UK £2 Issue 246, Year 5 March 1, 2020 EU €2.50 www.thearabweekly.com The threat Israeli The passing of the rar right elections of Hosni Mubarak

Pages 7,19 Pages 2,15 Page 11 Arab world braces for effects of coronavirus outbreak Much of the wariness was spurred by the seemingly uncontrolled situation in Iran, one of the epicentres of the global crisis.

Mahmud el-Shafey and a deputy health minister have tested positive for the virus. The BBC’s Farsi service reported a death London toll of 210, much higher than the of- ficial toll of 34. ith the coronavirus epi- Harith Hasan, a senior fellow at demic spreading quick- the Carnegie Middle East Centre, ly outside China, many said there is a region-wide prob- countries in the Middle lem of readiness to cope with the Questions about Iran. Worshippers wearing masks sit in the courtyard of the shrine of Imam Ali in W (AFP) East and North Africa braced for the outbreak. “In most countries of the the Iraqi central city of Najaf. effects of the outbreak within their region, you have the problem of own borders. Much of the wariness states functionality. In some coun- the risk of broad contamination said: “We still need time in order to Experts said the outbreak would was spurred by the seemingly un- tries, it is failed states and inability than Saudi Arabia’s decision to sus- assess the magnitude of this shock.” add pressure on the sorely tested controlled situation in Iran, one of to provide societies with a consid- pend the umrah. It is not known “The economic situation in most medical infrastructure of the re- the epicentres of the global crisis. erable degree of governance, com- what decision Riyadh will take on of the region’s countries has been gion. They warned that wars and Several Middle Eastern countries, petence and performance,” he said. the annual haj, which is the sin- worsening in the last few years,” upheaval in many parts of the re- including Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Leb- Elie Abouaoun, director of the gle largest gathering of humanity. Hasan said, adding that govern- gion could adversely affect its abili- anon, Bahrain and Algeria, report- MENA Programme at the United This year’s haj is scheduled for July ments in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen ty to cope with the global epidemic. ed cases of coronavirus infection, States Institute of Peace, described 28-August 2. could face particular problems. Although he acknowledged that most involving people who had the general response across the Restrictions are having a major ef- Fears over how an outbreak would “in some cases, ongoing military travelled from Iran. region as “relatively poor,” due fect on everyday life in the region. affect tourism revenues were ris- conflicts can hinder contingency Despite Iranian officials’ attempts to “lack of preparedness.” He ac- Iraq and Lebanon announced the ing. The World Travel and Tourism planning efforts,” Abouaoun said to downplay the seriousness of the knowledged that problems of gov- closure of schools for at least a week. Council estimated that the epidem- there is a need for “concerted in- health crisis in the country, the epi- ernance faced by many regional There is concern in the region ic would cost global tourism $22 bil- teragency response that includes demic was spreading there; with at countries “are certainly more seri- about the likely economic effects lion. The effect of travel disruptions awareness, data-driven public least two senior officials infected ous in Iran.” of the outbreak. China has strong will be especially felt by MENA communication, more effective and a mortality rate much higher States in the region instituted trade, energy and business ties to economies, such as Saudi Arabia, border and travellers management than in other countries. travel restrictions to slow the the region. As more flight bans are Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt, that and providing quick and effective Tehran has faced criticism for its spread of the outbreak. Measures announced and economic uncer- rely on travel and tourism. health care to patients.” handling of the outbreak. Iranian included stopping flights and re- tainty increases, the price of oil is In Saudi Arabia, haj and umrah MP Ahmad Farahani publicly ac- stricting travel, especially from Iran also forecast to tumble. visitors provide an estimated $12 Mahmud el-Shafey is an cused the country’s Health Minis- and China. Jihad Azour, director of the Inter- billion a year of income to the Saudi Arab Weekly correspondent try of covering up the true number However, nothing illustrated national Monetary Fund’s Middle GDP, around 20% of the kingdom’s in London. of cases. An Iranian vice-president more the alarm in the region about East and Central Asia Department, non-oil GDP and 7% total. P3,6,14,17 Turkish impasse in showdown with Russia over Syria endgame

Thomas Seibert in the conflict, signalled its readi- Mike Pompeo said Washington was NATO’s support remains lim- Assad’s troops were withdrawing ness instead to drive a wedge be- “reviewing options to assist Turkey ited. Asli Aydintasbas, a senior fel- from Idlib after Erdogan warned of tween Turkey and Russia and to against this aggression as we seek low with the European Council on major military action by Turkey af- Istanbul extract concessions from Ankara. to prevent further Assad regime Foreign Relations, said the alliance ter he set a deadline of February 29 US Ambassador to NATO Kay Bai- and Russian brutality and allevi- might offer Ankara “plenty of moral for such a Syrian forces retreat. urkey is scrambling to find ley Hutchison said: “I hope that ate the humanitarian suffering in support” but “no one wants to get In a nod to Russia’s key role in a way out of the strategic President Erdogan will see that we Idlib.” militarily entangled with Russia.” Syria, Erdogan consulted with Pu- dead end that it thrust it- are the ally of their past and their However, a US State Department This, she added, meant that “Er- tin by phone and agreed to travel to T self into in Syria with little future and they need to drop the official explained that Washington dogan will have to fix this with Pu- Moscow in the coming days. tangible support from the West and S-400.” was looking urgently to support An- tin.” coming near a direct confrontation Following a telephone call be- kara in Idlib with information-shar- In a move showing its low expec- with Russia. tween US President Donald Trump ing and equipment. Any assistance tations from Europe, Turkey threat- There is little sign that Ankara has relied on Russia to and Turkish President Recep Tayy- would not involve military action ened to go back on a deal with the Moscow is willing to secure core goals, such as ending ip Erdogan, US Secretary of State by American units. European Union and open the accommodate Turkish Kurdish self-rule in northern Syria, floodgates of refugees. calls for a ceasefire and a but finds itself in a deadly show- Ankara is looking for ways to deal no-fly zone. down with Russia-backed forces of with the critical fracture with Rus- Syrian President Bashar Assad in sia over the endgame. Burhanettin Fighting in Idlib continued to Idlib province. There is little sign Duran, a member of Erdogan’s for- inflict losses on Turkey. Another that Moscow is willing to accom- eign policy advisory council, said Turkish soldier was killed and two modate Turkish calls for a ceasefire Russia appeared no longer interest- were wounded in shelling by Syrian and a no-fly zone. ed in working with Turkey in Idlib government forces, the Turkish De- Moscow controls the airspace or other regions in northern Syria fence Ministry said. over Idlib, denying Turkish and occupied by Turkey. “It is becoming clear that Turkey anti-Assad rebels in the province “Moscow’s escalation suggests cannot save itself from this self- much-needed air support. Russian that it does not want Turkey to play inflicted crisis in Syria,” Huseyin President Vladimir Putin cooper- a role in Syria’s political transition,” Cicek, a political scientist and ex- ated with Turkey in Syria in recent Duran wrote in a column for the pert on religion and politics at the years but is now apparently keen to pro-government Daily Sabah news- Department of Islamic-Theological end the war with a victory by Assad paper. “It seems that Russia wants Studies at Austria’s Vienna Univer- in Idlib, the last rebel stronghold, a withdrawal of Turkish troops sity, said by e-mail. “Even though which would seal a major foreign from the remaining safe zones that Russia has been targeting Turkish policy triumph for Russia. Ankara liberated from terrorist troops and its partners, Turkey is Shocked by the death of more groups.” going out of its way not to provoke than 50 of its soldiers in Idlib in less Turkish officials blamed Syrian Russia too much. than a month, Turkey turned to Eu- forces — and not Russian fighter rope and the United States for help. jets — for the death of Turkish sol- Thomas Seibert is an Arab Weekly Washington, clearly not inter- Dead end. Turkish troops patrol in the town of Atareb in the diers. Despite belligerent rhetoric correspondent. ested in getting directly involved rebel-held western countryside of Syria’s Aleppo province. (AFP) from Ankara, there was no sign that P2,10,16 2 March 1, 2020 Top news

As strategy in Syria founders, Israelis prepare to vote after campaign courted settlers, Turkey uses refugee card provoked Arab minority to pressure the West The Arab Weekly staff paign. Its officials said they hope to win 18 or 19 seats in the 120-seat parlia- ment, compared to 13 seats in the most Thomas Seibert London recent election. They figure that each seat they win is a seat lost for Netan- s Israelis prepare to vote yahu’s legislative candidates. Istanbul March 2 in their third legisla- The issue of Israel’s Arab minority tive elections in less than a is unlikely to go away after the elec- ith its Syrian strategy and A year, opinion polls put Prime tions. Part of the US peace plan backs its alliance with Russia Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s right- the transfer of Israel’s so-called “Arab in shambles after an air wing Likud party slightly ahead of for- Triangle” region into a future Palestin- W strike in Idlib province mer army chief Benny Gantz’s centrist ian state. If implemented, some Arab killed at least 33 of its soldiers, Turkey Blue and White alliance. Israelis could have their citizenship allowed refugees to travel to the bor- However, as neither party is likely changed against their will. der with Greece in a desperate bid to to secure a comfortable majority in “The core problem with this plan is enlist help from the West. parliament, Israel seems headed for the prime minister is talking about how Analysts said it was doubtful the in- another impasse. he will get rid of part of his citizens,” itiative would have the desired effect. Netanyahu is counting on the sup- Odeh told Agence France-Presse. “Weaponising Syrian refugees and port of the more than 450,000 set- Netanyahu subsequently said he threatening the West with new refu- tlers. In the decade since he has been was opposed to population transfers. gee waves is not the best move to prime minister, the settler population For many Palestinians, Gantz is re- rebuild trust and cooperation after has shot up 50%, with growth spiking membered as the general in charge of years of diplomatic spats with allies,” since Netanyahu’s ally Donald Trump the Israeli military in 2014 when about said Aykan Erdemir, senior director of became US president. 2,300 Palestinians were killed in fight- the Turkey Programme at the Foun- Old strategy. Migrants arrive in a dinghy accompanied by a Netanyahu has empathised his ing in Gaza. He has publicly embraced dation for Defense of Democracies. Frontex vessel at the village of Skala Sikaminias, on the Greek proximity to Trump, whose peace plan Trump’s Middle East plan. Turkish President Recep Tayyip island of Lesbos, after crossing the Aegean Sea from Turkey, gives Israel the green light for the an- Despite calling it a “historic mile- Erdogan “should come to realise the February 28. (AFP) nexation of more than 130 West Bank stone,” Gantz also seemed to hint at limits of his partnership with [Russian settlements. reservations over the implementation leader Vladimir] Putin and appreciate garded legitimate targets and would said the ambassadors’ meeting was Far-right Defence Minister Naftali of the US plan. the historical reasons why Turkey’s be hit, reports quoted Altun as saying. convened under Article 4 of NATO’s Bennett in late February announced “Immediately after the elections, security and freedom requires being Following the air strike in Idlib, a founding treaty, which allows any nearly 1,800 new homes in West Bank I will work towards implementing it part of the transatlantic alliance. spokesman for Erdogan’s Justice and ally to request consultations if it feels settlements. “We don’t wait. We act,” from within a stable, functioning Is- The Turkish soldiers died late Feb- Development Party (AKP) said Turkey its territorial integrity, political inde- Bennett said in a statement. “We will raeli government, in tandem with the ruary 27 during a strike on two public could no longer “handle the pressure pendence or security are threatened. not give an inch of the land of Israel to other countries in our region,” he said. buildings south of the provincial capi- of newly arrived refugees.” It is only the sixth time that Article 4 the Arabs but, for that, we must build Countering Netanyahu’s attacks, tal Idlib, Turkish news reports said. It Early February 28, hundreds of had been invoked in NATO’s 70-year there.” Gantz has tried to keep the spotlight was the biggest loss for the Turkish Syrians gathered in Istanbul to travel history. Likud has sought to portray Gantz on Netanyahu’s corruption trial, military in a single incident in almost to the border with Greece by bus. Re- There was no immediate sign that as soft on Iran and too conciliatory to- scheduled to begin March 17. three decades. Turkey responded by ports in state media in Turkey said Turkey’s bid to prod Europe or NATO wards the Palestinians. It depicted him “The man charged with bribery, targeting Syrian Army positions, kill- Syrians were on their way to Greek into helping Ankara would be suc- as dependent on the votes of Arab- fraud and breach of trust has nothing ing 16 Syrian soldiers, the Observa- territory on the land border between cessful. Israelis, who make up 21% of Israel’s to sell other than disseminated lies tory for Human Rights said. Ankara the two countries and were also get- The NATO meeting ended without population. and slung mud,” Gantz tweeted about claims 309 Syrian soldiers were killed ting into boats at the Aegean coast to a firm commitment by the alliance to Netanyahu said that to win enough Netanyahu a week before the election. in counterattacks. cross to Greek islands. Turkish border help Turkey against Syria and Russia. support in parliament to govern, Blue “Israel needs a full-time prime minis- The escalation raised the spectre of guards did not try to stop the refu- Stoltenberg called on Russia and Syria and White would need backing from t e r.” a full-blown war between Turkey and gees. to halt the offensive in Idlib and said the Joint List, an Arab coalition led by Gantz’s Blue and White alliance has Russia-backed Syrian forces. It also that NATO stood in solidarity with legislators Ayman Odeh and Ahmad focused on the former general’s mili- dealt a severe blow to Turkish Presi- Turkey but he mentioned no concrete Tibi. Their names often come up in tary background. Gantz rejected Net- dent Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who sent Escalation raised the steps to support Turkey. Netanyahu’s addresses and tweets. anyahu’s attempts at mocking him for troops into Idlib in early February to spectre of a full-blown Steven Cook, a Middle East expert Tibi accused Netanyahu of incite- a speech impediment that causes him stop a Syrian offensive in the last re- war between Turkey and at the Council on Foreign Relations ment against Israel’s Arab minority. occasionally to stammer. bel stronghold in Syria. More than 50 Russia-backed Syrian in Washington, said Turkey could not A medical doctor, Tibi said: “It can be “So I don’t speak like you. Big deal,” Turkish soldiers have died in clashes forces. expect much from the United States diagnosed as ‘Tibi-phobia’.” Gantz said. “While you were taking in Idlib since then. because there were many unsolved The Joint List intensified its efforts acting classes in New York, I was de- The move has strained Turkey’s The Turkish Foreign Ministry said problems between the two sides. during the closing days of the cam- fending this country.” ties with Russia, which controls the “some asylum seekers and migrants “In the past, it would be a no-brain- airspace over Idlib. Moscow said the in Turkey, who were concerned with er to help Turkey but Washington and Turkish soldiers were “where they these developments [in Idlib], started Ankara are so divided by a long list of should not have been” and had been to move towards our Western bor- grievances and there is so much mis- among “terrorists.” Russia sent two ders. If the situation exacerbates, this trust that I sense that many in DC are warships to the coast off Syria. risk will further increase.” willing to let Erdogan sleep in the bed Russia, the main backer of Syrian However, the ministry added there he has made,” Cook wrote on Twitter. President Bashar Assad and the key was “no change” of Turkey’s refugee Erdemir said Turkey’s reluctance to military power in Syria, held out the policy in general. Under a 2016 agree- blame Russia for the death of its sol- prospect of an agreement with Tur- ment with the European Union, Tur- diers in Idlib was a sign that “Erdogan key. After a phone call by Russian key is obliged to prevent Syrians from is still hoping to cut a deal with Putin.” President Vladimir Putin with Erdog- crossing into Europe. The Russian president also appeared an on February 28, the Kremlin said European politicians said the Turk- to want to spare Erdogan “further em- both men agreed to organise a top- ish move was an unfair attempt to barrassment,” Erdemir added. level meeting to address the situation put pressure on the European Union. However, given the escalation in in Idlib that the presidents said was a Kati Piri, a former Turkey rapporteur Idlib, it was uncertain whether Tur- matter of “serious concern.” of the European Parliament, accused key and Russia could come together, Turkey struck a more bellicose Ankara of “blackmail.” Erdemir said. A Turkish-Russian tone. Erdogan’s Communications Di- Turkey asked its NATO partners agreement “on a new line of demarca- rector Fahrettin Altun said the attack for help. Alliance envoys in Brus- tion and zones of control in the short on the Turkish soldiers would not de- sels had emergency talks February run is questionable and the chaotic ‘Arab Triangle’. Ayman Odeh, head of Israel’s predominantly ter Ankara. Erdogan told Putin that all 28 at the request of Turkey. NATO dynamics of the Idlib battlefield will Arab Joint List coalition, campaigns in the northern Israeli City of Syrian government fighters were re- Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg determine the outcome.” Tayyiba, February 21. (AFP) Political divisions prolong Iraq’s political crisis

The Arab Weekly staff The parliamentary session could Before the failed parliamentary meant to reassure protesters. enjoys the full backing of Iraq’s not convene February 27 when session, Allawi tweeted: “I heard However, many remained scep- two main Shia blocs — the Popular Sunni and Kurdish lawmakers who there is a plan to prevent the cabi- tical, not just among Iraq’s politi- Mobilisation Forces’ Fatah alliance London opposed Allawi’s ministerial nomi- net from receiving confidence cal parties but also Iraqi protesters and Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s nees boycotted, Iraqi state TV re- from the parliament to continue whose nationwide demonstra- Sairoon Alliance. or the second time in 48 ported. Only 120 MPs attended the corruption and thefts because the tions forced Prime Minister Adel “The steps taken by Mr Allawi hours, the Iraqi parliament session, 45 fewer than the number ministries will be headed by inde- Abdul-Mahdi to resign in Novem- so far have not earned the trust of on February 29 postponed needed for a quorum. pendent and impartial ministers. ber. many Iraqi parties and communi- F a parliamentary vote of If Allawi cannot get his cabinet They are paying money to the The delay prolongs a politi- ties. Therefore, we ask that his confidence for the proposed gov- through parliament by the consti- members of the parliament to fulfil cal and domestic deadlock after work plan and agenda be revised in ernment of Prime Minister-desig- tutional deadline of March 2, Iraqi their scheme.” months of anti-government pro- a way that the future government nate Mohammed Allawi, reflecting President Barham Salih would He published his government tests in which more than 500 peo- addresses and meets the demands deep disagreements that have pro- have to appoint a new prime min- programme February 25, promis- ple have been killed. of all Iraqi communities,” Kurdis- longed Iraq’s months-long political ister-designate. ing an ambitious agenda of eco- Iraqis continued to protest fol- tan Region President Nechirvan crisis. Allawi needs a simple majority nomic reform and anti-corruption lowing postponement of the vote, Barzani said on February 24. Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mo- of the parliament’s 329 members efforts. He pledged to call early despite a government order clos- The powerful Sunni Iraqi Forces hammed al-Halbousi said the vote, to pass his cabinet but, given the elections free from “the influence ing all public spaces in the country Alliance, affiliated with Halbousi, delayed previously because of lack complex confessional nature of of money, weapons and foreign over fears of coronavirus infection. also expressed concern about the of a quorum, would take place Iraqi politics, he may face trouble interference” and investigate the Iraq’s Kurds and Sunnis who re- independence of Allawi’s pro- March 1. reaching that figure. death of demonstrators, a measure main sceptical about Allawi, who posed cabinet. March 1, 2020 3 Top news Tunisia’s government faces tough road ahead after winning confidence vote

Lamine Ghanmi people and the government of the parliament that lends it legitimacy,” Attig said. Tunis Ennahda grudgingly endorsed Fakhfakh’s government after its pro- unisian Prime Minister posed prime minister, Habib Jemli, Elyes Fakhfakh took office failed to gain enough support. How- February 28, two days after ever, the development deepened T parliament approved his the power struggle between Ennah- cabinet lineup, ending a months- da’s president — parliament Speaker long stalemate after presidential Rached Ghannouchi — and Saied. and parliament elections produced a fractured political landscape. Tunisian Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh will face an Fakhfakh secured 129 votes from uphill struggle to realise the 217-member parliament in a his economic reform vote early February 27. However, agenda as he tries to hold the vote total was lower than that together a fragile coalition. won by his predecessor, Youssef Chahed, who gained 167 votes four Ennahda pushed for a greater years ago, and the prime minis- share of the cabinet and condi- ter before him, Habib Essid, who tioned its support for Fakhfakh’s claimed 164 in 2015. government on the inclusion of Fakhfakh promised “a govern- Qalb Tounes, a party it previously ment of clarity to win the confi- described as “corrupt.” Ennahda dence of Tunisians” after eight has the most seats in parliament, governments had been unable to with 54, while Qalb Tounes, with resolve the country’s economic 38, has the second most. crisis that has left many Tunisians Fakhfakh, however, did not in- suffering deteriorating living condi- clude Qalb Tounes or provide En- tions and social hardships. nahda with other concessions. En- “I’m seeking genuine support, nahda voted for the government, Change of the guard. Tunisia’s outgoing Prime Minister Youssef Chahed (L) embraces his successor, Elyes not an incomplete confidence vote, not wanting to risk new parliamen- Fakhfakh, during the government handover ceremony in Carthage, February 28. (AFP) to bring about fundamental change tary elections or see Saied effective- in the country,” Fakhfakh said after ly rule by decree for several months. (Ennahda) and Mohamed Abbou Ennahda, for instance, supports Business News magazine editor intense debate in parliament that The vote suggested that at least (Democratic Current), are to head economically liberal policies, while Nizar Bahloul. focused on his record as finance a few Qalb Tounes deputies sup- the transport and public service the Arab-nationalist Echaab Move- Now that he is in office, Fakhfakh minister, his advocacy of liberal ported the proposed government, ministries, respectively. ment advocates for state economic will not be able to please everyone. causes, including gay rights, and hedging against the risk of a failed Fakhfakh, who virtually received control. Most political parties share Chahed reminded him of that dur- questions about his dual French- confidence vote that could lead to no votes in presidential and legis- populist stances and will not advo- ing the prime minister’s signing-in Tunisian nationality. snap elections. lative elections, latched onto the cate reforms that could cut govern- ceremony. “The country will not Fakhfakh won qualified support The government’s ministers in- electoral legitimacy of Saied, who ment spending or public service re- move forward without reforms and, from enough MPs to secure his po- clude legal expert Imed Hazgui, won the presidential race with more cruitment. when reforms begin, each party sition but the debate outlined po- a former head of the national in- than 70% of the vote. Fakhfakh’s programme includes concerned will resist and say no. litical battles that are ahead. stitution ensuring open access to “The president did not tell me reining in inflation, alleviating pov- After that, everyone will ask ‘Where “We want you to be the [leader] information, as defence minister about why he picked me as prime erty, reducing foreign debt, slashing are the reforms?’,” Chahed said. of this government, not the prime and Hichem Mechichi, a former le- minister,” Fakhfakh told parlia- the national budget and trade defi- Fakhfakh will be racing against minister of someone else,” said En- gal adviser to the president, as in- ment. “I understand very well my cits and jump-starting economic time to introduce promised changes nahda Movement MP Sahbi Attig, terior minister. Noureddine Erray, prerogatives, which I will fully put growth. in a very contentious environment. in reference to the political ties be- Tunisia’s ambassador to Oman, was to the service of Tunisia’s interests.” Analysts said Fakhfakh had tried He must keep his political balance tween Fakhfakh and Tunisian Pres- named foreign minister. However, Fakhfakh’s government in parliament to “please everyone” to minimise the risk of unexpected ident Kais Saied, who nominated Abdellatif Mekki, Ghannouchi’s runs the risk of collapsing if it loses to win the confidence vote. turbulence. “Our country is tired of him. most trusted ally inside Ennahda, the backing of Ennahda. “He was socialist, liberal, trade frequent changes of governments in “The role of the president ended was named public health minister. Experts said Fakhfakh will face union activist, capitalist and Islam- the past nine years… we want politi- when he appointed the most able Lotfi Zitoun, a former Ghannouchi a struggle to realise his agenda as ist at the same time. This was his cal stability,” said Fakhfakh. personality to lead the govern- adviser, was selected minister of he juggles to hold together a frag- strong area when he addressed the ment. After that, the government local government. Two party-af- ile coalition that includes partners parliament. He skirted any polem- Lamine Ghanmi is an Arab Weekly becomes the government of the filiated figures, Anouar Maarouf with disparate economic visions. ics, antagonisms or conflicts,” said correspondent in Tunis. Riyadh suspends umrah as region works to contain coronavirus outbreak

Mohammed Alkhereiji many cases in Iran were linked to The only known case of a Saudi visits to the holy city of Qom. infected with coronavirus in- The Economist reported that volves a 61-year-old Saudi na- London infections in Bahrain, Kuwait, tional who was quarantined in Iraq and Oman were traced back Kuwait. The man, reported to be audi Arabia suspended vi- to the outbreak in Qom. in stable condition, was said to sas for umrah visits to Is- “The whole situation is quite have been infected while on a trip lam’s holiest sites and is fluid at the moment but, for now, to Iran. He is being treated in Ku- also limiting tourists’ en- there have not been any orders to wait after testing positive for the S Unprecedented. A Muslim pilgrim wears a protection mask at the try into the country to prevent barricade the two cities (Mecca virus at the airport. spread of the coronavirus. and Medina),” an unidentified Saudi efforts to control the Grand Mosque in Mecca, February 27. (AFP) The Saudi Foreign Ministry said Saudi official told the Wall Street spread of the coronavirus, which it suspended entry into the coun- Journal. “We don’t want to reach has claimed more than 2,000 lives try for those seeking to make a level similar to that of Iran.” worldwide, was commended by Ministry said. Italy tested positive for coronavi- pilgrimages to Mecca and Medi- The decision to suspend re- the World Health Organisation Kuwait had suspended all rus, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council na and was halting entry for all ligious and traditional tourism (WHO). WHO’s Regional Office for flights from Dubai International said in a statement. people travelling from countries should not have a major effect on the Eastern Mediterranean said Airport and Sharjah International UAE officials said that, as of where there have been confirmed the Saudi economy because tour- the measures will enable Saudi Airport in the United Arab Emir- February 27, there were 19 cases coronavirus outbreaks. ism accounts for about 3% of the Arabia to implement sustainable ates. of coronavirus infection in the Saudi officials said it would kingdom’s GDP. However, with plans to protect the crowds dur- Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Affairs country after six new exposures stop Saudis and citizens of Gulf the haj season approaching — that ing haj. said flights to and from Iraq and were found by the Health Minis- Cooperation Council (GCC) coun- period this year is July 28-August Kuwait and the United Arab Lebanon were suspended until try’s early detection system. tries using national identity cards 2 — if the virus is not contained Emirates also banned GCC na- further notice. It had already ex- The Ministry of Health said the from travelling to and from Saudi millions of Muslims worldwide tionals from using national iden- tended its suspension of flights nationalities of the new cases in- Arabia, the statement added. who attend the annual pilgrimage tity cards to travel to and from from Dubai International Airport cluded four Iranians, one Chinese The move to suspend religious could be affected. their countries, Al Arabiya televi- and Sharjah International Air- and a Bahraini, all of whom had tourism is unprecedented in Sau- Saudi Under-Secretary of the sion reported. port. travelled from Iran before a travel di history. However, after reports Ministry of Health Dr Hani bin Officials in Kuwait were check- In the United Arab Emirates, ban from that country was estab- of infection were traced to a se- Abdulaziz Jokhdar declared that ing people entering the coun- the first Gulf country to report lished. vere outbreak in Iran, the move to Saudi Arabia was coronavirus free try and said 45 individuals — all cases of the coronavirus, the last temporarily halt tourist visits to after authorities took precautions of whom were returning from two stages of the 2020 UAE Tour, Mohammed Alkhereiji is the the holy sites was deemed neces- to block the disease from entering Iran — had been infected with a cycling world tour event, were Gulf section editor of The Arab sary, particularly considering that the country. coronavirus, the Kuwait Health cancelled after two cyclists from Weekly. 4 March 1, 2020 Top news

Visits by Algerian, Mauritanian leaders US clamping down on Iran signal closer Saudi ties with Maghreb and proxies The Arab Weekly staff The Arab Weekly staff

London London

eflecting closer relations he United States is cracking with Maghreb countries, down on Iran and its proxies, Saudi Arabia recently imposing additional sanc- R hosted Mauritanian Pres- T tions on connected individu- ident Mohamed Ould Ghazouani als, companies and entities in an and Algerian President Abdel- attempt to hamstring Tehran’s finan- madjid Tebboune. A high-level cial network. Moroccan delegation also visited The US government announced Riyadh during the same period. sanctions on 13 foreign entities and Experts said a desire to boost individuals in China, Iraq, Russia and relations between Saudi and Turkey that allegedly provided sup- Maghreb leaders supported port for Iran’s missile programme. openness and reform both in The US State Department said the Saudi Arabia and the North Afri- sanctions were part of the United can countries. Riyadh also shares States’ efforts “to use all available with Maghreb capitals a desire to measures to prevent Iran from ad- arrive at a resolution of the Liby- vancing its missile capabilities.” an crisis. The United States targeted enti- The visits by Ould Ghazouani ties connected with Iran’s Lebanese and Tebboune were their first to proxy Hezbollah, specifically those Saudi Arabia since each assumed working for the Lebanon-based Mar- office. tyrs Foundation, which the United Tebboune met with Saudi King States said provides finances to Hez- Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on bollah and other militant groups. February 27, the official Saudi Among the individuals and enti- press agency said. The two Arab ties blacklisted were Atlas Holdings leaders reportedly discussed bi- and affiliated companies as well as lateral relations, opportunities senior Atlas official Kassem Moham- for cooperation and regional de- ad Ali Bazzi. velopments. The measures block all of the af- Tebboune met with Saudi fected entities’ and people’s prop- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Boosting ties. Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (2nd R) and Algerian President Abdelmadjid erty within US jurisdiction and open Salman bin Abdulaziz a day ear- Tebboune ahead of their meeting in Riyadh, February 27. (SPA) them up to financial sanctions that lier. would penalise institutions that do Saudi Arabia is one of the top transactions with them. investors in Algeria, with invest- Libya’s Government of National The Saudi Press Agency said was also agreed upon and an US officials also named Ahmad ments estimated at $3 billion, a Accord. four documents signed included agreement for cooperation in al-Hamidawi, secretary-general figure predicted to surpass $10 Tebboune’s visit came one an agreement of an executive vocational and technical train- of Kata’ib Hezbollah, a “specially billion within the next decade. day after Algerian Army Chief- programme for cultural coopera- ing. The King Abdulaziz Founda- designated global terrorist,” which In addition to trying to boost of-Staff Said Chengriha was in tion between Mauritanian and tion signed a memorandum with freezes all American assets he may economic relations with Gulf the United Arab Emirates for an Saudi ministries of culture. Mauritania’s General Directorate hold and makes it illegal to do trans- countries, Tebboune is seeking to unmanned systems exhibition, of National Documents at the actions with him. build support for Algerian initia- where he met with Abu Dhabi Experts said a desire to General Secretariat. State Department Coordinator tives regarding Libya, including Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Consultations with Maghreb for Counterterrorism Nathan Sales hosting a summit involving the bin Zayed al-Nahyan. boost relations between countries included talks with said the designation was part of US United Arab Emirates. The same week as Tebboune’s Saudi and Maghreb a Moroccan delegation, led by efforts to “intensify pressure” on Saudi Arabia and the United visit, Ould Ghazouani also met leaders supported Moroccan King Mohammed VI’s Kata’ib Hezbollah, which he accused Arab Emirates share concerns with King Salman and Crown openness and reform both adviser Fouad Ali El Himma and of aiming to turn “Iraq into a vassal about the deteriorating situation Prince Mohammed. The talks fo- in Saudi Arabia and the Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser state.” in Libya. Analysts said they both cused on economic, cultural and North African countries. Bourita, who visited Saudi Arabia Kata’ib Hezbollah drew increased oppose Turkey’s military involve- technical issues, evidenced by in preparation for an expected scrutiny after allegedly firing rock- ment, which includes Syrian mer- agreements signed between the A memorandum of under- visit by the Moroccan king, Elaph ets on an Iraqi base where US troops cenaries fighting in support of two governments. standing regarding civil service online news reported. were stationed last December. No major results following Qatari emir’s regional tour

Lamine Ghanmi Qatar has been boycotted by the That seemed to contradict Qatari Arab Quartet since June 2017 when policy in Libya where it sides with Tunis the four countries severed diplomat- Turkey in backing Islamist militants ic and trade links with Doha, accus- fighting for Sarraj’s UN-backed gov- ew tangible results were an- ing it of backing Islamic extremists ernment in Tripoli. nounced during Qatari Emir and keeping close ties with Tehran. Whether in Tunisia or Algeria, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Regional experts said they doubt- there were necessarily no common F al-Thani’s recent visit to three ed whether Algeria would venture views on Libya, as joint statements Arab countries. into any such mediation, given the proclaimed. The emir met with Algerian Presi- lack of progress in other efforts at Algerian Foreign Minister Sabri dent Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Al- reconciliation between Qatar and Boukadoum visited eastern Libya to giers and, as in stops in Jordan and the Arab Quartet. meet with Haftar and other leaders Tunisia, Sheikh Tamim offered ex- In Algeria, Sheikh Tamim was said in what was perceived as a rebalanc- pressions of diplomatic courtesy but to have raised the issue of the situa- ing of Algerian policy, given Algiers Pledges. Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani as he not much else. tion in Libya, although his comment had previously leaned more towards arrives in Tunis, February 24. (AFP) “Algeria has a distinguished histo- that there is “absolute harmony in the Government of National Accord. ry in the issue of resolving conflicts the views between” Libyan Govern- Algeria is said to be seeking to play in the region and in the Arab world.,” ment of National Accord Prime Min- a major role in resolving the Libyan However, in his news conference “While he said he is working for Sheikh Tamim was quoted as saying ister Fayez al-Sarraj and Libyan Na- conflict and it strives to build bal- with the emir, Saied expressed his a rapprochement between rival fac- by the Algerian state news agency tional Army Field-Marshal Khalifa anced relations with both sides of opposition to Tunisian politicians’ tions of the Libyan conflict, Saied APS. Haftar was seen as far from an accu- the conflict. attempts to involve foreign parties had met only Prime Minister Fayez The remarks were seen as encour- rate assessment of the situation. Sheikh Tamim’s talks with Tuni- in Tunisia’s internal matters. al-Sarraj, who invited the Turks to agement for Algeria’s possible medi- sian President Kais Saied on Febru- The Libyan conflict is also a sen- intervene in his country to ward off ation in Qatar’s long-running dispute ary 24 were long on florid language sitive matter in Tunisia. Although Khalifa Haftar’s forces,” she said. with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Libya was on the agenda about the “historical ties” between Tunis is said to have rejected An- In Jordan, Sheikh Tamim met Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt — the in Tunisia and Algeria. the two countries but short on con- kara’s request for support to deploy with King Abdullah II on February Arab Quartet — especially with Teb- There were necessarily crete steps. troops and proxies in Libya, Sheikh 23 regarding bilateral and regional boune soon to visit Riyadh. no common views as Saied said Qatar pledged to invest Tamim’s trip, shortly after a visit by issues, including economic and in- “It is likely that Qatar would seek proclaimed. in a medical complex in the central Turkish President Recep Tayyip Er- vestment-related fields, a Jordanian the support of Algeria to use the up- town of Kairouan and in a market dogan, gave the impression that Tu- Royal Court statement said. They coming Arab summit as an oppor- A statement issued after the of farming products in Sidi Bouzid. nisia’s diplomacy was aligned with also discussed regional develop- tunity for Qatari reconciliation with Sheikh Tamim-Tebboune talks Feb- Saudis are also investing in the med- the Turkish-Qatari axis on Libya. ments, mainly the Palestinian issue. Saudi Arabia and Egypt,” said Alge- ruary 25 said the leaders “agreed ical centre. Political writer Ikhlas Latif said it Political circles in Jordan indicat- rian political writer Ryad Hamadi. fully” Libya must be freed of foreign There were unconfirmed reports was a “source of concern” that, since ed that Amman is hoping for Qatar’s Algeria is to host an Arab summit mercenaries and weapons and be Sheikh Tamim tried to bridge the gap he became president, Saied has re- support in its economic crisis, espe- this year and take over the rotating shielded against foreign interven- between Saied and Tunisian parlia- ceived only the leaders who are part cially since support from other do- presidency of the Arab League. tion. ment Speaker Rached Ghannouchi. of the Qatari axis. nors in the region has dwindled. March 1, 2020 5 Top news Interview Extremism fuels Yemen’s woes, says UN rights expert

reports had been corrected. What the third report brought Jendoubi described his team’s was an “accurate updating of the Abdelmajid task as difficult and complex be- previous violations, in addition Dagnish cause it requires a detailed strat- to focusing on the issue of famine egy and a clear methodology. He as an instrument of war and the said that, in the third report, the disastrous situation Yemenis are amel Jendoubi, time period had been expanded suffering today,” Jendoubi said. chairman of the and that experts completed what Despite the bleak picture, he Group of Independ- had not been accomplished in the acknowledged the existence of ent Eminent Interna- first report by widening the scope positive changes. He noticed, for tional and Regional of the investigations. example, that, after publication Experts on Yemen The issue of the use of land- of the first two reports, “a de- Kcreated by the UN Human Rights mines, for example, was not de- crease in the number of random Council, said that, every time tailed in the first report, a short- and uncontrolled detention cen- Yemen gets pulled further into a coming corrected in the second. tres, especially in the areas under conflict that has caused one of Also, the first report did not cover the control of the internationally the greatest human tragedies the Houthis’ alliance with former recognised legitimate authority.” that humanity has known, there Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Human rights violations, such as is the Iran-backed Islah party, Saleh in 2015 and their arrival torture and rape, were committed the Yemeni arm of the Muslim in and control of Aden nor did in those centres. Brotherhood, at the heart of that it cover human rights violations Another result of the previ- conflict. in Marib. Both topics were dealt ous reports was the liberation of Jendoubi spoke to The Arab with thoroughly and accurately in many prisoners who had been Weekly during an international the second report last year. arrested and detained arbitrarily Complex task. Kamel Jendoubi, chairman of the Group of symposium on Yemen, organised and illegally. Independent Eminent International and Regional Experts on Yemen. in Paris February 13 by ACEM “In our recommendations, (Al Arab) (Arts and Cultures from the Two there is always an emphasis on Shores of the World) and the Despite the bleak the necessity of an immediate Thayyizen Association of Yem- picture, Kamel cessation of hostilities,” Jendoubi negotiations do not neglect the al-Qaeda, which has a strong enis in France. said. “We recommend that the humanitarian aspect and that presence in the country. In previous UN reports, Jen- Jendoubi, chairman special commissioner of the UN they should not occur at the “We are very aware of the is- doubi mentioned ethnic and of the Group of Secretary-General should be expense of the civilian victims, sue of religious extremism and sectarian cleansing practised by assisted to succeed in a broader knowing that no reconciliation religious groups and their internal the Houthis or by Islah in more Independent approach to get the rival parties can be built unless there is a rivalries, which are fuelling the than one place in Yemen and on Eminent to negotiate and seek a political transitional justice that protects conflict and the war in Yemen. more than one occasion. International and solution, not a military one, be- Yemeni human rights.” We have pointed to the issue of The UN Human Rights Special cause the real disaster in Yemen is Jendoubi pointed out that any ethnic cleansing practised by the Commission on Yemen is revising Regional Experts on this war which is, every day, wid- observer of the Yemeni situation Houthis, for example, or by the its third report, which evaluates Yemen, ening and deepening the Yemeni can easily note the widespread Islah party in more than one place progress made by the legitimate wound without enabling any of presence of religious groups that in Yemen and on more than one Yemeni government in ​​monitor- acknowledged the the warring parties to the conflict fuel the conflict and in the viola- occasion,” Jendoubi concluded. ing and reporting human rights existence of positive to triumph over the others. tion of human rights, starting violations. Jendoubi pointed out changes. “We also always recommend with the Houthis to Islah, the Abdelmajid Dagnish is a Tunisian that shortcomings of the first two that the settlement process and Salafists, the Islamic State and writer. Scepticism prevails over Qatar keeping reform promises for World Cup

Mohammed Alkhereiji ken promises. An endless spiral of “Qatar has made more an- shameful deja vu persists,” wrote nouncements of reforms than ac- Willy Fautre, director of the Human tual reforms,” Zayadin said, but London Rights Without Frontiers NGO. Doha “just announced that they However, some media hailed would be reforming certain pillars he road to the Qatar-hosted Qatar for supposed significant re- of kafala.” 2022 FIFA World Cup, the forms in migrant workers’ rights, She said one section of the sys- first in the Middle East, especially the dropping of the kafa- tem that was removed was the T has been paved with many la system in which workers must be need for approval from a sponsor controversies, including a bribery sponsored by a national or a com- when leaving the country. How- scandal involving Qatari and FIFA pany in the country where they ever, cases of passport confiscation officials and Doha’s human rights hope to work. Often civil liberties from sponsors or employers report- record. were compromised, including lim- edly rose. Hassan al-Thawadi, secretary- its on changing jobs or leaving the “We also saw a rise in absconding general of the Supreme Committee country because many workers had cases and those rare cases when for Delivery and Legacy of the Qatar their passports confiscated under an employer can complain to the Dire conditions. A construction worker at Qatar’s Lusail Stadium, World Cup 2022, announced in late the sponsorship programme. police about the employee being a north of Doha. (AFP) 2019 that, in January 2020, signifi- Experts told The Arab Weekly runaway, simply for trying to leave cant reforms would be put in place. that little had changed in Qatar re- the place of employment and that He told the Guardian newspaper garding workers’ rights. leaves you at risk of arrest and de- ing for months without pay led the that is in place is not capable of that abolition of the kafala system “Qatar, on several occasions, portation,” Zayadin said. government to introduce a Wage tackling the issue and is not ca- of worker sponsorship would mean claimed to have abolished the ka- Another aspect tied to the ka- Protection System (WPS) to guar- pable of flagging situations when “every person living in the country fala system,” said Hiba Zayadin, a fala system that was meant to be antee that workers receive salaries workers are not getting paid and has the freedom to move from one researcher in the Middle East and reformed is the ability to change through a direct bank transfer by what measures are being put in job to another and can live their North Africa Division of Human employers without the current em- the end of the first week of every place to guarantee workers get paid lives, change jobs whenever they Rights Watch (HRW). ployer’s approval. month. are unclear.” want and leave the country as they The first instance was in “2016, “That is still on the books even Reports indicate that the system The United Nations set up an ILO want.” after a forced labour complaint was though in October they announced has fallen short of its intended pur- (International Labour Office) in Qa- filed against them at the Interna- they were going to do that and pre- pose. tar in 2017 to help and advise on tional Labour Organisation (ILO),” sented it as an end to kafala and “There were promises made with the treatment of migrant workers. Human Rights she said, stressing that, instead of that it was going to happen in Janu- regards to improving the WPS; “I think they (ILO officials) have Watch’s following through with its pledge ary and now we are in late Febru- however, we are receiving reports been trying to push the Qataris on Hiba Zayadin to drop kafala, the Qatari govern- ary,” Zayadin said, adding that mi- of unpaid wages and workers work- these promises but what we are ment changed the word “sponsor” grant workers had reached out to ing for months without receiving seeing is that the implementation in the law to “recruiter” but the ef- HRW and are waiting for the law to their salaries,” said May Romanos, remains very weak. So, while some “Qatar has made more fect remained much the same. change. Gulf researcher on migrants’ rights reforms are probably good on pa- announcements of reforms Zayadin said Qatari authorities “The major thing is to look at the for Amnesty International. per, their implementation is not than actual reforms.” failed to provide migrant workers announcements versus the actual “We still have hundreds of mi- necessarily changing the reality for with basic necessities regarding reforms and to always read the fine grant workers who are being migrant workers on the ground,” protection from heat and did not print because that’s where all the pushed to leave the country penni- Romanos said. However, promised reforms have investigate worker deaths or pro- loopholes are,” she added. less after the company failed to pay “So, we would really like to see not materialised. vide data related to them. Another aspect tied to the mis- them and, on a daily basis, we re- these reforms being implemented “We’ve been here before, with Qatari officials have claimed to treatment of migrant workers has ceive cases about workers not get- in an effective way and really deliv- past pledges of change resulting abolish the kafala system in 2016, been delayed or non-payment from ting paid for months. er true changes for migrant work- in little more than hot air and bro- 2017 and 2018. employers. Cases of people work- “The wage protection system ers.” 6 March 1, 2020 Opinion

Editorial Lying in the time of coronavirus

here is a pattern of misinformation and plain lies on the part of Iran’s government. Censorship online is even an officially sanctioned activity. A predictable casualty has been the government’s already-shaken cred- Tibility. Misjudging the ability of Iranians to fathom unfolding developments around them, the authorities failed many crucial tests ahead of the February 21 elections. In November, they misrepresented casualty figures and the nature of protests that erupted over fuel price hikes but expanded to other issues. Things got worse, much worse, after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane January 8 amid a military confrontation with the United States after the killing of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, the head of al-Quds Force. Iranian missile strikes caused the death of 176 civilians, including many Iranians or foreign nationals of Iranian origin, on the Ukrainian jet. For days Iranian authorities insisted the crash was accidental, against the opinions of experts and contrary to the content of videos of the aeroplane strike posted online. Attempts at concealing the truth led street © Yaser Ahmed for The Arab Weekly demonstrators to shout “Death to the dictator” and “Death to the liar,” in reference to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Protesters were not shy to name names. The many challenges of Oman’s “Khamenei have shame. Leave the country,” some chanted. Sultan Haitham Observers described the government’s failure to tell the truth as Iran’s “Chernobyl moment,” an allusion to the 1986 nuclear incident that exposed Soviet incompetence and disconnect Khairallah Khairallah from the population. Then came the coronavirus outbreak. The Playing a pivotal regional role is important but there is a need to fix the objectives pattern of concealment and lack of transparency of that role beforehand and not do it just for the sake of having a role. did not change. Uncertainty about the situation is causing international concern about Iran’s handling of uring ceremonies It was a short segment but rich in vigour and that Oman’s active role in the outbreak and the scope of the contamination commemorating 40 meaning. Sultan Haitham expressed foreign affairs, including its unique in the country. Despite its efforts at downplay- days since the death of Oman’s desire to keep away from role in Yemen that includes a special ing the spread of the virus, the outbreak is the Omani Sultan Qaboos problems and play the role of re- relationship with the Houthis, does deadliest in any country, with a nearly 20% bin Said Al Said, the former and mediator. not compensate for the decline at mortality rate. new sultan of Oman, Does this mean that, under Sul- home, especially at the economic An Iranian MP from Qom, Ahmad Amirabadi DHaitham bin Tariq Al Said, gave a tan Haitham, Oman is formulating a level. Farahani, disputed official figures saying that the death toll was no less than 50. “I think the founding speech. The discourse foreign policy that may differ, albeit During the first two decades of performance of the administration in control- and rhetoric indicated that the man slightly, from its traditional stance his reign, Sultan Qaboos laid the ling the virus has not been successful,” he in charge in Oman knows what is that made it a country that follows foundations for a modern state and euphemistically said. required internally to follow the its own path? Or perhaps Oman is administration. In the past 30 years, Experts noted that, until February 26, Iran had path of his predecessor’s 50-year sticking to considerations that made however, those foundations became not confirmed one single case in Mashhad, experience. it often follow its own foreign policy, in need of modernisation and new although many cases reported in Kuwait Nobody can deny Sultan Qa- even in the framework of its com- blood. The country needs a more dy- originated from that Iranian city. A disturbing boos’s pivotal role in transforming mitment to cooperate with other namic administration run by people discrepancy. Oman from an underdeveloped Gulf Cooperation Council members with vision and capable to take the At a time when Iranian Deputy Health Minis- country closed on itself during the or in the framework of its relations initiative. ter Iraj Harirchi, admitted he was himself reign of his father, Sultan Said bin with Iran or in the framework of The world has changed and Oman infected with the virus, the Health Ministry its relations with the other Arab spokesman claimed the situation was “improv- Taimur Al Said, to a country open to cannot afford to remain captive ing.” Countries in the region are not buying it the world and possessing schools, countries. of concepts that were relevant in and are closing their borders and air links with universities, advanced infrastruc- By way of examples, and they the 1970s and 1980s but are now Iran. ture and even an opera house. are by far not the only ones, there obsolete. Iranian authorities’ focus is elsewhere. They Sultan Qaboos was keen to have are Oman’s positions regarding The new sultan was correct when are using the coronavirus issue to settle scores at his subjects cultivate a refined taste Egyptian President Anwar Sadat’s he said: “To support our efforts to home and abroad. for everything that is beautiful, historic trip to Jerusalem in 1977, achieve our goals, we are determined A new cybersecurity police unit arrested 24 including appreciating Western clas- the signing of the Camp David Ac- to take the necessary measures to people and warned 118 others about internet sical music. cords in 1978, the Egyptian-Israeli restructure the state’s administrative postings about the coronavirus outbreak. In his speech, Sultan Haitham peace treaty in March 1979 and the apparatus, modernise the system of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) accused Iran referred more than once to Sultan Arab boycott of Egypt that followed. legislation, laws and work mecha- of “concealing information about the epidemic” Qaboos’s modernising efforts but The man Sultan Qaboos entrust- nisms, uphold its values ​​and princi- and denounced its “persecution of media outlets and journalists publishing independent infor- he did not ignore the challenges ed with drawing the 2040 Vision for ples, adopt the latest administrative mation.” facing Oman, whether in building a Oman knows well that the Omani methods, simplify procedures and “Respect for the public’s right to full, inde- modern citizenry or in education or administration has grown old in the achieve good governance, perfor- pendent, diverse and quality news reporting… is other aspects of scientific progress. past 30 years and started slackening. mance, integrity and accountability.” the best way to protect the population and Most of the sovereign’s speech However, if the country began to The key idea is “restructuring the combat rumours,” said Reza Moini, head of was focused on internal matters slacken internally, it remained ac- state’s administrative apparatus.” RSF’s Iran desk. but a short segment covered Omani tive externally. That Sultan Haitham referred to Iranian President Hassan Rohani, who foreign policy. Muscat has always One highlight of that activity is that and to the “values ​​of work” accused the United States of trying to instil the known how to distinguish itself, Oman’s unprecedented openness confirms his desire to take advan- Iranian public with “tremendous fear” over the especially because of its geographi- on Israel, which culminated with tage of all what was achieved during outbreak, was pushing his own dubious infor- cal proximity to Iran and of having Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin the Qaboos era while working to mation. Netanyahu’s visit to Muscat in 2018. “Influenza has killed 16,000 people in the to share with Tehran control of the develop it. United States but they are not speaking about strategic Strait of Hormuz. Oman proved that it could receive The sultanate fell back economi- themselves. Americans better take care of “Throughout Oman’s ancient Netanyahu and officially call him cally and in services in recent years, thousands of flu casualties in their own coun- and honourable history, the world “Mr Prime Minister” without fear- even though it had the capabilities to try,” he said. has known it as an active and influ- ing a bad reaction from Iran or its play a leading role in the region that Khamenei also claimed foreign media empha- ential civilised entity in the region’s proxies. Sultan Qaboos consecrated. sised the threat of the virus to discourage voters growth and prosperity and working Clearly, Sultan Haitham is a A new era is opening in the Sul- from casting ballots in legislative elections for peace and security in the region,” realistic man. He knows the outside tanate of Oman. The main features February 21. “Their media did not miss the Sultan Haitham said. world very well. He knows the of this era were drawn up by Sultan slightest opportunity to discourage people from “Generation after generation meaning and importance of science, Qaboos, who built a modern state voting. (Our enemies) are even opposed to any continues to hoist high its flag and knowledge and culture. That is why despite tremendous obstacles. The election by the Iranian people,” he said. remain committed to keep Oman’s Sultan Qaboos chose him as his country has a new sultan whose era Khamenei could not see or accept the fact that disillusioned voters, anywhere, will likely peace message to the world alive. successor to carry on the same path, looks very promising internally but abstain from voting. In Iran, voters were These generations are carrying albeit in his own style. there is a question of whether there disillusioned and distrustful of the authorities. great heritage and noble goals. Sultan Qaboos made sure to will be changes in foreign policy as Many in Iran do not believe that the 42% turnout They build, not destroy, and bring transfer to the sultanate all aspects well. rate announced by the country’s Interior people closer to each other, not sow of modern civilisation he had ex- There is a need to reconsider cer- Ministry is accurate. discord. perienced during his studies in the tain aspects of that policy. Playing a In the time of the coronavirus, the lack of “This is what we will endeavour United Kingdom. He travelled to the pivotal regional role is important but credibility of Iran’s government is starker than to keep alive, with you and by you, UK by ship from Aden. The change there is a need to fix the objectives ever but the attitude of Tehran’s rulers towards so that we can all, with determina- was tremendous. of that role beforehand and not do it the coronavirus outbreak is politically self- tion and perseverance, accomplish Sultan Haitham knows that and just for the sake of having a role. defeating. It is also dangerous to the health of our civilisational role and honestly is himself experienced in the ways Iranian citizens and others in the rest of the of the modern world. He knows world. discharge our historic responsibil- Khairallah Khairallah is a Lebanese i t y.” that the state apparatus has lost its writer. March 1, 2020 7 Opinion

Iran before the health of the Lebanese Published by Al Arab Publishing House Adid Nassar Hezbollah, which pushed Lebanon to financial ruin and placed it in the grip of Publisher and Group Executive Editor looting gangs, represents a clear threat to the health security for all Lebanese. Haitham El-Zobaidi, PhD t was not the intention tional conflicts and rivalries into citizens, it also demonstrates that are different from Saudi authori- of the October 17 upris- the stadium of the uprising. the public health of all Lebanese ties, who asked Kuwait to keep Editor-in-Chief ing in Lebanon to target Hezbollah, however, did is of no significance to it. an infected Saudi person on its Oussama Romdhani Hezbollah, even though everything it could to reverse Hezbollah has fully imposed soil until the completion of his Hezbollah was the first the momentum of the uprising, its agenda on the government. treatment; or from the Canadian to disparage the uprising declaring its opposition to all There will be no interruption in authorities, who tightened moni- Managing Editor Iand attack it in speeches by its of its goals and giving itself the the flights from Iran to Beirut and toring and screening measures on Iman Zayat leader. Hezbollah Secretary- legitimacy to openly oppress it or no one can control how to deal, all people entering Canada. General Hassan Nasrallah covertly undermine it by firmly health-wise, with “pilgrims” Lebanon, this poor country Senior Editor clearly rejected the uprising’s forbidding people in areas under arriving from Qom, leaving them ruled by Hezbollah, a party John Hendel goals and incited Hezbollah its control to demonstrate or by free to travel to their residences hostile to the popular uprising thugs to attack protesters. chasing down activists who took scattered around Lebanon, even and keen on preserving the vile However, the discourse of the parts in demonstrations in other though the first case of corona- system of looting the wealth of Chief Copy Editor uprising did not change, placing areas. virus infection in Lebanon was a the country by reproducing the Richard Pretorius all the political forces involved in The party spared no oppor- person who had visited Qom. government in a manner that Lebanon’s power-sharing scheme tunity to smear the uprising and There is no better example of consolidates its stranglehold of Copy Editors for the past 30 years in the same distort its goals. It gave free hand the extent of Hezbollah’s domi- the country, is now threatened by box, blaming them for the coun- to its propaganda war machine nance over Lebanese security the coronavirus infection. That Stephen Quillen try’s catastrophic economic and to publish accusations against and health agencies and over there is no ban on flights from Kyle Arensdorf social conditions. activists and denigrate them the government in general than Iran represents an explicit threat If the protesters' uprising did with offensive epithets. at Beirut International Airport, to the country’s health security. not single out Hezbollah and While a ban on demonstra- where one would expect authori- Hezbollah, which pushed Leb- East/West Editor Nasrallah, it wasn’t out of love tions was imposed in the ties to be on the alert for infected anon to financial ruin and placed Mahmud El-Shafey and reverence for them nor was southern suburbs of Beirut, travellers. it in the grip of looting gangs, rep- it out of fear of their weapons the communists and leftists An astonishing incident at the resents a clear threat to the health and violence. They did it be- were allowed to organise a airport illustrates Hezbollah’s security for all Lebanese. Gulf Section Editor cause their strategy was to win non-confrontational popular arrogance. A female reporter was A direct clash between the Mohammed Alkhereiji over to their cause the popular “movement,” meaning they interviewing passengers of an uprising and Hezbollah is inevi- bases of Hezbollah, given that could not attack Hezbollah and Iranian flight from Tehran when table because it is no longer just Society and Travel these, too, like all Lebanese, the Amal Movement but could she was assaulted in full view of the livelihood of the Lebanese Sections Editor were suffering under the wors- freely attack all political forces the public by a member of Hez- people that is at stake but also Samar Kadi ening crises. of the March 14 Alliance, specifi- bollah who grabbed her phone their health. They had to avoid leaving cally Samir Geagea, the leader and made her erase what she had And for what? Just so that Senior Correspondents room for any doubt about the of the Lebanese Forces, as well recorded. Airport security agents Hezbollah receives supplies and Lamine Ghanmi (Tunis) objectives of the uprising so as banks and Central Bank Gov- quietly watched without lifting provisions from Iran? How else (Istanbul) Hezbollah’s popular base would ernor Riad Salameh. Even then, a finger. can it be explained that passen- Thomas Seibert

become an integral part of the demonstrators in southern cities Eager to protect the health gers from Iran are free to leave Regular Columnists uprising because, without the were not spared from Hezbol- of their citizens, most countries the airport and not board special contribution of that segment of lah’s repeated attacks. have closed their borders to buses provided by the Ministry of Rashmee Roshan Lall society, it would be difficult for Now comes the coronavirus traffic from Iran. The Lebanese Health. Claude Salhani the uprising to move all of soci- to further complicate things. minister of health, however, Hezbollah is going to have Yavuz Baydar ety from believing in sectarian di- It hit the Iranian city of Qom, couldn’t bring himself to ban to face the Lebanese, especially vision and power to believing in Hezbollah’s holy pilgrimage site, flights from Iran out of political those it calls “its people,” when equal citizenship in an egalitarian especially hard. So now, Hezbol- and “humanitarian” reasons. new cases of infection emerge Correspondents and inclusive country, governed lah not only opposes the popular After all, Lebanon cannot close among passengers arriving from Saad Guerraoui (Casablanca) by law. uprising and openly shows that its doors to its children coming Iran. A second reason was to avoid it could not care less about the from Iran. Dunia El-Zobaidi (London) dragging regional and interna- economic plight of the Lebanese It seems Lebanese authorities Adid Nassar is a Lebanese writer. Roua Khlifi (Tunis)

Chief Designer Marwen el-Hmedi Xenophobia is stock-in-trade of Europe’s far right Designers Rashmee Roshan Lall Ibrahim Ben Bechir Hanen Jebali Until very recently, the threat posed by white supremacists was underestimated in Germany and across much of the Western world. Contact editor at: t speaks to the tension of hatred of immigrants and ped- German Federal Republic in anti-immigrant Alternative for [email protected] the moment that, when dled conspiracy theories spread 1949. Germany (AfD) party. a car was driven into a by neo-Nazis, posting about the Seehofer pointed to a longer Though the AfD does not crowd of people at a car- “great replacement,” the claim timeline and a deeper trend, not explicitly espouse violence, its nival parade in the small that Jews and liberals want least a 2016 attack on migrants rhetoric may nurture it. After German town of Volk- “inferior” races to replace the in a Munich mall and a bloody the Hanau killings, for instance, Al Arab Publishing House Imarsen, the first thought was of white race. trail that stretched from 2000- the AfD issued a formal con- Quadrant Building terrorism — jihadist or far-right, Official condemnation was 07 of the killing of immigrants demnation but also suggested 177-179 Hammersmith Road one or the other. swift. German Chancellor by a group that called itself the that Merkel’s open-door refugee London W6 8BS As it turned out, Volkmarsen Angela Merkel denounced the National Socialist Underground. policies were the reason that police said there was no sign “poison” of racism and hatred Two points are worth noting. ordinary Germans “flipped out.” the 29-year-old German driver in Germany. Justice Minister First, until very recently, the The AfD’s fulminations are had been politically motivated Christine Lambrecht expressed threat posed by white suprema- potent. While the party is just 7 Tel: (+44) 20 7602 3999 and that his action February 24 Germans’ growing concerns cists was underestimated in years old and garnered less than Fax: (+44) 20 7602 8778 did not necessarily constitute a about the cancer within the Germany and across much 13% of the national vote in the terror attack. body politic when she said the of the Western world. Until last election, it has members That seemed to rule out ji- shisha bar killings showed that Christchurch, Charlottesville in all 16 of Germany’s state hadist or far-right terrorism but “right-wing extremism and and the Finsbury Park mosque legislatures and is the largest US Publisher: it didn’t dispel persistent fears right-wing terrorism are the attacks, the focus was Islamist opposition party nationally. about a yet-unseen link or the biggest threat to our democracy extremism. The AfD’s increasing ability The Arab Weekly USA LLC. possibility of a domino effect. today.” Interior Minister Horst It made sense, at a time to influence German politi- [email protected] Seehofer acknowledged that when London, Madrid, Paris, In fact, authorities in Hesse, the cal discourse brings us to the [email protected] state in which Volkmarsen is “the threat posed by right-wing Brussels and other European second, key point at issue: the located, cancelled all carnival extremism, antisemitism and cities faced repeated jihadist rise in Western democracies of Tel: 248-679-6624 parades “as a precaution” after racism in Germany is very attacks but tunnel vision meant nationalist and right-wing popu- the incident. high.” another, equally dark and list movements. Their stock-in- It stands to reason. The Volk- Just how high is clear from virulent terrorist threat stayed trade is xenophobia. They use marsen incident happened just the tragic and frightening toll under the radar. That is chang- the guarantee of free speech to days after Germany had its third it took last year. In October, an ing and demonstrably so in advance those views and win a deadly far-right attack in eight attacker killed two people and Germany and Britain. place in legislatures by means months. A man, identified as tried to storm a synagogue in For two years, Britain’s do- of the democratic tools freely Subscription & Advertising: Tobias Rathjen killed ten peo- Halle in central Germany. He mestic counterintelligence and afforded to all who seek them. [email protected] ple, most of them of immigrant streamed the assault live online security agency MI5 has carried It is time for the West to wage Tel : (+44) 020 3667 7249 origin, in two shisha bars in the and later admitted to a far-right out serious investigations of an all-out battle to preserve Frankfurt suburb of Hanau. motive. In June, Walter Lueb- suspected far-right plots, which those freedoms by confronting The gunman reportedly cke, a regional politician who police describe as the fastest- all forms of hatred and exclusiv- Mohamed Al Mufti growing terrorist threat in the expressed extreme right-wing supported Merkel’s policy of ism. Marketing & Advertising welcoming Syrian refugees, was country. views in a letter of confession Manager that was found after he killed shot in the head at close range. Recently, the German Rashmee Roshan Lall is a himself. In rambling writings The killer had far-right links. government approved a bill to columnist for The Arab Weekly. Direct: (+44) 20 8742 9262 and videos posted online before It was the first assassination crack down on hate speech and Her blog can be found at www.alarab.co.uk his shooting spree, the killer of a politician by a right-wing online extremism, including of www.rashmee.com and she is advocated genocide, expressed extremist since the birth of the the sort advanced by Germany’s on Twitter: @rashmeerl. 8 March 1, 2020 News & Analysis Gulf Saudi Arabia introduces new tourism, sports, investment ministries

The Arab Weekly staff

London

audi Arabia announced the formation of three new min- istries and merged other cabi- S net portfolios in a significant reshuffle that marked the return of former Energy Minister Khalid al- Falih to government. Royal decrees February 25 from Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud detailed the merging of the Ministry of Civil Service with the Ministry of Labour as the Ministry of Human Resources and Social De- velopment, state news agency SPA reported.

Economists said the elevation of SAGIA to ministry status signalled the importance the investment drive within the Vision 2030 plan for economic development and diversification. The Ministry of Commerce and Investment was renamed the Minis- try of Commerce; the General Sports Authority is to be known as the Min- istry of Sports, which will be headed by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, son of the kingdom’s former New phase. A 2013 file photo shows then-Saudi Aramco President and CEO Khalid al-Falih speaking at the IHS CERAWEEK energy intelligence chief. Prince Abdulaziz conference in Houston, Texas. (AP) is considered a rising star within the government. The most notable appointment fication. Vision 2030’s main objec- the General Investment Authority It was not clear whether the re- “A known expert in the major indus- involved the return of Falih as tive is to wean the Saudi economy to a full ministry, which underlines structuring would expand the in- try is a good move.” Saudi investment minister. Ibra- off its dependence on oil revenues the importance of private sector vestment entity’s authority. As en- In other moves, Turki al-Shaban- him bin Abdulrahman al-Omar was and public-sector spending. home-grown and foreign direct in- ergy minister, Falih had one of the ah was dismissed after a short stint dismissed as governor of the Gen- Falih was replaced as energy min- vestment for the future of Saudi highest international profiles of any as minister of media with Minister eral Investment Authority (SAGIA), ister last September by Prince Ab- Arabia.” Saudi official. of Commerce Majid bin Abdullah which was transformed into a Min- dulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, “The return of Falih, an experi- “Falih will have his work cut out al-Qasabi, a close adviser to Crown istry of Investment under Falih. the first member of the royal family enced manager who was abruptly for him: in 2017, foreign direct in- Prince Mohammed, acting minister SAGIA was established 20 years to lead the kingdom’s most impor- sidelined, could be an attempt by vestment plunged to the lowest of media in addition to his other ago before Saudi Arabia’s drive to tant ministry. King Salman to rein in the invest- since 2003, down 80% to $1.4 bil- post. Minister of Housing Majid bin liberalise its economy to generate The Financial Times reported that ment authority and add more teeth lion. It has recovered only partially Abdullah bin Hamad al-Hoqail was private-sector domestic and foreign Falih had been removed because of to it,” Ellen Wald, author of the book since then, reaching an estimated also made acting minister of munic- investment. It was responsible for “his inability to deliver a rapid over- “Saudi Inc.”, told Agence France- $4.6 billion last year,” Bloomberg ipal and rural affairs. issuing investment licences to for- haul of industrial strategy and a cau- Presse. News reported. The Saudi Tourism Commission eign companies. tious approach to the stock market “Under [Saudi Crown Prince “I think it’s good news to bring was made a cabinet-level ministry Economists said the elevation of offering of Saudi Aramco.” Mohammed bin Salman bin Ab- such an experienced person back with its chief, Ahmed bin Aqeel al- SAGIA to ministry status signalled “Falih’s return is a small surprise,” dulaziz], the kingdom’s vast Public into an outward-facing position,” Khateeb, a royal adviser, retaining the importance the investment Hasnain Malik, a managing director Investment Fund has been widely Karen Young, a resident scholar at the top job just months after the drive within the Vision 2030 plan for at Tellimer told Thomson Reuters. portrayed as erratic in terms of its the American Enterprise Institute in kingdom started issuing tourist vi- economic development and diversi- “More important is the upgrade of investment decisions.” Washington, told Bloomberg News. sas for the first time. Security Council extends Yemen sanctions; pro-Iran Houthi rebels attack Red Cross building

The Arab Weekly staff ing of the UK-drafted resolution The renewal comes at a time and threatened that any reference the government in Yemen and to Iran or the Houthis would result the Saudi-led coalition fighting in London in a veto. support of it continued to protest After adjustments to the reso- Iran’s arming of the Houthi militia. he UN Security Council, lution wording, Russia and China The US Navy said that, twice since after reported tense nego- abstained, rather than veto the November, its personnel had inter- tiations, extended targeted final vote. Nebenzya said Russia cepted Iranian arms meant for the sanctions in Yemen for was unable to support a resolution Houthis. T Thorny issue. Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily another year. While 13 countries that did not take all of Moscow’s US officials said interceptions voted to approve the resolution, concerns into account. Chinese November 25 and February 9 were Nebenzya raises his hand signalling he would abstain from a UN Russia and China abstained in the Ambassador Wu Haitao said the in the Gulf region and involved Security Council vote regarding Yemen-related sanctions at UN vote that resulted in sanctions re- final text failed to meet Beijing’s dhows sailing without a flag. “The headquarters, February 25. (AP) maining in force until at least Feb- concerns. seizure is consistent with a histori- ruary 2021. cal pattern of Iranian smuggling of lot of assistance programmes with quarters in Hodeidah province. A statement from the Security advanced weapons to the Houthis exceptions for truly life-saving Sources told Al-Masdar News Council said the asset ban and The UN Security Council in Yemen,” US Navy Captain Bill programmes feeding sick children that rebels fired more than 20 ar- travel freeze first imposed in 2014 reaffirmed the arms Urban said during a briefing at the and things like that,” an unidenti- tillery shells at the building south “on individuals or entities threat- embargo, in place since Pentagon. fied State Department official told of Hodeidah, where other interna- ening peace, security and stability April 2015, against The Houthis have also been hin- Thompson Reuters. tional organisations are also based. in Yemen” had been extended. The Iran-supported Houthi dering aid deliveries. Donors and “Everyone’s looking at a timeline There were no casualties and lim- council also reaffirmed the arms rebels. aid groups could suspend humani- of a month or two… That’s the point ited damage to the building. embargo, in place since April 2015, tarian aid to areas controlled by the at which different implementers The Houthis’ obstruction of aid against Iran-supported Houthi re- Pierce expressed disappoint- militia, a US State Department offi- will start to suspend some of the comes at a time that close to 24.1 bels. ment at the abstentions and said cial said. programmes,” the official said. million people are said to need hu- The renewal came after heated she was concerned that potential “Each donor and implementer is The Houthi rebels also were ac- manitarian assistance. The war has negotiations between UK Ambas- use of vetoes could become a nego- drawing up plans on how to, what cused of striking humanitarian in- had a devastating effect on Yemen’s sador Karen Pierce and Russian tiating tactic. “I hope this does not to do if the Houthis do not change stitutions. Yemeni reports said the economy and triggered what the Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya, who herald a shift in the way the Coun- their behaviour on the ground. militia attacked the International United Nations said is the world’s reportedly had issues with word- cil does business,” she said. The plans involve suspending a Committee of the Red Cross head- worst humanitarian crisis. March 1, 2020 9 News & Analysis Iraq The making of the Iraqi cabinet is a comedy rerun

members of these groups. What angers them is that they couldn’t secure equal privileges and Ibrahim Zobeidi interests for their parties or tribes or sects. They are first-rate hypocrites, dangerous thieves and or 15 years, we’ve the biggest liars. witnessed reruns of the You might wonder why I am same comedy in Iraq. writing this article. Well, it appears Every time the ruling those in the inner circle of Iraqi class brings a new prime Prime Minister-designate Moham- minister, they try to sell med Allawi have been circulating a Fhim in the same manner. They turn rumour that “he rejected requests him into a wise leader and brave from Shia, Sunni and Kurdish hero and shower him with exag- political forces to include their gerated praise. They multiply their representatives in the government, optimistic public statements and so they turned against him.” promise that he is the only one Allawi declared that he knew of a capable of making a miracle, the plan to thwart the parliament’s right man in the right place at the approval of the new government. right time. “The details of the plan are to pay True to their habit, they flirt with exorbitant sums of money to the the guy publicly when the time to MPs in order to make the vote form a cabinet comes. In public, secret, during the confidence- they shower him with honey- giving session,” Allawi said. dipped discourse, heap praise on That statement angered parlia- his origins and family. However, in ment, which sent an official private they make sure to give him request to the public prosecutor to a taste of their power so he knows begin an investigation into Allawi’s his limits. He must agree to give allegations about the existence of a them their share of power or shares “plan to thwart the parliament’s for their militias or for their tribes approval of the government by No light at the end of the tunnel. An Iraqi demonstrator covering her face with the national flag looks or for their sects. paying deputies exorbitant sums of on during an anti-government demonstration by Basra University students, February 11. (AFP) That’s the fruit of the poisoned money.” seeds sown in Iraq by Coalition The root of the problem is that Provisional Authority Administra- the Shia blocs in parliament crime that must be prevented. been pretending since 1990 that an independent state so it can’t tor Paul Bremer or US Ambassador received orders from beyond the Take parliament Speaker they were the only ones who have deal with its big “neighbour,” the to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad, Ameri- borders to involve their Sunni Mohammed al-Halbousi, for confronted the authoritarian Iraqi Iraqi state, as equals nor is it a cans who have hidden in the seeds partners, both those sponsored by example. He blamed Iraqi Presi- regime and that, along with other full-fledged part of the Iraqi state, the impossible-to-cure virus of the Iranian Embassy and those dent Barham Salih for choosing Arab-Iraqi liberation forces, were enjoying the same rights and quotas and sectarian discrimina- sponsored by the US Embassy in Allawi as prime minister and fighting selflessly for the liberation duties as any other part of the tion. Then Bremer simply got out Iraq, in approving Allawi’s govern- accused him of refusing to desig- of the Iraqi people from Saddam homeland. of the country, leaving his ment. nate other personalities whose Hussein’s dictatorship and for the The evidence is sad and revolt- orphaned children to kick each names were put to him before sake of establishing a just and sane ing but overwhelming. Leaders of other in the head. Allawi’s name came up, which, democratic system that does the Kurdish parties place the As usual, each lucky candidate Halbousi said, was unconstitu- justice to the citizen, regardless of interests of their parties and of for the position of Iraqi prime Clearly, Iraq, its fate tional. his religion, ethnicity or sect. their clans above everything, even minister — or unlucky depending and its people are Salih publicly called Halbousi’s However, the whole rotten load above the interests of the Kurdish on who is making the call — would bluff. “The speaker of the parlia- of quarrels, deals, alliances and people themselves. end up having die-hard fans among unfortunately the ment personally attended Allawi’s conflicts that followed the fall of The angry demonstrations in the great Knights of the Green Zone last things on the assignment and he explicitly Saddam’s regime said a different Sulaimaniyah against the dictator- and another group of die-hard minds of the approved the decision,” Salih story about the high morals of the ship of the two Kurdish families, detractors. said. Kurdish parties and proved that the Barzani family and the Tala- The first group, usually includ- Barazanis and the It is said ministerial positions in their leaders are a bunch of bani family, are the best proof of ing people whom this wonderful Talabanis. Iraq are for sale to the highest first-grade opportunists. this reality. Clearly, Iraq, its fate prime minister had privileged bidder, behind closed doors, of They quickly turned their backs and its people are unfortunately with the most powerful and They also insist on satisfying the course. The best customers are the on the Iraqi democratic forces and the last things on the minds of the juiciest ministries, never fails to demands of the other Kurdish and various Sunni currents and blocs, allied themselves with Iran and its Barazanis and the Talabanis. go to his rescue. The second group Sunni representatives, driven by whose hypocrisy and double reactionary, sectarian and corrupt What kind of state do we have in of disgruntled and angry losers the desire to save the good old games have been exposed. They’re parties in Iraq, sharing in the spoils Iraq? A state run by usurers, never fails to put him down in the political process, a process particularly avid for certain without the slightest hint of opportunists, ignorants and dupes. name of the constitution, the founded and essentially driven by lucrative ministries and all their remorse. So much for patriotism, It is a state that does not hear the sanctity of the nation, the inter- striking balance and understand- boring talk about democracy, democracy and justice! voices of the people, the true ests of the Iraqi people and the ings between its major players. patriotism, Arabism and the Meanwhile, a lot of blood was owners of the country, because it is demands of the protesting Moreover, Allawi’s proposed interests of the Sunni community shed in Iraq and cities and villages, a state without ears. masses. cabinet might give demonstrators is nothing more than a smoke- both Arab and Kurdish, were We know that all these wonder- the impression they have scored a screen. reduced to rubble right on top of Ibrahim Zobeidi is an Iraqi writer ful motives of the second group are victory over the government and As for the leaders of the (broth- their inhabitants. The bitter reality and US publisher of The Arab mere words with no content to the the parliament, an unforgivable erly) Kurdish parties, they have is that the Kurdistan region is not Weekly. Hierarchical rifts split Iraq’s PMF

Imam Ali Brigade, all paramili- overseen by Grand Ayatollah Ali eral Qassem Soleimani, former Soleimani in 2006, some of taries aligned with Najaf’s al-Sistani. head of Iran’s Islamic Revolu- which became Hezbollah religious establishment. The body also covers the wages tionary Guard Corps al-Quds Brigades, a leading Shia para- Nazli Tarzi A storm is feared by PMF of certain factions since they Force, made expected rounds on military outfit in Iraq, allied with proponents as a dispute grows rose into existence under social media following Moham- Hezbollah in Lebanon. The fear between competing Shia power Sistani’s 2014 defensive jihad madawi’s nomination. Yet the is that the path will be cleared he man named to centres — Iraq’s Najaf and Iran’s edict. They represent an arc of images, when read outside of following Mohammadawi's replace the former Qom — over the organisation’s Najaf loyalists who seek to hand their context, can mask the ascent to pro-Iranian groups, chief-of-staff of Iraq’s patriarch. the reins of the paramilitary ideological rifts between Iran including Asaib Ahl al Haq and Iran-propped Popular The opposing cohort issued a organisation to men who can halt and Iraq, threatening to push Hezbollah Brigades. Mobilisation Forces statement outlining their unified Iran’s advance into Iraqi security PMF factions further apart. Before the announcement, has not been met with position. Their claim to “not institutions. Political rifts have also been Hezbollah Secretary-General Tunbridled joy. The shadowy figure have known of any decision” The band of four underlined present in the foreground of Hassan Nasrallah urged factions is known by several names — Abu may suggest that their consent the rule of law to strengthen Mohammadawi’s relations with “to work together to preserve Fadak al-Mohammadawi, al Khal over who ought to be crowned their position, as a response to Kata’ib Hezbollah, which he Al-Hashed al-Shaabi,” referring (“the uncle”) and Abu Hmaid. was not requested. While the Iran’s attempt to absorb all PMF formerly commanded. This to the PMF with its Arabic His selection by the Central decision reached was deter- components into its Axis of unravelled by a dispute over the namesake. “It is widely known Popular Mobilisation Forces mined by the PMF’s consultative Resistance. Yet the ideological ransom deal to release the Qatari that America wants to eliminate (PMF) Committee has proven body, the Shura Council, crows struggle against this is beginning falcon hunting party in 2018. Al-Hashed as a safeguards [of divisive, drawing consternation of opposition suggest the to surface. However, the rift was healed Iraq’s] power.” from opponents Liwa Ansar al absence of consensus among all Iraqi Prime Minister-designate after he rejoined their ranks The importance of its revolu- Marjaiyya, Liwa Ali Akbar, the factions of the umbrella organi- Mohammed Allawi, the com- under Soleimani’s orders once tionary zealousness is far greater Abbas Combat Division and the sation over the appointment mander-in-chief of the armed popular uprisings spread across than its organisational arrange- criteria. forces, has not issued any decree southern Iraq five months ago. ments, Nasrallah said, emphasis- “Such a decision demands on the matter, nor did his Other ardently pro-Iranian actors ing the need to keep the organi- legal steps that cannot be predecessor, Adel Abdul-Mahdi. with whom Mohammadawi has sation breathing. Iran-backed actors provided under the given Najaf-aligned groups have rubbed shoulders include Asaib Nasrallah’s words foretell the push the circumstances,” a statement nonetheless called for an Ahl Al Haq and the Badr Corps, rips at the seams of the PMF as organisation closer to issued by Liwa Ali Akbar read, alternative nominee for the under whom Mohammadawi was Iran-backed actors push the drawing attention to the current highest ranking PMF post. The assigned intelligence-gathering organisation closer to Iran’s orbit Iran’s orbit as others, government transition. Those in legal lines over the issue of who responsibilities. as others, aligned with Najaf, are aligned with Najaf, disagreement about Moham- gets to command the PMF are at He is said to have formed accused of derailing it. madawi are aligned with Al best blurred. resistance guerrilla factions, are accused of Atabat, a Shia religious entity Brotherly images of Moham- bankrolled by Badr, and forged Nazli Tarzi is an Arab Weekly derailing it. that manages Iraq’s holy shrines, madawi and Iranian Major-Gen- relations between them and correspondent in London. 10 March 1, 2020 News & Analysis Syria Uncertain future for thousands of Idlib jihadists

Simon Speakman Cordall pointed out, cuts to the heart of fighting by proxy — the lack of con- trol the parties exert over their al- Tunis lied fighters. “An end to the violence, whether he humanitarian crisis temporary or more permanent, that began with the Syr- will require a great deal of political ian government’s and Rus- will from Turkey, Russia and (Syr- T sia’s military escalation ian President Bashar) Assad, who in north-western Syria continues. even then do not have total control The United Nations said the situa- over every fighter on the ground,” tion has reached “a horrifying new Thomas said. level” with more than 900,000 “Meanwhile, the fighting will civilians displaced and refugees continue to displace thousands burning plastic to keep warm in upon thousands causing horrific makeshift encampments. suffering that has yet to inspire the Idlib, the last rebel stronghold dedication of sufficient action and in Syria, has seen its population resources to end it.” double during the country’s civil The militias and their Turkish war. UN estimates put the number allies continue to resist the Syr- of civilians in the governorate at ian government while maintaining around 3 million, many displaced loose governance over territory numerous times from other parts they have held for years. of Syria. Dominant in Idlib are the forces Along with the civilians, there of the jihadist alliance, Hayat Tah- are various rebel factions who have rir al-Sham, (HTS). Analyst Ay- either retreated from battlegrounds menn Jawad al-Tamimi said HTS elsewhere or who established fief- commands 15,000-20,000 fighters doms in the disputed governorate in Idlib who provide the bulk of the they rule with hard-line religious resistance to the government ad- administrations. vance of the regime and its allies. In As the forces of Damascus, Mos- addition to its fighters, Tamimi told cow and Tehran advance, Turkey, the BBC there were “thousands” of which backs several rebel groups civilians who make up HTS’s Syrian in Idlib, shows no sign of compro- Salvation Government. mise. “HTS remains one of the strong- The tide is turning. Members of the Syrian National Army, an alliance of Turkey-backed rebels, ride Addressing the Turkish parlia- est factions on the ground in Idlib in a pickup truck before heading out of Sarmin, south-east of Idlib, February 24. (AFP) ment on February 26, Turkish but it clearly pales in comparison to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan the combined Syrian-Iranian-Rus- vowed to clear the area around ob- sian alliance,” said Ryan Bohl, Mid- bek-dominated Tawhid and Jihad the advance of the Syrian govern- eign fighters may attempt to go servation posts Turkey established dle East and North Africa analyst at Brigade and the Imam al-Bukhari ment and its allies, options avail- home or to relocate to other jihad- in Idlib as part of a 2017 agreement geopolitical intelligence platform Brigade, both of which support able to the rebel militias are dimin- ist theatres like Yemen, Libya, Iraq with Russia and Iran. However, Stratfor. HTS. ishing. or Afghanistan,” Bohl said. Turkey’s casualties are beginning “There are numerous other fac- “Some will have the option to With the Turkish border uncer- tions in Idlib, including the Turkey- surrender to the regime and po- to mount. The forces of the jihadist tain, millions of displaced civilians “One hopes that a political reso- backed National Army, who mostly tentially even be enrolled into the must take their chances with either lution to end the fighting in Idlib operate under Turkey’s influence alliance Hayat Tahrir Syrian military forces. That has the advancing regime forces, the will come soon,” said Kaleigh or protection. HTS is friendly with al-Sham are dominant in happened in the past, even with freezing weather or overcrowded Thomas, a research associate at the Turkey for the moment but does Idlib. [Islamic State] ISIS fighters,” Bohl villages, such as Aqrabat, previous- Centre for a New American Securi- not operate directly under it the said. “Others will choose to fight it ly home to a few hundred but now ty, “but we cannot expect a resolu- way these other factions often While HTS and the Turkey- out or go underground, the latter, 10,000 are there, many of whom tion to bring an end to the violence d o .” backed resistance claim isolated especially as formal front lines col- are forced to try to survive in the in perpetuity without a greater po- Elsewhere are foreign fighters, victories in Idlib, it is becoming lapse.” open. litical agreement that sets a long- principally the Turkistan Islamic clear that, despite the enormous Others may attempt to flee to term vision for Syria.” Party, Uighur fighters who sup- humanitarian cost, the tide of the Turkey or to Turkey-controlled Simon Speakman Cordall is a Much of the problem, Thomas port HTS. Also present are the Uz- conflict is against them. Faced with zones in north-eastern Syria. “For- freelance writer. Islamic Jihad rises with Iranian-Syrian support

Sami Moubayed the Muslim Brotherhood in Cairo Assad was going nowhere, as did Hez- after the 2012 election of Muham- bollah. But the Syrian government mad Morsi. In 2014, he played an demanded a complete break between Beirut important role in the Gaza ceasefire Hamas and Qatar, along with the top- talks in Egypt. The same year he was pling of Meshaal, refusing to restore srael carried out air strikes Feb- placed on the US terrorist list with a any Hamas’s assets that they had ruary 24 over Damascus, killing $5 million bounty on his head. seized. at least two people. The intend- Nakhaleh is on Israeli Prime Min- I ed target, it seems, was Ziyad ister Binyamin Netanyahu’s hit list, With support from Tehran Nakhaleh, the 57-year-old head of accused of being behind the latest and Damascus, Islamic Jihad the Islamic Jihad Movement in Pal- escalation in Gaza. He has revived estine. Islamic Jihad after seven years of might surprise everybody Last November, the Israeli De- slumber, restoring its previous aura and perform well in fence Forces tried to assassinate on the Palestinian street and reviv- elections this year. Akram al-Ajouri, another leader of ing its status as a strategic partner of When rapprochement failed, Islamic Jihad, striking at his home Hamas, rather than a subordinate. Iran and Hezbollah settled for a Da- in the upmarket residential neigh- mascus-Islamic jihad axis instead, bourhood of West Mezzeh, also in Diminishing Iranian influence in one that would keep the so-called Damascus. Gaza “Axis of the Resistance” intact to Both men are part of Islamic Ji- “Iran, rather than Syria, is the serve Iranian interests in the Arab had’s leadership elected in Septem- real patron of Islamic Jihad,” said world. ber 2018. Five of them are based Tareq Baconi, a Palestinian analyst The money for Islamic Jihad abroad, commuting between Syria, at the International Crisis Group in would come from Iran but Islamic Lebanon and Iran. Belgium. “Syria, however, is one Jihad bases, training camps and Less costly to fund. Mourners carry the flag of the Islamic Jihad Nakhaleh spent 14 years in Israeli of the few countries that allows senior leadership would be in Syria, group during the funeral of two members, killed in Israeli air prisons and, upon his release, was the movement to be located above upholding a long-held Palestinian strikes near Damascus, at a mosque in the Palestinian camp of one of the co-founders of Islamic ground.” tradition of waging war against Isra- Yarmuk, south of Damascus, February 24. (AFP) Jihad. He was appointed to its first That was done mainly to keep a el from “countries of the necklace” Shura Council by founder Fathi Syrian back channel open with the (duwal al-tawq) that surround Isra- Shaqaqi. He was also tasked with Palestinian territories after relations el, namely Jordan, Lebanon or Syria. Hamas’s collapsing powerbase in in 2006, Hamas won 74 out of 132 laying the groundwork for Saraya with Hamas were suspended in That made more sense after Ha- Gaza, after years of poor govern- seats in parliament, a majority it al-Quds, the military wing of Islamic 2012, when they packed up and left mas slipped out of Iranian control, ment marred by corruption, lack of will have a hard time matching in Jihad, with which he remains a very Syria, snuggling up instead to the as Iranian money stopped entering basic services and soaring unem- 2020. prominent and influential figure, -ex Muslim Brotherhood government in the Gaza Strip. Iranian patronage of ployment. With support from Tehran and plaining why Israel wants him dead. Cairo and setting up base in Doha, Hamas dates to 1993 when its leader- Additionally, Islamic Jihad is Damascus, however, Islamic Jihad Nakhaleh played a critical role in which was actively pursuing regime ship was invited to open an office in “more amenable to Iranian dictates might surprise everybody and per- the first intifada in 1987 and was ar- change in Damascus. Tehran after they opposed the Oslo than Hamas,” Baconi said. It is less form well. Unlike Hamas, it carries rested one year later and banished to Hamas bankrolled the armed op- Accords. By 2007, Iran was bankroll- willing to argue and more willing no burden of poor governance and southern Lebanon, where he lived position in the Yarmouk Camp, pro- ing them with $120 million per year, to accept orders with no questions seems to be gaining new members until 1994. He moved to Beirut after viding it with weapons and mines, money that Iran no longer has after asked. It will be using Iranian and by the day because of its resumed the election of Hassan Nasrallah as and Meshaal raised the tricolour flag its resources were stretched thin by Syrian support to stand in upcom- rocket attacks against Israel and its secretary-general of Hezbollah, who of the Syrian opposition, making the Syrian conflict. ing Palestinian parliamentary elec- position on US President Donald was and remains a good friend of rapprochement with Damascus vir- tions, which Palestinian President Trump’s Deal of the Century. his, and finally to Damascus. tually impossible. A win-win scenario Mahmoud Abbas has called for this Unlike Hamas’s Khaled Meshaal, The Iranians tried hard to mend re- Islamic Jihad, with its new lead- year, although the precise date has Sami Moubayed is a Syrian Nakhaleh did not voice opposition lations between Hamas and Syria, af- ership, is less costly to fund and yet to be revealed. historian and author of “Under the to the Syrians and refused to follow ter it became clear to them that Bashar more politically rewarding, given When the Palestinians last voted Black Flag” (IB Tauris, 2015). March 1, 2020 11 News & Analysis Egypt

Former Egyptian President Viewpoint Hosni Mubarak dies Looking back at Mubarak’s legacy Long-time ruler given a full-honours military No such chances were taken in the funeral, eulogised as a ‘war hero’ presidential election that followed, however, and Mubarak scored Francis Ghilès 88.6% of the vote and had his liberal Ahmed Megahid opponent Ayman Nour imprisoned and stripped of his parliamentary osni Mubarak was seat. Cairo Egypt’s ruler for nearly Mubarak’s greatest failure was 30 years. Views are undoubtedly his refusal to reform osni Mubarak, who served mixed on his legacy. Egypt’s economy. As foreign aid, as Egypt’s president for Some see him as a notably from the United States, 30 years before being de- ruthless and corrupt poured in after Camp David, tens of H posed in 2011, has died. He Hautocrat who exited the political billions of dollars were spent on was 91. scene with ignominy; others prefer to planes, helicopters, tanks and other State television said Mubarak suf- remember the man who guided Egypt military hardware. fered complications after surgery in back into the mainstream of Arab Top military leaders were happy, January. His death at a Cairo military affairs from which it had been ruth- the military occupied more and hospital was announced February lessly ejected for making peace with more economic space and corrup- 25. An Egyptian presidency state- Israel in 1979. tion lurched out of control. Most ment called Mubarak a “military Mubarak died at 91 years of age Egyptians live in dire poverty and leader and war hero” and offered and so, inevitably, his life had many depend on huge handouts from the condolences to his family, including facets. Gulf monarchies. wife Suzanne, whom he married in Mubarak showed no mercy to The failure to enact economic 1959, and sons Alaa and Gamal. those who had assassinated his reform will continue to haunt Egypt. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah predecessor, Anwar Sadat. They A poor country dependent on al-Sisi led Mubarak’s funeral Fenrau- were hanged. Others, who had long foreign aid can only speak with the ry 26, along with the top command- languished in prison, were released voice of those countries that help ers of the army, and Mubarak’s sons. and Mubarak was quick to promise it. Thousands of Egyptians attended reform and to crack down on On the foreign front, Mubarak the full-honours military funeral in corruption. proved more imaginative. He got the Fifth Settlement, a sprawling ur- The Egyptians believed him at Sinai returned to Egypt in 1982 but ban community on the outskirts of first, at a time when the very the detente with Israel was a cold Cairo. survival of the regime seemed at peace. Israel pressured Mubarak “Through his military and politi- stake. In those years, reform seemed into getting more Arab countries to cal career, Mubarak made undeni- possible. All the more as, in the early sign up for a regional settlement but able achievements and sacrifices,” 1970s, Mubarak, who was com- ordinary people, there as elsewhere state-run al-Ahram newspaper said mander of the Air Force Academy in the Arab world, could not and in an editorial. and chief-of-staff with the rank of would not understand the contin- Mubarak was born May 4, 1928, air vice-marshal, was a model ued occupation of Palestinian in Kafr el-Meselha and earned a officer. When the charismatic Gamal lands. commission from Egypt’s Air Force Abdel Nasser claimed power in 1952, Israeli policies in Lebanon and the Academy in 1950. He served in vari- toppling the monarchy, Mubarak Palestinian territories infuriated ous capacities until 1972 when he was an Air Force Academy cadet. ordinary Egyptians and intellectuals was made commander of the air He moved up the promotion alike. force and deputy minister of de- Many facets. A 2009 file picture of the then Egyptian President Hosni ladder and, in 1973, played a central fence. Mubarak giving a news conference in Budapest, Hungary. (AP) role in planning Egypt’s military On October 1973, the Egyptian Air campaign to take back the Sinai Force scored a major victory over Is- Peninsula, which it lost to Israel in Mubarak will be raeli forces, for which Mubarak was into a key figure in regional politics, in the party and growing influence 1967. Although the 1973 war ended remembered as an considered a national hero. In April especially for Western capitals that in Egypt’s political life spawned ru- in failure, the bravery of the agile international 1975, Egyptian President Anwar Sa- viewed him as a factor of stability in mours about plans to appoint him as Egyptian forces and especially their dat appointed Mubarak vice-presi- the Middle East. a political heir. The prospect was re- stunning success in crossing the operator but also as a dent. Mubarak was an effective media- sented by the Egyptian military and Suez Canal buoyed national morale president who balked Mubarak became Egypt’s fourth tor between the Palestinians and the large sectors of the public. and boosted the popularity of president on October 14, 1981, af- Israelis and enjoyed credibility in Adding to the dissatisfaction of Sadat’s presidency and the officers at reforming a very ter the assassination of Sadat, who Tel Aviv, Washington and Ramallah; Egyptians, especially elites, were involved in the campaign. sick economy. was killed for having signed a peace however, his record at home was not shrinking political and public free- Like Sadat, Mubarak was born in treaty with Israel. Many Arabs con- unblemished. doms. Mubarak gave police a free the Nile Delta region and his rural The disturbances in Cairo in sidered Sadat a traitor to the Pales- Economic reforms he introduced hand in crushing expressions of dis- accent was much mocked by January 2011 took most observers tinian and Arab causes because of were sullied by unprecedented sent and engaging in brutal crack- sophisticated Cairenes. However, by surprise, as had those in Tunis the peace deal and Egypt was facing corruption. As many public sector downs, turning Egypt into a virtual Mubarak’s bumpkin speech masked earlier that month. Israel and the an economic crisis and cut off from companies were privatised, eco- police state. a sharp mind and strong ambition. United States were very worried much of the Arab world. nomic activities became concen- Public anger led to the protests In public, Mubarak was impassive that Egypt would fall into the hands trated in a small group of business that grew into the 2011 uprising but in private he was more demon- of opposition forces who would tear tycoons, many directly connected to strative, if not hot tempered. Those Mubarak’s ruling National against Mubarak on January 25, Na- up the peace treaty with Israel. Mubarak and his sons. tional Police Day. Millions of people who knew him say had he brought to Washington condemned violent Democratic Party tried to The Egyptian economy overall descended on the streets to demand domestic affairs some of the flair repression but dared not call on control Egypt’s political life performed well but there was no that Mubarak step down. and energy he devoted to interna- Mubarak to resign. The regime exclusively, leaving no room trickledown effect as reforms most- The “Arab spring” uprisings had tional relations, he could have been rested on the acquiescence of the for political contenders. ly benefited the rich at the expense started in Tunisia a few weeks ear- a much better president. As it is, he mass of Egyptians and large outside of the poor. lier but Egypt’s protests showed an shared the delusions of grandeur help, notably US largesse and Mubarak designed policies to “There was an unblessed mar- irreversible yearning for change. that bedevilled his predecessors, military backing. With street return Egypt to the Arab fold, pre- riage between money and power, Mubarak resigned on February 11, Sadat and Nasser. pressure mounting, the army serve peace with Israel and fix the opening the door for massive cor- 2011, and handed power to the army His image was shattered when he moved after weeks of protest to Egyptian economy. He initiated ruption,” said Nadia Helmy, a po- council. was placed on trial in August 2011. remove Mubarak but did not economic reforms, started massive litical science professor at Beni Suef In June 2012, Mubarak was sen- The first Arab leader to be tried in his relinquish the major levers of infrastructure projects, constructed University. “This corruption caused tenced to life in prison for failing to own country for embezzlement, he power. urban communities and liberated an Mubarak’s popularity to corrode, prevent the killing of hundreds of cut a rather pathetic figure. Mubarak was forced to resign and inhibited private sector. opening the door for his inevitable demonstrators during the 2011 up- Mubarak will be remembered for stood trial. He was sentenced to life “Those moves put the economy downfall later.” rising. He was also tried on various the stalwart lieutenant he proved to imprisonment in June 2012, just back on track and achieved consid- Public anger against Mubarak counts of corruption and misman- be to Sadat during the long, convo- before the Muslim Brotherhood erable social stability,” said econo- mounted as a result of the monop- agement of public funds. However, luted negotiations that led to the won the presidency. Acquitted on mist Rashad Abdo. “This had a posi- oly he and his family exercised in he was cleared of most of the charg- Camp David Accords and the the charges of killing, he was tive effect on the former president’s Egypt’s political life for nearly three es in 2014 and left prison. historic peace treaty between Israel released from military hospital popularity among the people.” decades. In 2005, Mubarak changed Egyptians have mixed interpreta- and Egypt in 1979. When he custody three years ago. Mubarak improved Egypt’s rela- the Egyptian Constitution to allow tions of Mubarak’s legacy. He will succeeded Sadat, he proved to be a Mubarak will be remembered as tions with other Arab countries; of- competitive presidential elections. be remembered for crushing politi- steady hand and cautious by an agile international operator but a fering support to Iraq in its war with However, the 2005 elections were cal opposition, allowing corruption nature. president who balked at reforming a Iran and was instrumental in the lib- essentially a farce and Mubarak’s to metastasise and monopolising After his accession to the presi- very sick economy, a man who eration of Kuwait from Iraqi occupa- only serious rival in the vote, Ayman Egypt’s politics for 30 years. dency, he awarded himself three dreamed of his son succeeding him. tion in 1991. Nour, was jailed on charges of fabri- “Still, everybody will remember successive victories. Nominated in He was encouraged in his delusions “Those efforts succeeded in re- cating party documents. him for making his country stable parliament by his own National by Washington’s tacit acceptance of newing Arab confidence in Egypt,” Mubarak’s ruling National Demo- and holding it together for a long Democratic Party, his presidential Gamal, his son, succeeding him. said Jihad Auda, a political science cratic Party tried to control Egypt’s time,” said Tarek Fahmi, a political candidature was ratified by what In many ways, he symbolises the professor at Helwan University. “He political life exclusively, leaving no science professor at Cairo Univer- amounted to a referendum with no corruption, arrogance and lack of was instrumental in bringing the Ar- room for political contenders. The sity. “Even after stepping down, he opposition. vision of his peers who ruled the abs back together and rescuing Arab party turned into a gathering place entrusted the army with Egypt’s By 2005, he risked a multiparty Arab world. His life started with unity from the rifts caused by the for the country’s business moguls rule and refused to escape to an- poll and relaxed rules banning the promise but ended in shame and Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.” and monopolists who curried favour other country, even though he could Muslim Brotherhood. The Islamists sadness. The moves placed Egypt at the with Mubarak’s younger son, Gamal, have done so.” won 40% of the vote and 20% of the centre of Arab politics, which led to the head of the political bureau of seats in parliament. Their slogan — Francis Ghilès is an associate fellow economic assistance from oil-rich the party. Ahmed Megahid is an Egyptian “Islam is the solution” — was often at the Barcelona Centre for Interna- Arab countries and made Mubarak Gamal Mubarak’s increasing role reporter in Cairo. heard. tional Affairs. 12 March 1, 2020 News & Analysis Maghreb Algeria mulls future of agreement with EU

Lamine Ghanmi inated regime that had led the country since independence. Ana- lysts estimated that government Tunis corruption cost the country $350 billion of oil and gas sales the past fter declaring independ- two decades. ence from France, Algeria “For me, the period of the 20 became the first country years of Bouteflika’s rule is a dis- A to withdraw from the Eu- aster,” said former Prime Minister ropean Community in 1962. Now it Mokdad Sifi. “Algeria has lost 35% could be the first state in the south- of its life as an independent state.” ern Mediterranean shore to shun a “That must be more costly than free trade zone deal with the Euro- the 35% in terms of values as Alge- pean Union. ria had less resources to advance Algeria is weighing its losses rapidly in its first decades of inde- from a trade agreement with the pendence,” he added, citing manu- European Union while its govern- facturing and construction busi- ment considers deepening ties nesses that went bankrupt because with Africa to pull the country out of imports. of its economic impasse. Algeria has been party to a trade The European Union is Algeria’s agreement with the European Un- main economic partner and Alge- ion since 2005, which was broad- rian leaders were considering up- ened into a free trade zone deal. grading an association agreement However, government leaders signed in 2005 that would make voiced frustration with what they Algeria a free trade area for the Eu- said were “unbalanced terms.” ropean bloc. They said the accord opened the “Algeria is seen by its partners as Algerian market to EU imports but a big market for consumer goods,” hurt local farming and manufactur- A need for recalibration. Employees of the French carmaker Renault group working on a production said Algerian President Abdelm- ing sectors. line in Oued Tlelat in the south of the Algerian city of Oran. (AFP) adjid Tebboune. “Our ills stem “Algeria now has no farming or from unbridled imports, including manufacturing goods to export ex- over-invoicing, which is one of the cept oil and gas,” said Tebboune. corruption and central command Minister Kamel Rezig. “It is up to rate of more than 50% and employs sources of corruption promoted Former Finance Minister Abdellatif of the economy have since then the government to take the deci- 85,000 people. and favoured by many European Benachenhou said the increased prevented Algeria from diversify- sion. We will study all the aspects Algeria is prioritising economic countries.” imports even made “bees in Algeria ing its economy and fully benefit- of the free trade and its impact. But relations with Africa after it recali- redundant.” ing from the European agreement. be sure we will defend the interests brated its policy towards the Euro- “The free trade agreement “The economic model was cost- of Algeria.” pean Union and the United States. Algeria has been party to a signed 2017, which will be effective ly for the country,” said Algerian Tebboune ordered an end to im- Tebboune is invigorating ties with trade agreement with the September 2020, will be a disaster economist Naceur Bourenane. “It ports of kits for foreign car assem- Africa and the Arab region without European Union since for the national economy,” said Ali served the interests of business- bly lines because officials said the jettisoning Algeria’s close relations 2005, which was Bey Nasri, president of the Associa- people close to the regime. From plan was not helping the country with the European Union. broadened into a free tion of Algerian Exporters. He said 4.5% as a proportion of the total develop a domestic car industry He created the Algerian Agency trade zone deal. Algeria’s imports from the Europe- exports of manufactured goods in and was depleting its foreign cur- for International Cooperation for an Union totalled $283 billion since 1999, the value of sales abroad of rency reserves. Solidarity and Development with He said over-billing leads to “ill- 2005 but exports were $12 billion, high technology goods produced in “The Renault factory in Algeria a focus in Africa. He cited “restruc- gotten money” invested in Europe mostly in petroleum products.” Algeria fell less than 0.5% in 2019. has nothing to do with its factory turing projects” in Africa, includ- “after it is allowed to flow through “To the already imbalanced “For the same period, the share in Morocco,” said Tebboune. “How ing road and optical fibre networks the banking system.” terms of the deal, among the 110 of industry in the gross domestic can you create jobs while there is to link Algeria and other African Algeria, an OPEC member and a clauses of the accord, only the im- product slumped to 5% from 11%. no integration into the national states across the Sahel Sahara. top gas supplier to Europe, is un- port aspects were respected. The It is an economic and social heca- economy and outsourcing?” Algeria in January signed on to dergoing unprecedented political other clauses including technology tomb.” Renault has a plant in Oran em- the Africa Continental Free Trade change after the ouster of long- transfer and free movement of the “Business representatives and ploying 350 workers that has a pro- Area, which is seen as critical for time President Abdelaziz Boutef- people are ignored,” he said. experts are associated with broad duction capacity of 75,000 cars. In growth and job creation for Africa. lika last April. Analysts said Algeria signed the consultations to assess the deal be- neighbouring Morocco, Renault’s Tebboune promised Algeria Tebboune, who replaced Boutef- deal when the country was iso- fore deciding whether to go ahead two factories have a combined out- would end its “impasse” with an lika in December, vowed to satisfy lated while it fought a war against with the creation of a free trade put capacity of 500,000 vehicles economy depending on imports the demands of protesters decry- jihadists that claimed an estimated zone between Algeria and the Eu- annually. The automotive sector in tied to oil and exports with earn- ing an authoritarian, military-dom- 200,000 lives. They said red tape, ropean Union,” said Algerian Trade Morocco has a domestic sourcing ings linked to fluctuating prices.

Viewpoint Can Italy back the EU military plan off Libya’s coast?

be NATO’s role in this, let alone President Donald Trump nor his Turkey, Qatar and the Muslim experience in taking on military Britain’s? Perhaps more poignantly, opposite numbers in Europe want. Brotherhood. roles, unless it’s mentoring armies where will it kick off? Nobody wants the war to shift gear, This is not only a dangerous move and police forces in Somalia Martin Jay Libya. A country so messed up except perhaps Russia. by the European Union but one that and elsewhere, without locking by Western intervention that the So this curious notion in the EU is an extension of the delusional idea and loading itself. This move to European Union, unlike the United Foreign Affairs Council meeting was of having power in the Eastern Medi- “patrol” the waters is fraught with t’s a little-known fact that, States, seems to believe it needs passed that would see warships pa- terranean, such as Benito Musso- danger and reeks, like the Ital- during the second world war, more meddling from the West — in trolling the waters and supposedly lini’s mad idea of the 116 submarines ian submarines idea, of folly and Italy had a staggering number particular France and Italy — while blocking vessels laden with arms during World War II. foibles. of submarines in the Mediter- Russia does less of the talking and from getting to Libya. Where does The European Union wants to take The European Union is setting it- ranean that did little if anything more of the action by sending troops the European Union really place its the role of others who did quite a self up to be drawn into a Vietnam- for Germany and were nearly all to support Field-Marshal Khalifa loyalty? Does it really want to block deft job in mainly stopping Turkey’s like hell because it will soon find Isunk by allied ships. While Ger- Haftar, a military figure legitimately all arms? arms shipments because this is rela- one of three nightmare scenarios many’s delusional views reached installed by Libya’s parliament in ex- tively an easy box to tick. Yet, when presenting itself: new heights when it took on Russia, ile, in Tobruk, a town better known it succeeds at this, it will, in effect, One, its boats are threatened and Italy’s were confined to supposedly for the defeat of Italian soldiers by Libya, a country so be taking sides with Haftar whose it is forced to open fire, perhaps controlling the Mediterranean. the British in 1941. backers in the Gulf and Egypt, not to even on a cargo ship; two, it en- Today, this preposterous idea The European Union’s new foreign messed up by Western mention Russia, have devised much gages with a vessel that fires back; is echoed by the European Union, policy chief, Josep Borrell, appears intervention that the more effective ways of getting heavy or, three, its ships are threatened which has not learnt the lesson of to be putting together a military European Union, unlike equipment to Libya. but don’t have the mandate to fire, Brexit. The departure of the United mission that would patrol 100km Given that Turkey is aligned with which will make it the biggest joke Kingdom from the club has not sig- off the shores of Libya, supposedly the United States, Sarraj, that would lead to the obvi- to date (referencing the UN ambas- nalled to top officials in Brussels that to stop arms shipments getting to seems to believe it ous question: Is Italy a true ally to sadors’ quip about the EU it went too far with the Maastricht either side. The big thinking, which the Tripoli make-do government? plan). (1992) and Lisbon (2009) treaties, is in line with the United States, needs more meddling There is another consideration There’s a fourth worrying sce- which oversaw a power grab from is that, even though Haftar is the from the West. that pushed the European Union to nario: African refugees would seek EU members to the Belgian capital. West’s “son of a bitch,” they don’t take a military role in the Mediterra- assistance from EU vessels, which Far from it. Federalists in EU want him to take Tripoli because Recently, ships from Turkey have nean, which Italy can at least relate then, through what was agreed to institutions see the way to counter Western countries would be dragged been intercepted, which begs the to power. Like the subs in the second recently in Brussels, would cancel far-right or “populist” groups in the into a Vietnam-style situation they question: Why does the European world war that had no effect on the the operation. European parliament — a direct con- couldn’t get out of. Union need to take this role? Haftar’s allies because the Italians were too No doubt news releases have sequence of the European Union’s A Qaddafi-esque leader, who Libyan National Army even de- afraid to use them to attack, the Eu- been written justifying why the bid to take sovereignty from Eu- doesn’t have too much time for stroyed a Turkish ship in the port of ropean Union has delusional views European Union needs its own rope’s capitals — is to plough ahead democracy, taking power in Libya Tripoli when it was believed it was about its own hegemony of the army. Curious, though, that it was with even more power taking. might be troublesome but Haf- carrying arms meant for the GNA’s ocean and wants to show Turkish the Italian foreign minister who And so, an EU army — of some tar’s taking of Tripoli and forcing forces. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that insisted on this in the small print. shape or form — will emerge at some the hands of Turkey and Qatar to Perhaps even more relevant his recent ocean grab of a huge area Perhaps he is more loyal to the point, the budget of the European intensify support for the UN-backed is the role of Italy, which sup- between Turkey and Libya is illegal Tripoli fairground attraction gov- Commission is going to rise dramati- prime minister in Tripoli and the ports GNA head Fayez al-Sarraj and threatens the European Union’s ernment than he is given credit for. cally and the European Union will Government of National Accord and sits rather uncomfortably in Eastern Mediterranean energy ambi- play a bigger role around the world. (GNA) is seen as a “Heart of Dark- the EU Foreign Affairs Council tions, as well as Israel’s. Martin Jay is a freelance writer in Where is this heading? What will ness” scenario, which neither US as the only member aligned with The European Union has no real Morocco. March 1, 2020 13 Spotlight Sahel Region Mauritania takes over G5 Sahel leadership

Lamine Ghanmi “The death toll today is exponen- game on the Sahel. tial that I believe it is time to explore “He is able to resolve the pend- other ways,” said Keita, citing Alge- ing conflicts without making noise Tunis ria’s talks with Islamists that ended as he has the ability to build bridges a civil war in the early 2000s. between the alliance members and auritania, a poor but rela- cement an agenda that rallies their tively stable and secure UN figures indicate the support and the backing of foreign country in West Africa, powers with influence in the re- jihadist attacks in Mali, has assumed the rotat- gion.” M Niger and Burkina Faso ing presidency of the G5 Sahel alli- “He has the vision to mobilise the ance at a time the region struggles killed 4,000 people in common efforts towards the same with the rapid expansion of jihadist 2019. target to restore security without groups. neglecting economic and social de- Mauritanian President Mohamed There is a large foreign military velopment,” Ould Ahmednah add- Ould Ghazouani assumed leader- presence in Mali, including France’s ed. ship of the five-country military al- biggest foreign military mission. He cited Ould Ghazouani’s ties liance at the end of a summit, taking The main security threat in Burki- with France, which has the biggest over from Burkina Faso President na Faso is Ansarul Islam, linked to military presence in the Sahel; Saudi Roch Marc Christian Kabore. the Macina Liberation Front, also Arabia and the United Arab Emir- Burkina Faso is among countries known as Katibat Macina. That ates, which provide funding for the fight against jihadism; and Algerian in the region that have suffered ji- group has ties to Jama’at Nasr al- Closing ranks. (L-R) Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, hadist attacks in recent years, which Islam wal Muslimin, an alliance of Ghazouani, Nigeria’s President Mahamadou Issoufou (2nd L), who expressed solidarity with “our experts fear could seep into Senegal, Ansar Dine, al-Qaeda in the Islam- Burkina Faso’s President Roch Marc Christian Kabore and Chad’s brothers in the Sahel.” Guinea Bissau and Guinea. ic Maghreb and Al Mourabitoun, President Idriss Deby leave the Chateau de Pau after a meeting as Ould Ghazouani said he hopes UN figures indicate the jihadist which competes with the Islamic part of the G5 Sahel summit in Pau, January 13. (Reuters) attacks in Mali, Niger and Burkina State in the Greater Sahara. to see the deployment of “regional Faso killed 4,000 people in 2019. Ould Ghazouani outlined a strat- military forces comprising light and The attacks also caused the displace- egy to allow G5 countries to more mobile units that know very well the General Assembly of the Sahel Alli- rican Union, which plans to deploy ment of more than 770,000 people, closely cooperate in combating ji- ground of their operations.” ance in Mauritania February 26. That 15,000 soldiers in the Sahel. including 20,000 schoolchildren, hadist threats. A former army gener- “Insecurity in the Sahel region is alliance includes Germany, France, “We urgently need to score victo- Burkinabe authorities said. al and defence minister, Ould Ghaz- aggravating an already fragile cli- Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emir- ries against terrorism in the Sahel,” Jihadist groups in the Sahel have ouani is well-positioned to take on mate in the region,” Ould Ghazouani ates and other countries backing the said African Union Commission taken advantage of the absence of the leadership of the G5, which in- said. “The situation of the region re- fight against jihadism by financing Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat. an international strategy towards cludes Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad quires larger cooperation.” economic development. UN Secretary-General Antonio the Libyan crisis but also by re- and Burkina Faso, analysts said. “Libya’s conflict caused more de- “The urgency now is not more Guterres has also spoken of the need gional and internal factors, includ- “The takeover by President Ould terioration to the situation in the Sa- mobilising funds,” said French For- for urgent action, saying “we are not ing expansion of extremist groups Ghazouani of the leadership of the hel through the smuggling of weap- eign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, in the midst of winning the war in in countries beset with communal G5 at this crucial juncture is a source ons and drugs trafficking,” he added. who led the meeting after the G5 se- the Sahel.” conflicts, climate change and pov- of confidence, optimism and hope UAE Minister of State Ahmed cured more than $12 billion in fund- Niger’s troops killed 120 jihad- erty, experts said. for the peoples of the region and Ali al-Sayegh lent support to Ould ing from the World Bank and other ists on February 1 in joint opera- The spread of Islamic extremism their leaders,” said Mauritanian se- Ghazouani, saying “Mauritania’s institutions. “It is to achieve devel- tions with French forces in the Til- has overwhelmed Mali, where Presi- curity expert Mohamed Yahya Ould presidency… will bring about more opment projects in the region,” he laberi area. The French military dent Ibrahim Boubacar Keita made Ahmednah. “The president has a success to the grouping.” said. killed more than 50 jihadists in cen- the unprecedented move of engag- long experience and deep under- Sayegh, chairman of Abu Dhabi The G5 also secured military sup- tral Mali where the Macina group ing in dialogue with the jihadists. standing of the intricacies of the Global Market, attended the first port for the first time from the Af- is present. Interview The US take on al-Qaeda, ISIS threat in West Africa

Anderson said, emphasising that Between the advances of it’s a local phenomenon. al-Qaeda and ISIS-linked fighters, The cooperation allows extrem- once-peaceful Burkina Faso has ist groups to appeal to a wider become the latest front for what Carley Petesch audience in a largely rural region experts call an alarming rate of where government presence is deadly attacks. he only place sparse and frustration with The al-Qaeda affiliates visit fighters linked to unemployment is high. The past areas in advance to “engage with al-Qaeda and the year has seen a surge in violence in key leaders in key locations to Islamic State the Sahel, with more than 2,600 recruit early,” Anderson said. terrorist groups are people killed and more than Others move in later. cooperating is in 500,000 displaced in Burkina The fighters fund themselves West Africa’s Faso. with kidnappings for ransom as sprawling Sahel, Al-Qaeda is the deeper threat they attempt to control access to Tgiving extremists greater depth as both in the region and globally, markets via taxation, he said. They they push into new areas, the Anderson said. also are likely eyeing what has commander of the US military’s “Islamic State is much more been a source of income for special forces in Africa said. aggressive and blunt and so in centuries: gold. “I believe that, if it’s left some ways [it appears] to be the “I believe they’d be happy to be unchecked, it could very easily greater threat,” he said. However, able to control some of the develop into a great threat to the al-Qaeda, which continues to artisanal mines and the other West and the United States,” US Air quietly expand, is “for us the mines in the area, especially the Small engagement. US Army soldiers, assigned to the East Africa Force Brigadier-General Dagvin longer strategic concern.” gold and other precious metals Response Force, on a mission to bolster the security of Manda Bay Anderson said. Al-Qaeda has consolidated that are easily transportable,” Airfield, Kenya, after an attack by Somalia’s al Shabaab militants, The leader of US Special Opera- efforts in northern Mali and is Anderson said. Djibouti, January 5. (Reuters) tions Command Africa described moving south into more populated While al-Qaeda affiliates work the threat even as the Pentagon areas “and taking various groups towards establishing safe havens, goes beyond military efforts, relatively small military footprint considers reducing the US military and galvanising them together the Islamic State in the Greater Anderson said: “There’s no easy of about 1,400 personnel in West presence in Africa. into a coherent movement,” Sahara is working to destabilise answer.” Africa. The United States has Experts have long worried about Anderson said. local governance, control territory Many young men in the largely about 6,000 troops on the conti- collaboration between al-Qaeda The most prominent of those and rally people to their cause, he impoverished region feel isolated nent. and the Islamic State (ISIS). While affiliates is a coalition of al-Qaeda- said. from the government and are Anderson countered that the cooperation in the Sahel is not a linked groups known as JNIM with The strategy for countering the drawn in by extremists’ promises United States is doing a lot in the direct threat to the United States about 2,000 fighters, the Centre growing threat from the patch- of employment and purpose. Sahel through the US State or the West, “it’s very destabilising for Strategic and International work of Islamic extremist groups is “Al-Qaeda, whether we agree Department, a large US Agency for to the region,” Anderson said. Studies said. a whole-of-governance one that with it or not, brings some level of International Development He spoke on the sidelines of the West Africa’s Sahel, the vast justice to many of these areas and presence and investment. “Instead US military’s annual counterter- strip of land just south of the some level of services that aren’t of looking at the size of the rorism exercise in West Africa, the Sahara, for years has struggled to provided by central governments,” presence, I think we should look at most active region for extremists contain the extremist threat. In “I believe that, if it’s Anderson said, “and they provide what is the appropriate engage- on the continent. 2012, al-Qaeda-linked fighters left unchecked, it some representation to minority ment across the government, from The alarming collaboration in seized large sections of northern could very easily groups that don’t feel part of the all levels,” he said. the Sahel between affiliates of Mali. French forces pushed them larger community, such as the With very small engagement, al-Qaeda and ISIS is a result of from strongholds in 2013 but the develop into a great Fulani or the Tuareg.” the United States can help coun- ethnic ties in the region that fighters regrouped and spread threat to the West African partners need to invest tries develop the capabilities to includes Mali, Niger and Burkina south. in governance, he emphasised, build coalitions and share intelli- Faso. The largest ISIS affiliate in the and the United though international involvement gence, Anderson said. “Whereas in other parts of the region, Islamic State in the Greater States.” is necessary. “It’s going to take all these world they have different objec- Sahara, emerged more recently The French lead the military nations working together but also tives and a different point of view and claimed responsibility for effort in the Sahel with more than it’s going to have to be African that tends to bring Islamic State killing four US soldiers in Niger in US Air Force 5,000 troops and they hope to solutions to an African problem,” and al-Qaeda into conflict, here 2017. The attack led to an outcry in Brigadier-General bring in more European partners. he said. they’re able to overcome that and Washington and questions about The French have urged the United work for a common purpose,” the US military presence in Africa. Dagvin Anderson States to reconsider any cuts to its (The Associated Press) 14 March 1, 2020 News & Analysis Lebanon As coronavirus cases traced to Iran travel, Lebanese call for air link suspension

Samar Kadi The third case was on a February 24 flight from Iran. They were all quarantined at a special ward at Beirut Rafik Hariri University Hospital in Beirut. ebanon confirmed three The government’s decision to cases of the coronavirus “ban air, land and sea travel for and linked all, including individuals coming from China, L an Iranian man, to Iran, South Korea, Iran, Italy and other prompting the Lebanese govern- places,” exempted Lebanese na- ment to suspend travel from coun- tionals and foreigners residing in tries reporting infections of the Lebanon. A statement by the Min- disease. istry of Public Works and Trans- People demonstrated outside port said Lebanon could ban travel the Lebanese Ministry of Public from other countries infected with Health, calling for an immediate the virus when seen necessary. suspension of air traffic with Iran Dr Abdel Rahman Bizri, a spe- and other infected areas, a move cialist in infectious diseases and the government initially resisted among physicians advising the and that supporters of the Iran- Ministry of Public Health on meas- backed Hezbollah slammed as po- ures to face the infection, said the litically motivated. group suggested procedures that “As if what Iran is sending to the government implemented par- Lebanon and the Lebanese is not tially. enough, so it sent us coronavirus,” “The government has not ac- said an editorial on the local MTV cepted some of the measures we station, a harsh critic of Iran and have proposed, such as isolating Hezbollah, in an apparent refer- all travellers from infected places ence to weapons Tehran sends to even if they did not show symp- the group. toms of the disease, suspending all flights linking Lebanon to the While supporters of groups infected areas immediately and having stricter control on the ap- opposed to Hezbollah plication of self-isolation at home,” blame Iran for the Bizri said. Precautionary measures. A border official checks the temperature of a passenger, following the introduction of the virus While travellers showing symp- outbreak of the coronavirus in China, at a border crossing between Syria and Lebanon in Jdaydet into Lebanon, non- toms at Beirut Rafik Hariri Inter- Yabous, Syria, February 12. (Reuters) partisans said Iran should national Airport or land crossings be singled out the same with Syria were being quarantined way as other infected parts for two weeks, others are given not all people are.” grims who travel to holy sites in have averted travelling there by of the world. medical instructions and asked to “If you want to prevent the Qom on cheaper flights from Da- many Lebanese,” Imad added. isolate themselves at their homes. spread of the virus in an effective mascus. Compared with other countries Relying on self-isolation is not way, you have to isolate all the peo- While supporters of groups op- in the region, the virus occurrence “Thank you, Iran for allowing a the best and most effective solu- ple coming from infected areas. posed to Hezbollah blame Iran for in Lebanon is considered accept- jet carrying people infected with tion, Bizri said. If you want to have them stay at the introduction of the virus into able or mild, Bizri said. coronavirus to enter our airspace. “It requires a very close follow- home, you have to convince them Lebanon, non-partisans said Iran “We need to have daily evalua- Is this the way countries cooperate up and monitoring of potential cas- and enforce their self-isolation. should be singled out the same way tion of the effectiveness of the pre- and is this the help that you prom- es by the Ministry of Health, a key This necessitates a serious and as other infected parts of the world. cautionary measures and change ised Lebanon?” the editorial asked. role by the municipalities, the civil strong approach by the govern- “The virus did not come specifi- them if need be, because the con- It alluded to a recent visit to society as well as the security forc- ment,” Bizri said. cally from Iran, which was infected sequences of people’s return from Lebanon by Iranian parliament es to help implement the measure Planes from infected areas are like Italy and other countries,” said infected areas will continue to ap- Speaker Ali Larijani, who said Teh- and also big awareness and respon- directed away from the terminal Randa Imad, a mother of three. pear,” he said. ran was ready to help Lebanon ad- sibility by the concerned persons,” and passengers proceed through “However, I believe the Iranians The virus has infected more than dress its worst economic crisis in Bizri said, adding, “the latest case a specific passage, where they are did not reveal the cases they have 80,000 globally, killing at least decades. (the Iranian man), for instance, checked by a Health Ministry team. for some time, until it was not pos- 2,700. The first two coronavirus cases has not abided by the rule of self- The government also tightened sible to keep them secret anymore.” involved women returning from isolation. This is a problem because control at the main land crossing “I blame Iran for not disclosing Samar Kadi is The Arab Weekly a week-long pilgrimage to Qom. you have to be disciplined and from Syria used by many Shia pil- the infection earlier. This could Travel and Society section editor. Viewpoint Is this the end of Lebanon’s thawra or just the beginning?

exchanged ideas with a spirit miss the point. on a recent visit to Lebanon. Mallat argued thawra is taking of camaraderie, curiosity and “When the garbage crisis took “I see a big change in people,” up not just the themes of regional creativity,” she said. “The thawra place three summers ago, 4 mil- he said. “They no longer endure protests in 2011-12 but of the Nah- Gareth Smyth has brought people together in a lion Lebanese became experts in arbitrary authority, whether in da (“Awakening”) of the late 19th similar way.” rubbish disposal,” he said. “Now, politics or banking, as something century, which arguably began Might the exhibition’s closure everybody is becoming an expert they can do nothing about. The in Beirut when in 1863 Boutros n art exhibition just coincide with the end of thawra? in banking and on the constitu- fact the current government ap- Boustany opened Al-Madrasa Al- closed at the Sursock Activities around tents in Beirut tion. The citizen is so directly pears fearless doesn’t mean that Wataniyya (the National School) Museum in Beirut. and street protests have tailed affected that he or she feels the fear has not changed sides: that’s to foster citizenship regardless of It opened October off and many observers have need to understand the roots of just the way these rulers operate.” sect. 17, the same day the switched focus to the financial cri- the crisis.” Thawra has been imaginative “We didn’t have the phrase thawra (“revolution”) sis as the government of Lebanese Mallat pointed to a plethora of in propaganda of the deed. In dawla madiniya (“civil govern- beganA as protests erupted on Prime Minister Hassan Diab hosts lectures, meetings and discussions December, chants of “Out! Out! ment”) during the Nahda,” said Lebanon’s streets. advisers from the International taking place across the country. Out!” drove former Prime Minister Mallat. “It emerged in Egypt in “At the Still Point of the Turn- Monetary Fund and frets over Originally impromptu, slowly Fouad Siniora from a Christmas 2011. We don’t want to use the ing World, There is the Dance,” whether to repay a $1.2 billion more organised through social concert at the American University word ‘secular’ because it’s not listed among the world’s top 15 Eurobond due March 9. media, these are becoming more of Beirut. Public shaming includes ours. A ‘civil state’ doesn’t mean exhibitions in 2019 by New York Protesters, who precipitated settled. Subjects are as diverse as disturbing politicians as they dine anything in classical political magazine Hyperallergic, focused Saad Hariri’s resignation as prime banking, the constitution, gender at up-market restaurants. theory but the revolution is inven- on painters and poets in 1960s and minister in October, are equally violence and sectarianism. Protesters have highlighted tive.” 1970s Lebanon but it resonated dissatisfied with Diab, who dis- Some working in art and culture the illegal usurpation of 180km Mallat argued that Lebanon among Lebanese too young to missed their demands for early are organising under the umbrella of publicly owned seafront by is part of a wider awakening. remember those times. elections. Those cynical about of a larger group called Profes- well-connected developers. In “Across the region, there is a pro- Co-curator Carla Chammas the thawra point out that parlia- sional Women and Men. November, picnickers congregated cess of enlightenment, a search agreed that the show sparked mentary and municipal polls are “At this stage, we’re discussing at Zaitunay Bay, a private develop- for something different,” he said. nostalgia but that its echoes are not due until 2022 and that this is and trying to agree on a mission ment in Beirut aimed at wealthy “The vibrancy is stunning. Look louder. “[In the period covered] unlikely to change, given that the statement,” said a 50-something tourists. at Saudi Arabia and the debate intellectuals, thinkers, politi- Diab government has a majority in participant. “We’re communi- Women have been prominent between Islamic feminists and the cians and artists cohabited and parliament with support from the cating, networking, things are throughout, as have once-obscure literalists of the Hanbali tradition. two Shia parties, Amal and Hez- evolving but there are already demands such as judicial inde- If you’re on an Iraqi Whatsapp, bollah, and from the Free Patriotic two active subgroups, one work- pendence. Protesters, even in you can have 30 or 40 messages Movement, the Christian party ing on a reform plan for existing January’s “week of rage,” have before you wake up in the morn- founded by Lebanese President syndicates and the other on media overwhelmingly opted for non- ing.” Thawra has been Michel Aoun. productions to express the group’s violence. Even a spate of attacks imaginative in Chibli Mallat, Lebanese law pro- views.” on ATMs in January quickly died Gareth Smyth is a regular fessor and author of the 2005 book Similar sentiments come from out, not just because of extra bank contributor to The Arab Weekly. propaganda of the “Philosophy of Nonviolence,” said a 30-year-old Lebanese in Europe security but due to public revul- He has reported from the Middle deed. the naysayers who joined protests with friends sion. East since 1992. March 1, 2020 15 Viewpoint Palestine Israel Washington offers blank cheque but decision of when to annex largely depends on Israel’s politics

in the West Bank, no matter how the issues of sovereignty or internation- al recognition were decided. Geoffrey Aronson Building on Begin’s lifelong commitment to Israel’s sovereign control over “Judea and Samaria,” he US and Israeli teams the direction of all subsequent working on annexation Israeli policies — from the “autono- have been announced, my” plan mooted at Camp David to followed by an initial Yitzhak Rabin’s offer of “less than a meeting in the West state” weeks before his assassina- Bank settlement of Ariel. tion to Trump’s conditional support TTheir mission: to draw a map of the for an ersatz state — has been based West Bank reflecting an unprec- on annexation of approximately half edented US-Israel agreement on the of the West Bank and its Palestinian extent of annexation of territories analogue — the destruction of the conquered by Israel in June 1967. territorial foundations for Palestin- Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin ian sovereignty west of the Jordan Netanyahu explained that “the River. mapping is under way in order to al- The Trump administration’s sup- low for the application of Israeli law port for annexation removes a giant on these areas and later American obstacle that has constrained if not recognition as well.” prevented Israel’s appetite to rule Netanyahu certainly welcomes US as sovereign de jure over the West Beyond creeping. Israel’s controversial concrete barrier separating the Jewish settlement of Pisgat President Donald Trump’s historic Bank territory. Zeev in the northern part of east Jerusalem and the Palestinian area of Al-Ram in the occupied West readiness to support annexation. As a consequence of the Knesset Bank. (AFP) However, the major constraint to an action in June 1967, an administra- Israeli decision to annex all or parts tive decision is all that is needed of the West Bank is not — now or today in order to apply Israeli law, ever — the view in Washington but that is to annex, to any additional Settlement construction intensifies rather the multifaceted considera- part of the West Bank. tions driving Israeli policy in the Trump’s views are not the decid- West Bank. ing factor as Israel contemplates with Trump’s ‘vision for peace’ annexation. Both Jerusalem and the Golan Heights were annexed by acts of the Knesset without US approval proposal, the Americans and The international community The reasons or, until the Trump era, Washing- Israelis are moving ahead with its had seen this corridor as an impor- underlying Dayan’s ton’s formal acknowledgement. implementation. tant link between the West Bank opposition to de Israel has spent decades removing US Ambassador to Israel David and East Jerusalem for a future territorial, demographic and inter- Kamel Hawwash Friedman, a known supporter of contiguous Palestinian state with jure annexation are national obstacles to annexation. illegal Israeli settlements, is on a East Jerusalem — not “Eastern still relevant today The intention to remain as the sole mission to plan Israel’s annexation Jerusalem” — as its capital. sovereign power west of the Jordan he United States has plans, joining a US-Israeli commit- Condemnation came from the and they continue has provided the essential policy given Israel the green tee to develop detailed annexation Palestinian Authority but also to act as the primary framework for all of its occupation light to escalate settle- boundaries, an astonishing state from the European Union and the restraint on Israel’s policies. ment construction but of affairs when the United States United Kingdom. The hypocrisy The placement of Jewish settle- the rest of the world should be an honest broker. of the international community appetite for the ments and the construction of roads still objects. For Israeli Prime Minister came from Germany and Canada. West Bank. connecting them while “bypassing” TLast November, US Secretary Binyamin Netanyahu, these are Both condemned the settlement Palestinian towns, the 2005 deci- of State Mike Pompeo announced golden days when he receives gift announcements as illegal but also sion to evacuate Gaza and support that: “After carefully studying after gift from Trump that previ- wrote to the International Crimi- The legal and administrative for limited Palestinian self-rule all sides of the legal debate, this ous Israeli leaders could only have nal Court arguing that it should infrastructure for annexation — at outlined in the autonomy, Oslo, US administration agrees… (the) es- dreamed of and hoped they would not open an investigation into least in Israeli eyes — was estab- President George H.W. Bush and tablishment of Israeli civilian set- come over a period of decades. this and other violations because lished within a week of Israel’s now Trump plans are all part of a tlements in the West Bank is not, Whether for reasons to do with “Palestine” is not a state. conquest in 1967 when the Knes- grand design intended to consoli- per se, inconsistent with interna- realising the Zionist dream or set empowered the government to date sole Israeli suzerainty west of tional law,” reversing decades of political expediency to improve extend “Israeli law, jurisdiction and the Jordan River at Palestinian the United States considering the his standing in the third elections Trump’s “vision for public administration over the en- expense, while reducing the demo- settlements in the West Bank, East for Israel in one year, Netanyahu tire area of the Land of Israel.” The graphic “cost” borne by Israel. Jerusalem and the Golan Heights is escalating the number of an- peace” is turning into measure passed with little debate. The maps detailing the joint US- illegal. nouncements of more Jewish-only Netanyahu’s reality of Only two members of Knesset — Israel understanding for this “de- The last time the UN Security housing units. from the Communist Party — voted luxe annexation” — the most land Council passed a resolution on The announcements seem more “grand theft auto of against the measure. with the fewest Palestinians — have settlements was in the twilight focused on Jerusalem, designed Palestinian land.” Although empowered to annex already been prepared and agreed. of the Obama administration, to increase the number of Jews in all its conquests — from Sharm The membership of the US “negoti- December 23, 2016, on which the East Jerusalem, detach the holy In any case, Netanyahu, a man el-Sheikh to Jebel el-Sheikh — the ating” team under US Ambassador United States abstained, allowing city from the West Bank and elimi- facing charges of corruption, brib- government limited the extension to Israel David Friedman and his it to pass. nate the chance of a capital for ery, fraud and breach of trust, is of sovereignty de jure to Jordanian support for Israel’s annexation of UN Security Council Resolution Palestinians in “Eastern Jerusa- in no mood to listen to reason. To — rebranded as “united” Jerusalem Hebron announced at the outset of 2334 affirmed “that the establish- lem,” as the Trump plan suggests. him, international law applies to — notably including the Holy Basin the talks, set to last only one week, ment by Israel of settlements in One of the areas targeted is in everyone except Israel. The United and the airport at Kalandia near reflect Washington’s unprecedented the Palestinian territory occupied Kufr Aqab, which includes the site States is not helping rein him in. Ramallah. endorsement of this objective. since 1967, including East Jeru- of the former Jerusalem airport at In fact, by recognising the set- Israel has always coveted the land Yet the reasons underlying salem, has no legal validity and Qalandia, straddling East Jerusa- tlements as legal and supporting it conquered in June 1967 but not Dayan’s opposition to de jure an- constitutes a flagrant violation lem and Ramallah. The plan is to Israel’s annexation of illegally occu- the Palestinians who lived there. nexation are still relevant today and under international law.” build 6,000-9,000 illegal housing pied land, including in the Jordan The issue of annexation — and the they continue to act as the primary The resolution stated it would units only for Jews and remove Valley, the United States is throw- associated challenge of minimising restraint on Israel’s appetite for the not recognise any changes to the the chance of even the tiniest of ing international law to the wall. its effect on the powers of the Jew- West Bank. June 4, 1967, lines, “including airports for the Palestinians. The honourable thing for the ish majority — have long been near Israel’s ability to manage this with regard to Jerusalem, other It would add to the feeling of United States to do would be to the top of Israel’s political agenda. process and not the views in Wash- than those agreed by the parties Palestinians in Ramallah that they leave the United Nations, which In 1977, Moshe Dayan, the Israeli ington, no matter how important, through negotiations.” are being surrounded by illegal it despises and attacks almost on most responsible for Israel’s policies remains the most potent obstacle US President Donald Trump’s settlements. This would necessi- a daily basis especially because it of occupation, won a commitment to annexation. Over almost five “peace to prosperity” plan rides tate that Israel’s security needs are says the United Nations is unfair from the new prime minister Mena- decades of Israeli rule, Israel has roughshod over international met with unknown consequences to Israel. However, it will not do chem Begin not to annex West Bank created facts on the ground that law by rejecting Security Council for Palestinians in neighbouring that because it has a veto in the de jure as a condition for joining increasingly enable Israeli leaders to resolutions as the basis for a peace areas. Security Council, which it regular- Begin’s Likud-led government. accept the costs of formal annexa- agreement between Israelis and Netanyahu’s latest announce- ly uses to protect its interests and Begin’s victory over the Labour tion. Palestinians. It not only entrench- ment is about building in an area those of its allies, primarily Israel. Party was an earthquake in Israel’s Trump and Friedman are impor- es the Jewish-only settlement much of the world has seen as a Trump’s “vision for peace” is political history, all the more so tant cheerleaders but the compli- enterprise, it talks about revoking red line, one referred to as E1. This turning into Netanyahu’s reality because of Dayan’s post-election cated decision to annex remains, as Israeli citizenship from 300,000 is an area next to the illegal settle- of “grand theft auto of Palestinian agreement to serve under Begin’s it always has, in Israel’s hands. Palestinian citizens of Israel in the ment of Ma’ale Adumim, which is land.” leadership. Dayan’s partnership Triangle area. effectively a Jewish-only city. The with Begin was an unambiguous Geoffrey Aronson is a non-resident While the Palestinians, who advancement of such a plan would Kamel Hawwash is a Britain-based illustration of the broad Israeli con- scholar at the Middle East Institute were absent from the develop- seal Jerusalem off from the West Palestinian university professor sensus for remaining permanently in Washington. ment of the plan, rejected the Bank. and writer. 16 March 1, 2020 Viewpoint Turkey Erdogan’s gamble set the stage for the tragic chapter in Syria

Yavuz Baydar

iven the depth of the Syrian quagmire, it was obvious from the outset how high Turk- ish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had Gset the stakes for his political and military acrobatics and inherent risks involved. The killing of at least 33 Turkish troops in Idlib in seemingly well- calculated Syrian air strikes — which amount to a massacre — is the result of Erdogan’s gamble, which opens a new phase in the tragic story. The mass killing of the troops is one of the darkest episodes in mod- ern Turkish history, perhaps only comparable to the Turkish losses suffered in the Korean War. Yet, it is hard to measure the magnitude of the trauma or the horror caused in the theatre of Idlib. There are two reasons for that: The first has to do with the paralysed Turkish media, which systematically blacks out news from the battlefield and the massive blockage imposed on the internet the day after the massacre. Second, the domestic mood in Turkey is drabbled with the frenzy Military acrobatics. Turkey’s National Defence Minister Hulusi Akar (C) and Turkish Army top commanders arrive to inspect troops at of nationalism, cutting across the the border with Syria, in Hatay, February 3. (AP) ideological segments. This sensa- tion is Erdogan’s own making. He has ruthlessly whipped up the necessary, expand and extend his behavioural pattern — Putin issued This is the reason Erdogan — and and there is no apparent rationale frenzy to secure the consolidation legitimacy upon the dire circum- warnings against any war with Syr- his earlier adviser Ahmet Davutoglu for NATO to join Erdogan’s adven- of absolutist power and to bash the stances. The world may still not ian troops and the situation ended — went for regime change in Syria ture. Experts are clear that Article 5 already weak opposition. have grasped it, so it is worth in bloodshed. and why Turkey sent thousands of of the NATO Treaty does not apply After the mass killing of Turkish repeating: Erdogan’s mind works Russia’s pattern in the 9-year Turkish troops onto Syrian soil. in the case of Idlib. At best, for troops, one point stands out as fur- at its best within the chaos. It even Syrian conflict leaves no doubt. No As some of his foes pointed out, Erdogan, some missile deployments ther confirmation of how doomed thrives on it. matter what, nothing will be left as long as Erdogan stays in power, in adjacent Hatay province may be Erdogan’s regional policies and The West, especially the Europe- to stand between the legitimacy the world will not have eliminated an option. anti-diplomatic stances are. The an Union, remains aloof or, at best, of Damascus and its strategic ally, this element of monopolist political The European Union should not only question remaining is when — gullible, but the Russians may have Moscow. Also, Syria will be the cem- Islam, which is threatening nor- blink, either. If Erdogan decides to not if — the approach will collapse. realised how “slippery” Erdogan etery for armed Islamist jihadism. malisation in the Muslim world. use the poor refugees as pawns in Part of Erdogan’s limitless gamble is. To Moscow, he has remained a There is no sign that Russia will What’s next for Turkey’s a cynical power game with it, the is to survive on one sustainable useful wedge to weaken NATO and offer any concession to Turkey that squeezed president, after the mas- response should be a massive for- crisis after the other and, whenever the European Union but Russian may damage its Syria strategy. sacre of the troops? He launches tifying of the Greek and Bulgarian President Vladimir Putin is no US Russia is the wall that Erdogan, the obvious, as the United States borders and intense sea patrols. President Donald Trump or German pushing down the gas pedal, has cynically encourages him to combat Meanwhile, the viable option Chancellor Angela Merkel when it finally hit. Syrian and Russian forces: Calling for both NATO and the European comes to blinking. The Turkish president will remain NATO for active help in an attempt Union should be to call on Erdogan Meanwhile, the viable Determined to help the Assad as the world has known him. He has to widen the (personal) war he is to immediately pull his forces out of option for both NATO regime regain its territorial control the sense that there is a count- engaged in and, to further frighten Syria and, when done, begin a pro- and the European and annihilate the jihadist militia down that will terminate his time the European Union, threatening to cess that aims to tackle the refugee in Syria, Putin waited patiently to in power, he knows he is cornered let loose the flow of refugees across crisis in Syria, Turkey, Lebanon and Union should be to see whether Erdogan would fulfil and facing no way out but he will — Turkey’s western border. Jordan in a coherent manner. call Erdogan to his promise to cleanse the jihadist must — continue to drive his eternal Playing the NATO card will most terror groups and, when he realised cause to assist jihadists across the likely not end in the way he hopes. Yavuz Baydar is a Turkish immediately pull his that he was being played — deceit region and beyond; this is It is a fact that Turkish troops are at journalist and regular columnist for forces out of Syria. is Erdogan’s landmark recurring his raison d’etre. war on the territory they invaded The Arab Weekly. Turkey’s cover-ups in Libya

to a new era. a colonel and others in Libya to limit by Turkey to Libya,” Marc Pierini, Turkey could not do that because of Five weeks later, Ankara and pro- the political damage. visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe the minimal public support, which is government news outlets are play- “I don’t think there is much sup- and former EU ambassador to Tur- why it sent the Syrian mercenaries. David Lepeska ing down the Turkish military role in port, if any, for a Libya intervention,” key, told Ahval in a podcast. Dimitar Bechev, research fellow at Libya, covering up negative reports Ozel said in an Ahval News podcast, He said the deal had no real legal the Atlantic Council, said Erdogan and silencing those who discuss the “but it’s started, it can’t be stopped, basis and pointed out that, while had to strike a balance between nly weeks ago, Turk- conflict online. I suppose, so better to keep things Turkey signed the agreement with dispatching enough troops to shape ish officials regularly Turkey has backed the UN- quiet, especially if there are casual- the GNA, the landfall of Libya’s the outcome without getting bogged vaunted the country’s recognised Government of National ties in Libya.” maritime area is controlled by the down and suffering domestic blow- military intervention Accord (GNA) for a few years and While Turkey’s operations in Syria GNA’s enemy, Libyan National Army back. in Libya in support of stepped up that support by dispatch- address widespread concern about Field-Marshal Khalifa Haftar. “It’s Bechev said he did not expect a their maritime borders ing some of its own soldiers along Kurdish militants and Syrian refu- kind of a dubious logic that you have few thousand Syrian rebels to shift Odeal with the Tripoli-based Govern- with as many as 6,000 Syrian rebels gees, Ozel added, Libya had no ef- here at work,” said Pierini. the balance of power in Libya. “If ment of National Accord. to the North African country. fect on the lives of Turkish citizens. In February, the European Union you want to minimise your footprint “To help the legitimate Libyan On February 25, Erdogan said “Libya is just too remote and no began a new naval and air mission and just send Syrians, I don’t think government stay in power and to Turkish military advisers were only amount of ‘Ataturk fought there,’ ‘It to enforce the UN arms embargo on that will do the trick,” he told Ahval. ensure stability, we are now sending there to train and coordinate the used to be Ottoman Empire,’ ‘Now Libya. Pierini said the new embargo This is one reason Harchaoui our troops to this country,” Turkish Syrian rebels. He acknowledged the we have this (maritime) agreement’ mission had a chance to significantly said he expected the next phase of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan death of two Turkish personnel, a will resonate with the larger public,” slow shipments from the likes of the Libyan war to be much more said in mid-January, stressing how reduction from when he recently he said. Turkey and the United Arab Emir- intense, which will likely result in protecting Turkey’s rights in the spoke of “a few martyrs.” Observers said Turkey’s interven- ates, Haftar’s main backer. many more dead Turkish soldiers — Mediterranean would lead Also recently, e-mail and social tion was mainly an effort to ensure Whether its shipments reach and more cover-ups. media accounts of two columnists its maritime borders deal with Libya or not, Jalel Harchaoui, “Every clue points to a very nega- for nationalist Yenicag newspaper the GNA, which Ankara appar- research fellow at Dutch think-tank tive destructive scenario, which is were hacked after they said Turkish ently believes gives it a seat at the the Clingendael Institute, said he ex- much worse than everything we soldiers in Libya had been killed and Eastern Mediterranean negotiating pected Turkey to continue to pursue have experienced over the last 10 Critics accused the buried with no official funerals. table. The deal challenges maritime an inconsistent policy in Libya. months,” he said. Turkish government Soli Ozel, international rela- boundaries established by Greece “It is engaged in a logic that of covering up the tions professor at Istanbul’s Kadir and Cyprus. Those countries, along consists in announcing the military David Lepeska, a freelance Has University, said few people in with the European Union, have intervention in Libya in a very overt, journalist, has reported about death of a colonel and Turkey back the Libya intervention, said the deal is null and void and official manner,” he told Ahval. “If Turkey, including Kurdish areas in others in Libya to particularly because Ankara sent the United States described it as you are consistent with yourself, south-eastern Turkey, from 2013- thousands of troops into Syria’s Idlib provocative. then you should send 6,000 Turkish 16. This article first appeared on limit political province. Critics accused the gov- “I call it a unilateral deal because soldiers.” ahvalnews.com and is republished damage. ernment of covering up the death of it was designed by Turkey and sold Harchaoui acknowledged that with permission. March 1, 2020 17 News & Analysis Iran Tehran faces accusations over coronavirus outbreak amid regime crisis

Thomas Seibert death toll was 50. Sources in the Iranian health sys- tem told the BBC’s Persian Service Istanbul that the number of deaths stood at 210, more than six times the official uthorities in Iran, the coun- figure. try with the highest mortal- Even a calculation using the of- ity rate from coronavirus ficial number of fatalities out of A infections, are facing ac- 388 total cases suggests the virus cusations of mishandling the spiral- is much more deadly in Iran than Poor response. Workers disinfect subway trains against coronavirus in Tehran, February 26. (AP) ling public health problem, a devel- anywhere else. The World Health opment that signals a new crisis of Organisation said the virus was fa- legitimacy for the Islamic Republic tal in 2% of infected cases. In Iran, with four lawmakers, top clerics and cause it comes against the backdrop ing of figures,” government spokes- regime, analysts said. Health Ministry figures indicate, the other officials stricken. of the two other major scandals,” man Ali Rabiei said. While Iranian President Hassan death toll represents almost 9% of Other uncertainties put a further Hashemi said by telephone. “It will Iranian Health Minister Saeed Rohani said the outbreak could be reported infections. spotlight on what critics described further undermine the regime’s le- Namaki said travellers from China defeated within weeks, his deputy The Health Ministry on February as a poor response to the crisis. Five gitimacy.” took the virus to Qom, a major des- Masoumeh Ebtekar and Deputy 25 called on Iranians to stay home neighbouring countries of Iran re- Farahani said the government tination for Shia pilgrims. Namaki Health Minister Iraj Harirchi, the because the virus was spreading. ported their first cases of the virus had failed in its response to the out- told state TV that the Iranian who man spearheading government ef- Authorities also ordered the nation- the week of February 24, with those break. died from the virus was a merchant forts to battle the disease, as well wide cancellation of concerts and infected all having links to Iran. “I think the performance of the who regularly shuttled between the as other officials and top clerics, football matches and the closure of Infected travellers from Iran have administration in controlling the two countries using indirect flights tested positive for the virus. Tehran, schools and universities in many been identified in Lebanon and Can- virus has not been successful,” Fara- in recent weeks, after Iran stopped Qom and Mashhad cancelled Friday provinces as a precaution. The gov- ada. Several countries halted flights hani said, referring to Rohani’s gov- direct passenger flights to China. prayers on February 28 as a precau- ernment has yet to say how many to and from Iran, adding to a sense ernment. His comments represent Hashemi said the focus of the tion. people have been quarantined but of isolation of a country that is un- the most public criticism yet levied Iranian leadership had not been on the semi-official Mehr news agency der severe pressure by US sanctions. against the government for its han- public health issues but on stage- said 320 people had been hospital- Nader Hashemi, director of the dling of the virus crisis. managing the February 21 parlia- Farahani said the ised. Centre for Middle East Studies at the “None of the nurses have access mentary elections. government had failed in Experts, including those at the University of Denver in the United to proper protective gear,” Farahani “The regime has given up the fa- its response to the World Health Organisation, worry States, said the debate about mis- said, adding that some health-care cade of trying to claim there is some outbreak. Iran may be under-reporting the management in handling the virus specialists had left Qom. “So far, I sort of democratic process,” Hashe- number of cases in the country. outbreak was a serious blow for the have not seen any particular action mi said. “It knows it has no majority Iranian officials said 34 people had Iran denied for days that the virus government’s standing after the kill- to confront [coronavirus] by the ad- support and it is relying on its core died since reporting the first case of was in the country, acknowledging ing of hundreds of protesters during ministration.” supporters to get it through these dif- the virus February 19. The death toll it just as it was trying to pump up demonstrations against petrol price The government in Tehran ficult days.” is the second-highest globally after enthusiasm for the country’s parlia- hikes in November and an attempt pledged to be transparent with fig- Hashemi said it would be difficult China, where the virus emerged in mentary election — a vote that saw to cover up the responsibility of the ures concerning the virus to counter for Iran to cover up potential mis- December. Authorities rejected fig- the lowest voter turnout since the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps allegations of a coverup. takes by authorities in dealing with ures provided by a lawmaker from 1979 Islamic Revolution. By doing for the downing of a Ukrainian pas- “We will announce any figures the coronavirus issue because the Qom, Ahmad Amirabadi Farahani, so, Tehran likely allowed the virus senger jet in January that killed 176 (we have) on the number of deaths disease was in the global spotlight. who was quoted by the semi-official to spread rapidly, reaching the up- people, mostly Iranians. throughout the country. We pledge “If the scandal gets any worse, it will ILNA news agency as saying the per echelons of its power structure “This is extremely significant be- to be transparent about the report- further shake the regime,” he said.

Viewpoint Plague-ridden Islamic Republic takes wrong decisions, again

na disembarking at airports in Iran hani to produce a list of those who have their temperature checked had died because of the virus. The but this method is inadequate official numbers, Harirchi insisted, Ali Alfoneh because of the 2-week incubation was “between 59 to 61 infected period of the virus. people and 12 fatalities.” Before long, the coronavirus The next day, Farahani said he he unusual events de- surfaced in Iran and, on February submitted the names of 40 people scribed in this chronicle 19, the Iranian Health Ministry re- who had died of coronavirus in revolve around the ar- ported the death of two patients in Qom and demanded Harirchi’s rival of the coronavirus Qom, south of Tehran. Two other resignation. The hapless Harirchi in Iran and the Islamic patients from Qom and one from responded by releasing a video Republic’s reactions to Arak were identified on February admitting he himself was infected. Tit. None of this was inevitable but, 20. The next day, which marked The numbers keep rising. The at each instance, regime officials the parliamentary election in Iran, Health Ministry reported 388 in- prioritised goals other than secur- 13 people, seven from Qom, were fected and 34 fatalities. The Tehran ing the public health. diagnosed with coronavirus. By Health Committee director said Since the outbreak of the coro- February 22, ten more cases were he believes the real number of the navirus in China, Iranian media reported, bringing the total to 29. infected may be 10,000-15,000. debated the risk of passengers In his first public comments on Khamenei delievered a televised flying into Iran from China acting the virus, February 23, Iranian address on February 27, thanking as carriers of the virus but, dip- Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali the efforts of Iran’s nurses and doc- lomatically isolated and increas- Khamenei seemed to care more Shortcomings and difficulties. Iranian Deputy Health Minister Iraj tors but the regime in its entirety ingly dependent on Beijing for its about the scandalously low voter Harirchi (L) wipes the sweat off his face during a news conference with prioritises strategic relations with (AFP) economic survival, Tehran did not turnout than the epidemic. government’s spokesman Ali Rabiei in Tehran, February 24. China over concerns about the dare antagonise China by stopping In an attempt to explain the spread of the virus. Khamenei pri- direct flights. Passengers from Chi- meagre 42% turnout, the lowest oritises election voter turnout over parliamentary election participa- gone into occultation out of fear convincingly, try to calm the the spread of the coronavirus at the tion in the history of the Islamic of the virus. The Assembly of public. A tragic example is Dr Iraj ballot. Rohani prioritises his rela- Republic, Khamenei said: “This Experts, which elects the leader, Harirchi, deputy health minister in tions with the clergy in Qom over Most Iranians illness came handy [for the op- postponed its session. There were charge of the government’s effort imposing quarantine to protect the infected with the ponents of the regime]. The night reports of high-ranking clerics flee- to contain the coronavirus. citizenry and health officials are the before the election, the [enemy] ing Qom. On February 24, the coughing symbols of a sick political system. virus will, hopefully, began its propaganda by saying: The government could — theo- and sweating Harirchi appeared at Most Iranians infected with the recover and survive ‘Don’t ever get in the line to vote… retically — impose a quarantine on a news conference to contest par- virus will, hopefully, recover and such and such danger threatens Qom, the epicentre of the corona- liamentarian Ahmad Amir-Abadi survive but the plague-ridden but the plague- you. There is illness, sickness and virus in Iran but Iranian President Farahani’s claims that coronavirus Islamic Republic itself appears ridden Islamic virus!’ But Qom, the alleged centre Hassan Rohani clearly does not had claimed 50 lives in Qom. chronically, if not terminally, ill. Republic itself of the epidemic, had the busiest want to pick a fight against Iran’s “If the number of fatalities of ballots!” Vatican and clergy. the virus in Qom is half or even Ali Alfoneh is a senior fellow at appears chronically, Since those statements, Khame- Regime authorities, on the other a quarter of this number, I will the Arab Gulf States Institute in if not terminally, ill. nei has cancelled meetings and hand, energetically if not always resign,” Harirchi said, asking Fara- Washington. 18 March 1, 2020 Viewpoint East West Sanders leads Democratic pack despite Biden’s efforts to rebound

House, all is not well in the United literacy and improve health care. States. Even though these comments For example, even though the were attacked by many Democrats Gregory unemployment rate has been and Republicans, Sanders did not Aftandilian reduced to low percentages, most retreat. He essentially said the American workers have only same thing a few days later at a seen a very modest (1%) uptick in Democratic debate February 25. lthough it is still early their wages in real terms (that is, On other foreign policy issues, in the Democratic adjusted for inflation) in the past Sanders is equally outspoken. primaries, US Senator 30 years. Meanwhile, health-care He refused to attend the annual Bernie Sanders has costs keep rising, in particular American Israel Public Affairs gained front-runner insurance premium rates and co- Committee (AIPAC) confer- status with his victo- payments, while tens of millions ence, citing what he said was his riesA in early voting states. of Americans are either uninsured concern that AIPAC provides “a The reason for Sanders’s rise is or underinsured. platform for leaders who express multifaceted. He generated con- This means that his calls for a bigotry and oppose Palestinian siderable attention in 2016 when federal $15-an-hour minimum rights.” he ran — and came in a close sec- wage and universal health care Although these comments ond — in the Democratic primaries administered by the government, sparked outrage from some against former US Secretary of which he called “Medicare for all,” quarters in the Jewish commu- State Hillary Clinton and his fol- is attractive to a large part of the nity, Sanders went further at the lowers have stuck with him since party base. Democratic debate. He said that, that time. Sanders has special appeal while he is proud of his Jewish He comes across as genuine to young Americans by saying heritage and would, as president, and passionate about the issues climate change is an “existential protect the security of Israel, that he cares about. Unlike many threat” that must be tackled, that he called Israeli Prime Minister Special appeal. Democratic presidential candidate Senator Bernie politicians who change positions public colleges and universities Binyamin Netanyahu a “reaction- Sanders arrives at a campaign event in Spartanburg, South Carolina, according to prevailing political should be tuition free and that all ary racist” and said the suffering February 27. (AP) winds, Sanders has been remark- student debt should be cancelled. of the Palestinians should not be ably consistent. For young people, he is the di- ignored. He said he would “take His messages to Democratic vot- shevelled but beloved grandfather into consideration” the moving of Sander’s rise has made the Dem- constituencies) March 3, it is likely ers resonate with their sense that, type who has their best interests the US Embassy in Israel back to ocratic Party establishment very that the establishment Democrats despite good economic numbers at heart because he speaks about Tel Aviv. nervous, however. Establishment will do all they can to rally around coming out of the Trump White their future. While all the Democratic candi- figures say his promises on health him to stop Sanders. Young people, in particular, are dates have called for a two-state care and free college tuition are However, what counts in the not bothered by his self-declara- solution to the Israeli-Palestinian unrealistic, and his foreign poli- end are the numbers. If Sanders tion of being a democratic social- issue, none has been as vocal in cies are likely to be attacked even keeps his momentum and contin- What counts in the ist. Because this generation was criticising Netanyahu and sup- more vociferously by Republicans. ues to win delegates, establish- end are the numbers. born after the end of the Cold War, porting the Palestinians as has Commentators on Trump-friendly ment Democrats will be forced to the term “socialist” does not have Sanders. Fox News have called Sanders accept Sanders as the nominee, If Sanders keeps his the same, negative connotation This stance, however, may be “comrade Bernie” and a “Bol- even though they say his views momentum and that it has for many older Ameri- less radical with the Democratic shevik.” Trump has tried to paint are too far left for the general elec- cans. Sanders does not shy away base than one might suppose. the Democratic Party as a whole torate come November. continues to win from this label or retreat from his Last May, a poll commissioned by as “socialist” and has referred to Only time will tell but, for now, delegates, principles. the J Street organisation, a liberal Sanders as “crazy Bernie.” Sanders has excited the party establishment For example, in a recent tel- Jewish alternative to AIPAC, said If former US Vice-President Joe base. evised interview, when asked Democrats have a highly negative Biden, who has done poorly in the Democrats will be about his views towards the Cas- view of Netanyahu and that 74% early Democratic contests, wins Gregory Aftandilian is a lecturer forced to accept tro regime in Cuba, Sanders said, of respondents said they want the the South Carolina primary as in the Pardee School of Global while he viewed Fidel Castro as an United States to act as a fair and expected and comes in a respect- Studies at Boston University and Sanders as the authoritarian figure, he admired impartial broker rather than side ful second overall in the Super a former US State Department nominee. the regime’s efforts to expand solely with Israel. Tuesday primaries (involving 14 Middle East analyst. Britain’s half-and-half policy towards the Muslim Brotherhood

At the same time, it never this means is that the Brotherhood curricula material that adopted internal ones. The Brotherhood is reached the stage of direct hostil- produces terrorists who readily the group’s thought of considering under suspicion everywhere and ity and rivalry. However, Britain go fight with al-Qaeda, ISIS and Christians as disbelievers. most of what the Brothers could began reconsidering its relation- Boko Haram, among other terrorist The Brotherhood’s discourse provide to the British government Baha al-Awam ship with the Brotherhood because groups. has been monitored and rebuked internally is to help track down of terrorist attacks on its soil The second truth that the British so were its societal and economic and neutralise those who absorbed he British parliament perpetrated in the name of Islam. realised is that the Brotherhood activities. All that remains is plac- the Brotherhood’s extremist ideol- recently had a mod- London decided to step back its does not exercise leadership of ing the group on terrorist lists for ogy and were waiting for the right est session to examine support for the Brotherhood after Muslims around the world. All reasons that many lawmakers say moment to express their convic- one question that has, it discovered two truths about it, illusions built on the group’s abil- are more than sufficient. tions. for many years, been truths it had wilfully ignored for ity to promote a moderate non- Evidence of the Brotherhood’s This type of cooperation can be on the minds of many decades or that were part of the extremist discourse towards the extremism in Britain has been said to represent the price London Tinside and outside the United deceit practised by the organisa- West have proven wrong and have cited at the British parliament by has to pay and, thus, be used to Kingdom: Why hasn’t London tion over London and other West- been abandoned, along with the advocates of banning the Brother- justify the government’s half- placed the Muslim Brotherhood on ern capitals. belief that the group could control hood. They cited evidence from hearted attempts to criminalise the list of terrorist organisations? The first truth is that the Broth- the paths of Islamic extremism outside UK borders. Some of them the group. These attempts may There is no official answer to erhood’s dogma and thinking and steer it away from the United argued that the Brotherhood’s serve as a prelude to a possible that question because the United can only lead to extremism. In a Kingdom. targeting of Christians in Middle historic disengagement on the part Kingdom’s relationship with the Western context, this dogma does Therefore, it has become unreal- Eastern countries is sufficient rea- of the two parties. Brotherhood is complex and not mean that a Muslim would istic and dangerous to defend the son to place the group on terrorist In 2015, the British review of stretching over decades of give intellectually and culturally isolate theory that embracing the Broth- lists. Others drew attention to a Brotherhood activity said the and take. Therefore, it has been dif- himself from the rest of an atheist erhood constitutes a protection for smartphone application adopted group’s ideology and network ficult for each side to abandon the and sinful society and be content Britain and for British citizens eve- by the Brotherhood, calling for have become a transit point for other even if it wanted to. A rup- with living in a constant mental rywhere against terrorist attacks. targeting Christians around the individuals and groups involved ture in the relationship requires state of defending himself and his All the anti-terrorist procedures world and targeting Muslims who in violent and terrorist acts. Some years of preparation and must be faith, without moving towards the initiated by the British government join the British Army as well. reports said what was hidden from arranged over several stages. stage of attacking this hostile envi- in the past five years, including de- Despite all evidence, succes- this review was far more serious The relationship between Britain ronment verbally and physically. veloping anti-terrorism legislation sive British governments refuse to than what was mentioned. and the Brotherhood is complex. Time has shown that the genera- and methods, monitoring the con- ban the Brotherhood. In trying to It is precisely the Brotherhood’s It is not doing as well as it used to, tions produced by the group and tent of curricula in Islamic schools, explain the mystery, speculation role as a transit point that has led especially before the emergence of its dogma prefer attacking over examining books read by prison- has abounded about the group’s the group’s relationship with the the terrorist Islamic State (ISIS). defending and this translates into ers and those that are a source for historical links with British intel- United Kingdom to a crossroads, concretely fighting the sinful and speeches, lectures and sermons in ligence. History books mention with one road leading to placing atheist culture of the West because mosques, in addition to tracking the secret relationship between the group on British terrorist lists, it continues to “reject Islam.” the money that comes to Islamic London and the Brotherhood in although that road may still be a The Muslim Brotherhood’s po- societies or goes to charitable pro- Egypt since the 1920s. bit long. It has become litical version of Islam is the other jects have been built on the reali- A hundred years have passed One of the British MPs demand- unrealistic and facet of violent or militant Islam, sation of these two truths. So, the since that date and we have not ing a ban on the Brotherhood as some describe it. This is not a Muslim Brotherhood was included seen a divorce between Britain and declared that he won’t back down dangerous to defend personal opinion but a summary among the suspicious groups tar- the Brotherhood. However, in the until the group is classified as a the theory that of a government review of the geted by these procedures, if not past ten years, conservative gov- terrorist organisation. His attitude embracing the Brotherhood’s activity in Britain, at the forefront of them. ernments have been dealing with recalls former Prime Minister Mar- conducted under then-Prime Min- The UK Ministry of Justice the group on the basis of support- garet Thatcher’s famous declara- Brotherhood ister David Cameron. banned from prisons books such ing it half way and criminalising tion: “I am extraordinarily patient, constitutes a That report said the group as works of Muslim Brother- the other half. provided I get my own way in the incites violence and its extremist hood theoreticians Sayyid Qutb It seems that the half that has end.” protection for ideas constitute a broad gateway and Hassan al-Banna. Education to do with supporting them has Britain. to terrorist organisations. What watchdogs banned from school external purposes rather than Baha al-Awam is a Syrian writer. March 1, 2020 19 Spotlight Threat of Far Right Social media fuel the far right’s hate narrative

to plot crimes, it has often been overlooked that the far right’s presence on social media is not Colin Randall only an affront to decency but can have serious security implica- tions. hen a woman There is ample proof that in the studio extreme right activists, aided by audience for ready access to online resources the BBC’s flag- and often running their own ship political websites, pose as grave a threat as discussion pro- Islamists. Wgramme “Question Time” spouted Twitter, to take an obvious ex- intemperate anti-immigrant ample, demonstrates daily that it rhetoric, one comforting thought can be a valuable tool for the swift was that she represented, at most, dissemination of information. It a tiny minority of the British has become a routine channel of population. communication for governments, After all, demands that “we public services, politicians, busi- should completely close the nesses and others. However, borders,” a claim that Britain was anyone can use Twitter, fake news sinking under the weight of im- is easy to spread and the network migrants and a complaint about has been slow or even reluctant hospital noticeboards offering the to suppress insults, abuse and courtesy of translated versions of menaces. useful messages, would surely be US President Donald Trump dismissed as the ramblings of a may not fit precisely into con- deranged mind. She even turned ventional definitions of the far out to have a long record of far- right but embraces some of its right attachment. preoccupations, notably in his Rising tide. Riot policemen stand next to supporters of far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon The more disconcerting reality occasional anti-Muslim outbursts. outside the Old Bailey court in London, last July 11. (Reuters) was revealed by a glance at social He is also one of the world’s most media in the ensuing days. The prolific social media users. The BBC tweeted the rant and people Washington Post fact-checking on February 19, Tobias Rathjen Patrick Crusius, was also found to Lambrecht to describe far-right were queuing up to applaud the team reported in January that — who also killed his mother and have used 8chan, posting anti- terrorism as “the biggest threat to woman. “Exactly what a lot of tweets accounted for 20% of the committed suicide — posted a immigrant and white nationalist our democracy right now.” people think,” one user replied. 16,241 false or misleading claims racist manifesto and videos on his material and citing Christchurch Almost three years have passed “Thank goodness someone has it found Trump had made since own site. He urged the killing of as an inspiration. since Julia Ebner, who researches the guts to speak the truth,” said taking office. non-whites and bizarrely accused Against the backdrop of such far-right extremism for the Insti- another. Neither Trump nor the BBC au- Trump of stealing his populist crimes and deep suspicion of so- tute for Strategic Dialogue, said Support for her diatribe flooded dience member is accused of pro- slogans. cial media influence, the spotlight even a British government coun- in and did not noticeably recede moting violence. Yet social media In New Zealand a year ago, is inevitably focusing on those terterrorism agency had found as her political leanings, includ- are awash with barely disguised Brenton Tarrant, an Australian prepared to lurch from offensive “online hate speech against ethnic ing support for two British fascist anti-Muslim propaganda capable white supremacist, also distribut- but non-violent far-right polemic and religious minorities” had movements, were exposed. of fuelling hate crimes. ed a hate-filled manifesto before into deadly direct action. With reached unprecedented levels. Amid clamour for tighter con- David Vance, British founder of allegedly massacring 51 people at much of the left in disarray, far- The authorities, perhaps belat- trols on Islamic State “fanboys” the far-right site AltNewsMedia, two mosques in Christchurch. It right movements continue to gain edly given repeated warnings who tweet delight at terrorist acts tweeted that the BBC was “spin- was sent to New Zealand Prime ground across the West and they from Muslim communities and and on Islamic State supporters ning Muslim violence in Delhi as Minister Jacinda Ardern among sometimes attract individuals mounting evidence of neo-Nazi who use encrypted messaging if it is Hindu generated,” whereas more than 30 recipients. Links who may seem unhinged but can activity in several countries, are a fairer appraisal of the BBC’s were posted on Twitter and the easily learn online how to cause therefore alert to the dangers. The reports from India suggests an imageboard website 8chan and carnage with guns or bombs. complaint of many demanding even-handed approach. early stages of the attacks were Last September, Neil Basu, serious measures to counter the The complaint of It is not difficult to find far more streamed live on Facebook. an assistant commissioner of threat is that it still feels like an many demanding extreme examples of anti-immi- The New America Foundation London’s Metropolitan Police, exercise in catching up. gration, racist and Islamophobic think-tank counted 111 deaths said right-wing extremism may serious measures to sentiments and the discovery from far-right terrorism in the still be a “small problem” but Colin Randall, a journalist based counter the threat is often comes too late to prevent United States since 9/11, com- had become the fastest-growing in London and France, was chief that it still feels like tragic loss of life. pared with 104 in jihadist atroci- form of terrorism. The shisha cafe reporter, executive news editor Before shooting dead nine peo- ties. When 24 people were killed shootings have taken that assess- and Paris bureau chief of the Daily an exercise in ple at two shisha cafes in Hanau, at a Walmart store in El Paso, ment a stage further, prompting Telegraph and executive editor of catching up. near the German city of Frankfurt, Texas, last summer, the suspect, German Justice Minister Christine the National at its launch in 2008. Viewpoint Far-right terrorism and Islamic extremism are two sides of the same coin

espite their appear- The Vicious Circle of Islamist and said. “By contrast, attacks by Is- political and socio-economic ance of holding polar Far-Right Extremism,” Julia Ebner lamist groups accounted for 6.8% sense, extremists flourish. What opposite views and points out that “because vic- of attacks and attacks not attrib- should be obvious is that in the Stephen Starr mutual hatred, far- timisation and demonisation work uted to any group accounted for same way that US President right extremists and well together, extremists are in a 62.8% of incidents in the West.” Donald Trump and his extrem- jihadists are little mutually beneficial relationship. It also found that while over ist views and actions are not the Dmore than two sides of the same To tell a coherent story, the victim the past 40 years one in every answer to America’s economic coin. needs a perpetrator as much as five mass shootings in the United and security ills, neither is his While ideologically they may the perpetrator needs a victim.” States has been classified as a potential Democratic opponent seem as far apart as is conceiv- Ebner refers to this phenome- terrorist attack, in the last decade, for president, Bernie Sanders. In ably possible, they are uncannily non as “reciprocal radicalisation,” that number has risen to one in the Middle East, neither Syrian similar in that they both prey in which one side simultaneously three. President Bashar Assad nor the on people’s fears. What’s more, feeds off and fuels the other. Ebner points out that both the Islamic State — themselves two without one, the other couldn’t This binary relationship and far right and jihadist ideologues sides of the same extremist coin flourish or maintain a high public victim-perpetrator dynamic has are unhappy with the status quo. — offer maps to futures that put profile. These insular, nativist spread beyond extremist circles. That can be tied to the damaging civilians first. ideologies feed off each other and, Mainstream media outlets are far and enduring effects of the 2008 The symbiotic relationship be- when one side or the other com- more tribal and divisive than five global economic crisis, which hit tween the far right and fundamen- mits an atrocity, the other gains or ten years ago. The likes of Fox the poor in the suburbs of Cairo, talist Islamism means that if you popularity and traction. News and Hezbollah’s Al-Manar Birmingham and Baltimore alike take away one, the other quickly Both sides look to attract are relatively new to the televi- the hardest and which has been falls into decline and irrelevance. followers from working-class sion scene. In Britain, the Daily slow to lift. However, since the extrem- backgrounds, from disillusioned Express and the British National The crisis fuelled dissatisfac- ist leaders at the helm in many second-generation Muslim im- Party have existed for decades tion with moderate heads of state countries are more into populism migrants in Europe as is often the exactly because they elevate a in power at that time — Barack than a policy that creates jobs and case in Islamic fundamentalism, perceived threat presented by Obama, Angela Merkel and the infrastructure, moderates remain Putting to American white supremacists radical jihadism. recently deceased Hosni Mubarak largely shut out. opportunities and and ultranationalists in Europe. While dealing with violent to name three — that led to people Putting opportunities and What’s more, both sides often rely Islamist-related ideals is a major walking away from the political money back into the pockets of money back into the on — and mostly misinterpret — challenge for governments in centre ground and into the arms the working class is not something pockets of the ancient religious texts to justify Muslim-majority countries and of the far-right, the far left and current administrations in France, working class is not their positions and manipulate the West alike, when one con- extremist Islamism. the United Kingdom, Egypt or followers. sults with the data, that pales in So, since these forms of extrem- Lebanon look like doing anytime something current For the most part, it is young comparison to the threat to peace ism have so much in common, is soon. And, as a result, we can administrations in men seeking greater purpose in and security posed by far-right there a single solution out there to expect the far right and jihadist their lives who are attracted to extremism. reduce their respective appeals? extremists to stick around. France, the United the far right and jihadist thought. “In 2018, far-right terrorist Since they’re of the same ilk, can’t Kingdom, Egypt or They are often outcasts in their attacks accounted for 17.2% of the same medicine be used to Stephen Starr is the author of Lebanon look like respective communities, econom- terrorist incidents in the West,” treat both wounds? “Revolt in Syria: Eye-Witness to ically, socially or ideologically. the Institute for Economic Peace, It’s clear that when the centre the Uprising” and has lived in doing anytime soon. In her 2017 book “The Rage: a think-tank in Sydney, Australia, ground fails to hold, both in the Syria and Turkey since 2007. 20 March 1, 2020 Economy

Viewpoint Briefs Saudi companies look Saudi jobseekers to build momentum move into Uber gear for extra cash from Aramco IPO Saudis are increasingly taking on what are widely seen as low-status jobs as the government trims $29.4 billion. None of the impend- subsidies amid sluggish economic ing IPOs will come near to match- growth and high unemployment. ing the Saudi energy conglomer- Tens of thousands of Saudis Jareer Elass ate’s record earnings. looking to make extra money are First among the Saudi family- turning to the global giant Uber, owned companies to follow Saudi whose drivers in the kingdom ome Saudi family-owned Aramco was the Dr Sulaiman Al had always been predominantly companies are hoping Habib Medical Group (HMG), one of foreign workers to build on the momen- the largest private health-care firms The company’s spokesman said tum from the success of in the Middle East, operating hospi- Uber is available in 20 cities in the partial sale of Saudi tals and clinics in Saudi Arabia, the Lot of momentum. A view of the exchange board at the Stock the country and that more than Aramco to offer shares United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Exchange Market (Tadawul) bourse in Riyadh displaying Aramco 200,000 Saudis have driven for Sand list on the domestic stock The group began the institutional shares. (AFP) the app-based business since it exchange. subscription phase of its IPO in entered the market in 2014. Saudi companies eyeing share February and is to run its retail sub- flotations in 2020 include a leading scription period until March 3, with Foods produces processed and Although most listings of Saudi (Agence France-Presse) health-care firm, a supermarket listing on the Tadawul expected cooked meat from two factories in companies occur on the main ex- group, a real estate company, a shortly after. the kingdom and one in the United change, there are some firms that meat processing firm and a fast- HMG is offering up 52.5 million Arab Emirates, with a delivery and go public through the Tadawul’s food burger chain — reflecting the shares, a 15% stake in the company. distribution system that blankets Nomu Parallel Market, an alterna- Saudi government’s push for varied The medical group is looking at an the Arabian Gulf and extends else- tive equity market established by Libya oil blockade family-owned businesses to go IPO share price range of 43-50 riyals where in the Middle East. the Tadawul in 2017 with lighter public. ($11.46-$13.33) a share with the goal The food processing company listing requirements compared to helps OPEC meet The government has encour- of raising as much as $700 million. falls under the umbrella of the Tan- the main market. aged family-owned companies to BinDawood Holding, which miah Food Group, which is owned The alternative platform is output cuts list on the domestic exchange, the owns the Danube and BinDawood by the Saudi family conglomerate, geared towards supporting small Tadawul, to strengthen the king- supermarket brands, is reportedly al-Dabbagh Group. Supreme Foods and medium-sized Saudi compa- Libya’s almost total retreat from dom’s capital markets as part of planning to list on the Tadawul by is anticipating earning $80 mil- nies. Listing on Nomu requires a the world oil market as unrest the country’s move to diversify its the end of the current first quarter lion-$106 million from its partial firm to have a minimum capitalisa- blocks its vital terminals is help- economy from oil-derived income, or second. sale. tion of $2.6 million, a number of ing OPEC meet production cuts, build local businesses and support The Gulf country’s second-largest Nawaf al-Fouzan, the founder shareholders ranging from 35-50 analysts said. the private sector. grocery retailer, BinDawood Hold- and CEO of Saudi start-up Food and plans for at least a 20% share A dramatic drop in output by an The Saudi capital markets regu- ing operates 70 hypermarket and Basics Company, recently disclosed flotation. OPEC member has not propped up lator, Capital Market Authority, supermarket outlets throughout that his firm was planning to list its One such Saudi firm that will be crude oil prices, owing to a large relaxed the country’s traditional the kingdom. The company is Hamburgini brand on the Tadawul listing on the Nomu Parallel Market drop in demand by China because initial public offering (IPO) re- expecting to bring in $400 mil- during 2020. is Sumou Real Estate Company, of the coronavirus outbreak. quirement to list at least 30% of a lion-$500 million from its IPO. Hamburgini, which was in- with its IPO running through Libyan oil output has slumped company as an incentive for family- Bahraini private equity fund In- troduced in Riyadh in 2013, is a March 19. since January 18 as exports were owned entities to float shares on vestcorp acquired a minority stake fast-food chain specialising in The Saudi real estate develop- blocked from the country’s main the Riyadh exchange. in BinDawood Holding in 2016, quality, affordable burgers. It has ment firm, which was founded in ports. Oil is the country’s main A handful of family-owned com- which enabled the grocery retailer 30 branches in the kingdom with 2008 by Ayed bin Farhan al-Qahta- source of income. panies put off IPOs until they saw to move forward more aggressively short-term plans to add 13 loca- ni, is selling a 30% stake in the how well the limited sale of state with its expansion plans. Invest- tions. company, the equivalent of 7.5 mil- (Agence France-Presse) oil and gas giant Saudi Aramco was corp is rumoured to be exiting its In a tweet December 26, Fouzan lion shares. At an IPO share price received and how the domestic stake in BinDawood as part of the suggested that the Saudi exchange of $6.40, Sumou hopes to reap $48 bourse was able to handle the mag- IPO. allows for better growth opportuni- million in sale proceeds. nitude of that listing. Another Saudi family-owned ties and increasing market share The Saudi Aramco IPO, which business, Supreme Foods Process- for Saudi companies, which were Jareer Elass reports from Turkish energy involved a 1.7% sale (3.45 billion ing Company, is considering a several reasons for considering list- Washington on energy issues for shares), garnered the state firm second-quarter listing. Supreme ing the Hamburgini brand. The Arab Weekly. inflation to decline in February due China’s ‘rebuilding’ role in Iraq could serve as to fuel prices The Central Bank of Turkey said a template for Syria after years of conflict the leading indicators signal an- nual energy group inflation would decline in February because of fuel Sabahat Khan take on the burden or financial com- in Syria’s rebuilding. ficials in Beijing get carried away and prices. mitment of rebuilding Syria and Iran’s The Chinese role in neighbouring China’s geopolitical agenda may at Recovery in domestic demand capacity to play a major role is declin- Iraq’s rebuilding probably offers the times get overstated even on primar- stimulates imports, the central Dubai ing fast in the face of Washington’s best guide to Beijing’s likely approach ily investment-driven issues, which bank said, leading to a decline in “maximum pressure” campaign. to Syria. China’s role has grown sig- could again become the case as it the contribution of net exports ith the Syrian civil war’s Moreover, the isolation of Damas- nificantly in Iraq in recent years but it grows the footprint of its companies to economic growth. It said the outcome all but settled cus internationally does not instil began cautiously. in Syria now. economic recovery is seen being by Russia’s military in- confidence in business communities, Chinese activity and investments However, while China is poised to sustained by the help of the disin- W tervention, Damascus whether Russian, Iranian or others, in Iraq, driven by its state-owned en- win major contracts in Syria, the prob- flation process. has been turning attention to the for a private sector-led rebuilding ef- terprises, focused on infrastructure lematic backdrop of Syria’s highly in- massive rebuilding programme that fort to materialise. for the oil sector or operations closely ternationalised conflict means Beijing (Reuters) lies ahead. By Syrian President Bashar related to it, such as electricity gener- will opt for a go-slow approach that is Assad’s own admission, almost every ation. Much of Baghdad depends on more limited in nature, with a capa- sector of the Syrian economy has So far, China has made supply by Chinese electricity compa- bility to ramp up in the years ahead. been damaged in the course of its commitments to Syria for nies, for example. Beijing’s starting point in Syria’s nine years of conflict. projects to the tune of China is looking for a major role in rebuilding is thus likely to be charac- Migrant workers The predicted price for Syria’s re- $2 billion as it aims to the construction of the Basra-Aqaba terised in a shortlist of pre-selected building varies widely depending on fast-track its rebuilding effort. oil pipeline and is moving closer to sectors, such as transportation, logis- hit by Lebanese which estimate is considered but a building a 300,000 barrel-per-day- tics and energy, but also focused geo- figure of $200 billion is commonly Proposals for an Arab-led rebuild- capacity oil refinery on the Iraqi coast graphically around safe, politically financial crisis referenced. If there is one certainty ing programme for Syria, which was in Al-Faw. This is unsurprising given stable regions that pose low risks. about Syria’s massive rebuilding, it suspended from the Arab League in that Chinese-Iraqi ties are increasing- China, which is Syria’s largest trad- Domestic workers go to Lebanon is that the country will need huge 2015, have been floated and, while ly anchored to oil trade; almost one- ing partner, is likely to make impor- to help support their families but a amounts of international investment the restoration of ties with Arab capi- tenth of China’s oil comes from Iraq. tant contributions to Syria’s rebuild- financial crisis is preventing them and financial assistance to deal with tals is speeding up, it is the potential In October, China and Iraq signed ing effort but it is unlikely that it will from sending money home. this challenge. Chinese role that has become a focal an “oil for projects” agreement that be able to fill the gap left open by Rus- A crippling liquidity crunch in Yet the “Friends of Syria” coali- point, especially for Damascus. is to facilitate a broader development sia and Iran. So far, China has made Lebanon drastically limited access tion, which includes the United China may be the only country focus beyond oil and related infra- commitments to Syria for projects to to US dollars and tens of thou- States, United Kingdom and Canada, that could consider making the large- structure to include housing, health the tune of $2 billion as it aims to fast- sands of migrant workers toiling among others, has frozen $9.6 billion scale, long-term commitments to and education. The focus is gradually track its rebuilding effort. for remittances in the hard cur- in pledges until a political process to- Syria’s needs. China’s Syria policy has broadening but China, which gener- Syria is also likely to benefit from rency are suffering the backlash. wards a post-Assad setup takes hold. meant Beijing has been able to pre- ally likes projects of scale, is easily a $23 billion fund announced by Bei- The Lebanese pound used to be As it stands, few if any Western coun- serve goodwill with the regime and put off by political instability and vio- jing for loans and aid to its partners in easily exchangeable for dollars at tries appear to be politically willing to put itself in a strong position to nego- lence. the Arab world as well as from BRI at a fixed rate but banks have capped become involved in Syria until a na- tiate favourable terms for market ac- In short, China’s activities in Iraq large. Ultimately, Damascus will need withdrawals of the US currency tional reconciliation restores political cess or investment initiatives. have focused on a smaller number of to carve out a role in its rebuilding for and the pound’s value has plum- legitimacy to its leadership. With more than $3 trillion in for- high-value projects that have long- Arab countries as well and probably meted on the parallel market. With traditional international do- eign currency reserves, China has term strategic value. It has stayed also, somehow, Europe. The de facto devaluation means nors out of the frame, Syria does not cash to spend, invest and loan. Bei- risk-averse and avoided developing a domestic workers have lost at least have many options when it comes to jing’s ambitions with its Belt and large, diversified portfolio of projects Sabahat Khan maintains a one-third of their salary. bankrolling its rebuilding effort. Its Road Initiative (BRI) provide another that it has the capacity to undertake cross-disciplinary focus in two biggest allies, Russia and Iran, apparently complementary strategic should it so wish. international security, defence policy (Agence France-Presse) are not enough. Russia itself cannot context for it to assume a leading role Cash reserves or BRI have not let of- and strategic issues. March 1, 2020 21 Economy Egyptian petrochemicals draw international investments

Mohamed Hammad Mediterranean. An alliance of investors from Sau- Cairo di Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait announced four projects nternational companies are seiz- with investments totalling approxi- ing investment opportunities in mately $6.8 billion. The alliance in- Egypt’s petrochemical sector af- cludes the Egyptian-Kuwaiti Hold- I ter a series of gas discoveries the ing Company, Saudi International past five years. Petrochemical Company, Bawabet There have been record levels of Al-Kuwait Holding Company and gas production in Egypt with about Boubyan Petrochemical Company, Huge opportunities. Flames shoot out of a chimney at Alexandria National Refining and 7.2 billion cubic feet a day, helping also from Kuwait. Petrochemicals Company along a highway of Alexandria. (Reuters) the country reach self-sufficiency Egyptian Minister of Petroleum for natural gas, a key base material and Mineral Resources Tarek al- for the petrochemical and fertiliser Molla told The Arab Weekly: “We The project requires about $8.5 30 projects the past five years in the race with, for example, Axens industries for which global demand aim during the coming period to billion in investments and will be the developing natural gas indus- announcing hydrocracking projects is constantly growing. maximise the added value of the producing products used as raw ma- try, with investments amounting to in Asyut governorate in southern An agreement was recently natural oil resources according to a terials in many small and medium- $21.4 billion. Egypt’s ambitions are Egypt in cooperation with the Na- reached between the Egyptian Min- strategy aimed at settling the petro- sized industries, such as textiles, increasing with hoped-for discover- tional Red Sea Company for Refining istry of Petroleum and Mineral Re- chemical industry in Egypt.” automobile parts and accessories, ies of gas in its territorial waters in and Petrochemicals. sources and the US company Bech- He explained how that strategy printing materials and paints. the Red Sea after completing border Cairo has dedicated a huge zone tel for the construction of a refining led to three industrial projects with This complex is expected to boost demarcation agreements with Saudi for the petrochemical industry in and petrochemical complex in the investments totalling $4 billion in production from its 1 million-tonne Arabia. the economic zone along the Suez Suez Canal economic zone with an the Mopco Complex for Fertilisers annual level of petroleum products, The American company Schlum- Canal to attract foreign investment. estimated investment of $6.7 billion. and the Ethydco Complex in Alex- such as diesel fuel and kerosene, to berger, which specialises in ground Companies can easily re-export andria for the production of ethyl- meet needs of the local market and seismic surveys, said the Red Sea products in addition to taking ad- region is very promising in gas po- vantage of Egyptian trade agree- International companies ene and its derivatives, a main ma- export surpluses. terial for the plastics industry. Molla said four new industrial tential. Chevron, Dutch Shell and an ments with various international can re-export products to Ethydco’s investments include a petrochemical projects were be- alliance between Shell and the Emi- blocs. all African markets with project producing synthetic rubber ing established with investments rati Mubadala Company won a con- International companies can re- full customs exemptions. with an investment of $105 million amounting to about $1.5 billion. tract for deep-water gas exploration export products to all African mar- that will supply raw materials to 13 The projects include production of in the Red Sea. kets with full customs exemptions, Chevron, another American com- industries, including tyre and con- methanol derivatives at the Dami- Saad Helal, president of the Egyp- in addition to proximity to the ex- pany, signed a cooperation agree- veyor belt manufacturers and con- etta Port of the Suez Petroleum Ser- tian Petrochemical Holding Com- pected gas discoveries in the Red ment with the Egyptian General struction. vices Company, with investments of pany, said: “Egypt has reserves of Sea region, as well as to the giant Petroleum Corporation covering During the recent Egypt Petro- approximately $60 million to pro- natural gas that will enable it to set- Zohr gas field near the Suez Canal in cooperation in petrochemicals, in- leum Conference, an agreement was vide raw materials for the fertiliser, tle the petrochemical industry in Port Said governorate. cluding refining, transportation and signed with the British BSW Group ready-mix and adhesives industries. Egypt.” Cooperation between interna- distribution of petroleum products to establish a refining and petro- The Sidi Kerir Petrochemicals He said feasibility studies by tional companies supports Egypt’s and crude oil. chemical complex in El Alamein on Complex expansion project in Al- Bechtel and an alliance of Italian plans to enter the African energy Chevron is also to work with Al- the Mediterranean coast. exandria includes two new facto- companies Technip and Saipem market as was revealed by Molla’s exandria Mineral Oils Company in The project aims to maximise the ries producing propylene and poly- about increasing petroleum and agreement with Bechtel on oil and ports and terminal management, added value of crude oil produced propylene with investments worth petrochemical products production gas projects in Egypt and the wider operating refinery operations ef- in Western Desert fields to produce $1.2 billion, in addition to a project capacity to cover needs of the local MENA region. ficiency and supplying marine specialised petrochemical products to produce Medium Density Fibre- market and export any surplus have vessels with fuel to take advan- at a capacity of about 1.5 million board wood panels. been completed. Mohamed Hammad is an Egyptian tage of Egypt’s location on the tonnes annually. Cairo has implemented more than French companies have joined writer. Morocco faces risk of another drought season

Saad Guerraoui by the Agriculture and Fisheries Min- istry. Morocco spent $960 million on Casablanca wheat imports in 2019 compared to $950 million in 2018, while corn im- nusually high temperatures ports reached $540 million last year across Morocco and a lack compared to $480 million the year of rain are pressuring the before. U country, which is heading Wheat production in Morocco towards a second successive drought should amount to 4 million tonnes season that is expected to affect 2020 during the current season, 42% less economic growth. than the 2018-19 season, forecasts Bank Al Maghrib, Morocco’s cen- by the US Department of Agriculture tral bank, forecast economic growth stated. of 3.8% for the current year while In 2014, cereal crops in Morocco the Moroccan Centre of Conjuncture occupied 65% of the country’s agri- (CMC) predicted 4.6% growth after a cultural area, said the Policy Centre disappointing 2.9% growth in 2019, for the New South, a Moroccan think- which was blamed largely on a sig- tank. nificant drop in agricultural output Since 2008, the Green Morocco because of insufficient rainfall in Plan agricultural strategy has sought early 2019. to decrease the weight of cereals in agricultural added value by develop- ing sectors with higher added value, By 2025, the country’s such as fruit, to help farmers over- water security is expected come the inconsistent weather pat- (Saad Guerraoui) to worsen to a condition of terns. Looming crisis. Agricultural land in Benguerir region near Marrakech. “water scarcity.” Farm income is volatile in semi- arid Morocco where climate change bate rural exodus and slow down the fined at 1,000-1,700 cubic metres of Moroccan Agriculture Minister The CMC’s forecast was based on has caused droughts and summer economic growth. available freshwater per person per Aziz Akhannouch said the 2020-27 an increase of more than 10% in ag- flash floods in some areas. Agriculture accounts for more year, the UN Economic Commission programme would supply irrigation ricultural value added at the end of The High Commission for Plan- than 15% of Morocco’s GDP and em- for Africa (UNECA) said. water to 510,000 hectares and ben- the current agricultural year. How- ning of Morocco forecast a 4.3% drop ploys 40% of the workforce. By 2025, the country’s water secu- efit 160,000 farmers. ever, the CMC’s gamble was dealt a in agricultural value added and eco- The Moroccan government has rity is expected to worsen to a condi- Some $990 million is to be in- blow by data that suggest that since nomic growth of 2.3% because of the frozen customs duties of 35% on tion of “water scarcity,” with predic- vested in converting traditional ir- the end of December, the country drop in cereal production. wheat imports from January 2-April tions of less than 1,000 cubic metres rigation systems into drip irrigation is showing a rainfall deficit of 37.6% With no precipitation forecast na- 30 following rising prices on wheat of available freshwater per person and equipping 350,000 hectares of compared to 2018-19. tionwide in the short term and unu- and diminishing stocks on the inter- per year, said the UNECA. agricultural land with new irrigation Cereal production for last year sually high temperatures in Febru- national market. Morocco has introduced a $12 bil- systems. decreased 49% compared to the ex- ary, prospects of a good agricultural Morocco was ranked the 22nd- lion programme that includes dam ceptional 2017-18 season. Production campaign were evaporating, which most water-stressed country in a building, improving water consump- Saad Guerraoui is a contributor totalled 5.2 million tonnes, far lower experts said would have dire conse- report by the World Resources In- tion, preserving of water resources to The Arab Weekly on Maghreb than the 6.1 million tonnes forecast quences on small farmers, exacer- stitute. Morocco’s water stress is de- and increasing supply in rural areas. issues. 22 March 1, 2020 Society Women Violence against women, Turkey’s new normal

Constanze Letsch women and obliges ratifying coun- tries to prevent gender-based crime, provide adequate protection and Istanbul services for victims and assure the prosecution of perpetrators. The ive years ago, 19-year-old same year, Turkey’s government university student Ozgecan passed Law Number 6248 to Protect Aslan was killed by a mini- the Family and Prevent Violence F bus driver who attempted Against Women and introduced to rape her on her way home. In a gender equality policies. country where femicide and vio- Despite the legal efforts, violence lence against women is at epidemic against women in Turkey has in- proportions, the woman’s death creased. Few perpetrators are pun- marked a watershed moment. ished to the full extent of the law, Across the country, people took leading to a culture of impunity. to the streets to protest violence “The enactment of law Number against women, policies that pro- 6248 and the ratification of the Is- tect perpetrators and the perceived tanbul Convention happened be- inaction of Turkish state institu- cause of the women’s rights move- tions. Hundreds of thousands of ment in Turkey and because of the women spoke about their experi- pressure of women’s rights groups ences of violence, harassment and on the government,” said lawyer abuse. Funda Ekin. “However, the problem Following Aslan’s death, a peti- is with the implementation of exist- tion demanding an end to reduced ing laws. The general attitude in so- sentences for perpetrators of gen- ciety has not changed. Women are der-based violence gathered more still urged to stay at home with the than 1 million signatures, making it children, to serve and obey. There is the most popular petition in Turk- still the attitude that in some cases, ish history. violence against women is accept- able.” She said that view was widely Communication between A struggle for justice. Women take part in a choreographed performance to protest against gender espoused by government officials, violence and patriarchy in Istanbul, last December. (AFP) women’s advocacy and judges, prosecutors and the po- civil society groups and lice, making the fight against gen- the AKP government has der-based violence more difficult. He has criticised women who has all but ceased. “After 2015, the and “scapegoated men.” all but ceased. “There is no awareness of what chose work over having children as little cooperation we had was cut “There is a constant stream of violence against women can mean. “half-persons” and equated abor- entirely,” Ekin explained. “People negative messages,” Ekin said. “The Despite the widespread protests, Many forms of violence are not even tion to “murder.” Other AKP politi- perceived to be in the opposition convention is constantly being vio- the number of femicides rose signif- taken into account, such as psycho- cians suggested that women who are being shut out. They don’t invite lated anyway. What the government icantly. The We Will End Femicide logical abuse and other forms of de- were raped should carry babies to women’s rights activists anymore to should be saying is how much work Platform, a women’s rights group, grading treatment,” Ekin said. term and should not laugh loudly in work on important issues together.” there still is to be done.” said almost 2,000 women had been Measures stipulated by the Istan- public. For years, the Erdogan gov- Also, numerous women’s rights Despite mounting difficulties, killed since February 2015, often by bul Convention, such as the provi- ernment urged women to each have NGOs were closed by emergency the resolve of Turkey’s women’s their husbands or boyfriends. In sion of enough women’s shelters at least three children. decree following the 2016 coup at- rights activists has grown stronger 2019, 474 women were slain in Tur- and rape crisis centres, were not be- Ekin said that what was needed tempt. and Ekin stressed that this yielded key. ing met, Ekin said. was a holistic change of the societal In February, Erdogan said his gov- important successes. For exam- Women’s rights activists said the Prominent politicians of the rul- mindset regarding gender equal- ernment would have another look ple, because of close monitoring of necessary legal tools for the protec- ing Justice and Development Party ity and gender-based violence, at the 2011 women’s rights accord. femicide court cases by activists, tion of women against violence al- (AKP), including Turkish President starting with children’s education. “We will review the Istanbul Con- courts rarely hand down reduced ready exist. In 2012, Turkey was the Recep Tayyip Erdogan, espoused “The image of masculinity needs to vention again,” he told fellow party sentences for “unjust provocation,” first country to ratify the Council of misogynistic views. During a change but is happening only very members. “We will take measures a widespread practice until a few Europe Convention on Preventing speech at an international women’s slowly in Turkey. TV shows, books, that will increase the birth rate.” years ago. and Combating Violence Against rights summit in 2014, Erdogan said schoolbooks — everywhere we look It is not the first time the treaty “This is the result of our struggle Women and Domestic Violence, women were not equal to men and we only see a very traditional, very has come under attack. For years, and we will continue to fight for jus- also known as the Istanbul Conven- that manual labour was not suitable harmful gender image,” she said. conservative politicians and pro- tice for women,” Ekin said. tion. for women because of their “deli- Communication between wom- government media urged the gov- Introduced in 2011, this treaty cate nature.” He accused feminists en’s advocacy and civil society ernment to scrap it, arguing that it Constanze Letsch is a contributor specifically targets violence against of “rejecting motherhood.” groups and the AKP government threatened family values in Turkey to The Arab Weekly in Istanbul. Dubai forum highlights gender imbalances at workplace

Caline Malek women are extremely underrep- senior management, in the pipeline resented in important positions in and, most important, in the supply government. chain.” Dubai “We cannot achieve it without Retaining women at work is the whole of society,” said Caren equally critical, said Chiara Marcati, ore than half of the coun- Grown, senior director for gender a partner at McKinsey & Company. tries in the Middle East at the World Bank Group. “It cannot Pointing to the company’s report, and North Africa are happen until men step up as cham- “Middle East Women at Work,” she M among states with the pions and change themselves, their listed four reasons women frequent- highest gender gaps in the world. institutions and the way they work. ly leave their workplaces: cultural Experts and officials at the Global Even in the home, working along- and social pressure, unconscious Women’s Forum in Dubai, organised side women to parent children is bias, limited role models and an un- by the Dubai Women Establishment, very important.” supportive work environment. discussed how such disparities She noted that female labour force harm countries’ economic output participation remained low in the and social progress. region — around 21% in 2018 com- Strategies for global Conference speakers included pared with 74% for men. gender balance, the future former UK Prime Minister Theresa “Unfortunately, the MENA region of women at work, May, US White House senior adviser still has one of the highest wage propelling female Ivanka Trump, World Bank Group gaps at about 40%,” Grown added, entrepreneurship in the President David Malpass and Inter- A long way to go. Representatives of the Women Committee at “and when we look at entrepreneur- region, and women’s role national Monetary Fund Managing the Dubai Airport Freezone Authority attend the Global Women’s ship, which is critical to the growth in government were Director Kristalina Georgieva. Forum 2020 in Dubai. (DAFZA) and development of an economy, among issues discussed. Strategies for global gender bal- only 28% of women own SMEs ance, the future of women at work (small and medium-sized enterpris- Marcati argued that women in in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, in jobs classified as routine,” Concei- authorities, banks tend to be more es) and there’s still [lack of] access to senior positions have their judg- propelling female entrepreneurship cao said. stable. So the benefits from includ- finance gap that’s still very hard.” ment questioned five times more in the region, women’s role in gov- “Second, we know that AI algo- ing women in the economy would Two months ago, research by the often than men, while only half of ernment and the importance of fe- rithms are trained given the infor- be much higher than just these me- International Finance Corporation women in their early career claim to male engagement in achieving the mation that’s fed to them, so many chanical estimates that have been on the venture capital and equity have a role model. UN Sustainable Development Goals of them that are now used reflect traditionally done,” Conceicao said. industry across emerging markets “Seven-of-ten women report that 2030 were among issues discussed. the world we live in and we have He blamed legal barriers and found that firms whose senior in- they are the only senior female in Pedro Conceicao, director of the evidence that some of the AI algo- social norms for the challenge of vestment officers are gender-bal- the workplace and only two-of- human development report office rithms related to helping people women transitioning to the econ- anced have 10-20% higher returns ten senior women report feeling at the UN Development Programme, find jobs don’t target women when omy. “It’s fairness and living a life on investment than firms that either included,” Marcati said. “It’s sad said technological advances could it comes to high-paying jobs.” of dignity,” he added. “In a human have only males or only females. but, regardless of the figures, sen- harm women’s employment if not He noted the importance of wom- development report in 1995, we had “This argues for the balance it- ior women were found to be much properly addressed. “We have evi- en’s participation in science and a sentence that read ‘human devel- self,” Grown noted. “It’s because more satisfied than men and this is dence today that new technologies technology fields and pointed out opment that is not engendered is of the diversity of perspectives, of possible because women are resil- associated with artificial intelli- that gender balance in the work- endangered’ and it was valid in 1995 networks and experience and many ient, self-confident and find a way gence (AI) and automation are more place often yields greater productiv- as much as it is today.” companies almost ahead of the pub- to move forward.” likely to put some jobs performed by ity. Further advancing gender equal- lic sector are actually experiencing women at risk [more] than men be- “If women are part of the man- ity, from a male’s perspective, will new approaches to create diversity Caline Malek is an Arab Weekly cause women are overrepresented agement of banks and supervisory have to do with power because on their corporate boards, in their contributor in Abu Dhabi. March 1, 2020 23 Culture

Interview ‘Art in the Age of Anxiety’: Curator Omar Kholeif spells out ambitions

with previously and many others whom I had dreamed of working N.P. Krishna with but whom I had never had the Kumar chance to before. Through studio visits, portfolio reviews and ongoing conversations, I came to a final list that tells a cohesive and he Sharjah Art collective story that, I believe, Foundation is reflects on the current cultural introducing the most moment in which we live.” ambitious exhibition The exhibition is global in scope. of its kind in the There are artists from China and Middle East, “Art in South Africa to North America and the Age of Anxiety,” the Middle East. Iraqi artist Wafaa Tto explore ways everyday devices, Bilal and Lebanese-British artist technology and digital networks Lawrence Abu Hamdan are two of altered the collective conscious- the artists representing the Middle ness. East. More than just a passion. Newly appointed CEO of the Saudi Music Authority Gehad al-Khaldi. (Twitter) The 3-month exhibition, which The show also attempts to throw opens March 21, will showcase light on the global digital divide. over 60 works by more than 30 “The way that the exhibition international artists. addresses this issue is by implor- Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF) ing the viewer to connect to Director of Collections and Senior knowledge bases — structures that Gehad al-Khaldi to head Curator Omar Kholeif, who also will enable them to understand served as curator of Sharjah the tools that they use. Internet Biennial 14, calls himself a “digital penetration has exponentially centrist” or “a digital utopian.” grown with mobile telephony with Saudi Music Authority “I do not believe that the digital more than 3 billion people online creates endless doom and gloom,” but is everyone using the internet he said. “However, I do believe aware of its implications, one must that if we do not pay attention to ask,” Kholeif said. Zaki al-Soudeir and continued until my university of formalising the licensing of pri- the changing nature of our The works of theoreticians graduation from the academy. I vate music schools. However, she everyday technologies — their largely influenced the curator’s have a degree in violin and musical makes a difference between pre- propriety ownership, their views on the subject. Riyadh education.” paring professionals and educat- algorithms or their changing “I have written or edited eight She continued: “Music has never ing amateurs. apparatus — we could potentially books on this topic and curated ehad al-Khaldi has been been a hobby in my life. It is a sci- “As we start preparing the rel- be left in a dangerous situation in numerous exhibitions around it so appointed CEO of the ence, requiring effort and perse- evant legislation to license music which we relinquish our own sense to pivot one theoretician over Saudi Music Authority, an verance and the passion of my life. schools, I hope that we’ll differ- of self control.” another feels very difficult,” he G important step in estab- It is one of the most difficult jobs entiate between specialised insti- Kholeif said he has always been said. “I love Bruno Latour (French lishing the authority’s mission to requiring training, persistence and tutes whose output will be inter- interested in how the internet philosopher and sociologist) but I develop the music sector in Saudi being up to the challenge. I have nationally qualified professionals could be a unique form of digital was also drawn to the work of Arabia. never stopped playing and practis- and private institutions that help distribution, linking artists across political scientists like Will Khaldi’s musical experience ing music, not even for one day.” in developing talent,” she said. the world through shared net- Davies.” spans 33 years. She has a bachelor’s Khaldi said she is looking for- “The owner of this specialised in- works. He also mentioned: “Lawrence degree in violin and music theory ward to the day when music learn- stitute for professionals must be Under “Art in the Age of Anxi- Abu Hamdan, whose research was from the Higher Institute of Music ing and teaching become core sub- qualified, scientifically and aca- ety,” there are sub-themes, instrumental to me; Christiane in Cairo and has played for eight jects in school curricula, just like demically, and not just an amateur including one focusing on the blur- Paul, who has been a constant years as a violinist in the Egyptian mathematics and other essential and this is what will differentiate ring of the virtual and the physical; source of inspiration; Nora M Orchestra. She was the second Sau- subjects. between amateurs and profession- how artists transform virtual icons Khan, a young writer who blurs the di, after Ghazi Ali, to receive a cer- als.” into objects and vice versa. boundaries of fiction and reality; tificate from the academy. Khaldi Besides wishing for the Saudi musicians reacted enthu- Jesse Darling, whose manifesto in The exhibition also explores also has management experience. creation of a specialised siastically to Khaldi’s appoint- how algorithmic culture is my book ‘You Are Here: Art After Khaldi thanked Saudi Culture ment. They said she is worthy of changing the ways narrative, the Internet’ completely opened Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah academy similar to what the appointment but warned she storytelling and identity evolve up new trajectories of thinking for bin Farhan for his confidence in she said she found in other will be shouldering a great respon- and are presented. me.” her appointment and promised to countries, Khaldi is also in sibility because her actions will be “I always begin by looking at the Kholeif highlighted a few of the work towards fulfilling the Minis- favour of formalising the foundational and are expected to art and I see how things come works at “Art in the Age of Anxi- try of Culture’s aspirations in the licensing of private music raise the music scene in Saudi Ara- together to tell a story,” Kholeif ety” that can guide viewers in music sector and building infra- schools. bia to new levels. said on how he selected artists for navigating through the huge show. structure that will spread music Followers of Saudi music affairs the exhibition. “I believe that the works of education in the country and de- Khaldi said she was once of the expressed hope for joint efforts “I spent an extensive period Trevor Paglen, which are diverse velop general musical awareness opinion that the biggest difficulty between the Music Authority and researching artists I had worked and varied in the exhibition, and artistic taste. facing music in Saudi Arabia was the Saudi National Orchestra. They anchor the viewer,” he said. “Here, “I started out on my musical the absence of a national strategy said they sought music specialists we see algorithms shifting journey at the age of 8, when my to have it taught formally. There to develop appropriate strategies photographic practice alongside mother enrolled me in the Music were no official agencies to issue and organisational standards. video work that reflects on the Academy upon the recommenda- permits to specialised teaching in- “Who would have believed this structures of power that control tion of a private music teacher,” stitutions that could formally edu- only a few years ago?” asked Saudi our media. Khaldi said. “He told her that I had cate and train talented youngsters. novelist Latifa al-Shaalan. “A Saudi “Lynn Hershman Leeson’s film an ear for music and that I was tal- “The importance of teaching Music Authority and headed by a ‘Shadow Stalker’ is also pivotal in ented. music to children, whether talent- woman, too!” that it reveals how the future of “Because my mother believed ed or not talented, has been prov- Through the new Music Author- citizenship might look like in an in formal education, she enrolled en scientifically,” she said. “Music ity, the Ministry of Culture seeks era of algorithmic citizenship. me at the right academic place that helps them become creative and is to regulate and develop the king- “Overall, it is an experience to qualifies talents and teaches them beneficial to their intellectual, sen- dom’s music sector and support enjoy and get lost and immersed music formally and academically.” sory and mental development. and encourage musicians. It is to in.” Her choice to study violin was “Teaching music in schools re- work with authorities to protect About his new role at SAF, partly dictated by the fact that the quires the establishment within intellectual property rights in ar- Kholeif said: “Sharjah is one of the instrument was a component of universities of colleges specialising eas related to music, in addition world’s major cultural hubs. We the test to enter the academy and in music education, so that, every to organising training courses stage exhibitions and collect art partly by the challenge the instru- four years, we have new batches of and adopting professional pro- that you won’t see anywhere else. I ment presents. graduates qualified to teach music grammes and encouraging music hope that, over the coming years, “This instrument is one of the in schools because this is different professionals and amateurs to de- we will be able to continue to push most difficult and most accurate from teaching it to talented people velop musical content. the formal, conceptual and instruments ever,” she explained. who would be choosing a career The Music Authority is one of 11 theoretical boundaries that make “It requires technique, skill, study in music. Teaching schoolchil- bodies introduced by the Ministry modern and contemporary art so and training for a long time so that dren requires specific pedagogical of Culture to develop various cul- exciting!” a player can become good at it. You methods.” tural sectors that were included in Pushing boundaries. Sharjah need to develop the skills of a pro- Besides wishing for the creation its vision document released last Art Foundation (SAF) Director of N.P. Krishna Kumar is a fessional player. of a specialised academy similar to March. Collections and Senior Curator Dubai-based contributor to The “I studied music for 18 years. what she said she found in other Omar Kholeif. (Eric T White) Arab Weekly. I began at the elementary level countries, Khaldi is also in favour Zaki al-Soudeir is a Saudi writer. 24 March 1, 2020 Mosaic www.thearabweekly.com

Agenda

Beirut: Through March 22

Al Bustan International Festi- val of Music and the Perform- ing Arts is a musical celebra- tion that takes place at various venues in Beirut and promotes music from all over the world. The festival includes orchestral concerts, choral music, opera and dance performances.

Dubai: Through April 4

Organised by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the tenth Live Our Heritage Festival is based on the theme “An Eye on Emirati Heritage.” The event includes traditional crafts and national folk songs, a heritage workshop and other entertain- ing activities.

Hurghada, Egypt: March 2-9

Egypt Sensual Festival 2020 offers dancing, workshops and performances from artists who will teach and dance with visi- The house of the French developer of the Suez Canal Ferdinand de Lesseps in Ismailia. (Marc Espanol) tors. The event features pool parties, beach parties, boat parties, workshops, shows and music performances. Egypt’s Ismailia El Kef: March 14-21

Sicca Jazz, an annual music festival in El Kef, in north- remains off the western Tunisia, brings musi- cians from all over the world to perform and interact. This year’s programme includes beaten track indoor and street concerts. Marrakech: March 19-22 Marc Espanol clear when strolling the streets of Ismailia’s historic centre, especially The second Beat Hotel Mar- near the tree-lined squares. rakech will take place in the Ismailia Within the blurred limits of the foothills of the Atlas Moun- old French colonial city of Ismailia tains. The festival features ituated on the west bank of is an impressive villa where de international artists and DJs in (Reuters) the Suez Canal, halfway be- Lesseps was based, considered A view from inside the Agathe Church in Ismailia. addition to global cuisine and tween Port Said and Suez and the last example in the city of the well-being activities. The event S near Lake Timsah, Ismailia chalets ordered by the Suez Canal will take place at Fellah Hotel. stands as one of the great examples Company in the mid-1850s from a but remained owned by the French, nal-side city. The size of the chalets of a modern Egyptian city that re- French firm from Normandy. so the former’s intervention in its stands in contrast to similar build- Zammour, Tunisia: mains off main tourist destination The International Museum of the urban development was minor and ings in the city of Port Said, which March 19-22 itineraries despite having played a Suez Canal Authority, reportedly the city grew in all directions fol- tend to be significantly higher. prominent role in recent history. erected at the site of the histori- lowing a French-inspired model. Ismailia experienced a marked The fourth Zammour Trek- Named after Khedive Ismail when cal administrative building of the The most singular neighbourhood transformation following Egyptian king will take place in a Berber he took power in 1863, the city, Suez Canal Authority (SCA), is un- developed at that time was what nationalisation of the Suez Canal village in the Tunisian Sa- known before as Tusun and Timsah, der construction. In the same area some call the French-designed Brit- Company in 1956 with the expul- hara over four days and three was founded by the French devel- is the SCA historical exhibition, es- ish quarter, which stretches from sion of European workers from the nights. Visitors can camp in oper of the Suez Canal Ferdinand de tablished in the building where the the eastern edges of the European company and the city and their re- Bedouin tents, trek or bike in Lesseps as a base to coordinate the canal’s navigation traffic was con- quarters and the promenade along placement by locals. the village, visit mountains, at- waterway’s construction and ac- trolled in its early years. The two- the freshwater canal. What had been a city planned tend folklore parties and enjoy commodate workers and engineers. storey gallery traces the story of One of the most prominent build- along colonial lines grew without a traditional food. Following the inauguration of the the waterway in thematic halls that ings of the area is Ismailia Museum clear urban design. Ismailia was also canal, the headquarters of the Suez range from its digging stage until its erected in 1934 at the entrance of affected by wars with Israel, even if Cairo: Canal administration was in Ismail- nationalisation and to the present the quarter. Considered one of the the damage was less important than March 28-April 20 ia, which helped it flourish. day. oldest museums in Egypt, the small Suez, and it was evacuated from The beginnings of Ismailia were A freshwater canal pumping wa- gallery was established to display 1968-75 when the canal was closed. Downtown Contemporary Arts closely intertwined with the French ter to Ismailia from the Nile River ancient artefacts found during the Despite changes since the 1950s, Festival is an international presence because they were au- along the shore of Timsah Lake construction of the waterway. Ismailia has kept the grand nature of multidisciplinary contempo- thorised by the khedive to plan helps create a long, gardened prom- The rest of the quarter, filled with its old quarters, featuring a city with rary event that includes local, and own the city in preparation for enade, dotted with picturesque well-preserved, colonial-style vil- several historical layers that mirror regional and international mu- the inauguration of the canal. The bridges, that runs south to city’s las of two-to-three storeys made major events that have shaped it. sic, theatre, dance, visual arts French-designed layout with five historic neighbourhood. of wood and bricks and with large and films by artists from Egypt, axial neighbourhoods — two Euro- Following the British occupation gardens, draws one of the quietest Marc Espanol is a Catalan journalist the Arab world and beyond. pean, two Greek and one Arab — is of Egypt in 1882, Ismailia expanded and most charming parts of the ca- in Egypt. The festival takes place in vari- ous venues in Cairo.

Tunis: April 2-11

The 15th Jazz a Carthage, an annual music festival, brings together renowned interna- tional and local musicians for concerts, gatherings and street performances. Concerts will take place in Gammarth, Tunis and Sidi Bou Said.

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] The Timsah Lake in Ismailia. (Marc Espanol) Cars drive to the Ismailia motorway tunnels. (DPA)