UK £2 Issue 216, Year 5 July 28, 2019 EU €2.50 www.thearabweekly.com

Smooth transition in after Caid Essebsi, snap elections set

“You left us on the day of the 62nd anniversary ever as our leader, our model and sian politics after the introduction founded in 2012 as a counterweight ► example.” of electoral law amendments that to Islamists. Nidaa Tounes has split of the republic, a republic you had spent your life Algerian, Libyan and Palestin- would have deprived a number of into at least two factions, one led serving and in the protection of its advances and ian leaders spoke at the ceremo- candidates, notably media mogul by the late president’s son Hafedh values,” Interim President Mohamed Ennaceur ny. There were also tributes from Nabil Karoui, of the right to run for Caid Essebsi. Part of the Nidaa French, Portuguese, Spanish and elections. Tounes constituency has joined said in his eulogy. Maltese officials. Opinion polls indicated Karoui Tahya Tounes, formed in January French President Emmanuel Ma- and his Qalb Tounes party were by Chahed’s supporters. Lamine Ghanmi the date of the presidential vote for cron expressed “admiration for the ahead of other candidates in favour- Caid Essebsi was widely seen as September 15. Before Caid Essebsi’s calm and the peaceful atmosphere ability ratings. Islamist candidates a unifying figure in a fractured po- death, the election had been set in Tunisia” amid its transition. received a little less than 20% of po- litical landscape with more than for November. The parliamentary Algerian Interim President Ab- tential voter support in the face of 130 political parties. He personally election is expected to take place as delkader Bensalah remembered a surging Free Destourian Party, an sided with a secular version of the he death of Tunisian Presi- scheduled October 6. Caid Essebsi as “backer of Algeria’s anti-Islamist formation. state with a strong emphasis on the dent has After ceremonies at independence struggle and for his Caid Essebsi refused to ratify the rights of women. He also advocated united Tunisians in their Palace where Ennaceur and foreign efforts to strengthen the bilateral amendments, which were backed for democracy while preserving the T grief for the passing of leaders paid tribute to Caid Essebsi, ties between Algeria and Tunisia af- by supporters of Tunisian Prime authority of the state. Tunisia's first democratically elect- a funeral procession crossed the ter the independence.” Minister Youssef Chahed and the Despite the relatively steady pro- ed leader. streets of Tunis to Jellaz Cemetery Thousands of Tunisians, many Islamist Ennahda Movement. It gress of its democratic transition, Since Caid Essebsi’s death July where Caid Essebsi was buried. weeping, lined the streets along was not clear whether Ennaceur, as Tunisia faces continuing socio-eco- 25 at the age of 92, many Tunisians The most emotional moment of the 20km route from Carthage Pal- interim president, will adopt Caid nomic challenges of slow economic have been reassured by the smooth the ceremony at Carthage Palace ace to the cemetery in Tunis to bid Essebsi’s stance on the amend- growth, high unemployment, high and calm succession in the coun- came when Ennaceur choked up Caid Essebsi farewell. Across the ments. debt and low investment. try’s leadership in full compliance while recalling Caid Essebsi’s role as country, Tunisians watched the live Rare manifestations of internal Jihadists still constitute a secu- with the terms of the constitution. a statesman, diplomat and defender broadcast of the funeral. Quranic disagreements marred Ennahda’s rity threat even if counterterrorism Just hours after Caid Essebsi’s of democracy. recitations on radio and television electoral preparations. The party, agencies in the country have largely death was announced, parliament “You left us on the day of the reverberated in homes and cafes. however, still remains largely more retaken the initiative since 2015. Speaker Mohamed Ennaceur was 62nd anniversary of the republic, Caid Essebsi was lauded by Tuni- cohesive than secularist contend- Instability in Libya is another sworn in as an interim president for a republic you had spent your life sians as the “last great leader of the ers. It has recently announced that source of concern for Tunisians. a period of up to three months, dur- serving and in the protection of its first generation of independence Ennahda President Rached Ghan- ing which a new president is to be advances and values,” Ennaceur fighters and state builders.” nouchi would run for a parliamen- Lamine Ghanmi is an Arab Weekly elected. said in his eulogy. The late leader’s death came tary seat. correspondent in Tunis. Tunisia’s Independent High Au- “We are helpless to say goodbye during a particularly contentious Caid Essebsi leaves a splintered thority for Elections tentatively set to you. We will remember you for- debate that has polarised Tuni- Nidaa Tounes party, which he P2-3,6 Saudi, US militaries prepare for contingencies in the Gulf

Mohammed Alkhereiji sat, which is known to reflect official deployment said: “This movement completed an annual military drill Saudi analyst Abdullah al-Otaibi Saudi policy, the arrival of US forces of forces provides an additional de- in northern , with mari- wrote that the invitation by King is “a practical, strongly worded mes- terrent and ensures our ability to time threats factoring heavily. Saudi Salman was a historic and decisive London sage to the Iranian regime that any ni- defend our forces and interests in military representatives were invited step, stemming from two decades of hilistic attempt to take advantage of the region from emergent, credible to observe the joint US, Egyptian and “political turmoil and major disrup- scalating threats posed by regional tensions will be faced with threats.” Emirati military exercises that began tions to the balance of powers in the Iran’s aggressive moves are the necessary forces to deter it and its Tehran has ratcheted up tensions, July 22 in the . region.” being taken seriously in the militias.” particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, US forces will be based at the Otaibi cited Iranian and Turkish E Gulf region, particularly in A statement by US Air Forces one of the world’s most important Prince Sultan Airbase, south of Ri- proxies in the region as well as ten- Saudi Arabia, which is hosting US Central Command on the 500-troop shipping routes. yadh, the same installation that had sions in the Gulf as reasons for the troops for the first time since 2003. For Saudi Arabia, Iran’s antagonis- hosted them until 2003. decision. Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz US forces will once again tic behaviour could have serious eco- After a crackdown on al-Qaeda af- US officials confirmed that, be- Al Saud approved allowing US forces nomic repercussions if the kingdom’s filiate in Saudi Arabia, and with the sides the 500 US military personnel in the kingdom “to increase joint ef- be based at the Prince global oil shipments were disrupted. kingdom’s religious establishment to be stationed in the kingdom, it had forts to bolster security and stability Sultan Airbase, the same In Yemen, the Houthi militia, sup- embracing a more moderate stance, deployed a Patriot air defence battery and to guarantee peace in the region,” base that hosted them ported by Iran, intensified the threat the hosting of US troops is seen at Prince Sultan Airbase. Asharq al-Awsat reported July 20. until 2003, reflecting the to international navigation in the Red through a different lens than in 2003 An unidentified Saudi Defence changed dynamics on Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. when US troops withdrew from Saudi Mohammed Alkhereiji is the Gulf Ministry official told Asharq al-Aw- the ground since then. US and Saudi troops recently Arabia. section editor of The Arab Weekly. 2 July 28, 2019 Cover Story

Viewpoint Beji Caid Essebsi’s legacy

ing the Israeli raid. He had in his sleeve a threat to sever relations Oussama with the United States in case of Romdhani a Washington veto. I asked him if Bourguiba’s staunchly pro-West- ern government of the time was n July 25, Tunisia’s willing to use that card. fifth president, Beji “Defending Tunisia’s territo- Caid Essebsi, rial integrity is not negotiable. passed away. We were willing to go as far as When Caid Es- that and the Americans under- sebsi was rushed stood that,” he explained. The Oto the Tunis military hospital on principled stand went a long way July 24, there were no indiscre- towards convincing Washington tions on social media about his to abstain during the UN vote state of health and there were censuring Israel. no cold, calculating politicians But the main legacy of Beji jockeying for position, as was the Caid Essebsi remains his contri- case when he was admitted to the bution in advancing the country’s hospital in June. democratic transition. In 2013, After the first health scare, the secularist camp was pitted there was a sudden awareness against Islamists in a showdown how much the grandfatherly fig- edging on street confrontation. ure meant for the country. In the Tunisians reached the brink of climate of civility and dignified civil strife but then took a step calm that prevailed, there was a back. sombre realisation that the presi- Caid Essebsi eventually dent’s condition was very serious reached an understanding with this time. Islamists on political coexistence The morning of July 25, a na- within the electoral process. As tional holiday marking the proc- he founded the Nidaa Tounes lamation of the republic 62 years party, Caid Essebsi led Tunisian ago, the broke moderate secularists to a presi- the sad news to the public. dential and legislative elections Despite the initial shock, the victory. leadership transition proceeded Throughout the years, his smoothly and according to the relationship with Islamists constitutional script within hours wavered according to tactical after the announcement of Caid moves and shifting alliances Essebsi’s death. There were little but, all through, he kept his eye or no legalistic squabbles as the on the prize, safeguarding the speaker of parliament assumed democratic transition not only the duties of interim president. from the risks of zero-sum game The absence of a Constitutional strife but also from the pitfalls of Court to declare the vacancy of socio-economic failure, terrorist the highest executive office did threats, the fraying of authority not hinder the process. State and political exclusion. institutions functioned without He was proud of the demo- a glitch, contrary to the usual cratic process that earned the conspicuous squeaks on any country’s civil society a national event. Even Nobel Peace Prize but partisan bickering The women he saw democracy took the day off. of Tunisia showed always in jeopardy There was little traf- their appreciation if the young did Tunisian fic on the streets for Caid Essebsi not have the jobs as people mostly with their votes in and opportuni- stayed home 2014 and in lining ties to which they on the national the streets by the aspired, if state holiday, qui- thousands on authority eroded etly mourning their to the point of en- president’s July 27 to bid him leader. dangering the stabil- It was time to farewell. ity of the country and remember Caid Essebsi sapping the confidence and his exceptional jour- and hope of its people or ney of public service. The if any segment of the popula- death changes coincidence of him dying on tion was left out of the political the anniversary of the republic process. Caid Essebsi opposed all reminded people of the role he legislative initiatives leading to played in nation-building since the exclusion of anyone or any independence. From 1956-2019, group of people in the fledgling Caid Essebsi served in various key democracy. country’s political positions, including minister of Caid Essebsi never wavered defence, minister of interior, min- in his commitment to building ister of foreign affairs, speaker of a civil state based on the coun- parliament, head of government try’s progressive legacy, which and president of the republic. prominently includes equal rights Caid Essebsi, who in March for women. The women of Tu- assumed the chairmanship of nisia showed their appreciation landscape the Arab League summit, was for him with their votes in 2014 a refined diplomat. His world- and in lining the streets by the view was highly imbued with thousands on July 27 to bid him Lamine Ghanmi , Caid Essebsi pending the election of a president the qualities of his mentor and farewell. tried to the last minute to intro- September 15. Tunisia had a presi- icon, Habib Bourguiba. Caid Es- Caid Essebsi was aware the duce equality of inheritance be- dential election scheduled for No- sebsi was especially inspired by democratic transition needed Tunis tween genders. vember. Bourguiba’s emphasis on gradual- nurturing. During an interview Tunisia has granted women Caid Essebsi had repeatedly ed- ism and rejection of anti-Western with The Arab Weekly this year, unisian President Beji Caid more rights than other countries in ucated Tunisians and the political zealotry. the president pinned lots of hope Essebsi’s death united Tu- the region and, since 2017, allowed class about respect for the consti- He was, like Bourguiba, a prag- on good voter turnout during the nisians in grief but his pass- Tunisian Muslim women to marry tution as a guarantee for the coun- matist who did not see Tunisia coming elections. T ing leaves a gaping hole in non-Muslim men. try’s stability. “I do not agree with pushing its weight around but an “God willing, there will be a the political scene as the country Like other ambitious projects many sections in this constitution unassuming nation committed to reawakening. I will call on all Tu- struggles with economic and social initiated by Caid Essebsi, including text but I must respect it and im- peaceful resolution of conflicts nisians to participate massively crises and weak secularist parties attempts to improve the economic plement it and defend its respect through active neutrality. in the elections to choose whom amid preparations for elections and social situation of Tunisians, while I’m in office,” he said. Much like Bourguiba, too, they want,” he said. this year. the inheritance rights draft law Caid Essebsi was widely seen there were moments Caid Es- “Tunisians are politically Caid Essebsi, 92, died July 25 at stalled because of divisions in the as a unifying figure in a fractured sebsi felt principles were mightier aware and will assume their the military hospital in Tunis. A secularist camp and opposition political landscape boasting more than the sword. During a 2013 responsibility in exercising their state funeral took place July 27. The by Islamists and other conserva- than 130 political parties. He took interview, he told me he was right to vote,” he told us. government declared seven days of tives. There have been hints that his role as the nation’s father to particularly marked by Bourgui- Now, voters will get a chance at mourning and several Arab coun- secularists will work to revive the heart, reaching out to Islamists ba’s uncompromising stance in picking the next president earlier tries announced periods of mourn- initiative to honour Caid Essebsi’s and their secularist foes to pull the defending Tunisia’s sovereignty than previously scheduled. Only ing in solidarity with Tunisia. memory. country out of chaos in 2011 and after Israel attacked the Palestine a high voter turnout would ce- Messages of sympathy flowed Caid Essebsi’s death ushered presiding over its first free and fair Liberation Organisation head- ment the democratic edifice that from Arab and Western leaders in a smooth and rapid succession elections as prime minister. quarters in Hammam Chott, near Caid Essebsi worked so hard to paying tribute to Caid Essebsi’s in compliance with the Tunisian He mediated a compromise to Tunis, in 1985. build and preserve. stewardship of Tunisia during its Constitution, which stipulates that ease Tunisia from a political con- Caid Essebsi, who was foreign difficult democratic transition and the parliament speaker should be frontation between Islamists and minister at the time, pressed the Oussama Romdhani for his globally recognised role in named interim president. As such, their opponents in 2013. That com- Reagan administration not to is Editor-in-Chief empowering women. A spiritual Mohamed Ennaceur assumed promise and dialogue spared Tuni- veto a UN resolution condemn- of The Arab Weekly. heir to Tunisia’s modern founder the presidency for up to 90 days, sia the kind of violence and blood- July 28, 2019 3 Tunisia Libya was a key foreign policy issue for Caid Essebsi

Lamine Ghanmi foreign intervention. He enjoyed UN-sponsored government in Trip- wide respect on both sides of the oli pushed the Haftar camp and its Libyan divide but his successors allies to protest Turkey’s open in- unisian President Beji must delicately tread in Libya. tervention in the conflict. Caid Essebsi, who said he Libyan National Army (LNA) The LNA blamed Turkish air sup- considered Libya “vital” Field-Marshal Khalifa Haftar sent port and direct involvement in the T for Tunisia’s security and a condolence message mourning battle for its loss of a key base in economy, died as fighting for con- Caid Essebsi, stating: “The whole Gharyan June 27. trol of Tripoli claimed more lives of Libya stands by the Tunisians at “We have led a tripartite initia- and hardships mounted for over 1 this grave moment of sadness. The tive with Egypt and Algeria to en- million people living in the Libyan Libyans and the Tunisians are one sure that (there is no foreign in- capital. people.” tervention). The UN envoy is also The situation in Libya was among The UN-backed government doing his best but all of this was key issues monitored by Caid Es- in Tripoli declared three days of not enough and the situation is still sebsi, who died July 25 at age 92. mourning. unstable,” Caid Essebsi said. “I say The situation in Libya fuelled con- to Europeans: ‘Let the Libyans find cern in Tunisia that the conflict a solution by themselves with the could spill over the border. There help of the United Nations.'” were also worries that chaos in Beji Caid “When countries interfere, it Libya could lead to infiltration into takes even longer to settle,” cau- Tunisia by Libyan-based jihadists, Essebsi tioned Caid Essebsi. many of them from Tunisia. saw Libyans and The late Tunisian president saw The strife in Libya has cost Tuni- Tunisians as “one people a multitude of reasons for Tuni- sia billions of dollars in economic in two countries.” sia to worry about Libya. “Tunisia losses, in terms of employment, was badly affected because it used trade and remittances. “For Tunisia, Libya is very impor- to have a lot of trade with Libya. An indication of the challenges tant and even vital,” Caid Essebsi It was also affected because of the ahead for Tunisia if the conflict said in an interview with The Arab terrorist threat,” he said. in Libya escalates occurred when Weekly last January. It is not clear how long the LNA a Libyan military plane made an “We always say that Libya and offensive will last and how it will af- emergency landing July 22 on Tunisia are one people in two fect the situation in Libya’s neigh- a highway in southern Tunisia, countries. We have special histori- bourhood. “The deadline of our prompting rival sides in Libya to cal relations. There were adverse victory in Tripoli is nearing,” Haftar Transition. claim the jet be surrendered to effects on Tunisia when the state said July 24 in what Libyan analysts Military them. collapsed in Libya,” he said. interpreted as his refusal of calls by officers escort Under Caid Essebsi, Tunisia “We, in Tunisia, wish for the re- the UN envoy and other countries, the coffin avoided taking sides in the Libyan turn of the state in Libya and we including Tunisia, for a ceasefire of Tunisian conflict, advocating for a negoti- are working towards that but that to restart talks for a political settle- Beji Caid Essebsi saw President Beji ated resolution under the aegis of has to be a Libyan-Libyan affair, ment in Libya. Libyans and Tunisians as Caid Essebsi the United Nations. without any external interference LNA commanders claim a “one people in two during his Caid Essebsi began a mediation because such interference has com- “steady advance” in their offensive countries.” funeral in effort involving Libya’s neighbours plicated the situation.” but spokesmen for the Sarraj gov- Tunis, Tunisia Algeria, Egypt and Tunisia with the However, the battle over the con- ernment in Tripoli said their forces July 27. aim of forging a political solution trol of Tripoli between the LNA and “repelled” an offensive by the LNA (Reuters) and preventing the expansion of Islamist militias aligned with the July 22.

Viewpoint shed experienced by Syria, Yemen the nation out of poverty and social and Libya. backwardness. However, Bourgui- The effort was noted by the Nor- ba brooked little opposition, deem- wegian Nobel Committee, which ing the population not ready for awarded its 2015 Nobel Peace Prize democratic pluralism. Caid Essebsi will exert to Tunisia’s National Dialogue As president, he was criticised Quartet for avoiding a civil war in by some secularist liberals and 2013 and the efforts of “building a many Islamists for his defence of influence even in his absence pluralistic democracy.” the “state authority and prestige,” The transition after Caid Es- arguing that he was showing “nos- sebsi’s death impressed experts. talgia” for authoritarianism. Movement. Both actions provided In other legal scenarios, rang- “Politically and practically, the Tu- More recently, Caid Essebsi drew solutions to crises but resulted in ing from temporary to permanent nisian state has succeeded in a sig- the ire of Islamists and secularists additional pitfalls. forms of vacancy, the importance aligned with Tunisian Prime Minis- nificant test in its history,” said po- Abdeljelil Maali In this sense, the absence of of the Constitutional Court, litical writer Sofiene Ben Hamida. ter Youssef Chahed for not signing Caid Essebsi will have as impor- which has not yet been formed, is Prior to the 2014 general elec- amendments to an electoral law ex- tant an effect as his presence paramount, which makes delay- tions, Caid Essebsi founded Nidaa cluding some leading candidates. he death of Tunisian and his departure will cause the ing its formation seem dictated by Tounes, a political party that served The amendment said Tunisia’s President Beji Caid same frenzy as his return after the partisan interests. as a counterweight to Islamists and Electoral Commission must reject Essebsi, 92, will have revolution as head of the interim It is noteworthy that the won the vote. The electoral victory candidates who use political ad- multifaceted effects government, armed with Bour- absence in the past of the Consti- made him the first politician in the vertising, “charitable associations” on Tunisian politics. guiba’s legacy but also stigmatised tutional Court led to paralysing region to oust Islamists from power or foreign funding during the year Caid Essebsi’s death by the self-declared guardians of and extremely dangerous political in free elections. before an election. TJuly 25 came during a political the revolution who saw him as a crises related to various interpre- Caid Essebsi became president It is not clear whether Ennaceur, context marked by crisis. It was representative of the old regime. tations of the provisions of the in December 2014, replacing mav- as interim president, will sign the not the result of the current politi- Perhaps the biggest effect of constitution. erick rights activist and Islamist amendments. cal moment bu was created and Caid Essebsi’s departure is that The Constitutional Court was ally . Caid Essebsi Ennaceur, after he was sworn in deepened by all political parties, it laid bare a great dilemma that to be the sole arbiter whenever proceeded to restore Tunisia’s bal- on July 25, called on Tunisians “to albeit to varying degrees. many politicians had denounced conflicts regarding the precise anced role in the region after a drift strengthen your unity and solidar- If news of Caid Essebsi’s death — the absence of the Constitu- delineations of the powers of the towards alignment with Turkey ity so the country can pursue its is taking centre stage, it is because tional Court. The formation of president of the Republic and and Qatar and their Muslim Broth- march towards progress.” of his charismatic personality and the court was delayed because of the powers of the president of erhood allies. Amid the sadness about the loss his presence. Other considerations its crucial importance first and the government arose. The 2014 of Caid Essebsi, many Tunisians would be related to the effects of foremost but also because of its Constitution left many grey areas fret about the future, worrying that his absence in the political and falling victim to partisan greed in this regard, just as it left many Islamists would take advantage of constitutional sense. and squabbles. loopholes regarding the civil char- Born in 1926, divided secularists to win the elec- Since his return to politics after The existence of the Constitu- acter of the state and the role of when Tunisia was a tions and change the country’s so- the Tunisian revolution, Caid tional Court could have prevented religion in the public sphere. monarchy under French cial fabric and cultural identity. Essebsi adopted an approach to the current constitutional dilem- President Beji Caid Essebsi Others hope that the wave of mas and ended the dangerous rule, Caid Essebsi politics inspired by the legacy of was a man of compromise and sympathy for Caid Essebsi will the country’s first president, Ha- scenarios facing the country. With consensus. As much as some entered politics in the prompt an “awakening” of voters bib Bourguiba. Caid Essebsi relied the Constitutional Court in place, cases of consensus were met with 1950s and trained as a to defend his vision of Tunisia as tremendously on his personal we would hear arguments about rejection, they still enabled the lawyer in Paris. a moderate secularist Muslim state charisma, experience and strong the inability of the speaker of the country to avoid slipping into and society. relations with most political ac- Assembly of the Representatives unpredictable fates and prevented He hosted an Arab summit in Tu- “We love you and we will always tors in the country. of the People to carry out his mis- Ennahda from grabbing full con- nis this year with key Arab leaders love you. We will remember you He was convinced from the sion, especially that he, too, has trol of the country and its institu- from Saudi Arabia and Egypt at- like we do with Bourguiba. We will beginning that political consensus been suffering from health prob- tions. tending. talk of you as we talk of Bourguiba. is the magic formula for solving all lems, or about other catastrophic With Caid Essebsi gone, and as Most of Caid Essebsi’s political We will make sure that your name prevailing and potential dilem- contingencies that might arise. Tunisia prepares for general and career came well before the 2011 will be taught in our history books mas, regardless of election results. Chapter 84 of the Tunisian presidential elections this year uprising that pulled him out of re- so that our children are like you,” Caid Essebsi showed a prefer- Constitution says that in case of and in light of the weakness of tirement. wrote Nizar Bahloul, editor of the ence for going beyond election re- the death of the president of the most Tunisian parties, Ennahda Born in 1926, when Tunisia was online magazine Business News. sults and favouring dialogue and Republic, the Constitutional Court continues to move assuredly a monarchy under French rule, “Goodbye, Beji. Goodbye, Ba- consensus among various political is to meet “immediately and vali- towards achieving hegemony over Caid Essebsi entered politics in the jbouj. Goodbye, Mr President. actors. The best illustration of this date the permanent vacancy and the political scene and no one 1950s and trained as a lawyer in Goodbye, Father of our Nation,” he school of political thought would inform the Speaker of the People’s seems to be able to stop it through Paris. added. be the Carthage Document and Representatives Assembly, who elections or consensus. His prestige and experience as a “Bajbouj” is a term of endear- Caid Essebsi’s famous Paris meet- shall immediately assume the leader came from his association ment used by the population for ing with Rached Ghannouchi, functions of the President of the Abdeljelil Maali is a Tunisian with Bourguiba, who helped take Beji Caid Essebsi. president of the Islamic Ennahda Republic” for 45-90 days. writer. 4 July 28, 2019 News & Analysis Iran Tensions Europe steps up diplomatic efforts to save nuclear pact as Iran widens claims

Thomas Seibert good fit as a mediator because Paris wanted to keep the nuclear deal with Iran alive but shared many of Istanbul Washington’s concerns about Iran’s regional policies and ballistic missile queezed between the US programme more than some other maximum pressure campaign European countries. against Tehran and Iran’s ag- “The primary point, however, is S gression in the Strait of Hor- the flexibility needed in the Iranian muz, Europe is boosting its efforts to and American capitals,” he added. deal with the crisis. While Washington would have to lift France is leading European efforts some sanctions at least temporarily to save the Joint Comprehensive to arrive at an understanding with Plan of Action (JCPOA) following the Iran, Tehran would have to agree to US withdrawal from the agreement talk not only about the JCPOA but and implementation of crippling also about its missile programme sanctions by Washington on Iran. and its involvement in conflicts in Europe can play a key role in fa- the region. cilitating talks between Iran and the US Secretary of State Mike United States, even if it has little in- Pompeo, asked if he would be will- fluence on the outcome of negotia- ing to go to Tehran for talks, told tions. Bloomberg Television: “Sure. If “Only the US and Iran will decide that’s the call, I’d happily go there… I whether any mediating effort will be would welcome the chance to speak successful or not,” Ali Fathollah-Ne- directly to the Iranian people.” jad, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Diplomatic efforts could receive a Centre, said by e-mail. boost when envoys of the remaining partners to the 2015 nuclear treaty — China, France, Germany, Russia Rohani appeared to and the United Kingdom — meet in Different agendas. Iran’s President Hassan Rohani (R) welcomes Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic widen Iran’s claim over Vienna to look at ways to keep the adviser to the French president, in Tehran, July 10. (AFP) regional waterways of accord afloat without the United the Middle East to the States. Iran said it would attend the France is working “at this mo- er waterways in the world, including ing many European states together Bab el Mandeb Strait. meeting, which, Tehran said, was ment on a European initiative” with the Bab el Mandeb and the Indian in that effort to patrol oil shipping in requested by the European parties Britain and Germany, he told law- Ocean,” Rohani said on his website. the [Arabian] Gulf,” he said. Iranian President Hassan Rohani to discuss the “new situation” after makers, without elaborating. “This In the same statement, Rohani One difficulty for European of- responded to the European drive Iran reduced its nuclear commit- vision is the opposite of the Ameri- hinted at a solution in Iran’s row ficials is the cacophony of con- by hinting he might be open to a ments in response to the US with- can initiative, which is… maximum with the United Kingdom over the tradictory messages from the Ira- possible tanker swap with Britain drawal. pressure” against Iran. seizure of a British oil tanker by nian regime. Top officials in Tehran and indirect talks with the United France, Italy, the Netherlands and The Europeans are facing defiance Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard had their European counterparts States. Denmark support a European-led and conflicting signals from Tehran Corps in response to British authori- scratching their heads over the ques- Following a visit by French Presi- naval mission to ensure safe ship- that could undermine their moves ties in Gibraltar stopping an Iranian tion of whether Iran would be will- dent Emmanuel Macron’s top dip- ping through the Strait of Hormuz, to keep the nuclear pact from falling tanker reportedly on its way to Syria. ing to talk with the United States. lomatic adviser to Tehran, Iranian three senior EU diplomats said, after apart. “We are not going to continue ten- Rohani said Iran could agree to Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Britain proposed the idea following Speaking at a cabinet meeting July sions with some European countries negotiations if conditions were Araqchi met Macron in Paris the Iran’s seizure of a British-flagged oil 24, Rohani appeared to widen Iran’s and if they are committed to inter- right. However, on the same day, the week of July 5 to deliver a message tanker. claim over regional waterways of the national frameworks and abandon military adviser to Iranian Supreme from Rohani. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Middle East to the Bab el Mandeb some actions, including what they Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was The initiatives are a break from Le Drian is working with European Strait, the strategically important did in Gibraltar, they will receive a quoted as saying Tehran would not tradition because they see European partners on an observation mission entrance to the Red Sea at the south- proper response from Iran,” Rohani negotiate with the US administra- powers act to protect their own in- to ensure maritime security in the western tip of the Arabian Peninsu- said. tion under any circumstances and terests in a major international crisis Gulf. He made no mention of a Eu- la, about 2,000km from the nearest Fathollah-Nejad said the tanker that if Washington decided to go to involving the United States. They re- rope-led “maritime protection mis- Iranian territory. incident had unfavourable conse- war then all American bases in the flect changing transatlantic relations sion” announced by British Foreign “Along with maintaining the se- quences for Tehran. region would be targeted. as a result of US President Donald Secretary Jeremy Hunt, offering in- curity of the [Arabian] Gulf and the “Iran’s seizure of the UK-flagged Trump’s strong unilateralism. stead what seems to be a softer ver- Strait of Hormuz, the Islamic Repub- oil tanker has produced an outcome Thomas Seibert is an Arab Weekly Fathollah-Nejad said France was a sion. lic of Iran works for the safety of oth- to Tehran’s distaste, namely bring- correspondent.

Viewpoint Iran’s new tanker wars are a dangerous strategy

e do not “the tanker war,” an economic war Rafsanjani, then parliamentary IRGC’s loss of the al-Faw peninsula desire to of attrition between the belligerent speaker and armed forces to the Iraqi Army. continue parties. commander-in-chief. Following the loss of Iranian “ As US helicopters attacked frigates, Iran stopped its attacks Ali Alfoneh frictions with The Iraqi Air Force, equipped certain with Exocet missiles, systematically speedboats of the Islamic on neutral ships but the tragedy European attacked Iran’s Kharg Island and oil Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), continued: On July 3, 1988, the USS countriesW and should they comply tankers exporting Iran’s crude oil which were engaged in planting Vincennes mistook Iran Air Flight with international frameworks and to the global market. Iran, which naval mines, on October 8, the 655 for an Iranian F-14 and shot it abstain from wrongdoings, as in destroyed Iraq’s oil terminal early leadership in Tehran convened at down over the Strait of Hormuz, Gibraltar, they will receive an in the war, initially abstained from the Supreme Defence Council to killing 290 passengers and crew. appropriate response,” Iranian targeting international shipping but discuss Iran’s response. Iran interpreted the incident as President Hassan Rohani said. by 1984 retaliated against oil tankers In the October 9 entry of his an intentional move by the United Rohani appears to suggest a owned by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, memoirs, Rafsanjani writes: “[The States and strengthened the hand possible swap for seized tankers: both of which financially supported IRGC’s] suggestion to fire missiles of Rafsanjani in Tehran to persuade Britain’s release of the Grace I the Iraqi war machine. at US aircraft carriers or the US base Supreme Leader Grand Ayatollah supertanker seized July 4 off the One estimate stated that Iraq was in Bahrain [in retaliation for the Ruhollah Khomeini to drink from coast of Gibraltar on suspicion it was responsible for 283 attacks against October 8 attack] was rejected. For the chalice of poison and accept the shipping oil to Syria, in breach of EU international shipping and Iran now, we monitor ships escorted by ceasefire agreement and end the sanctions, in return for the release for 168 attacks. While Iraq mostly the US… not to provoke the US to war with Iraq. of British-flagged Stena Impero, deployed its air force in the attacks, engage in further mischief.” Three decades later, Iran appears seized July 19 by Iran. including in an incident when it On October 15, 1987, a US tanker, to engage in similar activities Regardless of how Tehran and fired missiles at a US frigate, Iran sailing under Liberian flag, was counting on US President Donald London manage this crisis, similar used different means ranging from struck by an Iranian Silkworm Trump’s unwillingness to entangle incidents threatening oil exports speedboats, mines, shore-based missile while anchored at the Al- the United States in a new war in the Tehran’s attempt to from the Arabian Gulf are likely Silkworm anti-ship cruise missiles Ahmadi Port in Kuwait. “Good news Middle East. persuade Washington to continue as long as the more and naval gunfire. and suitable revenge against the US However, Iran’s attempt to fundamental conflict between By July 1987, the Reagan and Kuwait,” wrote Rafsanjani in his persuade Washington to abandon to abandon its Tehran and Washington remains administration came to the aid of diary but added: “One must await its maximum pressure campaign maximum pressure unsolved. its Arab allies by escorting reflagged its repercussions.” The US Navy against it is a risky strategy and it The conflict has historical Kuwaiti-owned oil tankers, in what, retaliated by shelling IRGC bases in may end up provoking a war with campaign against Iran precursors and is a reminder of the in effect, developed into the largest the Rostam oil field. the United States, which Iran can ill is risky and may end so-called tanker war between Iran naval convoy operation since World On April 14, 1988, the USS afford. up provoking a war and Iraq in the 1980s. The question War II. Before long, Iran and the Samuel B. Roberts hit a mine. The Is Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali is what lessons, if any, Tehran learnt United States became entangled in United States retaliated four days Khamenei ready to drink from the with the United from that war and whether there are direct skirmishes. later by attacking Iranian frigates chalice of poison? States, which the similarities between then and now. Those skirmishes and the Iranian Sabalan and Sahand and bombed The Iran-Iraq war (1980-88) was leadership’s strategic considerations the Nasr and Salman oil fields. Ali Alfoneh is a senior fellow at Islamic Republic can primarily fought on land but it had are discussed at length in the These catastrophic Iranian losses the Arab Gulf States Institute in ill afford. a naval component referred to as memoirs of Akbar Hashemi coincided with the disaster of the Washington. July 28, 2019 5 News & Analysis Iran Tensions

Viewpoint Detention of British tanker weakens Iran’s position

dire economic circumstances and the inability or passivity of the Europeans to undertake Gareth Smyth substantial measures to circumvent the US sanctions.” This left the United Kingdom ritain has not just a struggling to balance various new prime minister objectives, with previous in Boris Johnson but Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt a new foreign working for a European maritime minister, Dominic protection mission independent Raab, and a new of the substantial US naval Bdefence minister, Ben Wallace. presence. In this, he had to This looks more like a new consider US Secretary of State government than a cabinet Mike Pompeo’s insistence that reshuffle and comes as London Britain defend its own ships and faces Iran’s detention of the London’s desire to assert, along British-flagged tanker Stena with Germany and France, the Impero. Europeans’ distinct approach While Johnson’s focus is on over Iran. withdrawal from the European “Britain is trying to protect Union, he must also decide maritime trade while upholding whether to continue British what remains of the JCPOA,” efforts to maintain the 2015 said Sir Richard Dalton, a former nuclear deal between Iran British ambassador to Iran. “A Hijacked. The British-flagged tanker Stena Impero, anchored off the Iranian port city of Bandar and world powers, the Joint key feature of the JCPOA, which Abbas, July 21. (AFP) Comprehensive Plan of Action is the separation of the nuclear (JCPOA). programme from other matters, US President Donald Trump has not yet been lost.” clearly sees Johnson as a closer Dalton said there could be ally than former British Prime a diplomatic way forward. Minister Theresa May. Trump “Negotiations should be Iran’s use of the might even hope Johnson possible, both over the tankers accepts a fait accompli in and wider maritime protection,” Trump’s withdrawal from the he said. “Following that, a JCPOA last year and imposition broader diplomatic effort of stringent sanctions. involving the US is needed for Strait of Hormuz Iran’s frustration over falling de-escalation and, after that, oil exports — down from 2.6 regional security talks should million barrels per day (bpd) to begin, recognising all interests. 380,000-500,000 bpd because Modest agreed steps may be of US sanctions — underlies possible, despite prevailing is coldly calculated the tensions centred mistrust, especially if on shipping lanes “I believe the the UAE withdrawal from Yemen is a can be mitigated against by provid- through the Strait decision [to impound Sabahat Khan portant role and Iran has undoubt- of Hormuz. The prelude to a more edly developed systems of growing ing early warning or advice on what crisis goes back to the Stena Impero] was serious peace sophistication over the years but the options are available to a vessel fac- May with attacks, made at the highest effort there.” Dubai underlying advantage for Iran is the ing a potential incident. However, denied by Iran, level,” said Mehrzad Dalton also geography of borders and topogra- there are important cultural, opera- on four tankers, Boroujerdi, director of recalled that the he last two months have wit- phy of the environment. tional and security challenges as- two Saudi, one the School of Public central weakness nessed escalating tensions Despite having less sophisticated sociated with greater information- Norwegian and one and International of Europe-Iran in the Gulf with magnetic technology than the United States sharing and communication in such Emirati. Affairs at Virginia talks over the T mines exploding on tankers, and its allies, Iran can utilise its geo- a congested area. Tension ratcheted Tech. nuclear programme surveillance drones shot out of the graphic advantages to project sea Therefore, while various options up July 4 when British in 2003-05, in which sky and oil cargo seized. power that is highly agile and highly are available, they come with limits Royal Marines, ostensibly he participated and With the seizure of the Stena Im- manoeuvrable. As a result, Iran’s na- and, even then, cannot offer what acting on behalf of Gibraltar which laid the groundwork pero, a British-flagged oil tanker, val forces are highly mobile: They can be categorised as a “complete” and certainly with US liaison, for the JCPOA, was the lack Tehran has indicated, in deeds as can literally appear out of the blue solution. Short of that, many of the detained the Grace I, an Iranian of US participation. Dalton well as in words, that, being geo- in a swarm and disappear into it just options available are not sustaina- supertanker carrying 2 million conceded that agreement or graphically tied to the Strait of Hor- as quickly. ble over long periods because of the barrels of oil, which the United direct engagement between muz, it views the security of the wa- It is not possible for oil tankers, high costs they entail, in particular Kingdom said was heading for Tehran and Washington was terway as its “own responsibility.” large merchant ships or large naval for lengthy military operations. Syria. “very unlikely at the moment.” Iranian officials have spoken about vessels deployed to provide convoy Beyond the cat-and-mouse play Mohsen Rezaei, commander Boroujerdi argues that Iran’s the country’s commitment to “se- security to move fast enough when of securing freedom of navigation of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary seizure of the Stena Impero curing” the highly strategic strait. faced with fast boats such as those at sea is another intriguing reality Guard Corps (IRGC) during the weakened its position. “It’s What Tehran is implying is that operated by Iran. of the standoff against Iran. As the “tanker wars” of the 1980s, quite possible that the tanker the vital passageway of the strait, United States, the United Kingdom openly advocated for retaliation. crisis will end with a face-saving which connect the region’s hydro- and their allies reinforce naval de- This came July 19 when IRGC exchange of ships but Iran’s carbon exports to the global econo- Behind the escalations of ployments in the area for maritime forces slid down ropes from a hopes of creating a serious my, can only be effectively secured the Iranian side in the security, a greater number of po- helicopter to seize the Stena wedge between US and Europe if Iran is co-opted — and not other- Gulf are carefully crafted tential high-value military targets Impero, which Tehran claimed have failed,” he said. “From now wise. moves and a coldly become available to Iran if the crisis was in Iranian waters. on, Iran will face a much more Every day, approximately one- calculated strategy. unexpectedly deteriorates towards This is a pond where any stone sceptical Europe when it comes third of the world’s crude and by- a direct military confrontation. causes large ripples. Shipping to claiming to be a victim.” products traded by sea, along with There are other options avail- Dozens of sites along Iran’s coast and insurance companies are The meeting in Vienna of all of Qatar’s liquefied natural gas able to naval forces and commercial and on islands in the Gulf, including pushing up fees and premiums, remaining JCPOA signatories — exports, traverse the Strait of Hor- shippers facing growing risks due to disputed ones, serve as storage and with some proposing tanker the Europeans, Russia, China and muz. Crude oil produced in Saudi Iran’s behaviour that could enhance launch installations for a range of convoys to reduce the need Iran — comes as Iran’s early- Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, maritime security, although the anti-ship weapons. As a fairly com- for military escorts. Nearly 17 September deadline looms for Kuwait, Iraq and Iran is mainly practical efficacy of these options is pact operating environment, almost million barrels a day of crude further expanding its nuclear shipped via these waters. less straightforward. all large military vessels in the Gulf pass through the strait, as well programme beyond JCPOA limits. Yet, it is true that geography of the For example, reinforcing naval de- theatre are exposed to Iran’s anti- as 4 million bpd of condensates This would follow breaching the Strait of Hormuz is such that Iran ployments for maritime patrolling ship weapons and face the potential and petroleum products — all on 300-kilogram cap on enriched assumes what some may see as an and to provide convoy protection risk of being sunk. 30-35 supertankers. Four-fifths uranium at the end of June and outsized role in its “security,” if it for commercial shipping are meas- If the possibility of military con- of the cargoes go to Asia. enriching above 3.67% in July. chooses to do so. ures that have already been stepped frontation with Iran was to become “I believe the decision [to “The central rationale of the Iran has a vast coast along the up by the United States, the United real and serious, most military ves- impound the Stena Impero] JCPOA has now been lost,” said Gulf and its territories overlooking Kingdom, India and others. Yet it sels would likely be moved into was made at the highest level Boroujerdi. “The damage caused the Strait of Hormuz provide highly is not possible for shipping to only safer positions where they would be by [Iranian Supreme Leader] by Trump’s abandonment of strategic vantage points from which move in large convoys or to always less exposed to attack. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the agreement is not going to be to conduct surveillance of maritime have naval escorts for protection all Behind the escalations of the Ira- the National Security Council easily reversible, even if, in 17 traffic. the time. nian side in the Gulf there are care- on the advice of the IRGC,” said months, a Democrat is sitting in Iranian forces can identify vessels Alternatively, enhancing informa- fully crafted moves and a coldly cal- Mehrzad Boroujerdi, director the White House.” passing through the strait more or tion exchange and communications culated strategy. of the School of Public and less in real time and can reach that between navies, port authorities and International Affairs at Virginia Gareth Smyth is a regular traffic with their fast boats within a shippers can create a better shared Sabahat Khan, based in Dubai, Tech. “[President Hassan] contributor to The Arab Weekly. matter of minutes of them being dis- awareness of the operational envi- maintains a cross-disciplinary focus Rohani’s government had to He has reported from the Middle patched. ronment, threats and best practices in international security, defence go along, considering Iran’s East since 1992. Of course, technology plays an im- during incidents. Specific threats policy and strategic issues. 6 July 28, 2019 Opinion

Editorial The New York Times audio recording n July 22, 17 people were killed and dozens injured in a bomb attack near Mogadishu perpetrated by al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-affiliated group. The usual scenes of carnage and devastation followed. The city Omorgue was inundated with bodies. In June, 26 people were killed and 56 injured after an assault by al-Shabab on a resort hotel in ’s port city of Kismayo. With al-Qaeda- and Islamic State-affiliated groups lurking in the shadows, the horror never seems to stop in Somalia. So do questions about the role of local, regional and international actors in the endless misery of the poverty- and piracy-stricken country. An article July 22 in the New York Times shed light on an unsuspected dimension in Somalia’s continuing bloodshed. The authors of the article, Ronen Bergman and David D. Kirkpatrick, reported on an unusual telephone conversation May 18, about a week after another car bomb shook the Emirati-managed port of Bosaso in northern Somalia. The Islamic State affiliate claimed responsibility for the blast. The cell-phone conversation of which the Times obtained an audio recording was between Qatari Ambassador to Somalia Hassan bin Hamza Hashem and Qatari businessman © Yaser Ahmed for The Arab Weekly Khalifa Kayed al-Muhanadi, whom the newspa- per described as “close to the emir of Qatar” and said “frequently travels with the emir.” Caid Essebsi shielded democracy The businessman is quoted as reassuring Doha’s ambassador: “Our friends were behind the last bombings.” but also the state When Muhanadi refers to extremists as “our Amine Ben Messaoud friends,” it is difficult not to see hints of a Beji Caid Essebsi’s political biography can be summarised as: He was the dangerous connection between Doha and extremists involved in the attack. champion of democracy during the state-building phase. The businessman explained that the attack was “intended to make Dubai people run away from there.” He rejoiced at the prospect of the unisian President Beji under Bourguiba, even when Mo- through many Arab capitals, Tuni- terrorist acts chasing away Emiratis from Soma- Caid Essebsi, the ven- hamed Mzali, who was known for sia was laying the cornerstone for lia. “Let them kick out the Emiratis so they erable elder and leader his call for political and economic building democracy. don’t renew the contracts with them and I will of Tunisian politics openness, was prime minister. Similarly, as some Arab capitals bring the contract here to Doha.” who died July 25, had Caid Essebsi could have finished rushed to wear the mantle of the Qatar, which was once described by US taken part in fighting his days quietly and contently at Muslim Brotherhood after a long President Donald Trump as having been histori- Tcolonialism and was a member his home in the Tunis suburb of infestation with tyranny and cor- cally “a funder of terrorism at a very high of the first cabinet formed by the Rades. He surely did not miss his ruption, Tunisia found in Nidaa level,” has gone out of its way to deny the first president of the new Tunisian portfolios at the Ministry of Inte- Tounes, the political movement accusations but its “clarifications” stretch the republic, Habib Bourguiba. rior and the Ministry of Foreign founded by Caid Essebsi, the ap- limits of plausible deniability to the extreme Although he had mostly with- Affairs or his office as parliamen- propriate counterweight to the without credibly dispelling obvious suspicions drawn from politics during the tary speaker in the early 1990s. Islamist tide and the right resist- raised by the newspaper’s report. rule of President Zine el-Abidine However, the earthquake of the ance bloc to ensure the survival of Qatar tried to distance itself from Muhanadi Ben Ali, Caid Essebsi returned to January 14, 2011, Tunisian upris- the civil state and the preservation and position itself as a country that does “not the heart of power after the Janu- ing returned him to the centre of of the fledgling democracy. meddle in the internal affairs of sovereign ary 2011 uprising as interim prime the Tunisian political scene. Thus, Tunisia had no need for countries.” minister and then as president. While Caid Essebsi’s advocacy “Military Statement No. 1” to save The New York Times was deeply sceptical. It Caid Essebsi’s political biogra- for democratisation during the the state and sacrifice democracy noted that the Qatari ambassador “expressed phy can be summarised as: He was reigns of Bourguiba and Ben Ali nor did it have to plunge into chaos no protest or displeasure at the idea that Qataris the champion of democracy dur- pushed him to distance himself under the pretext of paying the had played a role in the bombings.” ing the state-building phase and from power, the subsequent price of democratic transition. Doha has reportedly requested a copy of the he was the champion of the state clamouring by the Tunisian Tunisians found the right balance incriminating recording, supposedly to help it during the phase of democracy people for democratic rule led between democracy and the state. investigate the allegations. The request was building. him back to the political scene, The balance has proven to be quite turned down by the newspaper. In the 1970s, amid the throes right in the heart of the shifting tricky in most of the Arab world. In an attempt at damage control, Qatar is and rivalries of democracy of post-revolution sands of money, Caid Essebsi’s political life ended airlifting in late July some of the wounded in the period, Caid Essebsi was politics and media. with him heading an economically Somalia’s bombings. sidelined by the ruling Socialist With calm and assuredness, weak and socially disenfranchised The most recent case was the transportation Destourian Party because he was Caid Essebsi led the country state. Even the political party that to Qatar of six suicide attack victims out of a vocal advocate of political and through the crucial early stages of he had founded to be the locomo- Mogadishu at the end of July. This seems to fit a democratic transition during the particular Qatari pattern of behaviour. A former constitutional reforms. He eventu- tive for building a new Tunisia was Defense Department official told The New York ally joined the Social Democrats autumn of 2011. Tunisia became split apart by inside rivalries. Times he “would not be surprised if Qatar was Movement and became editor of the first Arab country to organise During its many crises, the trying to play both sides to its own advantage.” Democratie magazine. free, transparent and truly demo- Tunisian state could count on Caid The New York Times noted that last February, The man, however, never cratic elections. At a time when Essebsi but the same state was a foreign manager of the Emirati company DP returned to the circles of power bullets and bombs were tearing nowhere to be found when Caid World was killed in an attack claimed by Essebsi needed it the most. Thus, al-Shabab. The company announced in 2017 a the late president’s proposals and $336 million investment for the purpose of major projects, such as reforming developing Bosaso Port. inheritance laws in Tunisia and The United Arab Emirates’ presence in changing the political regime Somalia includes economic, commercial and into a presidential system, went humanitarian activities as well as helping in the nowhere. fight against terrorism. Caid Essebsi, who was 92 when The New York Times’ report raises fundamen- he died, was wise to reject his tal questions about the so-called “regional party’s request to run for a second competition for influence” in Somalia and the term. He had said: “Health does Horn of Africa. not help.” Economic and strategic competition is fair Regardless of Caid Essebsi’s mis- game, regionally and internationally but takes, which are common among acquiescence to terrorism should not be part of all political actors, and regardless any such competition. Even more so when it is of his shortcomings in building between regional neighbours. a structured political party with The New York Times’ article raises serious clear institutions and internal questions about the credibility of Qatar both democratic processes, part of the when it claims to be committed to good ties man’s journey and biography has with other Gulf Cooperation Council countries become a “political legacy” and a or when it rejects the accusations levelled at it guiding reference in a region full of by the Arab Quartet countries regarding its ties burning issues. to extremist organisations and its increasingly Beji Caid Essebsi has given the cosy relationship with Tehran. Such accusa- example of how to protect the state tions have been at the core of a major row and secure democracy from politi- between the Arab Quartet and Doha since June cal amateurs and the enthusiasts 2017. The New York Times’ report raises fundamen- of chaos. tal questions deserving less official statements Constitutional framework. Tunisian parliament Speaker than serious policy reassessments in Doha. Mohamed Ennaceur taking the oath of office as interim Amine Ben Messaoud is a Tunisian president, July 25. (dpa) writer and political analyst. July 28, 2019 7 Opinion Rewriting the Iraqi Constitution is a national necessity Published by Al Arab Majid al-Samarrai Publishing House The current Iraqi Constitution has helped consecrate and promote the policy of exclusion and Publisher marginalisation of the constituents of the Iraqi population rather than consecrate tolerance. and Group Executive Editor Haitham El-Zobaidi, PhD he Iraqi Constitu- though they readily evade since 1992 and add new gains, wealth, which is being siphoned tion was drafted some of its provisions when- most notably the devolution by corrupt politicians in total Editor-in-Chief under direct US ever the provisions conflict of the federal solution to gov- impunity. Oussama Romdhani military occupation with their interests. ernorates outside Kurdistan, Let’s not forget that the role of Iraq. The politi- All that the Shia and Kurd- which had its own nationalistic of the country’s parliament has cal forces and par- ish leaders of the time were specificities. been severely curtailed so as not Managing Editor Tties that allied themselves with interested in was to speed up The constitution also to reflect people’s demands for Iman Zayat the occupier and became part the process of power-sharing assumed the existence of strict control of and oversight of the Iraqi Governing Coun- rather than laying the founda- border problems between the over various shady financial Deputy Managing Editor cil should have been more tion for the new Iraqi state. Kurdistan region and other transactions. In fact, the role of and Online Editor careful in adopting the new Thus, they blessed and ratified cities of Iraq as if Iraq was not the parliament is to thwart any Mamoon Alabbasi draft because the constitution constitutional clauses that de- a single country but a “federal” serious attempt at reform. represents a pact between the liberately omitted Iraq’s Arab system. The constitution even There is no justice in the Senior Editor state and Iraqi society and it identity. has articles related to so-called executive policies in Iraq. Thus, is shameful for the council to Power ended up in the hands “disputed” areas, especially oil- the millions of Iraqis who do John Hendel take advantage of the diversity of followers of Shia political rich Kirkuk, and that opened not belong to or support Shia Chief Copy Editor in the Iraqi social fabric to con- Islam and they were joined by the gates to political crises Islamic parties find themselves secrate divisiveness and wipe Sunni political Islamists and between the Kurdistan region deprived of their rights. Let’s Richard Pretorius out the Iraqi national identity. other Sunni Arabs who were and Baghdad concerning the not even talk about how Iraqi Copy Editors The novice rulers of the political novices with no clear distribution of oil revenues in sovereignty is being trampled time ought to have refused vision or serious commitment addition to the issue of armed by allowing regional and inter- Stephen Quillen the dictates of the Bush to building a sound, demo- militias. national interventions. Kyle Arensdorf administration and coalition cratic Iraq. It was this constitution that The task of rewriting the Administrator Paul Bremer. It All of them were delighted allowed the Kurdish leadership Iraqi Constitution has become East/West Section Editor would have been better to draft with the golden opportu- to demand the right of Kurdish a major national need. Every Mahmud el-Shafey (London) a provisional constitution for a nity provided by Bremer and independence from Iraq. Ironi- Iraqi should become involved in transition period to avoid what rushed to share power in a sys- cally, the Kurds, who had been a serious national campaign to Gulf Section Editor later happened. tem that would be codified by pioneers in drafting and forcing achieve this goal for the sake of Mohammed Alkhereiji Today, after 15 years of crises a constitution that established the adoption of constitutional protecting the country and the created by the constitution, the the prelude to the sectarian formulations in their favour, future of its citizens. Society and Travel idea of rewriting or modifying fragmentation of Iraq and are the ones who object to the This should be carried out Sections Editor it does not sound incompatible plunged the country in perpet- current constitution and have within the political framework Samar Kadi with requirements imposed ual crises that grow with time, filed for the abrogation of 63 of preserving the unity of Iraq, by Iraq’s current and future without consideration for the constitutional violations in it. insisting on the civil character status. In fact, redrafting the general Iraqi public, especially The current constitution of its system, considering it as Senior Correspondents constitution has become a in the western regions, where has helped to consecrate and part of the Arab world, defend- necessity for change in the citizens boycotted the referen- support the policy of exclusion ing its sovereignty, outlawing Lamine Ghanmi (Tunis) structure of the fragmented dum on the new constitution and marginalisation of the sectarian politics and the Thomas Seibert (Istanbul) and sectarian political system but were ignored anyway. constituents of the Iraqi popu- quota system in selecting the and for preserving the country In that rotten environment lation rather than promote country’s three presidencies, Regular Columnists from more serious repercus- of collecting the spoils of war, and consecrate tolerance. It changing the country’s political Rashmee Roshan Lall sions, particularly in the cur- there had been many compro- reinforced the dominance of Is- system to a presidential regime Claude Salhani rent circumstances in which mises that had nothing to do lamic parties and made it pos- based on direct voting, reinforc- Yavuz Baydar a military coup is no longer with the interests of the coun- sible to abuse political power ing the state’s institutions and a solution to the problems of try and whose main purpose and the country’s economic immunising them from cor- Correspondents power. was to get many of the articles capacities. ruption and closing the doors However, Islamist politicians of the new constitution passed. The result has been the crea- once and for all on attempts to Nazli Tarzi (London) who gobbled up many of the Thus, the Shia leadership tion of an empire of corruption militarise the society. Saad Guerraoui (Casablanca) spoils of the wealth of Iraq caved in to the Kurdish dic- that destroys the lives of Iraqi (London) found the constitution a shield tates to consecrate Kurdistan’s citizens and prevents them Majid al-Samarrai is an Iraqi Dunia El-Zobaidi for their ill-gotten assets, even semi-independence status from enjoying their country’s writer. Roua Khlifi (Tunis) Chief Designer Marwen el-Hmedi What will Boris Johnson’s Designers Britain do about Iran? Ibrahim Ben Bechir Hanen Jebali Rashmee Roshan Lall Fears are running high in some quarters that Johnson would peel away from the European position and lead Britain into closer alignment with the United States. Contact editor at: [email protected] hen Boris faux-cordial message from Irani- more fraternal Franco-German to untruths and astonishingly Johnson took an Foreign Minister Mohammad position. light on policy detail but there charge as Javad Zarif. Even as he congratu- As signatories to the 2015 the similarity ends. Unlike the Britain’s prime lated Johnson, Zarif warned that nuclear deal with Iran, France, American president, Britain’s minister, the Iran would protect itself. “Iran Germany and Britain have been new prime minister is seemingly Al Arab Publishing House chatter among does not seek confrontation,” speaking with one voice to self-deprecating, an avid reader, Quadrant Building Wpundits and policy wonks was Zarif posted on Twitter, “but we try to salvage the agreement, a fine writer and as his former co- 177-179 Hammersmith Road about Brexit. How would John- have 1,500 miles of [Arabian] which is designed to discourage workers testify, sharp as a tack. London W6 8BS son, the leading campaigner for Gulf coastline. These are our Iran from developing nuclear Accordingly, it’s reasonable Brexit ahead of the 2016 refer- waters & we will protect them.” weapons. They tried to prop up to see Boris Johnson’s Britain endum, handle the United King- What will you do about this Iran as best they could but their treading a delicate middle path dom’s planned departure from incendiary mess, Tehran seemed efforts have fallen short in mate- between Europe’s peaceable, Tel: (+44) 20 7602 3999 the European Union? Would he to be asking London, all smirks rial terms. independent approach and Fax: (+44) 20 7602 8778 crash out without a trade deal and cocked snooks. Accordingly, Iran has begun America’s escalatory policies on or choose a less economically The message was much larger to marginally breach its nuclear Iran. disruptive course? than the Stena Impero. It could commitments by increasing its Even though Johnson has Brexit, however, was not the justifiably be considered a coded levels of enriched uranium even rid himself of British Foreign US Publisher: most urgent challenge facing reference to Iran’s escalating as it seeks to intimidate the very Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who The Arab Weekly USA LLC. Prime Minister Johnson. On confrontation with the United European allies it desperately categorically stated the United July 24, Johnson’s first day in States, even as US President needs. Kingdom’s resistance to US [email protected] office, the Brexit deadline of Donald Trump tightens sanc- So, what will Johnson’s Britain “maximum pressure” tactics, [email protected] October 31 was 99 days away. It tions on Iranian oil sales in do about Iran? Will it tack closer there is every chance Britain will was the impasse with Iran that pursuit of a so-called maximum to the American position or stay want to de-link seized ships from Tel: 248-679-6624 was Johnson’s most immediate pressure campaign to force Teh- aligned with the French and the the nuclear crisis and pursue problem. ran to the negotiating table. Germans? direct bilateral negotiation with A British flagged-tanker, Stena At issue for the Trump admin- Fears are running high in Tehran. Impero, seized July 19 by Iran’s istration is its stated desire for some quarters that Johnson Funnily, this could even allow Islamic Revolutionary Guard a new agreement with Iran. It would peel away from the Euro- Britain’s new prime minister to Corps near the Strait of Hormuz, would cover a vast and shifting pean position and lead Britain position himself as a bridge be- remained captive in the Iranian American wish list that includes into closer alignment with the tween the European Union and Subscription & Advertising: port of Bandar Abbas. Tehran re- Iran’s embryonic nuclear pro- United States. That, however, the United States. [email protected] leased a steady stream of images gramme, its missile defences, may not be on the cards, at least It would be a post-Brexit state- Tel : (+44) 020 3667 7249 and videos of the captured ves- regional adventurism and even for now, for two reasons. ment of Britain’s relevance in sel before Johnson took office. the fate of the theocratic regime. First, there is the temporary advance of Brexit. It was a humiliating dare, a Until Johnson became prime stay offered by the meeting in But there’s no predicting what Mohamed Al Mufti gloating drumbeat that restated minister, Britain seemed fairly Vienna between Iran and the Johnson might do. Marketing & Advertising Iran’s seemingly dominant posi- clear about where it stood on European signatories to the Manager tion with respect to that particu- Trump’s economic and rhetori- nuclear deal. Johnson may want Rashmee Roshan Lall is a lar British tanker and others that cal war on Iran. London trod a to wait for the outcome before columnist for The Arab Weekly. Direct: (+44) 20 8742 9262 might follow in its wake. nuanced position — neither he decides. Her blog can be found at www.alarab.co.uk Johnson’s elevation to prime slapping down Trump’s America Second, Johnson may, like www.rashmee.com and she is minister was greeted with a nor forsaking the comfort of the Trump, be blond, selfish, prone on Twitter: @rashmeerl. 8 July 28, 2019 News & Analysis Gulf Reported Qatari role in Somalia terror attack draws ‘disturbing’ picture

Thomas Seibert

Istanbul

possible role by Qataris in a bomb attack in Somalia may hint at a dangerous A expansion of the dispute between Qatar and its neighbours in the Arabian Peninsula, analysts said. A recording of a cell phone call be- tween a businessman said to be close to the emir of Qatar with the Qatari ambassador to Somalia indicated the involvement of Qataris in the explo- sion in the north-eastern Somali port city of Bosaso in May, the New York Times reported. The Times said the conversation contained suggestions that militants had carried out the bombing to ad- vance Qatar’s interests in the region by damaging those of the United Arab Emirates. Gerald Feierstein, a senior vice- president at the Middle East Insti- tute in Washington and a former US ambassador to Yemen, said the report, if true, was an ominous sign for tensions in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), of which both Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are members. “We’ve seen the press reports al- leging that some Qataris were aware of or encouraged violent attacks on Legacy of bloodshed. Somali medical workers and relatives help a woman who was wounded in a car bomb in Mogadishu, Somalia, May 14. Emirati rivals in Somalia,” Feierstein (AP) said via e-mail. “If these reports prove to be true, it would be a dis- Vertin, a non-resident resident at the make Dubai people run away from The embassy lashed out at the backing the Fayez al-Sarraj govern- turbing new development in the Brookings Institution and a former there,” the businessman, Khalifa United Arab Emirates. “In Somalia, ment in Tripoli. intra-GCC dispute that has been on- American diplomat in the region, Kayed al-Muhanadi, said in the call the United Arab Emirates has pur- David Mack, a Middle East Insti- going for over two years.” told the Times. “The Gulf sees these May 18, the Times reported. “Let sued a foreign policy that seeks to tute expert and former US deputy “Expansion of the conflict into the states as clients. It is all about con- them kick out the Emiratis, so they manipulate and control, in exchange assistant secretary of State for Near Horn of Africa or elsewhere can only trolling the space: plant a flag in the don’t renew the contracts with them for financial support,” the embassy East Affair who also served as US am- further complicate efforts to resolve ground and lock down territory and and I will bring the contract here to said. bassador to the United Arab Emir- the issue peacefully,” Feierstein add- relationships before your rival can.” Doha.” Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed ates, said the involvement of GCC ed. Bosaso is on the north coast of the The recording “was made by a for- Isse Awad told the Voice of America members in conflicts in Libya and In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, the Horn of Africa, facing Yemen. Ga- eign intelligence agency opposed to that he accepted the explanation Somalia would not stand in the way United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and rowe Online, a news website based Qatar’s foreign policies,” the Times provided by Qatar’s embassy. of a possible settlement of the core Egypt severed ties with Qatar be- in Puntland, an autonomous region said. The power struggle between Qatar differences between Qatar and the cause of Doha’s alleged support for in north-eastern Somalia that in- The Qatari Embassy in Mogadishu and the United Arab Emirates has other GCC members. terrorism and relations with Iran. cludes Bosaso, said a landmine trig- denied the story. also spilled over to the conflict in “It’s pretty low on their scale of Both Qatar and its ally Turkey are gered by remote control went off “The state of Qatar’s foreign pol- Libya, where Qatar and Turkey have problems” compared the response supporters of the Muslim Brother- May 10 outside a courthouse in the icy has always been one of creating been supporting militias fighting to Iran or the ongoing economic hood, an umbrella organisation seen city, injuring at least ten people. It stability and prosperity. We do not for the Tripoli government. Egypt boycott between them and other is- as a terrorist group by the Arab Quar- came amid US air strikes on extrem- meddle in the internal affairs of sov- and the United Arab Emirates have sues, Mack said by telephone. “It is tet. ist groups. A local affiliate of the Is- ereign countries,” a statement on the thrown their weight behind Libya beyond dispute that [the row with “Somalia is the most vivid exam- lamic State claimed responsibility, embassy’s website said. “Anybody National Army Field-Marshal Khal- Qatar] hampers Saudi Arabia and the ple of the potential destabilisation the Times said. doing so is not acting on behalf of ifa Haftar, who has been waging an United Arab Emirates in dealing with brought by the Gulf rivalry,” Zach The violence was “intended to our government.” offensive against Islamist militias Iran.” Houthis’ Iran-enabled ascent in the Gulf raises security risks

The Arab Weekly staff have been fighting a Saudi-led 2,700km. As many as 15 UAVs in an coalition backing the forces of assortment of models were shown. Yemeni President Abd Rabbo Man- Cameras focused on “Made in London sour Hadi since 2015. Yemen” scrawled on the aircraft. The technologically superior Houthi-published videos revealed ilitary capabilities Saudi defences have mostly been use of Iranian military UAVs and amassed by Yemen’s re- able to thwart Houthi attacks and re-engineered commercial Chi- bel Houthi movement missiles, although a missile struck nese-made drones but AFP said it M — with substantial help Abha Airport in June, killing one could not corroborate claims that from Iran — pose a rising threat in person and injuring 26. the aircraft had been manufac- the Gulf, analysts warned. tured in Yemen. From deployment of unmanned Houthi spokesman Yaha Saraei aerial vehicles (UAVs) to ballistic In June, the Houthi said that newly acquired weapons missiles, the Iran-backed Houthis rebels initiated 90 had been used in operations he de- are proving difficult to deal with. attacks on various parts scribed as “successful” on airports Attacks against key Saudi instal- of Saudi Arabia after in Saudi Arabia and the United lations have grown more frequent acquiring new weapons, Arab Emirates. as indicated in July when a missile some of which Houthis Saudi officials said that, with Reason to worry. Saudi-led coalition officials show US Central targeting the southern Saudi prov- were shown brandishing Iran’s help, Houthi technology Command chief US Marine Corps General Kenneth McKenzie ince of Asir was intercepted. online. has made a “significant leap from weapons used in Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh, “We have witnessed a massive propeller-powered surveillance July 18. (Reuters) increase in capability on the side of The threat of destabilisation in drones to a larger plane-shaped the Houthis in recent years, partic- the Gulf is further compounded by model” called UAV-X, Internation- played in the last two years point to the Houthis by working with the ularly relating to ballistic missiles the range of weapons that enable al Policy Digest reported. the force’s transformation and ac- Arab coalition to sever the support and drone technology,” Andreas Houthis to attack with medium- Hussein Ibish, a senior resident quisition of considerable strength, Iran offers to the rebels, US Special Krieg, a professor at King’s Col- range missiles. scholar at the Arab Gulf States In- “more advanced than anything the Representative for Iran Brian Hook lege London, told Agence France- Houthi rebels have proudly dis- stitute in Washington, told AFP Yemeni armed forces had before” said in June. Presse (AFP). cussed procurement of new weap- that Iran has had a hand in devel- Yemen’s civil war began, Krieg said. Despite warnings from the in- In June, the Houthi rebels initi- onry. During a news conference oping the Houthis’ armaments. Attacks on Saudi Arabia com- ternational community, Iran’s ated 90 attacks on various parts broadcast on the Houthis’ Al Ma- Ibish and other analysts point to pound the risk of further political position relies on the status of its of Saudi Arabia after acquiring sirah in June, weapons displayed explosive-laden drones as evi- instability in Yemen and indicate proxies whose military strength new weapons, some of which included drones Sammad-1 and dence of the Houthis and Tehran the conflict does not seem likely to is needed because of sharpened Houthis were shown brandish- Sammad-3 drones and missiles, are linked. end soon. tensions between Tehran and ing online. The Iran-backed rebels some of which have a range of Military capabilities Houthis dis- The United States is pressuring Washington. July 28, 2019 9 News & Analysis Egypt Egypt eases restrictions on trade unions to avoid international censure

Hassan Abdel Zaher duced to the law July 11 completely change the process, including re- ducing membership requirements for independent trade unions to 50, instead of 150 in the former ver- gypt has amended its trade sion. The amendments allow trade unions law to give greater unions to determine their own freedoms to the unions and structure and by-laws, remove con- E evade censure by world la- trol by the ETUF and end restric- bour bodies, including the Interna- tions on the elections of the trade tional Labour Organisation. unions. The amendments also re- Cairo fell afoul of the Interna- place imprisonment with fines for tional Labour Organisation in 2017 trade unionists and employers who when the Egyptian parliament commit violations against it. passed a law considered a violation “These amendments are revolu- of the standards of the world labour tionary in all senses of the word,” body. That measure institutional- said Solaf Darwish, a member of ised the government-controlled the Labour Committee in the Egyp- Egyptian Trade Union Federation tian parliament. “They go hand in (ETUF) as the country’s sole union hand with Egypt’s commitments to body. international labour conventions.” The law set membership require- Egypt is a signatory to many la- ments for independent trade un- bour conventions, including the ions that made it difficult for them Indigenous and Tribal Populations to develop and operate effectively. Convention of 1957 and the Free- It also prevented trade unions from dom of Association and Protection determining their own rules and of the Right to Organise Conven- structures. The law banned inde- tion of 1948. pendent unions from receiving in- The amendments mesh with the ternational support, limited their 2014 constitution, which allows financial independence, imposed establishment of trade unions and eligibility requirements for elec- federations on the basis of demo- Adjusting course. Egypt’s Parliament Speaker Ali Abdel A′al speaks during a general session in the tion to union executive commit- cratic principles. The constitution capital Cairo. (AFP) tees and required the presence of allows unions to have legal per- government officials during union sonality, freely conduct activities, elections. contribute to enhancing the skills governing bodies cannot be dis- Parliament’s approval of amend- Some labour activists also object The International Trade Union of members, protect rights and de- solved other than by court rulings. ments to the Trade Unions Law to the amendments because they Confederation, the world’s largest fend members’ interests. The ETUF had manipulated the came as Egypt began what some view them as not offering enough trade union body, described the The constitution makes it neces- Egyptian labour scene for decades, people view as a charm offensive to freedoms for the trade unions. law as “a flagrant violation of the sary for state authorities to guaran- acting as the government’s arm to win approval from major interna- “I cannot say that these amend- fundamental right of workers to tee the independence of the trade ensure the compliance of the un- tional bodies. ments satisfy the aspirations of organise.” unions and federations whose ions and their members. On July 14, the Egyptian parlia- everybody,” said Emad Hamdi, “The law was restrictive in all Independent trade unions start- ment approved a new civil society director of the Chemical Factory senses of the word,” said Shaaban Cairo fell afoul of the ed appearing, soon after the 2011 law that ends restrictions in the old Workers’ Union. “The implementa- Khalifa, president of the Private International Labour popular uprising that ended the au- law, including on membership, fi- tion of the amendments will prove thoritarian rule of President Hosni Sector Workers’ Union, which de- Organisation in 2017 nancing and activities. whether they are enough but we fends the rights of the private sec- Mubarak. Amendments to the Trade Unions will struggle for more freedoms if tor workers. “It criminalised labour when the Egyptian After the revolution, hundreds Law faced considerable opposition they prove otherwise.” trade union freedoms and deprived parliament passed a law of trade unions appeared but they from legislators with business in- the workers of defending their own considered a violation of were denied legal recognition by the terests. Critics said easing the for- Hassan Abdel Zaher is a rights.” the standards of the law, which set off a long struggle by mation of trade unions would not Cairo-based contributor to However, amendments intro- world labour body. labour activists against the law. serve the interests of employers. The Arab Weekly. Red Sea security a concern for Egypt as it faces Iranian threat

Ahmed Megahid pendence by international maritime maritime traffic. In July 2018, the Houthis attacked also special naval troops from the on the Red Sea and the Suez Canal Approximately 5 million barrels of two Saudi oil tankers off Yemen’s three countries involved. but those routes are far from im- oil cross the Bab el Mandeb Strait to Red Sea coast, forcing Saudi Arabia It is not clear whether stepped-up Cairo mune from being disrupted. the Red Sea or the en to halt oil shipments through the Egyptian security moves in the Red “Iran will most likely use the route to international markets every Bab el Mandeb Strait Sea might place Egypt and Iran face ran’s hostile moves in the Strait Houthi militia to threaten the mari- day, the US Energy Information Ad- Regional tensions led Egypt to to face. Nevertheless, Cairo feels of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman time movement in the region,” said ministration said increase its presence at the south- obliged to curtail any threat to the have caused concerns in Egypt, Tarek Fahmi, a professor of politi- Added to the 5.5 million barrels of ern entrance of the Red Sea. The international maritime in the region. I where military strategists called cal science at Cairo University. “The oil that either cross the Suez Canal tensions were probably why Egypt for beefing up security in the Red Houthis are Iran’s arm in this part of to the Mediterranean or are pumped increased spending on modernis- Sea for better protection of maritime the world.” into the SUMED pipeline to the Med- ing its navy. Cairo invested billions “Iran will most likely use movement into the Suez Canal. Iranian activities in the Gulf of iterranean every day, the impor- of dollars in helicopter carriers and the Houthi militia to Egyptian officials said they expect Oman and the Strait of Hormuz have tance of maritime routes in the re- speedboats from France and new threaten the maritime the rise in Iranian belligerence in led world powers to consider an in- gion for the international economy submarines from Germany. movement in the the Strait of Hormuz to increase de- ternational naval force to protect becomes clear In January 2017, Egypt launched region,” said Tarek its southern naval fleet to increase Fahmi, a professor of security at the southern end of the political science at Cairo Red Sea and protect Egyptian inter- University. ests in the area. “Egypt will not allow any threats In 2014, Egypt spent billions of to the security of the Red Sea,” said dollars to dig a parallel channel to retired army General Hesham al- the Suez Canal to allow two-way Halabi. “This area is crucially impor- traffic in the passageway. Egypt tant for the Egyptian economy and plans to turn the canal zone into an the international economy.” international investment magnet Cairo is reportedly in contact with through huge industrial, services allies in the Arabian Gulf on how to and logistical projects. secure Arab interests in the region Apart from the discovery of gigan- against growing Iranian threats. tic natural gas reserves off Egypt’s Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Mediterranean coast, Cairo’s plans al-Sisi has said on numerous occa- to become an international energy sions that Egypt would not stand hub mean that Egyptian leaders will by and watch if the security of Arab be keen on regional security, espe- countries was threatened. cially in the Red Sea and the Medi- On July 22, Egypt, the United terranean. States and the United Arab Emirates “Iran works hard to blackmail started major naval drills in the Red the international community by Sea. Saudi Arabia is participating increasing its aggressions in areas in the drills as an observer. Code- vital to the international economy,” named Eagle Salute, the drills were said Egyptian counterterrorism ex- scheduled to last several days, Egyp- pert Hatem Saber. “The sure thing tian military spokesman Colonel is that Egypt will not allow anybody Tamer al-Rifie said. to mess with the security of the Red He said the drills were to include Sea.” various Egyptian, US and UAE na- Maritime readiness. A 2016 file picture shows Egyptian and French senior military officers at the val units, including frigates, missile Ahmed Megahid is an Egyptian handover of the BPC Anwar el Sadat military cruise ship in Saint-Nazaire, western France. (AFP) boats and mine hunters. There were reporter in Cairo. 10 July 28, 2019 News & Analysis Iraq Diplomat’s assassination in Erbil puts Turkish presence in Iraq under spotlight

Manuel Langendorf Turkey’s involvement in north- ern Iraq has divided opinion in Iraqi policy circles. After the air London strikes in Sulaimaniyah, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry issued a state- urkey’s presence in Iraq has ment condemning the attacks and been in the spotlight since called on Ankara to stop them. the assassination of a Turk- Turkish military operations in T ish diplomat in the north- northern Iraq, where many sus- ern Iraqi city of Erbil, the capital pect the PKK leadership is based, of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan go back decades. The PKK and region. the Turkish government have Erbil has long been a safe ha- been locked in conflict since 1984, ven for those trying to escape vio- which led to the death of more than lence in the rest of Iraq. Earlier this 40,000 people. month, however, a gunman killed Erdogan had peace talks with Turkish diplomat Osman Kose the group in late 2012 but negotia- shortly after he arrived at a restau- tions — and a ceasefire — collapsed rant with consular staff. in 2015. Turkish President Recep Tayyip “In terms of fighting the PKK in Erdogan condemned the attack, the wake of the assassination in Er- saying Ankara was working with bil, Ankara will get tougher but it’s the Iraqi authorities to find the per- already been tough on that front petrator. for a while,” said Barin Kayaoglu, Several days after the shooting, assistant professor of world history Kurdish security forces said they at the American University of Iraq, arrested the man “who planned Sulaimani. the assassination.” Reports said the The Kurdistan Democratic Party suspect, identified by a Kurdish se- (KDP), the dominant party in the curity service as Mazlum Dag, was Kurdistan Region, is talking with the brother of Turkish lawmaker Turkey “to exchange information Dersim Dag, a member of the pro- on the presence of the PKK in Iraqi territory,” said Aymen al-Faisal, a Kurdish People’s Democratic Party, Contentious issues. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu (L) meets with President of Iraqi which had condemned the attack. researcher at the Al-Bayan Centre Kurdistan Nechirvan Barzani during Barzani’s inauguration ceremony, in Erbil, June 10. (DPA) for Planning and Studies in Bagh- dad. The KDP condemned the as- Iran, widely seen as the sassination. is restarting its economic involve- rorist activities in Turkey. KRG, will complicate that,” he said. most powerful outside Kayaoglu said he did not foresee ment in northern Iraq, said Emre Turkey’s presence in Iraq is a There is a level of mutual de- power in Iraq, will be a “serious change in Turkey’s ap- Ozdemir, an analyst in Istanbul. contentious political issue. Muqta- pendency between Iraq and Tur- closely watching proach to Iraq or the Kurdistan Re- There are several reasons for this, da al-Sadr, one of Iraq’s most pow- key, said Ozdemir. Iraq, he said, whether increasing gional Government (KRG).” he said. erful politicians, criticised Turkish needs Turkey to lower its depend- Turkish influence comes Ankara’s ties with the KRG dra- First, Turkey faces an economic air strikes in Iraqi territory, prompt- ency on Iran. Ankara “needs Iraq’s at its expense. matically worsened after the Kurd- crisis and wants to regain an im- ing the Turkish ambassador to Iraq partnership in the region between istan region had an independence portant market. Most of Turkey’s to reply that the PKK was a terrorist Iran and Syria as well as for its fight Citing a security source, Reuters referendum in September 2017. exports to Iraq until 2017 went to organisation. against the PKK,” he said. reported that Turkey had killed Erdogan called the referendum the Kurdistan region and Turkish Most members of parliament If Turkey improved relations those behind the attack in two air “treachery.” The vote provided a construction companies invested say they reject the presence of the with the KRG, it could “play a me- strikes in northern Iraq. boost to Ankara’s relationship with billions of dollars there. The Kurd- Turkish military in Iraq, said Fais- diator role in the medium- to long- The assassination was weeks af- Baghdad because both rejected the ish region’s economic potential al. “They do this to increase their term between Baghdad and Erbil,” ter Turkish air strikes hit Sulaimani- referendum. “is not as high as before, but it is media presence to improve their said Ozdemir. yah governorate in the Kurdistan The rupture in relations with needed by Turkey,” Ozdemir said. chances of getting re-elected,” he Iran, widely seen as the most region. The attacks and subsequent the KRG came after years of coop- Turkey, earlier this year, pledged to added. powerful outside power in Iraq, ones killed several people as part eration between Erbil and Ankara. provide a $5 billion credit line for Despite the spats, Ankara wants will be closely watching whether of a Turkish campaign against the Both sides expanded business ties Turkish businesses working in Iraq. better relations with Iraq, including increasing Turkish influence will Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), and cooperated in fighting the PKK, A second key reason, Ozdemir the KRG, said Kayaoglu, especially come at its expense. which is viewed as a terrorist group while sharing antipathy towards said, is that Turkey wants to pre- in trade. “But Turkish military op- by Turkey, the United States and Baghdad. vent the PKK from using northern erations against the PKK, especial- Manuel Langendorf is a writer the European Union. After several tense years, Turkey Iraq’s mountainous areas for ter- ly when they affect civilians in the focusing on the MENA region.

Viewpoint Iran-backed PMF militias extend their role beyond Iraqi ‘national defence’

ilitary operations phase of Will of Victory as a power PMF was “to support local families Policy magazine. led by Iran-backed grab. Reporting of the battle on the and to restore stability to their While some celebrated Abdul- Popular Mobilisa- umbrella group’s website suggests lives” in Tikrit and Mosul. Mahdi’s move, others dismissed Nazli Tarzi tion Forces in that its forces, having secured a Reporting of the developments it as political deja vu. The group northern Iraq have monopoly of violence, are looking was confined to local media be- was placed under state payroll in ended but a new to having a primary role in con- cause mainstream media circles November 2017. Mchapter in the history of the struction of service delivery. around the meaning behind Iraqi “Hold your excitement about umbrella group of militias begins. Security and its restoration are Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi’s this move,” Middle East analyst Joe The operations, deemed a “suc- themes that feature heavily across PMF integration decree. Macaron wrote on Twitter, adding cess” by Popular Mobilisation PMF publicised rhetoric. It was another decree in a long that “under US pressure and ahead Forces (PMF) media, were said In Tarmiyah, 45km north of line of orders aimed at restructur- of his [Abdul-Mahdi’s] Washington to have driven out Islamic State Baghdad and considered an “ISIS ing the loose coalition of militia visit, he issued this decree that (ISIS) operatives along Iraqi-Syrian haven” by PMF commanders, Iran- forces, many of which receive either cannot be implemented.” border. backed militia leader Abu Mahdi significant backing from Iran. The The operations coincide with As another victory was claimed, al-Muhandis was warmly greeted decree came a day after the begin- new US sanctions on Iraqi militia the existing mandate of the PMF by tribal figureheads and other dig- ning of Will of Victory but it is commanders Rayan al-Kildani and could extend beyond the battle and nitaries. This is despite Tarmiyah’s unclear how the step differs from Waad Qadu and former provincial political field. history of violence that militias moves under former Prime Minister governors Nawfal Hammadi al Sul- Code named Will of Victory, have used to repress residents and Haider al-Abadi to induct the PMF tan and Ahmad al Jabouri, known the operations began in mid-July Sunni clergy. into Iraq’s official security forces. also as Abu Mazen. All four stand and swept through Baghdad, Di- “We [the PMF] were approached Militia forces, which the state accused of corruption and human yala, Anbar and Saladin provinces. and asked to monitor security, argues act under its direction, have rights violations. Forces were said to have searched alongside official security forces, used their “anti-ISIS” mandate to Decrees, though plentiful, have 50 villages — the equivalent to Baghdad operations command, control important networks and not clipped the wings of rising mi- 300,000 sq.km — dismantling federal police forces, Joint Opera- strategic roads and refineries. In litiamen or their sectarian agenda. explosives and chasing away ter- tions Command and Emergency absence of public finances for prov- With a green light from other rorists. Reaction Division,” Muhandis told inces, what is likely to take place is official security actors, the PMF Areas most under PMF scrutiny Tarmiyah’s tribesmen. renewed effort to grab control. is not only occupying the top of Militia forces, which included Anbar province and Mosul Major-General Yahya Rasool, Al Hadath TV reported that Iraq’s military food chain, its reach the state argues act city. PMF news releases stated that of Iraq’s Joint Operations Com- Abdul-Mahdi ordered an end to all is expanding into sectors tradition- orchards and farms were also at the mand, confirmed that a coalition PMF activities, including check- ally managed by Iraq’s provincial under its direction, top of their hit list, claiming that of security actors were engaged in points, and the closure of offices councils. have used their “thick vegetation and flora” were operations to uproot secret terror belonging to separate elements of Its next metamorphosis may pro- “anti-ISIS” mandate used for ISIS ambushes. cells and ISIS remnants along the the militias, known locally as Al- ject PMF power further if it claims The Security Media Cell said in a Iraqi-Syrian border, the Anadolu Hashed al-Shaabi. responsibility for the construction to control important statement the week of July 15 that Agency reported. Abdul-Mahdi previously assured portfolio and service delivery in networks and “the first phase was successful” “As far as we’ve seen, the situ- that individual names of units north-western Iraq. and that the second aims at “bol- ation is fine and the area is safe,” would fizzle out, instead adopting strategic roads and stering security and stability.” Muhandis said the week of July 15, brigade and battalion numbers, Nazli Tarzi is an Arab Weekly refineries. Observers interpreted the second adding that the next priority for the Renad Mansour wrote in Foreign correspondent in London. July 28, 2019 11 News & Analysis Syria Dire conditions in al-Hol and Rukban camps fuel fears of ISIS resurgence

Sami Moubayed Residents of al-Hol complain they lack everything from elec- tricity and clean running water to video that went viral on basic medicine and food, because social media in mid-July of hording, corruption and wobbly showed a handmade Is- administration of the Syrian Dem- A lamic State flag hoisted in ocratic Forces (SDF). the Kurdish-administered al-Hol None of the hospitals in al-Hol camp, perched high in north-east- are working at full capacity and ern Syria. many of the doctors are unli- Terrorism watchers panicked as a censed, explaining why many lives voice was heard in the video saying have been lost after widespread “baqiya” (“remaining”) in refer- malnutrition and diarrhoea were ence to the Islamic State’s infamous recorded at the camp this summer. motto: “Baqiya wa Tatamaddad” Originally set up to house refu- Vulnerable lives. A Syrian girl at al-Hol camp for the internally displaced people in Hasakah (“Remaining and Expanding”). gees from Iraq during the wars of governorate in north-eastern Syria, on July 23. (AFP) Another video showed a woman 1991 and 2003, al-Hol is ill-pre- in al-Hol appealing to Islamic State pared to accommodate the large (ISIS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi number of refugees who flocked to authorities only recently accepted equally tragic but the number of sanitation and infrequent access to “liberate” the camp from the its gates in recent months. that a handful of Deir ez-Zor na- people in the ad hoc camp was to humanitarian aid. The remain- Kurds. Approximately 30,000 of its resi- tives living in al-Hol be allowed to greatly reduced in recent weeks, ing population, mostly women and dents are children — 20,000 Syr- return to their city and the Iraqi under pressure from the interna- children, are not allowed to cross ians and 10,000 Iraqis. Of the reg- government gave clearance to tional community. into other parts of Syria, awaiting Neither the Syrian istered households in the camp, 2,000 Iraqi citizens to cross the Jordanian authorities permitted new permits from Syrian authori- government, the Iraqis, 8,700 are Iraqis and 11,000 are border into Iraq. Promises to repat- residents of Rukban to enter Jor- ties. the Russians nor the SDF foreigners, many of whom are gen- riate internally displaced persons dan from 2014, when the camp was Those permits do not seem near seem to mind what is erally believed to have been either from Raqqa and Tabqa have not set up, until June 2016, when they because Damascus claims that happening in al-Hol, former members or affiliates of been fulfilled since June. sealed off access, claiming that ISIS approximately 4,000 of those in broadly looping its ISIS. They fled to al-Hol after the Neither the Syrian government, cells were operating in Rukban. Rukban are former jihadists, from population into collapse of its final stronghold in the Iraqis, the Russians nor the That summer a car crossed into Hayat Tahrir al-Sham or the ISIS- “ISIS-affiliates.” Baghouz four months ago. SDF seem to mind what is happen- Jordan from Rukban and exploded affiliate in southern Syria known as The Italian NGO Un Ponte Per, ing in al-Hol, broadly looping its near a Jordanian military outpost, the Khaled Ibn Al-Walid Army. Syrians shook their heads in dis- one of the few international groups population into “ISIS-affiliates.” killing six Jordanian soldiers. Since They did not apply to leave to may, saying that an ISIS comeback operating in al-Hol, said conditions The raising of the ISIS flag in July then, all crossings into Jordan have avoid arrest by Syrian authorities, was only natural, given the pov- in the camp hover “on the brink of added credit to this argument. been suspended and only recently choosing to stay behind, Damascus erty and deprivation that locals are a humanitarian disaster.” They say that apart from con- have residents of Rukban been al- says, to recruit teenage militants subjected to in al-Hol and Rukban Its personnel work closely with demnation and warnings from the lowed to enter Syria. from those left in the camp. camp, which is along Syria’s border the Kurdish Red Crescent but com- United Nations, the international In late May, Syrian authorities Sadly, many professionals — with Jordan. plain of a lack of attention from community will do nothing to help agreed to allow 13,153 residents of mainly teachers, nurses, food mer- Both are potential time bombs the SDF, which seemingly places the residents of al-Hol. They say Rukban to move inward, transfer- chants and farmers — left Rukban that, unless dealt with in an urgent al-Hol at the end of its priority list, their condition will change only ring them to UN shelters in Homs in recent weeks. Those remaining and serious manner, will blow up preferring to provide services to when other issues, such as the and then giving them a choice of were either women and children or in the not-too-distant future, lead- Kurdish citizens under its jurisdic- future of Kurdish territories, are destination, with priority given to those deemed “dangerous” — such ing to more radicalisation and vio- tion, rather than to Arabs in the dealt with. their areas of origin, provided that as ex-convicts, former militants, lence. camp. If an agreement is reached be- they were safe and accessible to drug sellers and kidnappers — by Despite one appeal after another The SDF allows most of al-Hol’s tween the SDF and Damascus Syrian state buses. The collective the camp’s population. In August from international aid agencies, residents, especially women and calling for the gradual return of shipment of the 13,153 people was 2018, Russian spokeswoman Maria few mainstream media have picked children, to leave for treatment government troops to the Kurdish painfully slow, because of its high Zakharova said ISIS members were up reports about the 70,000 people in Kurdish hospitals outside the areas, al-Hol would be transferred cost and the lack of vehicles. hiding in the camp, using its civil- stranded in al-Hol. Some of them camp but that is often a trouble- to Syrian government control and That left Rukban with 12,000 ians as human shields. will undoubtedly turn to ISIS or some process that involves bribes the Kurds would no longer have to residents, still a large number, all any local alternative if Kurdish au- to Kurdish militiamen. worry about it. That, however, is suffering from lack of drinking Sami Moubayed is a Syrian thorities continue to treat them in They are unable to seek shelter far-fetched. water, poor medication, malnutri- historian and author of “Under the such a disrespectful manner. or work outside the camp. Syrian The situation in Rukban remains tion, lack of schools, inappropriate Black Flag” (IB Tauris, 2015).

Viewpoint As Syria’s Idlib campaign stalls, Russia looks beyond military action to diplomacy

Russian President Vladimir Putin militant cadre to bide its time. While and China for their support during tually Idlib province, but its efforts and Turkish President Recep Tayyip the Russian-Turkish agreement less- the civil war while stating that Tur- have encountered fierce resistance Erdogan. ened violence in Idlib, it could only key and the United States should be from Erdogan. The two leaders concluded an operate as a de facto truce. among the first international forces The Turkish president strongly John C.K. Daly agreement to create a demilitarised As Idlib, northern Hama and west- to leave Syrian territory. opposes a Russia-backed offensive buffer zone in Idlib, which spared ern Aleppo provinces constitute the As Erdogan’s policies have become in a region that borders his country, the 2.7 million civilians there from last significant opposition strong- more ambivalent towards the United which could cause further potential yria’s civil war, the UN a major government offensive until hold in Syria, the Syrian armed States, Ankara has drawn closer to refugee flows from Idlib, adding to High Commissioner for fighting escalated two months ago. forces are as eager for total victory as Moscow for economic support as the more than 3.6 million Syrians Refugees said, has killed A month before the Putin-Erdogan the dug-in opposition is determined well as military backing. Erdogan’s already in Turkey, leaving Ankara more than 370,000 meeting, the Syrian government de- to resist, once again leaving the civil- controversial purchase of the housing the largest refugee popu- people, made 6.6 million clared capturing Idlib a high priority ian population in the crossfire. Russian S-400 antiaircraft system lation in the world. Furthermore, Syrians internally and prepared ground forces for an Despite rising international con- soured relations with the United Erdogan would like to retain Turkish Sdisplaced persons and another 5.6 all-out assault. cern about civilian casualties, the States. influence in the zones delineated million fled the country. Under the agreement’s terms, the Syrian government and Russia insist The US government was suffi- and its agreement with Russia. The last significant pocket of re- “conventional” rebels were required their actions are solely in response ciently appalled that it cancelled On July 1, the Kremlin reported sistance is rebel-held Idlib province, to withdraw their heavy weaponry to repeated truce violations by jihad- sales of its fifth-generation F-35 that Putin had discussed with Er- which, for the past two months, has from the zone and jihadists were or- ists linked to al-Qaeda who domi- stealth fighter and many members of dogan another trilateral summit on been subjected to intense military dered to withdraw completely. Turk- nate the opposition. the US Congress called for sanctions Syria, including Iran, followed up on action by government forces, as- ish troops were deployed to monitor The largest wildcard in the com- to be applied against Turkey for its July 22 by a phone call between the sisted by air attacks by Syria’s Rus- the agreement but it was never fully plex and dynamic regional geopoli- temerity. Russian and Turkish foreign min- sian allies, who insist that they are implemented, leaving a hard-core tics is whether Russia and Turkey Despite the growing rapproche- isters covering topics ranging from attacking only al-Qaeda militants. can align their objectives and how ment, Russian and Turkish foreign Idlib to Syria’s future constitution. Hundreds have been killed in the much influence Russia can have policy continues to diverge on Syria. For the long-suffering residents offensive. The United Nations esti- on making the Syrian government Russia and Iran continue to assist of Idlib, the summit cannot come mates that 3 million people live in The Turkish president agree to mitigate the slaughter of the the Syrian government in operations too soon, given the earlier failure of Idlib and that more than 40% of the strongly opposes a innocents. while Turkey supports the opposi- numerous UN attempts to broker a civilians are from other previously Russia and Turkey are the tion, whose representatives claim peace agreement. opposition-held areas. UN agencies Russia-backed dominant interventionists and that they receive significant support How far Putin is willing to rein in say that approximately 300,000 Syr- offensive in a region other outside powers, including from the United States, Israel, Qatar Assad to placate his first potential ians have fled Idlib to areas border- that borders his Iran, Israel and the United States are and Saudi Arabia, as well as other NATO ally — Turkey — is unsettling ing Turkey since military operations pursuing competing — but conflict- countries. analysts from Washington to Jerusa- escalated April 29. country, which could ing — political agendas, obfuscating Russia has repeatedly proven, lem, not to mention Tehran. In light of the ensuing military cause further the search for a sense of sustainable since its military intervention began stalemate, Moscow is again eye- and durable peace. in September 2015, that it is eager John C.K. Daly is a ing diplomatic options similar to potential refugee In June, Syrian Foreign Minister to assist the Syrian government to Washington-based specialist on meeting last September 17 between flows from Idlib. Walid Muallem thanked Russia, Iran recapture territory, including even- Russian and post-Soviet affairs. 12 July 28, 2019 News & Analysis Lebanon Druze tensions threaten Lebanese government’s stability

Sami Moubayed friend of Jumblatt’s. and then dilute, the influence of the While insisting that his men are ISF over the interrogation, eventu- innocent of the shootings, Jumblatt ally manipulating the final verdicts. Beirut agreed to let them stand before Bassil has rallied 14 ministers in court as “witnesses” rather than favour of such a suggestion and is or the third consecutive “suspects.” trying to reach out to ministers rep- week, the Lebanese govern- Before that court convenes, how- resenting Berri’s Amal Movement, ment has been unable to ever, all sides need to decide what despite two years of icy relations F meet because of sharp disa- kind of legal authority will be man- between Bassil and the Lebanese greement among its Druze compo- dated to investigate the attack, a speaker. nents. sticking point that has prevented Bassil is setting his differences Lebanese Refugee Affairs Minis- Hariri from convening his cabinet. If with Berri aside to establish a united ter Saleh Gharib, a member of the not solved in a manner that pleases front against Jumblatt. He recently small but powerful Druze commu- all sides, it might lead to a collapse toured southern Lebanon, showing nity, barely survived an attack June of the cabinet. up in Amal strongholds, and gave an 30 while passing through a Druze Jumblatt is demanding that in- interview to Berri’s NBN Channel, district in Mount Lebanon. He is a vestigations be handled by Inter- ending a 2-year boycott. member of Emir Talal Arslan’s Dem- nal Security Forces (ISF), an intel- Berri refuses to take sides among ocratic Party, which blamed the as- ligence branch he trusts and whose his Druze friends. If he does not sassination attempt and the death commander, Imad Othman, is an comply with Bassil, the Aoun-led of two of Gharib’s guards on their affiliate of the March 14 Alliance. camp will reach out to Public Works Druze rival, Walid Jumblatt. Hariri seems to agree with that sug- Minister Youssef Finianos of the Arslan and Gharib are close to the gestion but cannot endorse it pub- Marada Movement, another compo- Syrians, Iran and Hezbollah. Jum- licly, given his position by which he nent of the Hezbollah-led coalition. blatt stands on the opposite end of needs to stand neutral. His vote would tip the balance in a the political spectrum, along with deeply polarised cabinet. However, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hari- it is unlikely that Finianos would ri. Parliament Speaker vote against any Hezbollah-man- Gharib is one of three Druze Nabih Berri is trying to dated legislation although his boss, ministers in the Hariri cabinet, the mediate between the two Suleiman Frangieh, is furious with other two being Education Minis- Druze sides, himself Hezbollah for bypassing him for the ter Akram Chehayeb and Industry being a close ally presidency and giving the post to Minister Wael Abou Faour, who are of Hezbollah and a Aoun. Jumblatt loyalists. long-time friend of Walid If the pressure gets too high, and If the government does convene, Jumblatt. if the interrogation ends up in the Gharib could take the floor to blame hands of the Aounists, Jumblatt will the attack on Jumblatt, prompt- The ISF is pro-Hariri and within withdraw his two ministers from Simmering tensions. Lebanese Druze sheikhs attend the funeral ing the two Jumblatt ministers to its ranks Hezbollah and Talal Arslan the Hariri government, leading to of one of two aides of Refugee Affairs Minister Saleh Gharib, who walk out of the session. If Hariri have little influence. an automatic collapse. were killed in an incident that Gharib called an assassination does nothing to challenge or silence Arslan insists on referring the He is discussing a joint walk-out attempt, in Ramlieh, Lebanon, July 5. (Reuters) Gharib, it is highly likely that Jum- case to the Higher Judicial Council, with Samir Geagea of the Lebanese blatt’s men would walk out on the headed by Justice Minister Albert Forces, who feels under-represent- entire government. Sarhan, an Aounist representing the ed in the cabinet despite his impres- was forced to settle for five not-so- their main Christian rivals. Although Hariri and Jumblatt Free Patriotic Movement. sive bloc in parliament and over- important seats, including deputy If Geagea walks out of the cabi- are close allies, supporting Gharib Although clearly supporting Ar- muscled by his Christian rivals in prime minister and the portfolios of net with Jumblatt, that would raise and Arslan are Lebanese President slan’s suggestion over that of Jum- the Free Patriotic Movement. social affairs, labour and adminis- the number of departing ministers Michel Aoun and his son-in-law, blatt, Bassil is toying with the idea Geagea joined the cabinet unwill- trative development. to seven out of 30. That would be Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil. of a multifaceted investigation, ingly, accusing Hariri of being too Since then, Geagea has been un- a nightmare for Hariri, who wants Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih handled by General Security, the soft on Hezbollah. He demanded der pressure from his own constitu- to avoid it at any cost, explaining, Berri is trying to mediate between ISF and Army Intelligence. Such a a series of “sovereignty” seats that ency on why he is party to such a perhaps, why he seems more com- the two sides, himself being a close committee would be so complex were ignored by Hariri — under Hezbollah-led cabinet, where clear fortable with delaying the weekly ally of Hezbollah and a long-time that it would gradually challenge, pressure from Hezbollah — and favouritism is practised towards cabinet meetings.

Viewpoint Lebanese labour regulations spark outcry from refugees

ar makers often issue found to have undocumented Lebanese Prime Minister Saad stituency. Hezbollah’s and disclaimers for their workers on their payroll. Hariri and Abu Suleiman, in Hamas’s reaction showed just how products, such as Abu Suleiman’s plan was response, assured Palestinian easily — and dangerously — they Makram Rabah “objects in (the) mirror progressing well until it faced an refugees that the new measures can weaponise inhabitants of are closer than they unexpected challenge: Palestinian were implemented, not to harm Lebanon’s refugee camps to appear,” to warn people refugees. their economic prospects, but to incapacitate the state. Cthat perception and reality are two In principle, Abu Suleiman’s protect them. While Abu Suleiman’s drive to different things. campaign was geared at regulating However, because of a climate of see Lebanon’s labour code fully A similar reminder could have the employment of Syrian refu- xenophobia driven largely by implemented is commendable and been useful from the Lebanese gees, not Palestinians, but because Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran should not be hindered by the Labour Ministry, whose new of the new regulations, Palestinian Bassil, their reply fell largely on protests, he should take steps to regulations have drawn unfore- refugees, many of whom face dire deaf ears. Instead, many refugees ensure refugees receive proper seen backlash from the country’s economic conditions, are con- say the new labour regulations are legal protection. Indeed, all legal Palestinian refugee community. cerned that their livelihoods could a coordinated effort to further professionals with a stellar record Lebanese Labour Minister be at stake. persecute them. like Abu Suleiman should fully Camille Abu Suleiman, a member While Lebanon’s new law does By playing on the public’s commit to protecting all of of the Lebanese Forces’ cabinet not recognise Palestinian refugees prejudices against Palestinian and Lebanon’s refugees, both Palestin- bloc, introduced a campaign called as foreign workers per se, it does Syrian refugees to muster political ians and Syrians, by updating the “Only Your Countrymen Can Help require them to obtain a licence support, Bassil has spurred a toxic country’s archaic legislation and You Stimulate Your Business” that from the Ministry of Labour environment for Lebanon’s granting them full civil rights. provided business owners with a through which they can access immigrants, who are understand- If such a brave gesture is not 1-month grace period to correct social security provisions. ably sceptical of the government possible, Abu Suleiman and and register any undocumented The problem for Palestinian refu- writ large. people like him should not shy foreign labourers they may have on gees is that they are permitted to The Palestine Liberation away from confronting the While Lebanon’s new staff. work only in certain sectors, where Organisation (PLO) and its rampant xenophobia of Bassil and law does not Abu Suleiman’s actions — or at they are often employed, either by representatives in Lebanon were his fellow travellers, even if it is an recognise Palestinian least his intentions — were clear: to design or convenience, without quick to address the unrest. While unpopular position in the Chris- implement the country’s existing such bureaucratic procedures. they voiced concern about the tian community. refugees as foreign regulations governing the sector Now, Palestinian refugees suspect effects of the new measures, they The continued scapegoating of workers per se, it and address popular concerns that the state is hitting them with nevertheless assured that all Palestinian and Syrian refugees for Syrian refugees were flooding the unneeded regulations to drive Palestinian refugees are to fully Lebanon’s troubles will only make does require them to labour market. them out of the labour market. abide by Lebanese laws and gestures like Abu Suleiman’s obtain a licence from On July 10, the Ministry of Abu Suleiman’s strict implemen- regulations. contentious and counterproduc- the Ministry of Labour, assisted by local and tation of the law drew a particu- While the PLO took the moral tive. municipal law enforcement, larly harsh reaction from Palestin- high ground, radical populist Labour through oversaw a nationwide crackdown ians living in camps, many of movements such as Hezbollah and Makram Rabah is a lecturer at the which they can on labour violations, leading to whom took to the streets to protest Hamas used the incident to rally American University of Beirut and many illegal foreign-owned what they view as unjust new protesters, showing how much the author of “A Campus at War: access social security businesses being closed and to measures. Some protesters clashed PLO and its archaic institutions Student Politics at the American provisions. large fines being levied at those with the Lebanese Army. have lost touch with their con- University of Beirut, 1967-1975.” July 28, 2019 13 News & Analysis Palestine Israel Pro-Palestinian Israeli academics say they face witch hunt

Suddaf Chaudry ty in Jerusalem said by telephone. “I was one of the first targets of Im Tirtzu. The students started London taking photos and videos of my lectures. They tried to block my ro-Palestinian Israeli aca- course. Anyone who deals with demics said they are vic- human rights [is] subjected to the tims of a witch hunt on worst kind of smear campaign,” P university campuses across said Goldblum. “The Israeli intel- Israel by right-wing groups label- ligence agencies are naming and ling professors and researchers as shaming academics to counter enemies of the state. their support to Israeli oppression The academics point to a website in [the Palestinian territories].” called “Know your professor” that Professor Neve Gordon of Ben- posts names of academics who Gurion University said Israel’s in- have expressed support for the telligence agencies monitor pro- Intimidation. A ring-wing protester and supporter of Im Tirtzu demonstrates at an event held by Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions fessors at university campuses. Israeli left-wing artists and academics in Tel Aviv. (Reuters) (BDS) movement, encouraged Is- “They have Google alerts on cer- raelis to evade military service or tain professors about what they accused soldiers of war crimes as write and they follow their online “Im Tirtzu’s activities are based Meir disagreed. “It is unfortu- Im Tirtzu have been known to in- well as harming the reputation of activity in the English and Hebrew on a dual-pronged approach de- nate that the Council of University timidate human rights defenders the Israeli government overseas. press,” he said. “The strategy has rived from Psalms 34 — ‘Depart Presidents opted to bad mouth a who fight against the climate of been to ask students to spy on their from evil and do good,’” Eytan website aimed at helping students, fear. This in order to deter them professors in the classroom. Meir, director of External Relations rather than addressing the legiti- from criticising Israel’s position,” Professor Neve Gordon “Basically, they will have stu- at Im Tirtzu, said in a telephone in- mate concerns of thousands of said Anan AbuShanab of Amnesty of Ben-Gurion dents sitting in your class record- terview. students about radical anti-Israel International. University said Israel’s ing and even filming lectures “On the one hand, we ‘depart professors who politicise their Gordon said the campaign is intelligence agencies without you noticing. From these from evil’ by exposing and com- classes,” he said via telephone. pushing Israeli academics to self- monitor professors at recordings, they will try and find if bating the anti-Zionist and post- Meir said Israeli students are be- censorship. “This is a chilling mes- university campuses. you are discussing anything criti- Zionist phenomena in Israel and, ing subjected to unfair treatment sage to freedom of speech. It’s tell- cal of Israel’s abusive policy. Then on the other hand, we ‘do good’ by by left-wing academics. ing those who are in the system The website is run by the right- they will use that against you.” educating students and the broad- “Just two months ago, a poll ‘we will make you stifle on what wing, non-profit organisation Im Goldblum accused the campaign er public to reaffirm and restore conducted in Hebrew University you say.’ More chilling to the fac- Tirtzu, whose mission statement of being supported by the govern- their belief in the justice of the Zi- found that students who identified ulty members who are not in the says it aims to play a “key role in ment. “The Netanyahu government onist cause.” with the right were significantly tenure system, who are beginning the development of the next gen- uses Im Tirtzu as a watchdog by Gordon said he’s been a target of more concerned about expressing their careers in academia, we are eration of committed and aware which they try to locate members the campaign. “I have been sub- their views in class; 51.9% of the monitoring you,” he said. Zionist leaders of Israel. These fu- of the academia that do not support jected to their attacks many times. right-leaning students said they Gordon added that the campaign ture leaders are to be found largely the government policy,” he said. They have gone to Knesset mem- were careful about expressing is harming the development of on Israel’s campuses and not sur- Left-wing Israelis say they are bers and people of power with their views to the professor out of critical thinking among university prisingly our presence is greatest among the prime targets of that whom they are in touch, incor- fear for their grade,” said Meir. students. there.” campaign. rectly quoted things and requested Human rights organisations said “The students are only under- Critics of the list of names say it “It is a violent fascist campaign my resignation. Donors who fund labelling academics as “anti-state” standing their role in the university paints all academics with the same against anyone that does not ad- the university have also been ap- is a tool to suppress freedom of ex- rather than focus on learning and brush. here to their way of thinking. They proached to withdraw funding to pression. think critically,” he said. “In effect, “Anyone who had ever signed a are incorrectly informing students the university.” “The publishing of the names they consider themselves spies on petition to support soldiers who that universities are being taken Haaretz reported that the Coun- of the professors in this manner a national mission to monitor their refused to serve in the occupied over by leftist academics,” said cil of University Presidents in Is- is part of the overall trajectory for professors.” territories was considered to be Ofer Cassif, a representative of left- rael described the activities of any opposition voices in Israel who BDS. That was their criteria in cre- ist Hadash party in the Knesset. Im Tirtzu as “a witch hunt run by are criticising Israeli government Suddaf Chaudry is a journalist ating this list,” Professor Amiram Im Tirtzu representatives said extremist political organisations position. Private actors includ- who focuses on the Middle East Goldblum of the Hebrew Universi- their campaign is two-fold. serving cynical political interests.” ing far-right organisations and and South Asia. Viewpoint Israel’s demolition of Palestinian homes undermines prospects for peace

he Palestinian village those who became homeless was the PA prevent an Israeli will it as long as Israel has no of Wadi al-Hummus in watching soldiers celebrating order? defined borders. The Palestinian Sur Bahir neighbour- and rejoicing after detonating The PA’s response was to leadership threatened to go to Yousef Alhelou hood, south of East explosives planted in an eight- tweet: “Ongoing: Demolitions in the International Criminal Court Jerusalem, has storey building. It is sickening #SurBahir started early this but we know that no measures witnessed the largest how a fellow human being is morning with four houses at will be drawn to criminalise Tforceful eviction in the city since happy to destroy your home with once. Preparations started past Israel as long as the United 1967. a push of a button as if he were midnight as hundreds of armed States and the Trump adminis- About 1,000 soldiers and playing a computer game. Israeli occupying soldiers/ tration, in particular, back Israel police officers took part in the The Supreme Court in June bulldozers stormed the town. whatever the circumstances. campaign July 22 broadcast live ruled in favour of the military Families threatened with While Palestinians in East on television without regard to after more than six years of legal demolitions were woken up/ Jerusalem say it is nearly impos- the tears of children or mothers. battles. Israeli authorities moved out of their homes.” sible to get a building permit Palestinian families were consider homes built near the The occupying force does not from Israeli authorities, an Israeli dragged from their homes during Israeli separation wall in the need a pretext to destroy advocacy group called Ir Amim pre-dawn raids amid a heavy occupied West Bank a “security” Palestinian lives and homes. It said Israel had demolished 63 security presence and military risk. The Israeli judges claim the can do what it wants knowing housing units in the first half of bulldozers and diggers. Palestinian homes “limit that its actions will go unpun- this year, compared with 37 They became homeless by an military operational freedom ished. Yes, there were shy during the same period last order from the Supreme Court of near the barrier and increase condemnations following the year. Israel. The destruction of tensions with the local popula- demolitions from the European Not only do demolitions residential homes without tion.” Union, the United Nations, some undermine the prospect for providing a replacement in the No Palestinian asked for the countries and human rights lasting peace but building more same area is a form of ethnic apartheid wall to be built close organisations for “violating illegal settlements and expand- cleansing. It shows how ugly the to their land. The wall was international law” but those ing the existing ones do, too, in military occupation is. designed for a land grab to drive condemnations mean nothing to addition to numerous occupa- Men, boiling in anger, were residents away and change the the Palestinians because Tel tion practices and violations unable to prevent the destruc- demographics of the area. Aviv will continue to enjoy the designed to suppress Palestin- tion of their property. Women Under the 1993 Oslo Accords, culture of impunity. ians to force them to give up Stones can be screamed in the hope to soften East Jerusalem and its neigh- “In line with the EU’s long- their rights, self-determination demolished and the hearts of soldiers. All in vain. bourhoods should be under the standing position, we expect the and freedom. emotions can be You, as a Palestinian, should control of the Palestinian Israeli authorities to immedi- Stones can be demolished and accept being deprived of your Authority (PA) and residents ately halt the ongoing demoli- emotions can be shattered but shattered but basic rights and of your human- whose homes were razed said tions,” a statement by the Palestinians’ resilience can Palestinians’ ity. Families sat at a distance they had obtained the permits European Union said. hardly be broken or twisted. watching their apartments torn from the PA. However, since The Israeli annexation of resilience can hardly apart. when does Israel respect any Palestinian lands across the Yousef Alhelou is a Palestinian be broken or twisted. What added a bitter feeling for agreement? And since when can West Bank never stopped nor journalist living in London. 14 July 28, 2019 Debate Turkey Miscalculations are a pattern with Erdogan

should have learnt from the lesson of nine years ago when he Khairallah wanted to turn himself into a Khairallah fierce defender of the Palestinian cause by trying to outdo the Palestinians themselves in urkish President Recep particular and the Arabs in Tayyip Erdogan’s general. biggest problem is his Erdogan’s Palestinian adventure refusal to learn from ended dismally when the Israeli his mistakes. From this Navy forced the flotilla of ships he point of view, it seems sent loaded with foodstuff to Gaza Tnormal that Turkey would pull out to turn back. Despite that experi- of the group of contributors ence, Erdogan does not seem to developing the F-35 joint strike have learnt to stop improvising in fighter, the fighter jet of the politics. future. Erdogan did it to obtain a The result of the Gaza adven- Russian S-400 anti-aircraft ture, which was improvised and missile network. tantamount to selling illusions to One wonders what would be the Palestinians, was that rela- more important for a country such tions between Turkey and Israel as Turkey: to remain on good deteriorated dismally. Turkey had terms with the United States lost leverage it could have and a basic player within the exerted on the government of framework of NATO or to Binyamin Netanyahu to fall into the Russian alleviate the blockade of trap and have the Gaza which was a kind Russian missiles The Turkish leader of mutual interest kill Turkey’s F-35 was foolish enough to between Hamas and fighter project? the Israeli right- try to have his cake Lost in the fray. US President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin Erdogan and eat it too by wing govern- should have ment. as Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan looks on, on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Osaka, (AFP) thought twice combining the F-35 Erdogan, a Japan, last June. before conclud- project with the believer in the ing the S-400 deal S-400 missile one. ideology of the dictatorship of the minority bad move resulted in a further loss difference between him and with Russia. Was Muslim Brotherhood, regime in Syria have remained just for Turkey on the regional and Muslim Brotherhood supporters Turkey’s participa- did not understand that that, promises. international levels. in Egypt, the Palestinian territo- tion in the F-35 project Hamas, which he sup- What Erdogan ended up doing How can all the mistakes that ries and elsewhere is that he just a run-of-the-mill event? ported, was benefiting from in Syria was allying himself with the man has become an expert at happens to be an ideologue who Quite obviously, it shouldn’t the Israeli blockade to control the Russians at some point and since he became head of the believes that Hassan al-Banna’s have been an ordinary event Gaza and its people while Israel with the Iranians at another. government be explained while he ideology has a future while, in for a country such as Turkey, was trying to market the image of There was no clearly defined refused to have any partner in reality, it is the gate to backward- especially for its military industry the Hamas-affiliated masked rebel Turkish policy in Syria besides the power? The only explanation is ness. that was to become a partner in as the only representation of the desire of joining the Russians and that Erdogan refuses to admit that Anyone who ponders how the production of the aircraft. Palestinians that Israel wanted the Iranians in the war against the he can make mistakes. The most Turkey and its pilots were There were Turkish pilots in the the world to see. Syrian people. important thing a politician can dropped from the F-35 programme United States training on F-35s. In the end, Erdogan was The Turkish president missed do is learn from his mistakes. will ask a simple question: Turkey, In June, the Trump administra- deemed a threat to the Palestin- every opportunity that would Erdogan placed Turkey in an where to? tion decided to repatriate Turkish ians and a mere bidder in the have allowed his country to be a unenviable situation. The man is The answer is simply that its pilots involved in the F-35 project. international market for their just true regional player. He wasted very stubborn and he is adamant internal situation will deteriorate Turkey has preferred to distance cause. them with his unholy pact with on not sharing power given his as long as Erdogan cannot admit itself from the United States and This also applies to a large Iran and by seeking to please popularity in the Turkish country- that he is fallible and that he has deemed its membership in NATO extent to Erdogan and the Syrians. Russia. Such a lame policy points side. erred many times. He must prove dispensable. Will Turkey be able It is true that Turkey provided to one thing only: being totally Most of all, Erdogan does not that he is more than just a mere to play the new role that Erdogan sanctuary and facilities for lost. know much about what is happen- member of the Muslim Brother- wants for it and assume the millions of Syrians who fled to it Erdogan was foolish enough to ing in the region or the world. He hood. consequences? from 2011 onward but it is also try to have his cake and eat it too remains a prisoner of the Muslim Again, the calculations of the true that the Turkish promises to by combining the F-35 project Brotherhood’s uncreative and Khairallah Khairallah Turkish president seem wrong. He the Syrians to free them from the with the S-400 missiles one. That inflexible ideology. The only is a Lebanese writer. EU’s blind eye to Turkey may prove costly

fatigue effect,” the observer Criteria, has been pushed into a added, in a reference to Turkish dark corner. The enormous President Recep Tayyip violation of human rights and the Yavuz Baydar Erdogan. collapse of the rule of law in Other observers say that not Turkey seem to attract little mentioning Turkey at such a interest. The overall mood, if you hree days of talks in game-setting meeting must be look cynically into it, proves the Brussels lead me to a considered as positive for point raised by the Turkish single conclusion: Ankara. If Turkey had been officials, that “the EU needs Turkey is nowhere to brought to attention, there would Turkey more than we need the be seen on the radar have been a series of severe E U.” screen of officials Ankara bashing. There is no indication that the Tthere. Perhaps it is hidden in the On the parliament level, there series of “measures,” which the collective subconscious of the may be understandable uncer- European Union uses instead of European Union. tainty. Who the commissioner for ”sanctions,” imposed on Turkey Some in Brussels blame the lack the Enlargement and Neighbour- are taken seriously by any source of interest on the summer recess; hood Policy will be may set the in Brussels. Called, correctly, the town is half empty. Whatever tone for the policies on the “puny” by the Economist, is left of the attention focused on relations with Ankara. they are a combination of Britain’s new prime minister, On the commission cuts to financial Boris Johnson, and Brexit. level, the position Erdogan, who is a assistance, a tempo- Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Berat Albayrak (L) and Euro- Escalating tensions in the towards Turkey high-stakes gambler, rary halt to high- pean Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen at the EU-Turkey High eastern Mediterranean because of seems to remain has seen through the level tax cuts to Level Economic Dialogue Meeting in Istanbul, last February. (Reuters) the drilling dispute in waters near unshaken, EU moves that the financial assis- Cyprus confronting Turkey with despite the pushier his tance and the the south-eastern member of the eastern Mediter- government becomes, suspension of an mainly because of a lack of priority for the EU. It is also a union seem a case nobody really ranean tension aviation agree- coherent policies on how to deal test.” the more easily he is willing to talk about. and announced ment. with members or negotiating The thing with the interna- The post-election mood has sanctions against may get away with his The first one is partners going rogue. Many of the tional sanctions is, after all, that been an additional element for Ankara. Turkey intentions. only a continuity of choices are based on rosy pre- there are no efficient half meas- the indifference. The selection of continues to be seen as what is not happening sumptions and playing for time. ures — you either mean serious the people in key positions, such a strategic partner. since the beginning of And it will bring more harm than business or refrain from them as in enlargement section, will In the EU executive’s eyes, 2019 anyhow. The second one any cure. altogether. take some time. Before that, most accession negotiations are is basically meaningless “Keeping Turkey at arm’s length Erdogan, who is a high-stakes talk remains a guessing game. still seen as alive and hopes are because the talks were for a long while looking forward to the end gambler, has seen through the EU There are indications on where high that there will be options time stuck in circles. The third of the Erdogan era does not serve moves that the pushier his the European Union stands — or open for reform of customs union one, in the words of a high-level Europe’s interests,” concluded government becomes, for rather refrains from standing — agreement. On the backbone of EU source, is a laughing matter. the Economist in a recent com- example on drilling around vis-a-vis Turkey. At the first what the sources call “strategic,” “When it appeared in the text, mentary. “’The country’s econ- Cyprus, the more easily he may meeting with European Commis- the keyword “transactional” is none of us had any idea what our omy is once more on the verge of a get away with his intentions. The sion President-elect Ursula von deeply carved. statement was talking about, currency crisis (not helped by question will remain whether the der Leyen not a single word on All the vital issues — refugees, somebody had dug up the least government meddling in interest European Union is aware of the Turkey was uttered. energy, trade — are sharply harmful, most obscure point; it rates); the Cypriot government, gravity of the test. “This shows how a hopeless compartmentalised. The main was apparent,” the source said. fearing hostilities, is pushing for case the country is regarded these dynamic that would make Turkey It is apparent that the European new talks; and the Russian missile Yavuz Baydar is a Turkish days,” an experienced Turkey remain a serious candidate for EU Union is playing ostrich by deal undermines Western journalist and regular columnist observer said. “It’s the Erdogan membership, the Copenhagen burying its head in the sand, security… Turkey is a natural for The Arab Weekly. July 28, 2019 15 Spotlight MENA Refugees Turkey accused of deporting refugees to Idlib

Thomas Seibert heads a coalition of Syrian NGOs in Istanbul, said more than 600 people had been sent to Syria even Istanbul though most had protection cards issued for other Turkish provinces. ctivists said Turkish au- “They were forced to sign docu- thorities have deported at ments saying they returned volun- least 400 Syrian refugees tarily to Syria,” Daoud told Agence A to the embattled province France-Presse. of Idlib during July, amid a growing Assad Hanna, another Syrian anti-Syrian mood in a country that activist in Turkey, commenting by took in 3.6 million refugees from WhatsApp, said he had seen that its war-torn southern neighbour. refugees were forced to sign pa- While the Turkish government pers stating that they were return- denied the allegations and said ing to Syria of their own free will. Syrians who were returning to their Hanna posted a picture of such a country were doing so voluntarily, form on Twitter. Halid Hoca, a former head of the Turkish Interior Minister Su- Turkey-based Syrian opposition leyman Soylu told Turkish NTV in exile, said deportations started broadcaster that police raids in after an announcement by Ankara July that netted more than 6,000 that it would crack down on Syr- migrants in Istanbul were aimed at ians living in Istanbul without the foreigners without the necessary necessary residence papers. documentation allowing them to “We have nothing against send- stay in the city. ing people to other Turkish cities Syrians would not be deported, if they don’t have the papers for Soylu said. “When we catch Syr- Istanbul but then they suddenly ians who are not registered, we started bringing people to Idlib. send them to refugee camps,” he Ill-adjusted. A Syrian shopkeeper at his shop in Istanbul’s Kucukcekmece district, Turkey. (Reuters) That’s an area of war,” Hoca said. said. However, some Syrians were He said the son of a Syrian fam- choosing to go back to Syria “vol- ily registered in Istanbul was put untarily” to areas where fighting migrants have been sent back to rival of millions of refugees from cidents. A Turkish mob attacked on a bus to Idlib because he did not has abated. their countries from Turkey since Syria with equanimity but a wors- Syrian workplaces in Istanbul’s have identification with him when A warning was issued July 22 by the start of the year, Soylu said. ening economic situation changed Kucukcekmece district following police checked the family’s papers. Istanbul’s regional government News reports said police had the atmosphere. Turks blame Syr- a rumour that a Syrian youth had that all Syrians without residence stepped up identity checks of Syr- ians for taking their jobs as well as verbally harassed a Turkish girl. In a survey published in papers for the Istanbul metropo- ians in Istanbul, raided apartments for begging on the streets and for Reports suggest that the growing impatience of voters with the pres- July by Kadir Has lis would have to leave the city by and workplaces searching for refu- petty crimes. August 20 or be expelled to other gees without protection status. In a survey published in July by ence of Syrians in Turkey’s big cit- University in Istanbul, Turkish cities, the regional gover- One Syrian refugee told the Evren- Kadir Has University in Istanbul, ies played a role in defeats for the 67.7% of Turks questioned nor’s office said in a statement. sel newspaper that raids started in 67.7% of Turks questioned said ruling Justice and Development said they were “not Istanbul hosts more than mid-July. “They gathered up many they were “not happy” with the Party (AKP) of Turkish President happy” with the presence 500,000 Syrians. Like Syrians people and sent them back to their presence of Syrians in Turkey, up Recep Tayyip Erdogan in recent of Syrians in Turkey, up elsewhere in the country, they country,” the man was quoted as from 54.5% in 2017. In the same municipal elections. The AKP lost from 54.5 % in 2017. are given temporary protection saying. “Syrian workers live in poll, 57.6% of respondents said Istanbul, Ankara and other cities to status. Daoud said nearly 26,000 fear.” Turkey should stop taking in refu- the opposition. Hoca said returnees, some of Syrians live in Istanbul without a Hoca said even Syrians were not gees. AKP politicians used a recent whom were handcuffed, were protection card. To stem the flow, happy with the growing number A poll by the Piar firm drew an closed-door meeting with Er- bused to the crossing at Cilvegozu authorities no longer handed out of refugees in Istanbul. “It is one even starker picture. Almost three dogan to press the point that the in Turkey’s Hatay province, which new temporary protection cards thing to send refugees to other out of four poll participants said government had to do something borders Idlib. There, the refugees’ for Syrians in Istanbul. places in Turkey but sending them they supported the decision by a about the Syrians, news reports papers were checked by Islamist The governor’s office said depor- to areas of war in Syria, that has to local Turkish politician to ban Syr- said. Erdogan promised “new fighters who control the region on tations of refugees who had en- stop,” he said. ians from a public beach. Almost steps,” including incentives to the Syrian side of the border, he tered Turkey illegally would con- Ankara’s tougher line reflects an 88% said they disagreed with the encourage Syrians return to their said. tinue, a reference to refugees from increasing animosity towards Syr- government’s argument that pro- country. Syrians with a criminal Hoca put the number of depor- Afghanistan and other countries. ians by many Turks. tecting Syrians was a moral duty. record would be sent back, Erdog- tees at 400. Mahdi Daoud, who Approximately 43,000 non-Syrian For years, Turks accepted the ar- The rejection led to violent in- an said. Viewpoint Syrian refugee crisis is sparking populist reactions in the Middle East

hen a host the Turkish opposition in the exerting their influence on the Muslim and Arab “invasions” of country recent mayoral elections in ground with brutal and extreme “Christian lands,” as they say. shamefully Istanbul. The issue had grown to vengeance. Syrians are intellectually, Baha al-Awam uses the a point that the ruling party Middle Eastern populism religiously and culturally in no question of could no longer ignore it. So, it seems to be motivated by way different from their Arab Syrian refu- joined the bandwagon and economic misgivings. This is neighbours, except perhaps in Wgees to settle political scores started harassing Syrian refu- why demands for the deporta- some details that work in their internally or externally, it lends gees in Turkey to push them to tion of Syrian refugees are based favour. Before the tragic Syrian itself to being the target of return to their homeland. primarily on material reasons. crisis, Syria used to be virtually a criticism and its humanitarian It is true that the ruling party Sometimes it is argued the second home for many Arabs act of hosting refugees is voided led by Turkish President Recep refugees’ presence burdens the and neighbouring populations. of its content. Tayyip Erdogan used the issue of state budget. Other times it is Populism did not rear its ugly It is true that the Syrian crisis the Syrian refugees in Turkey in argued that the refugees have head then or when Iraqi, has lasted longer than most various ways right from the seized control of the local labour Lebanese and Palestinian pessimistic observers expected beginning but pushing them out market. refugees fled to Syria at one time but assistance to refugees of major Turkish cities seems to Of course, such populist or another. cannot be discontinued before have become an election discourse cannot withstand the Caught between Middle the end of the reasons that led to necessity for the party. test of proof. Data show the Eastern and Western forms of their flight from their home- In Lebanon, where the holder beneficial economic fallout of populism, Syrian refugees can’t land. of political power is an ally of the refugees’ presence. This is find enough arguments to What is happening in Turkey Bashar Assad’s regime in essentially an emotional convince the world of the need and Lebanon, and to a lesser Damascus, populism with discourse not based on fact. to end their crisis. What’s worse, extent in Jordan and Egypt, is respect to the question of the Whoever buys it is not willing to they cannot rely on the Syrian that attitudes towards Syrian Syrian refugees has acquired an accept others under any circum- opposition or on the Assad refugees are changing through uglier face as populist demands stances. regime. Caught between the international shifts in the to deport Syrian refugees have In certain regards, Middle The opposition has failed to Middle Eastern and Syrian crisis and emerging conveniently converged with Eastern populism is uglier than offer a better alternative to the trends in host countries. Hezbollah’s efforts to send them its counterpart in the West. It is regime in areas under its control. Western forms of The most notable change in home to serve Assad’s hunger perhaps best described as deaf The regime, meanwhile, is populism, Syrian the host countries is the rise of for restoring his defunct legiti- and blind but not mute. It rejects chasing young men both inside refugees can’t find populism. When it is exploited macy. the other even if this other and outside the country, to draft politically and in the media, this In such a deleterious environ- shares the same culture and does them in the Syrian Army or to enough arguments mounting populist trend can ment, the media scene is not constitute an ideological exact a service charge on them to convince the quickly swell into a powerful dominated by high-profile threat to the host society. to replenish the state’s dilapi- force. figures such as Lebanese Foreign Remember that, in the West, dated coffers. world of the need to Populism was one of the Minister Gebran Bassil and artist populism finds it easy to rally end their crisis. reasons behind the victory of Adel Karam. The populists are support by claiming resistance to Baha al-Awam is a Syrian writer. 16 July 28, 2019 Debate East West

Boris Johnson’s foreign policy agenda foreshadowed by Brexit

moted by populist power politics sador to the United States Sir Peter of leaders such as Trump and is Westmacott has questioned the undermining the international wisdom of seizing the ship. Francis Ghilès rules-based order and the post-war The United Kingdom was aware institutions and values that placed of the risks as it raised its threat multilateral cooperation between warning for British vessels passing ntil tensions between countries and groups of nations through Iranian waters to Level 3 the United Kingdom ahead of the crude nationalism — the highest. Unfortunately, a and Iran escalated, that wrought so much damage to depleted Royal Navy lacks the observers could be the 20th century? capacity to mount adequate forgiven for attempt- The United Kingdom’s foreign patrols. ing to map the key policy structure needs to be Many British politicians and sen- Uforeign policy issues the United reformed. Does it make sense to ior military and members of the Kingdom’s new Prime Minister divide the United Kingdom’s diplomatic corps fear the United Boris Johnson would face. They international diplomatic effort Kingdom is being sucked ever included: between the Foreign Office, the closer to the hawkish stance on Repairing UK-US relations, Department for International Iran of the United States and, in a which have been badly bruised Development, the Department for worst-case scenario, dragged into because the White House is International Trade and the a conflict. smarting from being described as Department for Exiting the Alistair Burt, a Conservative MP inept and dysfunctional by former European Union and the National and former Middle East minister, British Ambassador Sir Kim Security Council in the Cabinet has publicly expressed fears that Darroch in leaked diplomatic Office? Might it not make sense for “elements in the United States cables and the fury of British the Foreign and Commonwealth seeking to draw us into actions officials at US President Donald Office to be given oversight over about which we might have Trump’s reaction, which declared all foreign facing parts of White- reservations… keeping Iran in the Darroch all but persona non grata, hall in the same way the Treasury (nuclear) deal and working with leaving him little choice to resign has a grip on all domestic spending European partners is all in our after Johnson chose not to support departments? That assumes interests.” him in a campaign debate. Johnson can find time when he is UK officials insist the Grace I Johnson will have to repair not trying to sort out Brexit. seizure had nothing to do with US diplomatic relations in Europe and Iran. The moment British hawkish attitudes towards Iran but address the damage done to the commandos seized an Iranian it is worth noting that Spain’s United Kingdom’s reputation, tanker off Gibraltar in a bold ambassador to Tehran told the however Brexit pans out. Allies are night-time raid, British officials Iranian Foreign Ministry that the not just bemused by the loss of knew — one assumes — they were Iranian tanker had been seized British pragmatism, in some entering sensitive territory. For “following a request from the capitals there is outright hostility. more than a year, Britain had been United States to the United Johnson once compared the cooperating with France and Kingdom.” European Union to Nazi Germany, Germany to save the Iran nuclear Even though Britain was which hardly suggests any real deal that Trump abandoned and supposedly upholding EU Brexit year? Boris Johnson speaks at the Conservative Party in appreciation of the values most come up with measures to offset regulations, the EU External London, July 23. (AP) Europeans hold dear. How it the crushing effects of sanctions Action Service, the European wishes to cooperate with the on Tehran. Union’s foreign policy arm, has argues that recent events are secretary went no further than European Union after Brexit will By impounding the Grace I the remained silent. Britain has only “pulling away from the [nuclear ill-judged remarks about jailed require time and diplomatic United Kingdom mounted an the lukewarm support of Europe, agreement]. That is why, in a way, mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe effort. operation that Tehran has deemed not over the capture of the the initial decision in Gibraltar to that have helped keep her behind The diplomatic dispute over the a hostile act and interpreted as a British-flagged oil tanker Stena stop the tanker was not consistent bars in Tehran. Hong Kong democracy movement sign that Britain was aligning itself Impero, for which there is with our wider strategy with As British influence has steadily damaged UK-China relations. The with the Trump administration’s solidarity, but for the United Iran.” declined in the broader Middle Chinese used robust language at “economic war” against Tehran. Kingdom’s decision to seize the As Burt pointed out regarding a East — a senior Tunisian official British ministers, who pushed Michael Burleigh, who holds the Grace I, which led directly to the possible “miscalculation” that said recently that Britain had back, a response shaped by the Engelsberg Chair of History and second incident. could lead to war: “We have been simply “vanished into thin air” leadership contest. Johnson will International Affairs at London Sir John Sawers, a former head here before (Iraq in 2003) when where Libya was concerned — the have to address the questions: Is School of Economics, pointed out of Britain’s MI6 intelligence suddenly the United States started manner in which the new prime China a security risk or an eco- to the Daily Mail that the United service, has spoken of the “under- to pick out somebody as the minister handles the crisis of UK nomic opportunity? What should Kingdom justified its boarding of estimation about the conse- demon… Look where that led relations with Iran might well Britain do about Huawei, the the Iranian-flagged ship by quences” of the seizing of the t o .” define his foreign policy, as much telecom giant the United States claiming it was transporting crude Grace I and the former British It is worth noting that critics of as Brexit, of which he has been an and others fear is too close to the oil to be refined in Syria. The National Security Adviser Peter UK policy and calls for de-escala- ardent advocate, at least since Chinese state? delivery of oil was said to be in Rickets has insisted that “prevent- tion come from a broad political 2016 if not before. Will Johnson place himself at breach of EU sanctions. The ing an inadvertent escalation into spectrum, which is unusual. This the head of a campaign to push problem is that Iran is not an EU a shooting war is… the immediate crisis drops into the lap of the new Francis Ghilès is an associate back against the culture of member and so no EU sanctions priority.” prime minister whose record of fellow at the Barcelona Centre for strongman politics being pro- apply to it. Former British Ambas- More strategically, Ricketts dealing with Iran as foreign International Affairs. Johnson’s Britain is a reluctant warrior in showdown with Iran

it used to be. It is just a normal an international coalition to take Iran does not seem to see any Iran in Iraq. From time to time, Khairallah Khairallah country, with no real leadership charge of responding to Iran. other option besides escalation that confrontation takes on a mili- and, even with Boris Johnson as It seems that the United States for the simple reason that it does tary character, one that signals the he US-Iranian prime minister, it will continue to does not want to engage in a not have a leadership capable of hand of Israel in the shadows. confrontation has be in a state of utter confusion. military clash with Iran without accepting that there is no shame in Iran has opted for military touched Britain, What a farce it was to see as the framework of an international admitting defeat. escalation. To what extent can the even though the British prime minister a former alliance like the one formed fol- A defeat would not be one when United States tolerate this escala- latter would rather staunch supporter of Brexit only lowing Saddam Hussein’s insane it is taken as an opportunity for tion and continue the waiting stay out of it because for him to discover that his coun- adventure in Kuwait in the sum- self-appraisal and the adoption game? That is the burning ques- thisT confrontation is going to last try’s exit from the European Union mer of 1990. The United States of a new policy based on paying tion for the next phase, a question for as long as the United States is is just one further step on the path waited several months to form the attention to the Iranian interior whose answer depends largely on determined to bring Iran to heel of marginalising the role of the alliance that freed Kuwait from and to the well-being of Iranian Trump’s election agenda. through economic strangulation United Kingdom worldwide. Iraqi occupation in February 1991. citizens instead of persisting in The Trump administration has and Tehran does not seem to see Iran, on the other hand, flexes Britain found itself entangled in escaping reality through adventur- been playing the waiting game. It any other option besides escala- its muscles in the Gulf by detain- a squabble that it had nothing ism abroad. did not respond directly or in deeds tion. ing a British oil tanker. It was to do with. Britain refused to Unfortunately for Britain, it is to Iran’s downing of the most so- The difference between America its response to US and follow the new US policy caught in a confrontation it has not phisticated US spy planes, a drone and Britain is that the United European sanctions pursued by the Trump started. The question is not what that cost more than $160 million. States can afford to play the wait- that targeted not only administration that London is going to do as much as Iran’s insistence on escalating ing game with Iran and can expand Iran but also Syria. Obviously, began with tearing what Washington is willing to do. tension will have serious con- and develop its war on Iran. After all, the oil Britain would have up the nuclear The Trump administration favours sequences at some stage unless By seizing a British oil tanker tanker seized in preferred to be a agreement with an economic war, a war of sanc- it turns out that the Trump ad- in international waters in the Gibraltar, a British spectator rather than Iran. tions against Iran and its proxies, ministration is a paper tiger. This Persian Gulf, Iran demonstrated its dominion, was an actor in the Still, Britain the sectarian militias in Iraq, Syria, seems unlikely, however, given readiness to go far in defying the carrying Iranian confrontation but could not refrain Lebanon and Yemen. that this administration has not international community. Britain oil to Syria. there it is now. from holding the More than that, Washington only increased and expanded the cannot do anything to Iran without Britain is clearly Iranian oil tanker seems set on pursuing Iranian sanctions against Iran, it has sent the United States by its side. confused. It failed as it was crossing proxies and agents everywhere, more troops to the region. About Iran is looking for a military the test of responding the . including Central and South Amer- 500 soldiers have been dispatched confrontation so it can negotiate to the Iranian provocation At the same time, it finds ica. Argentina recently announced to Saudi Arabia, added to those in with the Americans from a posi- and all it can do is rely on the itself unable to respond to the that it considered Lebanese Iraq and in Syria. tion of strength. Above all, Tehran United States in general and on Iranian provocation in the Gulf. Hezbollah as a “terrorist organisa- Obviously, Britain would have is taking advantage of the fact that Trump’s administration specifi- This means the US-Iranian tion.” Such a position should not preferred to be a spectator in the US President Donald Trump is in- cally. confrontation has, like it or not, be underestimated. It heralds the confrontation but there it is now. terested only in preparing for next The problem is that the least involved Britain, even though the opening of old files against Iran, Poor Britain is not to be envied for year’s presidential elections. we can say about the Trump ad- latter would rather stay out of it. It such as the bombing of a Jewish its acute internal political crisis The seizure of the British oil ministration is that it is reluctant looks like this confrontation is go- centre in Buenos Aires in 1994 and brought about by its sinful Brexit tanker has revealed the limited to launch a military strike against ing to last for as long as the United the prosecution of those responsi- referendum. It can’t afford to exit power of the former British Empire Iran, preferring to work on two States is determined to bring Iran ble for the operation. the European Union just as it is “on which the sun never sets.” The fronts: increasing sanctions on to heel through economic strangu- There is an indirect confronta- incapable of countering Iranian United Kingdom is no longer what Iran and its proxies and forming lation. tion between the United States and reactions. July 28, 2019 17 Debate East West

Weakness is Trump’s Mideast legacy

described as Trump’s “inept” policy apparatus is not an artifice but an accurate expression of Geoffrey Aronson Trump’s inability to manage a foreign policy that promotes the United States’ national interest. here is a little secret There is no shortage of leaders that has become who fear the consequences of increasingly clear in Trump’s perilous shortcomings the capitals of the but others are prepared to take United States’ friends advantage of the confusion that and adversaries alike. defines US policy under Trump’s TDespite his huffing and puffing, leadership — confusion that US President Donald Trump is a threatens to reduce considerable weak leader. His personal and US power to a paper tiger, whose policy shortcomings have been danger lies in Trump’s unpredict- exploited to Washington’s ability rather than in his ability to disadvantage from Tel Aviv to marshal American leadership Tehran. among concerned allies and a Two years into Trump’s first divided American public. term, leaders from Israeli Prime US presidents have had their Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to share of military debacles Syrian President Bashar Assad — Jimmy Carter’s failure to rescue have taken the measure of a man hostages in Iran, George W. Bush’s who has upended norms that premature declaration of “mis- served US leaders for eight sion accomplished” in Iraq and decades. Barack Obama’s unrequited red So, it is that while allies and line against Bashar Assad’s use of antagonists see unusual peril in chemical weapons. However, Trump’s leadership, they also see these decisions were understood an unprecedented opportunity to as a credible, if controversial Unpredictable. US President Donald Trump (L) talks to reporters during a meeting in the Oval Office turn Washington’s self-induced exercise of American power and of the White House, July 9. (AP) dysfunction to their advantage. products of a deliberate, profes- At the turn of the 20th century, sional process conducted by the US President Theodore Roosevelt US security system. thus little credibility or deterrent inability to reconcile opposing most successful of America’s famously declared that the United Trump, in contrast, revels in value, especially when they are Turkish and Kurdish visions of allies to profit from Trump’s States would “talk softly but carry conducting US policy by his “gut” followed by equally compromised postwar Syria. shortcomings. The government of a big stick.” Trump turned this instinct, most recently regarding offers to Iran’s leaders to “call The efforts of US diplomats to Netanyahu has benefited from a guide to American policy on its the on-again, off-again decision me.” “freeze” the conflict have been cornucopia of “gut” decisions — head, posting tweets from the not to retaliate against Iran’s The Iranians can hardly be serially undermined by Trump, to move the US Embassy to White House bedroom promising downing of an American intelli- blamed for coming to the same who, in little noticed remarks July Jerusalem, estrange and margin- to eliminate enemies and dispar- gence drone. Trump’s actions risk conclusion. 16, repeated his intention to alise the Palestinian leadership aging allies. These are followed by being seen in Tehran and else- “[After] the downing of the implement a quick exit of US and to undermine the interna- implausible declarations of love where, not as evidence of his American drone,” Brigadier-Gen- forces from Syria. tional consensus on a two-state and possible good fellowship. humanitarian concern for Iranian eral Gholam Reza Jalali, the head “We’re rapidly pulling out of solution to name a few. In a disciplined administration casualties, but as evidence that, of Iran’s Civil Defence Organisa- Syria. We’ll be out of there pretty With Trump in the White that worked effectively and in the Trump era, Washington’s tion and a senior Islamic Revolu- soon and let them handle their House, Netanyahu’s main concern benefited from a well-run bark is far worse than its bite. tionary Guard Corps commander, own problems. Syria can handle is to restrain his demands on the policymaking national security North Korea’s response to recently noted, “the Iranians [its] own problems — along with US president lest he incur the apparatus, Trump’s much Trump is instructive. Dismissing came to understand the hollow- Iran, along with Russia, along deadly wrath of a late-night remarked upon unpredictability his threats to unleash “fire and ness of the US military power.” with Iraq, along with Turkey. tweet. could be viewed as a deliberate fury,” North Korean Supreme The view from Damascus, We’re 7,000 miles away,” Trump Washington’s foreign policy had strategy — and count as an Leader Kim Jong-un is content to which easily absorbed a one-off said. its share of troubles before Trump advantage on the international humour Trump’s essential “spontaneous” missile strike on a Trump’s observer status in Syria occupied the White House but stage. This was President Richard interest in pageantry, in a diplo- Syrian airbase in April 2017, is no was the subtext of a meeting at Trump’s shortcomings have Nixon’s “madman” strategy, as he matic dance that puts no restric- less damning. Trump’s “gut” the end of June called by Israel to weakened the hand he was dealt. revelled in a deliberate lack of tions on the consolidation of action produced some favourable discuss Syria. The United States Of even greater concern, at least clarity of US foreign policy aims North Korea’s nuclear deterrent. press reviews but was of no agreed to share the stage with to Washington’s friends, is that while threatening the apocalypse. Elsewhere, Trump has casually diplomatic or military signifi- Russia and Israel, whose close Trump’s undisciplined conduct of “Constructive ambiguity” in the employed language threatening to cance. coordination on Syria and policy exacerbates the damage context of a professional national “obliterate” Iran that no prede- East of the Euphrates, Washing- apparent agreement on broad done to the United States and security operation is also a useful cessor, schooled in the language ton remains a bulwark against outlines of Syria’s future — ruled makes the world a more danger- tool but Trump is in a class by of nuclear threat and deterrence, Assad’s recapture of northern by Assad and with Iran’s role ous, unstable place. himself. The chaos that results has ever uttered. Trump, how- Syria but, as the recent German minimised — leave the United from what Sir Kim Darrouch, the ever, pays no attention to this decision not to deploy ground States as a very visible junior Geoffrey Aronson is a now famous former British history. For him, such threats forces to Syria illustrates, the partner. nonresident scholar at the Middle ambassador to Washington, have no operational meaning and United States is hobbled by its Indeed. Israel has been the East Institute in Washington. Americans want no war with Iran, split on Israel-Palestine

independents, 54% said they are undoubtedly concerned that In 2018, the Pew Research whom he recently attacked over wanted a non-military response. military hostilities with Iran Centre reported similar differ- their ethnic and religious Gregory The breakdown of those could lead to another such quag- ences between Republicans and backgrounds to paint the whole Aftandilian favouring a military response mire. Democrats. To the question: “In party as being against the was: 31% of Republican poll Republicans, however, seem the dispute between Israel and Jewish state. participants, 16% of Democrats to be much more willing to let the Palestinians, who do you Democrats will try to say they ecent polling data and 27% of independents. Trump make the decision of sympathise with more?” Nearly are supportive of Israel and the indicate interesting Undoubtedly, those senti- using force than the Democrats. four-fifths of Republicans asked Israeli people — and a recently details about the ments were a factor in US The Democrats in the US said “Israel” compared with 27% passed House resolution against mood of the Ameri- President Donald Trump’s House of Representatives of Democratic respondents who the Boycott, Divestment and can public regarding decision to call off included a provision in a answered the same. Sanctions movement attests to key issues related to military strikes in version of the In a Pew poll conducted this this — but are against the Rthe Middle East. response to Iran’s About 50% of National Defence year, 61% of Republicans policies of the Netanyahu A Hill-Harris survey of US downing of a highly Republicans stated Authorisation Act queried stated a favourable government. voters, taken June 22-23, stated sophisticated they want a non- that stated that attitude towards the Israeli Such themes will play to the that 58% of respondents said drone in June. military response to the president government versus 26% of American political parties’ there should be a “non-mili- Although both Iran compared with cannot take the Democrats. Majorities in both supporters but whether Trump tary” response to the Iranian national security 67% of Democrats. country to war parties voiced a favourable will gain traction on the issue of downing of a US drone near the adviser John Among independents against Iran opinion of the Israeli people, Israeli-Palestinian conflict Strait of Hormuz: 49% said they Bolton and US 54% said they wanted without congres- though the figures were higher outside of his base is highly wanted a negotiated solution Secretary of State a non-military sional authorisa- among Republicans (77%) than questionable. The 2019 Pew poll and 9% said no action should be Mike Pompeo response. tion. Democrats (57%). said that while most Americans taken. reportedly favoured On the issue of In 2018, Shibley Telhami, of say they support the Israeli Interestingly, despite negative such strikes, Trump, with Israeli-Palestinian the University of Maryland, people, they — and not just American attitudes towards the an eye to the 2020 election conflict, however, there are stated that “what many read as a Democrats — do not support the Iranian regime, only 19% of and gauging the sentiments of sharper divisions between rising anti-Israeli sentiment government of Israeli Prime those asked said there should be the electorate, overruled his top Republicans and Democrats. among Democrats is mischarac- Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. a military response. advisers. A University of Maryland/ terised; it reflects anger towards Hence, while Trump seems to Although the US electorate is The polling results may not be Nielson Scarborough poll in 2018 Israeli policies — and increas- have the pulse of the American sharply divided between surprising given that most of the said 57% of Republican respond- ingly with the values projected people on the issue of war with Republicans and Democrats, US public, even those identify- ents want the Trump adminis- by the current Israeli govern- Iran, he is probably mistaken in there was not a very large ing as Republicans, said they tration to lean towards Israel ment.” believing he can play the Israeli difference in the responses consider the Iraq war of 2003 as outright but 7% Democratic This is likely to play out in the card to his advantage. between adherents of these a mistake and that its high costs participants said the same. 2020 elections. Trump has political parties. About 50% of in terms of blood and treasure About 82% of Democrats asked characterised Democrats as the Gregory Aftandilian is a lecturer Republican respondents said should not be repeated. said they wanted the adminis- “anti-Israel” party and will use in the Pardee School of Global they want a non-military As a presidential candidate in tration to be even-handed, that critical statements about Israel Studies at Boston University and response compared with 67% of 2016, Trump played to those is, leaning neither towards Israel by some of the four minority a former US State Department Democrats asked. Among sentiments. Many Americans nor the Palestinians. Democratic congresswomen Middle East analyst. 18 July 28, 2019 Economy

Abu Dhabi’s state energy firm moves Briefs Kuwaiti, Saudi officials discuss resuming to enhance its regional profile neutral zone oil production – KUNA Jareer Elass product sales. OPEC members Saudi Arabia and Oman Oil Company entered into Kuwait have discussed resuming oil a 50/50 joint trading operation with production in jointly operated fields n a push to derive greater rev- Swiss-based trading organisation in the Saudi-Kuwaiti neutral zone, enue from its crude and oil Vitol in 2005 with the Omani govern- Kuwaiti state news agency KUNA products, position itself more ment subsequently buying out Vitol’s said. I prominently in the global oil share in 2015. In 2012, Saudi Aramco The Saudi minister of state for community and enhance its re- established Saudi Aramco Products energy affairs visited Kuwait to gional profile, Abu Dhabi’s state Trading Company for marketing “continue to discuss and cooperate energy firm is establishing a trading refined products and petrochemicals, on the resumption of oil production department to rival its competitors. with the subsidiary beginning to in the southern [neutral zone] after It is also looking to create a regional trade non-Saudi crude two years settling all required technical issues oil price benchmark from the most ago. from both sides,” a Kuwaiti govern- popular grade of crude that it ex- In June, Saudi Aramco’s trading ment spokesman said. ports. arm reported that it had opened an The Saudi-Kuwaiti neutral zone is A selling point for the Abu Dhabi office in Fujairah to boost its trading an area of 5,770 sq.km along the two National Oil Company (ADNOC) volumes 50% from 2018 levels by countries’ borders left undefined developing its flagship Murban grade 2020. Two years ago, Iraq’s State Oil when the border was established in as a benchmark crude is that the oil Marketing Organisation created a 1922. is exported from the United Arab Dubai-based joint venture trading Emirates’ Fujairah port. The facility firm with the marketing subsidiary (Reuters) has ample storage and it is where of Russian oil giant Lukoil to trade Saudi Aramco CEO Amin H. Nasser (L) shakes hands with shipping traffic is largely immune Iraqi, Russian and other crude grades. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and the Abu Dhabi from potential regional strife, in Last year, ADNOC announced it National Oil Company CEO, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, contrast to the Strait of Hormuz. was forming its own trading unit and Turkey says no more November 12, 2018. (Reuters) it has been recruiting top trading exploration ships As part of its goals, ADNOC talent, including from French oil necessary in eastern has been building a 42 firm Total and other majors and Other crudes generally are com- ADNOC’s light sour Murban crude million-barrel underground trading houses. The Abu Dhabi state pared to those benchmarks by agreed- grade is generally lighter than other Med for now energy giant joined forces in Janu- upon price differentials based on regional crudes but the substantial crude storage facility at ary with Italy’s Eni and Austria’s factors including American Petroleum rise in US light crude volumes par- No further energy exploration or Fujairah. OMV to establish a joint venture to Institute gravity, sulphur content ticularly directed towards Asian drilling ships are necessary in the As part of a plan that has been in sell refined products. and transportation costs. buyers could help boost Murban as eastern Mediterranean for now, the works for several years, ADNOC ADNOC is also eyeing opportuni- Three benchmark crudes are the a regional and international bench- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Ca- is creating a full-scale, in-house ties to work with a foreign firm that most significant when it comes to mark. vusoglu said as a dispute continued trading organisation for its crude could provide it with extensive selling and buying oil in the global For Murban to succeed as a crude over Turkish drilling for gas and oil and refined products to move beyond worldwide storage facilities to enhance oil market: the United Kingdom’s benchmark, ADNOC must prove the off Cyprus. selling directly to end users and to its crude and products trading capa- Brent crude — a blend of light sweet grade’s volumes are stable and Cavusoglu told broadcaster TGRT open to new markets. bilities and help transform Murban crude oil from 15 different North Sea relatively large with a derivatives Haber that Turkey was ready to The state oil and gas firm is mull- into an oil benchmark. oil fields — which has the greatest market that allows for hedging and cooperate to reach a solution to the ing removing destination restrictions ADNOC has been building a 42 global reach; the United States’ light forward trading. dispute over energy resources in the for its crude and oil products to allow million-barrel underground crude sweet West Texas Intermediate crude, Removing destination-bound region. them to be traded freely on the open storage facility in Fujairah. It is also primarily used as a benchmark for requirements and beefing up its market. ADNOC’s oil exports have reportedly following Saudi Aramco’s other crudes produced in the United storage capabilities in Fujairah and (Reuters) primarily been dedicated to Asian lead in preparing to open a Fujairah States and for imported crudes from locations outside the Gulf certainly buyers, with the Murban grade a trading office. Canada, Mexico and South America; bolster ADNOC’s case but a full-bore popular choice for being easily refined In trying to establish its Murban and Dubai/Oman, two medium sour campaign to push for Murban as an and for producing high yields of crude grade as a regional — and grades of which the prices are aver- oil benchmark plan is contingent on Iraqi Kurdish energy petrol and other premium fuels. potentially international — crude aged to create a benchmark com- approval by UAE governmental enti- minister moved to ADNOC is following several regional benchmark, ADNOC will have its monly associated with Middle East- ties, including the Abu Dhabi Supreme state-owned oil firms that have cre- work cut out for it. Benchmark crudes ern oil exported to Asian markets. Petroleum Council. advisory role in new ated an in-house trading operation essentially serve as reference prices Gulf producers, including Saudi cabinet or collaborated with foreign partners for buyers and sellers, with bench- Arabia, selling to Asian customers Jareer Elass reports from in trading joint ventures to achieve mark crudes widely and actively typically price their crude grades Washington on energy issues for Long-serving Iraqi Kurdish more value from their crude and bought and sold. off the Dubai/Oman benchmark. The Arab Weekly. Natural Resources Minister Ashti Hawrami will take up an advisory role as assistant prime minister for energy affairs in Kurdish Prime Eastern Med countries agree to move ahead with gas forum Minister Masrour Barzani’s cabinet, lawmakers said. Hawrami, the Kurdistan Regional Amr Emam of the international gas field. country, you [the Egyptian people] “These states have a chance of Government’s energy minister With sprawling gas processing would have blamed us for not taking assured success only if they increase since 2006, is seen as the master- facilities, Egypt wants to be a hub action.” this cooperation,” said Osama Kamal, mind behind the semi-autonomous Cairo for gas wells in the region, process Sisi met with the ministers before a former Egyptian petroleum min- region’s plans to have an energy it and send it to the international the EMGF meeting and expressed ister. “The forum is made up by industry free from the Baghdad nergy ministers from the market. Israeli natural gas is expected optimism that cooperation would natural gas producers and consum- central government’s control. founding countries of the to flow to Egyptian liquefaction improve through the natural gas ers, which means that its members “Hawrami has been appointed as Eastern Mediterranean Gas facilities in November, Israeli Energy finds in the eastern Mediterranean. are badly in need of each other.” an assistant to Prime Minister Bar- E Forum agreed to complete Minister Yuval Steinitz said. This could turn those resources into EMGF seems to be inviting more zani for energy affairs. He will help the basic structure of the group and The flow of Israeli gas to Egypt real investment opportunities, he than the attention of natural gas run the energy portfolio until a new enhance cooperation to promote stems from a $15 billion agreement said. importers. US Energy Secretary Rick minister is appointed,” said Kurdish the exploitation of natural gas re- Israel’s Delek Drilling and Texas- Sisi said EMGF would help mem- Perry and representatives of the lawmaker Sirwan Baban. serves in the region. based partner Noble Energy and an bers coordinate policies to enhance European Union, France and the During a meeting July 25 in Cairo, Egyptian company signed in Febru- the regional natural gas market. “This World Bank also attended the meet- (Reuters) energy ministers of Egypt, Cyprus, ary 2018. A few days later, Egyptian will pave the road for the creation ing. Greece, Israel, Italy, the Palestinian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said of an integrated regional energy Perry, who said the forum would territories and a representative of Egypt had scored a “big goal.” centre,” he said. lay the groundwork for cooperation EIB to halt Turkey the energy minister of Jordan said “The gas would have either got Local energy experts said utilisa- among gas producers and consum- they would form a committee to [to the international market] through tion of natural gas resources in the ers, was invited by the EMGF found- govt-linked lending elevate the forum to the level of an us or through another country,” Sisi region would be much easier if coun- ing states as a guest of honour. till year-end international organisation that said. “If it had got out through another tries increased cooperation. EMGF energy ministers said they respects the rights of its members would upgrade available natural gas to their natural resources. routes, increase them in the future The European Investment Bank The meeting of the Eastern Med- and speed up economic exploitation will not do any new lending in Tur- iterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) found- of reserves. They also promised to key linked to the government until ers was almost six months after the benefit from private-sector exper- at least the end of the year while it forum was declared. EMGF is a new tise. carries out a strategy review. player on the international natural There has been growing interest The move is part of an EU deci- gas scene, deriving its force from from international oil and gas com- sion to symbolically punish Turkey numerous gas finds in the region in panies in the region’s natural gas over what it calls “illegal” drilling recent years. potential. for oil and gas off Cyprus in the The forum is an expression of the “International oil and gas compa- eastern Mediterranean. changing face of the region, in which nies will most likely work to make “As the EU bank, the [European political and military rivalries and more finds in the future,” said Salah Investment Bank] EIB will follow animosities are overshadowed by Hafez, the former head of the Egyp- the council’s recommendations economic interests, even as some tian General Petroleum Corporation, and, notably, will take a restrictive regional countries, including Turkey, the executive arm of the Ministry approach towards the submission Lebanon and Syria, are yet to join. of Petroleum. “In this, these com- of new lending operations to its Holding the potential of changing panies will be encouraged by the Board for approval for the rest of strategic and economic conditions finds that have already been made the year,” an EIB spokeswoman in the eastern Mediterranean and in the region.” said. allowing for wider economic coop- New structure. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (C) eration and trade between its states, with US, Israeli and Egyptian ministers during the Eastern Amr Emam is an Arab Weekly (Reuters) EMGF will put Egypt at the centre Mediterranean Gas Forum, Cairo, July 25. (AFP) contributor in Cairo. July 28, 2019 19 Economy Energy concerns drive Turkey’s risky moves

Sabahat Khan

Dubai

urkey is aiming to become a $1 trillion economy by 2023. If the story of the country’s T economic development is to continue, its energy security will be crucial. However, relying on supplies from Iran and Iraq, Turkey’s en- ergy security landscape has been perpetually unsettled. Two months ago, Turkey stopped buying Iranian oil after the United States ended waivers for eight countries that had been significant buyers of Iranian oil. Ankara was unhappy about being forced by the United States to stop its oil purchases from Iran, which was its main oil supplier and sup- plying approximately 40% of its total imports, but was in no mood to face US sanctions. Before the cut- off date of US waivers in May, Tur- key had reduced imports of Iranian oil substantially. Turkey began turning increas- ingly to Iraq, which has displaced Iran as Turkey’s largest oil supplier. Iraq accounts for around one-third of Turkish imports. In the second place, Russian oil represents more than one-fifth of Turkey’s total oil imports. With Ankara’s political aversion to Saudi and United Arab Emirates oil, Kazakhstan has become the Risky moves. A Turkish Navy warship patrolling next to Turkey’s drilling ship Fatih in the eastern Mediterranean near Cyprus. (AFP) third biggest source of oil imports for Turkey. Azerbaijan is another important supplier for Turkey. people killed in a shooting at a res- Last year, approximately one- Realising its vision of becoming to double from current levels to 2.2 However, Ankara could find its taurant in Erbil. The attack, blamed fifth of Turkey’s electricity was an energy gateway to Europe for million barrels per day. energy security facing risks at any on the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, is generated from natural gas; a year Russian, Central Asia and even Mid- Recent weeks have seen Ankara time. For example, reliance on Iraq a reminder of the broader political earlier, it was almost one-third dle Eastern supplies will prove use- drawn into new strains with Eu- for oil comes with serious political challenges associated with devel- so Turkey’s dependence on gas is ful to Turkey’s own future energy rope and regional countries, states risks. Following the much-publi- oping a strategic relationship with gradually coming down. With un- security. Turkey’s gradual strategic such as Egypt and Greece, as Turk- cised tanker attacks in the Gulf, an the KRG. derground and floating gas storage rebalancing towards renewables ish drilling commenced off Cyprus. ExxonMobil camp in Basra became Increasingly, Ankara has devel- facilities being developed in Lake will also make it more energy se- There have been large gas finds in the target of rocket attacks. More oped plans to diversify its energy Tuz and the Sea of Marmara, Tur- cure in the decade ahead. the Mediterranean in recent years worrying for Turkey was the lin- sources in terms of countries, im- key is hoping to increase its storage In the meantime, however, An- and some estimates claim total gas gering oil revenue sharing dispute port routes and by rebalancing with capacity and make it possible to di- kara finds itself in intense competi- revenues in northern Cyprus could between the Kurdish Regional Gov- renewables. versify its natural gas suppliers and tion and rivalries in the region that be worth $30 billion in profits over ernment (KRG) in northern Iraq and Turkey’s demand for electricity import routes. have come with political costs. the next two decades. the federal government in Baghdad. is likely to increase from 303.3 tera- Work on the Turkish side of Turk- Turkey’s extended role in Libya Turkey, which does not recognise Some Iraqi legislators have called watt-hours today to 375.8 terawatt- Stream, a natural gas pipeline de- may present new scenarios for Cyprus as a sovereign state, said for military force against the KRG to hours by 2023. Ankara has targets signed to transport Russian gas to its energy security if the side it is it is drilling inside its continental force compliance and while that is for producing around 40% of its Turkey and southern Europe is near- supporting against Field-Marshal shelf with three ships. The Euro- unlikely, there are risks that could electricity by 2023 from renewa- ing completion. The Southern Gas Khalifa Haftar, backed by the Unit- pean Union has approved cuts of disrupt the flow of oil from Iraqi bles. The first phase of Turkey’s Corridor, which would pump Azer- ed States, Egypt and its Arab Gulf $160 million allocated for Turkey in Kurdistan. Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is ex- baijani gas to Turkey and Europe, allies, can hold its ground. Libya’s 2020 as a penalty for its drilling ac- Osman Kose, Turkey’s deputy pected to start supplying electricity is to begin operating imminently as National Oil Company is targeting tivities although Turkey is likely to consul general, was among three to the grid by 2023. well. increases in oil production by 2023 continue its exploration activities. Tunisia faces worsening energy deficit

Riadh Bouazza and Mines was literally abolished Over the past eight years, the and the portfolio reassigned to the energy item in the annual budget prime minister’s office. has been a chronic headache. Oil Tunis World Bank reports and local au- and gas import costs are estimated dits by the government’s auditing at more than $2.1 billion. Figures he Tunisian government department insisted on the neces- from the National Institute of Sta- has acknowledged the sity to adopt good governance in tistics state that last year’s energy risks faced by the country’s the energy and mining sectors. Tu- deficit was one-third of Tunisia’s T economy because of its in- nisian authorities, therefore, said total trade deficit, which reached a ability to meet growing domestic the time has come to establish a record $6.2 billion. demand for energy. In so doing, long-term vision to move forward Most of Tunisia’s natural gas im- it implicitly admitted the govern- with the energy sector because the ports are from Algeria. Tunisia has ment’s failure to address this sensi- country has considerable potential signed import contracts at prefer- tive issue. and the required human resources ential prices with Algeria’s state- Speaking in late May at the open- in renewable energies that can owned Sonatrach and Algeria’s ing of the national dialogue on the meet energy needs. power company Sonelgaz supplies energy and mining sector, the first electricity to Tunisia during sum- of its kind since 2011, Tunisian mer peak periods. Prime Minister Youssef Chahed Tunisia produces about Tunisia, however, has limited said: “We have repeatedly warned 40,000 barrels of crude options to meet its future energy of the risks posed by the energy oil per day, down from needs. Experts predict gas produc- Tough challenges. Tunisian Minister of Industry and Energy Slim situation in the country as a result about 110,000 barrels tion will decline, starting next year. Feriani speaks during an interview in Tunis, last January. (Reuters) of the existing deficit that weighs per day in 2010. In January, Tunisian Minister of heavily on the Tunisian economy.” Industry and Energy Slim Feriani Every time the issue of the en- Official data show that with the sought to convey optimism when of up to $700 million and is expect- The Tunisian government also ergy sector is brought up in Tuni- decline of hydrocarbon production he confirmed, during an interview ed to start production this month. plans to produce 1,900 megawatts sia, there ensues heated debate during the last eight years, Tunisia with Reuters, that Tunisia was in- The Nawara field is one of the of renewable energy by 2022, with about corruption in the sector and meets only 8% of its annual energy creasing natural gas production government’s most important pro- investments of up to $2 billion. the absence of a strategic vision. needs from domestic oil and gas re- to cover rising domestic demand. jects, providing half of the 2.7 bil- Tunisia is working to attract for- “In recent years, Tunisia has faced sources. “Tunisia’s production of gas will lion cubic metres of annual domes- eign investments for wind and so- many problems related to misman- The country produces about nearly double to 65,000 barrels tic gas demand and reducing by lar energy projects accounting for agement and lack of transparency 40,000 barrels of crude oil per per day of oil equivalent when the 30% the country’s gas imports. about 22% of the country’s electric- in the energy and fuel sectors,” day, down from about 110,000 bar- Nawara field in the south goes into Tunisia also aims to raise its oil ity production. The government Chahed said. rels per day in 2010. The drop in production next June,” he said. production. In May, Feriani an- hopes that Tunisia’s renewable Last August, following the disclo- production is attributed mostly to The Nawara field in southern nounced that “the number of ex- energy production will reach 3,800 sure of a corruption scandal related work stoppages and strikes that Tunisia is a joint venture between ploration licences (granted) rose megawatts by 2030. to granting concession contracts discouraged oil and gas exploration Tunisia’s National Petroleum Activ- for the first time since 2011 to 30 to international oil companies, and extraction activities by foreign ities Corporation and Austrian en- licences, in addition to drilling and Riadh Bouazza is a Tunisian the Tunisian Ministry of Energy companies. ergy group OMV with investments developing 13 wells.” writer. 20 July 28, 2019 Society Football Politics

Viewpoint Algeria-France : When the ball stops spinning, bigotry rears its head

for this fracture between France and a tiny minority of its population who feel excluded Majed Nehme from the national consensus. It has the advantage also of concealing the responsibility of y winning the Africa the French state in the failure of Cup of Nations for the its model of integration, which second time in their does not concern just the French history, the Fennecs, of Algerian origin, who — it must Algeria’s national be emphasised — are the pure football team — or product of this wobbly model. Brather some of their supporters — Ultra-liberal policies pursued by France, obeying directives of did not suspect the victory would provoke a political-media storm the European Union, are also in France, the most important responsible for the social Algerian community outside of fracture that strikes all French Algeria. people, both natives and of What should have been a foreign origin. cause of pride for France and the We have thus witnessed the French — a good number of the damage caused by this policy players on the Algerian national illustrated by the sudden team were born and trained in eruption of the Yellow Vests France and some play for major movement, a perfect example of French teams — brought out in the growing rejection by the those who miss the good old French of a policy of marginali- days of French Algeria and the sation, impoverishment and buried feelings of racism, hatred crushing of the middle class as and identity rejection that were manifested through the increas- thought to have been expur- ing absence of the state, the gated long ago. reduction of public services and Triumphant. An Algerian supporter poses for a selfie with the Algerian national flag in front of the Arc de They overlooked the fact that the inability of the education Triomphe as she celebrates on the Champs Elysees Avenue in Paris after Algeria won the 2019 Africa Cup of the Fennecs’ coach, Djamel system to facilitate economic Nations final, July 19. (AFP) Belmadi, is a child of Champi- and social integration. gny-sur-Marne, a suburb of France is witnessing, election Paris, as was Zinedine Zidane, a after election, the soaring rise of the French authorities, in the my humble opinion, an opportu- indignation raised by the forest child of the northern districts of a right wing drawing legitimacy application of the simple good nity for the Algerian youth of Algerian flags brandished in Marseille and who was pro- from false identity and sover- rule of reciprocity, to expel established in France to sym- French cities to celebrate the claimed “president” by huge eignty issues and, like a forest within the hour those who bolically mark a distance from Fennecs’ victory and the crowds gathered at the Arc de fire out of control, is showing disrespect the rules of hospital- this country that failed to deplorable excesses that Triomphe after he led France to the way for media enthusiasm to i t y.” integrate them under the accompanied it was to obscure the 1998 FIFA World Cup title. designate a scapegoat: the Expel them? But to where? principles of Liberty, Equality the real stakes of this media At the time, almost everyone hooligans who present them- Should we remind this and Fraternity.” manipulation? That of a discred- was under the charm of a French selves as supporters of the “outraged” citizen with a Becheur’s explanation does ited politician class in need of a dream team’s mix of black- Fennecs. selectively short memory and not perhaps convince everyone vision and a project? white-North African players Whether consciously or who travelled to the occupied but has the merit of being clear representing the new Rainbow unconsciously, the media Palestinian territories in 2013 and direct. Majed Nehme is a Syrian-French France and capable of winning happily lent themselves to it by and, in his words, “thoroughly Then again, what if the journalist in Paris. in times of economic gloom and firing red balls at those who enjoyed it,” that these thugs are social fracture. “offended France.” the pure product of the French What mysterious thing has Boualem Sansal, a French- model he so cherishes? Should Africa Cup of Nations crowns happened since then for French speaking Algerian novelist who we remind our friendly on-duty media to, rather than join the has raised self-hatred to an “harki” that these “excesses,” jubilation of France’s Algerian all-time high, broke which are reprehensible, have Algeria, satisfies Egypt community that followed the loose in Marianne, unfortunately become part of Africa Cup of Nations victory by a weekly that the French social landscape in Brian Homewood planned but it was moved back to a team that had been described claims to which each protest ends in allow players to rest after Rama- by the Washington Post in 2014 espouse scenes of vandalism and looting dan. as “the other French national secular, by “native” hooligans? Cairo That meant the players arrived team,” see in the manifestations anti-racist and We have not seen on such for the tournament reasonably of joy and the forest of Algerian leftist leanings. occasions this barrage of racist layed in the searing heat fresh, having had time to recover flags in the heart of Paris a very He decreed that the mudslinging by the French of the Egyptian summer, from the European season and serious attack on French hooligans betrayed Algeria freaks or by the champi- against a backdrop of cha- that, when the final took place, it identity? France, “which had ons of the alarmist discourse on P os in the regional football was the only competitive football The rise of far-right parties in welcomed them and the “great demographic shift” governing body and enlarged to of note being played and did not France and throughout Europe given them the and the media that support them. an unwieldy 24 teams, this year’s have to compete for attention. partially explains the exaspera- opportunity to live in We have seen, on social media, Africa Cup of Nations defied logic Some teams showed the kind tion caused by xenophobia, freedom and celebration and fraternisation and, on the pitch at least, turned of stability not usually associated Islamophobia and racism in all democracy. It’s scenes in Canada, and especially into a surprising success. with African football, with Nige- its manifestations. an outrage, it’s in Quebec where a large Algerian In terms of drama on the pitch ria and Senegal retaining the ser- To these factors must be unbearable. I community lives. Jubilant fans and football quality, the tour- vices of coaches Gernot Rohr and added the bloody wave of suggest to were joined by police officers nament was a step up on previ- Aliou Cisse, respectively, even terrorist attacks that and native-born Canadians. ous editions and, encouraging- though the countries were elimi- hit France in In Belgium, the celebration of ly, teams led by young African nated following the group stage at 2015, the Fennecs’ victory took place coaches reached the final match last year’s World Cup. includ- without incident. Algerian fans July 19, with Algeria beating Sen- Facilities, including stadiums, ing at Charleroi even received a egal, 1-0. were generally regarded as first- the message of thanks from local There were tears as Algeria for- class, especially pitches — not al- abom- police. ward Baghdad Bounedjah, who ways the case in Africa. inable What explains this difference scored the only goal in the final, “We have good pitches and this attack in behaviour and media reaction wept inconsolably on the bench one for me is the most important against the between France and other after missing a second-half penal- thing,” said Rohr. “You can play satirical countries? ty and being taken off in the quar- good football on these wonder- weekly Charlie Mourad Becheur, an Algerian ter-final against Cote d’Ivoire. ful pitches in Egypt, everywhere, Hebdo followed by in Charleroi, told Sputnik that There was also romance as and even the training pitches.” the carnage at the “the celebration in France , a country that mid- Unfortunately, fans often found Bataclan night club, which occurred in a deleterious climate fielder Anicet Andrianantenaina it difficult to get into those facili- led some to lump together marked by an economic crisis said was only famous because ties because of a complex online- and confuse Islam with and a disastrous situation in the of the film that takes its name, based ticketing system, which terrorism and, by extension, suburb… The Algerians of reached the last eight in its debut many said was plagued by glitch- lump together Islam and France are torn between a at the tournament. es and Byzantine security restric- immigration. country where they were born The move away from the tra- tions. These convenient intellec- but in which they feel unloved ditional January-February slot, This, added to the traditional tual shortcuts had the and their parents’ homeland for following years of complaints travel difficulties, resulted in advantage of finding an ideal which the heart still beats from European clubs, to summer many games played in near-emp- scapegoat without taking despite the remoteness and appeared to work in the tourna- ty stadiums — an age-old problem the trouble to engage in a despite the fact that some of ment’s favour, even if it was by that still has not been addressed. more in-depth analysis of them have never set foot there.” accident rather than design. the historical, socio-eco- He added that “any victory of An earlier start had been (Reuters) nomic and cultural reasons the national team would be, in July 28, 2019 21 Society Haj

Annual rites. Muslims pray at the Grand mosque ahead of the annual haj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters) Jordanians’ pilgrimage to Mecca epitomises Muslims’ spiritual journey of haj from everywhere

Roufan Nahhas ple complain about the cost of the Jordanians wishing to perform haj return to their countries and ob- signs and offer sweets to neigh- haj — and the exploitation of some must pay a $285 registration fee serve Eid al-Adha — the festival of bours and relatives to celebrate travel companies — the Jordanian in advance to guarantee a place in sacrifice, which commemorates their return from Mecca. Pilgrims Amman Ministry of Awqaf Islamic Affairs Mecca. the willingness of Abraham to fol- also return with gifts, such as and Holy Places said it is watching “This amount can be reimbursed low God’s command to sacrifice his prayer rugs, prayer beads and water illions of Muslims make closely to help pilgrims have a spir- if they don’t get approval and, if son. from the Well of Zamzam in Mecca. the journey each year to itual and safe journey. they do, it will be deducted from The Quran states that Abraham The Eid starts with an early call to Mecca, Islam’s holiest “This year, all aspects for the the pilgrim’s trip’s cost,” he said. and his wife Hagar had a son after go to mosques for a special prayer, M city, for the haj, one of haj and umrah seem to be more many years of praying. However, called Salat al-Eid, which is usu- the five pillars of Islam. organised, which might guarantee God asked Abraham to sacrifice his ally followed by a sermon called a This year, 7,000 Jordanian pil- a smooth pilgrimage,” said Ziad After performing haj, son as an act of devotion. Abraham khutbah or a speech that usually grims are expected to travel to the Momani, who performed haj last pilgrims return to their travelled to Mecca to undertake the addresses political, economic and birthplace of the Prophet Moham- year. “The haj is a great spiritual countries and observe Eid sacrifice but, at the last moment, social issues. mad to perform haj, the greater journey in which pilgrims leave all al-Adha — the festival of God provided Abraham with a ram “Family gatherings are very im- Muslim pilgrimage, and umrah, the worldly things behind them and sacrifice, which to sacrifice instead, establishing the portant in the Eid and exchang- minor pilgrimage. wear only two white pieces of cloth. commemorates the tradition of sacrificing sheep. ing gifts and the traditional Arabic Last year, 46,000 Jordanians It is a way of making everyone the willingness of Abraham to “It is a celebration that marks the greeting ‘Eid Mubarak’ — or in Eng- registered for the haj and 5,636 re- same, whether rich or poor and it is follow God’s command to end of the haj pilgrimage to Mecca. lish ‘Have a blessed Eid’ — is usu- ceived approval to go. This year, called Ihram, which resembles the sacrifice his son. People gather with families and ally uttered during visits,” said Ala’ 28,995 Jordanian citizens regis- leaving of this world and preparing honour Abraham’s devotion to God Saeed, a mother of two. tered for the pilgrimage. Saudi Ara- for the journey towards the hereaf- “The whole journey might cost by sacrificing a sheep, goat, cow or “Children wait patiently for the bia has given permission for 7,000 t e r.” around $4,500 but, of course, there camel. Here in Jordan it is usually Eid because they usually receive Jordanians to participate in the haj, “There is a sense of equality are options that are less costly. a sheep,” said Sheikh Mohammed toys and money from relatives in an increase of 1,000 permits from when a person goes to haj or umrah Some people who can afford usu- Abed Qader, a cleric. addition to sweets. The Eid is al- last year. because everyone is stripped down ally stay in five-star hotels that are “The celebration also is a way of ways welcomed when families sit The selection process is set down to their humanity. Millions gather closer to the Great Mosque of Mec- thinking of the people who are less together and enjoy a meal as this in regulations, including that only in one place at the same time to ca that surrounds the Kaaba and fortunate. That is why portions of is usually a time for families to get those who have not previously per- perform the pilgrimage, during the travel by plane while other people the meat are given to poor people. together,” she said. formed haj to Mecca will be placed Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, ac- who pay less travel by bus and stay Others donate money to charity. It While people wait patiently for in an official draw. cording to certain schedules and at reasonably priced hotels.” is a life-changing experience. It is a Eid, travel agents are busy arrang- Jordanians were able to apply rites,” he added. The Ministry of Awqaf said it will moment of repentance and forgive- ing for Jordanians to benefit from for a visa online instead of the tra- Travelling to Mecca to perform watch to make sure everything goes ness.” the long holiday to travel abroad. ditional paper visa, a development haj can be costly depending on the according to plan because of the After returning from haj, families should ease visitors’ entrance to level of accommodation, trans- numerous complaints by travellers. often decorate houses and streets Roufan Nahhas is a journalist Saudi Arabia. While some peo- portation and facilities required. After performing haj, pilgrims with palm branches, lights and based in Jordan. Saudi king hosts Christchurch shootings survivors for haj

Nick Perry at Al Noor Mosque, one of two given to us on a plate. I feel it’s a in rituals intended to bring about the March attacks, said it would mosques where a gunman killed blessing from Hussein that is look- humility and unity. be his third trip to Mecca but his 51 people in total in March. Umari ing after me and my family.” Umari said she travelled with first time for the haj. He said he Wellington, New Zealand said the ambassador handed out She said she was initially nerv- her brother and parents to Mecca was delighted with how first the special clothes for the men to ous about the trip and won’t know as a child for the umrah, the lesser New Zealand government and ya al-Umari said she feels wear during the pilgrimage and many of the others going because pilgrimage. now King Salman were doing like her brother will be told the women they would be so many of her friends were killed Lateef Alabi, the imam of the what they could to help the Mus- accompanying her and given kits when they arrived in in the March massacre. Linwood Mosque where wor- lim community of Christchurch will constantly be in her Saudi Arabia. “It’s a tough journey to do, shippers were also killed during heal. Aprayers when she travels to Mecca Umari’s 35-year-old brother haj,” she said. “There are quite a “It’s putting good in the place of to take part in the annual haj. Hussein was among those killed. number of factors. There’s lots bad,” he said. “Over time, people Umari is one of 200 relatives She said it’s an honour that King of walking and the weather — it’s will get over the pain but it will and survivors of the Christchurch Salman is sponsoring the trip, a quite hot — but these are all sur- 200 take years and they will never see mosque shootings who are travel- fact reinforced in her visa docu- face things and the holiness of the relatives and survivors of the their family members again.” ling to Saudi Arabia as guests of ments stating that she was travel- whole pilgrimage will overtake Christchurch mosque A 28-year-old Australian white Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz ling as a guest of the custodian of the toughness of the journey.” shootings are travelling to supremacist pleaded not guilty to Al Saud. The king is paying all the two holy mosques. The haj is one of the five pil- Saudi Arabia as guests of terrorism, murder and attempted travel and accommodation costs, “It came at such a perfect time lars of Islam and all able-bodied Saudi King Salman bin murder charges following the a bill likely to run to more than $1 and it helps with the grief as well,” Muslims are required to perform Abdulaziz Al Saud. The king is March attacks. He remains in jail million. Umari said. “It’s such a humbling it at least once. During the 5-day paying all travel and ahead of his trial, which is sched- Saudi Ambassador to New Zea- thing to be given. I always had, pilgrimage, millions of Muslims accommodation costs, a bill uled for May 2020. land Abdulrahman al-Suhaibani personally, as a goal before I get circle Islam’s most sacred site, the likely to run to more than $1 said farewell to the pilgrims married, to haj. Now it’s been cube-shaped Kaaba, and take part million. (The Associated Press) 22 July 28, 2019 Culture

In new trend, Saudi film explores cross-cultural tensions facing Arabs in the United States

Nahed Khuzam film to focus on the life and con- cerns of the Arab ethnic minority community in the United States. London The film comes in a Saudi context of cultural overture that includes he Arabian Warrior” is the promotion of movie theatres a Saudi film that de- in the kingdom. Besides the United “ picts the challenges and States, the film has been screened Teveryday tensions faced in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab by Arab Americans and more recent Emirates, Kuwait and Egypt. immigrants to the United States. “The Arabian Warrior” is not The film tells the story of Anmar, the only film dealing with the ex- a young Saudi man played by Amir periences of Arab communities in el-Masry, who lives in the Unit- Western societies. There have been ed States with his family. Anmar many previous productions in- dreams of becoming a top football cluding “Amreeka” by Palestinian- professional despite his father’s American director Cherien Dabis opposition. and “Mariam” by Saudi director Faiza Ambah. These works, however, were di- Egyptian actor Amir rectly produced in the West. Other el-Masry stars in the Arab productions that have dealt Saudi-produced “The with the topic have mostly main- Arabian Warrior” with tained a safe distance with respect a stellar cast of Arab to Western societies and did not go and US actors. deeply into the cultural tensions and daily struggles by Arabs in Anmar is caught between two those societies. Between cultures. A scene from “The Arabian Warrior.” (Facebook) cultures. Despite living with rac- “The Arabian Warrior” does not ism and cultural stereotypes, he touch upon life in Saudi Arabia. It feels a sense of belonging in Ameri- stands between Western-produced including in Woody Harrelson’s outside Saudi Arabia, which, of Mohammed al-Hamdan. can culture and is convinced of the and Arab-produced and -made “Lost in London” and Jon Stewart’s course, could not be shown in the There have also been many short need to accept both its negative films. It is a joint Saudi-American “Rosewater.” kingdom. feature films produced recently. and positive aspects. He tries to production and depicts life in the Since the lifting of the ban on Among the films recently shown All those were among films reconcile the traditions and cus- United States. The style of the film cinemas, Saudi Arabia has become in Saudi cinemas is “Al Shehana,” screened during the fifth Saudi toms of his Saudi society, which is American in terms of its photog- a promising market for Arab and which tells the story of the kidnap- Film Festival in Dammam. More still have a hold on his family, and raphy and narrative structure. foreign films and Arab and interna- ping by terrorists of a Saudi woman than 50 directors attended the the traditions and culture of his What also sets the film apart is tional production companies have and her daughter while on a trip festival and 58 feature films were adoptive society in America. the absence of Saudi actors, even started targeting the market. abroad. The film was directed by shown. Masry stars in the film with a though it is a Saudi film. In practi- “The Arabian Warrior” was part Khalid al-Hagar and stars Abdullah The Saudi Ministry of Culture re- stellar cast of Arab and US actors. cally the whole film, Masry speaks of a series of films produced with al-Jarayan, Maysoun al-Ruwaili, cently announced the International Anmar’s father is played by Egyp- English but Samman speaks his Saudi funds and that discuss social Tariq al-Nafisi and Khalid Saqr. Red Sea Film Festival, to take place tian actor Ayman Samman and US lines in a Saudi dialect. issues related to Saudi society and Also being shown is “Amra and next March in Jeddah, an ambitious actor Patrick Fabian plays Anmar’s Masry is an Egyptian actor based Saudis abroad. the Second Wedding,” which dis- step that will push greater cinemat- football coach. in Britain. Arab audiences know This constitutes a new develop- cusses ​​polygamy and its effects ic openness in Saudi Arabia. “The Arabian Warrior” is the him from his roles in Egyptian ment because such socially rel- on family bonds. It was directed first feature film by Saudi director films but also through his work evant films were not available, ex- by Mahmoud Sabbagh and stars Nahed Khuzam is an Egyptian Ayman Khoja. It is the first Saudi in US and British films and series, cept for a handful of experiments Shaimaa Tayeb, Khairia Nazmi and writer. Building cultural bridges ‘with love’ through travel literature

Khulud al-Fallah books about his journeys to places nities you visit, eat their food and where only adventurers dare go. adapt to their way of life. “I’m personally grateful for the “I would like to sum up the topic London circumstances that helped me ex- with what many of my friends have perience the exhilaration of poetry said to me, something that is really asim Furat is an Iraqi poet through life experiences and the descriptive of my nature and real- and traveller who says obsession with discovering things, ity. They told to me that whenever I there is no creativity with- nature and remote cultures that are arrive and settle in a country, I take B out adventure. He has been marginal to us, us who are fascinat- on the appearance and characteris- to 35 countries, climbed mountains ed by Europe,” Furat said. tics of the people of that country. and spent days in the forest. In all “I never thought of getting into I become one of them. Thus, I be- the countries he’s visited, he tried any other type of writing besides came Japanese in Japan, Laotian to live and integrate with local peo- poetry,” he said. “Poetry was my in Laos, Ecuadorian in Ecuador ple. biggest obsession, my madness, and Sudanese in Sudan although I “It was love,” he said about ad- my ambition and my purpose in life didn’t have the beautiful dark skin justing to so many varied societies. but, as I talked to my friends about hue of most of the Sudanese.” “When you carry within you a great Hiroshima and wrote to them Furat visited Hiroshima as the capacity for love and when you about Japanese society, they start- city was celebrating life’s victory grow up in a city and an environ- ed pushing me to document my ex- over death. There, he wrote poems ment that nurtures you with love perience in writing. I ignored their in which Iraq’s woes and pains per- for your country and for diversity insistence until I went to Ecuador. meated every line. and teaches you to respect every- My friends’ insistence grew even “The most beautiful phase in one’s specificities, you start seeing stronger, especially after my great my life and poetry experiences is yourself not as the centre of the experience in South-east Asia.” the Hiroshima phase,” Furat ex- universe but as part of it, complete Furat said his journey diaries had plained. “I had left everything be- when together with everyone and become a window through which hind in New Zealand and moved everything but insignificant when he could depict to Arabic readers to live there before the start of the alone.” parts of the lives of the peoples he’s 60th-anniversary celebrations of “I grew up in an environment lived with, their history, the geog- the dropping of the atomic bomb that nourished me with respect raphy of their countries and their on Hiroshima. for the specificities of others and social and cultural lives. “It was a great adventure for for their choices,” Furat said. “The He said travel literature is one of me, worthy of my sacrifices. I told elderly in my environment were the bridges for cross-cultural en- myself: ‘You were right to come. proud of and bragging about the di- counters and for fostering love and You who are forever on a quest for versity of their city, something that understanding among the peoples No creativity without adventure. Iraqi poet and traveller Basim beauty, knowledge and awe.’ the head of the former regime did of the world. In his travel accounts, Furat. (Courtesy of Basim Furat) “I had hoped, and continue to not like at all. he focuses on the positive aspects hope, that we, Iraqis, will learn “Because of this respect for di- of the peoples and cultures he vis- from the tragedy of Hiroshima. We versity, I found myself becoming ited, rarely lingering on negative “As to my Guagua Pichincha [in fear that if I let myself slip into must look back at the past and our quite attached to places, looking at aspects. Ecuador] experience, all along the slumber, I’d surely leave this life.” tragedies as incentives and cata- them as schools and even libraries During his travels, Furat said he long hike to the top, I was thrilled, Furat said: “I haven’t been to lysts to still have faith in peace and to learn from. It must be said that, has had near-death experiences fit and eager to reach the top, at many countries, just 35. I’m sure to renounce violence and extrem- no matter what we read about dif- more than once. 4,700 metres above sea level but, there are millions of people who ism, whatever its form, ideological ferent countries and societies, “Yes, I have been in dangerous when I reached the top, it was al- have visited more countries than or ethnic, and to let go of the claims nothing beats living in those coun- situations and I have been close ready night and I was alone in the I but there is a difference between of narratives glorifying our ancient tries and among those societies to to death so many times that I’m wilderness. travellers and explorers or between past and grandeur for the purpose get a real taste of them, see them in thinking of dedicating one book “I couldn’t sleep a wink that those who travel a lot and those of hijacking the history of past na- a particular light and go through a to these experiences, those I’ve night because of lack of oxygen at who go on long journeys. tions.” unique learning experience.” already mentioned in my previous that elevation and it was difficult to “Among the conditions to qualify Furat has been involved in a trav- book and ones I did not mention,” breathe. I forced myself to breathe as an explorer, you have to really Khulud al-Fallah is a Libyan el literature project, publishing four said Furat. and I was overwhelmed with the experience life among the commu- writer. July 28, 2019 23 Culture Communication Media Turkish TV show about urban poor hits a raw nerve

Constanze Letsch beads sported by Kocovali in the show. “These sell very well,” he said Istanbul with a smile. “For 40 years we have struggled to make ends meet here. cores of tourists strike vari- We have earned these 40 days of ous poses in front of a run- wealth.” down cafe. Camera phones Just like in other stigmatised Is- S flash. Graffiti decorates the tanbul neighbourhoods, the resi- walls. Violent Turkish rap music dents of Balat are not used to the blasts from nearby speakers. “It’s sudden interest and the masses of Cukur!” a young woman says hap- tourists. “They come from every- pily to her friend and lifts her arm where,” Dogan said. “From Ger- for another selfie. many, from Holland, from Iraq and This derelict Istanbul back street even from Saudi Arabia! They all in the district of Fatih is overrun come to see Cukur.” with a new kind of pilgrim: fans In Balat, “Cukur” is impossible to who search for the spots they recog- miss. The small lahmacun restau- nise from their favourite TV show. rant, the tea house, the launderette “Cukur” (“The Pit”) centres on a and even a small cart selling sweets fictional Istanbul neighbourhood use the TV show’s popularity — and of the same name where godfather that of their neighbourhood — to Idris Kocovali leads his family clan market their wares. in the fight against drugs and rival Many of the quarter’s residents mafia bosses. Despite that “Cukur” are extras in the show. A violin is a poor and dangerous neigh- player who boasts of a scene in the bourhood, it is a place where fam- show’s pilot offers to play songs Tough scenes. A poster of the television show “Cukur.” (Facebook) ily honour and neighbourliness are from “Cukur.” In exchange for a important. small fee he also allows joint selfies. “‘Cukur’ has become a sector of our every corner,” said Aytas Demir, 38, young men who live in poor urban barber Kadem Usta said. economy,” Dogan said. who has lived his whole life in the districts and who try to survive in Two years ago he left his old shop TV shows such as “Cukur” In the small barbershop at the neighbourhood. “Since the tourists an unjust, brutal world by means of because of rising rents in the gentri- depict the lives of corner of the street, there are no have started to come many of the petty crime. The so-called “neigh- fied parts of Balat. Now his new lo- unemployed young men posters of the series’ stars. “Ab- families here manage to secure a bourhood TV shows” that depicted cation might become too expensive, who live in poor urban solutely not,” said Kadem Usta, a small income. Instead of drugs and the lives of poor families in a ro- too. The TV programme that focus- districts and who try to 49-year-old master barber. “The TV crime, we now have ‘Cukur.’” mantic light, wildly popular in the es on the way of life in Cukur is so survive in an unjust, brutal show shows our neighbourhood in Just as the shop owner further 1990s and the early 2000s, are too popular that it, ironically, threatens world by means of petty a bad light.” down the road he sells TV show removed from the reality of Turkish to destroy that way of life. crime. Like the shows’ other numerous merchandise from a camping ta- metropoles, the journalist said. The many fans who travel to see critics he said “Cukur” romanticis- ble in front of his house. His small In today’s Turkey, where decades the locations for “Cukur” do not The show counts millions of fans es a violent mafia culture. daughter proudly poses for a pic- of neoliberal and corrupt urban care about that. A smartly dressed across the globe. Many of them “The show does not talk about ture in front of TV show graffiti. policies chased thousands from couple poses for a selfie in front of travel to Balat, a historical neigh- family, about culture or about val- “Things have got better since the their old neighbourhoods and into the barbershop. “I come here a lot, bourhood in the conservative ues. All it talks about is the sur- TV show. We are very happy about soulless apartment blocks on the I am a big fan,” said Arif Sezer, 32. Fatih district in Istanbul. The nar- vival of the fittest, the right of the it,” Demir said. periphery, where unemployment, “We live in a modern neighbour- row streets used to house mainly strongest,” he said. “The TV show The popularity of violent TV economic instability and anxiety hood full of luxurious buildings but Greeks and Jews. These days the pretends that vigilante justice is shows that depict poor urban ar- about the future dominate the daily I don’t know who my neighbours run-down buildings, the small normal in a neighbourhood like eas is a sign of the zeitgeist, wrote lives of most people and where are.” shops and tea houses are the back- ours as if there was no state and Ceren Sehircioglu in the Hurriyet many people have lost faith in jus- His wife nods. “Here in Cukur drop for “Cukur.” no police as if we had to enforce newspaper. Writers and produc- tice and the government, “Cukur” everyone is welcome. The people Since the start of the series in Oc- law and order here ourselves. What ers have woken up to the reality of hits a nerve. are open and friendly, she said as a tober 2017, Balat has changed a lot, kind of image does that show our those who have been marginalised “The TV show’s success hinges hard beat pumped from speakers at said shop owner Ramazan Dogan. children?” and forgotten in the peripheries of on a longing for neighbourly soli- the corner of the street. “This is the He sells fan merchandise from a Not everyone in the area shares big cities all over the country, Sehir- darity and a nostalgia for the old old, the honest Istanbul.” small table in front of his shop: his worries. cioglu said. Istanbul life, for the streets where T-shirts, caps, lighters, jewellery, “There was nothing to do Programmes such as “Cukur” everyone knows each other and Constanze Letsch is a contributor scarves, armbands and the prayer here and bad habits wait around show the lives of unemployed where people help each other out,” to The Arab Weekly in Istanbul. Book Review Overabundance of information comes with global problems

ganda campaigns; as “state-spon- in at the break of day, call them to Much has been written on these its deluge, set upon by more sored” trolling unmasks protesters the door with the cry of “Tel- subjects. On Russia’s information canny forces and left wondering in Bahrain; as Turkish columnists, egram!” Worse than apprehension warfare, many have taken up whether the things they were James Snell “who are members of the ruling was the hot shame of falling for Pomerantsev’s thread, so success- promised about the hopefulness party incite mob attacks on the ploy. ful was his work — long before the of the modern world were ever anyone who dares criticise Similar games are still played by words “meddling” and “Russian” true. President [Recep Tayyip] authoritarian states, though the became virtual twins after all that Pomerantsev lands on the Erdogan” — the variety and playground is larger and harder to happened in 2016. story of Khaled Khatib, a Syrian e live in a golden efficacy of authoritarian efforts in discern. However, little has been written activist who sought to document age not of fact information becomes clear. Pomerantsev’s parents left the with the same weary despair he the destruction of Aleppo as it but of fiction. The intellectual disorder and Soviet Union but their son spent a advances and evinces. Others have was attacked, besieged and The possibilities chaos of modern information have decade as a television producer in diagnosed similar problems and conquered by forces fighting on of new media meant a boon for some but, for Russia and saw and participated in bemoaned them with the evident behalf of the regime of Bashar have led to an others, they have shaken their the whirling change that envel- assumption that any shift from Assad. Wembarrassment of riches. Where faith. Peter Pomerantsev, working oped that country. what is considered normality can When Khatib began document- once there was a lack of informa- at the London School of Econom- Pomerantsev’s first book, be mitigated or that navigation ing the bomb blasts, people in tion, there is overabundance, with ics on the state of the digital “Nothing Is True and Everything Is away from dangerous waters is the throes of agony and grief half of the world’s population society and the future of mass Possible: The Surreal Heart of the possible. would cry out: “Aren’t you possessing access to the internet information, found himself — and New Russia,” published in 2014, Pomerantsev writes more ashamed to film us? Do you like and the sum of human knowledge those in receipt of his advice — lost provided an entertaining and effectively than any other about to see our tears?” Khatib assured accessible from a device most in the and adrift. prophetic assessment of the the hopelessness this new state of them of his intentions and said rich world carry in their pockets. “The neat little bullet points of chaotic shifting of identity in affairs inspires. that what he did — no matter how Overabundance presents a new my reports assume that there Russia that supported the coun- He sees it not only among those painful — he did to help. problem. Rather than lacking really is a coherent system that try’s consolidating authoritarian- whose business it is to study these After Aleppo fell in spite of information, its oversupply leads can be amended, that a few techni- ism. His assessment of Russia’s things or those who, by dint of muted global outcry — and as to a corresponding fall in value. cal recommendations applied to almost theatrically orchestrated their occupation and status, desire Syria’s opposition has been Confirmation biases benefit new information technolo- domestic politics gave way to privileged access to the shaping of slowly defeated and abandoned but so to do gies can fix everything,” he convincing analysis of the effect information and resent its slipping by its allies, its fighters and those with more writes. “Yet the problems this had on Russia’s neighbours from their grasp. supporters traduced as jihadists direct ambi- go far deeper.” and the world of information at Instead, Pomerantsev notes worthy of slaughter — Khatib’s tions: to under- Pomerantsev’s narrative large. the despair of those whose voices mission seemed less certain, its mine conven- begins and is woven Pomerantsev’s “This Is Not ought to be magnified by the ambition less sure. tional together with the story of Propaganda: Adventures in the democratisation of information “Increasingly people just interpretations of his parents in the Soviet War Against Reality,” published by but who instead are buried under sighed when they saw Khaled’s events, to sow Union. He writes about Faber & Faber, examines “the front camera,” Pomerantsev writes. discord and the intimidation they lines of the disinformation age” “What was the point of film- disagreement or to suffered by authority and how it aims to “disorient us ing?” depreciate trust in for desiring freedom of and undermine our sense of The intellectual institutions, people thought and of action truth.” disorder and chaos of Peter Pomerantsev’s “This Is Not and ideas of truth and the mind games Now, Pomerantsev’s focus is modern information Propaganda: Adventures in the itself. played by authorities global, including disinformation in War Against Reality,” published As chemical under whose power the Philippines, the rise of have meant a boon for by Faber & Faber, will be released weapons attacks in so many helplessly populism in the United States, some but, for others, in paperback on August 1, 2019. Syria are not only lived. Great Britain and across Europe denied but the subject The KGB would, and the ways terror groups bend they have shaken James Snell is a British of successful propa- when taking people their old aims to new methods. their faith. journalist. 24 July 28, 2019 Travel www.thearabweekly.com

Agenda

Beiteddine: Through August 10

The annual Beiteddine Art Festival, in the Chouf Moun- tains, includes a variety of performances from opera and concerts to theatre and art exhibitions. The festival welcomes more than 50,000 visitors as well as numerous star performers.

Hammamet: Through August 17

Hammamet, a Tunisian town on the northern shore of the Gulf of Hammamet, is the site of the 55th Hammamet Inter- national Festival. Concerts and plays are scheduled for more The Bent Pyramid marked a turning point from the step-sided pyramids to the smooth-sided ones. (Joan Carles Tarda) than a month. Carthage: Through August 23 Egypt’s famous Bent Pyramid, The International Festival of Carthage is one of the old- est arts and cultural events in North Africa, drawing a mix of local and international a marvel of ancient geometry performers to Tunisia over several weeks. Performances take place at the Amphitheatre Marc Espanol of Carthage.

Byblos: Dahshur Through August 24

or the first time since 1965, Byblos International Festival Egypt has opened the Bent in the ancient Phoenician Pyramid, a structure consid- port city of Byblos, north of F ered a unique model of early Beirut, features international pyramid development and a turning rock bands and pop singers. point in the evolution of this kind of This year’s schedule includes construction in Egypt. It appears French singer Mark Lavoine, to be the first attempt at rising the Lebanese indie rock band structure in the shape of a geomet- Mashrou’ Leila and Britain’s ric pyramid. tribute ensemble Queen Sym- The first 49 metres of the Bent phonic. Pyramid rise from its base at an in- clination of 54 degrees, while its top Dubai: section is built on a 43-degree angle, August 15-30 giving to the structure its singular, curved character. Dubai Opera will host its Archaeologists said the change in first Disney Festival with 48 the angle may have been a decision Disney films — from original of its architects because of instabil- animation to live-action titles ity the structure may have shown — scheduled. The list includes because of the steepness of its ini- favourites such as “The Little tial inclination. During the inauguration of the Bent Pyramid discoveries from the Dahshur necropolis were Mermaid,” “Moana,” “Hocus For this reason, the pyramid has announced. In the image, a sarcophagus with its mummy. (Ministry of Antiquities) Pocus” and “Honey, I Shrunk been of importance in understand- the Kids.” ing the transition from the step-sid- ed pyramids to smooth-sided con- on the northern side about 20 me- unusual characteristics. Giza, Egypt’s most famous pyramid Marrakech: structions. The Red Pyramid, built tres high and descend through a The Bent Pyramid has preserved and one of the Seven Wonders of September 13-15 by the same pharaoh near the Bent 79-metre tunnel to its first chamber, largely intact much of its original the Ancient World. Pyramid and immediately after it, which is below ground level. From outer casing, built of polished lime- The Bent Pyramid is at the roy- The Oasis Festival, an event adopted a pyramidal shape in a geo- there, it will be possible to reach a stone, which is rare in Egypt. al necropolis of Dahshur, 40km that celebrates electronic mu- metrical sense, with a 43-degree an- second chamber, located at a great- The pyramid was built some south of Cairo, and is included on sic, takes place in the Moroccan gle from its base. er height, as well as the passage that 4,600 years ago during the times of UNESCO’s World Heritage List. It desert for three days of per- “This is a very special pyramid connects to the western entrance of the founder of the Fourth Dynasty is on the southernmost fringe of formances and gathers artists because it is the only bent pyramid the pyramid. of ancient Egypt Pharaoh Sneferu, the Memphis necropolis, which in- from all over the world. all over the world,” said Mostafa Wa- Mohamed al-Saeede, head of who introduced major innovations cludes Giza and Saqqara. ziri, secretary-general of Egypt’s Su- the SCA Scientific Office and in in pyramid construction. His son The opening of the Bent Pyramid Tangier: preme Council of Antiquities (SCA). charge of the work at the Bent Khufu, also known as Cheops, is aims at boosting tourism in Dah- September 15-22 Visitors will be allowed to access Pyramid, said the two entrances thought to have commissioned con- shur, which remained closed to the the pyramid from its main entrance, of the pyramid are another of its struction of the Great Pyramid of public until the end of the 1990s and The 20th Tangier’s Jazz Festival is a much less developed spot than will feature international and Giza. This has helped Dahshur keep local jazz artists. Visitors can its tranquillity. enjoy free street performances, “Many tourists don’t go there free dance courses and jazz because it is not one of the main- concerts during the 8-day stream spots to visit in Cairo and event. This year’s festival it is quite far,” said Ahmed Alaa, lineup includes Buika, Anne a resident from Cairo who visited Sila and Nico Morelli. the Dahshur necropolis and its Red Pyramid before the opening of the El Gouna: Bent Pyramid. “Going from the Giza September 19-27 pyramids all the way to [Dahshur] is an experience itself. The place is El Gouna, on the Egyptian Red peaceful and quiet.” Sea coast, will host the third El Besides the Bent Pyramid, visi- Gouna Film Festival. A diverse tors will be able to enter the so- selection of films is scheduled. called satellite pyramid, an 18-me- The programme includes docu- tre-high structure 55 metres south mentary, narrative and short of the Bent Pyramid and thought film competitions in addition to have been built for Hetepheres, to the Audience Award. Sneferu’s wife. Saeede said the sites of the Bent Pyramid and its satellite structure We welcome submissions of have been repaired, restored and calendar items related to habilitated to make it suitable for cultural events of interest to tourists before its opening. “Now travellers in the Middle East it is completely ready to receive and North Africa. visitors from all over the world,” he said. Please send tips to: Egyptian Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Enany shown during inauguration of the Bent Pyramid site. Marc Espanol is a Catalan journalist [email protected] (Ministry of Antiquities) in Egypt.