic and cultural impor- cuisine. Restaurants in the city centre oven and decorated with colourful ger and invite the public to join us. Our through the city on a route that tance. Home to renowned branches offer a variety of superior seafood and flowers. The treat is best enjoyed with main goal was to introduce the public passes historic monuments and of the religious Zitouna school, it has spicy dishes, including the town’s sig- coffee that brings out its subtle flavours to the independent movie scene and medieval buildings. and orange blossom water. create a cultural event that would make The town is an important hub of a change in the area.” Bidiyah: sports and culture. It is home to Tu- She added: “I believe this town has November 15-22 nisia’s oldest handball team and has great potential, especially when it recently initiated an annual cinema comes to its youth who were eager to The Oman Desert Marathon is festival. discover new films and culture. Be- an amazing footrace across the The August event aims to introduce sides, Menzel Temime as a town is so Omani desert covering 165km cinematography to a local audience rich in terms of historical places, beach- in six stages. From the Oasis and brings the town’s rich culture and es and especially the warmth of its peo- of Bidiyah to the Arabian Sea, movie theatres to life. It hosts work- ple and the delicious food in its oldest participants will discover the shops and meetings between film-mak- neighbourhood.” most remote and untouched ers and industry professionals to foster sands and the highest dunes in knowledge sharing and creativity. Roua Khlifi is a regular Travel and Cul- the region. Eya Rojbi Ben Sassi, one of the festi- ture contributor to The Arab Weekly. Abu Dhabi: December 9-24

Al Dhafra Festival is a major international event inspired by the Emirati authentic Bedouin spirit. It features more than a dozen heritage activities and competitions, including a camel beauty contest, camel races, poetry, dates competition and a falcon competition.

We welcome submissions of calendar items related to cultural events of interest to travellers in the Middle East and North Africa. Please send tips to: [email protected] A view of a traditional Tunisian door in Menzel Temime. (Facebook) Freshly caught fish on display at a market in Menzel Temime. (Facebook)