Issue 164, UK £2 www.thearabweekly.com Year 4 July 8, 2018 EU €2.50 Erdogan’s Interview challenges in the Talking to Mohamed Benaissa, region and beyond founder of Morocco’s Page 15 Asilah Mousem Page 23 Iran’s threats to Gulf navigation ratchet up tensions with the US ► The cut-off of Iranian imports, if enforced, would greatly stiffen US efforts to cripple the Tehran regime’s expansionist ambitions in the Middle East.

Ed Blanche The Bahrain-based US Navy’s 5th Fleet is without its usual aircraft car- rier battle group. The USS Theodore Beirut Roosevelt left the region in May and has not been replaced. However, the ran, increasingly cornered by US USS Harry S. Truman is in the Medi- President Donald Trump’s diplo- terranean and could be sent to the matic offensive to bring it to its Gulf to boost US naval power for any I knees, is threatening to cut off confrontation with Iran. energy exports through the Arabian The amphibious warship USS Iwo Gulf if economic sanctions are reim- Jima, carrying attack helicopters posed. and a US Marine Corps force, arrived The US State Department an- in the Gulf in early June to reinforce nounced that countries buying the 5th Fleet. Iranian oil must cut off all imports by The Tehran regime has threatened November 4 or face “financial meas- to close Hormuz several times in re- ures” — with no exceptions among cent years, although it has never in- US allies. dicated how it would do that. It has However, officials from all nuclear the capability to mine the 280km Tough talk. Director of Policy Planning Brian Hook speaks to the media about Iran at the US agreement signatories — except the waterway, as it did amid naval Department of State, on June 2. (AFP) United States — on July 6 said they clashes with the US Navy during the were committed to “the continua- 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war, when both That has alarmed US allies such what they are saying when they say protests, which have been curtailed tion of Iran’s export of oil and gas” states attacked tankers in the Gulf. as Britain, Germany and France, Iran will not be allowed to export by heavy-handed security forces. with a series of initiatives “aimed at Iran’s navy is no match for the which, along with China and Russia, even a single drop of oil,” Rohani de- An outbreak of mass protests in preserving the nuclear deal, which is Americans’ overwhelming firepow- also signed the pact to ease interna- clared. “All right — if you can do such December and January resulted in a in the security interest of all.” Their er but it has a substantial arsenal of tional sanctions against Iran in re- a thing, do it and see the result!” major crackdown and demands for agreement does not affect the calen- anti-ship missiles in coastal batter- turn for it curtailing its contentious He declined to elaborate but Iran’s action by Rohani’s reformist govern- dar of the US announced sanctions or ies on the eastern Iranian shore of nuclear programme. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ment to ease the burden on Iran’s the escalating showdown between the Gulf, including Hormuz. The resulting standoff, echoing warned on July 4 it would block 80 million population but most ana- Tehran and Washington. Iran’s threats in the face of previous confrontations in the Gulf, Hormuz if Iran’s crude oil sales are lysts agree an economic recession is The cut-off of Iranian imports, if Trump’s actions have sharply inten- could seriously reduce global oil and halted. inevitable. enforced, would greatly stiffen US ef- sified tensions in the Middle East at gas supplies. Iran exported 1.9 mil- The combined loss of oil exports Iran has much experience in cop- forts to cripple the Tehran regime’s a critical juncture as Tehran builds lion barrels per day (bpd) in the first would have a severe global effect ing with international sanctions and expansionist ambitions in the Middle up its military forces in south-west- quarter of the year. and analysts say a prolonged stop- dramatic fluctuations in its oil earn- East through an economic blockade. ern Syria in a face-off with Israel Saudi Arabia, the world’s larg- page could send the price of oil to ings but it has faced mounting eco- Iran’s threat centres on the choke amid fears of open conflict between est producer, has pledged to boost as much as $200 per barrel. The cur- nomic woes since Trump became point Strait of Hormuz, the only way the two regional powers. its output to make up for the an- rent price is around $80. president. The impending loss of vi- in and out of the Gulf and through Trump has been pressuring Teh- ticipated Iranian shortfall by at The prospect of a severe slump tal oil income could be crippling and which one-third of globally traded oil ran since May 8 when he unilateral- least 1 million bpd. in Tehran’s hard currency earnings politically explosive. passes daily. ly withdrew the United States from Iranian President Hassan Rohani, from oil exports has triggered a pan- The US Navy declared that it the landmark 2015 nuclear agree- speaking to Iranian expatriates in icked flight of currency from the al- Ed Blanche is a regular stands “ready to ensure the free- ment with Iran and reinstated some Switzerland on July 2, warned that ready imperilled rial, Iran’s curren- contributor to The Arab Weekly. He dom of navigation and the free flow sanctions because he considered if Iran’s oil exports were threatened cy, into dollars because of sanctions. has reported on the Middle East of commerce” through the narrow the pact did not go far enough in by US action, so would all others in The rial’s collapse, food price since 1967. channel which links the Gulf to the preventing Tehran from developing the region. hikes and record unemployment Arabian Sea. atomic weapons. “It seems they do not understand have ignited serious country-wide P2-3,6,17 World Cup highlights positives of integration in Europe

Mahmud el-Shafey While most of these players are Flemish, Walloon days before an ethnically diverse it into the knock-out round of the second-generation immigrants born or second-gener- Belgium team beat Japan to secure World Cup thanks largely to its abil- in Belgium, what is clear is that the ation immigrants a quarterfinals spot against Brazil, ity and willingness to draw on its London idea of nationality among modern from North Afri- Belgium’s right-wing Immigration immigrant community. Fourteen of footballers has become much more ca, come togeth- Minister Theo Francken called on Switzerland’s teams of 23 are “sec- igration and integration fluid. er to support Europe to take a tough Australia- ondos” — a term used by the Swiss remain hot-button is- The Red Devils’ tense round-of-16 their national style line on migration. to denote second-generation immi- sues across Europe but victory over Japan carried a dis- team, it is clear Football often shows the positives grants. M nowhere are the vagaries tinctly Moroccan flavour with this together- of migration and integration but this However, not all immigrants leave — positive and negative — of migra- goals from Marouane Fellaini ness is something generally fails to lead to support on their heritage behind when they put tion and integration better show- and winger Nacer Chadli, unique to football. a wider societal level. on the shirt of their birth country. cased than in football and the highs both of whom were born Ironically, a few France, for example, has probably Two of Switzerland’s best players and lows of the world’s most widely in Belgium to Moroc- the most racially diverse team at the — Xherdan Shaqiri, who was born in viewed sporting event. can parents. Chadli, a Success stories. World Cup, with more than three- Kosovo, and Granit Xhaka, whose A trend has seen European teams dual citizen of Mo- Belgium’s quarters of the roster (18 players) parents are ethnic Albanian — stoked with the most ethnically diverse rocco and Belgium, Marouane Fellaini coming from the country’s varied controversy during the World Cup squads — Belgium, France, England played for the Mo- celebrates after community of immigrants. While when they celebrated goals against and Switzerland — advance to the roccan national scoring his side’s France’s fans of all backgrounds Serbia by making a “double-eagle” latter stages of the competition. team in 2010 second goal during the can unite in support of the national hand gesture — a tribute to the two- Belgium has progressively in- before choos- match between Belgium team, nobody who has visited Par- headed eagle on the Albanian flag. creased the number of non-Belgians ing to repre- and Japan at the 2018 is’s immigrant banlieues can argue on its squad. At its World Cup ap- sent the coun- FIFA World Cup in Russia, that unity and integration go be- Mahmud el-Shafey is an Arab pearance in 2014, there were nine try of his birth. on July 2. yond football. Weekly correspondent in London. non-ethnic Belgians. That number is As Belgium (AP) Switzerland, with a population 11 in 2018. fans, whether of just more than 8 million, made P20 2 July 8, 2018 Cover Story

Fears of US intensifies efforts to stop Iran’s oil exports unintended

Thomas Frank consequences as US increases he United States intensified diplomatic and military ef- pressure on Iran forts to convince countries to stop importing oil from T Thomas Frank Iran and support economic sanc- tions that the Trump administration plans to reimpose. Washington With some sanctions to resume August 4, the United States is trying s the US strategy for Iran to persuade countries from Europe comes into sharper focus, to Japan to scale back imports of Ira- it is increasingly centred nian oil. Officials, including US Pres- A on denying Iran its vi- ident Donald Trump, asked OPEC tal oil revenue and assuring that countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, American consumers have inex- to increase production to compen- pensive petrol. sate for a reduction in Iranian oil on The United States has chosen an the international market. economic route — cutting Iranian Iranian leaders waged their own oil exports — to achieve its goal of diplomatic efforts to keep the nu- defanging — if not removing — the clear agreement alive — and forestall country’s leadership, although an expansion of sanctions — despite some analysts say a faltering econ- the US decision in May to withdraw omy will strengthen Iranian hard- from the Joint Comprehensive Plan liners. of Action. “This is a campaign of imposing The US effort is tricky because it pressure,” US State Department involves trying to penalise the Ira- policy director Brian Hook said. nian economy without driving up oil “Pressure is critical to achieve our prices, which would increase prices national security objectives.” at the petrol pumps in the United Tighter screws. A gas flare on an oil production platform in the Soroush oil fields is seen alongside an The second goal, keeping oil States before US congressional elec- Iranian flag in the Arabian Gulf. (Reuters) prices stable, aims to protect US tions in November. US sanctions re- President Donald Trump and his lated to importing Iranian oil are to fellow Republicans politically take effect November 4. looking to grant licences or waiv- balance and stability.” would keep channels in the Arabian when voters elect a new Congress A US State Department official ers,” US officials “are prepared to Saudi officials have said they were Gulf open to oil tankers despite a in November. US petrol prices shot signalled on June 26 that the Trump work with countries that are reduc- prepared to increase oil production threat from Iranian President Has- up in May after Trump announced administration planned a hard line ing their imports on a case-by-case but did not specify an amount. Ana- san Rohani to block transits through the United States was withdrawing on which countries would be given basis.” lysts said it would be impossible for the waterway. A US military spokes- from the Iran nuclear agreement waivers to import Iranian oil. Hook’s comment was widely seen Saudi Arabia, which produces 10 man told the Associated Press that and have held steady since June, “We view this as one of our top as a signal to China, India and Tur- million barrels of oil per day, to in- the US Navy and its Middle East al- the US Energy Information Admin- national security priorities,” a senior key, which have said they will con- crease its daily output by 2 million lies “stand ready to ensure the free- istration said. US State Department official said in tinue to import Iranian oil. The three barrels. dom of navigation and the free flow Both US tasks involve the kind of a background briefing. “I would be countries are some of the biggest of commerce wherever international global diplomacy whose inherent hesitant to say zero waivers ever. I buyers of Iranian oil and their reduc- “We view this as one law allows.” difficulty Trump has exacerbated think the predisposition would be, ing imports from Iran is essential to of our top national The US diplomatic and military ef- with his itchy Twitter finger and no, we’re not granting waivers.” the Trump administration’s strategy. security priorities.” forts against Iranian oil production strong-arm foreign relations style. US crude oil prices spiked to their Trump waged his own version of A senior US State are “an economic offensive intended Some analysts say they are mutu- highest level in nearly four years diplomacy via Twitter, targeting ma- Department official to collapse the Iranian government, ally exclusive. after the comments. The State De- jor oil-producing countries. On June which is already contending with “President Trump is trying to partment to soften its stance July 2 30, he wrote that he “just spoke to” a steady tempo of internal unrest have it both ways,” Samantha when State Department Policy Di- Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Trump ratcheted up the pressure driven by economic and political Gross, a former official in the US rector Brian Hook left the door open Al Saud and asked Saudi Arabia to on OPEC to increase oil production frustrations,” former State Depart- Energy Department, wrote in for to certain countries receiving waiv- increase oil production by as much on July 4, tweeting: “The OPEC ment Iran adviser Suzanne Maloney the Brookings Institution think- ers from US sanctions. He also indi- as 2 million barrels per day. “He has Monopoly must remember that gas wrote for the Brookings Institution. tank. “The administration will cated the United States was trying to agreed!” Trump wrote. prices are up & they are doing lit- Hook noted in his comments July find that actions that pull crude maintain oil supply. The White House stepped back tle to help. If anything, they are 2 that investment in Iran was declin- oil away from a tight market have “We are working to minimise dis- Trump’s assertion with a statement driving prices higher as the United ing and that Iran’s currency, the rial, ramifications at home” with higher ruptions to the global market,” Hook reporting that King Salman told States defends many of their mem- recently hit an all-time high against fuel prices. said. “We are confident that there is Trump that his country has “a 2 mil- bers for very little $’s. This must be the dollar. Curtailing Iran’s oil exports re- sufficient global spare oil production lion barrel per day spare capacity, a two-way street. REDUCE PRICING quires cooperation from dozens capacity.” which it will prudently use if and NOW!” Thomas Frank is an Arab Weekly of importers, including putative Hook said that while “we are not when necessary to ensure market The US military signalled that it correspondent in Washington. US allies in Europe that Trump an- gered with his unilateral withdraw- al from the Iran nuclear agreement Viewpoint and his insults of the European Un- ion. If that effort weren’t difficult enough, the Trump administration India looks for alternatives to Iranian oil imports also must win restraint from rivals, notably China, which is the largest When it pulled out of the Iran Iranian crude imports, with those to seek a waiver for Iranian oil importer of Iranian oil. nuclear accord in May, the Trump exemptions reviewed every 180 purchases but began considering US State Department spokes- administration said that it would days. a rupee trade structure employed woman Heather Nauert side- Jareer Elass reimpose sanctions on Tehran fol- While decrying the Trump ad- under the previous sanctions stepped a question about how lowing 90-day and 180-day wind- ministration’s decision to pull out regime that was acceptable to the the Trump administration could down periods. The first set of US of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and Obama administration, in which sharply curtail Iranian oil exports ran’s crude oil customers are sanctions will kick in August 6 and protesting the renewal of US sanc- India made some oil payments without China’s cooperation, say- anxiously waiting indications will include a ban on the purchase tions on Tehran, these countries to Iran in rupees through a small ing, without giving details: “Well, from Washington on whether or acquisition of US dollar bank- quickly queued up for potential Indian state bank, with Tehran we have a lot of negotiations and they can continue to import notes by the Iranian government, waiver relief. using those funds to import Indian conversations with the Chinese oil from Tehran or if they need sanctions on Iran’s trade in gold In a letter to US Treasury Secre- goods. government.” to line up other suppliers be- and precious metals and sanctions tary Steven Mnuchin in June, the The rupee scenario has been Avoiding price hikes will require Ifore November 4, the date that US on significant transactions associ- British, French and German foreign shelved but, while the Indian gov- diplomacy by coaxing OPEC coun- sanctions on Iran’s oil business are ated with the sale or purchase of and finance ministers along with ernment has been told it would not tries to increase output. Additional to commence. Iranian rials. the EU foreign policy chief pointed be granted a waiver for Iranian oil production is needed to offset the The Trump administration It is the second stage of US sanc- to “security interests” as the justi- purchases, US Ambassador to the expected decline in Iranian oil on is sending mixed signals about tions, to go into effect November fication for waivers for European United Nations Nikki Haley report- the international market and fall- whether it is going to pursue a 4, that is causing consternation firms. The European contingent edly emphasised to Indian Prime ing production in Venezuela and “scorched earth” approach to among Iran’s crude customers and argued that US secondary sanctions Minister Narendra Modi during a Libya, whose economies are sty- economically cripple Iran through international oil markets. These could affect the European Union’s trip to New Delhi that his govern- mied by political dysfunction. unilateral US sanctions combined sanctions target Iran’s port opera- ability to continue “meaningful ment should lessen its dependence Trump has sought help from Ri- with corresponding secondary tors and shipping and shipbuilding sanctions relief to Iran,” which on Iranian oil imports, suggesting yadh, which has among the largest sanctions on US allies that do busi- sectors and narrow in on petrole- could result in Iran walking away there would be some leeway in oil reserves in the world and with ness with Tehran or whether it will um-related transactions with key from the nuclear accord. The letter terms of timing for total stoppage which Trump has developed close take a more accommodating stance Iranian state entities, as well as the stated that move “would further of Iranian crude purchases. relations, but no amount of goad- that allows for reduced imports of country’s energy sector. unsettle a region where additional It appears that New Delhi’s fear ing and tweeting can force US allies Iranian oil for some countries. Countries choosing to defy the conflicts would be disastrous.” of losing access to the US finan- such as Saudi Arabia and the Unit- A senior US State Department reimposed American sanctions India — Iran’s largest crude buyer cial system may win out over its ed Arab Emirates to produce an official, speaking on condition of could see their financial institu- after China — received a waiver commitment to Iranian crude additional 2 million barrels a day — anonymity, said that Washington tions that do business with the under the Obama administration purchases. The Indian Oil Ministry the amount experts say is needed was pushing its allies to cut their Central Bank of Iran denied access and struck a defiant tone after the informed the country’s refiners to to keep prices stable. Iranian oil imports “to zero” by No- to the US banking system. recent US decision to reimpose prepare for either a dramatic reduc- Barbara Slavin, director of the vember to “isolate streams of Ira- During the previous US sanc- sanctions on Tehran. Indian For- tion or zero imports of Iranian oil Future of Iran Initiative at the At- nian funding.” The official warned tions regime targeting Tehran, the eign Minister Sushma Swaraj said: by November and has asked refin- lantic Council think-tank, said that the Trump administration Obama administration granted “India will comply with UN sanc- ers to turn to alternative suppliers. declining Iranian oil exports will could impose secondary sanctions waivers to India, China, South tions and not any country-specific deepen Iran’s economic difficul- on governments that don’t comply Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Turkey, sanctions.” Jareer Elass reports from ties but that is not likely to force and that the administration was each of which had demonstrated New Delhi did, however, reach Washington on energy issues for Tehran to scale back its regional opposed to granting waivers. that it was dramatically reducing out to the Trump administration The Arab Weekly. ambitions. July 8, 2018 3 Cover Story Bomb plot suspicions overshadow Rohani’s Europe tour

Mahmud el-Shafey However, two Belgian nationals — a husband and wife of Iranian or- Back to the wall. Iran’s President Hassan Rohani arrives at the Austrian Chancellery in Vienna, igin — were apprehended in Brus- on July 4. (Reuters) London sels on June 30 allegedly with half a kilogram of homemade explo- llegations of Iranian in- sives along with a detonator. The ticularly considering that several meet Iranian expectations,” a sen- He said the group had “warned volvement in a bomb plot couple was accused of planning to Western officials, including US ior European diplomat told Reu- time and again” about alleged in Paris cast a shadow over attack a rally in Paris organised by President Donald Trump’s lawyer ters. “plots and preparations” by the A Iranian President Hassan the National Council of Resistance and former New York Mayor Rudy The Iranians appeared frustrated Iranian regime, the Ministry of Rohani’s efforts to sway European of Iran (NCRI). Giuliani and many European MPs, with the lack of progress over sav- Intelligence and the Islamic Revo- leaders to continue to support the An Iranian diplomat was later were to attend the NCRI rally. ing the JCPOA; however European lutionary Guard Corps’ al-Quds Iran nuclear deal and limit im- arrested by German police in con- Kurz, appearing at a news con- officials expressed their own dis- Force. pending US economic sanctions. nection with the alleged plot. Ar- ference July 4 with Rohani, said: satisfaction with Iranian sabre- The same day as the Vienna An Iranian diplomat was ar- rests in France and expulsions of “We expect full clarification in rattling. meeting, the Dutch Intelligence rested, accused of involvement in Iranian diplomats from the Neth- connection with this [plot] and I “They (Iranian officials) must service AIVD said two Iranian Em- a foiled attack against Iranian op- erlands were believed to be linked thank you, Mr President, for as- stop threatening to break their bassy staff members had been ex- position activists in France. There to the subsequent investigation. suring us that you will support this commitments to the nuclear deal,” pelled from the country. There was were arrests in several other coun- clarification.” French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves speculation that move was tied to tries of people suspected to be in- Foreign ministers of the remain- Le Drian told French radio, arguing the foiled Paris bomb plot but Teh- volved in a plot to bomb an Iranian On July 6, the same day ing signatories to the 2015 nuclear that Tehran’s tough talk made it dif- ran claimed it was the victim of a opposition meeting. as the Vienna meeting, deal — Iran, France, Britain, Ger- ficult for the Europeans to secure conspiracy. Iranian state media described the Netherlands expelled many, Russia and China — met in economic compensation. “All these arrests and expulsions Rohani’s visit to Switzerland and two Iranian staff Vienna on July 6 to discuss salvag- Few observers explicitly blamed are part of our enemies’ attempts Austria as “crucial” as the Iranian members. ing the accord but only agreed to the bomb plot for the lack of agree- to harm efforts to salvage the nu- president sought support for the continue talking amid a lack of any ment but it certainly didn’t help clear deal,” a senior Iranian official Joint Comprehensive Plan of Ac- concrete solution. Tehran’s case when Iran’s detrac- told Reuters. tion (JCPOA), following a US with- The diplomat, identified as Ass- Earlier that day, Iranian Foreign tors claimed it as an example of “How convenient. Just as we drawal and indications that Wash- adollah Assadi, is based in Vienna Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif Iranian subterfuge. embark on a presidential visit to ington would sanction European and Germany asked Austria to lift said he was in Vienna “to listen to “The Iranian regime’s embassies Europe, alleged Iranian operations companies doing business in Iran. Assadi’s diplomatic status. Assadi practical solutions, rather than slo- and representative offices in Eu- and its ‘plotters’ arrested,” tweet- Austria holds the rotating EU is thought to have been the head of gans.” rope are centres of espionage and ed Zarif. “Iran unequivocally con- presidency and Iranian officials intelligence at the Iranian Embassy “The objective is to save the terrorism and the Iranian resist- demns all violence and terror any- hoped that Rohani could gain in Vienna since 2014. deal. We’ve made some progress, ance once again reiterates the need where and is ready to work with backing from Austrian Chancellor The plot seriously complicat- including on safeguarding some to shut them down,” said NCRI all concerned to uncover what is a Sebastian Kurz. ed Rohani’s European tour, par- crude [oil] sales, but it’s unlikely to spokesman Shahin Gobadi. sinister false flag ploy.” Viewpoint Rohani embarks on charm campaign in Europe while threatening neighbours

ranian President Hassan the world’s fourth-largest producer, in Iran because there are no dip- historic Grand Bazaar. Rohani appeared to threaten exporting more than 2 million bar- lomatic relations between Wash- By striking and closing their to disrupt oil shipments from rels per day. ington and Tehran. Austria took shops and stalls on June 25, the Claude Salhani neighbouring countries if Preventing Iran from exporting over the rotating EU presidency on merchants demonstrated to au- Washington presses ahead oil is easier said than done and July 1 and the International Atomic thorities their political disapproval with its promise to prevent presents two potentially huge prob- Energy Agency has its headquarters of the situation and showed they Ithe sale of Iranian oil. lems. First, stopping Iran from get- in Vienna. This gives an idea what carry financial clout by slowing The thinly veiled threats made ting its oil out will create a shortage may be high on the Iranian presi- commerce in the heart of Tehran to July 3 at a media event in Zurich on the world market, a deficiency dent’s agenda: The nuclear issue, a standstill. during the Iranian president’s that Saudi Arabia told the White which is tied into the sanctions. There is no doubt that, when charm offensive to get the Euro- House it could fill. OK, that was an The nuclear deal has been the the merchants in the bazaar went peans to not follow along with US easy problem to solve, the next one cornerstone of Rohani’s policy of on strike, Rohani could ignore the President Donald Trump’s promise may not be so simple. greater openness with the West and importance of such action. For to hit Iran with unprecedented Iran will not remain idle as the the US move has seen him severely those who remember the role the sanctions. United States threatens its major criticised by ultraconservatives bazaar played in ousting the shah, This is not the first time Iran has source of income. Neither will it at home. Washington’s decision this expression of discontent by the threatened oil shipments from the allow Saudi Arabia to pick up its paves the way for new US sanctions bazaaris was not an encouraging Gulf. In 1984-88, the US Navy es- share of the market. Iran will go against Tehran, which will encom- sign. The older generation — people corted dozens of oil tankers sailing to war to protect its interests if pass businesses from third coun- Rohani’s age — have not forgotten Gulf waters while Iranian military needed. This is a very serious and tries that operate in Iran. that those who helped put them vessels tried — and at times suc- very frightening situation. Several foreign firms have an- in power can help get them out of ceeded — to strike laden oil tankers. There are possibly two issues nounced they would cease Iranian power. Rohani’s comments were initially driving Rohani’s European tour, activities because of the looming With the Iranian economy falter- published on the Iranian presiden- which included stops in Switzer- imposition of sanctions. ing, demonstrators have taken to tial website and partially repeated land, Belgium and Austria. Why Austrian Chancellor Sebastian the streets, reflecting a resentment at a news conference in Switzer- those three countries? Switzerland, Kurz said he would speak plainly of what they see as government land. Austria and Belgium are far from with Rohani about Iran’s role in the squandering. “The Americans have claimed being the movers and shakers of Middle East, as Tehran continues to Washington’s decision on the nu- they want to completely stop Iran’s the political world. The more tradi- deny accusations it is destabilising clear agreement paves the way for oil exports. They don’t understand tion political powerhouses in Eu- the region. new US sanctions against Tehran. the meaning of this statement, be- rope tend to be found in Paris and Iran is facing domestic problems This could trigger further domestic Iran is facing cause it has no meaning for Iranian Berlin rather than Zurich, Vienna or and more sanctions would ignite unrest. However, don’t expect the oil not to be exported, while the Brussels. new fires at home. There have mullahs to face the mounting pres- domestic problems region’s oil is exported,” the web- The Iranian Foreign Ministry said been protest marches across Iran sures without trying to export their and more sanctions site, president.ir, quoted Rohani as its minister would meet with rep- in recent days and, for the first problems to the rest of the region. saying. resentatives of France, Britain and time since the 1979 revolution, the would ignite new Iran’s contribution to the world Germany in Brussels and Vienna. demonstrations have spread to Claude Salhani is a regular fires at home. oil market is quite important. It is Switzerland represents US interests other parts of Tehran, including the columnist for The Arab Weekly. 4 July 8, 2018 News & Analysis Gulf Diplomatic efforts of UN special envoy to Yemen fall short

Saleh Baidhani political solution.” However, Griffiths’ attempts to negotiate concessions from the Sana’a Iran-backed Houthis on Hodei- dah have not been fruitful. Houthi N Special Envoy to Yemen leaders insisted they would remain Martin Griffiths failed to in the city but would not object to come up with a concrete UN monitors positioned among U solution to avoid conflict the port’s Houthi employees and in the port city of Hodeidah de- administrators. spite a flurry of talks with Yemen’s Griffiths met with rebel leader Impasse. UN Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths in Sana’a, on July 2. (Reuters) warring parties. Abdulmalik al-Houthi, who has Griffiths reportedly focused dis- long remained outside of the cussions with Houthi leaders on public eye, and Mahdi al-Mashat, “a strong desire for peace.” Arab coalition from advancing on military solution in Hodeidah are preparing for a new round of nego- president of the Supreme Political The UN envoy hopes “to urgent- Hodeidah, observers said. doomed. tiations by the end of July, which Council, in Sana’a. ly work with all involved parties” Yemeni politician and former He explained that the Houthis the UN Security Council support- Information leaked by Houthi to bring peace and security to Ho- Houthi leader Ali al-Bukhaiti said have used the negotiation period ed. leaders said Mashat refused to deidah and “create a positive at- Griffiths’ optimistic posture re- to mobilise military forces in Ho- talk with Yemen’s internationally mosphere to relaunch peace talks flects his misunderstanding of deidah while digging trenches and in the coming days,” a UN state- Houthi leaders, whom Bukhaiti Houthis’ refusal to recognised government about Ho- mining roads and buildings. Their deidah but told Griffiths that the ment said. charges often say one thing in ne- intention is to turn the battle of withdraw from the port Houthis were inclined to negotiate Griffiths’ plan includes ending gotiations and then do another. Hodeidah into a long, drawn-out of Hodeidah is part of a comprehensive peace settlement hostilities on different fronts, in- Bukhaiti said in a statement that guerrilla war, he said. their strategy to buy time taking current conditions into ac- cluding the western coast, to pre- Griffiths would soon discover that Arishi said he expects the battle and Griffiths’ efforts to count. pare for restarting peace talks. the Houthis were unable to honour for Hodeidah and its port to re- avert a military solution Mashat also intimated the Hou- Some political observers said their agreements. He added they sume with greater intensity in the in Hodeidah are doomed. this were prepared to wage a long Griffiths’ moves were suspicious were using Hodeidah as a bargain- next two weeks. He added that the war if necessary. because his statements contrasted ing chip to maintain their presence Yemeni Joint Resistance Forces on The Security Council, in a state- Griffiths indicated he would with developments on the ground. in areas under their control. the western coast were capable of ment, said: “A political solution brief the Security Council about In addition, his excessive care in Saudi political analyst Ali Arishi finishing the battle by the end of remains the only way to end the his visits to Sana’a and Aden. He preventing the liberation of Ho- said the Houthis’ refusal to with- the month. conflict” and “encouraged all par- said he was reassured by the “posi- deidah and his failure to pressure draw from the port of Hodeidah is ties to engage constructively with tive” messages he received and the Houthi militia indicated he is part of their strategy to buy time Saleh Baidhani is an Arab Weekly (Griffiths’) efforts to take forward a that all parties had demonstrated blocking forces supported by an and Griffiths’ efforts to avert a contributor in Sana’a. GCC counterterrorism experience seen as of possible benefit to EU

Caline Malek tional community.” Europe, the majority of which were He mentioned the importance committed by its own citizens. of sharing information, coordi- Gilles de Kerchove, EU coun- Abu Dhabi nating efforts and concentrating terterrorism coordinator, said a resources at the international, re- purely repressive approach is nei- ealigning the crime-terror gional and local levels to address ther sustainable nor sufficient. “If nexus and countering radi- this challenge. we are to genuinely tackle this, we calisation are major issues “There are indications that the must adopt both a whole-of-gov- R Gulf countries could help two groups in fact collaborate and ernment and a whole-of-society the European Union with, experts work together in terms of the dif- approach and we must do so to- in the field said. ferent tactics, methods and ap- gether,” he said. Speaking at the sixth “Debat- proaches,” he said. “However, we “This means greater confidence ing Security Plus” public forum, a still need to learn more about how in upholding of values and educat- global online brainstorming ses- this actually happens and if they ing our children. It means working Unique approach. A computer room at the Mohammed bin Nayef sion, experts spoke of a need for learn from each other directly or in trust relationships with local Centre for Counseling and Advice, a rehabilitation centre for multilateral cooperation in the remotely.” communities and international jihadists in Riyadh. (AFP) field as well as adequate preven- Hedayah is a supporter of Moni- partners and for the private sector tion programmes. toring, Measurement and Evalua- to take much greater responsibility Sponsored by Friends of Eu- tion for programmes on preventing for the online dimension of our so- with the EU in solving crises in the anything that expands and wid- rope and moderated by Abu Dhabi and countering violent extremism. cieties.” Middle East and in the UN frame- ens the horizons of young people, counter-extremism think-tank He- In collaboration with the Royal Improving social justice, integra- work to promote social justice, in- who may otherwise feel ignored dayah, among others, the event United Services Institute, the or- tion, fighting discrimination and clusive society, respect for human excluded or stigmatised, would focused on hybrid threats in the ganisation is developing an appli- improving access to employment, rights, tolerance and empowering help.” cyber age, Europe as a global secu- cation that would help practition- as well as promoting good gov- women and youth.” Developing adequate prevention rity actor, regional approaches to ers effectively design and assess ernance and the rule of law, while Shamil Idriss, chief executive programmes at home, notably for migration, fraying arms control re- their programme at different stag- helping promote peace, finding officer of Search for Common young people who are at risk of gimes, realigning the crime-terror es of implementation. solutions to protracted conflicts Ground, a dedicated peacebuilding being radicalised, is a must, said nexus and Russia-Europe-US rela- “The application takes the user and developing disengagement organisation, said Gulf countries Stefanie Babst, head of Strategic tions in 2028. through a necessary thought pro- programmes in and outside prison, can provide support for religious Analysis Capability at NATO. “Ide- Titled “Conflict, Competition cess, asking questions one should will be key. leaders to deal with challenges that ally, these programmes should go and Cooperation in an Intercon- consider in design and implemen- are not particularly religious in na- hand-in-hand with social, educa- nected World,” the forum included tation, and provides users with a ture. For instance, identifying and tional and economic policies and several thousand participants from vast amount of resources needed Titled “Conflict, reaching out to alienated youth. efforts in order to tackle the root more than 122 countries, including to support their programme,” said Competition and “This is a prevalent problem causes of terrorism and radicalisa- government officials, international Farangiz Atamuradova, research Cooperation in an and, often, more about the gen- tion.” organisations, think-tanks, NGOs associate at Hedayah. Interconnected World,” the erational and cultural gap between She said it was vital that these and others. Its aim was to provide “In prison radicalisation, there forum included several religious leaders who grew up in countries improve counterterror- a platform to discuss security chal- have been cases in which prisoners thousand participants from Muslim-majority societies seeking ism capabilities and enhance their lenges, including violent extrem- radicalised prison guards, which, more than 122 countries. to connect with and support young preparedness to work with EU law ism. in my opinion, is even more wor- people 30 to 50 years their junior, enforcement and counterterrorism “What we’re seeing here is a very rying than the radicalisation of “While it is not for governments who are growing up in modern-day structures. interesting and bizarre phenom- fellow prisoners. Rehabilitation to embark in theological debate, France, the Netherlands or Germa- “I reckon that terrorism will ena where the forces of evil are and reintegration of prisoners back there is a need to encourage plural- ny,” he said. likely remain a major security chal- uniting, collaborating and where into communities is an important ism in the interpretation of Islam “Supporting the cross-cultural lenge across the Middle East and in they borrow tactics and strategies point that needs to be taken into in Europe,” de Kerchove said. dialogue and engagement of Mus- the Gulf region, as long as young from each other,” said Hedayah Ex- consideration by different actors.” “[Gulf countries can] take part lim communities in Europe with people continue to think that their ecutive Director Maqsoud Kruse. Experts pointed out the connec- in the dialogues we propose and their fellow citizens in Europe, as respective state does not offer a “In my opinion, the nature of the tions between criminality and ter- translate [their] good intentions well as with their young peers in compelling vision for their own crime-terror nexus is one that will rorism. In Belgium, criminals have into adequate actions. The ideol- Muslim-majority countries, in- lives,” she added. require multilateral cooperation joined terror groups in Syria. In the ogy of jihadism, which is one of the cluding through the growing and and continuous collaboration be- last 18 months, more than 40 ter- drivers of radicalisation, must be very promising field of virtual ex- Caline Malek is an Arab Weekly tween all members of the interna- rorist attacks have taken place in challenged, while working closely change, is important. Essentially, contributor in Abu Dhabi. July 8, 2018 5 News & Analysis Iraq

Kirkuk at the centre of Iraqi terror, vote fraud woes

Mamoon Alabbasi

London

he Iraqi province of Kirkuk is at the centre of national campaigns to eliminate T suspected Islamic State (ISIS) sleeper cells and address al- legations of fraud in parliamentary elections with a manual recount of the ballots. The multiethnic province, home to a mosaic of Iraq’s Arabs, Kurds and Turkmen, has been the site of renewed militant attacks on civilians and government institu- tions, including a warehouse that contained ballots from the May 12 election. Fraught with Bodies of people abducted from risk. Members Anbar and Karbala provinces of the Iraqi and executed were found on the Counter Kirkuk-Baghdad highway, prompt- Terror Service ing a major operation by Iraqi forc- arrive at the es to clear remaining ISIS fighters scene of an from the area. attack outside “The security situation in Kirkuk warehouses is stable but, at the same time, where there are some ISIS sleeper cells ballots from and terrorist spots that require the May 12 time to eliminate them,” a spokes- parliamentary man for the Iraqi Security Media vote were Centre, Brigadier-General Yehia stored in Rasool, told Al-Monitor website. Kirkuk, on “There is an ongoing operation July 1. (AFP) in areas south of Kirkuk, as well as in the Hamrin Mountains and militants. unconstitutional, but the two sides Kirkuk was the first province to their own findings, which are at Makhul to cleanse the area and “The operation is a sweep-up are talking about using the pipe- undergo a partial vote recount that odds with one another. eliminate the ISIS cells,” Rasool and it is for capturing ISIS and line again. will include six other provinces, Arshad Salihi, leader of the Turk- added. White Banners members in Ham- “The decision to restart ex- as well as overseas ballots from at men Front, called for extending Iraqi state television reported rin,” Mala Karim Shukr, head of the ports depends on the results of least seven countries following al- the partial recount, as ordered by that security forces killed 14 ISIS Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) the talks,” Iraqi Oil Minister Jabar legations of widespread fraud mar- the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq, militants during a raid on one vil- office in Hamrin, told Rudaw. al-Luaibi told state-run al-Sabah ring the elections. to include all votes in Kirkuk. He lage. Militants have frequently at- newspaper. Unlike the election results dis- urged that the election results cri- Iraq declared victory against ISIS tacked roads where trucks carrying KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan pute in other provinces, where the sis in the province be treated “a last December but militants con- crude oil from Kirkuk pass through Barzani said he suggested resum- fraud allegations were among par- special case.” tinue to attack civilians and secu- en route to the Iranian border. ing oil export to Turkey through ties that are predominantly from The PUK said it would not ac- rity forces. The Kirkuk-Iran route was meant the Ceyhan port but this time us- the same ethnic or sectarian make- cept a total recount in Kirkuk and The security situation in Kirkuk to allow the province to continue ing Iraq’s State Organisation for up, the mosaic nature of Kirkuk ex- warned that it would take “nec- has worsened since the emergence to export its oil after Iraq stopped Marketing of Oil. poses it to intercommunal conflict. essary measures” should such a of a new militant group called the using a pipeline to Turkey that “So far, Baghdad has given us no Turkmen and Arab candidates move be approved. PUK support- White Banners, which include for- went through territories controlled response,” said Barzani. accused their Kurdish counterparts ers said they were ready to take mer ISIS and al-Qaeda fighters as by the semi-autonomous Kurdis- of rigging results in areas where to the street should they discover well as disgruntled Kurds who do tan Regional Government (KRG). few Kurds reside, such as Hawija, that the vote recount commission not wish the oil-rich province to The fallout between the KRG and Unlike the election results a charge denied by the PUK, the “is not independent.” be under Iraqi central government the central government was over a dispute in other provinces, dominant party in the province. control. referendum on the independence the multiethnic nature of Results of the recount have yet Mamoon Alabbasi is Deputy The Iraqi operation appears to be of the Kurdistan region last Sep- Kirkuk exposes it to to be announced but politicians Managing Editor and Online targeting ISIS and White Banners tember, deemed by Baghdad as intercommunal conflict. from rival parties have released Editor of The Arab Weekly. Viewpoint Iraq’s constitutional crisis reaches boiling point

he dissolution of Iraq’s the manual recount exercise, call- parliament on June 30 ing it a necessity to address valid opened a new chap- suspicions of electoral meddling. Nazli Tarzi ter in the country’s The absence of a recommended long-evolving constitu- time frame to handle these prickly tional crisis, as political matters adds to the uncertainty and Tcontests boil to the surface. Voter ambiguity. turnout in the latest parliamentary The presiding cadre of politicians elections was the lowest since the appears unable to agree on which ousting of the Ba’ath regime, pro- of the two options better serves ducing no clear victors. the future of the country and its Until the results of disputed elec- multiethnic communities. Both re- tions are agreed upon, a new ad- sults offer no sturdy foundation on ministration cannot fill the existing which effective political action can vacuum but Iraqi Prime Minister be taken against, which jointly spell Haider al-Abadi has stepped in to failed governance, as some analysts head a caretaker government. portend. The attempt to extend parlia- While the total breakdown of the ment’s term thickened the fog of electoral process is evident, the fact uncertainty. The vote to extend par- may not be something candidates liament’s shelf life failed to inspire concede any time soon. Equally, the the required quorum. Ahead of the foundations on which a new gov- vote, select candidates, including ernment is formed will be shaky, the Iran-backed Islamic Supreme For the time being. A file picture shows Iraq’s Prime Minister threatening the very core of the po- Council offspring — the National Haider al-Abadi sitting during a session at the parliament litical structures that keep the same (Reuters) Wisdom Movement — headed headquarters in Baghdad. faces governing the oil-wealthy by Ammar al-Hakim, threatened nation since 2003 in power. resignation should the vote pass; contested votes as a bid to as- called for by the Iraqi Commis- English-language media reports rivals, including parliamentary suage society’s thirst for truth. sion of Inquiry, is the potential whitewash dissent and criticism While the total Speaker Salim al-Jabouri, warned The Federal Supreme Court of Iraq annulment of Iraq’s parliamentary directed at Iraq’s abortive political of a constitutional vacuum that, he agreed to undertake only a “partial election results. Prime Minister of process. Iraq’s incumbents have lost breakdown of the alleged, may rob Iraq’s democracy recount.” The justification is “to the Iraqi Kurdistan Region Nechir- the faith of the Iraqi people and, as electoral process is of its legitimacy. preserve” the votes and will of the van Barzani likened the saga to the a constitutional crisis quietly boils, evident, the fact In absence of an active legislative Iraqi people, despite record-high World Cup, “full of surprises,” he the masses are unlikely to keep body to remedy matters of voter abstention and fraud allegation said, injecting breezy humour into their silence. may not be fraud, missing ballots and the il- against the Independent High Elec- the heated debate. “No one knows something legal sale of identification cards, the toral Commission, whose board what will happen.” Nazli Tarzi is an independent looming crisis of governance will be of commissions has been replaced Notwithstanding the risks, some journalist whose writings and films candidates concede impossible to quell. with jurists. officials, including MP Mohammed focus on Iraq’s ancient history and any time soon. Analysts view the recount of The more extreme forecast, as Nuri Abdul Rabo, have defended contemporary political scene. 6 July 8, 2018 Opinion

Editorial Iran’s threats and conspiracy theories

s pressure mounts on Iran at home and abroad, the Tehran regime shows little inclination to face up to the reason its problems are multiplying. Instead it is ratcheting up the bellicose rhetoric and threaten- ingA its neighbours and the rest of the interna- tional community. This extraordinary behaviour seems to be a premeditated game of brinksmanship. By intimidating the rest of the world and fuelling fears of military confrontation, Tehran is hoping its demands will be met. So, at the very time he was engaging in last-ditch talks in Europe to prevent his country’s total isolation, Iranian President Hassan Rohani was also issuing brazen threats. He suggested that, if his country is unable to export oil, no one else will. He hinted that Tehran could disrupt international maritime traffic by blocking the Strait of Hormuz if the United States manages to © Yaser Ahmed for The Arab Weekly impose a global boycott of Iranian oil exports. The supposedly moderate leader was cheered by Iran’s hawks. Applauding Rohani’s “firm stance” against The Hodeidah battle will reduce the United States, Mohammad Ali Jafari, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said his forces were ready to Houthis to their real size carry out Rohani’s threats. “We are hopeful that this plan expressed by our president will be implemented if needed… Khairallah Khairallah We will make the enemy understand that What is needed in Yemen is more commonsensical either all can use the Strait of Hormuz or no one,” said Jafari. awareness of the stakes involved. By making such threats, the Iranians are raising international tensions. They know that any such foolhardy move could cause a global here are two factors not seem to remember that. UN envoy, the Arab coalition and showdown over freedom of maritime naviga- that can delay decisive Before the ink of the PNPA was the Yemeni Army are not duped by tion. military action in Ho- dry, the Houthis moved to place the Houthis’ ploy. Legitimacy will The United States says it will do what needs deidah. The first is that the interim president under house return to Hodeidah in due time and to be done to keep international channels of a continuation of the arrest and impose on Yemen their Griffiths, despite his best inten- commerce open. As a spokesman for the US war brings many profits own version of the constitution. tions, will soon discover that the military’s Central Command said: “The US and Tto many parties inside and outside Hadi was rescued and smuggled to Houthis are excellent pretenders. its partners provide and promote security and Yemen. Aden. The poor fellows have no intention stability in the region. Together, we stand The second is that the Yem- If that is not enough to convince besides executing Iran’s wishes and ready to ensure the freedom of navigation and eni National Army and the Arab Griffiths not to trust the Houthis, Iran’s wish is to be a thorn in the the free flow of commerce wherever interna- coalition must go along with the how about what they did to former side of every Gulf country. tional law allows.” decisions of UN Special Envoy to President Ali Abdullah Saleh? He Do the Houthis have a project for The row is fuelling global concern. Chinese Yemen Martin Griffiths, who wants had helped their movement grow, Yemen? Assistant Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong to give the Houthis a chance. How- become their partner and signed They had spoken of erecting new chided Iran and said it should be conscious of ever, that chance is nothing but agreements with them; yet they universities as if they could do that. the need to be “a good neighbour… especially room for manoeuvring offered to assassinated him. Are there any Even if they did, their universities as it is a country on the Gulf.” the Houthis and their backer, Iran. worse examples of betrayal? would be no better than the one During his European tour, Rohani warned Unfortunately for the Houthis, There are no middle-ground founded by Abdul Majeed al-Zinda- that Tehran could stop cooperating with the neither the Arab coalition nor the solutions with the Houthis. Their ni during the times of Saleh and United Nations on nuclear inspections. He Yemeni armed forces are duped by claim of wanting to surrender that produced nothing but swarms hinted at the possibility Iran would resume the manoeuvre. They know that Hodeidah Port only to the United of extremists obsessed with spread- nuclear enrichment. His confrontational only a decisive military victory Nations is a ploy to buy time. Even ing discord all over the region. stance has caused dismay among European interlocutors. “They must stop permanently can bring the Houthis to reason if placed under UN control, the port What is needed in Yemen is more threatening to break their commitments to the but Griffiths remains a hurdle. He is vital to the Houthis. They want to commonsensical awareness of nuclear deal,” French Foreign Minister does not seem willing to learn from remain in Hodeidah by any means the stakes involved. It is this same Jean-Yves Le Drian told RTL radio. prior experiences with the Houthis, so they can protect their interests. awareness that had led Opera- Issuing threats, however, seems to be part of especially those of the few days fol- What are these interests? They tion Decisive Storm to deprive the a well-thought strategy for Tehran. It seems lowing their takeover of Sana’a on are nothing less than collecting Houthis of sea access. Without almost to be an official narrative. How else to September 21, 2014. taxes and fees on ships using the this awareness, Mukalla, Aden and explain the warning by Interior Minister Griffiths, who is genuinely aware port and smuggling weapons from Mocha would still be in the hands Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli to Europe? “If we of the humanitarian catastrophe Iran. of the Houthis and the international (Iran) close our eyes for 24 hours, 1 million unfolding in Yemen, will soon The liberation of Hodeidah was sea lanes through Bab el Mandeb refugees will go towards Europe through our realise that the Houthis are far a significant step in stopping Iran’s Strait in serious danger. Western borders” as well as some 5,000 from being people of their word expansionist project. Hodeidah The UN special envoy’s humani- tonnes of narcotics, he ominously declared. and that the agreements they sign Port was vital to that plan. Other- tarian motives are understand- When they are not issuing threats, Iran’s mean nothing to them. This is why wise, Hassan Nasrallah, secretary- able. It is, however, necessary to rulers seem to be looking for conspiracy it would be impossible to reach any general of Lebanese Hezbollah, understand that there is no other theories as a way out of disparate quandaries. lasting agreement with them. wouldn’t have declared that he way out for Yemen outside the Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif To be convinced of that, look at was “ashamed of not being among current balance of power there. The described the alleged plot to bomb a Paris how they reneged on the Peace and the Yemeni fighters on [Yemen’s] Houthis are part of Yemen’s demo- meeting of the National Council of Resistance National Partnership Agreement western shores.” graphic make-up and nobody wants of Iran as a “false flag ploy.” The case is under (PNPA) they signed with other He must have wanted to shore to exclude them. investigation by Belgian, French and German parties involved in the Yemeni up the morale of the Houthis there It is, however, necessary to stop authorities but Zarif claimed the arrest of an conflict, including Interim Presi- but that won’t do. The truth is that dealing with them as if they repre- Iranian diplomat based in Vienna and the dent Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi, just Yemen is part of wider horizons sent half or more of the Yemenis. detention in Belgium of two individuals of after they had taken Sana’a. That and the loss of Hodeidah by the The battle for Hodeidah Port means Iranian origin were meant to overshadow agreement was signed under UN Houthis jeopardises Iran’s expan- to reduce them to their real size. Rohani’s European tour. auspices represented by the then- sionist plans. Somewhat the same paranoia was evident in Special Envoy Jamal Benomar. It is What’s important is that, con- Khairallah Khairallah is a Lebanese the allegation by the head of Iran’s Civil curious that the current envoy does trary to what is happening with the writer. Defence Organisation that water shortages were caused by foreigners. Brigadier-General Gholam Reza Jalali said Iran’s water crisis was a consequence of “cloud theft” by “Israel and another country in the region.” They were deploying “joint teams,” he said, “which work to ensure clouds entering Iranian skies are unable to release rain.” The problem, Jalali added, extended to the “theft” of snow. Histrionics and hysterical threats cannot hide the truth nor change the gravity of Iran’s economic and social pressures. These can only get worse once US sanctions start to bite. Yet, there is little recognition by Tehran to cease its misguided policies at home and abroad. Paranoid theories and belligerent threats will not satisfy discontented Iranians at home nor convince the international community that Iran could be a peaceable, reliable and High stakes. A forklift carries a shipping container at worthy partner. the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, on June 24. (Reuters) July 8, 2018 7 Opinion Contact editor at: [email protected] Ordinary Iranians have come to realise the www.thearabweekly.com regime is the source of their woes Published by Al Arab Publishing House Ibrahim Zobeidi Iranians find it impossible to remain silent while their livelihoods and Publisher that of their families are threatened by a bloody and dictatorial regime. and Group Executive Editor Haitham El-Zobaidi, PhD ran’s Islamic Revolution- real reasons behind the endless Editor-in-Chief ary Guard Corps became US and international sanctions used to disbanding limited against Iran. Oussama Romdhani protests here and there by Many protesters spoke of the using mostly their clubs mindless waste of money by the Managing Editor and, from time to time, live regime on its wars abroad and Iman Zayat Iammunition. Those protests on its proxy organisations and led nowhere and disappeared militias in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Deputy Managing Editor quickly because the reasons Yemen and the Palestinian ter- and Online Editor behind them did not call for an ritories. There is no justification Mamoon Alabbasi all-out confrontation with the for this profligacy. Half of that regime. wasted fortune would have been Senior Editor Things are different with the sufficient to relieve the daily John Hendel latest protests across Iran. pains of Iranian citizens. These protests are fuelled by The regime’s interventionist Chief Copy Editor popular anger at the deteriorat- policies resulted in international Richard Pretorius ing standards of living, especial- isolation for Iranian citizens. ly among poor families, caused Trade and economic coopera- Copy Editor by the spiralling fall of the Ira- tion with neighbouring coun- Stephen Quillen nian currency and non-stop US tries have practically stopped. sanctions. The sanctions bode Khamenei’s policies are based Analysis Section Editor more misery for Iranians suffer- on destabilising countries rather Ed Blanche ing the horrible consequences than cooperation. By continu- of the corrupt and incompetent Genuine grievances. People walk through the old Grand Bazaar where shops ously threatening US interests in East/West Section Editor regime and its failed internal are closed after a protest, on June 25. (AP) the region, Khamenei has placed Mark Habeeb policies. the state and the people of Iran As more citizens fall below the in direct confrontation with the Gulf Section Editor poverty line and unemployment other Nelson Mandela. He would Khamenei would think of the world’s major power. Mohammed Alkhereiji is at unprecedented levels, the step down peacefully and hand second scenario. He is a dictato- It is hard to predict what is Iranian regime is struggling. It is power to an independent council rial extremist and old-fashioned going to happen in Iran because Society and Travel obvious it has no real and effec- of national salvation that would hardliner who cannot stand of the fresh wave of protests. Sections Editor tive solutions for the currency start dealing with the country’s being contradicted or disobeyed. What’s certain is that this time Samar Kadi crisis. economic woes through new and There is no better demonstration Iranians find it impossible to Under these circumstances, rational policies that would end of that than the deadly shootings remain silent while their liveli- Syria and Lebanon the Iranians find themselves at a international sanctions against by the Islamic Revolutionary hoods and that of their families Section Editor crossroads. The supreme leader Iran. Guard Corps of four unarmed are threatened by a bloody and Simon Speakman Cordall could get inspired by Syrian Pres- For a change, Iran would have protesters in Ahvaz. dictatorial regime not much ident Bashar Assad’s madness normal friendly relations with its The new thing in the nature different from that of Assad in Contributing Editor and use all kinds of weapons, in- neighbours and would seek the of the recent popular unrest is Syria. Rashmee Roshan Lall cluding explosive barrels, against help of international financial that the ordinary Iranian citizen, They will continue to protest Senior Correspondents protesters and then hurry to call institutions to salvage whatever regardless of ethnic or religious until their rightful demands are in one or more “friends” to the it is possible to salvage economi- background, has become aware met. Mahmud el-Shafey (London) rescue, in other words, turn Iran cally. that the country’s economic Lamine Ghanmi (Tunis) into a second Syria. But we are dreaming here. woes are due to bad policy Ibrahim Zobeidi is an Iraqi Alternatively, our hero can sur- There is no way in heaven choices by the supreme leader writer and US publisher of Regular Columnists prise the world and become an- that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali and his entourage. They are the The Arab Weekly. Claude Salhani Yavuz Baydar Correspondents Why Europe seeks an ‘Australian Saad Guerraoui (Casablanca) Dunia El-Zobaidi (London) Roua Khlifi (Tunis) solution’ to the migrant issue Thomas Seibert (Washington) Rashmee Roshan Lall Chief Designer Marwen el-Hmedi What works for Australia in the Pacific may not work for the Europeans in the Mediterranean. Designers Ibrahim Ben Bechir Hanen Jebali hen European eign Borders was begun and the tion policy for anyone who African countries have said leaders talk Australian military intercepted entered the country without a they will not play along with a of establish- migrant boats and either towed valid visa. (This is akin to what scheme that seems ethically du- Al Arab Publishing House ing “disem- them to Indonesia or extracted Donald Trump’s America has bious and logistically difficult. Quadrant Building barkation the passengers and returned been doing with its zero-toler- They are right on both counts. 177-179 Hammersmith Road platforms” them in lifeboats from wherever ance policy towards uninvited What works for Australia in the London W6 8BS Wfor migrants in the Middle East they had set off. migrants.) Pacific may not work for the Tel: (+44) 20 7602 3999 and Africa, they are hoping to The results are obvious. From In 2001, Australia tried the Europeans in the Mediterrane- Fax: (+44) 20 8846 9520 find an “Australian solution” to a 2013 peak of 20,587 people Pacific Solution, which meant an. For one, the trip across the a hot-button issue. arriving in Australia by sea, intercepting migrant boats waters from Libya or Tunisia Here’s why. Australia’s poli- Canberra boasts “it has been and holding the passengers on is shorter than from Indonesia cies towards unwanted migrants almost three years since the last Nauru and Papua New Guinea to Australia. Second, it may be Contributions are tough, deeply controversial people smuggling boat made it for processing. This ended after more difficult to find a receptive and Editorial Queries — and they have worked. to Australia.” Operation Sov- six years but was reborn in 2013 partner in North Africa than in [email protected] Australia has all but become ereign Borders’ log of its work as a twin-pronged, sharper- the Pacific. a no-go area for the uninvited. offers the following as its most edged effort that refused to al- Ali Abdel A’al, speaker of Even people who genuinely recent engagement: “In Decem- low asylum-seekers (successful the Egyptian parliament, told seek asylum because of a cred- ber 2017, Australian authorities or not) on Australian territory. Germany’s Welt am Sonntag Tunis Office ible fear of persecution in their intercepted a Sri Lankan people Nauru and Papua New Guinea newspaper: “EU reception Tel: (+ 216) 71 669 174 home country would rather not smuggling boat attempting to were a key part of the plan, facilities for migrants in Egypt Tel: (+216) 71 669 175 make for Australia. reach Australia illegally. All 29 though the latter’s processing would violate the laws and That is success of a sort. people on board were returned centre closed eight months ago constitution of our country.” Australia may be unable to to Sri Lanka.” over a wrangle with the Papua Libyan Deputy Prime Minis- lay claim to a sensitive moral These are small numbers and New Guinea Supreme Court’s in- ter Ahmed Maiteeq had said compass, having been called out they attest to the success of Aus- terpretation of asylum-seekers’ much the same after his Italian by the UN Special Rapporteur tralia’s policy, something Hun- human rights. counterpart, far-right League on Torture for breaching the garian Foreign Minister Peter The Australian template is leader Matteo Salvini, made the US Publisher: Convention on Torture, but Aus- Szijjarto recently commended clearly delineated and it’s worth request for “reception centres” Ibrahim Zobeidi tralian authorities seem to feel on in a speech in London. asking if this is what European while visiting Tripoli. blessedly free from the care of Australia added another leaders mean by “disembarka- That said, there is always a (248) 803 1946 thousands of unwanted people. extraordinary twist to the long tion platforms” and whether chance that one of Libya’s many They are proud their country is and difficult process of applying Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Libya competing power centres may seen to have one of the West- for asylum. From 2013, it sent and Egypt should play the role accept oodles of European cash ern world’s most hard-bitten, all asylum-hopefuls to holding of Papua New Guinea and Nauru in exchange for the distinction results-oriented approaches to camps in Papua, New Guinea and prevent asylum-seekers of setting up a “disembarka- migration. and Nauru. Successful appli- from setting foot on European tion platform.” That’s how the Subscription & Advertising: What is it? Here goes. cants could seek residency in soil. Australian solution would be Mohamed Al Mufti In 2013, Australian Prime Min- Papua New Guinea but never set Thus far, there has been little replicated in Europe. [email protected] ister Kevin Rudd declared that foot on Australian soil. sign that Middle Eastern and Tel: (+44) 20 8742 9262 any asylum seeker who arrived It’s worth noting that Aus- North African countries will Rashmee Roshan Lall is a by boat “will have no chance of tralia’s 2013 policy came after agree to create facilities that columnist for The Arab Weekly. being settled in Australia as a 20 years of a steadily hardening would really serve as prisons Her blog can be found at refugee.” It was both a promise position on migration. In 1992, for the long-term detention of www.rashmee.com and she is and a threat. Operation Sover- it adopted a mandatory deten- migrants. One by one, North on Twitter: @rashmeerl. 8 July 8, 2018 News & Analysis Syria Syria’s humanitarian crisis threatens to stretch the region to breaking point

Simon Speakman Cordall danian Army has been delivering what relief it can in the face of rising popular opinion to open the border. Tunis The situation is more nebulous for Israel. “From the start, Israel s Syria’s pro-regime forces had two overriding policy aims in advance into south-west- Syria,” Nicholas Heras, a Middle ern Syria, they push thou- East security fellow at the Centre A sands of the displaced peo- for a New American Secu­rity, said. ple, propelling the conflict’s horrors “They wanted to minimise the risk to the frontiers of Jordan and Israel. Syria’s war presented to their bor- For planners in Damascus and ders and they wanted to keep Iran Moscow, the hope was that the of- off the goal line. Neither of those fensive would be a swift one, keep- things has happened. ing their forces somewhat rested “According to some of the re- for an assault on the rebel enclave ports I’ve seen, there are around of Idlib in northern Syria. Regime 160,000 displaced people heading media announced on July 6 that to the Golan. Israel can feed them, rebels along the Jordanian border provide them with relief, give them had surrendered. However, the de- anything they need but that doesn’t termination of rebel troops, tribal solve the problem.” elders and civilian councils towards As far as Tel Aviv is concerned, the Israeli border to fight Damascus Damascus is an outpost of Tehran to the negotiating table remains as and is unlikely to be trusted. While fierce as ever. Israel may be willing to ally with The scale of the humanitarian Moscow for now, that alliance has catastrophe in south-western Syria its limits. Israeli thinking was crys- continues to escalate. A UN state- tallised in a statement last week by Face of desperation. An internally displaced elderly woman gestures during a protest in Quneitra ment released July 3 stated that a senior defence official, who said: near the Golan Heights, on July 4. (Reuters) more than 330,000 people had been “Our demand is that the Iranian displaced by the regime’s offensive. forces will go out or withdraw from Many of those fleeing flocked to Syria as a whole and in it specifically main in their homes and retain their Russian military police. Those who ian President Bashar] Assad want- the closed borders of Jordan and south-west Syria.” light weaponry under regime rule, defected from Syria’s armed forces ed a quick end so he could show Israel. For Jordan, saddled with a Despite the rhetoric from Mos- while others would be afforded the or who did not complete compulso- the world he was able to control failing economy and home to some cow and Damascus, many rebel opportunity to leave for Idlib in ry military service could regularise his country, take Jordan out of the 650,000 Syrian refugees, the pres- groups in south-western Syria are the north. Syrian state institutions their status with the regime within equation and deal with Tel Aviv on sure is intense. For Israel, fearful of not the hard-line jihadist groups would repair infrastructure and do six months, Agence France-Presse his own terms and in his own time. Iran-aligned militias hiding among the regime has encountered else- other work in the disputed areas. reported. “Right now, he’s not doing that. the refugees, the situation is more where but more moderate forces Displaced families could return However, as much as rebel in- He’s brought the war to Israel’s complex. It will provide aid and previously backed by the West and with their safety guaranteed by transience, the terms reflect the door. Tel Aviv can’t send the refu- relief to people gathering along the Jordan. Though their reasons for regime’s determination to speed its gees back to Assad, neither can borders of the Golan Heights and taking up arms are varied, they are offensive towards an inexpensive they take them in. They need to do hope the numbers stop growing. united by a hatred of Damascus and end and, with every day the south- something and the Trump adminis- Agence France-Presse reported Tehran. For Jordan, saddled with a west resists, the more stretched the tration’s unlikely to ignore that.” that refugees were in dilapidated Much of that reality is reflected failing economy and regime’s negotiators become. cars stacked with mattresses and in terms offered to the towns and home to some 650,000 “This was never meant to go on Simon Speakman Cordall is suitcases to join the thousands villages. Under current proposals, Syrian refugees, the this long,” Heras said. “This was Syria/Lebanon section editor with camped out near Jordan. The Jor- some rebels would be allowed to re- pressure is intense. supposed to be over by now. [Syr- The Arab Weekly. Viewpoint Despite probable US prompts, Russia unlikely to evict Iran from Syria

S President Donald the preservation of the regime and Trump will meet with for the achievement of its goals is Russian President to prevent Iranian presence in the James Snell Vladimir Putin July 16 in south,” Tsurkov said. a summit that has been Difficult This would produce another chal- Ulikely since Trump entered office lenge, she noted, saying: “The Assad to uproot. last year. A man regime would need to convince Iran They will discuss Syria. Russia watches to respect the desire of the regime.” and the United States have interact- a presen- This means that both Russia and the ed inconsistently there. Where once tation regime would need to convince Iran it was thought that Trump would on Iran’s of their credibility and the necessity follow the Russian line on Syria’s entrench- of bending to that demand. civil conflict, events have proven ment in Although Iran-linked troops are more complex. Syria, on not essential to the Daraa offensive, In February, US and allied forces June 14. Tsurkov said: “Iranian and regime killed Russian mercenaries — pos- (AFP) interests in the short term align. sibly hundreds — who were attempt- Both are interested in the preser- ing to attack a base manned by the Opposition to Iranian encroach- on the ground has come from Iran’s vation of the Assad regime. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the ment remains strong. It prompted a use of foreign Shia militiamen. Iranians and the Russians as well United States’ primary Syrian proxy. diplomatic effort from the Ameri- Many of these units are still quite recognise that Assad’s forces are too The United States and its allies cans and their allies, particularly Is- active over large stretches of the weak to hold Syria alone. In the long directly struck the Assad regime, rael, to split Russia from Tehran and country. Additionally, there is the run, the interests of the regime and Russia’s client, in April, after the impel Moscow to evict Iran from its high likelihood of their presence on Iran diverge. regime used chemical weapons to Syrian holdings. the southern front, given they have “Iran would like Syria to remain attack Douma, in Eastern Ghouta. However, it would be difficult for operated there since the beginning a weak state in which it can wield Trump has called Syrian President the Russians to supplant Iran. The of the war.” influence through a network of Bashar Assad an “animal” and called official Russian presence in Syria is Elizabeth Tsurkov, research fellow militias and proxies.” on Russia and Iran to withhold sup- small and the Russian government at the Israeli Forum for Regional Further points of divergence port for the regime. frequently announces the imminent Thinking, said: “Russia itself cannot include Israel, against which Iran Trump’s anti-Assad rhetoric has withdrawal of its forces. force the Iranians to do anything.” and the regime are aligned. How- not translated into policy, however, The unofficial Russian presence, Its lack of military leverage means ever, because Israeli generals and and his policies have been incon- particularly mercenaries and con- Russia cannot confront Iran directly ministers have threatened that, if sistent. US Secretary of State Mike tractors, is greater but those forces or even induce it to withdraw. For Iran were to attack Israel then Israel Pompeo called the regime “extreme- are underequipped and were mas- example, Russian attempts to test would overthrow the Assad regime, ly successful” before repudiating the sacred when facing US special forces Iran-linked forces have produced Damascus is unlikely to support comments under criticism. and air power in February. failure, such as when Russian such actions. Trump’s animus towards Assad Iran has thousands of troops in troops, accompanying regime The deal the United States seems seems largely built on a broader open operation in Syria and is at the forces, failed to induce Hezbollah set to offer Russia would involve antipathy to Iran. Iranian forces are centre of a network of tens of thou- fighters to leaveal-Qusayr in June. the withdrawal of Iran and then US Iran has thousands of tied closely to the Assad regime and sands of troops fighting to support ‘There is a whole list of issues forces from Syria. Iran-linked militias operate across the regime. Iran’s Lebanese proxy that will neither vanish overnight Both events are unlikely. Russia troops in open Syria, including near the SDF- Hezbollah has been essential to nor could they be accomplished by is unable to evict Iran and, even operation in Syria and occupied north of the country and Damascus’s war effort and is fighting Moscow with the presence they cur- if it could do so, the Assad regime is at the centre of a near the Israeli border at the Golan across Syria. rently have,” said Smyth. remains unwilling to dispense with Heights. The role of Iran-linked forces If Russia wanted truly to remove Iranian support. network of tens of The United States has ruled out “was and remains crucial to Assad’s Iran from Syria, it would have to ap- Trump’s plan to induce Russia thousands of troops acting to prevent or punish the of- survival,” said Phillip Smyth, Soref peal to Damascus. to evict Iran from Syria appears fensive mounted by Damascus and fellow at the Washington Institute “The only thing Russia can do is doomed to failure. fighting to support its allies against rebel-held Daraa in for Near East Policy, via social talk to the Assad regime and try to the regime. southern Syria. media. “Assad’s real offensive power convince it that the right move for James Snell is a British journalist. July 8, 2018 9 Spotlight Refugees Migration Jordan ‘cannot host more refugees’ as Syria crisis worsens

Roufan Nahhas and Sudanese in addition to Pales- tinians who came to Jordan seeking security,” he said. Amman “This time the Jordanian govern- ment said enough is enough and ore than 270,000 dis- the country cannot host more refu- placed people are gees due to lack of resources and trapped in southern limited international aid. However, M Syria due to Damas- the kingdom embraced its humani- cus’s offensive on rebel-held parts tarian aspect and continued to pro- of Daraa province. That situation vide aid to the more than 300,000 places massive pressure on neigh- displaced at the borders and even bouring Jordan, which initiated a this is not easy for a country such as humanitarian campaign delivering Jordan, with limited resources and water, food, medicine and blankets. space.” The displaced Syrians, including Abu Nemeh said security was a Dramatic situation. A Jordanian soldier stands guard while trucks loaded with humanitarian women and children, were not al- reason not to open borders for the supplies to be delivered for displaced Syrians wait at the Jordanian city of Mafraq, on July 1. (Reuters) lowed to enter Jordan, which has displaced but it has a solution. been dealing with the effects of “Of course, the security issue is an refugees since the Syrian civil war important part of the whole process including extreme heat, dust and “This is the first time Jordan has done. Priority to reach a ceasefire, erupted in 2011. of allowing the displaced to enter wind of the desert, displaced people had to think twice about opening prevent more suffering. We’re try- The UN High Commissioner for the kingdom. Even during periods are waiting either to enter Jordan or its borders, not out of depleted hu- ing to solve crisis others created,” he Refugees said, as of last December of calm, security challenges, which return to their homes. manity but simply due to depleted tweeted. 2017, there were 655,624 registered required being on high alert against Jordanians have opened their resources,” Abu Nemeh said. A statement from UN Resident Syrian refugees in Jordan and 80% terrorists, kept Jordanian security arms and shared their meagre re- Jordanians started donation cam- and Humanitarian Coordinator An- of those people live outside camps, forces on maximum alert at a very sources many times, including the paigns to help the displaced. The ders Pedersen focused on Jordan’s primarily in the northern Jordanian high cost, year after year; the ef- enormous wave of Palestinian refu- Jordanian military built a 20-bed role in hosting refugees. He said this governorates. fect from the required additional gees in 1948 followed by influxes in field hospital on the border with was the largest population displace- Jordan has taken strict measures Jordanian security undertakings in 1967 and in 1991 when Iraq invaded Syria and three first-aid units sup- ment in southern Syria since the on- not to allow any more refugees to response to the terrorist organisa- Kuwait and Palestinians from there ported by 11 ambulances. set of the crisis. enter the country, citing security is- tions’ control of huge areas adjacent resettled in Jordan. The 1991 Gulf Jordanian Minister of State for In- At least 270,000 people have been sues. Jordanian Lieutenant-Colonel to the Jordanian borders in both War sent more than 1 million Iraqi formation Affairs and the Jordanian displaced in southern Syria since Oudeh Shdeifat said hundreds of Syria and Iraq have resulted in mas- refugees to Jordan. Government spokeswoman Jumana June 18 due to fighting and military armed men affiliated with terror- sive economic implications,” Abu Ghnaimat said three passages had action. Nearly half of them are chil- ist groups, disguised as women Nemeh said. been opened for the delivery of hu- dren. and with fake identification, were “The result was the closure of Jor- manitarian aid. She said 122 trucks “The immediate needs of dis- among Syrians along the Jordanian danian borders, which have been carrying water, food, blankets and placed Syrians near the border in border. causing enormous economic and More than medicine have crossed the borders Jordan include shelter, water, food, Columnist Hassan Abu Nemeh trade obstructions contributing to to reach Syrians. medical care and sanitation. Chil- said Jordan made the right decision the already existing economic crisis Jordanian Minister of Foreign Af- dren are at particular risk of dehy- not to open the borders. in Jordan.” 270,000 fairs Ayman Safadi said Amman dration and diarrhoea,” Pedersen “Jordan has shown the world that Abu Nemeh said because of the displaced people are was working with all sides to avert said, pointing out that, since the it is committed to its humanitarian necessity to afford the newcomers’ a crisis. war in Syria began in 2011, Jordan responsibilities and not just for the basic needs, Amman decided not to trapped in southern “Jordan working with all parties has shouldered much of the respon- Syrians who entered the country encourage another wave of refugees Syria due to Damascus’s to protect civilians inside #Syria as sibility for hosting Syrian refugees. seeking refuge since the war started into the country and instead provid- we deliver & facilitate delivery of in their country but also to the Ira- ed assistance at the borders. offensive on rebel-held humanitarian supplies. Helping Syr- Roufan Nahhas is a journalist based qis, Lebanese, Yemenis, Libyans Facing dangerous conditions, parts of Daraa province. ians in their country possible, being in Jordan. Egypt rejects Europe’s intent to set up ‘regional disembarkation centres,’ citing heavy refugee burden

Hassan Abdel Zaher trolled centres” in European coun- refugees and asylum-seekers ar- tries. riving from other Arab and African Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco and countries en route to Europe. Cairo Algeria have rejected the idea of However, measures by Egyp- regional disembarkation centres. tian authorities to curb the use of gypt’s opposition to estab- The Egyptian government said es- the country’s coasts as departure lishing camps for screening tablishing refugee camps would points for Europe means that many migrants heading to Europe violate the Egyptian constitution. of refugees cannot leave Egypt. E has made the European Refugees, Egyptian parliament This is not the first time Egypt Union’s “regional disembarkation Speaker Ali Abdel A’al said, can live has rejected the idea of “disem- centres” proposal seem even more wherever they want in Egypt. “We barkation” facilities. In December, implausible. do not establish camps here,” he Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Cairo’s stand has underscored said. Shoukry told EU Migration Com- the deep worries in the Egyptian Egyptian officials are concerned missioner Dimitris Avramopoulos administration about the country’s about Cairo’s ability to shoulder that Egypt opposed the idea of “re- increasing refugee responsibilities, refugee-related burdens, analysts gional disembarkation centres.” analysts said. said, particularly at a time of eco- He said Egypt had not received “This is a burden Egypt shoulders nomic transition. support from the international alone, without any support from There are no official government community, even though it had the international community,” said figures on the number of refugees in hosted many refugees for a long MP Ghada Agamy, a member of the Egypt or where they come from but time. Egyptian parliament’s Foreign Re- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Instead of asking economically lations Committee. al-Sisi has stated that Egypt hosts Endless stream. Palestinians wait to cross the border to the Egyptian struggling countries to act as refu- about 5 million refugees. Egypt has side of Rafah crossing in Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip, last May. (AP) gee hosts, European leaders need to With a population of 100 received a significant number of solve the problems that cause these refugees from various regional con- refugees to leave their countries in million and a struggling flicts, most recently the Libyan and UNHCR spokeswoman. “Others, employment, with Egyptian citi- the first place, particularly the un- economy, Egypt is far Syrian wars. Egypt is also known to however, do not get any support zens. rest that has engulfed many coun- from prepared to take in have significant Iraqi and Palestin- from the UN whatsoever.” “This is a huge burden for a tries, Egyptian specialists said. more refugees or shoulder ian communities. The UNHCR has an annual budg- country with limited resources and “The solution to the problem will any additional refugee- In addition to refugees fleeing et of $45 million for Egypt. This tough economic conditions like be to resettle these refugees in their related burdens. Arab conflicts, there are estimated money, Hashem said, goes totally Egypt,” Agamy said. countries,” said Youssef al-Metany, to be hundreds of thousands of eco- towards the refugees, meaning that With a population of 100 million, a refugee lawyer at local NGO Egyp- Egypt said it would not be able nomic migrants and asylum seekers the Egyptian government receives accumulating debt, an economy tian Network for International Law. to accommodate “regional disem- from Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, no support for hosting refugees. struggling to recover from the post- “This can only happen when the barkation centres” for migrants try- Eritrea and Somalia. However, only Refugees in Egypt, unlike many Mubarak turmoil and a war against conflicts raging in these countries ing to cross the Mediterranean to 300,000 refugees are registered other Arab countries, are not au- terrorism, Egypt is far from pre- are settled.” Europe just hours after European with the UN High Commission for tomatically barred from public pared to take in more refugees or leaders reached a controversial mi- Refugees (UNHCR). services, meaning they share so- shoulder any additional refugee- Hassan Abdel Zaher is a gration deal that included refugee “The people registered receive cial benefits, including education, related burdens, Agamy said. Cairo-based contributor centres in North Africa and “con- support,” said Marwa Hashem, a health services, transportation and Egypt is a transit point for many to The Arab Weekly. 10 July 8, 2018 News & Analysis Egypt Egypt mulls Djibouti logistical zone to defend Red Sea interests

Ahmed Megahid mechanism for security and eco- nomic cooperation in the Red Sea, Shoukry said on the sidelines of a Cairo meeting of the Executive Council of the African Union. gypt said it is considering “Egypt and Djibouti,” he said, establishing a “logistical “face the same challenges and free zone” in Djibouti, a have the same aspirations [in E Horn of Africa country that terms of security and prosperity].” Strategic crossroads. A view of the port of Djibouti. (AP) is increasingly a point of interest Shoukry was the latest sen- for regional powers. ior Egyptian government official The Egyptian Foreign Ministry to express interest in securing a gion, analysts said, have a direct ef- Houthi militia. trol of a Sudanese Red Sea island. said it was keen on pushing coop- presence in Djibouti. Other inter- fect on the canal, the world’s busi- The first thing the Houthis did af- Although neglected and unused eration forward with Djibouti at all national powers have a military est maritime passageway and a ter controlling the Yemeni capital, by Sudan for many years, Suakin levels. presence in the small Horn of Af- critical source of Egyptian national Sana’a, in early 2015, was to take has great strategic value for inter- “This cooperation is important rica country. France, the United income. over Yemen’s port cities, including national maritime shipping and for boosting security and stabil- States, China and Japan have mili- “Egyptian presence in the those on the Red Sea. Apart from could challenge Egypt’s position ity in the region,” Foreign Ministry tary bases in Djibouti, as do Saudi southern entrance of the Red Sea using the ports to receive supplies on shipping and trade in the Red spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said. Arabia and the United Arab Emir- acquires greater importance now from Iran, the Houthis also threat- Sea. ates, which are seeking to counter that almost all regional and inter- ened maritime movement in the Egypt, which also expects to be Iranian influence in Yemen, on the national powers are racing against Red Sea by attacking ships passing negatively affected by a multibil- Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman other side of the Bab el Mandeb each other to have a presence Yemen’s coast. lion-dollar hydroelectric dam be- Strait. there,” said retired Egyptian army ing constructed by Ethiopia on the Ahmed Abu Zeid Last November, Egyptian Trade General Mahmoud Khalaf. “Dji- Egypt’s interest in Djibouti Nile, also wants a presence in the and Industry Minister Tarek Kabil bouti’s location gives it control on is less about economic Horn of Africa to protect its water “Djibouti is an inseparable said the ministry would send a del- the southern entrance of the Red interests, analysts said. part of Egypt’s national egation to Djibouti to study estab- Sea, the shipping route of most of benefits and more about Abu Zeid described Egypt’s re- security.” lishing a free logistical zone in the the world’s trade and oil.” security. lations with Djibouti as “very country. Djibouti, Kabil said, could Cairo had been watching inter- special,” adding that Djibouti’s At a meeting with Djiboutian be a gateway for Egyptian exports national powers gaining a foothold This has alarmed Cairo, whose location makes it vital to security Minister of Foreign Affairs and In- to Horn of Africa counties, a mar- in Djibouti for a long time. Devel- military planners are bound to se- conditions in the southern en- ternational Cooperation Maham- ket of more than 150 million con- opments in the southern part of cure navigation in the Red Sea to trance of the Red Sea. oud Ali Youssouf in Mauritania on sumers. the Red Sea convinced Egyptian ensure the flow of international “This is why this country is very June 28, Egyptian Foreign Minister However, Egypt’s interest in Dji- officials that action was needed on shipping to and from the Suez Ca- important for Egypt,” Abu Zeid Sameh Shoukry said Cairo was de- bouti is less about economic bene- their part. nal. said. “The fact is that Djibouti is pending on Djibouti for security at fits and more about security. Cairo In addition to establishing a In early 2018, Turkish President an inseparable part of Egypt’s na- the southern entrance of the Red wants to secure vital Red Sea ship- presence in the Horn of Africa, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, viewed tional security.” Sea. ping routes that are integral to the Iran has expanded its influence with suspicion in Cairo, agreed Egypt is hoping to secure Dji- operation of the Suez Canal. in Yemen by offering military with Sudanese President Omar al- Ahmed Megahid is an Egyptian boutian cooperation to develop a Security conditions in the re- and financial support to the Shia Bashir to take administrative con- reporter in Cairo. Egypt meeting highlights UAE’s model of governance

Amr Emam said. He revealed it was an Egyp- tian teacher who changed his life and that he and other Emirati offi- Cairo cials were keen to repay Egypt. Egypt has its own problems, gypt’s 2018 Government some of which observers hope will Excellence Conference be addressed by a development wrapped up on a note of strategy set to be fully implement- E optimism about coopera- ed by 2030. The strategy, Egyptian tion between Egypt and the United Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli Arab Emirates, two Arab states con- said at the concluding session of sidered models for inter-Arab rela- the conference, seeks to raise the tions. economic growth rate, achieve The conference discussed suc- comprehensive economic develop- cessful administrative experiences ment and raising the efficiency of in the UAE and how Egypt could re- the government’s administrative produce the UAE’s positive results. apparatus. Behind Egypt’s desire to learn “We know that we need years of from the UAE’s ability to simplify hard work to achieve these impor- and speed up government services tant goals,” Madbouli said. are Egypt’s aspirations to transform Inefficiency is one major prob- its administration to achieve the lem for the Egyptian administra- “sustainable, development strat- tive apparatus. Administration is egy” known as Egypt Vision 2030. held-back by corruption, depend- “The United Arab Emirates has ence on outdated systems, a lack of turned into a model for administra- Building capacities. Chancellor of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) Mansoor Al training for workers and resistance tive and government excellence, Awar speaks during Egypt’s 2018 Government Excellence Conference in Cairo. (WAM) by some workers to use modern having scrapped outdated adminis- technology. tration methods and depended on Abdulla al-Gergawi, the minister of Centre for Government Innovation. Egyptian Ministry of Planning and Egypt has formulated an 8-year modern technologies in the man- Cabinet Affairs and the Future in “This innovation plays a basic role Administrative Reform in February. plan to modernise its administra- agement of government business,” the United Arab Emirates. He said in stimulating economic growth, The document aims to expand tive apparatus, known as Vision said Alaa Abed, the head of the cooperation between the UAE and creating jobs and increasing the in- administrative and government 2030. The plan includes training for Egyptian-Emirati Friendship Com- Egypt should serve as a model for come of citizens.” cooperation between Cairo and hundreds of thousands of adminis- mittee, a body including officials relations among Arab countries. The conference, expected to be- Abu Dhabi, provide training for trative workers and would entail a from both countries that works to “We have chosen to work as one come an annual event, came from Egyptian administrative workers change in the systems in govern- cooperate. team with our brothers in Egypt,” a memorandum of understanding and transfer UAE governance and ment offices. Dependence on modern technol- Gergawi said. the UAE Ministry of Cabinet Affairs administrative expertise to Egypt, “The absence of planning with- ogy, simplification of government The UAE delegation included and the Future signed with the which has a massive civil service. in this apparatus, resistance to services, creation of databases, cabinet ministers and government Enthusiasm in the UAE to assist change inside it and the lack of an formulation of successful develop- officials, who talked about how Egypt to overhaul its administra- objective assessment of the work- ment plans and planning for the fu- they overcame challenges facing tive apparatus stems from a desire ers are major challenges facing the ture were key issues for those at the their ministries and institutions, More than from the UAE leadership to pay plan,” said Sharifa Sharif, the head conference. facilitated ease of access for citi- back Egypt, which has often of- of the National Administration In- More than 2,000 government of- zens and residence and formulated 2,000 fered unwavering support for the stitute, the Ministry of Planning ficials from Egypt and the UAE at- plans for development. Emiratis. body implementing Vision 2030. tended the conference, with the fo- “Innovation in the field of gov- government officials “The teachers in our schools “Nevertheless, we insist to change cus being on how Cairo could learn ernment services contributes to from Egypt and the were Egyptian, the doctors in our all this.” from the Emirati experience. improving the quality of life for hospitals were Egyptian and the le- Leading the Emirati delegation citizens,” said Huda al-Hashimi, the UAE attended the gal experts who created our justice Amr Emam is a Cairo-based at the conference was Mohammad head of the Mohammed bin Rashid conference. system were Egyptian,” Gergawi contributor to The Arab Weekly. July 8, 2018 11 News & Analysis Maghreb African summit in Mauritania highlights Maghreb divisions

Lamine Ghanmi targeting French forces. French President Emmanuel Macron, who became the first Tunis French leader to visit Mauritania in 22 years when he attended the auritanian President summit, hailed Ould Abdel Aziz as Mohamed Ould Abdel an important partner in the fight Aziz, nearing the end of against terror. He spoke with the M his term, played host to five participating countries’ lead- the 31st African Union (AU) sum- ers on the sidelines of the summit mit, bringing renewed attention to about moving forward with the G5 his country on the African stage. force, a task that has proven diffi- Thirty African leaders attended cult because of a lack of training, the 2-day meeting, which focused equipment and funding. on free trade, fighting Islamist ex- European powers and some Arab tremism and clamping down on countries have pledged $480 mil- corruption. lion to the force but most has yet to However, leaders of neighbour- materialise. ing Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Macron also met with the Libya, which with Mauritania form 15-member African Union’s Peace the Arab Maghreb Union, stayed and Security Council to discuss fi- away from the gathering, reflecting nancing peacekeeping operations lingering divisions and Algeria’s and counterterrorism efforts. distrust over France’s role in a re- Mauritania plays an important gional counterterror force. role in the G5 Sahel, with the group- ing’s General Secretariat in Nouak- chott, but other Maghreb countries For Mauritania, the summit distanced themselves from the was a chance to showcase its body due to concerns about inter- development after a 2016 ference from other global powers. Arab summit it hosted was Maghreb security analysts have marred by poor conditions questioned the expanding mili- A focus on security. Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz (R) listens to French President tary footprints of France and other and a lack of organisation. Emmanuel Macron upon his arrival at Nouakchott, on July 2. (Reuters) world powers, such as China and That force, the G5 Sahel, is a mili- Russia, in Africa. tary alliance backed by France and They also said concerns such as panding trade on the continent, a chance to showcase its develop- been a reaction to Ould Abdel involving Mauritania, Mali, Niger, lack of access to education and em- particularly through the African ment after a 2016 Arab summit it Aziz’s comments to the media that Chad and Burkina Faso to combat ployment opportunities, exacer- Continental Free Trade Area, and hosted was marred by poor condi- the Sahrawi people were living in jihadism and lawlessness in the re- bated by rapid population growth, fighting corruption, specifically by tions and a lack of organisation. a terrible situation in Western Sa- gion. have gone largely unaddressed. ensuring that stolen money, often This year, the African summit hara. The summit, July 1-2, went Ould Abdel Aziz said at the kept in havens abroad, is returned. was at a state-of-the-art Al Moura- Moroccan website ma.360 wrote smoothly despite violence across opening of the summit that Africa The African Union said an esti- bitoune International Conference that “the Mauritanian president the border in Mali. A car bomb at- needed a comprehensive approach mated 70% of the income generat- Centre, with leaders staying in lux- showed that he is not free in his tack June 29 on the command post to combating extremism that ad- ed from Africa’s resources is squan- ury villas. ideas and the least in his action,” of the G5 Sahel force in the central dresses social and economic fac- dered or diverted. Rainfall was recorded through- implying that Algeria was exerting Malian town of Sevare killed two tors that push young people to- In a final communique, the Afri- out much of Mauritania as the sum- influence over Mauritania. soldiers and one civilian. The at- wards radicalisation. can Union urged the international mit ended, easing a severe drought. Algeria backs the Polisario Front, tack claimed by al-Qaeda’s affiliate Rwandan President Paul Kag- community to lend more support Mauritania was angered by the which seeks an independent state in Mali. ame, the outgoing AU president, to a UN plan to restore peace and snub from Morocco, whose King in Western Sahara, a former Span- The next day, at least four Ma- lent support to Ethiopia, Nigeria stability to Libya, which has been Mohammed VI neglected to name ish colony Rabat controls and con- lian soldiers were killed when their and Mali’s fight against extremist embroiled in conflict since former the country and its president as the siders a part of its territory. vehicle hit a landmine in the Koro violence. “We regret the loss of in- leader Muammar Qaddafi was top- host of the gathering in a letter read area in central Mali. On July 1, four nocent lives,” Kagame said. pled in 2011. by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. Lamine Ghanmi is an Arab Weekly civilians were killed by a car bomb African leaders discussed ex- For Mauritania, the summit was Rabat’s slight appeared to have correspondent in Tunis.

Viewpoint In Tripoli, misery rules as the state is conspicuously absent

very few weeks there of the absence of a functioning before the revolution and eight the misery continues. Few are is an announcement government: a lack of sufficient for half a dinar in 2013. reassured by claims such as those of an international or- street cleaners, most of whom Other stable foods such as made July 3 by a GNA spokes- Michel Cousins ganisation or a foreign come from Bangladesh, because tomato paste and pasta have man that the fault lies elsewhere. government giving they are afraid to work in Libya; also rocketed. Cooking oil costs Warning that people’s standards money to Libya to no money to pay those that are four times what it did before the of living could suffer unless Ehelp it rebuild or just survive the there; no money to replace gar- revolution. It makes life almost Haftar hands back the eastern oil present crisis. The World Health bage trucks; landfill sites full and unbearable for ordinary people. terminals to the official Tripoli- Organisation and France recently closed and no new ones opened The result is that respect for the based National Oil Corporation sent medical supplies to treat because there is no one with suf- authorities has often turned into (NOC), enabling oil revenues to 50,000 people in southern Libya. ficient powers to do so. contempt, particularly for the in- rise again, the spokesman blamed It is a far cry from the situa- That did not stop the deputy ternationally backed Government the Audit Bureau for blocking tion before the 2011 toppling of head of the Tripoli-based Presi- of National Accord (GNA) headed contracts to expand the number the Qaddafi regime when Libya dential Council, Ahmed Maiteeq, by Fayez al-Sarraj. of power stations. was constantly handing out cash, from giving authorities in the “No one here has anything good After recapturing two of the mainly to sub-Saharan African capital a 10-day deadline to clean to say about Sarraj,” claimed a main eastern oil terminals last countries to buy influence and up the city, nor the same local prominent journalist who asked month, Haftar gave them to the goodwill.­ For most Libyans it authorities boldly declaring the not to be named. “They do not parallel NOC in Benghazi set up by a painful demonstration of the previous day that the matter was like him or trust him. They don’t the eastern authorities. extent to which the country has well in hand. believe in anyone now. People The inevitable response on collapsed. For many ordinary people in are thinking only about getting social media has been that living A couple of months ago, in an Tripoli, such statements are just through each day as it comes.” standards have plummeted and announcement that hardly made hot air. With temperatures soaring Since 2014 when Libya split into that the Sarraj government has headlines, Italy’s ambassador said and the air conditioners switched what remains a low-intensity civil had two full years to do some- his country was giving $2.3 mil- on, power cuts are back, run- war, every summer has been a thing about increasing the power lion towards improving garbage ning 6-8 hours a time, sometimes time of misery for almost eve- supply. collection and waste management twice a day. ryone in the country. Albeit this Mustafa Sanallah, the chairman in Tripoli. Water cuts have reappeared and year in most of the east under the of the official NOC, is reportedly Piles of plastic bags of garbage there are warnings that the situ- control the Libyan National Army calling for international sanctions stacked up, usually in the middle ation will worsen unless people led by Field-Marshal Khalifa Haf- against almost everyone involved With temperatures of streets, are not a new sight in reduce the amount of water they tar there is none of the despond- in the parallel NOC following Haf- Tripoli but the problem has never use. ency or resentment so noticeable tar’s handover while pessimism in soaring and the air been so bad or so visible, not to Meanwhile, although security in the capital. Tripoli deepens. conditioners mention pungent. Simply try- in the city is better than a few In Tripoli, Sarraj and members The fear is that it has made a ing to cross the road in parts of months ago and crime down, of his government are clearly clash with the LNA more likely switched on, power the city is impossible because of there is no money available in the aware of the economic crisis and and that things can only get cuts are back, the rubbish piled up. Noticeably, banks and the price of basic food- the potential political backlash. worse. running 6-8 hours a though, the area around the prime stuffs, particularly bread, contin- They have been trying to ensure minister’s office is clean. ues to rise. Three loaves now cost that the shortages end and the Michel Cousins is a contributor time, sometimes There are many reasons for the a dinar ($0.72). That compares garbage mountains disappear. to The Arab Weekly on Libyan twice a day. mess, all of them the direct result to ten for a quarter-dinar ($0.18) For ordinary citizens, though, issues. 12 July 8, 2018 News & Analysis Lebanon Factional horse trading slows naming of Lebanese cabinet

Sami Moubayed by the second biggest Christian bloc — the Lebanese Forces led by Samir Geagea. Although Geagea supported Beirut Aoun’s election in 2016, rivalries run deep between the two Christian reating a new cabinet is be- leaders, who waged a bloody war coming exceedingly difficult against each other in 1988. for Lebanese Prime Minis- Geagea is vehemently anti-Hez- C ter Saad Hariri. In a country bollah and extremely critical of its sharply divided by deep sectarian involvement in the Syrian conflict, and political lines, Hariri needs to be which has received the blessing of extremely cautious about whom he Aoun. The two men are challenging chooses for the 30-member cabinet, each other for Christian leadership Competing voices. Lebanese Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil (R) talks with Prime Minister Saad careful not to cross either enemies and are bickering over what each of Hariri (C) during a cabinet meeting in Beirut, on March 12. (Reuters) or friends. them gets in the Hariri cabinet. Gea- He only returned to power after a gea is demanding the post of deputy 5-year absence in 2016 after support- prime minister, in addition to his Movement (finance, agriculture and ister’s following. They control six Syrians in 2006. Last June, he tweet- ing Michel Aoun’s bid for the presi- present share (information, public state development). posts, including prime minister and ed that the Aoun Era has been a dency in exchange for being named health and social affairs). However, if Aoun’s formula is ac- the strategic Ministry of Interior. “failure,” triggering a backlash from prime minister. Aoun is refusing to concede the cepted, Hezbollah is entitled to a If Hezbollah and Amal were to get the Aounists. The first hurdle in pulling together post of deputy prime minister, say- larger share, given that it controls their way, one of their seats would Hariri needs to accommodate all a new cabinet lies with Aoun, how- ing that, although it was given to the 13 seats in parliament, while Amal go to the Sunni opposition. these powerful players before his ever, and his Free Patriotic Move- LF in 2016, this was an exception. He heads a bloc of 17 MPs. They are de- Another hurdle is the Druze repre- cabinet sees the light. Even if it does, ment (FPM), headed by his son- says the position ought to be given manding two additional seats — not sentation. Druze leader Walid Jum- there are other obstacles. in-law Gebran Bassil, who is the to the FPM. for Shias but for their Sunni allies, blatt did not run for parliament but What will Hariri do about the Syr- country’s minister of foreign affairs. Geagea has hinted that he would suggesting Tripoli MP Faisal Karami oversaw the election of his son, who ian refugee crisis? He wants them to The FPM is part of a wider parlia- be willing to trade the deputy prime and former Defence Minister Abdul heads a bloc of nine seats. They are stay while Aoun and Hezbollah want mentary group, called the March 8 minister post, trading it for the Min- Rahim Murad as potential minis- technically entitled to two portfolios them to return to Syria. Alliance, which is strongly backed istry of Defence, currently occupied ters. Karami and Murad are strongly and presently control education and What will he say about the arms by the Syrians. In addition to the by Yacoub Sarraf, an Aounist. Aoun backed by Damascus. human rights affairs. of Hezbollah? A condition for joining Foreign Ministry, it controls im- and Bassil say they won’t budge on This time it is Hariri who is ob- Aoun is trying to force them to re- any cabinet, after all, is to pledge to portant portfolios such as defence, the Defence Ministry. jecting, saying that members of linquish one position to Emir Talal “protect the arms of the resistance.” economy, justice and presidential Political analyst Fadi Akoum the Sunni opposition only have ten Arslan, another heavyweight Druze, Hariri included it in his cabinet for- affairs. The alliance won 24 seats in said: “It is unlikely that the deputy seats in parliament and, thus, are who is allied to the Syrians. This has mation statement when he was May’s elections, making it the larg- premiership will go the Lebanese not entitled to cabinet representa- created bad blood between Jumblatt named prime minister in 2009 but est Christian bloc in the Lebanese Forces. On the contrary, the presi- tion. Amal’s bid is also being chal- and Aoun, who were bitter enemies Hezbollah walked out on his cabinet parliament. dent will do his utmost to keep lenged by Aoun, who fell out with during the civil war. Jumblatt never in 2011 during a visit to the White Aoun is suggesting giving one it in his hands, to use it as a pres- his former allies last year after they trusted Aoun, especially after he House. cabinet post for every four seats any sure card should political tensions accused him of despotism for sign- cuddled up to Hezbollah and the He said it again, very unwillingly, bloc has in parliament, meaning no arise, reaching the point of where ing off a decree without consulting in 2016 and realises that to make it less than six portfolios for his FPM. the prime minister is forced to step with his Finance Minister, a member through a third time, he needs to say Aoun is also demanding a share for down.” of Amal, and bypassing Parliament Geagea is vehemently those words, verbatim, otherwise himself as president, independent of Aoun’s Shia allies have firmly Speaker Nabih Berri, the leader of anti-Hezbollah and Hezbollah will never work with him. his share as head of a parliamentary secured their share of the Hariri Amal. extremely critical of its bloc, which could raise the number cabinet, which includes two posts Hariri’s Future Bloc has no inten- involvement in the Syrian Sami Moubayed is a Syrian of Aounists in government to 13. for Hezbollah (industry and sports tion of sharing power with Sunnis conflict, which has received historian and author of “Under That is strongly being challenged and youth), and three for the Amal who are not part of the prime min- the blessing of Aoun. the Black Flag” (IB Tauris, 2015). Viewpoint Fidaa Itani and Lebanon’s battle for free speech

ournalist Fidaa Itani was a freeze on the renewal of resi- sects; these voices of opposition the news website Lebanon Debate. sentenced in absentia to dency permits for the staff of the (journalists and activists) to the sta- He was sentenced to six months in four months in prison UN refugee agency, accusing it of tus quo are swiftly suppressed and jail and fined 10 million Lebanese Makram Rabah and fined 10 million intimidating refugees from return- their trials expedited to ultimately pounds in a defamation lawsuit Lebanese pounds ing by asking them about com- silence them,” he said. filed by Customs Department ($6,550) because of a pulsory military service, security Itani said the prospect of free Director-General Badri Daher. The Facebook post criticising conditions and whether they have speech and civil liberties in Leba- jail sentence was suspended. JLebanese Minister of Foreign a place to live. The United Nations non are worse than during the days Kanbour said Itani’s indictment Affairs Gebran Bassil. strongly denied the allegation. of the Syrian occupation. “The speaks to the heart of the freedom Itani had called out Bassil over Speaking to The Arab Weekly recent indictment issued against of the press and marks a clear his alleged racist policies towards from London, where he is a me includes charges of defaming departure from Lebanon’s legacy of Lebanon’s Syrian refugees. Bassil’s political refugee, Itani said this President Aoun,” Itani said. liberalism. response was draconian and crackdown on free speech was the However, Itani said, anyone par- “Nothing justifies sending a marked a further darkening of government’s attempt to distract ticipating in the elite’s sectarian ri- journalist to jail regardless of what the skies over attention from the administration’s valries “can go as far as to promote position they take, as it sends a Lebanon. failure and corruption. violence against others, as long as clear message to both journalists That Itani was the Itani said the administration be- they are demanding a bigger piece and activists that anyone who dares subject of official ire gan an offensive against two main of the pie.” Conversely, “anyone cross the red line of exposing cor- is hardly new. The groups, including “the internation- who, like myself, is exposing cor- ruption or objects to any aspect to journalist’s inves- al community, which it blackmails ruption and defending the Syrian bad governance will end up in jail tigative reports for funds to maintain its feeble refugees is treated as a sinner,” he like Itani and myself,” he said. have uncovered economy, like [it] did at the recent added. Above all, Kanbour warned, such numerous pos- Cedre conference, while at the This violation of the freedom of autocratic measures introduced a sible cases of cor- same time accusing them of being the press is not restricted to Itani dangerous element to Lebanon’s ruption in Lebanon responsible for Lebanon’s difficult but has become a norm under political culture, “which is self- and implicated Bassil state of affairs.” Aoun, a former general at pains censorship which drives people to and other members of the The other group is made up to present himself as a patriarchal think twice before daring to write ruling establishment. Itani was de- of “normal people, particularly figure, exempt from any kind of or act.” tained and questioned in July 2017 secular individuals who do not criticism. However, reports issued Itani is not merely a Lebanese after he accused Lebanese Army subscribe to any of the struggling by the Samir Kassir Foundation, a journalist who dared to stand up intelligence of torturing and killing group that monitors violations of to a degenerate political class that refugees under interrogation. freedom of the press, stated that, takes its citizens for granted, he is Bassil, the son-in-law of Leba- since his election in November a vivid reminder that the Lebanese nese President Michel Aoun leads For Itani, the 2017, Aoun has allowed more than can no longer take the moral high the Free Patriotic Movement, prospects of free 20 documented cases against civil ground and claim that their so- which supports Hezbollah in its speech and civil society figures to proceed, includ- called nation is a true democracy. mission to return Lebanon’s 1.5 ing the detention and trial of jour- million, predominantly Sunni, liberties in Lebanon nalists and political activists. Makram Rabah is a lecturer at refugees to the supposed security are worse than during One of the casualties of the the American University of Beirut The man who knows too much. of Syrian President Bashar Assad. government’s unflinching line on and author of “A Campus at War: Lebanese journalist Fidaa Itani. Bassil has encountered much op- the days of the Syrian silencing public criticism is journal- Student Politics at the American (Courtesy of Fidaa Itani) position in this mission. He ordered occupation. ist Michel Kanbour, the publisher of University of Beirut, 1967-1975.” July 8, 2018 13 News & Analysis Palestine Israel Jaffa’s Arab residents pursue peace beyond stereotypes

Kaja Bouman ish children to go to state schools. “Because of that law mixed schools are very unique and I think most Jaffa, Israel Jews don’t know of our existence,” Ivanova said. ix people have been killed She arrived in Israel from Bulgar- over the past two months in ia in 1990 and spent her first years Israel’s Jaffa, just kilometres in the country at a state school. “I S from Tel Aviv’s booming city would tell people I’m both Chris- centre. The Palestinian residents tian and Jewish and they would of Jaffa say the harsh conditions say: ‘No, you can’t be both.’ When they live under are due to neglect, I came to Tabeetha a couple years mainly by the Israeli police, who, later and told them I was Christian they say, don’t care enough about and Jewish, they said it was fine.” the Arab community in Jaffa and “When kids grow up they don’t have never done what is necessary focus on the differences, they to fight crime, drug use and vio- focus on what they have in com- lence in the area. mon,” said Ivanova. “They don’t Despite recent violence, many really know what their religion en- residents of Jaffa actively promote tails, so they share their interests. peace and coexistence. The city For kids it’s about drawing, singing has a high number of Arab-Jewish or dancing.” organisations, including schools, Ivanova and the other 40 em- community and youth centres. ployees at the school say the val- “Problems arise when the au- ues of coexistence and respecting thorities get involved,” said Maria each other will stay with the chil- Ivanova of the Tabeetha School. dren the rest of their lives. This “The truth is that the residents of way they hope to positively influ- Jaffa get along really well. It’s one ence the future of Jaffa. The school of the gates to the Holy Land. A takes on peace-related projects lot of people came through here each year. It’s working on setting and influenced the area. There was up a Museum of Coexistence to never just one religion.” display pictures of the school and Ivanova graduated from Tabee- projects the students have worked Championing coexistence. A view of Tabeetha school in Yefet street in Jaffa, on July 4. (Kaja Bouman) tha in 1996 and has been working on. there for more than a year. The Though Ivanova said she knows school, the first English school most residents in Jaffa get along, Balha is the founder of the Or- peace and love,” she said. complain about exams and how in the Middle East, was founded she doesn’t deny she’s seen a chard of Abraham’s Children, a Commander David Filo, head of that teacher was unfair,” she said. in 1863. The classes are mainly change over the years. “I don’t re- non-profit organisation a couple the Israel police’s Yiftah District, “I speak fluent English because in English and all students take member Jaffa like this,” she said of blocks from Tabeetha School said there has been a decrease I went here, which meant that I courses in Arabic and Hebrew. in response to the recent killings. that has a day-care centre and is in the number of killings in Jaffa could go to university anywhere in Tabeetha is a Christian school, “When I used to walk home from involved in several peace projects. compared to last year, which he the world. I even got some of my owned by the Church of Scotland school, I wouldn’t be afraid some- Balha is Jewish and founded the confirmed in the Israeli newspaper credits covered because I didn’t but has always welcomed people one would attack me for some- organisation with her Muslim part- Haaretz. have to take English and it was eas- of all backgrounds and religions. thing like looking at him the wrong ner Ihab Balha. “We want to get rid Ivanova said she considers the ier to get scholarships. I got the op- “The majority of our students way, but now I am.” of the labels and live together in increase in applications to Tabee- portunity to work all over Europe. are Christian and 20-30% is Mus- Jaffa resident Ora Balha said the tha School as a sign that Jaffa “Most of all it’s easier for me to lim,” Ivanova said. situation has improved, despite residents support coexistence. adjust to different people and con- The Jewish minority is due to a the continuing crime. “Every- The Palestinian residents For every class of 20 children, the nect with them. I’m not afraid of law, no longer in force, that was thing has improved,” she said. “We of Jaffa say the harsh school receives 80 applications. stereotypes.” implemented when the state of didn’t even use to have trash con- conditions they live under “You don’t know what this Israel was established in 1948 that tainers. People used to leave their are due to neglect, mainly school gives you until you gradu- Kaja Bouman is a Dutch journalist made it mandatory for all Jew- trash in the middle of the streets.” by the Israeli police. ate. When you’re a student you in Jerusalem.

Viewpoint Trump can’t pressure Abbas when Palestinians want Barghouti

alestinians have indicat- Seven former US ambassadors ed that they would vote to the United Nations called on the Mamoon for a leader who opposes Trump administration to restore Alabbasi the “deal of the century” funding to UN Relief and Works proposed by US President Agency (UNWRA), which is respon- Donald Trump. No, that sible for helping Palestinian refu- Pwas not a reference to Palestinian gees worldwide, after Washington Authority President Mahmoud Ab- announced it would cut payments bas but rather jailed uprising icon due to its spat with Abbas. Marwan Barghouti. “This financial gap puts into A poll by the Palestinian Centre question the ability of UNRWA to for Policy and Survey Research continue to deliver education and reported that 30% of 2,150 adults health-care services to millions of interviewed in the West Bank and people and has national security the Gaza Strip said they would ramifications for our closest allies, elect Barghouti as Abbas’s succes- including Israel and Jordan,” the for- sor. Both Barghouti and Abbas are mer ambassadors, both Republican members of Fatah. and Democrat, said in a public letter. The survey indicated that Bargh- The Trump administration’s outi was the most popular leader in proposed peace plan, once it’s un- the occupied Palestinian territories, veiled, is unlikely to be accepted by followed by Ismail Haniyeh, who anyone in the region — at least pub- leads the rival Hamas faction, with licly — other than the Israeli govern- 23% support. ment. Even Israeli public opinion Of course, this isn’t likely to affect Uncompromising stance. A Palestinian protester holds a slingshot is sceptical about the potential for the shape of the Palestinian govern- as he sits near a banner with a picture of jailed leader Marwan success of the plan. (AP) ment or alter its factional reality. Barghouti in Ramallah. A survey by the Israel Democracy Israel is not planning to release Institute and Tel Aviv University Barghouti from prison, where he Prior to the collapse of the Middle it comes to historical Palestin- found that nearly three-quarters of is serving five life sentences for his East peace talks in 2014, Abbas was ian rights. Ironically, Abbas is still 600 Jewish and Arab respondents role in the Palestinian uprising, and banking on his negotiations with Trump’s and Israel’s best bet; break- said Trump’s plan has a low chance the chances of Abbas calling for the Israelis to give him legitimacy. ing him would backfire on them. of success. presidential elections are dim. However, Israel’s refusal to give Trump should be aware of the The Palestinians are not holding However, it does shed light on the Palestinians significant rights and power of public opinion in the re- their breath either. The Israeli-Pal- spot that the Trump administration Trump’s abandonment of even the gion as he seeks to please his voter estinian conflict “won’t be has placed Abbas in after Wash- appearance of an “honest broker” base at home. For his core support- solved by the tools of real estate ington announced it would move has deprived Abbas of his last fig ers, Trump has flouted internation- men,” said Palestinian negotiator the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to leaf in front of his people. al and diplomatic norms, offended Saeb Erekat. Jerusalem. Unfortunately for Abbas, it was his NATO allies, European partners For now, the unpopular Palestin- Abbas, seen as too accommodat- too late to play the patriot card. His and his neighbours — including ian president seems to have little For now, the ing to the United States and Israel recent outbursts against US officials arguably the world’s friendliest choice but listen to the advice of his unpopular Palestinian at the expense of Palestinian rights, have failed to convince Palestin- country, Canada. jailed party comrade. president seems to was already unpopular among ians. The latest poll indicated 61% US policies towards the occupied “Trump will be gone in a year or other Palestinians. With his election of respondents said they wanted Palestinian territories under Trump five years but Jerusalem, Palestine have little choice but mandate long expired, Abbas was Abbas to resign. have not only parted ways with and its people will remain,” Barg- listen to the advice of selling the vision of an independent Despite his dependence on international law and the European houti told supporters in a leaked Palestinian state that would come heavy-handed security forces, there Union, they have taken a turn from letter last April. He urged Abbas to his jailed party about thanks to US mediation with are red lines that his people will Washington’s own traditional diplo- reject Trump’s “conspiracy of the comrade. Israel. not tolerate being crossed when matic conduct. century.” 14 July 8, 2018 Spotlight Israel in the Golan Israel sees ‘perfect time’ now to press US to recognise Golan annexation Israel’s history of deceit and provocation in the Golan Ed Blanche Beirut

he Golan Heights covers more than 1,800 sq.km. The Israeli sector totals 1,200 T sq.km, leaving Syria with one-third of the area in the east. The plateau was the first piece of occupied Arab land that Israel colo- nised in defiance of international law after the Six-Day War, in which it also seized the West Bank from Jordan along with the Gaza Strip and Sinai Peninsula from Egypt. The first settlers moved in just one month after the conflict. The pace of settlement has been slower than in the West Bank, which hard-line reli- Strategic question. Israeli soldiers attend a planned military drill next to a Merkava Mark IV tank in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, gious Jews claim was bequeathed to last May. (AFP) them by God. There are only about 22,000 Israelis living in settlements Ed Blanche long visit in late June to Washing- Tehran, however, has its own Israel — and to a lesser extent, Saudi in the Golan. ton to seek bipartisan support for strategic ambitions in Syria, which Arabia — in exchange for its loyalty Even 51 years after the Six-Day the Golan plan that “it’s time for has for decades been the Islamic to the United States. That was, in War, there are no cities there and Beirut the world to recognise Israel’s sov- Republic’s only Arab ally. part, what drove the Jerusalem em- the largest population centre is the ereignty over the Golan Heights. Iran wants to open a new front bassy decision, and it could drive a town of Katzrin, with about 7,000 srael is pushing the United “There were all kinds of discus- against Israel from southern Syria, decision on the Golan as well.” residents — compared to the esti- States hard to recognise the Go- sions throughout the years but this linking up with Hezbollah’s front in But it doesn’t end there. mated 380,000 settlers colonising lan Heights in south-western is over because it’s so obvious that neighbouring Lebanon. On October 8, 2015, the Israeli the West Bank. I Syria, two-thirds of which the nobody in their right mind is going The Jerusalem Post last year subsidiary of a New Jersey oil com- Since 1967, the Israelis have taken Jewish state has occupied since the to give the Golan Heights to a mass amplified the Netanyahu govern- pany, Genie Energy, claimed it had the line that the Golan is vital to the 1967 Middle East war, as Israeli ter- murderer who just killed half a mil- ment’s line by asserting that “the struck oil in the Israeli-held sector Jewish state’s security. ritory. lion of his own people,” Lapid said. risk of returning the Golan Heights of the Golan. Yuval Bartov, the chief Their propaganda line has been The Israelis unilaterally annexed He stressed that “now that the should be measured against the geologist of Genie’s Israeli subsidi- that, until the Six-Day War, Syrian ar- the war-won volcanic plateau in risks are so obvious” regarding Ira- fact that Iran is actively setting up ary, Afek Oil and Gas Ltd, told Isra- tillery routinely shelled helpless Is- 1981 but that has never been recog- nian intentions against Israel “we another forward command along el’s Channel 2 TV: “We’ve found an raeli farming settlements in the lush nised internationally and as far as will never renegotiate the Golan Israel’s border with Syria… oil stratum 350 metres thick in the Hula Valley from their vantage point the rest of the world is concerned Heights. It’s ours and always has “Capitalising on Netanyahu’s southern Golan Heights. along the rocky escarpment. the entire Golan is Syrian territory. been. It’s not like the West Bank or idea will help the US limit Russia’s “On average worldwide, strata It’s ironic that the Israeli conquest The Israelis are hoping that they anything.” re-emergence as a Middle East pow- are 20-30 metres thick and this is of the Heights in the final hours of can take advantage of the marked Lapid’s high-powered visit to er-broker after a 40-year absence.” ten times as large as that, so we’re the Six-Day War was the result of pro-Israel stance taken by US Presi- Washington came amid a new Israel’s concern in this regard talking about significant quanti- an afterthought by Moshe Dayan, dent Donald Trump’s administra- Middle East peace initiative by sheds new light on its drive to se- ties.” then defence minister. He initially tion and its recent controversial rec- the Trump administration, with cure Trump’s agreement to rec- That was a little over a week af- opposed fighting Syria but, at the ognition of war-divided Jerusalem, the president’s son-in-law, Jared ognise its sovereignty over the ter Russia — at the request of Assad last minute before a ceasefire took a city considered holy by Christian- Kushner, and his special envoy to Heights. — had intervened militarily in the hold, he ordered the Israeli Army to ity and Islam as well as Judaism, as the Middle East, Jason Greenblatt, If the United States agrees, it Syrian war, which Assad was clearly occupy the plateau on the grounds Israel’s eternal capital and not of a heading the drive that favours Is- would be setting a dangerous prec- losing. that Israel was vulnerable to shelling Palestinian state. rael. edent by recognising territory won The deployment of a powerful from there. “This is the perfect time to make Netanyahu flew to Washington to by armed force for the first time Russian expeditionary air wing near That doesn’t mean much now in such a move,” Israeli Intelligence meet the newly inaugurated Trump since 1945. the north-western port of Latakia the age of missiles but Dayan, one of Minister Yisrael Katz told Reuters in February 2017 and raised the Go- Since Trump took office in Janu- and the arrival of missile-armed Israel’s historic war figures, admit- in May, citing suspected Iranian ef- lan issue with him, Israeli sources ary 2017 his often-chaotic adminis- warships in the eastern Mediterra- ted that far from being threatened forts to establish military bases on say. The Israeli leader did so again tration has engaged in challenging nean saved Assad’s regime. In June by the Syrians on the Golan, Israel the Syrian-held sector of the heights in March 2018 during his second the accepted norms of diplomatic he launched a military offensive to usually provoked them into shelling from which to threaten Israel. visit to see Trump. behaviour and has taken a strong retake south-western Syria. to create the myth that Israel, ringed “The most painful response you line against Iran. In January 2017, Genie set up Atid by hostile Arab states, was in a state can give the Iranians is to recognise However, it has given no formal Drilling Ltd, an Israel-based sub- of constant danger — securing the Israel’s Golan sovereignty — with an indication it favours Israel’s claim sidiary to handle the exploration on world’s sympathy. American statement, a presidential Iran wants to open a new to the Golan. Indeed, on June 29 the Golan, bolstering the belief that Dayan told journalist Rami Tal in proclamation enshrined (in law).” front against Israel from the Jerusalem Post cited US politi- the 2015 strike is a major find. an off-the-record conversation in This echoes the fiercely anti-Iran southern Syria, linking up cal insiders saying the administra- If that’s the case, Israel looks set 1976, publicly disclosed 21 years lat- rhetoric emanating from Washing- with Hezbollah’s front in tion believes that Israel should be to become a major energy producer er, how “at least 80% of the clashes ton — as well as Saudi Arabia — at a neighbouring Lebanon. content with Trump moving the US in the eastern Mediterranean, on there (the Golan) started… It went time when Israel seeks to confront Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusa- top of its substantial offshore gas this way: We would send a tractor what it portrays as growing Iranian lem and not push now for recogni- fields that could make the Jewish to plough some area where it wasn’t military encroachment in south- Soon after that Israel escalated its tion of Israeli sovereignty over the state an energy exporter. possible to do anything, in the demil- western Syria. anti-Iranian rhetoric and embraced Golan. These finds have dramatically itarised area, and knew in advance Katz, a member of Prime Minis- a more robust military posture over The US-based intelligence con- changed the region’s geopoliti- the Syrians would start to shoot. ter Binyamin Netanyahu’s security the Golan that led to weeks of esca- sultancy Stratfor observed that cal calculus and heavily affect the “If they didn’t shoot, we’d tell cabinet, maintains that US recogni- lating exchanges with Iranian forc- “Washington is contemplating yet power balance in the turbulent Le- the tractor to advance further, un- tion of Israel’s sovereignty over the es and Hezbollah. another bold rejection of interna- vant. til in the end the Syrians would get 1,000-metre-high plateau dominat- US Defence Secretary James Mat- tional standards… Should Wash- Genie Energy, it turns out, is run annoyed and shoot. And then we ed by 2,184-metre Mount Hermon tis urged the US Congress to formal- ington decide to recognise Israel’s by political heavyweights in the would use artillery and later the air that overlooks the northern Galilee ly authorise military force against claim to the disputed area… it United States. force also, and that’s how it was.” region of Israel could happen this Islamic State jihadists in Syria. would have major implications on Its board of advisers includes Tal kept Dayan’s secret until the year, “give or take a few months.” The Israeli-held western sector the current world order… Dick Cheney, George W. Bush’s general died in 1981 when Dayan’s Officially, the Trump administra- of the Golan Heights encompasses “Not all states would — or could vice-president and that hawkish daughter and others convinced him to tion has given no indication that it about two-thirds of the plateau. — interpret the US recognition of administration’s eminence grise; go public and set the record straight. plans to recognise the Golan as Is- The Heights are generally consid- the Golan Heights as an invitation former CIA Director James Wool- Dayan’s admission prompted raeli territory, a decision that would ered a strategic asset in Israel’s de- to return to a time before the 1648 sey, chairman of the Washington- F. William Engdahl, a strategic risk have far-reaching international fences against Syria and an impor- Treaty of Westphalia, when kings based Foundation for Defense of consultant and lecturer, to write in consequences and undoubtedly tant source of water. and emperors took what land they Democracies; and Lord Rothschild, the New Eastern Outlook on March deepen the Trump administration’s In April and May, this triggered managed with any sword their sol- a leading London banking mogul 20, 2017: “Today a similar provoca- growing global isolation. the most serious military clashes on diers had. But Washington’s deci- and former business partner of con- tion is clearly in motion with provoc- Trump’s rejection of the land- the Golan since the 1973 war, when sion would no doubt complicate victed Russian oil oligarch Mikhail ative, illegal Israeli jet strikes near mark 2015 nuclear agreement with Syria came within an ace of winning other ongoing border disputes… Khodorkovsky. Damascus and drone attacks in the Iran dovetailed with Israeli con- back the Golan. “America is increasingly ap- The company’s board includes Golan Heights. cerns over Iranian military advanc- The Iranians, along with their proaching international affairs from media mogul Rupert Murdoch, “The new element this time is es in south-western Syria towards Lebanese ally Hezbollah and Shia a transactional perspective. And in owner of Fox News TV which cham- the decidedly more Israel-friendly the ceasefire line from the 1973 militias from Iraq, Pakistan and the Middle East, it sees Israel as the pions Trump, and former US Ener- stance of the Trump administra- Middle East war. Afghanistan, are fighting in Syria’s most powerful partner to help it gy Secretary Bill Richardson among tion compared to that of (Barack) Yair Lapid, leader of the centrist 7-year-old war to keep Syrian dicta- achieve its goals. other luminaries who support Obama.” Yesh Atid Party, said during a week- tor Bashar Assad in power. “It has thus thought to strengthen Israel. July 8, 2018 15 News & Analysis Turkey

Special Report Erdogan faces challenge of repairing ties with NATO

Thomas Seibert tions with NATO’s long-standing ri- val Russia, a Turkish neighbour and Istanbul a major player in the Syrian conflict, were no substitute for the country’s urkish President Recep traditionally strong Western ties. Tayyip Erdogan is expected “Turkey must turn its face towards to use a NATO summit — his the West and towards NATO because T first international confer- Russia will never be a friend,” he ence since his re-election — to begin said. Ankara might try from time to repairing strained relations with the time to use its relations with Mos- United States and other allies amid cow to gain leverage over Western Western concerns about Ankara’s governments concerned that Turkey close ties with Russia. might drift eastward “but I don’t be- Erdogan, who won re-election lieve that this will work,” Erdurmaz as president June 24 with 52.6% of added. the vote, is to be sworn in as head Ankara’s partnership with Russia of state on July 9. The switch to a has rattled Western officials. Dur- presidential system that came into ing a visit to Turkey after Erdogan’s force with the June election means election victory, US senators said the Erdogan will have wide-ranging ex- S-400 deal could mean that Wash- ecutive powers, including in foreign ington might cancel the sale of F-35 policy matters. fighter jets to Ankara. Following tradition, Erdogan is to “We’re not going to give our most visit close partner Azerbaijan and advanced fighter and let it be tested Risks abound. Turkish soldiers atop an armoured personnel carrier secure the streets of Afrin during the Turkish part of Cyprus a day af- against a Soviet system, a Russian a Turkish government-organised media tour. (AP) ter the swearing-in ceremony. The system,” Lindsey Graham, a senior Turkish leader is to travel to Brussels Republican senator, told the Turk- to join the heads of governments of ish state broadcaster TRT. Jeanne NATO’s other members for meetings Shaheen, a Democratic senator from July 11-12. New Hampshire who travelled to Turkey ponders early Turkey with Graham, said the US “Turkey is eager to improve rela- tions in the framework of NATO,” Congress had the authority to block said Serdar Erdurmaz, an associate the F-35 deal with Turkey. professor for international relations Graham and Shaheen also visited withdrawal from at Hasan Kalyoncu University in the the northern Syrian city of Manbij, southern Turkish city of Gaziantep. a flashpoint of US-Turkish tensions. He noted that, while some com- Trump has suggested that the rough- mentators in the West questioned ly 2,000 US soldiers deployed to sup- Syrian city, but security Turkey’s membership in the alliance port the YPG in the fight against the because of strained ties between An- Islamic State could be withdrawn kara and several Western countries, soon but Graham said it was crucial NATO governments were aware of for Washington not to abandon the situation is still shaky the country’s importance for the Kurds. “I will tell President Trump bloc. that it’s important we stay here to The NATO meeting is expected to help you,” Graham told a local mili- Thomas Seibert vision drove the People’s Protection and yeast from Turkey. At the same be dominated by US President Don- tary council in Manbij, news reports Units (YPG), a Kurdish militia seen time, Turkish engineers are recon- ald Trump’s calls for higher defence said. “You are friends of the United Afrin as a terrorist group by Ankara, out structing water supplies. A Turkish spending among European alliance States and if we leave it will be ter- of Afrin in March after a 2-month NGO is handing out free clothes to members. Transatlantic relations rible.” ore than three months campaign in which, Ankara said, people in the city. “Life is returning are low because of a looming trade Washington and Ankara have en- after their army drove approximately 4,500 Kurdish fight- to normal,” Aksoy said. war between the United States and dorsed a tentative deal in which the out Kurdish fighters ers were killed. On a market square below the Europe and because of Trump’s de- YPG would withdraw from Manbij M from Afrin in northern Turkey says it wants to return Af- Turkish administrative compound cision to withdraw from the interna- while Turkish and US forces would Syria, Turkish officials say a troop rin to its “rightful owners” and that in central Afrin, Omar Aras, 30, tional nuclear agreement with Iran. jointly maintain security and stabil- withdrawal followed by a hando- the area is being made safe for resi- said he had fled the city to escape Despite the crisis atmosphere, ity. Turkey said its forces and the US ver of security to local forces could dents and refugees to return. About forced recruitment by the YPG and Turkey is hoping that it can make military are carrying coordinated begin within weeks but continuing 140,000 people have moved back returned once the Kurdish militia progress in healing bilateral rela- but separate patrols there. violence and the weakness of local to their houses in the region, Turk- was defeated. “We love Turkey,” he tions with major NATO powers. Erdogan’s relations with Europe- police raise doubts about the plan. ish officials in Afrin said. Refugees said. Asked what he would do after Trump and Erdogan, in a telephone an NATO members have also been Turkish troops and Syrian fight- from other parts of Syria arriving a Turkish troop withdrawal, he said conversation after the Turkish elec- rocky. The Turkish president ac- ers of the Sultan Murad Division, a in the Afrin area are housed in five Afrin would no longer be safe. “If tion, agreed to improve bilateral ties, cused EU politicians of employing Turkmen militia allied with Turkey, camps run by Turkey. the Turks go, we will go with them.” the Turkish presidency said. Turkish “Nazi methods” when they banned recently stood next to armoured While officials stress that all re- Not everyone agreed that things news reports say Ankara is expected Turkish officials from having elec- vehicles in the blistering heat, turnees are welcome and that a were better with the arrival of the to take a more prominent role in the tion rallies in their countries last guarding checkpoints on the road newly elected city council reflects Turkish troops. A twin car bomb Western alliance by assuming the year. European officials expressed from the Turkish border crossing all ethnic groups of the region, attack in Afrin’s city centre June command of a new NATO rapid reac- concern about a clampdown on free Oncupinar to Afrin. Members of including Arabs, Kurds and Turk- 27, claimed by a militant Kurdish tion force in 2021. speech in Turkey and a deterioration other groups, some of them teenag- mens, some Kurds who fled Afrin splinter group of the YPG, killed at Efforts to mend ties at the Brussels of the rule of law. ers on motorbikes with automatic after the Turkish invasion say their least ten people. Turkish officials summit could be overshadowed by Kati Piri, the EU parliament’s Tur- rifles slung over their shoulders, houses have been taken over by Ar- walking outside their heavily forti- Turkey’s problems with the United key rapporteur, told the German swarmed around checkpoints. abs, news reports said. Turkish of- fied compound in Afrin are accom- States and European partners. An- state broadcaster DW that Turkey Some buildings along the way had ficials in Afrin said a court system panied by armed guards. Reporters kara has been at loggerheads with had crossed a “red line.” The Eu- bullet holes. had been created to deal with con- were not allowed to go into the side the United States over Washington’s ropean parliament would call for a Turkey’s government took for- flicting property claims. streets off the square opposite the support for the Kurdish rebel Peo- suspension of Turkey’s EU accession eign reporters to Afrin, about 30km One official compared the future Turkish compound. “I don’t want ple’s Protection Units (YPG) in Syria, talks in a report to be published this south-west of the Turkish border, of Afrin to the situation in Jarabu- bad things to happen to you,” a branded a terrorist group by Turkey. year, she said. to counter what one official called lus, a Syrian border town further Turkish official said. Erdogan’s decision to buy S-400 air The Turkish president has not a campaign of negative publicity east that was taken over by the “People are afraid,” said a 22-year- defence systems from Russia, even commented on the foreign policy against Ankara’s policy in northern Turkish Army two years ago. Tur- old Kurd who gave his name as Ce- though they cannot be integrated goals for his new 5-year term but Syria. The message was that Tur- key has repaired the infrastructure mil. He said life under the YPG was into NATO’s network of weapons Western officials in Turkey say they key is not an occupation force and in Jarabulus and is sponsoring pub- better than it is now. “We used to systems, has also soured relations. expect the recent tough line to be is preparing to leave Afrin in the lic services, such as the police, fire have running water twice in a week The arrest of a US pastor in Turkey replaced by a softer tone. Erdurmaz hands of local leaders and security department and post office. Ap- but now it’s down to once every ten and the prison sentence handed said Erdogan was likely to act to officials. proximately 200,000 Syrian refu- days.” Another man, who declined down by a US court against a former improve relations with the United “Within a week, Turkish forces gees from Turkey have settled in to be named, agreed that the secu- executive of a Turkish state bank are States and Germany first because will begin their retreat,” Mehmet the Jarabulus area, Ankara said. rity situation had worsened. “We further irritants. those two countries were especially Akarca, head of the Turkish gov- just want peace,” he said. Erdurmaz said Turkey’s close rela- important to Turkey. ernment’s press office, said during Turkish officials said training had the visit. However, Turkish Foreign While officials stress that all begun for 2,000 members of a lo- Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy returnees are welcome, cal police force that is to take over later told state broadcaster TRT some Kurds who fled Afrin responsibility for security in Afrin that a withdrawal could take long- after the Turkish invasion once the Turkish troops leave the er. “I want to issue a correction con- say their houses have been area. Another 2,000 police trainees cerning that issue,” he said. taken over by Arabs. are to be hired later. However, even Afrin had escaped the violence members of the new police squad and destruction that engulfed much In Afrin, Turkey is paying the city expressed doubt about their abil- of the rest of Syria since the civil budget that is managed by the new ity to keep the peace once Ankara’s war broke out in 2011. When Syrian city council with the help of Turk- soldiers were gone. government troops left the city in ish advisers. Public services like “Impossible,” said Hossein, a 2012, Afrin became part of several waste collection are also organised 22-year-old who said he received Kurdish autonomous regions along by Turkey. Some trash cans in Afrin three months of training to become the Turkish border in northern and bore the names of Turkish towns a member of the new Afrin police north-eastern Syria. Turkey says it that sent them to the Syrian city. department, in response to a ques- cannot accept the presence of what Several schools in Afrin have tion about an imminent departure it calls Kurdish terrorists so close to reopened, while Turkish doctors of the Turks. “We can’t do it.” its territory. provide health services and war- The Turkish military and Syrian damaged bakeries are repaired and Thomas Seibert is an Arab Weekly Rocky relations. A NATO flag and the flags of participating allies such as the Sultan Murad Di- resume bread production with flour correspondent. countries at the Turkish Naval base of Aksaz in Turkey. (Reuters) 16 July 8, 2018 Debate Iran As water crisis deepens, Tehran accuses Israel of ‘cloud theft’

has traditionally been considered a cornerstone of social policy be- cause it prevents migration from Ali Alfoneh rural to urban areas. That said, none of those goals have been achieved in, or by, Tehran. olitical polemics in Iran Iran’s agricultural sector is are replete with con- large enough to secure a degree spiracy theories used of self-sufficiency with some to explain various fail- products. However, it is not ures. Therefore, it was labour-intensive enough to pre- hardly surprising that vent migration from rural areas to PBrigadier-General Gholam Reza Iran’s major population centres. Jalali, head of Iran’s Civil Defence As a result, the regime needs to Organisation, accused Israel of import agricultural products, in stealing Iran’s share of the clouds. particular rice and other grains. Addressing an agricultural It simultaneously faces large- conference on July 2, Jalali said scale migration from the country- Israel made “the clouds entering side to the cities, where peasants Iran barren.” Iran, he added, was reside in shantytowns and try facing “cases of cloud theft and to survive as street vendors or snow theft.” construction workers. This makes Jalali’s statements triggered for a restive proletariat, angry considerable ridicule in the Irani- with the regime, living among an and international media. They city dwellers who look down on were also flatly dismissed by the peasants. Iran Meteorological Organisa- Iranian cities are short on wa- tion. In an attempt to save face, ter, which has been squandered the Civil Defence Organisation on the inefficient agricultural issued a statement claiming that sector. Jalali’s remarks were “taken out Alarming pattern. Dead trees and an abandoned house at a field that farmers left due The situation appears to be of a context.” The statement said to the lack of water in a village near the southern Iranian city of Sirjan. building to disaster but Iran is Jalali was merely sketching out (AFP) still capable of averting the worst. a “hypothetical future scenario” It would take the courage to rather than actual “theft.” admit mistakes and a departure Hypothetical or not, the bizarre cal unrest. On July 1, police and than 17% of the labour force. from ideological economic plan- idea of “foreigners stealing the anti-riot forces opened fire on So, why does Iran sacrifice its Iranian cities ning. clouds” is not new to Iranian crowds protesting water scarcity scarce water resources to keep are short on However, Jalali’s statements political discourse. It was first in Khorramshahr in Khuzestan an inefficient agricultural sector water, which don’t bode well for any such expressed by President Mahmoud province. alive? Would it not make more has been departure. So long as Iranian of- Ahmadinejad in May 2011. There is no single explana- sense for Iran to continue the squandered on ficials use conspiracy theories to Unfortunately, what’s not new tion for the deepening water process of industrialisation and explain the water crisis, there is either is the problem of drought. crisis. However, climate change, gradually reduce the footprint of the inefficient no prospect for change. Iran’s water crisis is fast dete- drought, population growth, agriculture, which consumes so agricultural Iran needs a rational policy to riorating and it is causing politi- rapid urbanisation and the much water? sector. address its very real challenges. mismanagement of scarce water The reasons go back to the Accusing Israel of stealing Iran’s resources are the main drivers. revolution of 1979. Ever since, water and snow from the clouds Hypothetical or not, the Iran’s inefficient agricultural agricultural self-sufficiency has will neither bring water nor in- sector is particularly culpable. been the primary objective of the sight on what needs to be done. bizarre idea of “foreigners Only 12% of Iranian territory is regime and those who planned stealing the clouds” is not arable and it accounts for 93% of the country’s future. This objec- Ali Alfoneh is a non-resident the country’s water consumption. tive is enshrined in Articles 3 and senior fellow at the Rafik Hariri new to Iranian political Agriculture accounts for just 10% 43 of the Iranian Constitution. In Centre for the Middle East at the discourse. of Iran’s GDP and employs less the Islamic Republic, agriculture Atlantic Council. Iran’s foundering economy may incite more popular revolts

sell-off but black-market traders have reaped a windfall in illicit exchanges, with some prices Tallha Abdulrazaq noted as being 75,000 rials to the dollar. This has caused massive inflation, with prices of staple goods skyrocketing and rents ex- tortionate to the point that small ranians have taken to the businesses are being forced to streets for the second time close and people struggle to find in less than a year express- a place to live. ing outrage at the regime’s The Trump administration is inability to prioritise its own also applying heavy pressure on people over the mullahs’ its European allies to also renew Idesires for imperialist expansion sanctions against Tehran. While across the Middle East. politicians from Germany, the The Iranian economy is in a United Kingdom and France have downward spiral, particularly pledged to remain committed to after US President Donald Trump the nuclear deal, European com- declared that the United States panies are pulling out of invest- would be withdrawing from the ments and agreements with the ill-fated and poorly negotiated Iranians, fearing punitive action nuclear deal and said America taken by the US Treasury should would be reimposing sanctions they attempt to flout Washing- against an Iranian regime that has ton’s sanctions despite EU assur- wreaked so much havoc in the ances. region and around the world. For instance, the French en- At wits’ end. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (R) attends a ceremony US sanctions have not even hit ergy giant Total has announced at a military academy in Tehran, on June 30. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader) Tehran yet but already the Iranian it would halt its business in Iran currency, the rial, is in freefall. and withdraw from the coun- The rial rapidly depreciated to try unless granted a sanctions ence. Beijing will smell blood in will scapegoat the president. 42,000 rials to the dollar after waiver, which is unlikely to be the water and move in for the US sanctions Iranians are unlikely to fall for authorities attempted to protect forthcoming from the Trump kill, realising that Tehran is in have not even the ruse for long, though, because the currency by applying a fixed administration. no position to be bargaining for hit Tehran yet they are fully aware who ulti- exchange rate in April in anticipa- Rohani was in Europe meeting a good deal. China will demand but already mately holds all the power in their tion of the US withdrawal from with Austrian and Swiss lead- heavy concessions from Iran, the Iranian country. Khamenei has controlled the nuclear deal. ers to salvage what he can of the which will have to kowtow to currency, the almost every aspect of Iranians’ Iranian President Hassan one of its only customers, and lives for decades and such totali- sinking ship that is the nuclear rial, is in Rohani had hoped that a fixed ex- deal. Tehran has threatened ultimately it will not save its tarianism and failure to provide change rate would prevent a mass Western powers that, unless economy. freefall. for the people may give the mul- Iran is appeased with greater With intensifying protests and lahs deja vu of the revolution they economic cooperation at the ex- violent clashes between Iranian launched against the shah in 1979, Iranians are unlikely to fall for pense of the United States, it will police and the populace, it is like- except this time it could be their turn eastward towards oil-thirsty ly that Rohani’s career is in great necks on the chopping block. Khamenei’s ruse for long because China. jeopardy. Supreme Leader Ali they are fully aware who However, that is simply bluster Khamenei will seek to distance Tallha Abdulrazaq is a researcher because the Chinese are not go- himself from the grievances of at the University of Exeter’s ultimately holds all the power in ing to bankroll Iran just for the protesters by blaming Rohani for Strategy and Security Institute in their country. sake of expanding their influ- his failed economic policies and England. July 8, 2018 17 News & Analysis East West Unconfirmed report of a US-Israel task force to put pressure on Iran

Thomas Frank

Washington

he United States and Israel are working to encourage protests inside Iran to pres- T sure the Islamic Republic government, said an Israeli news re- port, which the United States did not dispute. Israel’s Channel 10 news reported that the United States and Israel cre- ated a task force, which has met sev- eral times in recent months, to sow discord inside Iran as part of the US effort to weaken Iranian leadership. The task force is the first indica- tion that the administration of US President Donald Trump is trying actively to stir up domestic unrest in Iran. It represents a sharp depar- ture from the hands-off policy of Trump’s predecessor Barack Obama, who stayed out of Iranian internal affairs as he negotiated a nuclear agreement, which Trump withdrew from in May. The task force is reportedly led by US national security adviser John Bolton and his Israeli counterpart, Meir Ben-Shabbat, who have met several times since Bolton was ap- pointed in April. Although US officials would not confirm the Channel 10 report, many Hands-on policy. US national security adviser John Bolton steps from Air Force One upon arrival in West Palm Beach, Florida, last US leaders, including Trump and April 16. (Reuters) US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, have pointed to protests in Iran as the photo: “Iran’s corrupt regime is Foreign Ministry urged its diplomats One area of US-Israeli cooperation signalled to Iranians that they might evidence of popular opposition to wasting the country’s resources on around the world to “expand the would be creating domestic pressure want new leadership. In a speech in the country’s leadership. Assad, Hezbollah, Hamas & Houthis, pressure” on Iran and was planning on Iran’s leadership. May about US policy towards Iran, “The Iranian people are rightly while Iranians struggle. It should anti-Iran actions at the United Na- Although Bolton advocated for Pompeo said Iranian Supreme Lead- frustrated with the regime and they surprise no one [that] Iran protests tions, the World Bank and the Inter- Iranian regime change before Trump er Ali Khamenei, who is 78 years old, are expressing their frustration in na- continue. People are tired of the cor- national Monetary Fund. appointed him, Israeli officials told “will not live forever” and he cast tionwide protests and in smaller acts ruption, injustice & incompetence of US State Department officials news outlets that regime change is doubt on Iranian President Hassan of defiance throughout the country,” their leaders. The world hears their have said that the Iranian protests not their goal. “Nobody is seriously Rohani and Foreign Minister Mo- US State Department Policy Director voices.” started over a variety of issues in thinking about regime change but hammad Javad Zarif. Brian Hook said. Repeating a com- Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin December. It was in December that this team is trying to see if we can “Rohani and Zarif are your elected mon refrain from US officials aimed Netanyahu has posted videos on US and Israeli security officials use the internal weaknesses of the leaders,” Pompeo said in a portion at emboldening protests, Hook said: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube in reportedly established a “frame- Iranian regime in order to create of the speech aimed at Iranian civil- “The United States stands with the which he encouraged Iranians to work for future cooperation” under more pressure that will contribute to ians. “Are they not the most respon- Iranian people.” protest against their government. which the two allies would counter changing Iranian behaviour,” an uni- sible for your economic struggles? Pompeo posted on Twitter what The videos are translated into Farsi. Iran on several fronts, including dentified Israeli official told Axios. Are these two not responsible for appeared to be a photo of Iranian Another Israeli news agency, Ha- its effort to develop ballistic mis- US officials have denied wanting wasting Iranian lives throughout the men protesting and wrote above dashot TV, reported that the Israeli siles and its support of Hezbollah. to oust Iran’s leaders but have also Middle East?”

Viewpoint What the Middle East can expect from the Trump-Putin summit

hat are the po- fight against extremism. Russia weaken Iran’s leadership. above the Middle East. tential effects on supports this interpretation. In complete contrast, the Russian US-Russian policies also differ the Middle East At the summit, Putin may reiter- government remains commit- towards Israel. Approximately 20% John C.K. Daly of the July 16 ate that Russia’s military is in ted to both the JCPOA, as well as of the Israeli population was born summit between Syria at the invitation of the Assad to its own extensive diplomatic, in the former Soviet Union. It is US President government and that the approxi- economic and military relations notable that Russia has not moved WDonald Trump and Russian Presi- mately 2,200 US troops are in the with Iran. Last November, during its embassy to Jerusalem and Net- dent Vladimir Putin? country illegally even as their a visit to Tehran, Putin described anyahu’s relationship with Putin is US-Russian policy diverges stated mission against the Islamic Russian-Iranian relations as “very cooler than it is with Trump. strongly over regional issues, State shrinks. productive.” Despite Trump’s persistent and most notably on Syria and Iran. An insight into Russia’s possible After Trump’s JCPOA with- inexplicable warmth towards Putin, Complicating the situation are the summit position can be found in drawal, Iranian Foreign Minister divergences over the Palestinian radically different personalities and the remarks of Russian Foreign Javad Zarif said: “The positions of issue remain unbridgeable. Hamas, foreign-policy approaches of the Minister Sergei Lavrov. After dis- Iran and Russia on regional issues which has been in control of the two presidents. Putin appears to cussions with Jordanian Foreign are very close.” Iranian military Gaza Strip since 2006, is consid- be cool and rational; Trump seems Minister Ayman Safadi, Lavrov said chief of staff Mohammad Bagheri ered a terrorist group by the United mercurial and quixotic. it would be “absolutely unrealistic” recently reaffirmed close military States and the European Union. Despite the uncertainty, certain to expect Iran to withdraw from ties between Iran and Russia, However, Hamas has continued themes seem to be emerging. John Syria, adding that regional powers which will be a matter of concern to to have a good relationship with Bolton, Trump’s national security should discuss mutual complaints the United States and its ally Israel. Russia. Its leaders have regularly adviser, has seemingly modified his and negotiate a compromise. These policy divergences will only visited Moscow since 2015. On June “Assad must go” rhetoric to “Iran As for a possible American de- deepen as the first round of reim- 25, a delegation led by Hamas po- must leave Syria.” This, despite Bol- parture, the US media reported that posed US sanctions against Iran go litical bureau member Moussa Abu ton’s record as a war hawk. Trump appeared willing to nego- into effect in August. Marzouk visited Moscow and met He supported the 2003 invasion tiate an arrangement with Putin While Syria and Iran can be with Mikhail Bogdanov, Russian of Iraq and advocated bombing on the de-escalation zone. This classed as close Russian allies, deputy foreign minister and special North Korea, Iran and Syria. How- could allow a prompt withdrawal strains are developing in US rela- presidential envoy to the Mid- ever, during an interview, aired on of US troops from Syria even as tions with its NATO partner Turkey. dle East. The ensuing discussions CBS News’ “Meet the Press,” on po- the Trump administration remains Ankara has ordered the S-400 ranged from the anticipated US tential topics for discussion at the deeply divided on how to provide a advanced Russian antiaircraft sys- Middle East peace plan to Russia’s Trump-Putin summit, Bolton said: meaningful counterweight against tem in preference to the US-made help in possibly brokering Palestin- Despite Trump’s “I don’t think [Syrian President Iran. Patriot. This has put sales of US ian reconciliation. persistent and Bashar] Assad is the strategic issue. Against the advice of both the F-35 stealth fighters to Turkey at Clearly, substantive divergences I think Iran is the strategic issue.” global community and many mem- risk and Ankara threatened retali- of perceptions mean the summit inexplicable warmth While Iran remains an obses- bers of his own administration, ation if it cannot have the F-35s. will produce little of note for the towards Putin, sion for Bolton, both Iran and Syria Trump withdrew US support for the Both the United States and Israel Middle East. divergences over the deny all claims about Iranian forces 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of have expressed concerns over these in Syria. Tehran and Damascus Action (JCPOA) — the Iran nuclear developments, which have the John C.K. Daly is a Washington- Palestinian issue insist that Iran is present only in an deal. He is preparing to unilaterally potential to change the tactical based specialist on Russian and remain unbridgeable. “advisory” capacity to assist Syria’s reimpose sanctions to isolate and dynamic of operations in the skies post-Soviet affairs. 18 July 8, 2018 EconomyEconomy

Algeria increases oil output, urges Briefs Egypt says it has OPEC to ignore Trump’s oil demand primary budget surplus as it seeks Lamine Ghanmi to revive economy

Tunis Egypt announced it had a prima- ry budget surplus for the first time lgeria has increased its in 15 years and said it was com- oil output but urged fel- mitted to paying oil companies’ low OPEC countries and debts by end of 2019 as it seeks to A other crude producers not lure investors to revive a crisis-hit to heed calls by US President Don- economy. ald Trump to place more oil on the Cairo has enacted a raft of tough market and drive down prices. austerity measures backed by the “Algeria is adding 26,000 barrels International Monetary Fund since per day to expand its crude oil out- 2016, hoping for a strong financial put to 1.106 million barrels per day,” comeback as it recovers from years Algerian Energy Minister Mustapha of political upheaval. Guitouni was quoted by state news Finance Minister Mohamed agency APS as saying. Maait said Egypt achieved 0.2% The announcement came after primary budget surplus, worth OPEC members and leading inde- $223 million in its 2017-18 fiscal pendent producers agreed to ex- year. It is aiming for a 2% primary pand output by 1 million barrels per surplus in the current fiscal year. day (bpd), which put Iran at logger- heads with Saudi Arabia. (Reuters) The deal was a win for Russia and Saudi Arabia, which hold the most spare capacity and want to ramp up oil output. Volatile trade. A file picture shows Algerian Energy Minister Mustapha Guitouni at the headquarters Libya’s NOC warns Trump tweeted on June 30 that of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna. (AFP) Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al of impact of oil Saud had agreed to pump “maybe” up to 2 million barrels, of oil more business with Iran. Arabia has the capacity; in theory, “It is not in the interest of big oil port shutdown but the White House later backed Energy consultancy FGE said in it takes time and money to bring producers to see oil prices declin- away from the comments. a report that Trump’s plan for Teh- these barrels online, possibly up to ing,” said Abdelmoumen Ould Kad- Libya’s National Oil Corpora- Following Trump’s tweet, Riyadh ran was to “push Iranian exports of one year.” dour, CEO of Algeria’s state oil com- tion (NOC) said a port blockade by announced that Saudi Arabia could crude, condensate and oil products “The Saudis do not have 2 million pany Sonatrach. “OPEC members eastern authorities could result in increase oil production if it needed to zero.” That means oil prices are bpd of spare capacity as it would and Russia must stick with the Al- losses of 850,000 barrels per day to, saying the country has 2 million likely to remain high, analysts said, imply production of 12 million bpd. giers Accord to maintain oil prices (bpd) of crude oil and daily revenue bpd of spare capacity. even if Saudi Arabia raises output They can likely produce a maxi- steady.” of $67.4 million. While oil prices have remained by 1 million bpd. mum of 11 million [bpd] and even Energy analysts said Algeria and Operations at the ports were steady in a market with unsched- “I guess the Saudis want to give that will be running their system at other oil producers faced a “shift” blocked after the eastern-based uled outages from Libya, Ven- the confidence to Trump to go very stress levels,” said Gary Ross, head in US policy under Trump, who Libyan National Army (LNA) an- ezuela and Canada, Algeria is con- hardcore on Iran. Exports to zero of global oil analytics at S&P Global. seeks to defend the United States’ nounced it would no longer let the cerned about a potential price drop or an attack. It will be interesting It is critical for Algeria, which position as the dominant world Tripoli-based NOC export from prompted by US pressure. to see what the Saudis can really depends on oil and gas earnings power and impose an agenda of them. The standoff could cause a Guitouni said oil-producing do and for how long. It seems that for much of its foreign currency re- “liberal globalisation.” prolonged output drop from the countries would offset output drop, Iranian regime change is priority serves, that OPEC members such as Energy analyst Mohamed Touati OPEC member. which totals about 1 million bpd, number one for the Saudis,” hedge Saudi Arabia and leading producers said: “OPEC members had built a with increases of 757,000 bpd from fund manager Pierre Andurand was outside the cartel defend oil prices. well-oiled machinery to defend (Reuters) OPEC members and 200,000 bpd quoted by Reuters as saying. Algeria needs oil prices to remain their interests. President Trump from non-OPEC producers. Amrita Sen, chief oil analyst at at more than $75 per barrel to ease seeks from the White House to fos- Trump has been putting pressure Energy Aspects, in the same Reu- its budget deficit and replenish ter division and ill-feeling among on Tehran by threatening to sanc- ters report, said: “We will be in its dwindling foreign currency re- its members with the ultimate aim tion European companies that do unchartered territory. While Saudi serves. of destroying it.” Turkish inflation tops 15% for first Egypt overhauls oil refineries in push to become regional energy hub time since 2003

Amr Emam ment to increase capacities at eight billion deal between companies op- energy hub. Inflation in Turkey surged to oil refineries. erating Israel’s Tamar and Leviathan Most of the country’s refineries more than 15% in June, official The capacity expansion and up- offshore gas fields and the Egyptian are operating at half capacity be- statistics showed. Cairo grade of petroleum infrastructure, private firm Dolphinus Holdings for cause they haven’t been upgraded Consumer prices rose 15.39% in the Ministry of Petroleum said, is the import of 64 billion cubic metres recently. June from the same period the year gypt has signed a contract needed to meet growing local de- of gas over ten years. Oil consumption is expected to earlier. for the expansion of one of mand, reduce dependence on im- The Israeli gas will be sent to increase in the coming years, even The highest annual rise in the its main oil refineries, part ports and allow for the processing of Egypt to be processed at liquefac- with plans by the government to month was seen in transport ser- E of a national strategy to up- petroleum from other countries. tion plants to satisfy local demand, eliminate fuel subsidies. vices, up 24.26%, and in prices of grade its petroleum infrastructure “We have a clear plan in this re- with surpluses shipped to markets furnishings and household appli- and increase refining capacities. gard,” said Petroleum Ministry in Europe and Asia. ances, up 18.91%. Among the chief Cairo is looking to transform Egypt spokesman Hamdi Abdel Aziz. “The Egypt expects to hammer out a Egypt, which produces drivers of the rise were sharp hikes into a regional energy hub to offset refinery expansion projects will similar deal for the liquefaction of 666,000 barrels of crude oil in the prices of basic foodstuffs. planned subsidy cuts. contribute to implementing Egypt’s Cypriot gas after production from a day, has a refining capacity The last time inflation in Turkey The contract, which was signed strategic vision for the next years.” the country’s Mediterranean fields of 810,000 barrels a day. topped 15% was in late 2003. with the UK company TechnipFMC, Egypt wants to become an energy goes online. The long-term inten- will increase the refining capacity hub in the eastern Mediterranean re- tion is to strike similar deals with oil (Agence France-Presse) of the Middle East Refinery Com- gion, something it hopes to achieve producing nations in the Arab Gulf, Egypt announced a long-expect- pany’s Midor plant more than 50% by capitalising on its location and which would solidify Egypt’s posi- ed increase in electricity prices a to 175,000 barrels of oil a day. oil and gas discoveries in the region. tion as a regional energy hub. few days after the Midor plant ex- The $1.7 billion contract covers Egypt has sprawling oil refining and A large portion of the world’s oil pansion, part of plans by the gov- Iraq bans farming the construction, supplies and engi- natural gas liquefaction infrastruc- passes through the Suez Canal from ernment to slash subsidies. Electric- neering designs for the expansion of ture but aims to upgrade that to be- production wells in the Gulf to mar- ity Minister Mohamed Shaker said summer crops the plant. The move complements come the largest in the region. kets in Asia, Europe and the United electricity costs for factories would as water crisis measures by the Egyptian govern- In February Egypt approved a $15 States. rise 42% and 21% for households. The Midor expansion would make A few days later, Cairo announced grows dire the facility Egypt’s largest crude oil steep increases in fuel and cooking refining plant. TechnipFMC was ex- gas prices. The cost of cooking gas Iraq has banned its farmers from pected to start implementation of increased more than 60% percent, planting summer crops this year as the contract in July and complete 92 octane petrol was more than 30% the country grapples with a water the project by 2023, Abdel Aziz said. higher per liter and 80 octane gas shortage that shows few signs of Egyptian Petroleum Minister was up 50%. abating. Tarek al-Mulla said the ministry The subsidy cuts are part of a Citing high temperatures and had allocated $8 billion to upgrade long-term economic reform plan insufficient rain, Dhafer Abdalla, the national petroleum network, in- that seeks to ensure cheap unsubsi- an adviser to Iraq’s Ministry of cluding the expansion of oil refiner- dised energy for Egyptians. Howev- Water Resources, said the country ies. er, that relies on improving Egypt’s has only enough water to irrigate “The upgrade of the refineries will energy facilities. half its farmland this summer. reflect positively on raising their ca- “Enlarging the capacities of the The orders against sowing rice, pacities,” Mulla said. “It will also local refineries and liquefaction corn and other crops this sum- help us maximise economic benefits facilities is a must for achieving mer shocked residents of the once from these refineries.” this energy hub goal,” said petro- fertile plains south of Baghdad, Egypt, which produces 666,000 leum expert Salah Hafez. “This is a where the local economy depends barrels of crude oil a day, has a re- very costly thing to do and will re- on farming. fining capacity of 810,000 barrels a quire more than just the $8 billion day. This capacity will need to rise allocated by the Petroleum (The Associated Press) Strategic vision. A general view of the Midor plant in Alexandria. (Midor) dramatically for Cairo to become an Ministry so far.” July 8, 2018 19 Economy Former Siemens CEO takes new role as adviser to Saudi crown prince

Faith Salama

Dubai

audi Arabia appointed former Siemens CEO Klaus Kleinfeld as an adviser to Saudi Crown S Prince Mohammed bin Sal- man bin Abdulaziz, demonstrating the country’s commitment to di- versifying its economy and pressing ahead with reforms. The appointment of Kleinfeld, a German, was an uncommon move because foreigners rarely have sen- sitive positions in the kingdom but signals to investors that Saudi Ara- bia is serious about moving away from its oil-based economy towards industries such as mining, advanced manufacturing and tourism. Kleinfeld “will take over wider responsibilities to enhance the eco- nomic, technological and financial development of Saudi Arabia,” an of- ficial Saudi statement says. Kleinfeld, a prominent business leader who has a business degree from Georg August University in Goettingen and a doctorate in man- agement from the University of Wurzburg, has a record of success in the industry. Kleinfeld began working for Sie- mens in 1987 and was promoted to New mission. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (R) and Klaus Kleinfeld sign documents in Riyadh. (SPA) head the company’s projects divi- sion within a few years. In 1998, Kleinfeld restructured the loss-mak- ic, an Alcoa spinoff. dia and other potential partners. NEOM’s core economic sectors. The NEOM project, backed by ing medical appliances segment and Kleinfeld will leave his position Kleinfeld is to take up his post of The shake-up comes as Crown more than $500 billion from the it began to turn a profit. After that, as CEO of the NEOM megaproject to adviser to Crown Prince Moham- Prince Mohammed presses ahead Public Investment Fund and local he helped loss-making US subsidi- take on his role advising the Saudi med on August 1. Nadhmi al-Nasr, with his Vision 2030 economic and and international investors, is re- ary Siemens Corporation return to crown prince but will retain a posi- who led the development end of social reform programme designed garded as a centrepiece of planned positive net cash flow. tion as a NEOM board member. Neom Bay, the project’s initial stage, to wean the Saudi economy off its Saudi projects. It will cover more After being appointed head of Kleinfeld was appointed CEO of will take over Kleinfeld’s position at reliance on oil exports by selling bil- than 26,500 sq.km — ten times the Siemens Group, Kleinfeld initiated NEOM last October but had begun NEOM, the Saudi statement said. lions of dollars of state assets and size of Luxembourg — and operate a series of reforms, including elimi- groundwork the project in June Nasr, a member of NEOM’s found- developing new industries — from as a magnet for international inves- nating the telecommunications di- 2017. Kleinfeld put together a team ing board, has more than 30 years’ tourism to technology. tors, with a focus on industries such vision. In 2007, Kleinfeld moved to of project developers and, with the experience with Saudi Aramco and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment as energy and water, biotechnology, US aluminium company Alcoa as NEOM board, came up with a strat- served as interim president for the Fund is behind several large real es- food, advanced manufacturing and chief operating officer and became egy to develop NEOM. King Abdullah University of Science tate development projects, includ- tourism, officials said. the firm’s CEO in May 2008. He Kleinfeld strengthened NEOM’s and Technology. Nasr will be re- ing an entertainment city on the served as chief executive officer of ties with leading investors, scien- sponsible for carrying out strategic edge of Riyadh and another tourism Faith Salama is a Lebanese metal engineering specialist Arcon- tists, universities, developers, me- development and business plans for project on the Red Sea. journalist. Viewpoint Regional start-ups reshaping fashion business in MENA

ere’s a cliche: Fashion LYOUM is the oldest of the four Design Week 2016. group say the same, which is why is big business in the start-ups, having been founded in That’s the way it is for many fash- regional fashion start-ups empha- Khadija Middle East and North 2011. Boshies started just last year. ion start-ups in the region, in the sise their organic roots on social Hamouchi Africa. Here’s some- All four start-ups came into being absence of formal financial channels media and with online story-telling. thing totally different: because designers saw a gap in the of support for entrepreneurs. The Boshies’ pitch for crowdfunding, for It’s the small players market. 5-year-old annual Rise Up Summit in example, had the tagline “Reinvent- Hwho are recreating the fashion busi- Tahhan founded Tahhan Design Cairo recognises the logic and pos- ing Middle Eastern Casual Wear.” ness in the region. in 2015 after graduating from the sibilities of MENA entrepreneurship LYOUM’s logo is both in Latin and Consider the “MENA Design London College of Fashion. She said but Ben Chaabane said the start-up flowing Arabic script and it invites Outlook 2014-2019,” compiled by the she was driven by a need to protect experience has a steep learning clients to undertake “a wonderful Dubai Design and Fashion Council. something that might otherwise curve and there was no one to ask journey between the shores of the The report said the region’s fashion have died out. for advice. “Although my co-found- Mediterranean,” which is to say industry was growing at 6% per year “Unfortunately, the practice of er and partner in life worked for a both in North Africa and Europe. on average and would reach $55 bil- Palestinian embroidery no longer textile group in Paris, we’ve had to Industry insiders say indications lion by 2019. exists on a large scale in our homes learn everything from scratch,” she are good for regional fashion start- That means plenty of room for and is no longer passed down from said. ups, so long as they demonstrate new players, which are slowly but mother to child,” Tahhan said, “and Benayed said she learnt to trust staying power. Hasnaa Guessous, surely joining in. Start-ups are so I feel it’s important to preserve her own instincts. “At the begin- founder of My Souk in the City, a subtly redefining what it means to and showcase the beauty of it.” ning of my career I participated in marketplace that provides interna- create, design and sell clothes in the She said this may be best done by many fashion shows, most notably tional exposure to Arab talent, said: Arab world. The fashion silhouette is using Palestinian embroidery in a ‘The Fashion Days’ organised by the “Arab fashion is still in develop- moving away from big international contemporary way. Her dresses and French Cultural Centre in Algiers,” ment (but) there are many talented and high-couture brands. classic blazers reflect the histori- she said. Then she decided to focus designers in the region who deserve Local designers are making cal expressionism of 19th-century on the modest fashion trend. their place to be showcased inter- clothes inspired by the diverse cul- motifs of Jerusalem, Jaffa, Ramal- Benayed and the others said nationally. They are set to compete tural identities in the region, helping lah and Gaza. Her latest collection, balance sheets are not the best against bigger much more estab- to preserve local crafts and trying to “Prints of Palestine,” uses the tradi- gauge of their potential. Turnover is lished brands.” cater to specifically Arab tastes. tional motifs. relatively humble but they are able It’s an uphill battle. Guessous Jerusalem-based Natalie Tah- Tahhan creates the designs, pat- to sustain themselves even as they said regional “designers need to be han is trying to revive Palestinian terns and fabric herself, then works plan to scale up. educated on how to expand interna- embroidery. with seamstresses in Jerusalem to Ben Chaabane said her clothes are tionally. They need to learn how to Beirut-based Elias El Haddad, finish the garments. She said her cli- about more than fashion. “We have adapt to the Western fashion codes who founded the lifestyle brand ents are both local and international. an ever-growing community that in terms of styling and visuals. I am Boshies, is working to modernise Haddad said Boshies is meant to shares our conviction that fash- very positive about their ability to the tarboosh. provide quality wear that speaks to ion can bring meaning and create adapt. In Tunis, Sofiane Ben Chaabane, Arab millennials. “Young Arabs lack relationships between communities For the moment, though, interna- Industry insiders say co-founder of the LYOUM fashion a local brand that would better rep- and even countries,” she said. tional expansion may be less impor- indications are good brand, is exploring a contemporary resent them, by reflecting simulta- She may be on to something. Tara tant than solid regional growth. Tunisian-Mediterranean style using neously their modern lifestyles and Abboud, a hipster in Beirut, said for regional fashion local textiles. their cultural identities,” he said. her fashion choices are increasingly Khadija Hamouchi is a start-ups, so long as In Algeria, Rajaa Benayed, 20, has With financial help from his fam- guided by the desire “to embrace a Belgian-Moroccan social a clothing brand for women who ily and friends, Haddad kicked off unique style, close to who I am as a entrepreneur and founder of they demonstrate don’t want to compromise their his brand with a unisex take on the young Arab.” SEJAAL, an initiative that is staying power. modesty in the name of fashion. tarboosh. That was during Beirut Many in the region’s 25-34 age building an app for young people. 20 July 8, 2018 Society Sports Culture Arab teams’ performance in World Cup disappointing, Morocco maybe an exception

Justin Salhani Some experts said the deficien- cies are systemic and will require a major review. “I think we need Milan to change our lifestyle because it is not in line with high-level football,” efore the World Cup began, said Tunisian coach Nabil Maaloul. the Arab world revelled in “We need to change the way we the possibilities. In an un- train. I am not giving up but I think B precedented happenstance, we need two more generations to strong qualifying campaigns pro- reach the required level of per- pelled four Arab teams into the formance. In terms of fitness and tournament. Egypt’s Mohamed physical strength, we are far from a Salah and Morocco’s Mehdi Bena- high level.” tia were coming off strong club Salah, the highest-profile seasons. However, it took only two Arab player in the world, fin- rounds for all four Arab teams to be ished the tournament with eliminated. both of Egypt’s two goals The Arab national teams com- but he could not save the bined for only two wins in the tour- Pharaohs from a humiliat- nament — and one of those was Sau- ing elimination and an all- di Arabia’s victory over Egypt. The loss record. other was Tunisia’s over Panama. While he left the tour- The quality of the Arab teams’ nament, there are other performances, not just the results, players the Arab world can was generally disappointing. Tuni- look to for representation. sia pushed England but was crushed Mexico’s one player of Leb- by Belgium. Saudi Arabia put on a anese descent — Miguel Layun composed performance in beating — went home after a loss to Bra- Egypt after a heavy loss to Russia. zil. He’s joined by Germany’s Sami The performance was disheartening Khedira, of Tunisian descent, and to fans in the Arab world who were Australia’s Andrew Nabbout, whose hoping their teams would move family hails from Lebanon. Nab- at least to the knockout round. In bout was wooed by the Lebanese most cases, Arab teams were clearly national team but he preferred to no match to their rivals. play for Australia in hopes of inspir- ing more Australians of Lebanese descent to play soccer. As the World Cup reaches France also has an Arab contin- the semifinals, most Arab gent. There’s Adil Rami, possibly Diversity into play. Adil Rami (L) and Olivier Giroud celebrate victory after France’s game against players have been sent most famous for dating former Peru, on June 21. (Reuters) home but some film personality Pamela Anderson, ambassadors for the region and impact substitute Nabil Fekir. carry on. They’re joined by France’s star team despite being the squad’s star side of their parents. sion as “stupid.” player, Kylian Mbappe, who has an performer in Brazil four years ago. In an interview last year, Mah- As the World Cup reaches the Morocco’s confident play was an Algerian mother. The wave of right-wing nativist rez’s brother said the choice was semifinals, most Arab players have exception. It dominated its game Any conversation of France’s sentiment sweeping Europe has led taken out of respect for their father, been sent home but some ambas- against Iran, created chance after Arab contingent would go remiss many players to choose to repre- who had recently died. “It was for sadors for the region carry on. They chance against Portugal and drew without mentioning star striker sent their parents’ country of birth his papa,” Mahrez’s brother said. don’t play under Arab flags but the against Spain. Were it not for a ques- Karim Benzema, who recently won instead of their own. Stars such as Morocco also had two key play- increasing globalisation of the game tionable call by the new technology his third consecutive Champions Benatia and Algeria’s Riyad Mah- ers, Hakim Ziyech and Sofyan Am- and the world is reflected on the — the Video Assistant Referee — Mo- League title under the tutelage of rez both grew up in the Parisian rabat, who chose the country of football pitch rocco might have come away with a another Frenchman of Algerian suburbs and call the area home but their parents over representing the victory against the powerful Span- heritage, Zinedine Zidane. Benze- when it came time to turn out for Netherlands. Dutch legend Marco Justin Salhani is an Arab Weekly ish. ma was left off France’s World Cup their national sides, they chose the van Basten blasted Ziyech’s deci- contributor in Milan, Italy. Moroccan artists showcase their talent at ‘Art et Football’ exhibition

Saad Guerraoui Cup. He converted the image into a silent scene in which time seems to be suspended far from euphoria in Casablanca the streets across the cities of the North African kingdom. The play- oroccan artists are ers’ bodies were painted in such a showcasing their foot- way as to become one. The painting ball-related artworks at evokes the team spirit that charac- M L’Atelier 21. The collec- terised the players and the popular tive exhibition is the first of its kind rally after the victory on a vaporous in Morocco seeking to confront vis- background. ual arts with football, a sport full of “My goal was to treat the spirit passion and drama. of the group, a priceless moment The football theme has been the while reducing the colours,” said subject of several international ex- Makhloufi. hibitions but it remained unexploit- Other artworks that drew visitors’ ed in Morocco until the L’Atelier 21’s attention were Ramhani’s “Mano de “Art et Football,” which was organ- Dios” and Rabi’s “La Perla Negra.” ised to run at the same time as the “Mano de Dios” (“Hand of God”) FIFA World Cup in Russia. The exhi- portrait depicts the face of the in- bition runs through August 6. ternational football legend Diego Nearly 40 artworks, which depict Maradona. It refers to the Argentine different themes around football player’s famous sentence when he such as iconic players and support- scored a goal with his hand against ers, include paintings, drawings, England in 1986, saying it was “the photographs and sculptures. Each Letters and colours. Zakaria Ramhani’s “Mano de Dios” at L’Atelier 21’s “Art et Football.” hand of God.” of the 20 artists’ work reflects their (Saad Guerraoui) Maradona’s portrait was drawn temperament, aesthetic approach with calligraphy; the Arabic words and knowledge of the world’s most codes, language and its certainties. of the football player is spread over boots. He combined the representa- “hand” and “God” could be visibly popular sport. He questions the states of belief in the canvas in a regular rhythm and tions between the West and the East seen throughout the player’s face The artists involved are: Youness referees who, by their judgment, try highlighted by the contrast of red and modified the real to evoke a and hair. Atbane, Saad Ben Cheffaj, M’Barek to match the actions of the players and green that reflect the colours of certain interculturality that football A towering portrait of Moroccan Bouhchichi, Mustapha Bouje- with a series of rules to appreciate the Moroccan flag. allows by transcending borders, na- football player Larbi Benbarek, who maoui, Hassan Darsi, Mohamed El the validity. “As you can see, the composition tions and cultures. was called “la Perla Negra” (“the Baz, Bouchta El Hayani, Nabil El In “Jardins des Princes” (“Gar- looks like a TV screen. In the same “‘Footouche’ is a word game that Black Pearl”), stands tall at the ex- Makhloufi, Safaa Erruas, Mohamed dens of the Princes”), Boujemaoui time, the subject chosen pushes combines both football and ba- hibition. Rabi’ paid a posthumous Fariji, Simohammed Fettaka, Has- seized the theme with the desire to artists to dive into the intrinsic bouche (slipper). Football is deeply tribute to Benbarek, who left his san Hajjaj, Chourouk Hriech, Majida play with the subject. He used the thoughts of creating their artworks,” rooted in Moroccans’ mind like hallmarks in the international foot- Khattari, Fouad Maazouz, Najia principle of the repetition of the said Boujemaoui. their traditions. It also reflects a bit ball arena in the 1940s and 1950s. Mehadji, Houssein Miloudi, Lamia motif and forms to transcend his Makhloufi’s paintings take the of humour,” said Makhloufi. Rabi’s charcoal-drawn portrait is a Naji, Abdelkebir Rabi’ and Zakaria work. viewers to a universe parallel to As for the “Team” painting, work with subjective connotations. Ramhani. He created a dynamic by making the reality. With “Footouche,” the Makhloufi used a photograph of the Atbane’s “Phoot, les analystes” elements of the surface of the can- artist painted a still life of a pair of Moroccan national football team Saad Guerraoui is a contributor made his artworks from his analy- vas appear or disappear that the traditional Moroccan slippers that players on the field during the last to The Arab Weekly on Maghreb sis of the world of football, its rules, viewers feel visually. The motive are fitted with crampons of football qualifying match for the 2018 World issues. July 8, 2018 21 Society Women Egyptian women find solace as they tell their stories

Marwa al-A’sar “We decide the theme of every workshop after researching it and each attendee shares her experi- Cairo ence and how she feels about it,” Kayal said. revention is better than Eman Hashad, a divorced work- cure.” That’s how jour- ing mother of three, recalled a “ nalist Mona el-Kayal drastic change in her life after par- P described “You Can,” an ticipating in two “You Can” work- initiative that offers psychological shops. support and empowers Egyptian “The experience has been re- women by helping them narrate markable. At some point I felt I their own stories. needed a push to continue raising Most Egyptian women, regard- my children,” she said. less of their status, suffer from “I shared all the feelings inside some type of psychological prob- me. The workshops helped me lem or pressure that they are un- decide to dedicate some time for able to cope with on their own, myself on a daily basis to be able Kayal said. to take care of my kids. It’s as if I “That’s why we created the ini- got back to the old Eman again and tiative in the form of workshops now I got to know Eman better and where women can alleviate the I love her.” pressures they face and exchange ideas and experiences through Even though workshops narration,” said Kayal. help women process their Workshops are usually attended by a psychologist or a psychia- issues, they do not present trist and moderated by Kayal. The solutions for attendees on workshops, which each have 15-20 their own. women participate, are free. “We don’t have a source of fund- Shawky said, the initiative ad- dresses the “family as a whole Love is enough. A Middle Eastern couple exchange rings during their wedding ceremony in Cyprus. (AFP) ing so we depend on psychologists or psychiatrists who volunteer to since women, be they married or offer help in the workshops and not, are wives, mothers, daughters bookstores or cultural centres or sisters who have a great influ- hosting our events for free,” Kayal ence on those around them.” said. There have been workshops in Those who view the “You Can” Cairo and Alexandria. For a Middle Eastern events on Facebook for the first “Women in other provinces com- time may think they are cultural municate with us asking for work- events rather than psychological shops to be held in their localities support workshops. but funding obstacles are curbing “Our workshops depend on nar- us,” Kayal said. woman in the West, ration rather than storytelling. One of the most touching expe- Storytelling is artistic while our riences Hashad said she has had events are more aimed at alleviat- with “You Can” was visiting nurs- ing negative energy through wom- ing homes for women. en narrating their stories and life “I found that the elderly wom- dating and marrying experiences,” she said. en, whether at luxurious nursing Volunteer psychologist Amira homes or others for the poor, were Shawky explained that “You Can” so optimistic to the extent that I workshops are similar to group felt ashamed of myself. I thought do not come easy therapy sessions. I can still walk and move around “Every attendee has her own and I’m not as alive and optimistic space to narrate,” she said. “The as they are,” she said. Maria Asaad “marrying age” is very strong and job, this will be a sticking point only condition is that everyone Even though workshops help real. It can leave some young wom- that many parents will not tolerate tells her own story unconditionally women process their issues, they en feeling wrongly incomplete and lightly. and does not give an opinion about do not present solutions for at- London unaccomplished. I recently became aware of the others’ stories.” tendees on their own, Kayal ob- The pressure isn’t just in finding experience of one of my close Kayal educated herself in psy- served. ultural pressures can make someone, it is in finding someone friends from church who was dat- chology to moderate the sessions. “At first, women did not fully the dating world seem like suitable. The qualities and charac- ing another close friend from the “I took some courses online and understand the aim of the work- an overwhelming mine teristics of the individual are meas- church. They were both good peo- I studied on my own,” she said. “I shops. They think that we pro- C field. ured and scrutinised to conclude ple with good hearts and very kind can’t claim that I am specialised in vide solutions for their problems. I remember the first time I felt the whether the person in question is natures. psychology but, in a nutshell, the Gradually they get to know that, pressure to get married. I was stand- an adequate match. She, however, was from a very ‘You Can’ workshops are not spe- rather, we help them know how to ing in church at a close friend’s stable, middle-class family and he cialised group therapy sessions. solve their ordeals on their own,” wedding, freshly graduated from Families from Middle was not. Given his less-than-stable Rather, they open the way for she said. university and excited to enter the upbringing by a single mother with women to solve their problems.” “Our aim is to tackle these prob- “real world.” That was also the first Eastern backgrounds and a working-class status, the girl’s “Why should women wait until lems and help the affected women time I had heard the Arabic courtesy upbringings need to family found it hard to accept him they are afflicted with psychologi- release their negative energy rath- idiom “o’baleek,” which translates broaden their minds as a suitor for their daughter. cal disorders to seek help?” Kayal er than proposing solutions. The into something like “hopefully, beyond impossibly The relationship eventually asked. target is that all attendees get out your turn is next.” restrictive expectations. broke down as it could not survive The self-funded workshops dis- of the workshop smiling and feel- It was soon to become a phrase the constant scrutiny of her fam- cussed several subjects, including ing happy due to the derived posi- I’d hear repeatedly at weddings and As a Coptic Christian living in the ily. This young man was shunned, Egypt’s growing divorce rates, sex- tive energy.” engagement parties but it was that United Kingdom, it is hard enough even though he is from the same ual harassment and effective goal first wedding I had attended that to find somebody from the same community and culture, with good setting, since the initiative was es- Marwa al-A’sar is a Cairo-based marked me the most. background and somebody who attributes and working towards a tablished two years ago. journalist. Standing in church at the wed- shares the same beliefs, let alone great future in medicine. His family ding, two of my mother’s friends has the acceptable occupation, fam- background from a “broken home,” greeted me with firm hugs and an ily and personal attributes. It some- however, was too much to accept by even firmer message: “Now that times feels virtually impossible to the other family. you’ve graduated, you need to find meet someone who meets your ex- This is not the first and unfor- a good husband and get married.” pectations — and your family’s ex- tunately will not be the last time a I laughed the statement off and pectations, too. situation like that occurs in my cul- didn’t take much of it. I thought My family has made it clear there ture. It is a very upsetting and un- then it was totally ludicrous. How- are certain expectations in find- settling thought that good-hearted ever, the older I became — and as ing a suitable match. “Love” isn’t young men are being shunned for more of my friends married — I enough. One must decide with the something that is too often indefin- heard that statement with increas- mind as well as the heart and make able and out of their control. ing frequency. Not only from stran- a sound and logical choice as to Families from Middle Eastern gers and random aunties at church the person with whom she should backgrounds and upbringings living but from close family relatives and spend the rest of her life. in the West need to broaden their friends. Choosing from the same church minds beyond their impossibly re- I was getting closer to hitting the or culture also is not enough. If his strictive expectations. Happiness mid-20s in my life with no engage- family is not to the same social or may not necessarily require the ful- ment ring on my finger. An abso- financial standard of your family, filment of all such expectations. lute disaster in our Middle Eastern that could be a pesky issue. Also, if culture. The pressure to find a suit- he is not working towards a good, Maria Asaad is an Egyptian-British Unique experience. Participants at the “You Can” initiative able match at the difficult-to-define stable and highly remunerative writer in London. workshop in Cairo. (Marwa al-A’sar) 22 July 8, 2018 Culture Film Psychological thriller depicts aspects of Egyptian reality

Marwa al-A’sar

Cairo

ritten and directed by Khaled Youssef, the movie “Karma” could W be interpreted as a psy- chological thriller presenting a pan- orama of the Egyptian reality. The film has parallel plots as well as parallel settings. It depicts the dream worlds of two men who look identical. One is a Muslim billion- aire businessman named Adham and the other is an extremely poor Christian jobless man called Wa- tany. Egyptian actor Amr Saad out- standingly plays both roles. Whenever one of the two men falls asleep, he dreams of the other man’s world. Watany looks for a treasure buried under a deserted mosque while Adham looks for true self with the help of his thera- pist, who is also a mystical, peculiar man craftily portrayed by Khaled el-Sawy. Hence, the film is divided into two worlds: rich and poor, Mus- lim and Christian. Outstanding performance. Actor Amr Saad (C) plays the role of Adham, a rich businessman, in the Egyptian film “Karma.” (Marwa al-A’sar) Both worlds share several as- pects. The two men have many enemies regardless of the broad crime,” the therapist says comment- ous situations. Here sectarianism his assistant in response to a con- Magda Mouris said. discrepancies between them. The ing on Adham’s narration of one of appears on the surface, which is the versation about his struggle with On the other hand, writer Farida synchronisation of the two plots is his dreams. “It seems that your soul main reason behind the controversy fellow businessmen as well as the el-Shobashi said the film was typi- deftly made by Youssef. is rebelling against you but you, over the film. state. cal of Youssef in “a positive way.” The film highlights the wide gap through your thoughts, are throw- “At this point, several questions Until the end of the film, view- “The film serves a core Egyptian between the rich and the poor in ing it in the dark. are raised, including what is the ers remain wondering whether Ad- case. The Egyptian citizen, whether Egypt. It depicts the life of a very source of happiness and whether we ham is Watany or Watany is Adham, Muslim or Christian, suffers from poor community living in slums and will be happier after we switch our whether they are two men or one similar dilemmas,” she said. that of the extravagantly rich pow- Until the end of the film, lives with others or we will be more man, which adds to the thrilling na- Similar comments were voiced by erful businessmen living in palaces. viewers remain wondering miserable,” Youssef explained. ture of Youssef’s script. viewers. Adham rides a helicopter to move whether Adham is Watany Other questions, Youssef said, “Since the beginning of the uni- “The film presents a small pano- around Cairo but Watany cannot af- or Watany is Adham, shed light on the people causing verse, there is no difference be- rama of the Egyptian society with ford to buy his daughter, Karma, a whether they are two men or such big social gaps as the film tack- tween a human being and another. all its negative aspects,” said Ali Mo- simple type of sweets. one man. les the involvement of businessmen We are the ones who create the dif- hamed, 39. The child, Perla, who played the in a major corruption case in the ferences,” says a voice at the end of “As a film, I enjoyed it artistically. part of Karma, is quite expressive as country. the film. Yet I expected the plots to be clearer if poverty makes an adult of her. “I’m afraid to sleep,” says Adham “Get back into the arms of the The film has elicited mixed reac- but, in a nutshell, I enjoyed watch- Among the other prominent roles after he wakes up following one of ‘state’ so we can help you,” says tions from both critics and viewers. ing it,” said Heba Youssef, 29. in the film is that of Madina, the his dreams of Watany’s world. an undefined official named Selim “It’s not Khaled Youssef’s best The film marks Youssef’s come- wife of Watany (played by actress The two men continue dreaming to Adham. The role of the official film. There is confusion in the back to film-making after a 7-year Zeina) who, despite the extreme of each other’s lives until their paths is well-portrayed by actor Magdy script, which does not move hiatus. Youssef became involved in scarcity, is surviving and is quite cross and Watany becomes Adham Kamel. smoothly. It could have been bet- politics following the Egyptian up- supportive of her husband. and Adham becomes Watany. That “From now on the Karma laws are ter if somebody else other than the rising in 2011 and is now a member “Poverty, Adham, is a humane switch of characters causes humor- the ones that will rule,” Adham tells director wrote the script,” critic of parliament. ‘Remember Baghdad’ tells the story of Iraqi Jews

Karen Dabrowska their loyalty was to Iraq, they are welcome,” he said, adding that Jews who wanted to return to the country London could receive full citizenship rights. Murphy’s insightful documentary ho is even going to traces the history of Jews in Iraq. believe there were The focus is the 20th century and “ Jews in Iraq? Bagh- the experiences of several families. W dad was the centre The story is told through vivid home of the Jewish world for over 1,500 movies, news footage and inter- years. I can no longer carry on liv- views, which provide a penetrating ing as if nothing has happened.” flash of insight into the lives of Iraqi These powerful, haunting words Jews during both the good and bad Reclaiming a legacy. North from north Londoner Edwin Shuker times. The characters tell their sto- Londoner Edwin Shuker begin the documentary “Remember ries with poignant regret and bitter during a visit to Baghdad. Baghdad: Iraq’s last Jews tell the clarity. (rememberbaghdad.com) story of their country.” The Dallals imported tyres, the Shuker decided to return to the Khalastchis sold cars, the Shamash- country he loves. Filmmaker Fiona es were property developers and ence of the Nazis were behind the it was,” she says. dress parties and beauty pageants. Murphy documented his journey politicians and the Dangoors im- frightening change of atmosphere in “The families I filmed were or- It was difficult at first to reconcile it to Baghdad, his visit to the family ported Coca-Cola — all working in Baghdad. However, anger over the dinary but lived through an epic all with the brutal place Iraq has be- home and the synagogue where he partnerships with Muslims. British reconquest of Iraq and the in their kitchens and living rooms, come today. I wanted to know, step once worshipped. Shuker bought “Jews, Muslims and Christians, partition of Palestine was building making life-and-death decisions be- by step, how this happened.” a house in Erbil so he could say the we were all Iraqis. It was a good and it led to violent attacks against fore school in the morning,” Murphy “Their story opens onto every- Jews have not all gone. He wanted time. I still miss Baghdad,” said Ei- the Jews in Baghdad. said in a statement on the documen- thing that happened in the Middle to plant a seed of hope for the fu- leen Khalastchi. She was among the tary’s website. “I hope people who East between the first world war ture. last few hundred Jews to flee Bagh- watch the film will identify with and the Cold War 50 years later,” “Maybe in 30, 40, 50, 60 years’ dad in 1974, leaving just 280 behind. The focus of Murphy’s them and recognise ethnic hatred she said. “A mosaic emerged telling time Jews will reconnect with their She had seen the country through insightful documentary is for what it is and see that it is still the story of a nation under intense birthplace. Iraq is in our bones,” British rule, independence, revolu- the 20th century and the with us.” pressure, descending into darkness. Shuker said as he opened the door tions, war with Israel and persecu- experiences of several Murphy was offered a job cata- I was surprised by the light mo- to his new residence. tion under the Ba’ath Party. families. loguing an extraordinary archive ments and unexpected paradoxes: The realities suggest Shuker’s As a child, Khalastchi’s life in of early home movies belonging to the Arab friends and business part- dream could one day come true. Baghdad was idyllic. She said she an Iraqi-Jewish family. “Bit by bit, ners, the ambivalence about Israel, Iraq’s new emerging leader, Shia misses it still and stayed in Iraq as Khalastchi and her family ignored I was also drawn into the turbulent the genuine affection for home. I cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, said he long as she could. all opportunities to leave until it was history of Iraq before Saddam Hus- pushed on and ended up going to would welcome back Jews who were The first sign of change was when almost too late. By the late 1960s, sein, infinitely more complex than I Iraq at the peak of the ISIS insurgen- expelled from Iraq decades ago. the grand mufti of Jerusalem moved their lives were in danger, their pass- knew, and for which Britain and the cy with a man [Shuker] determined Asked by one of his followers if into the house next door to her ports withdrawn and two or three US bear much of the responsibility,” to rekindle the Jewish presence by Jews, who were forced out of the home. In 1941 she was too young to families were escaping every week. she said. returning to buy a home there him- country due to the discriminatory understand the reason for the sud- Nevertheless, today she remem- “I learned that the Jews once self.” policies of past regimes, could re- den acid attack on her on the river- bers the good times, always smil- made up a third of the population of turn under his leadership, al-Sadr bank of the Tigris, that the politics ing. She does not want to return to Baghdad. They spoke to me of idyl- Karen Dabrowska is an Arab responded in the affirmative. “If of Palestine/Israel and the influ- Baghdad. “I want to remember it as lic times, picnics by the Tigris, fancy Weekly contributor in London. July 8, 2018 23 Culture

Interview Asilah Moussem founder looks at past, present and future of Moroccan festival

together,” Benaissa said. “I have always opted for the top- Benaissa recalled several strik- ics of the moment. In the beginning ing moments that have marked of the 1980s, it was the beginning Saad Guerraoui the Moussem, including the visit of globalisation. Its translation in 1981 of Senegalese President didn’t even exist in Arabic. The de- Leopold Sedar Senghor, who was bate about globalisation triggered welcomed with lit candles by Asi- the national media’s interest when Asilah lah inhabitants. it took place in Asilah,” he said. He cited then Crown Prince’s Asilah became one of the rare he Cultural Moussem Mohammed VI’s visit marking the meeting places where opponents of Asilah has been an beginning of construction of the freely spoke and expressed their international platform finishing harbour in 1986 as he points of view — even in disagree- for discussing current showed an aerial picture of the ment. affairs since its incep- small northern town in the 1960s — “Asilah has contributed to tion four decades ago, mostly empty land beside the little improving Morocco’s image in the Tsaid Mohamed Benaissa, secretary- medina. international scene besides becom- general and founder of the Asilah Another event that drew atten- ing a gateway to building bridges Forum Foundation. tion was the meeting of Martin between peoples and civilisations The Asilah Moussem is celebrat- Indyk, former US assistant secre- and a platform of cultural dia- ing its 40th anniversary with a fo- tary of state, with Sayeed Ata’ollah logue,” Benaissa said. cus on Africa. Senegalese President Muhajirani, former Iranian minister Benaissa used his communica- Macky Sall led June 29’s opening of of guidance, in 2002 despite the tion skills and media contacts from the symposium under the theme political crisis between Washington when he worked at the United “African Integration.” The event and Tehran. Nations to lure the international continues through July 20. “The two politicians met in media to report on the Moussem “When we started 40 years ago, my home and shook hands with since its first year. we centred our programmes on smiles. It was on the front page “In 1978, the festival featured in Africa. In fact, the very first cul- of Alsharq Al-Awsat newspaper,” the New York Times, the Guardian, Immutable passion. Mohamed Benaissa, secretary-general and tural action of the Moussem started Benaissa said. El Pais and so on,” he proudly said. founder of the Asilah Forum Foundation. (Courtesy of Mohamed Benaissa) with the idea of creating a platform The Asilah Forum Foundation However, Benaissa said the where the others from Africa, the has tackled crucial issues, which Moussem had and was still facing north and the Arab World can come were sometimes sensitive because many challenges and obstacles funding it. improve their lives,” he said, citing to see us despite Asilah’s basic of the Moroccan government’s throughout its existence. Benaissa insisted that the pro- examples of job creations and fight- infrastructure,” Benaissa said in an policy. “Politicians and political par- jects were run by the GCC states ing illiteracy. interview with The Arab Weekly. King Mohammed VI and his ties believed it was a prefabricated themselves “to the last penny” Benaissa said the biggest obstacle Benaissa, 81, served as Morocco’s father, King Hassan II, encouraged event by the system because it was since his foundation did not have that the Moussem faced — and con- foreign minister from 1999-2007. In Benaissa to discuss thorny political drawing high-calibre international the expertise to handle such activi- tinues to have to deal with — is fi- addition to volunteering his time issues and invite Marxists, com- policymakers and politicians. Luck- ties. nancing, hoping that the Moroccan with the Moussem, Benaissa is munists and Arab nationalists even ily the Moussem had King Moham- “People have begun to realise government and the GCC members mayor of Asilah. when they were fighting monar- med VI’s umbrella as a shield to what a cultural event can do to help would devote an endowment or a He said it was time to “crown chies in the Arab world. continue,” he said. fund to help keep the sponsor-free ourselves with Africa” as a way to “In 1981, late King Hassan II told Benaissa emphasised the Gulf Moussem running. celebrate the 40th anniversary of me this: Do you know a famous Cooperation Council countries’ “Asilah has Benaissa said he was not thinking the Moussem, especially at a time park in London? I immediately financial support to improve the contributed to of retiring despite voluntarily run- when Moroccan King Mohammed knew he was referring to the Hyde town’s infrastructure. ning the festival. VI has been committed to bolster- Park speakers’ corner. He said: Let “The United Arab Emirates was, improving Morocco’s “If I retire, I die,” he said. “I’m ing ties with African countries Asilah become Morocco’s speakers’ in particular, predominant in im- image in the not getting any salary from the as part of Morocco’s south-south corner,” explained Benaissa. proving Asilah’s cultural and social international scene.” Moussem. My state pension is more cooperation strategy. That was during the peak of the infrastructure,” he said. than enough for me.” “The issue of the African integra- Cold War and there were tensions The UAE helped fund the build- Benaissa said he hoped his legacy tion has been important since the between the political left and ing of a museum and art academy, Mohamed Benaissa, would be carried on by the “sons of creation of the Organisation of right in Morocco and the Western which will open next summer. secretary-general of Asilah,” who have been involved in African Unity in 1963 but very few Sahara armed conflict. Several Arab Kuwait built Dar Al-Sabah solidar- the Asilah Forum the Moussem since their childhood major achievements have been re- countries were ruled by military ity centre to help the needy and under a board of trustees that he alised. It is time for Africa to come regimes. those with special needs and is still Foundation was planning to create. Solo shows at Maraya delve into social change, dialogue across communities

N.P. Krishna Kumar video and photo installations that she said were suited to catch the flavour of her contemporary world Dubai view. Her work has been exhibited internationally and regionally in merging artists Yaminay many group shows. The “Never Chaudhri, from Pakistan, Never Land” series has been shown and Arwa al-Neami, from in London (2014), Munich (2015) E Saudi Arabia, are being fea- and Tehran (2016). tured in solo presentations through Neami said she was delighted August 23 at Maraya Art Centre in and proud at the opening of her Sharjah. first solo exhibition. “Now it is my The exhibition, curated by turn… I wanted this project to go Maraya Art Centre curator Laura everywhere,” she said. Metzler and Aziz Sohail, an inde- Neami said the social reforms in pendent Pakistani curator, has an Contemporary flavour. Photos and video from Arwa al-Neami’s series on amusement parks in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia began with the arts experimental format with projects (Maraya Art Centre) scene. She said this would open by artists from different global re- many opportunities for young Sau- gions alongside one another. This experience growing up in Darakh- this development is manifested her “Never Never Land” series that di artists. provides an opportunity to delve shan Township and uses its archi- through the evolution of the homes focuses on the annual fun fair in “At the core, the dialogue is about into the artists’ practices and opens tectural spaces and development and their encroachment on vibrant Abha, Saudi Arabia. It is part of the the use of physical documentation dialogue across art communities. to document social changes in the public space — the “kitschy beach city’s summer festival Neami has as an index for larger social change “By having two projects that area. The township of 200 houses installations catering to patrons been documenting since 2013. in each of these societies but you stand alone, rather than curating stands on land reclaimed from the from a different social class; each This iteration of the project pre- also start seeing material con- them within the same space, we Arabian Sea. Over three decades, with different visions of personal sents photographs and videos that nections and the reference to the were able to have two presenta- the homes were renovated and ex- progress.” analyse the fair as a culmination private-domestic,” Metzler said. tions that have strong identities on panded to reflect the aspirations of Chaudhri said she felt the “hunger point of aspirational structures “This doesn’t collapse them into their own but softly touch on one their residents. for capital supersedes being careful within Saudi society through the one show, however, because the another as you move through the of ecological disasters. Diversity at architectural space and experience method of documentation and the spaces,” Metzler said. the societal level disappears as well of the park. presentation of it is so different.” Chaudhri’s “Rooms are Never As a self-made artist from with the slow gentrification of the An interesting finding by Neami “The circumstances and stakes Finished” analyses urban change Asir province, Neami had to surrounding space and the beach was that Saudi women in bumper of each discussion are maintained, in Karachi through Darakhshan struggle for acceptance in becomes prime property.” cars loved driving around for the as are the individual experiences of Township, a middle-class neigh- the regional contemporary The artist is caught between sheer pleasure of driving — before the artists in their own communi- bourhood, and its relationship with art scene. two disparate worlds of aspira- the ban on women driving was ties. You can easily see where each a nearby public beach. tions, which she captures through lifted in Saudi Arabia — and did not one ends and the next begins but Chaudhri, who has a degree in conversations with neighbours as like it when others bumped in to they each hold the reflection of one architecture and a master of fine She said most of the content well as vendors and visitors at the them. another and that’s where the suc- arts degree in combined media stu- comes from her personally witness- beach. Digital media are used to As a self-made artist from Asir cess is,” she said. dio arts from the United States, is ing “this architecture of aspiration” great effect to bring the conversa- province, Neami had to struggle for Metzler said several repeat visi- co-founder of Tentative Collective, among the middle class amid the tions alive and there are floor plans acceptance in the regional contem- tors have wanted to sit with the artists and curators whose work “shrinking of the collective public and architectural drawings detail- porary art scene. In 2005, she won projects. “I’m looking forward to engages with the specificities and space, as well as the conversation at ing the expansion of the township, the Southern Region Arts Award seeing more conversations develop commonalities of Modernity in the the vibrant Seaview beach enjoyed apartment by apartment. and later moved to Jeddah to pre- as the shows continue,” she said. rapidly growing cities of the global by the working-class masses.” Neami in her exhibition titled sent work that delved into socio- south. The resulting works consider “Liff” — meaning “How to Turn political issues. N.P. Krishna Kumar is an Arab Chaudhri said she draws on her how the aspirations at the core of the Direction,” presents work from Neami found her niche in sound, Weekly contributor in Dubai. 24 July 8, 2018 Travel www.thearabweekly.com

Agenda

Marrakech: Through July 31

The Marrakech Festival of Popular Arts and Folklore showcases traditional Moroc- can music, dance and customs from through the ages. Visitors are invited to attend concerts, exhibitions and Moroccan street troupe performances.

El Jem: Through August 11

El Jem Roman Amphitheatre, 160km south of Tunis, hosts classical musicians from all over the world for the International Festival of Symphonic Music A sky view of of the coastal of El Jem. In its 33rd year, the town of Gammarth. festival programme includes (Ministry of Tourism) symphonic and orchestral music from Spain, Russia, Italy, Aus- tria, South Korea and Tunisia. Tunisia’s coastal town of Gammarth: Baalbek: Through August 18

Set in the Roman ruins in A perfect blend of luxury and nature eastern Lebanon, the Baalbek International Festival includes opera, classical music, pop and Roua Khlifi jazz concerts, modern and classi- cal dance by international and Gammarth local performers. This year’s edi- tion includes Matthieu Chedid, Jahida Wehbe and Ben Harper. hether one enjoys lying on sandy, sun-kissed Hammamet: beaches contemplating Through August 26 W the azure sea, hiking in quiet green woods listening to Hammamet, a Tunisian town on the rustling of foliage or exploring the northern shore of the Gulf bustling streets full of shops and of Hammamet, is the site of the restaurants, the town of Gammarth 54th Hammamet International has something to offer. Festival. Concerts and plays Gammarth, in the northern sub- are scheduled for more than a urbs of Tunis, is both a soothing month. haven and a vibrant night-time hub, famous for its five-star hotels Beiteddine: and nightclubs, as well as its serene July 12-August 15 beaches, majestic forest and pano- ramic view of the sea. Beiteddine Art Festival, in the Along with the neighbouring picturesque Chouf Mountains, towns of La Marsa and Carthage, includes a variety of perfor- Gammarth is dedicated to pre- mances from opera to theatre serving its reputation as a coastal and art exhibitions. The festival town boasting serenity and natural welcomes more than 50,000 wealth. visitors, as well as numerous star While Gammarth is a luxury tour- A camel sits on a beach in the resort of Gammarth. (AFP) performers. Ziad Rahbani, Carla ist destination today, before Tuni- Bruni and Kadim Al Sahir are to sia’s independence in the 1950s it perform at this year’s festival. was a small village known for fish- have cellars but this patrimony is Excavations indicate the town had “In addition to hotels, the forest ing and agriculture. Tourism is now beginning to disappear. Only a few a Jewish necropolis in the second can be an attraction in Gammarth. Carthage: the backbone of the local economy traditional houses remain today.” century. The remains of columns It is a natural park that could be en- July 13-August 15 as hotels occupy the coastal strip Overlooking the Gulf of Tunis, and temples dating to the Romans joyed by locals and tourists as well but the town has more to offer than Gammarth offers a one-of-a-kind are a testament to the role the vil- as it contains a part of our cultural The Carthage Festival is one touristic zones. experience, inviting visitors to im- lage had in monitoring the Mediter- and historical monuments after ex- of the oldest arts and cultural “Gammarth has its own unique merse themselves in nature through ranean. cavations unearthed Punic and Ro- events in North Africa, drawing characteristics, its own culture and its beaches and hills, discover his- Stretched along the hills offering man monuments. It could be a site a mix of local and international its own scenery, which sets it apart tory by exploring excavations at a panoramic view of the sea, Gam- for attraction that adds to the image performers to Tunisia over sev- from other towns in the northern the hill and experience luxury at its marth’s forest is a natural gem. of Gammarth being a touristic at- eral weeks. Performances take suburbs of Tunis. It is more than a hotels. “The forest is known for its bo- traction. It can be a destination for place at the Amphitheatre of touristic zone. It is a natural treas- The village of Gammarth dates to tanic wealth, for its beautiful scen- its natural landscape and scenery Carthage. ure for all the natural gems it still ancient times, with excavations at ery and for its Punic and Roman that it offers visitors.” preserves,” said Houssem Azouz, Gammarth Hill revealing Talmudic vestiges that were dug up,” said Gammarth has numerous five- Jerash: president of the Association of inscriptions. The excavations show Bechir Bey, president of the associa- star hotels and high-end restau- July 19-August 3 Friends of Gammarth. ancient burial chambers dating to tion of protecting the forest of Gam- rants. Night life is vibrant, with “Gammarth also has its own archi- Roman times in the second century marth. “It has a varied population many nightclubs and music venues The Annual Jerash Festival of tectural style, which, unfortunately, when Carthage, only kilometres of animals and a wealth of all types offering a selection of popular and Culture and Arts, first organ- is disappearing. Gammarth used to away, was prospering. of plants and flowers unique to this traditional genres. ised in 1980, takes place in the be an agricultural village with a doz- Historians also remark that Gam- area, which constitute a part of the Gammarth has a marina port with ancient Jordanian city of Jerash en of houses. These houses used to marth had a strong Jewish presence. ecological system. a stunning view. The port, close to and showcases folklore troupes, Sicily and Sardinia, is an easy access concerts, poetry readings, bal- point for yacht club members. The let performances, symphony marina, which is the newest port orchestras and other events. In in Tunisia, is also close to down- addition to handicrafts, food, art town Tunis and the airport. It has and book exhibitions. 14 berths of 25 metres and one long side berth of 35 metres. Tunisia’s Cairo: newest marina promises to be an at- August 29-September 9 traction because it is reputed for its luxury and mesmerising surround- Organised by the Cairo Op- ings. era House, the annual Citadel The port is a great area to dock Festival for Music and Singing is yachts as it is close to high-quality scheduled for the Saladin Citadel restaurants and shops, with a great and the Opera House over nearly view of the village. The port can ac- two weeks. The festival includes commodate Gammarth club mem- concerts of classical Arab music bers participating in water sports in addition to contemporary and hosts motocross competitions performances. and championships attracting inter- national audiences. Stretched along the coastal line of We welcome submissions of the Gulf of Tunis, the different sides calendar items related to of Gammarth are exciting, luxurious cultural events of interest to and full of Tunisia’s natural beauty. travellers in the Middle East and North Africa. Roua Khlifi is a regular Travel Please send tips to: and Culture contributor to [email protected] Pink flamingos fly over a lake near Gammarth on the outskirts of Tunis. (AFP) The Arab Weekly.