www.thearabweekly.com UK £2 Issue 162, Year 4 June 24, 2018 EU €2.50 Egypt’s al-Hezb Impact of US al-Comedy sanctions on spreads laughter Iran’s economy Page 22 Page 18 Iran-backed militias risk dragging Iraq deeper into regional conflicts ► The dual role that the Hezbollah Brigades plays in Syria is likely to undermine Iraqi and international efforts against ISIS.

Mamoon Alabbasi has long been involved in the Syr- ian civil war, supporting the Assad regime in military operations that London were not directed against ISIS. It uses the term “sister groups” to re- raq’s Iran-backed Hezbollah fer to all rebels opposed to the As- Brigades militia has vowed sad regime. “a direct conflict” with Israel Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al- I and the United States after an Abadi prohibited militiamen from unclaimed air strike killed 22 of its taking part in the Syrian civil war fighters in Syria, a development but the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, that is likely to escalate regional whose top diplomat, Ibrahim al- tensions. Jaafari, often takes pro-Tehran “This crime and this blood will stances, insisted that Hezbollah open a direct conflict with that en- Brigades was in the border area as tity (Israel). We will not accept US part of anti-ISIS efforts. presence and will not allow Iraq Iraqi Vice-President Nuri al-Ma- to become American,” Hezbollah liki, another pro-Iran politician, Brigades spokesman Jaafar al-Hus- said the militia was on the Iraqi seini told Iran’s al-Alam satellite side of the border, contrary to what television. had been reported. “The strike tar- The US-led coalition against the geted the martyred mujahideen Islamic State (ISIS) denied carrying while they were on Iraqi territo- out air strikes in the Syrian town of ries, not Syrian territories,” Maliki al-Harra near the Iraqi border. An said during a funeral for the slain unidentified US official speaking militiamen. to Agence France-Presse, howev- Iraq has genuine concerns about er, implicated Israel. Israeli Prime attempts by ISIS to infiltrate its bor- Minister Binyamin Netanyahu had ders and has carried out air strikes vowed to take action against “mili- against jihadist targets across the tary presence by Iran and its prox- Syrian border. ies in Syria.” The dual role that the Hezbollah The Hezbollah Brigades, which Brigades plays in Syria, however, is listed as a terrorist group by is likely to undermine Iraqi and in- the United States, is part of Iraq’s ternational efforts against ISIS. Popular Mobilisation Forces. It has Many Sunni Syrians view the New spiral. Members of Iraq’s Hezbollah Brigades militia carry flags in front of portraits of fellow claimed it is on the Syrian border Hezbollah Brigades as a sectar- members who were killed in air raids 4 days earlier, on June 21. (AFP) to fight ISIS. ian militia group implicated in war “Our presence in the border be- crimes and, along with other Ira- tween Iraq and Syria, in particular, nian proxies, among the primary harm Iraq’s efforts to improve ties and has struck an alliance with with Iraqi police in Baghdad, re- is to chase and terminate ISIS rem- reasons for their suffering. with its neighbours. influential Shia cleric Muqtada al- kindling fears that Iraq’s militias nants in order to secure the Iraqi The militia’s presence in Syria is So far, Abadi has maintained a Sadr, whose bloc won a plurality of could behave as if they were above border. This has upset America likely to increase possibilities of it precarious balancing act to pre- seats. the law despite government at- and its illegitimate Zionist entity, being a target — whether intention- serve good international and re- Aside from the diplomatic front, tempts to rein them in. as well as their agents in the re- al or accidental — of US or Israeli air gional relations. That may be in the consequences of strengthen- gion because they are keen on pre- strikes, dragging Iraq further into jeopardy if Iraq’s next government ing the hands of militia leaders are Mamoon Alabbasi is Deputy serving ISIS and its sister groups,” its neighbour’s conflict. gives a prominent role to militia likely to have a destabilising effect, Managing Editor and Online Hezbollah Brigades said in a state- The militia has released inflam- leader Hadi al-Amiri, whose bloc nationally. Editor of The Arab Weekly. ment. matory statements against Saudi won the second-most parliamen- Two days after the air strike in The Shia militia group, however, Arabia and Turkey, which could tary seats in national elections Syria, Hezbollah Brigades clashed P2 Britain’s Coventry opens its doors to Iraqi refugees Arab teams after the World Cup Nazli Tarzi rebuild their lives,” Coventry Bish- said. Europe and more than 500, UNHCR op Christopher Cocksworth said in While the Atallah children more figures indicate, died crossing dur- March as he and community lead- easily adapt to drastic changes, ad- ing the last four months, a slight in- London ers celebrated the opening of the justment has been more difficult crease over a similar period in 2017. centre, which helps refugees who for the parents. Both take English Coventry’s vibrant civic society oventry, the city that gave fled war rebuild their lives. language courses, which they hope has been key to the social integra- the undraped Lady Godiva Welcoming “is in our very bones,” will boost their chances of employ- tion of both families and mindful its name and legacy, is a far Coventry Councillor Linda Bigham ment. Lara Atallah arrived in the of their religious backgrounds. Care C cry from the pockmarked said. United Kingdom with limited Eng- and empathy have gone a long way, skylines from which the city’s new- The Atallah family, Iraqi Chris- lish language skills; her husband is in the case of these families, who, est inhabitants escaped. In cooper- tians from Qaraqosh, was the first learning from scratch. as Barnett explained, will “be part ation with Westminster, local faith Iraqi family to be resettled under Abu Salim is a father of three of the new Coventry mosaic.” groups and the British Home Office, the government’s Vulnerable Chil- whose Muslim family was violently Iraqis, no different from the Syr- the West Midland city has reset- dren’s resettlement scheme, bring- expelled from Dhi Qar by sectarian ian, Somali, Afghan, Kurdish and tled the largest number of refugees ing an end to years of uncertainty forces. While optimistic for the fu- Iranian refugees Coventry hosts, crossing to Europe by sea. and bureaucratic limbo. ture his family can cultivate in Cov- add new layers of culture to a city The accommodation and hospi- Inside their modest home, Khalil entry, his delight was masked by a that was bombed during the blitz of tality the refugees have been shown and Lara Atallah spoke about their shadow of fear. They fled Dhi Qar the second world war. Their pres- is only a rerun of Coventry’s history, journey’s twists and turns. to Tikrit but were again back under ence was both visible and audible where my family and I settled, es- “We never imagined to leave threat from paramilitary groups. walking around the city, where very caping sanctioned-hit Iraq. Iraq,” said Lara Atallah, a mother of “Eventually we fled to Sulayman- few refugee families lived during Decades later, Iraqi victims of four, “but we defied the odds even iyah [in the Kurdish region of Iraq], the years I lived there. war, sectarian demolition and when humanitarian professionals then to Jordan and to Coventry,” he cleansing are flocking to the city. doubted our resettlement chances.” said. Nazli Tarzi is an independent History, it seems, has come full cir- Their village of al-Qosh, home to Despite having arrived a little journalist, whose writings and cle. 500 people, was destroyed by the over two months ago, Abu Salim films focus on Iraq’s ancient “Just like Coventry rebuilt itself Islamic State. used the words “honeymoon” to history and contemporary political after the second world war, Cov- “They left nothing. The fires con- describe his stay. scene. entry Refugee and Migrant Centre sumed our homes, agricultural land Since January 2012, 5,500 Syrians continues to help those fleeing war and rearing farms,” Khalil Atallah and 2,800 Iraqis have crossed into P17 Page 21 2 June 24, 2018 News & Analysis Syria Air strike on Iraqi border signals growing risks of Syrian conflict

Simon Speakman Cordall condition of anonymity, one US of- ficial told Agence France-Presse: “We have reasons to believe it was Tunis an Israeli strike.” In keeping with its standing poli- n unclaimed air strike on a cies, Israel neither confirmed nor Syrian town near the Iraqi denied that it undertook the action. border opened a new chap- If correct, however, an Israeli A ter in the country’s intrac- strike so far from its border would table civil war. send a clear message to Beirut, Da- Syrian state news on June 18 cited mascus and Tehran that wherever a military source as saying that coa- pro-regime forces of Iran and its lition aircraft had attacked one of its auxiliaries operate in Syria, they positions in al-Harra, a settlement could be attacked. 3km from Abu Kamal and close to Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin the Iraqi border. Netanyahu indicated as much 24 The UK-based Syrian Observatory hours before the strike, telling a Increasingly confident. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu speaks during a presentation in of Human Rights said the attack cabinet meeting: “Iran needs to Jerusalem, on June 14. (Reuters) killed about 52 pro-regime fighters, withdraw from all of Syria.” including an estimated 20 members “We will take action — and are al- fair game.” price tag to Qassem Soleimani, do so by massacre.” of the Iraqi Al-Hashed al-Shaabi ready taking action — against efforts With Hezbollah and Iran having (commander of Iran’s al-Quds force, Israel’s willingness to strike at any military alliance, a paramilitary to establish a military presence by invested heavily in Syria, Tel Aviv’s which is responsible for the coun- perceived threat in Syria appears force understood to be aligned with Iran and its proxies in Syria both unstoppable force appears destined try’s external operations),” Nicholas to be a fact. While the strike at al- Iran. close to the border and deep inside to meet Tehran’s immovable object. Heras, a Middle East security fellow Harra may have occurred far from Syria,” he said. “Iran views its presence in Syria at the Centre for a New American Israel’s border with Syria, the Assad Israeli confidence in carrying as a critical deterrent and would Secu­rity said by phone. “They have regime’s long-anticipated advance Emboldened by the through on that threat appears be unlikely to give up its position his network in their crosshairs and into Daraa and south-western Syria seemingly unflagging high. “To date, Israel has largely there without a fight.” Kaye said. they’ve shown themselves ready to would put its under-resourced and support of the Trump concentrated on Iran’s presence in “Hezbollah also sees value in a Syr- strike whenever and wherever they overstretched forces almost directly administration and the Syria’s southern region,” said ian presence that serves as a second like. at Israel’s door. Whether, after the possibly Russia, Israel’s Dalia Dassa Kaye, the director of the front against Israel but has to bal- “We don’t know exactly what the Abu Kamal strike, Damascus is will- confidence to strike in Centre for Middle East Public Policy ance that with its political goals in death toll at al-Harra was but it’s ing to gamble on doing so with the Syria seems to be and a senior political scientist at the Lebanon.” pretty clear that this was a mass- covert support of its Iranian allies, increasing. RAND Corporation, “but if reports Emboldened by the seemingly casualty event. Similar strikes are as has been speculated, is likely to are accurate that Israel is responsi- unflagging support of the Trump eventually going to degrade Iran be a subject of debate. Damascus and Baghdad accused ble for this recent attack on the Iraqi administration and possibly Russia, and Hezbollah’s network pretty the US-led coalition of having car- border, that would be a significant Israel’s confidence to strike in Syria significantly. The message from Simon Speakman Cordall is ried out the strike but Washington escalation and a signal from [the Is- seems to be increasing. Netanyahu is clear: We are going Syria/Lebanon section editor denied responsibility. Speaking on raelis] that they consider all of Syria “The Israelis have presented a to counter you and we are going to with The Arab Weekly.

Viewpoint Unclaimed strikes bring further complexity to Syria’s intractable war In the crosshairs. fter unidentified A propaganda aircraft targeted Shia billboard Iraqi Kata’ib Hez- for the Ali Alfoneh bollah positions in pro-Iran al-Harra in eastern Kata’ib Syria, an unidentified Hezbollah sourceA said to have been “present militia in the field” accused the United hanging on States of perpetrating the strike. a pedestrian The source made the claim in crossing in an interview with Tehran-based Baghdad. Mashregh News, a website said to (AFP) be close to Iranian security and intelligence organisations. The source offered some detail about Agence France-Presse reported Iran’s behaviour. Shia militia forces, Tehran prefers the June 17 incident, which oc- that an unidentified US official In fact, there is no evidence of to outsource certain military tasks curred south-east of Abu Kamal said the attack was “carried out by any change in Tehran’s behaviour, to its smaller Shia allies. city in the Deir ez-Zor governorate, Israel” but Israeli authorities have and certainly not with respect to The toll for Iran and groups near the border with Iraq. not accepted any responsibility the Islamic Revolutionary Guard allied with it from the start of the “Approximately 20 of the fight- even though such a strike would Corps’ tactics in Syria. The Iraqi- Syrian civil war is as follows: at ers of the Resistance Front were be consistent with Israeli Prime Syrian border is a vital part of the least 894 Afghan nationals; 554 martyred or wounded,” the source Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s overland corridor connecting Iran Iranian nationals; 116 Iraqi nation- said, adding the following claim: warning of action against Iran’s at- to its client Lebanese Hezbollah als; 1,232 Lebanese Hezbollah In the last month, “Islamic State tempts to entrench itself in Syria. militia on the shores of the Medi- fighters; and 156 Pakistani nation- (ISIS) terrorists, backed by the The day before the strike in terranean. The presence of Katai’b als. All of them were killed in com- Western coalition, engaged in sev- al-Harra, Netanyahu said: “We Hezbollah and the Fatemiyoun bat in Syria. These numbers must eral operations” against “Katai’b will take and have already taken Division forces in eastern Syria — be treated as an absolute mini- Hezbollah and the Shia Afghan action against efforts to establish near the border with Iraq — illus- mum; actual Shia militia losses in Fatemiyoun Division forces.” a military presence by Iran and its trates some of the activity along Syria may be much higher. Even What are we to make of all of proxies in Syria.” the corridor. so, the burden-sharing arrange- this? Israel is simultaneously engaged For months, the Free Syrian ment between Iran’s various Shia Abdel Bari Atwan, editor-in- in a diplomatic effort with Russia Army and remnants of ISIS have militia allies seems to work. chief of Rai al-Youm news and to persuade Iran to withdraw its been trying to attack Abu Kamal in Kata’ib Hezbollah’s and the opinion website, warned of the forces from Syria. It should, there- hopes of cutting off the corridor. Fatemiyoun Division’s latest losses perils of Iraqi militia retaliation fore, come as no surprise if the That effort coincided with the Is- attest to the IRGC’s approach in against US or Israeli targets. The Shia militias were indeed targeted raeli bombardment of Shia militia Syria. The question is whether Iran United States, however, denied by Israel. positions in the Iraq-Syria border can maintain its military posture Kata’ib Hezbollah’s involvement in the strike in In so doing, however, Israel area, leading Tehran to accuse Is- in Syria in the face of systematic al-Harra. US Army Major Josh seems to be proving US President rael of providing air support to the Israeli strikes. and the Fatemiyoun Jacques, spokesman for the US Donald Trump wrong. On June 7, Free Syrian Army and ISIS. Division’s latest losses Central Command, told Reuters: Trump contended that Iran had Iran is entrenching its military Ali Alfoneh is a non-resident “No member of the US-led coali- changed since he pulled out of the presence in Syria. However, to senior fellow at the Rafik Hariri attest to the IRGC’s tion carried out strikes near Abu nuclear deal. Israel’s actions seem reduce Iranian losses but perhaps Centre for the Middle East at the approach in Syria. Kamal.” to show that there is no change in also to preserve its transnational Atlantic Council. June 24, 2018 3 News & Analysis Lebanon Moscow offers to play peacemaker between Beirut and Damascus

Sami Moubayed For that reason, the Hariri team is not too enthusiastic about the refu- gees’ speedy return to Syria, unlike Beirut Hezbollah and its allies, which are pushing Lebanese officials to send ebanese and Syrian media them back, claiming that the fight- outlets are reporting about ing has stopped in their cities and a Russian offer to mediate towns. They fear if the refugees L between Lebanese Prime stay, they might marry into Leba- Minister Saad Hariri and Syrian nese society and tip the sectarian President Bashar Assad, suppos- balance in favour of Muslim Sunnis. edly made by Russian President Joining the reconstruction pro- Vladimir Putin during Hariri’s re- cess could be a gold mine for Leba- cent visit to Moscow. non, with ten Lebanese companies The story is half true. Senior Leb- already registered in Syria, via Syr- anese sources, who spoke to The ian partners. Hariri knows how im- Arab Weekly on condition of ano- portant this can be for the Lebanese nymity, said Putin “strongly ad- economy and his personal empire, vised” Hariri, whom he considers given that his father’s firm, Saudi a “personal friend,” to “seriously Oger, rebuilt downtown Beirut after start considering” dialogue with the civil war, transforming it into the Syrians. upscale luxury real estate. The Assad regime was going Ironically, the Hariri firm also nowhere, he said, and it was in constructed the presidential palace Lebanon’s best interest to turn a in Damascus but that was a very page with Damascus, tackle the long time ago. chronic refugee problem and join Since he rose in Lebanese politics the reconstruction process in Syria, after the assassination of his father which could have enormous re- in 2005, Hariri has had a troubled wards for the Lebanese economy. relationship with Damascus. His contracts have been terminated and his home in Damascus was confis- Joining the reconstruction New realities. Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) meets with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri cated after Hariri accused Syria of at the Kremlin in Moscow, on June 13. (Reuters) process could be a gold being behind his father’s death. mine for Lebanon, with In 2009, however, he visited Da- ten Lebanese companies mascus, setting aside political dif- the naming of a new ambassador mascus, especially if offered a share Local Lebanese dynamics would already registered in ferences with the Syrians — at the to Damascus in 2017 and approv- of the reconstruction cake. They certainly influence Hezbollah’s po- Syria, via Syrian partners. urging of Saudi Arabia — and declar- ing the naturalisation of hundreds have started courting Putin, with sition on such a move — if it ever ing, from the Lebanese Embassy in of Syrians, many who are accused Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al happens. If Hariri and Hezbollah The issue of refugees remains Damascus, that “the skies are blue” of being close to Syrian officialdom. Saud paying the Russian president are in a truce, with their govern- highly problematic for Hariri. Ap- in bilateral relations. Making a bolder move, such as a cordial visit last year, promising to ment running smoothly, they proximately 1.5 million Syrians That visit was the brainchild of mending broken fences with As- work together on Syria. would have little reason to object have been living in Lebanon since Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz sad, yet again, requires approval of Of course, if that happens, the as well. 2011, draining the already strug- Al Saud, who visited Beirut with Hariri’s allies in Saudi Arabia. question would be: Would Hezbol- Can Putin take Hariri down a gling Lebanese economy, especially Assad in July 2010, calming ten- Powerful Saudi Crown Prince Mo- lah, Iran and the Syrians be willing thorny ride to Damascus, just like when it came to schooling, electric- sions in Syrian-Lebanese relations hammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz to turn a page with Hariri? King Abdullah did nine years ago? ity and other basic services. until the Syrian conflict broke out has stepped back from his country’s It hasn’t worked with Hamas, The Russian president is obviously The Lebanese government has eight months later. Hariri embraced previous line that “Assad must go.” whose leaders jumped into the not somebody who makes offers he milked the refugee case to death, the Syrian opposition, saying he In March, he admitted the Syrian anti-regime camp in 2012. When re- cannot meet or say things he does however, using it to attract finan- would only return to Damascus af- president was “staying” but that he alising that the regime was not fall- not mean. A rapprochement is dif- cial aid from donors across the ter the fall of the regime. ought to distance himself from the ing after the Russian military inter- ficult — to say the least — but not world. With few tourists enter- That clearly has not happened Iranians. vention three years later, they tried impossible. ing the country and no new in- but Hariri cannot admit it so blunt- If Iranian forces withdraw from to turn a page with the Syrians, first vestments from the Gulf, the do- ly. He has taken baby steps that Syria, along with Hezbollah troops, via Hezbollah and then through the Sami Moubayed is a Syrian nor money hid growing cracks in are almost invisible towards rec- the Saudis would have little reason Iranians. In both cases, they didn’t historian and author of “Under the Lebanon’s economy. onciliation, such as signing off on to reject a rapprochement with Da- get very far. Black Flag” (IB Tauris, 2015). Viewpoint Hezbollah’s internal gains and external operations place all of Lebanon at risk

ezbollah’s internation- tration’s initiative to check Hezbol- by Hezbollah, and those espousing Movements, Hezbollah’s coalition al activities, combined lah’s narcotics revenue streams, a Western or Arab approach, led controls 45 of the parliament’s 128 with its growing influ- named several of the group’s figures by Lebanese Prime Minister Saad seats. Mona Alami ence over Lebanon’s suspected to have been active in Hariri’s Future Movement. Electoral success not only bol- domestic politics, are international cocaine smuggling However, the involvement of stered Hezbollah’s domestic posi- fuelling a rift between and money laundering rings. Hezbollah in regional and interna- tion, it ensured the political return Hthe country and its regional and Hezbollah’s suspicious interna- tional conflicts is undermining that of figures close to Syrian President Western partners. tional activities go beyond narcot- balancing act, not least after the Bashar Assad. Allegations against the Lebanese ics. In May, Morocco accused the group made notable gains Electoral success for Hezbollah state, accusing it of actively cover- group of in May’s elections. and its allies signals the consolida- ing Hezbollah’s alleged narcotics training and Now, with its al- tion of power by a pro-Syrian and smuggling operations, are further arming the lies in the Syrian pro-Iranian group, gained directly isolating Lebanon, entrenching separatist Nationalist Pro- at the expense of Hariri. it deeper within Iran’s self-styled Polisario gressive Party, Hezbollah’s electoral gains put “axis of resistance” and placing the Front move- Amal, the Lebanon increasingly in the line country at risk. ment, leading Ba’athist and of fire. “The situation is becom- In the June edition of Foreign the North Afri- Marada ing very serious and dangerous Policy, analyst Emanuele Ottoleng- can country to sever for Lebanon and there should be hi, of the Foundation for Defense of ties with Hezbollah’s a perfect consensus around the Democracies, described efforts by sponsor, Iran. country’s neutrality,” Lebanese the Lebanese Embassy in Paraguay These are hardly iso- Health Minister Marwan to block the extradition of sus- lated incidents. In 2013 and Hamadeh warned pected Hezbollah financier Nader 2016, the European commu- in an inter- Mohamad Farhat to the United nity and Gulf countries added view with States. Ottolenghi wrote that Farhat Hezbollah’s armed branch to The Arab was arrested for his alleged role in a their list of terror organisations Weekly. $1.3 million drug money-laundering following its involvement in the Syr- Lebanon is neither Iran nor Syria. scheme. ian conflict, as well as its alleged ter- It is too small and has too many Farhat was also believed to be rorist plots in Europe and the Gulf. links through its diaspora to the a member of the Business Affairs Curiously, despite its growing West and Arab countries. Its po- Electoral success Component, the branch of Hezbol- domestic political success, Hezbol- litical system is fragmented across not only bolstered lah’s External Security Organisation lah’s international activities run sectarian lines with strong identi- responsible for the Party of God’s counter to Lebanese foreign policy. fication with the rest of the world. Hezbollah’s finance and drug trafficking opera- Since 2012, Lebanon has pursued a For the Lebanese state to align itself domestic position, it tions. dissociation policy, distancing the with Hezbollah risks much that has ensured the political If correct, this would mark a country from the various regional been achieved over the country’s dramatic break with Lebanon’s crises, most notably that in Syria. recent past. return of figures longstanding neutrality policy with The pledge was essential if Lebanon Armed and dangerous. A close to Syrian regard to foreign affairs. was to maintain some degree of co- Hezbollah fighter holds an Mona Alami is a French-Lebanese Hezbollah has past form here. existence between the rival factions Iran-made anti-aircraft missile analyst and a fellow at the Rafik President Bashar Earlier this year, Project Cassandra, in the country, principally those launcher on the border with Hariri Centre for the Middle East at Assad. the US Drug Enforcement Adminis- aligned with Iran and Syria, headed Israel in Naqoura. (AP) the Atlantic Council. 4 June 24, 2018 News & Analysis Gulf After securing Hodeidah airport, anti-Houthi coalition sets sights on port

Saleh Baidhani

Sana’a

fter ejecting the Iran-al- lied Houthi militia from Hodeidah airport, Yemeni A troops loyal to the inter- nationally recognised government and the Saudi-led coalition pre- pared to liberate the city’s port still under rebel control. The pan-Arab news channel Al Arabiya reported that a considera- ble number of reinforcements were being sent to Hodeidah ahead of the battle for the port. “Our preparations are in their fi- nal stages for the advance on the port,” a military source told Agence France-Presse on the condition of anonymity. On June 13, Yemeni pro-govern- ment and coalition forces began Operation Golden Victory to cap- ture the port of Hodeidah, which is believed to be the Houthi militia’s main source of weapons smuggled from Iran. Within three days, Hodeidah air- port had been taken amid heavy fighting and government troops and coalition forces wrestled con- trol from the rebels of a key supply line on the main highway between Hodeidah and Sana’a, pro-govern- ment media reported. As the militia’s losses mount, sources said the group was indicat- ing a willingness to hand over Ho- deidah port to the United Nations, a move proposed by the Saudi-led Finger prints. Iran-made Ababil drones and their parts, which were used by Houthi rebels in Yemen, on display in Abu Dhabi, on June 19. coalition numerous times since (AFP) fighting began three years ago. “The Saudis have given some in a statement. ness of the talks. choice but to accept the Hodeidah website reported. positive signals on this as well It is unclear whether the Hou- In an interview with the pan- initiative, a full withdrawal with The report said the evidence in- to the UN envoy over the last 24 this are serious about handing over Arab Al-Hayat newspaper, Yemeni all militias leaving the city, its port cluded “a wide range of military hours. The Emiratis also gave posi- control of the port. There are ma- Foreign Minister Khalid al-Yamani and airport,” he added. weapons” captured by the Arab co- tive murmurs but the deal still has jor differences in the Houthi camp said that the goal of the Hodeidah Securing the port means cut- alition. Al-Bayan reported that “the a little way to go,” an unidentified regarding how to move forward, offensive was to get the Houthis ting off Iranian support, of which captured weapons, each of which Western diplomat told Thomson sources said. back to the negotiation table. the UAE Ministry of Foreign Af- bore distinctive links to Iran,” pro- Reuters. The divide, the sources said, sees “The aim of the Hodeidah mili- fairs said it had acquired further vided physical evidence of Iranian UN Special Envoy for Yemen the Houthis’ hard-core military tary operations is primarily po- evidence, the UAE’s Al-Bayan news support for the Houthi militias.” Martin Griffiths was in Sana’a for wing refusing to agree on under- litical,” Yamani said. He said the The ministry noted that the standings reached by Griffiths with government was working within Saudi-led coalition had disman- talks to resolve the crisis. He said Senior members of the he was encouraged by the “con- officials of the Houthis’ political the framework of the UN Security tled more than 30,000 landmines structive engagement” of the Hou- wing. Council Resolution 2216, which militia accused Griffiths of since the beginning of operations this’ leadership. Senior members of the militia calls for the Houthis’ withdrawal pursuing the agenda of the in 2015. “I am confident that we can accused Griffiths of pursuing the from all areas they have occupied Saudi-led coalition, adding reach an agreement to avert any es- agenda of the Saudi-led coalition, and the handover of all arms. more doubt to the Saleh Baidhani is an Arab Weekly calation of violence,” Griffiths said adding more doubt to the serious- The Houthis have “no other seriousness of the talks. contributor in Sana’a. Egypt monitoring battle for Hodeidah amid Red Sea concerns

Hassan Abdel Zaher in 2014. Most of southern Saudi tack on vessels in the region. The against shipping in the Red Sea. coast, with seismic studies by an Arabia is within range of the Hou- Shia militia reportedly intercepted Egypt’s interest in develop- international coalition to investi- this ballistic missiles, which Ri- a UN vessel on June 4 that was be- ments in Hodeidah lies in its re- gate whether there are oil and gas Cairo yadh alleges are being provided to ing used by the World Food Pro- liance on trade through the Red reserves in the area. the Houthis by Iran and smuggled gramme to deliver humanitarian Sea, via the Suez Canal. Although “The protection of the Red Sea, fforts to liberate the west- in via the port of Hodeidah. aid to the port. Egypt has not officially comment- from north to south, is a basic pil- ern Yemeni port city of Ho- The Houthis have used the port In January, the Saudi-led coa- ed on the dangers posed to Red lar of Egypt’s defence strategy,” deidah from control of the to threaten navigation in the Red lition warned that the Houthis Sea navigation by the Houthis, Halawa said. “This is why any E Iran-backed Houthi mili- Sea, including damaging a UAE na- were trying to use so-called “boat Cairo has demonstrated that it is threats to this area are taken very tia are being closely watched in val vessel. bombs” — remote-controlled ves- acutely aware of possible perils seriously by Cairo.” Egypt, with the expectation that That was not the first Houthi at- sels loaded with explosives — and has contributed naval units to Freeing the strategic Hodeidah international maritime movement the Arab coalition. port from Houthi control would in the area will undergo a huge In January 2017, Egypt opened a secure Red Sea waters and deal a boom after the city’s liberation. major naval base near the south- major blow to the Houthis, who “The Houthis have been pos- ern entrance to the Red Sea, ap- rely on the port to receive sup- ing a threat to the international parently to be prepared for threats plies. maritime movement in the south- from the Yemeni coast. ern part of the Red Sea since they “Egypt cannot stay silent while took control of the city,” said all these dangers are looming and Egypt’s interest in Akram Badreddine, a political sci- in close proximity to its Red Sea developments in Hodeidah ence professor at Cairo University. coast,” said political analyst Abdel lies in its reliance on trade “This is very dangerous, which is Monem Halawa. through the Red Sea, via why there is an urgent need for Egypt’s concerns are based on a the Suez Canal. support to ongoing efforts for the commitment to secure navigation liberation of the city and its port in the Red Sea and to the Suez Ca- “The port is the main point of from Houthi control.” nal. In 2014, Egypt spent billions contact between Tehran and the Troops affiliated with the inter- of dollars revamping the canal Houthis,” Badreddine said. “By nationally recognised Yemeni gov- with a parallel channel allowing controlling it, the Arab coalition ernment have been carrying out for two-way traffic through the ca- will put an end to the delivery of all-out offensive to regain control nal. Revenues from the Suez Canal Iranian arms to the Shia militia of Hodeidah from the Houthis, are up — thanks to two-way ship- and consequently make the Arab scoring major successes, including ping. There is a belief they would Gulf and the Red Sea more secure.” liberating the Hodeidah airport. rise even higher once the situation The Houthis have become a ma- Strategic shipping lanes. Ships sail across the Gulf of Suez in the southern Red Sea is secured. Hassan Abdel Zaher is a jor security threat to Saudi Arabia towards the Red Sea before entering the Suez Canal, east of Cairo. Egypt is also preparing to ex- Cairo-based contributor to since they overran most of Yemen (Reuters) plore oil and gas off its Red Sea The Arab Weekly. June 24, 2018 5 News & Analysis Gulf Angry reactions in the Arab Gulf region as Qatari-Iranian alliance comes into the open

Mohammed Alkhereiji dent in terms of regional and Gulf on Twitter. public opinion,” UAE’s Minister “Watch out for the literal execu- of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar tion of these instructions,” said London Gargash wrote on Twitter. adviser to the Saudi royal court Gargash said Sheikh Tamim’s Saud al-Qahtani in a tweet. He n what is likely to further comments on the war in Yemen shared screengrabs from Al Ja- Doha’s isolation, Qatari Emir amounted to “a confounded op- zeera about the Sheikh Tamim- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- portunistic approach to support Rohani exchange. I Thani, in a phone conversa- (rebel leader Abdulmalik) al- Despite its membership in Gulf tion with Iranian President Hassan Houthi.” Cooperation Council (GCC), Qa- Rohani, praised Iran for its sup- Gargash pointed out that Qatari- tar has seen its relations with its port and called for an expansion Iranian relations were at their Gulf neighbours deteriorate sig- of relations with Tehran, which highest level and have shifted nificantly although addressing the is considered by Doha’s Gulf Arab “from the hidden to the exposed.” dispute appears to have dropped neighbours to be the main cause He also said that stance prob- in priority with the boycotting of instability in the region. ably does not reflect Qatari public countries. During the June 18 exchange opinion, however. However, Saudi Arabia accused between Sheikh Tamim and Ro- Criticism of the leaders’ conver- Qatar of “politicising” the FIFA hani, the Qatari ruler condemned sation showed up on traditional World Cup in Russia with its com- the Saudi-led military operation and social media. “Tamim and Ro- mentary. in Yemen and stressed that he was hani affirm their conspiratorial al- A day after the Saudi nation- “personally observing the process liance against the Arab coalition,” al team lost its opening match of developing relations between a headline in the UAE’s Al-Bayan against Russia, Chairman of the Out of the fold. A file picture shows Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin the two countries,” the Iranian newspaper said. Saudi Arabia’s Saudi General Sports Authority Hamad al-Thani (R) meeting with Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Mehr News Agency reported. Okaz newspaper ran the headline: Turki al-Sheikh tweeted that “nec- Javad Zarif in Doha, last October. (Reuters) Saudi Arabia, the United Arab “Emir of Qatar thanks the Mullahs essary legal action will be taken Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut of Iran!” in relation to beIN wrongdoings diplomatic and economic ties against [Saudi Arabia], its sports sion rights in the Middle East to of beIN studio commentators with Qatar in June 2017 over what and officials and for exploiting “broadcast political messages making statements that it said, they described as Doha’s support During the June 18 sports to achieve political goals.” with the aim of insulting Saudi “violate World Cup broadcasting of Islamist terrorist groups and its exchange between Sheikh Sheikh was referencing instanc- Arabia and its leaders,” an official rights law.” relations with Iran. The so-called Tamim and Rohani, the es of beIN commentators making statement said. Qatar is to host the 2022 World Arab Quartet made 13 demands of Qatari ruler condemned political statements during World An online petition, initiated Cup. As that event approaches, Qatar, including shutting down Al the Saudi-led military Cup broadcasts. One such state- by Saudis, called on FIFA to stop analysts said the tiny Gulf country Jazeera media network, severing ment equated Saudi Arabia not beIN from “politicising” the World was likely to be more congenial links to radical groups and down- operation in Yemen. backing Morocco’s bid to host the Cup. The petition alleged beIN towards its neighbours to help the grading ties with Iran. 2026 World Cup to its backing the was “exploiting” its broadcast World Cup be considered a suc- “I think that the Qatari govern- “Qatar was with us in the coali- Palestinian cause. rights to “aggravate [the] dispute cess. ment did not accurately assess tion while it is conspiring with al- The Saudi Football Federation between Qatar and Saudi [Arabia], the potential damage caused by Houthi against us and against the filed a formal complaint with insulting our nation in the open- Mohammed Alkhereiji is the the news of Sheikh Tamim’s com- people of Yemen,” wrote Saudi lit- FIFA, accusing beIN of “exploit- ing match.” Gulf section editor of The Arab munication with the Iranian presi- erary critic Abdullah al-Ghathami ing” exclusive World Cup televi- The petition cited examples Weekly.

Viewpoint Why the Salwa Canal project would constitute a severe blow to Qatar

Iranian nexus coming into the open Arab countries during the “Arab following Tehran’s pledge to stand spring.” beside Doha, its implementation It is clearer than ever that Doha, Iman Zayat should be a serious source of con- the self-proclaimed preacher of cern for Qatar. “democracy” and “revolution,” is If the canal plans materialise, unwilling to tolerate any protest hen Saudi Arabia they would highlight three signifi- movements at home. Doha appar- announced plans cant points: ently believes political instability, to dig a 60km First, that Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and violence, religious extremism and canal stretching Manama, which have been boycott- economic collapse are only for oth- from Salwa to ing the Qatari regime since June ers, especially Arab countries that it Khor al Adaid, 2017, are more convinced than ever wishes to exert control over. Wwhich would effectively turn Qatar that Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin That said, no one is interested in into an island, Doha did not take Hamad al-Thani and his govern- the keys to Qatar. What Arab coun- the threat seriously. Saudi Arabia, ment do not intend to reverse their tries and peoples really expect from however, advanced with the pro- political choices. Doha is a reversal of its policies, ject, with a deadline coming up for Second, that Saudi Arabia does particularly limiting its ties with tenders to dig the waterway. not see relations between itself and regional arch-foe Iran and ending The Saudi daily Makkah reported Doha thawing anytime soon. its support for Islamist groups, that five international companies Third, that Qatar will eventu- which pose a serious threat to Arab with expertise in digging canals ally be forced into the realisation stability. have submitted tenders for the that, more than one year after the For Qatar to understand the wish- project. The winning bidder is to be worsening crisis, it cannot remain es of Arab peoples, it only needs to announced within 90 days after the in a state of denial and expect its look at the disastrous repercussions June 25 deadline and will have one situation to improve. of its involvement in Syria, Libya, year to complete the task. Qatari media have labelled the Tunisia, Yemen and Egypt. Beyond Saud al-Qahtani, adviser to Saudi Salwa Canal project “a propaganda supporting the Muslim Brother- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Sal- tool” but statements by high- hood financially and logistically, man bin Abdulaziz, retweeted a ranking Saudi officials indicate they Doha has disseminated fake news video June 18 with a caption that could follow through with it. and propaganda material, fanning reads: “Starting [to dig] the Salwa Indeed, there are significant ben- the flames of social and political Canal. Congratulations to the Saudi efits of such a project for the Saudis. discord. canal would nullify Qatar’s land Adaid and two in Ras Abu Qamis; people for this wonderful project Not only would it serve as a reprisal Doha has been involved in borders and make the terrestrial seaports in Salwa and in Aqlat Al that will transform the small terror- for Doha’s detrimental politics, it recruiting mercenaries and arming area adjacent to Qatar a military Zawayed to complement the one ist state of Qatar into an island.” would be an economic project to militias to wreak havoc across the zone for protection and monitoring. in Ras Abu Qamis and marinas for While the progression of the generate jobs, stimulate tourism region. Leaked documents in April If irreversibly cut from its only yachts and water sports on the two Saudi canal plan can be considered and revitalise trade. painted a bleak picture of Qatar’s land border, Qatar would be faced banks of the canal. an indirect response to the Qatari- The Qatari media, however, have murky dealings, which potentially with a new conundrum in hosting Doha, meanwhile, is concerned deceptively claimed that Riyadh’s sent $275 million-$1 billion to ex- the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Despite that its population will realise the announcement regarding the pro- tremists intent on destabilising the Qatar’s best efforts to upgrade its regime is gradually losing its handle ject is an attempt to scare Doha into region. infrastructure, there would be no on the crisis. If irreversibly cut giving away the keys to Qatar. Now, why is Doha so obsessed way for Qatar to accommodate all If simple discussions about the from its only land What Qataris should realise is that with discrediting the Salwa Canal World Cup guests if cut off from its Salwa Canal project are damaging border, Qatar would their regime is free to keep the keys project, telling its people it is simply neighbouring state, where some Doha, then what would happen if for as long as it wants and for as a bluff on the part of the Saudis? fans and players would consider the project were to be implement- be faced with a new long as they wish for such a regime If implemented, the canal would staying. ed? Maybe it is time for Qataris to conundrum in to keep them. In fact, no one in the irreversibly end land trade with While Doha has a lot to lose from seriously consider that scenario. Arab region expects Sheikh Tamim Qatar and allow shipping routes to the canal, Saudi Arabia has a lot to hosting the 2022 and his ruling family to embrace the bypass the emirate, making it even gain: Tourist resorts with private Iman Zayat is Managing Editor of FIFA World Cup. democracy they advocated in other more isolated than it already is. The beaches in Salwa, Sakak, Khor al The Arab Weekly. 6 June 24, 2018 Opinion

Editorial The Middle East’s refugee burden he annual global migration trends report published by UNHCR, the United Nations’ refugee agency, shows the number of displaced persons is growing rather than falling. At nearly 69 million, the 2017 figure is nearly 3 million more than the year Tbefore. Every 2 seconds, there’s one more person displaced, mostly because of wars and conflicts, many of which rage in the Middle East. Unsurprisingly then, Syria, in its eighth year of war, accounts for the single largest group of displaced people (12.6 million). Neighbouring Iraq accounts for 3.3 million displaced and Yemen for 2.1 million. Despite the ugly rhetoric in Europe and the United States over refugees and their rights, the truth is most displaced people stay fairly close to home. As the UNHCR report says: “Over four out of every five refugees were located in a neighbouring country to the one from which they fled.” This means most displaced Syrians, Iraqis and Yemenis remain in the region and it’s not the West that shoulders most of the refugee burden. Two Middle Eastern countries — Lebanon and Jordan — are under considerable socio-economic strain from the responsibility of hosting millions of displaced people. The recent unrest in Jordan pointed to the enormous pressure of supporting refugees even as © Yaser Ahmed for The Arab Weekly it struggles to provide public services to its own citizens. In 2017, Jordan hosted 653,000 Syrian refugees. Lebanon had 992,100. Compare that with the 496,700 Syrian refugees in Germany and Battle of Hodeidah is crucial it is clear the region bears the brunt of the crisis. The number of refugees hosted by a country also must be seen in the context of its own population. In Lebanon, there are 164 refugees per 1,000 for regional security locals; in Jordan it is 71 refugees per 1,000 Jordani- ans and in Turkey, 43 per 1,000. Add in Palestinian Khairallah Khairallah refugees, long-displaced and scattered around the The campaign in Yemen has shown there are Arab forces ready region, and the figures are as high as 250 refugees per 1,000 Lebanese (one-in-four); and 310 per to fight — however long it takes — Iran’s expansionist project. 1,000 Jordanians (one-in-three). Other countries in the Arab world are assuming ran and its allies and agents investment in the rebel tribes on the ground. The Giants Brigade their share of the burden. In recent days, the are in for a big disappoint- paid off. The Houthis took Sana’a and other groups led by former United Arab Emirates has adopted a resolution ment in Yemen. Hodeidah following a mistake by Yemeni Defence Minister Haitham Qasim granting foreign nationals from countries will be taken from the Hou- President Abd Rabbo Mansour Taher are doing a tremendous job. “affected by wars and disasters a one-year this. The liberation of the Hadi, who failed to heed former They have been joined by former residency visa, regardless of their residency condi- airport by forces operating President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s Republican Guard leader Brigadier- tions.” Iunder the banner of “legitimacy” advice of stopping the Houthis in General Tariq Mohammed Abdul- The UAE pointed out this is “part of the coun- is just another step on the way Amran governorate. lah Saleh, nephew of Ali Abdullah try’s principles and responsibility to support the to complete liberation of the city On December 4, 2017, Saleh Saleh. Tariq Saleh is in the thick of most vulnerable people of the world as an active and its strategic Red Sea port. paid with his own life the price the battle even though the Hou- supporter of international peace and stability, of siding with the Houthis. They especially in the Arab and the GCC [Gulf Coopera- Liberating Hodeidah is part of a this are holding his brother and tion Council] region.” strategic vision for regional secu- turned on him after they used nephew hostage, as well as two Perhaps this type of greater regional contribu- rity, which includes securing both him in a temporary and purely of Ali Abdullah Saleh’s sons and tion could be part of the solution but for that to coasts in the Horn of Africa. That formal alliance. several Saleh family members. happen, those that have the most onerous means securing Ethiopia, Eritrea, Hodeidah port is of vital im- Operation Decisive Storm, responsibility — Jordan and Lebanon — must and Somalia as well. portance to the Houthis. It brings launched by Arab coalition forces receive more tangible support from the wider The Houthis are feigning them tonnes of money in taxes to prevent Yemen from becom- world. They are also entitled to greater recognition ignorance of the fact that they and fees. It is the main entry point ing an Iranian colony, was a wise of the immense contribution they make every day, are a foreign body everywhere in for the missiles and weapons move. Most of the objectives of the every month, every year. They are going to need Yemen, even in Sana’a, and are smuggled from Iran. campaign have been achieved and all the moral and monetary support they can get. desperately defending the port. With the port under their the remaining ones will soon be The Houthis owe their pres- control, the Houthis are a threat accomplished, especially if certain ence in Sana’a to so-called “fringe to international shipping in the pitfalls can be avoided. The changing tribes,” in whom they invested Red Sea. With Hodeidah port Hitting civilian targets by mis- a lot. These are tribes who, for a freed from their grip, the Hou- take is one such pitfall and a po- ‘battlefield price, switch their allegiance. In this will have only a handful of tential lack of efficiency on the part other words, they can be leased. minor ports but those aren’t large of the coalition forces is another. environment’ I wonder when the Houthi lease enough to smuggle in heavy For example, it is not clear why the will expire. I guess it depends on artillery. They will continue to coalition’s progress along the coast report from the International the money made available to the use land routes for smuggling op- was not matched by a similar one Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Houthis by their backers. erations but nothing will replace inland towards Sana’a. Further- explains why regional conflicts Iran is not the only “investor” Hodeidah. more, the situation in Taiz remains seem so impervious to solutions. in the Houthis. There are Arab Those who claim Hodeidah will unsettled. In only one-third of conflicts, says never be given up by the Houthis the report, are two belligerents powers that have scores to settle Does the problem reside with the involved. “Nearly half of all con- with Saudi Arabia and the United had better recall that Aden and “legitimacy” front and Hadi or is it flictsA (44%) have between three and nine opposing Arab Emirates. These shadowy its port and Mocha and its port somewhere else? Could it be with forces, while a quarter of states in conflict have powers feed the fringe tribes used to be held by the Houthis. Al-Islah party, meaning the Muslim more than ten parties fighting on their territory.” enough money to buy their al- They were liberated and so was Brotherhood and its schemes? Libya is a case in point, says the ICRC. A multi- legiance to the Houthis. Mukalla. The moment of truth in Hodei- plicity of armed groups came to the fore after the On September, 21, 2014, the There are serious forces fighting dah is coming. It won’t be tomor- fall of the Qaddafi regime in October 2011. No less row or the day after but every child than 236 armed militias operate in the city of in Yemen knows that the Houthis Misrata alone. are not welcome in Hodeidah. The As for Syria, more than 1,000 armed groups have inhabitants, however, are peaceful been fighting on various sides since 2014. people and won’t fight until further The ICRC points out that approximately 40% of progress by the “legitimacy” forces all conflicts involve “jihadi groups.” is accomplished. The Red Cross argues for talking to all sides The campaign in Yemen has involved in a war “to secure access for humanitar- shown there are Arab forces ready ian assistance and to ensure respect for the rules of war.” to fight — however long it takes — The intent is laudable but ensuring that brutal Iran’s expansionist project, which terrorist groups such as the Islamic State and aims to disintegrate the Arab world al-Qaeda demonstrate “respect for the rules of by igniting sectarian strife every- war” is, to say the least, unrealistic. The behaviour where. of these and similar groups shows nothing so To the question: “Is there some- much as an utter disdain for basic humanity and one who will stop the Iranian pro- certainly no recognition that any “rules of war” ject?” the answer is a resounding exist. “YES.” The battle of Hodeidah is Indeed, the battlefield environment has not just a well-planned campaign changed enormously with the proliferation of but part of a strategy to secure the proxies and greater interference by regional and Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula, global powers. One of the most significant regional including the Horn of Africa, from players is Iran. Only when it reins in its expansion- Iranian threats. ist agenda can there be a chance for peace and Moment of truth. Sudanese soldiers fighting alongside Yemen’s stability in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and elsewhere in the pro-government forces gather on the side of a road near Al-Jah, about Khairallah Khairallah is a region. 50km south-west of Hodeidah, on June 22 (AFP) Lebanese writer. June 24, 2018 7 Opinion Contact editor at: [email protected] Despair prevails in Iraq www.thearabweekly.com Bahira al-Sheikhly Published by Al Arab I consider the boycott of the elections a wise Publishing House decision. It laid bare the whole dirty trick. Publisher fter hearing of the and Group Executive Editor Sairun-Al Fatah Haitham El-Zobaidi, PhD political alliance in Iraq, a wise guy Editor-in-Chief cracked: “We now terribly need a new Oussama Romdhani listA with the label ‘Desperate’.” News of the alliance came Managing Editor as a tremendous surprise to all Iman Zayat who had thought that Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of the winning Deputy Managing Editor Sairun movement in Iraq’s and Online Editor general elections, could make it Mamoon Alabbasi on his own outside the Iranian flock. The wisecrack above Senior Editor shows that most Iraqis have lost John Hendel all hope that any good will come out of the elections. Chief Copy Editor The truth is that 80% of Richard Pretorius Iraqis, most of whom boycotted May’s elections, had despaired Copy Editor from seeing any reforms result Stephen Quillen from that political process that had been designed to serve the Tarnished by violence. An Iraqi policeman and a soldier stand guard before the headquarters of the Iraqi Analysis Section Editor interests of specific people who Communist Party after two bombs exploded in Baghdad, on May 26. (AFP) Ed Blanche had offered Iraq nothing but unending chaos. East/West Section Editor Even though the leader of the of the mullahs’ regime in Iran, Shia house on new foundations. political class is feeling the heat Mark Habeeb Sadrist Movement was able to none of the efforts to reform the Where is the national space from the street and some have reinstate the concept of “the situation in Iraq will succeed. that al-Sadr had boasted about? begun to play to it. Right in the Gulf Section Editor national space,” most Iraqis are Taher al-Bakaa, former It never existed in their minds. middle of the zone destroyed by Mohammed Alkhereiji convinced that, as long as the minister of higher education in It was just an election trick that the recent explosion inside Sadr political process is based on a the Ayad Allawi government, fooled some, but not all, Iraqis. City district in Baghdad, ex- Society and Travel sectarian quota system, there posted the following question I consider the boycott of the parliamentarian Fattah Sheikh Sections Editor will be no room for the national on his Facebook page: “I say elections a wise decision. It laid stood and shouted: “You’re Samar Kadi space that al-Sadr was talking on the topic of generosity: Will bare the whole dirty trick. The going to regret Saddam and the about. party and coalition leaders give vast boycott movement, how- Ba’athists!” Syria and Lebanon The Iraqis got confirmation up their positions and privileges ever, harbours strong popular Suffice to say that al-Sadr can Section Editor of their fears when al-Sadr for the sake of Iraq or should we demands. People will no longer never stray from the line fixed Simon Speakman Cordall announced the alliance of his sacrifice Iraq and its people for stand by silently as their coun- by Iran. He had, during the pre- Sairun list with Al Fatah, a list their sake?” That question sums try is looted and destroyed. vious elections, shielded that Contributing Editor with strong ties to Iran. They up our current despair. Already, angry opposition political process from popular Rashmee Roshan Lall must have been sure that it Iraqis harboured strong fears voices have been heard and anger and placed it at Iran’s would have to happen because that they will have a govern- anti-Iranian sentiments are service. Senior Correspondents of their bitter experiences with ment of militias rule their coun- being expressed openly on the Today, too, it is very likely he Mahmud el-Shafey (London) al-Sadr and the current hopeless try. Those fears are becoming streets. There is a strong aware- will place the coming govern- Lamine Ghanmi (Tunis) political class. reality. Al-Sadr commands the ness among the Iraqi people that ment, a government supported Al-Sadr previously had gifted Saraya militia. He allied himself Iran is wary about its impending by only 20% of voters, at Iran’s Regular Columnists all the votes in favour of a civil with Hadi al-Amiri commander confrontation with the United service. The only difference be- Claude Salhani state in Iraq to those staunchly of the Badr militia. Amiri’s States and is operating to fix tween the occasions is that this Yavuz Baydar holding to a religious state un- election list included Qais al- things to its advantage inside time the other 80% will have der the guidance of the supreme Khazali, commander of Asa’ib Iraq so that Iraq becomes the the last word. Correspondents leader in Iran. As long as the Ahl Al-Haq militia. Surely these front line in its war with the Saad Guerraoui (Casablanca) strongly sectarian political class bedfellows will be joined by United States. Bahira al-Sheikhly is an Iraqi Dunia El-Zobaidi (London) keeps tying its fate with that other Shia lists and revitalise the Strangely enough, the Iraqi writer. Roua Khlifi (Tunis) Thomas Seibert (Washington) Chief Designer Global migration, from American dream to nightmare Marwen el-Hmedi

Designers Rashmee Roshan Lall Ibrahim Ben Bechir Zero tolerance of migrants has become a moral crisis for the US but it is Hanen Jebali providing a template for a different, darker, new American dream. Al Arab Publishing House ith every year said a census of the marginalised habitually makes unreasonable Italy, Salvini vows his country Quadrant Building since 2012, Roma community would allow demands. will not become “Europe’s refu- 177-179 Hammersmith Road there’s been a the rapid and wholesale depor- Non-European migration is gee camp.” London W6 8BS new post-sec- tation of “irregular foreigners… generally darker-skinned and Words paint a picture of Tel: (+44) 20 7602 3999 ond world war but Italian Roma, unfortunately, poorer. Sometimes, especially what’s really happening. Mi- Fax: (+44) 20 8846 9520 global record you have to keep at home.” In from war-torn countries such as grants are being characterised Wfor forcibly displaced people. Trump’s America, the adminis- Syria, it is Muslim. Faced with as vermin, a fateful return to an Last year was the worst — 68.5 tration’s zero-tolerance policy the ceaseless influx, the West earlier dark age of demonisation million — a report by the UN towards migrants continued un- increasingly feels under no of the “other.” It is clear that the Contributions High Commissioner for Refugees til June 21. It criminalised adult obligation to share jobs, urban world’s richest, most powerful and Editorial Queries (UNHCR) says. entrants along the US-Mexico space and national resources country is willing to demon- [email protected] Every month since June 2015, border and forcibly separated with people who have no right ise and dehumanise a whole when Donald Trump announced migrant parents from their to them by blood or culture. people. his US presidential bid, there children. In the circumstances, it mat- When Trump became has come from some part of the Zero tolerance of migrants has ters little that the UNHCR report president and accusations Tunis Office Western world a new dehuman- become a moral crisis for the paints an ever more harrowing were levelled against his fascist Tel: (+ 216) 71 669 174 ising word or degrading practice United States but it is provid- picture of growing need. Last tendencies, it seemed too soon Tel: (+216) 71 669 175 or policy towards refugees and ing a template for a different, year, says the report, the num- to make so extreme a judge- migrants. darker, new American dream. ber of forcibly displaced people ment. Eighteen months on, Both trends are running to- This one has high walls, a locked increased by almost 3 million the Trump administration is gether. Neediness is prompting gate and a sign that reads: to a record 68.5 million. More barrelling down a well-worn contempt and resentment from “Entry by invitation only. No than half were children, many route, one we have seen before richer countries. The migration exceptions. Take your hard-luck separated from their families. with the demonisation of Jews issue is driving politics in the stories elsewhere.” Just like the A massive 85% of refugees are by Nazi Germany. They were US Publisher: United States, Italy, Germany original American dream, this in developing countries and 40 defined as the enemy, carriers of Ibrahim Zobeidi and Hungary and that’s just in one travels well across borders. million of all displaced people contagion, a people who would the past week. It can be repurposed for domes- are not able to get to an interna- overrun Europe. (248) 803 1946 On June 20, Hungary passed tic use by xenophobic politicians tional border. What happens next is harder legislation that criminalises anywhere. The math shows that only a to discern. The only certainty is lawyers and activists who help What the no-entry signs mean small number of people make there is no clear international asylum seekers. On June 19, Ger- for the world order is clear. The their way to the West either as obligation to provide asylum man Chancellor Angela Merkel international asylum system refugee, asylum-seeker or eco- any more. In its place stands a urgently discussed the ideal but run by the United Nations exists nomic migrant but even those new, dark American idea of the Subscription & Advertising: elusive common European mi- only in name. Once, the UN tiny caravans are not acceptable world that may prove to be a Mohamed Al Mufti gration policy with French Presi- Refugee Agency was respected and the very word “migrant” has global nightmare. [email protected] dent Emmanuel Macron even for its mandate to protect, assist become a term of abuse. Tel: (+44) 20 8742 9262 as her government threatened and resettle if needed refugees, The language is increasingly Rashmee Roshan Lall is a to collapse under the weight of forcibly displaced communities ugly. “Illegal immigrants… will columnist for The Arab Weekly. anti-asylum forces. and stateless people. Now, it infest our country,” says Trump. Her blog can be found at On June 18, Italy’s far-right is regarded as an unnecessary “The United States,” he vows, www.rashmee.com and she is interior minister, Matteo Salvini, and troublesome entity that “will not be a migrant camp.” In on Twitter: @rashmeerl. 8 June 24, 2018 News & Analysis Iraq Top Iraqi court endorses manual recount of all election ballots

The Arab Weekly staff people and members of the pesh- merga. “This cancellation… presents a London squandering of votes and confisca- tion of the will of voters in these he Federal Supreme Court of areas which violates constitu- Iraq upheld a law passed by tional articles that guarantee the parliament that mandated a right to equality and voting,” said T manual recount of all ballots Mahmoud. from May’s national elections after This means all of the approxi- allegations of widespread voting mately 11 million ballots would have fraud created a political crisis. to be recounted. A vote recount is The ruling, which is not subject to likely to give “70, 80 [or] 90%” accu- appeal, endorsed parliament’s legis- racy of the original results, Ahmad lation for a recount as constitutional al-Abadi, a lawyer representing par- after Iraqi President Fuad Masum liament’s case to the supreme court, and the Independent High Elections told the Associated Press. Commission (IHEC) accused outgo- Parties that made great gains in ing lawmakers of political interfer- the elections wanted to begin the ence in polls. process of forming a coalition gov- “The Federal Supreme Court of ernment without delay but will now Iraq finds that parliament’s decision have to wait for the recount and re- was to organise the electoral process sults ratified. and restore voter confidence in the The electoral alliance backed by electoral process. It was within par- influential Shia cleric Muqtada al- liament’s constitutional rights and Sadr secured the highest number of does not contradict the constitu- seats in parliament. In apparent bid tion,” said Chief Justice Medhat al- to diffuse the election crisis, al-Sadr Mahmoud. announced a political alliance with The court said parliament was his campaign competitors, led by within its rights to legislate because Iran-backed militia leader Hadi al- its term had not expired. Amiri. Under a cloud. An Iraqi official carries a ballot box after a fire at a storage site in Baghdad, on June 10. (Reuters) Two-thirds of parliament’s cur- An al-Sadr-Amiri alliance raised rent members will be replaced in concerns among Iraqis who object the next legislative body. Many of to Iranian influence in Iraq and to The Hezbollah Brigades are part demonstrate how difficult that task statement. those who lost their seats, including having irregular forces wandering of the Popular Mobilisation Forces is. “If the security forces are unable Speaker Salim al-Jabouri, blamed the streets. One day before the court (PMF), an umbrella for militias that Separately, Iraq’s biggest tribe, the to control these areas inhabited by election fraud and irregularities. ruling, an armed clash between Iraqi was formed to fight the Islamic State Shammar, appealed for weapons to the Shammar and other tribes… the The court’s ruling means that police and the Iran-backed Hezbol- (ISIS) in 2014. Outside its PMF uni- defend itself against ISIS after sev- commander-in-chief (of the armed a parliament order to replace the lah Brigades militia left three people form and against government or- eral tribesmen were abducted and forces Prime Minister Haider al-Ab- IHEC with a panel of nine judges wounded in Baghdad. ders, however, Hezbollah Brigades killed in the desert region of Wadi adi) should open the door for volun- to supervise the recount will stand. “The men in five vehicles opened militiamen are fighting in Syria in al-Safa in the predominately-Sunni teers to join the ranks of the army The IHEC, which had rejected a re- fire and the police responded. Two support of the Assad regime. Saladin province. and form a brigade of sons of the count when allegations of fraud first policemen were wounded and one The government had passed a law “We hold the security forces re- region to protect themselves.” surfaced, denied any wrongdoing, of the members of Hezbollah Bri- to integrate the PMF into the formal sponsible for protecting civilians… Despite Iraq’s declaration of vic- The court, however, rejected the gades,” an Interior Ministry official Iraqi security apparatus to control failure to do so is a failure of duty,” tory over ISIS last December, the mass invalidation of votes cast by told Agence-France Presse on condi- the militias but clashes and activi- Shammar leader Sheikh Abdal- militant group has continued to at- expatriates, internally displaced tion of anonymity. ties outside Iraqi borders seem to lah Hmeidi Ajeel al-Yawar said in a tack locations in desert areas.

Viewpoint Al-Sadr-Amiri alliance pushes Iraqi Communist Party to the margins

uch ink has been partners, occupying two parlia- sectors, ministries and resources Guard Corps. His prediction is spilt over the mentary seats, are part of the — absorbed into Iran’s hegemonic that “[America’s] troops will 54-seat victory alliance. realm. Without a united stance soon be evicted, our embassy Nazli Tarzi scored by the ICP Secretary Raid Fahmi told against Iran, the ICP is likely to be crippled. Iran is consolidating its Sadrist Iraqi broadcaster Al Iraqiya that an added to the mix. If it contests, grip across its crescent.” Communist Party al-Sadr-Amiri merger “does not it’s likely to be given the boot. The fallout can be traced to the M(ICP) alliance but the floodlight of come as a surprise.” Fahmi spoke Iran, as things stand, is the United States’ fumbling policies its success is dimming. Days after comfortably about the inclusion winning powerhouse. and, above all else, the dissolu- populist partner Muqtada al-Sadr of Iran’s strongest proxy outfit in Senior analyst at the Iraqi tion of Iraq’s centralised army, entered an alliance with Badr the new government. Foreign Relations Bureau Ah- which, much to the chagrin of Brigades militia commander Hadi “There have been conversa- mad Mahmoud said the militia sectarian entrepreneurs, present- al-Amiri, head of the Fatih bloc, tions, exchanges and talks with alliance is a reassertion of the ed an opportunity for the militia the role of the ICP is in question. Fatih bloc… but the timing was status quo of an Iran-controlled to pounce into the political realm An al-Sadr-Badr alliance brings sped up,” Fahmi added. Baghdad-seated government. in 2003. The paramilitaries that together two former outlaws and Fahmi advised observers to “The application of the myth of a grew into existence have grown rivals, promising an end to Iraq’s look beyond the “shape, com- moderate versus hardline, which in size and strength. suffering and the political muhas- position and seat allocations of Iran tactfully uses, to pressure Mosul’s conquest in June 2014 sassa system (ethno-sectarian- the new government,” which he America to accept [its] political by the Islamic State and subse- ism) that institutionalised and promised would bring forward “a arrangement,” Mahmoud said. quent victories represent the politicised religion and sect. political reform programme,” and As for the ICP, “[it] will be mar- point of no return, in which para- This comes after a ballot box to focus on “the foundations that ginal to the formula.” militaries are formally integrated warehouse mysteriously caught the government is built on” as An al-Sadr-Badr alliance, into the Iraqi security apparatus fire and devoured important bal- what counts. Mahmoud said, underscores and enter Iraq’s May elections, lots citizens cast last month. An inescapable concern unad- Iranian primacy but even before coming in second after Sairoon. No solution to the problem has dressed by leaders of the alli- that “the communists were ready The question regarding the been presented by Iraqi Prime ance, both al-Sadr and Fahmi, is to accept the role set by the ICP’s role is whether it will revert Minister Haider al-Abadi while whether Iraq’s security forces will Americans by becoming Sai- to a state of quiescence and ac- leading blocs make inroads. kowtow to an Iran-dominated roon’s posterchild.” cept Iran’s dominance over key The announcement causes chain of command that the Fatih Al-Sadr’s unhesitant align- ministerial institutions, which greater strain for the United bloc populates. ment with actors he has spoken others may view as a feeble ef- States in its unravelling friend- Predictions of a militia-popu- critically about in the past comes fort to maintain good relations ship with Baghdad. The politi- lated parliament may be realised as a sure sign of the unqualified with the actors whose policies it cal posture of these militiamen, in behind-the-scenes political cleric’s shrinking confidence to promises to challenge. The Iraqi aligned either against Washing- wrangling. deliver on his “Iraq first” pledge. Such an approach disregards Communist Party is ton or Iraq’s Sunni population, is Lest observers forget, Abadi Ali Khedery, a former adviser ICP’s long history of speaking likely to enter into particularly unnerving the Trump hand-picked Qasim al-Araji, a for- to US ambassadors to Bagh- truth in the face of dictatorial administration. mer senior Badr Brigade militant dad, described on Twitter the regimes and their onslaught on the political process Al-Sadr stressed the national- who fought with Iran against his outcome as “another strategic innocents. but its ability to ist substance of his newfound Iraq in the 1980s, to head Iraq’s victory for Iran’s [Qassem] For now, the ICP is likely to alliance, offered lofty assur- interior ministry. Soleimani” — commander of enter the political process but its effect change ances and called others to join. Whatever the outcome is, the al-Quds Force, the overseas wing ability to effect change remains remains in doubt. By default, al-Sadr’s communist result could see more of Iraq — its of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary in doubt. June 24, 2018 9 Spotlight Red Sea Tensions Power plays, spurred by Iran’s ambitions, make waves in Red Sea

Ed Blanche

Beirut

ivalries between Middle Eastern powers are height- ening tensions in the Red R Sea, a strategic waterway between the Suez Canal in the north and the choke point Bab el Mandeb Strait in the south, which has been scorched by three years of inter-Arab war in Yemen. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, increasingly pursuing wider geopolitical objectives after decades of relatively passive diplo- macy, are embroiled in the Yemen war but appear determined to pre- vent what they see as Iranian en- croachment in their back yard. The UAE, which arguably has the Ready to counter most effective military in the Gulf threats. A soldier region — it’s doing most of the fight- climbs up a rope ing in Yemen — is clearly seeking to ladder attached to establish itself as an economic and the side of a ship military power in the Red Sea. during a military The UAE has three main protago- exercise off the Red nists in the region. Iran is seen as Sea coast city of an existential threat with Turkey Aqaba. (AFP) and Qatar considered economic and political rivals that stand in the ping a military training programme have no limits.” tricity to neighbouring countries deploy in Qatar and, in March 2018, way of the emirates achieving their with the UAE and seizing $9.6 mil- Turkey has also established mili- but in Egypt, where 90% of the Doha signed an agreement with regional objectives. lion from a private jet that landed tary links with the gas-rich Gulf population live on or near the Nile, Turkey to establish a naval base in For the UAE and its rivals, the in Mogadishu from Abu Dhabi with emirate of Qatar, currently at odds there are fears that the long-isolat- the emirate that lies in the central Bab el Mandeb Strait, a narrow 47 Emirati military officers aboard. with the rest of the Gulf Coopera- ed regime in Sudan, through which sector of the Gulf. choke point that links the southern In February 2017, Somaliland tion Council (GCC). the Nile flows into Egypt, will ally The following day, Turkish Red Sea with the Indian Ocean, is a gave the UAE the go-ahead to build The scramble to establish mili- with Ethiopia over the water issue. troops arrived in Doha to bolster key objective. Some 52 tankers car- a 40 sq.km air and naval base at the tary facilities and economic access Egypt and war-battered Sudan Turkish forces deployed there rying 4.8 million barrels of oil tran- port of Berbera on the Gulf of Aden. to the Red Sea and Horn of Africa have reported military build-ups since 2015. In January, the Turks sit the narrow waterway every day On April 30, Emirati troops with regions prompted Stephane Dujar- on their common border. There said they would send air and naval along with two-way trade between Russia-built armour seized control ric, spokesman for UN-Secretary- were reports in January that Egypt units to the emirate. Europe and the Far East of the remote but strategic Yemeni General Antonio Guterres, to ob- had deployed forces in Eritrea, Turkey’s push into the region The Horn of Africa, south of the island of Socotra, which lies south serve that the Gulf conflict now which borders eastern Sudan, with stems largely from economic con- strait, overlooks the eastern ap- of Bab el Mandeb in the Arabian affects “the African side of the backing from the UAE. Turkey has siderations, particularly access to proaches to this strategic apex and Sea astride key shipping lanes. Strait of Bab el Mandeb.” reportedly pledged its support for Africa’s vast mineral wealth that is essential for the security of glob- Turkey is also intruding into the Khartoum if Egypt moves against it Erdogan sees as vital for building unruly region to consolidate its over the Nile dispute. up Turkish power. al shipping. Saudi Arabia and the For the Gulf countries, that strategic ambitions and seeks to Analysts doubt that these two In August 2017, Turkey estab- means the export of oil and gas that establish military footholds in the United Arab Emirates are Nile countries will go to war over lished its largest overseas military is the bedrock of their economies Red Sea. embroiled in the Yemen water. Both are in poor shape eco- base in Mogadishu, the battle- but the upheavals in the Middle Turkish President Recep Tayyip war but appear determined nomically and can ill afford mili- scarred capital of Somalia. Official- East have posed a long-term threat Erdogan announced during a De- to prevent what they see as tary adventures. However, their ly, it’s for training Somali forces bat- to these trade routes, triggering the cember visit to turbulent Sudan Iranian encroachment in alliances with opposing regional tling jihadist extremists but with militarisation of the Red Sea region that Khartoum had ceded the Red their back yard. power blocs are heightening con- the capacity to train 1,500 troops at and the emergence of the UAE in Sea island of Suakin and its port, cerns amid the regional unrest. a time it could also provide a base particular as a contender for re- Sudan’s second largest, to Turkey Turkey’s entry into the region for Turkish forces in the unruly re- gional power projection. for 99 years. Egypt, increasingly at odds with complicates a year-old crisis with- gion — extending Ankara’s military Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE With a base on Suakin, Erdogan Turkey’s encroachment into the in the GCC between Saudi Arabia, reach there even further. have adopted more aggressive, would have new economic and Red Sea, responded to the Suakin backed by the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar has sought to break out of hard-power policies, especially in geopolitical leverage in the region deal by sending troops to Eritrea, Egypt, and neighbouring Qatar, its isolation by expanded links with the war in Yemen, to block what and greatly enhance his expan- which broke away from Ethiopia over Doha’s alleged support for Shia Iran, which is using this rela- they see as Iranian encroachment sionist policy. Much to the dismay and took its access to the Red Sea, terrorism and ties to the Muslim tionship to exploit the turbulence into the Gulf. of Cairo and Abu Dhabi, the Turks leaving it landlocked. Brotherhood loathed by Riyadh in the overwhelmingly Sunni Gulf To eliminate threats to the strait want to build a naval base on Suak- This action intersected with an- and Abu Dhabi. and rattle Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. — and thus to the oil exports on in, which for centuries was a com- other Red Sea standoff: Egypt is The Saudi-led coalition imposed The geopolitical stakes in the which the Gulf monarchies depend mercial crossroads between Africa, at daggers drawn with Ethiopia, an air, land and sea blockade Gulf and the Red Sea were raised — the UAE, which produces 2 mil- Europe and the Gulf. which has the third largest army against Qatar. Within 48 hours, sharply on June 13, when Saudi lion barrels of oil a day, has inter- The Ottomans used Suakin as a in Africa, over the construction of Turkey was airlifting food supplies Arabia, the UAE and their allies vened militarily to create a secure naval base and as Turkey’s regional a $4.8 billion hydroelectric dam on into the emirate, which has invest- launched an assault on the strate- maritime corridor in the Red Sea seat of power from 1821-85. the Blue Nile. Cairo says that will ments totalling $20 billion in Tur- gic Yemeni port of Hodeidah on the and the Horn of Africa. That is a Egypt and Saudi Arabia protested reduce the flow of water to Egypt, key. That’s expected to increase by Red Sea. sharp turnaround in the emirates’ the agreement. The Saudi newspa- a critical factor because it gets al- $19 billion this year. The UAE has its own strategic ob- foreign policy. per Okaz ran a headline proclaim- most all its water from the great On June 7, 2017, shortly after the jectives for being in Yemen. It sup- Regional defence sources say the ing “Sudan in Turkish hands,” with river that rises in East Africa. GCC-Qatar split emerged, Turkey’s ports southern secessionists who UAE has deployed special forces the report saying: “Turkey’s greed Addis Ababa seeks to boost its parliament ratified earlier agree- seek an independent state that in- to Egypt to support Cairo’s battle for the African continent seems to sagging economy and provide elec- ments allowing Turkish troops to cludes the key port of Aden, which against Islamic State jihadists in UAE-led forces recaptured in Janu- the Sinai Peninsula. ary. The UAE established its first These included an entire brigade foreign military base at Assab in that mounted an amphibious at- Eritrea on the western shore of tack from the UAE’s new base at the Red Seas, 160km north of Bab Assab, Eritrea. el Mandeb. In May 2016, the UAE “The Red Sea will likely become a signed a $442 million agreement theatre for intensified geopolitical with the autonomous Somaliland competition between regional and region in war-torn Somalia to de- global actors with clashing agendas velop commercial ports with the and growing interests in securing emirates’ Dubai Ports World lead- leverage vis-a-vis the Middle East’s ing the project. more geo-strategically vital water- The UAE also seeks to develop ways,” observed analysts Theodore and operate a port at Bosaso to ac- Watch and Karasik and Giorgio Cafiero of Gulf quire another gateway to East Af- ward. A Saudi States Analytics. rica. border guard “Turkey’s entry into the body In February 2017, the UAE watches as he of water raises new questions for opened a military base in Somali- stands in a boat Arab states with high stakes in the land, 400km south of the Red Sea. off the coast of Red Sea security environment.” Somalia’s beleaguered central gov- the Red Sea on ernment denounced the UAE in- Saudi maritime Ed Blanche is a regular contributor tervention in what it considers its border with to The Arab Weekly. He has sovereign territory. Yemen near reported on Middle Eastern affairs Mogadishu retaliated by scrap- Jizan. (Reuters) since 1967. 10 June 24, 2018 News & Analysis Egypt Wariness in Egypt as Muslim Brotherhood seeks to capitalise on public discontent

Ahmed Megahid cit, reduce government debts and bring inflation down. However, in the short term, the Cairo plan has seen major increases in commodity prices and transport here are fears the outlawed fares and many Egyptians have Muslim Brotherhood could complained about the harsh meas- use public anger over sub- ures but economists said such T sidy cuts to destabilise the moves are necessary if the Egyptian government of Egyptian President economy is to secure long-term sta- Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. bility. “The Muslim Brotherhood has “You can never build a strong already started working on this economy while you keep selling by beginning a massive campaign commodities for prices far below to encourage the people to pro- their real market prices,” said Ka- test against the subsidy cuts,” said rima Kareem, an economics profes- Mounir Adib, an Egyptian expert sor at al-Azhar University. “These on Islamist movements. “This is an subsidies are the main reason opportune moment for the Brother- why local and foreign debts have hood to settle old scores with Sisi.” reached record levels.” Sisi, the army chief when the For decades, the government military backed an uprising against has subsidised electricity, drinking Egyptian President Muhammad water, transportation, food and car Morsi, a member of the Muslim and home fuel. Brotherhood, in 2013, has carried In 1977, the government of Presi- out a merciless crackdown on the dent Anwar Sadat sought to shake Brotherhood since he became pres- up the subsidiary system, which ident. led to the infamous “bread riots” The Muslim Brotherhood was in which hundreds of thousands formally designated as a terrorist of people took to the streets across group in late 2013. Many Brother- Egypt. Sadat ultimately backed hood leaders fled Egypt, seeking down on a decision to terminate refuge in Turkey or Qatar. subsidies. Challenging phase. A man carries bread along a busy street near a poster of Egypt’s President Abdel The recent protests in Jordan, Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo. (Reuters) also over IMF-mandated austerity Tolerance for the subsidy plans, resulted in the dissolution of cuts is growing thinner the government and the partial re- the pace of economic reform, Cairo This discontent falls at the heart lim Brotherhood-affiliated media among many Egyptians as versal of austerity measures. recently sought to include social of a media campaign by the Mus- could incite unrest or protest, ana- more people find it Cairo, however, appears commit- spending along with its austerity lim Brotherhood calling for pro- lysts said, particularly given that impossible to cope with ted to moving ahead with austerity measures, an indication the gov- tests against government austerity many poor Egyptians are having a commodity price hikes. measures because of an $80.8 bil- ernment is paying attention to the measures. hard time dealing with the auster- lion foreign debt and tens of bil- popular discontent. Although the Brotherhood, which ity measures. Sisi’s government slashed subsi- lions of dollars in local debts. Last year’s budget included $4.2 was Egypt’s strongest political force “These calls are coming at a time dies on petroleum and cooking oil Since starting the economic re- billion on social spending, mostly before Morsi’s ouster, is almost po- most Egyptians are very angry at on June 16, with the price of petrol form programme, Sisi has stressed food subsidies that increased while litically dead in terms of a presence the economic reforms, even as they increasing as much as 50%, the Oil the need for the public to shoulder other subsidies were being cut. on Egyptian streets, it has a strong do not want to destabilise their Ministry said. The announcement some of the burden as the country’s More recently, the Egyptian Fi- media presence because of its abil- country or agree with the Brother- was just days after Egypt confirmed economy recovers. In May 2017, Sisi nance Ministry said approximately ity to operate from abroad, particu- hood,” Adib said. cuts to electricity subsidies, raising angrily rebuked a member of par- 5 million government employees larly via Qatari and Turkish media. “There is in politics the theory of prices an average of 26% beginning liament in public after he asked Sisi would receive bonuses, 9.5 million There are fears that Brotherhood unintended consequences, which in July. to delay subsidy cuts and raise the would benefit from pensions and members, hiding their affiliation, is why authorities need to work to Egypt’s commitment to enforc- salaries of the country’s more than 20 million are to get relief via tax are using social media to call for prevent the opposition from us- ing deep subsidy cuts and other 5 million civil servants. credits. protests. Egyptians often share vid- ing public anger to destabilise this tough fiscal measures comes as “Do you realise what you are say- Tolerance for the subsidy cuts eos on social media of people call- country and return to the political part of a 3-year, $12 billion Interna- ing?” Sisi asked. “Do you want this is growing thinner among many ing for protests or addressing Sisi scene.” tional Monetary Fund (IMF) loan country to rise on its feet again or Egyptians as more people find it directly about the austerity meas- programme that began in 2016. The continue to stay as it is?” impossible to cope with commod- ures. Ahmed Megahid is an Egyptian aim is to bridge Cairo’s budget defi- Although Sisi has since kept up ity price hikes. There is a good chance that Mus- reporter in Cairo. Egypt’s new education system to focus on technology, research

Amr Emam Egypt hopes it can revive its and serve as entrance exams for ing and the leaking of examination based on the highest marks they moribund education sector by ap- Egypt’s public universities — were questions,” he said. score in six of the 12 tests. plying the new system quickly published on social media before Khairy said teachers would be The new system hopes, the Edu- Cairo and equipping a new generation of the exams. unable to coerce students to take cation Ministry said, to improve students with much-needed skills. To preserve the security of the private lessons, given that they Egypt’s educational rating and gypt is preparing to imple- Egypt’s education system decayed exams, the Education Ministry has would not have direct influence bring international recognition to ment a new education sys- during a time when education in- asked the army to deliver examina- over examination questions. its school certificates. However, tem at secondary schools novations were utilised in other tion papers to schools nationwide. The new education system has the plan faces several hurdles, E that aims to end decades of Arab countries. The new system will seek to ad- been a subject of debate in Egypt including financing. It will cost rote learning and institute a new Until the 1980s, Egypt’s educa- dress the issue of private lessons, where approximately 19 million Egypt $2 billion to implement the focus on technology. The new sys- tion system was considered one something that has become com- pupils are enrolled in the country’s new system. The World Bank has tem, which will be enforced as of of the best in the region. Egypt monplace for almost all Egyptian 45,000 state-owned schools and agreed to provide $500 million for the academic year in September, was known for sending doctors, secondary school students. Inde- 7,000 private ones. the project over the next five years will scrap Egypt’s focus on text- engineers and teachers across the pendent estimates say Egyptians By abolishing textbooks, the but it is unclear where the rest of book answers and incentivise in- region. However, with education spend $1.7 billion annually on pri- new education system will spare the money will come from. dependent research. deteriorating and Egypt’s schools vate lessons. Egypt the huge amounts of money The Education Ministry will dis- “The system will eradicate the failing to keep up with advances it spends on printing them. In the tribute 1 million computer tablets old education system’s ailments around the world, Egypt’s expat 2017-18 academic year, the govern- to pupils for free in September. by turning the pupils from pas- workers are more likely to be driv- It took Education Ministry ment spent $68 million to print The ministry will have to overhaul sive recipients into active partici- ers or construction workers. experts years to formulate 300 million textbooks. technological infrastructure at pants in the educational process,” The new education system aims the new system, making use “The new system will also put Egypt’s schools to provide internet said Ahmed Khairy, a spokesman to change that. Education Minister of aspects of education an end to the national suffering, access. for Egypt’s Ministry of Educa- Tarek Shawqi said the new system systems in use in Japan, that is the Thanaweya Amma ex- Education experts also refer to tion, which controls the schools, would make education fun, eradi- Singapore and elsewhere. aminations,” said Ibrahim Shahin, the need for training the country’s designs the curricula and prints cate suffering of pupils, especially a senior official of the Educational more than 1 million schoolteachers textbooks. “We are going for a to- those in the final year of second- Shawqi said there would be no Syndicate, the independent union in the use of educational technolo- tal change of the educational pro- ary school education and give the standardised secondary school of Egypt’s teachers. gies and the new system. cess, instead of introducing minor schools more authority in deciding graduation (Thanaweya Amma) Students preparing for the “The teachers need to adapt to changes,” he said. exam questions. exams this year but a different Thanaweya Amma examinations the new system, or its implemen- It took Education Ministry ex- “This is how we will end exam exam for each school. Exam ques- are known to have to deal with a tation will stumble,” said educa- perts years to formulate the new question leaking and cheating,” tions for each school, he said, large amount of stress, given that tion expert Mahabat Abu Omeira. system, making use of aspects of Shawqi told the private Sada al- would not be decided by teachers the standardised tests determine “There is also a need for ensuring education systems in use in Ja- Balad TV. “The system will also put but by a committee of experts. what universities they can attend that the technological tools that pan, Singapore and elsewhere. an end to private lessons.” School pupils will be allowed to and what subjects they can take. will be used in the new system will Instead of textbooks, the Ministry Leaking of exam questions the take print materials to the exami- The new system will alter pupils’ work or a minor glitch can discon- of Education will give the pupils last three years was a headache for nations with them. The new exams assessments and put an end to the nect hundreds of thousands of pu- electronic tablets to use in their the Education Ministry. Questions will not be focused on rote learn- Thanaweya Amma. pils and teachers from the whole studies. The tablets will have a that would appear on the Thanaw- ing but in demonstrating an under- Secondary school pupils will process.” high-speed internet connection to eya Amma exams — the standard- standing of topics covered during have to sit for 12 exams during the encourage the students to search ised tests that lead to the General the school year, Khairy said. three years of the secondary stage. Amr Emam is a Cairo-based the web for information. Secondary Education Certificate “This is how we will end cheat- The pupils’ final grade will be contributor to The Arab Weekly. June 24, 2018 11 Debate Fighting Terrorism Why ISIS still poses a massive threat to Turkey

When ISIS was driven from What’s clear Raqqa, Syria, in October 2017, is a trend that many jihadists fled for Turkey Stephen Starr speaks for through Idlib and other border itself: Turkey provinces. However, the majority is struggling of those in Turkey didn’t enter the country in the days before Raqqa to keep a fell to US-backed Kurdish para- he suicide bombings handle on its militaries. The individuals threat- and attacks that shook foreign and ening the stability of Turkey and Turkey in 2015 and homegrown by extension of Europe made their 2016 have halted but jihadist way to Turkey beforehand. the country faces a networks. Obvious questions arise. Why monumental struggle and how has Turkey become Tto contain its large and expand- home to so many extremist cells? ing cohort of Islamic State (ISIS) It’s an open secret that Turkey’s extremists. armed interlocutors in Syria dur- Last September, hundreds of ing the early years of the civil war ISIS defectors were reported as morphed into extremists. Many having massed on the border ended up in the ranks of Ahrar between Idlib and Turkey, at- al-Sham, Jabhat al-Nusra and ISIS. tempting to escape north into Many of them living and are de- Turkey. More than 400 suspects veloping strategies from Turkey. were arrested by Turkish police Another reason relates to across the country on a single day Ankara’s support for armed in February. In March, four peo- ethnic Turkmen communities ple were detained on suspicion in northern Syria. Disillusioned of planning an attack on the US by the infighting and weakness Embassy in Ankara. On April 16, of moderate rebel groups in 2012 69 ISIS suspects were caught in and 2013, they joined more radical Istanbul, Hatay and Eskisehir. Monumental struggle. Turkish police officers escort men, suspected of being ISIS militias while maintaining ties On May 5, 51 foreign nation- members, at a court in Adana in southern Turkey, last November. (AP) with Turkey. als were detained in Istanbul. What solutions can Turkey mus- Ten days later, 54 ISIS suspects ter against this security threat? were arrested in Adana. Four ISIS The majority — both Turkish Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed, Successful attacks have, thank- leaders were detained on April 27 and foreign — have been detained without evidence, that many ISIS fully, been infrequent, which while posing as migrants in Izmir. at residential addresses. This members fled Syria, not to Turkey suggests that Turkish intelligence The detained leaders included shows that they, or their contacts, but to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. In has kept pace with major threats. Kasir al-Haddawi, a former gover- are registered with and integrated February, Mehdi Eker, a deputy Questions remain, however. How, nor of Deir ez-Zor province, who into the Turkish infrastructure chairman of the ruling Justice for example, did the perpetrators stands accused of war crimes for that requires identity checks in and Development Party, accused of the Istanbul Ataturk Airport the slaughter of 700 Shaitat tribe exchange for services. That raises the Kurdish People’s Protection attack, which killed 45 people members. worrying questions: If Turkish Units (YPG) and the Kurdistan in June 2016, get their hands on The list of arrests goes on. intelligence can track extremists, Worker’s Party (PKK) of releasing military-grade explosives? What’s clear is a trend that speaks is it complicit or is it ignoring the ISIS jihadists to attack Turkish The internal workings of Tur- for itself: Turkey is struggling to threat? If the number of arrests is soldiers. key’s security apparatus have keep a handle on its foreign and so high, are there thousands more “If you listen to Erdogan’s never been clear and it’s hard to homegrown jihadist networks. slipping through the net? remarks, you will quickly realise say exactly how Ankara perceives Turkey says it has detained that the real enemy he wants ISIS. What we can be sure of, how- more than 5,000 suspects and to fight is still the PKK,” wrote ever, is that the arrests — as well The internal workings of deported 3,300 foreign extrem- the Brookings Institution’s as the threat posed by ISIS — will ists. Its military has engaged Omer Taspinar. “He tries hard continue. Turkey’s security apparatus in operations to oust ISIS from after each ISIS attack to create a have never been clear and it’s border regions in Syria. Ankara, ‘generic’ threat of terrorism in Stephen Starr is the author of hard to say exactly how Ankara however, has also tried to deflect which all groups are bundled up “Revolt in Syria: Eye-Witness to blame. together without any clear refer- the Uprising” and has lived in perceives ISIS. In December, Turkish President ences to ISIS.” Syria and Turkey since 2007. Made in the USA: The American roots of virtual jihadism

who co-founded RM in 2007 when ritory, the threat from ISIS will RM was disbanded and Morton he was a graduate student at New increasingly resemble that posed Another sentenced to prison. He noted that York’s Columbia University. by RM.” They concluded that suc- important his first step towards personal Mark Habeeb Morton served time in US prison cess against ISIS on the battlefield innovation by change was “disengagement” before undergoing a de-radical- “must not lead to complacency” from jihadism but pointed out isation process, which included and that the urgency to “at- RM was using that there is a difference between treatment for bipolar illness, tack the ideas, the networks and social media that and his full de-radicalisation, and publicly (and courageously) the methodology” of extremist 2.0. That is, which followed. Disengagement, t has become widely ac- speaks out on how RM operated groups remains high. going beyond in other words, could be only a cepted by counterterrorism prior to being disbanded in 2011. Morton also warned about the web pages to temporary state — an important analysts and experts that in At the New America Founda- dangers of Islamophobia. “Far- develop a insight for countries dealing with the face of battlefield defeat tion on June 4, Morton offered right extremists were our greatest presence on returning ISIS fighters. in Iraq and Syria, the Islamic insights into RM’s methods and amplifier,” he said, because they sites such as RM provided the template for State (ISIS) would most likely accomplishments, the greatest of fed into the message that the West YouTube, virtual jihadism that ISIS used Iturn to “virtual jihadism” — us- which, he said, was realising that was at war with Islam. RM posted to such devastating effect and Google Groups ing the internet and social media the internet “could be a means of material from Islamophobic sites likely will continue to employ and to inspire, recruit for and carry creating a globalised network… a to inspire and activate RM’s fol- and Blip.tv. expand upon. out terrorist acts throughout the virtual caliphate.” He said: “The lowers. Silber, a major player in New world. online echo-chamber we created Morton recounted that his inspi- York City’s counterterrorism What is not so widely known is was not just about the ideology… ration for establishing RM came, operations after the September that the template for virtual jihad- it was about putting the ideas in part, from former Iranian Presi- 11, 2001, attacks, stressed the im- ism was created by a US-based that we were disseminating into dent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s portance of using human intelli- extremist movement known as practice.” visit to New York in September gence to counter virtual jihadism: Revolution Muslim (RM). The New RM advocated recreating a 2007. The Iranian president, who “Digital undercover officers and America Foundation, a think-tank caliphate well before ISIS existed. was there to speak at the UN Gen- informants who can navigate the in Washington, released a study “We would radicalise you online eral Assembly, also gave a speech dark web and private communica- that documents the influence before we encouraged you to act in at Columbia University. Following tion channels of WhatsApp and Revolution Muslim had over ISIS the field,” Morton said. Silber and the speech, Morton joined fellow Telegram, will be vital, particu- and like-minded groups. Morton concluded that 15 jihad- pro-Ahmadinejad protesters out- larly if a virtual ISIS relies more “From Revolution Muslim to Is- ist attacks around the world were side and held a sign calling for the heavily upon encrypted opera- lamic State: An Inside Look at the perpetrated by people with links “nuking” of Israel. tional instructions.” American Roots of ISIS’s Virtual to RM. RM benefited from the permis- Silber and Morton concluded Caliphate” was researched and Another important innovation sive free speech environment in their study with a warning: “The written by Mitchell Silber, former by RM was using social media 2.0. the United States, under which template that Revolution Mus- director of intelligence analy- That is, going beyond web pages radical messengers of any ilk are lim pioneered remains viable for sis for the New York City Police to develop a presence on sites generally allowed to voice their other terrorist groups to adopt, Department, and Jesse Morton, such as YouTube (RM had its own views. However, when RM posted use and weaponise” and ISIS, in YouTube channel), Google Groups messages that appeared to be particular, “could morph into an and Blip.tv. Morton claimed RM threatening the lives of the crea- almost completely virtual entity, What is not so widely known is was “the first jihadist group in the tors of the animated and irrever- with little need for a geographic English language and the West to ent American television show footprint.” that the template for virtual access all the social media sites” “South Park,” which had por- jihadism was created as well as the first such group trayed the Prophet Mohammad Mark Habeeb is East-West Editor by a US-based extremist to publish an English-language in a bear costume, they crossed of The Arab Weekly and adjunct magazine. a line: Even US standards of free professor of Global Politics and movement known as Silber and Morton warned in speech do not allow threatening Security at Georgetown University Revolution Muslim (RM). their study: “As ISIS loses ter- lives. in Washington. 12 June 24, 2018 News & Analysis Maghreb The unexpected happens in Libya, again

Michel Cousins also call on air support from Egypt. Still, signs indicate the incident significantly changed the course Tunis of military and political events in Libya. ne of the standard re- Prior to the attack, the LNA’s in- sponses by officials, dip- tention was, after it had captured lomats and journalists and pacified Derna, to turn its at- O in Libya to events in the tention to southern Libya and to country is “never be surprised by secure the regional capital Sabha. the unexpected.” Those plans have reportedly been Halfway through June, the un- postponed. Instead, the focus is on expected again happened. While ensuring the Libyan oil crescent — eyes were focused on the chaos the oil terminals and the oilfields in the south and, in the east, the in the Sirte Basin — remain under offensive by the Libyan National LNA control. Army (LNA) to capture the mili- That will require an operation to tant-held enclave of Derna, two of clear the area south of Sirte of anti- the country’s most important oil LNA forces. It was from there that terminals — Ras Lanuf and nearby Jadhran and his allies attacked the Sidra — were taken by the man who two terminals. Given their record, kept them shut for three years un- it is likely they will attack again. til September 2016 and the country From the LNA’s point of view, to ransom, Ibrahim Jadhran. that cannot be allowed to happen. He was supported by the Beng- Securing the area may require cap- hazi Defence Brigades (BDB), the turing Sirte, 200km east of the two pro-Islamist fighters forced out of terminals and in the hands of Mis- Benghazi in 2016 by the LNA and ratan forces. Challenging traditions. President of the Committee on Human Rights and Individual Freedoms its commander, Field-Marshal That would change the Libyan Bochra Belhaj Hmida (R) speaks with jurist Saloua Hamrouni, on June 20. (AFP) Khalifa Haftar. political map dramatically. Sirte Jadhran claimed he had the was wrested from the Islamic State backing of Tebu fighters from at great cost by Misratans in 2016 Chad, although Libyan Tebus de- and both moderates and militants nied it, joining the wave of those in Misrata will not accept an at- Tunisian commission inside and outside Libya who con- tempt by the LNA to take it. demned the attack. After Jadhran’s coalition seized A week after the attack, on June the oil terminals on June 14, Mis- 21, the LNA retook the terminals, ratan reinforcements were sent forcing Jadhran and his allies to to Sirte to ensure that Jadhran’s puts forward bold flee south. The events marked a forces and the BDB did not use it major embarrassment, politically as a fallback position. Misrata had as well as militarily, for the LNA. It once supported the BDB but ex- was also a massive blow to the Na- pelled its fighters and supporters human rights blueprint tional Oil Corporation (NOC). in June 2017 following the Brak The fighting caused more oil Al-Shatti airbase massacre the pre- storage tanks at Ras Lanuf go up vious month in which 140 people in flames and oil production was died and in which the BDB was im- Lamine Ghanmi fined in the Quran. state of a civil character based on slashed by 240,000 barrels per day. plicated. Rights activists and progressives, citizenship, the will of the people The NOC said it will cost hundreds Opposition to Jadhran and the however, said Tunisia’s inheritance and the rule of law.” However, the of millions of dollars rebuilding BDB does not automatically make Tunis law should no longer favour men, panel appeared to shy away from the facilities, which could take the LNA an ally. Any attempt to given that women contribute sig- an article that affirms “the state is years, and billions in lost revenue. take Sirte is likely to be vigorously Tunisian presidential nificantly to the country’s econo- the guardian of the religion.” That apparently had no effect on resisted. commission has proposed my and family earnings. They cite That article says: “The state com- international oil prices, which con- There is a view, though, that human rights reforms to instances of women who are their mits itself to the dissemination of tinued to fall in another sign that Jadhran’s misadventure could sim- A protect individual free- family’s breadwinners and support the values of moderation and tol- oil traders have discounted Libyan plify the Libyan situation. If Haftar doms, drawing the ire of Islamists their ageing parents and younger erance and to the protection of the production in their calculations. establishes control over the area and conservatives who say the siblings. sacred and the prohibition of any With some 20 LNA members re- south of Sirte, moving his forces changes would go against religious offence thereto. It commits itself, ported killed in the fight for the closer to Misrata, there would be precepts. equally, to the prohibition of, and terminals, questions have been many in the city arguing in favour Progressives hailed the recom- The 200-page document the fight against, appeals to Takfir raised about how the attack hap- of a deal with him. mendations, aimed at bringing the recommends changing all and incitement to violence and ha- pened. Sources linked to the army France is working to that end and country’s law into step with its 2014 laws that do not protect tred.” say that it was aware days before has invited the city’s political and Constitution, as a step forward in citizens equally, Abdelmajid Charfi, an expert in the attack that Jadhran’s forces military representatives for talks in Tunisia’s democratic transition. regardless of religion, Islamic studies who was a member were planning an offensive. LNA Paris in the hope of getting them to “It is a great precedent for Tu- social status, gender or of the committee, said: “We are in- officers are reportedly wanting to sign up to the elections deal agreed by Haftar, Presidency Council head nisia as it launches a project of sexual orientation. spired by the Islamic reformation know why military leaders were so reforms for individual rights and in Tunisia that goes back to 19th ill-prepared. Fayez al-Sarraj and the presidents equality,” said the commission’s century. We want to pursue such a Despite the embarrassment, it of the country’s House of Repre- report. “It is a precedent for Tu- “Tunisia is today living a water- reformist path. was never going to be a matter of if sentatives and State Council. nisia in its geographic and civili- shed moment in history,” presiden- “Islamic societies do not need re- the LNA would recapture the two sational environment that has no tial spokeswoman Saida Garrach ligious intermediaries to tell them terminals but when. It is far bet- Michel Cousins is a contributor to equivalent in the countries that said at a news conference. “We had what to do. We are of the view that ter armed and has air power. It can The Arab Weekly on Libyan issues. share with it the same cultural and developed general and collective a society has to continually reas- civilisational identity and back- freedoms as we are building a de- sess to adapt to the needs of change ground.” mocracy. Now we turn to the rights in the framework of Maqasid al Is- The 200-page document rec- of individuals and equality. lam (the underlying purposes of Is- ommends changing all laws that “These are the new milestones lamic laws and tenets).” do not protect citizens equally, to complete the Tunisian national “Our approach was progressive,” regardless of religion, social sta- project. The report will be the sub- said committee member Slahed- tus, gender or sexual orientation. ject of a broad debate in the society dine Jourchi, a noted liberal Islam- Among the proposed reforms are without Takfir [charges of aposta- ic intellectual. “We went step-by- equal inheritance rights for wom- sy] and anarchy.” step, stage-by-stage out of respect en, decriminalising homosexuality The commission’s proposals are for the Tunisian society.” and abolishing the death penalty. predicated on the belief that indi- He said the commission met with “Our work is completed. It be- vidual rights and freedoms should Islamic scholars to ensure there longs now to the Tunisian people be absolute. “The individual free- was “respect for the principle of and Tunisian society. It is up to dom is a right of the individual per dialogue” and that more than 80 the president of the republic to se,” said the commission’s report. rounds of discussions and work- select from its proposals or add “That means the right enjoyed by shops took place with civil society other ideas to advance the process the individual to express his singu- representatives, experts and gov- of reforms in Tunisia,” said Bochra larity without restoring to another ernment officials. Belhaj Hmida, a women’s rights ac- person.” Despite its reform-minded vi- tivist and parliament member who However, this goes against con- sion, the committee appeared open was chairwoman of the committee. servative norms, including the to compromising with more con- The group was set up by Tuni- view that religious precepts should servative factions. For example, sian President Beji Caid Essebsi last help inform the law. The commit- the report’s authors proposed a law August after he proposed ground- tee, mindful of such views, cited that would ensure equality in in- breaking women’s rights reforms. Quranic verses to support its posi- heritance between men and wom- Caid Essebsi was the first Arab tions but said the constitution and en but left room for a provision that leader to publicly advocate equal international human rights laws would allow those who oppose the inheritance rights for women. were the basis for its recommenda- rule to divide their wealth as they This provoked a strong backlash tion. see fit. from Islamic clerics and tradition- The report focused on portions alists who say such a provision of the constitution, including Ar- Lamine Ghanmi is an Arab Weekly Risky misadventure. A general view of the Zawiya oil installation in would violate Islamic law as de- ticle 2, which states: “Tunisia is a correspondent in Tunis. Libya. (AFP) June 24, 2018 13 Debate Palestine Israel Iran is no friend of the Palestinians

the incoming Trump administra- tion. The sentiments of the interna- Tallha Abdulrazaq tional community and the interna- tional pro-Palestinian movement, then, appear to be alignment at least on this issue. n the last Friday of In typical fashion, however, Iran every Ramadan since has not only manipulated these Ayatollah Ruhollah developments but has been feed- Khomeini’s 1979 revo- ing off predominantly anti-Israeli lution, Iran has had Muslim sentiments. Muslims view huge rallies to oppose Jerusalem, and particularly al- OZionism and the Israeli occupation Aqsa Mosque, as the third holiest of Jerusalem and surrounding holy site in Islam and Israeli violations lands of historical Palestine. there inflame feelings. These demonstrations have been Muslims see their Palestinian given official status and dubbed brothers and sisters exposed to all “Quds Day,” borrowing the Arabic manner of abuses, from arbitrary word for Jerusalem, while serv- arrests, torture and even the ing as a reaction to Israel’s own killing of children, which un- Jerusalem Day celebrations, which doubtedly leads to great rage. Iran commemorate Israeli control over has weaponised these powerful the disputed holy city. emotions and positioned itself At face value, there does not as a champion of the Palestinian seem to be anything inherently struggle for independence and hu- wrong with Iranian support for man rights so it can benefit from Far-fetched theatrics. Shia fighters carry a poster of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Palestinian rights but, and as is an instant public relations coup. Ali Khamenei during a rally to mark “Quds day” in Baghdad, on June 8. (AFP) usually the case with Tehran, In reality, Iran could not care there is more here than meets the less about the Palestinians or their in Iranian propaganda. Damascus that was depopulated eye. suffering. Yet the pro-Palestinian mask Iran’s mullahs by the Assad regime and his Rus- It is increasingly accepted that Iran’s mullahs like to plaster the has been slipping over the past 15 like to plaster sian and Iranian allies earlier this Israel is illegally occupying Pales- word “Quds” over almost every- years as Iranian actions against the word year. tinian territory, whether in East thing from institutions to slogans Palestinians reveal the regime’s “Quds” over Palestinians viewing Iranian Jerusalem or in the myriad illegal and all for the sake of being able true intentions. theatrics nominally in support of Jewish settlements that dot land to brag that they are standing In Iraq, countless Palestinian almost their people would have at least apportioned for a future Palestini- for Palestinian rights while their refugees were subjected to gross everything appreciated the gesture if they did an state. This has been recognised rivals in the Arab world do noth- human rights violations, torture, from not see Iran-sanctioned violence by the international community ing. During the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq death and expulsion after the institutions to being perpetrated against the very repeatedly, most notably in the War, Khomeinists frequently used collapse of the Saddam Hussein slogans. same people Tehran purports to dying days of the Obama adminis- to say that “the road to al-Quds regime in 2003. The perpetra- support. tration whose unusual abstention lies through Baghdad,” exhorting tors were Iranian proxies, who With Iran’s history of misus- on a vote in 2016 allowed passage their fundamentalist zealots to accused the refugees of having ing and abusing the legitimate of a UN Security Council resolu- press on violently despite Iraq’s Ba’athist sympathies. Iraqi Shia Palestinian struggle and cause, tion that demanded an end to major military deployments jihadists exacted a terrible venge- the Palestinians themselves Israeli settlements, enraging Tel against Israel. ance against innocent Palestinian would not be blamed for thinking: Aviv and its allies, most notably Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary civilians eking out an existence in “With friends like Iran, who needs Guard Corps has an elite unit war-ravaged Iraq. enemies?” known as al-Quds Force and drape More recently in Syria, Iran Iran’s pro-Palestinian mask Palestinian keffiyehs around the has played an active role in the Tallha Abdulrazaq is a researcher shoulders of all public officials. decimation and destruction of at the University of Exeter’s has been slipping over the Clearly, then, the symbolism of Palestinian refugee camps, most Strategy and Security Institute in past 15 years. Jerusalem plays an important role notably in the Yarmouk camp near England. The risks in US recognition of Israeli sovereignty over Golan

American recognition, however, could result in more military action in the region, not to men- Kaja Bouman tion compromise future peace arrangements that could have been between Israel and Syria. Trump pulled out of the inter- sraeli Prime Minister national Iran nuclear deal that was Binyamin Netanyahu intended to prevent Tehran from wants to convince US becoming a nuclear power. “It is President Donald Trump to the perfect time for this move,” recognise Israel’s sover- said Katz but Israel seems to have eignty over the occupied forgotten the risk of violent escala- Golan Heights. That would tion if its sovereignty over the Ibe an acknowledgement that has Golan Heights is recognised by the never been considered by United States. previous American administra- Another risk Israel takes with tions and that runs counter to this proposal is assuming the international law, which views United States will continuously the Golan as an occupied terri- back Israel in any decision. The tory that belongs to Syria. United States doesn’t tend to In an interview with Reuters, disagree with Israel’s strategies Israeli Minister of Intelligence Yis- but, if violence at the Gaza border rael Katz claimed that a formal US continues, international criticism recognition of the Golan Heights Wall of steel. Israeli soldiers walk past tanks near the border with Syria in the would rise and there would be could happen within months. Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, on May 11. (Reuters) a limit on American support for Israel captured the Golan Heights Israel. from Syria during the Six-Day War Netanyahu is aware of this risk; in 1967. the news of the Israeli proposal In the past, Israel claimed it was Syria, or ending up in the hands of same time as the Golan Heights on the Golan Heights comes after willing to consider returning the Hezbollah. in 1967. The annexation of both The issue is of he changed his attitude towards Golan to Syria to establish peace Even without those risks, areas that followed in the 1980s is great reaching an agreement with with its Arab neighbour. In more returning the Golan Heights to rejected by the international com- Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israel has recent years, Israel has argued a violent regime of a war-torn munity and the White House has importance to recently been working on finding that there’s no side to return the country is less than reasonable. yet to confirm the consideration to Israel, since an arrangement that would ease area to. The civil war in Syria and However, thinking that the only recognise Israeli sovereignty over US recognition pressure on Hamas and would in- Iran’s presence backing Damas- logical next step would be US the Golan Heights. would put clude a halt of the firing of rockets cus are reasons to extend Israel’s recognition of Israeli’s sovereignty Katz said the Israeli proposal is extra pressure from Gaza into Israel. strategy. over the Golan Heights is blunt the most important topic on the on Iran, which Such an arrangement would Israel fears the area, on return to and improvident. agenda in bilateral talks between is involved in make it easier for the United States Syria, could fall under the control After the move of the US Embas- the two countries but it isn’t the the Syrian war. to continue its support for Israel, of the Islamic State, which until sy to Jerusalem, American recog- first time the issue was raised by including recognition of the Golan recently controlled large parts of nition of the Golan Heights would Israel. In his first visit to Trump Heights. mean another triumph for Israel. after the president’s inauguration, US support, however, does not The embassy move and Trump’s Netanyahu asked the United States mean a crisis won’t erupt. If Israel American recognition could recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s to recognise Israel’s sovereignty pursues this issue recklessly and capital angered Palestinians who over the Golan Heights. pushes the American government result in more military action in view Jerusalem as the capital of The issue is of great importance into making a rash decision, the the region, not to mention future Palestine and caused vio- to Israel, since US recognition country might be worse off. lence throughout the city. would put extra pressure on Iran, compromise future peace East Jerusalem — the Arab part which is involved in the Syrian war Kaja Bouman is a Dutch journalist arrangements. of the city — was conquered the and known as Israel’s archenemy. in Jerusalem. 14 June 24, 2018 News & Analysis Turkey German row over Turkish-born football players could deal setback for integration of Muslims

Thomas Seibert liamentary and presidential polls June 24 and of showing loyalty to Turkey despite playing for Germany. Istanbul Reinhard Grindel, president of Ger- many’s football federation (DFB), picture of two German said it was “not good that our in- football players of Turk- ternational players have allowed ish descent with Turkish themselves to be exploited for [Er- A President Recep Tayyip Er- dogan’s] campaign stunt.” dogan provoked a row highlighting The two players were booed by both the toxicity of Turkish leader’s fans during preparation matches image in Germany as well as the re- for the World Cup in Russia. Follow- luctance of German society to fully ing a lacklustre performance by Ozil embrace members of its Muslim mi- during Germany’s opening match nority. against Mexico on June 17, former Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester German team captain Lothar Mat- City and Mesut Ozil, a player for Ar- thaus used a column in the mass senal London, triggered an uproar circulation Bild newspaper to say in Germany when they met with Er- the midfielder apparently was “not dogan in London in May. The play- comfortable wearing the DFB jer- ers, German citizens with Turkish sey.” roots, had their picture taken with Gundogan said he is hurt by ac- Erdogan. Gundogan presented a cusations that he is disloyal to Ger- Manchester City jersey to the Turk- many. “As German internationals, ish leader and signed it, adding the we are behind the DFB’s values and words “to my president, with re- are aware of our responsibility,” he spect.” said in a statement. He added the Cenk Tosun, a member of the Erdogan meeting was not meant to Turkish national team who plays be a political statement or part of an at Everton, also attended but Emre election campaign and pointed out Wrong photo op. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) poses with German footballers of Can, a German-Turkish midfielder that his Turkish roots meant that he Turkish origin Ilkay Gundogan (L) and Mesut Ozil in London, on May 13. (AFP) playing for Liverpool, declined to still felt a strong connection to Tur- meet Erdogan. German football offi- key. young Turks and young Muslims. he said, “but if we’re talking about a Gundogan and Ozil to calm the wa- cials and politicians say Gundogan, In an effort to limit the damage, Now they are watching as he is be- Muslim-Turkish player, it suddenly ters. She told a television interview- 27, and Ozil, 29, should have stayed Gundogan and Ozil visited German ing clobbered.” becomes a big problem.” er she was convinced the players away as well. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. As a consequence, “Germany Germany, a country of 80 million had not been aware of what would In a football-mad country that The two players told him they want- could lose its Muslims” as young- people, has about 4 million Mus- follow their meeting with Erdogan. is continually bickering about the ed to clear up “misunderstandings,” sters concluded that they would lims, most of them of Turkish origin. Cem Ozdemir, a leading politician best composition for its national Steinmeier said in a statement fol- never be accepted by German soci- Questions of integration and migra- of the Green Party and a German cit- team and that was relatively late to lowing the meeting. However, he ety, Ceyhun warned. tion have become major political izen of Turkish descent, said the up- embrace players of ethnic minori- also told the weekly Zeit the players Anti-Turkish and anti-Muslim issues following the arrival of hun- roar over Gundogan and Ozil had re- ties, the episode has created a toxic should have known “that meeting prejudices were part of the outcry dreds of thousands of refugees from kindled a debate about what it takes mix of sports and politics. Erdogan the Turkish head of state would trig- over Gundogan and Ozil, Ceyhun Syria and other Muslim countries in to be German. “Unfortunately, the is highly unpopular in Germany, ger criticism.” said. “If an American-born player 2015. Erdogan pictures have triggered this especially since comparing German The episode could affect efforts had met [US President Donald] Campaigning on an anti-immi- discussion about loyalty,” Ozdemir politicians to Nazis last year. The to integrate Muslims in general and Trump, nobody would have cared,” gration ticket, the AfD entered par- told the Berliner Zeitung newspa- right-populist Alternative for Ger- people of Turkish descent in partic- liament in last year’s election with per. “That makes me really mad many (AfD) party said the two play- ular into German society, said Ozan almost 13% of the vote. German because it sets us back.” He warned ers should be kicked off the German Ceyhun, a Turkish-German column- Erdogan is highly Chancellor Angela Merkel has come the row was benefitting the AfD, be- under pressure in her own coalition cause the populist party wanted to national team. ist and a former member of the Eu- unpopular in Germany, Gundogan and Ozil, a member ropean Parliament. government as her junior partner, “decide who belongs [to Germany] of the German squad that won the “That will leave a bad aftertaste especially since comparing the Christian Social Union, is press- and who doesn’t.” World Cup in 2014, have been ac- for many Muslims in Germany,” Cey- German politicians to ing for stricter rules to reject mi- cused of acting as pawns in Erdog- hun said in an interview. “Ozil, in Nazis in a bitter political grants at the border. Thomas Seibert is an Arab Weekly an’s election campaign before par- particular, has been a role model for row last year. Like Steinmeier, Merkel met with correspondent.

Viewpoint Turkey after the elections: Many problems, whoever wins

urkey is once again at Online: “The first item on the agenda the crossroads, as it following the elections will be how has been many times to reverse an impending economic Yavuz Baydar in the past two contraction in the third quarter of decades. This time is 2018. The 500 basis-points in rate different. It is marked hikes that investors forced the cen- by early — or rather, tral bank to take this year, despite Thasty — elections. objections from Erdogan, are set to Never mind the intensity of the reverse economic growth.” opposition effort to dislodge the Jus- Atabay Sanli added that inflation tice and Development Party (AKP) was heading towards 15%, spurred from power. Ignore the self-confi- by rising energy costs and a weaken- dence projected during the election ing lira. A decisive win for Erdogan, campaign by Turkey’s strongman, she said, would probably result in President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. new ballast for unorthodox econom- The winner of the elections will face ic policies. enormous problems. Turkey also needs a new model A series of acrimonious political of growth, one that is based on pro- battles through the years means that ductivity, Atabay Sanli said, rather Turkey has regressed politically. Inescapable hardships. Shop owners wait for customers at their than with “cheap money raised from Erdogan’s highly personal quest for stall in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, on May 25. (AP) abroad.” absolute power has taken its toll Turkey’s toughest problem, of in terms of rule of law and, more course, is its external debt. recently, of economic slowdown. and Kurdish MPs and local politi- vengefulness. Atabay Sanli noted that the effect Should the opposition bloc do cians, remain in jail. Many are in Victory for Erdogan and his of Turkish corporates’ attempts to well, pushing the AKP and its far- pre-trial detention. party, on the other hand, would be restructure their foreign loans of right nationalist ally, the National- A fierce crackdown on the media perceived as carte blanche. Given more than $225 billion is unclear ist Movement Party, to a minority led to the imprisonment of 170 jour- Turkey’s fault lines, police-state with respect to the banking sector. position in parliament, its dexterity nalists and the closing or takeover of methods would be the only way to Unless the new government speedily will be sorely tested. It will have to more than 200 independent outlets. govern decisively. The only question finds a solution, the lira will con- restore democratic order. First, it Mainly Kurdish towns and cities is: How long could that be main- tinue to lose value. would have to lift the state of emer- have suffered under the AKP. Gulen- tained? The conclusions are inescapable. gency, which has been in force in ist businesses have had assets worth The tasks that lie ahead go much These elections may not return Tur- Turkey for nearly two years. more than $15 billion confiscated, beyond re-establishing rule of law. key to the path of democracy. They Under the state of emergency, the which is reminiscent of the looting Turkey’s economy is in free fall and may, at best, jam the handbrakes on AKP’s effect on state institutions and of Armenian assets during the 1915 it will be the biggest challenge no its rapid slide into a dictatorship. civil society has been venomous. genocide. matter who wins. Bear in mind that Whatever happens, many problems Victory for Erdogan More than 100,000 people have been Ending emergency rule may be the early elections were called because lie ahead. and his party would purged by way of decrees. Some easy part, however. What follows the country’s economic woes were 50,000 people, including thousands might be worse. If the oppressors mounting. Yavuz Baydar is a Turkish be perceived as carte of judges, lawyers and more than are brought to justice, it could be the As economic analyst Guldem Ata- journalist and regular columnist blanche. 100 army generals, NGO activists start of a new era of acrimony and bay Sanli pointed out on Ahval News for The Arab Weekly. June 24, 2018 15 Spotlight Iran Worse than a sore loser, chief commander of Iran’s al-Quds Force is a bad winner

small number of Shia Muslims, Ali Alfoneh affairs of Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen and the rest of the region.” responded brusquely. He continued with an attack on Party leader Gebran Bassil, Saudi Arabia: “This election took Lebanon’s acting foreign min- place under the ruinous (influ- ister, said: “We are an inde- veryone knows what ence) of $200 million spent by pendent bloc… with our own “sore loser” means but Saudi Arabia… They called eve- strength. We are not affiliated perhaps it’s less easy ryone a mercenary of Iran’s. The with anyone and no one follows to comprehend such result? For the first time, Hezbol- us.” Another Lebanese parlia- a thing as a “bad win- lah managed to win 74 out of 128 mentarian, Ziad Assouad, said ner,” someone who is seats in the Lebanese parliament. he was not “an ally of anyone Efoolishly unsportsmanlike after Hezbollah morphed from the but an ally of [Lebanon’s] na- victory. ‘Party of the Resistance’ to the tional interest, the constitution, Here’s a good example of a bad ‘Government of the Resistance’.” the law and the free Lebanese winner. Iranian Major-General Towards the end of his speech, people, who have entrusted us Qassem Soleimani, chief com- Soleimani turned to Iraq. He said with representing the Lebanese mander of the extraterritorial al- the new administration in Bagh- nation.” Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revo- dad would be “the government As for Iraq, which also lutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). closest to the Islamic government featured in Soleimani’s self- He has been gloating about the in Iran.” congratulatory speech, there results of the parliamentary elec- Soleimani’s speech may have was no official response from tions in Iraq and Lebanon in an heartened Kerman, which politicians. Iraq is entangled in undiplomatic fashion. probably cheers its local hero. a controversy over alleged elec- This is unwise. Such commen- However, what may be useful for tion fraud. However, the very tary tarnishes Iran’s reputation, domestic consumption does not fact that the populist Muqtada unifies Iran’s adversaries and necessarily enhance Tehran’s al-Sadr achieved electoral vic- severely restricts the political interests abroad, and Soleimani’s tory on an anti-establishment manoeuvrability of Tehran’s Shia comments drew a harsh rebuke in and anti-Iranian ticket, should allies in the Arab world. parts of the Arab world. serve as a warning to Soleimani Consider some of Soleimani’s Lebanese Prime Minister-desig- and Tehran. remarks. nate Saad Hariri said that al-Quds It is hard to know what to Addressing the Sarallah IRGC Force commander’s remarks were make of Soleimani other than force in his native Kerman on “regrettable.” He added that in- the fact that he has poor judg- June 8, Soleimani said: “The terfering in Lebanon’s internal af- ment because he’s a bad winner. [May 6] election in Lebanon was fairs is “not in their [Iran’s] inter- Over time, bad winners such as a referendum. It took place at a est, nor those of Lebanon or the Soleimani tend to unify their time when everyone was accus- region.” The Lebanese response opponents. An alliance of re- ing Hezbollah of meddling in the was entirely understandable. Af- sentment can only work against Adding fuel to the flames. A file picture shows Iranian ter all, Hariri must manage a very Iran, countering its hard-won Major-General Qassem Soleimani, chief commander of difficult balancing game between influence. the extraterritorial al-Quds Force, in Tehran. (AFP) The very fact that the populist great regional powers. In such an atmosphere, even Soleimani’s comments also the most committed of Iran’s system while openly beholden to Muqtada al-Sadr achieved forced Hezbollah’s allies to dis- clients may turn their backs on a foreign power. electoral victory on an anti- tance themselves from Tehran. the benefactor. This would be There was a time when Soleim- Lebanon’s Free Patriotic Move- mostly to survive electoral ver- ani’s humility endeared him to Iranian ticket, should serve as a ment, a party overwhelmingly dicts at home. After all, it is dif- many Iranians. Now, his boastful warning to Soleimani and Tehran. supported by Christians and a ficult to negotiate a democratic pride may come before a fall. Book Review Providing a ‘Who’s Who’ for Iran’s last four decades

ome spoke of a With roots in traditional Shia Mohammad Ali Jafari, married reflects a low incumbency rate of “thousand families” clerical intermarriage, the prac- the sister of a fellow hostage- 33%. That’s well below, Borou- ruling Iran under tice, extended across the political taker.” jerdi pointed out, the US Congress Gareth Smyth Shah Mohammad class, may bolster the regime. “It The book, said Boroujerdi, at 90%. There is far less turnover Reza Pahlavi. A new makes them strong in the sense identified “four resume-enhanc- in the unelected Guardian and book based on of knowing each other intimately, ers: prison before the revolution, Expediency Councils. decades of research being able to use informal chan- serving in the Iran-Iraq war, being Overall, said Boroujerdi, a Sreveals family and other links nels, maybe wives, to plead a in a family of martyrs, being an transition was looming: “After 40 within today’s Iranian political case,” said Boroujerdi. The limits, IRGC member.” years people are circling out, and class. he said, were seen in Khamenei The cabinet with most ex-IRGC new forces are coming into play.” “Postrevolutionary Iran: A criticising Rafsanjani or in Hadi members — 19 out of 42 — was With nationalities, the data Political Handbook” is easily the Khamenei siding with reformists former President Mahmoud suggest relative inclusiveness. “If most extensive “Who’s Who” against his elder brother. Ahmadinejad’s second (2009-13). before the revolution, much of and political anatomy of Iran’s Intermarriage and other intra- “I haven’t seen evidence that the political elite came from Teh- 39-year-old Islamic republic. regime networks have been Ahmadinejad served at the fronts ran, after the revolution it became The book is by Mehrzad Borou- shaped by durable connections during the war,” said Boroujerdi, more ‘democratic’ in distribu- jerdi and Kourosh Rahimkhani, forged during the revolution and “but it’s fascinating how many tion,” said Boroujerdi. respectively professor of political the 1980-88 Iraq war. “Many of of the people he appointed to his Figures show that 26.7% of all science at Syracuse University the students who took over the administration were his buddies ministers are from Tehran prov- and a doctoral candidate at Bing- US Embassy [in 1979] married from the Revolutionary Guard pe- ince, home to 18% of the national hamton University. each other and I counted 23 who riod, including [Sadeq] Mahsuli, population. Isfahan, Fars and In surveying 36 national elec- went on to occupy important po- his IRGC war-time commander.” Razavi Khorasan, including Mash- tions, organisations, institutions litical positions,” said Boroujerdi. Boroujerdi has not, however, had, have also been important, and positions appointed by “The current IRGC commander, found extensive intermarriage making up 13.9%, 6.4% and 5.2% Iranian Supreme Leader Aya- between the professional IRGC of the cabinet, respectively. tollah Ali Khamenei, the book cadres, who replaced the mass So has Khuzestan, some of offers evidence of the system’s participation of 1980-88, and the whose Arab population have al- cohesion and durability. This is wider elite. leged discrimination. It has 3.2% topical given looming American As well as the IRGC’s position, of ministers, the ninth highest of sanctions and increasing talk in post-revolutionary Iran offers Iran’s 31 provinces. Its prominent Washington of “regime change.” data relevant to assessing other sons have included Reza’i and top “You will see that [Ayatollah alleged weaknesses of the Islamic security official Ali Shamkhani. Ruhollah] Khomeini’s family republic: the role of non-Persians Among poorer provinces, ties are the most extensive,” and the “greying” of the elite. Hormozgan and South Khorasan Boroujerdi said. “He’s connect- On the latter, Iran’s assemblies have produced only one minister ed to Mohsen Reza’i [Islamic all show politicians ageing. In the each and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer- Revolutionary Guard Corps Guardian Council the median age Ahmad none. (IRGC) commander 1981-97], has risen from 50 to 66. In the As- The big losers, the statistics the Sadr family, going back to sembly of Experts, which chooses indicate, are Sunnis, who are Lebanon, as well as [former the leader, it has gone from 55 to concentrated in Kurdistan and “Postrevolutionary presidents] Akbar Hashemi 68. In the Majles or parliament, it Sistan-Baluchestan. “There has Rafsanjani and Mohammad has gone from 41 to 51, and in the never been a Sunni minister or Iran: A Political Khatami.” cabinet from 52 to 57. vice-president,” said Boroujerdi. Handbook” is easily Boroujerdi said such ties, The Majles’s younger profile “There have been Sunnis in the the most extensive given Iran’s lack of effective Experts Assembly and in the Ma- political parties, influence jles, nothing more than that.” “Who’s Who” and decisions. “Preserving the Invaluable research. Cover of political anatomy of reputation of the family “Postrevolutionary Iran: A Political Gareth Smyth is a regular Iran’s 39-year-old and making sure they are Handbook” by Mehrzad Boroujerdi contributor to The Arab Weekly. in a regular circle of trust is and Kourosh Rahimkhani. He has reported from the Middle Islamic republic. important,” he said. East since 1992. 16 June 24, 2018 News & Analysis East West US Congress sounds alarm over unclear Syria policy

Thomas Frank presence of their forces and indig- enous missile manufacturing ca- pability,” Schneider said. “If we are Washington withdrawing from Syria, it is harder for us to have influence in the out- hile US President Don- come in the long term.” ald Trump and Defence Acting Assistant Secretary for Secretary James Mattis Near Eastern Affairs David Satter- W contradict each other field provided little clarity when about a Syria strategy, members of asked about the administration’s the US Congress are growing impa- Syria policy. He said Trump wanted tient and are demanding answers to “continue the ISIS [Islamic State] from the Trump administration. campaign and continue to solicit Frustration among Democrats the greatest support possible from and Republicans has been swell- regional, local and international ing since April when Trump said: parties for the enduring, ongoing “I want to bring our troops back mission.” home” from Syria but was contra- Cardin, a senior Democrat on the dicted three weeks later by Mattis, Senate Foreign Relations Commit- who said: “We are not withdraw- tee, said lawmakers were pushing ing,” and vowed “increased opera- Trump to request congressional tions” in Syria. authorisation to use force following Trump’s comments sparked con- the US-led missile strikes in April cern in Congress and prompted a against suspected Syrian chemi- committee to demand that the ad- cal weapons facilities. The strikes ministration describe its intentions came one year after a US-led missile and submit an overdue report on attack on another Syrian chemical US strategy in Syria. Lawmakers are weapons facility. creating a Syria Study Group that The limited nature of the strikes would recommend military and reflects Trump’s reluctance to im- Filling the void. The US flag flutters on a military vehicle in Manbij countryside, on May 12. (Reuters) diplomatic strategy. merse the United States in the “We’re very concerned that we 7-year-old Syrian civil war and his don’t have a strategy,” US Senator desire to shift US spending from want to get out. I want to bring our nothing — out of it… So it’s time. It’s dle East and, specifically, Syria.” Ben Cardin, a Democrat from Mary- foreign affairs to domestic mat- troops back home. I want to start time.” Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Dem- land, told The Arab Weekly. “We’ve ters. At a news conference April 3, rebuilding our nation.” Adding that At a Senate hearing April 26, Mat- ocrat from Maine on the commit- ceded a lot of ground to Russia and Trump indicated he thought the the United States had spent $7 tril- tis said: “You’ll see a re-energised tee, inserted into the bill a measure Iran [in Syria] and that’s a major United States was nearly finished lion in the Middle East since 2001, effort against the Middle Euphra- to create a Syria Study Group to concern.” in Syria. Trump said: “We get nothing — tes River Valley in the days ahead… formulate a US policy. “Syria has At a hearing June 13 in the US “As far as Syria is concerned, our We’re continuing the fight. We’re been entrenched in conflict for five House of Representatives, US Rep- primary mission in terms of that US Senator going to expand it and bring in years. It’s past time to develop a resentative Bob Schneider, a Demo- was getting rid of ISIS. We’ve al- Ben Cardin, a more regional support.” plan that keeps our forces safe and crat from Illinois, told a US State most completed that task, and we’ll Democrat from The US Senate Armed Services continues efforts to clear ISIS from Department official that he feared be making a decision very quickly Maryland Committee lashed out at the ap- Syria,” Shaheen said. “This inde- a US withdrawal from Syria would in coordination with others in the parent contradictions and wrote in pendent review will help provide “We’re very concerned that we empower Iran. area as to what we’ll do,” Trump a defence-spending bill for 2018- the information we need to achieve don’t have a strategy. We’ve “I do worry very much about said. 19: “The committee is deeply con- these critically important goals.” ceded a lot of ground to Russia Iran’s presence in the region but in Asked if he was inclined to bring cerned by the lack of clarity and and Iran [in Syria] and that’s a particular in Syria as they are in- the approximately 2,000 US troops conflicting messages from adminis- Thomas Frank is an Arab Weekly major concern.” creasingly developing a permanent home from Syria, Trump said: “I tration officials related to the Mid- correspondent in Washington. Viewpoint Trump’s foreign policy has little use for human rights advocacy

n case there was any doubt, it aid to any dictator, no matter how Mark Habeeb is official: Human rights play brutal, so long as that dictator was no role in US President Don- avowedly anti-communist. ald Trump’s foreign policy. Former President Jimmy Carter On June 19, US Ambassador pledged to make human rights the to the United Nations Nikki cornerstone of his administration’s IHaley announced that the United foreign policy but he supported the States would withdraw from shah of Iran and other authoritar- the UN Human Rights Council ian leaders critical to the Cold War (UNHRC) because of its “dispro- competition. portionate focus and unending After the fall of the Soviet Union, hostility towards Israel.” human rights re-emerged as an Although Haley did not say so, aspiration of US foreign policy in another factor may have been the form of democracy promotion. the fact that, during the 2016 US Starting with Moscow’s former presidential campaign, UN High allies and republics, Washington Commissioner for Human Rights envisioned a global democratic Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein called wave that would end both human Trump’s favourable views on rights abuses and war. torture as “deeply unsettling and The 9/11 terrorist attacks caused disturbing.” Without the superpower. Empty seats of the US delegation at the Human a reassessment: neoconservatives “If Donald Trump is elected Rights Council at the United Nations in Geneva, on June 20. (Reuters) viewed Islamic extremism as the on the basis of what he has said result of a democracy deficit in the already, I think it is without any the target of far more UNHRC has — by his racist rhetoric, treat- Middle East and argued that the doubt that he would be danger- condemnations than any other ment of immigrants, contempt for United States should not just sup- ous from an international point country. As egregious as Israel’s democracy and infatuation with port democratic change but impose of view,” Zeid said on October 16, daily human rights abuses against dictators — robbed the United it. Others argued that doing so 2016. More recently, Zeid criti- Palestinians are — living under States of the stature needed to risked creating turmoil that would cised the Trump administration’s forced occupation is itself an abuse make an otherwise valid criticism only fuel jihadism. The Obama ad- policy of separating and detaining of human rights — it is hardly of the UNHRC,” Rubin wrote. ministration tried to find a middle children from their asylum-seeking the only country in the world, or Trump’s withdrawal from ground: Promote but don’t coerce parents at the US border. even in the MENA region, with an UNHRC raises a deeper and more democracy and seek to tame Islam- Trump is known to hold personal unclean record. Many Rohingyas enduring question: What role ist movements so they will play the grudges. would gladly trade places with a should human rights play in US democratic game. The US withdrawal from UNHRC Palestinian. foreign policy? The issue has been Under Trump, the link between came one week after Trump’s One could argue that the a fraught one ever since President democracy promotion and human friendly tete-a-tete with North UNHRC’s anti-Israel tilt simply Woodrow Wilson advocated early rights has been severed, as have Korea’s brutal dictator Kim Jong- makes up for the fact that the in the last century for the rights of concerns about civil liberties and un, after which Trump publicly world’s greatest power — the European peoples to pursue free- human dignity. expressed admiration for, and even United States — has historically dom and independence — although The reality is that the United envy over, Kim’s total control over done little more than slap Israel’s he did not extend this argument to States has never had a human For the Trump his country. “He loves his people,” wrist in the face of its abuses and, those living under European colo- rights policy. Like most major pow- administration’s Trump said of the man who alleg- under Trump, even wrist slaps nial rule nor to African Americans ers throughout history, the United edly ordered the assassination of have ceased. However, UNHRC is living in suffocating oppression. States has pursued its national in- zero-sum foreign his own half-brother. an international organisation and, During the second world war, the terests — as framed by the admin- policy goals of Human rights NGOs and most in theory at least, should aim for United States muted its criticism of istration in power — in realpolitik “America first” and European countries condemned objectivity. the Soviet Union’s abysmal human terms. Sometimes advocacy for the US move but Israeli Prime Min- Even those who share Haley’s ar- rights record under Joseph Stalin human rights is a useful tool in this “always winning,” ister Binyamin Netanyahu applaud- gument and her pro-Israel stance, because Moscow was a key ally pursuit; other times not. For the human rights ed it, calling the UNHRC “a biased, such as Washington Post column- against Adolf Hitler. Within a few Trump administration’s zero-sum hostile, anti-Israel organisation.” ist Jennifer Rubin, were critical of years of the war’s end, however, foreign policy goals of “America advocacy has little Haley and Netanyahu make a the administration’s decision to the United States was eagerly first” and “always winning,” hu- use. legitimate point: Israel has been withdraw from UNHRC. “Trump providing military and economic man rights advocacy has little use. June 24, 2018 17 News & Analysis East West Migration issues take centre stage ahead of EU emergency summit

Mahmud el-Shafey ships after refusing to allow the French NGO-operated vessel Aquar- London ius to dock in Sicily. The ship, car- rying more than 600 migrants, was igration has become a eventually granted permission to flashpoint issue in many dock in Spain. European countries Italian Interior Minister Matteo M ahead of an EU summit, Salvini, leader of the far-right, anti- with hopes leaders can agree on a immigration League political party, comprehensive policy to deal with indicated the country intended to the problem when many countries take a radical new tack in accept- are threatening to act unilaterally. ing migrants and refugees, includ- European leaders agreed to at- ing pulling back the country’s navy tend an informal “mini-summit” on and coastguard from patrolling the migration and asylum on June 24, southern Mediterranean. ahead of the main summit June 28- “We’ll always save human lives Leading the charge. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, backdropped with a picture of migrants 29. Leaders from Germany, France, but we will order our ships to re- being rescued at sea, attends a talk show in Rome, on June 20. (AP) Italy, Spain, Austria and Bulgaria main closer to the Italian coast,” Sal- were expected to attend the crunch vini said on June 18. “In the Medi- meeting. terranean there are other countries The hard-line interior ministers ment coalition of her own Christian er Germany could turn back asylum that can intervene. We cannot allow of Austria, Germany and Italy an- Democratic Union and its Bavarian seekers who had already registered half of Africa to be brought to Ital- nounced the formation of an “axis sister party the Christian Social Un- elsewhere. The migration issue is not ian soil.” of the willing” to combat illegal mi- ion (CSU), is under pressure from Participants at the EU summit in just threatening to divide However, just days later, an Ital- gration to Europe and the issue is her coalition partners, who are de- Brussels will try to reach a defini- the EU but could ian Coast Guard ship carrying more expected to be a main issue at the manding that the government take tive multilateral solution to the is- potentially lead to the than 500 migrants docked in Sicily. summit. a much stronger line on migration. sue of migration and asylum. Mer- downfall of German Italy said it intended to decide on “I think it marks very sensible co- Seehofer — an immigration hard- kel is to attend the summit after a case-by-case basis which ships to operation that will contribute to re- liner and leader of the CSU — defied visits to Lebanon and Jordan, coun- Chancellor Angela allow to dock. ducing illegal migration to Europe,” Merkel to announce tough new im- tries that have the world’s highest Merkel’s government. Italy and other so-called front- Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz migration policies that would see number of refugees per capita. line countries have complained said following a meeting with Ger- some asylum seekers turned away French Economy Minister Bruno Despite a sharp decrease in the about the Dublin Regulations, man Interior Minister Horst See- at the border, even suggesting that Le Maire warned that Europe was number of refugees and migrants which state that an asylum-seeker’s hofer in Berlin on June 13. “We be- Germany would implement the “in a process of disintegration” travelling to Europe this year, mi- claims should be handled by the lieve an axis of the willing is needed proposal unilaterally in defiance of over the issue. “We see states that gration and asylum returned to the country where the person first ar- to fight illegal migration.” EU regulations. are turning inward, trying to find top of the political agenda after far- rives. The regulations — currently The migration issue is not just Merkel and Seehofer ultimately national solutions to problems that right, anti-migrant parties entered under review — enable an EU mem- threatening to divide the European agreed to postpone the immigra- require European solutions,” he coalition governments in Austria ber to deport an asylum-seeker Union but could potentially lead to tion showdown until after the EU said. and Italy. to another country. Many people the downfall of German Chancellor summit, which would allow her a The Italian government threat- warned of the dangerous precedent Angela Merkel’s government. chance to reach agreements with Mahmud el-Shafey is an Arab ened to close its ports to migrant that could set. Merkel, who leads a govern- European leaders regarding wheth- Weekly correspondent in London.

Viewpoint Unhappy days for the EU, the Mediterranean and Africa

ensions in Europe about Marco Damilano, editor of the the influx of immigrants Italian weekly l’Espresso, noted and refugees are ris- that Salvini is “an agent of the crisis Francis Ghilès ing again and sending that follows (US President Donald) shockwaves through the Trump’s view of questioning the politics of the continent. international order…. Migration is TWith a populist and openly perfect from his point of view; it’s Eurosceptic government in Italy re- where Europe is more fragile.” cently installed, there is now a risk Salvini is all the more formidable of bringing down the coalition of because he is far more powerful Socialist and CDU-CSU conservative than his nominal boss, Prime Min- parties in Germany as the Bavar- ister Giuseppe Conte, or the leader ian CSU wing of the right panders of his Five Star Movement coalition to the right-wing nationalist and partner, Luigi Di Maio. It is he who overtly racist Alternative for Ger- gave the order to block Italy’s ports many, which entered the Bundestag to the Aquarius. Conte was belated- last autumn and has put the con- ly “informed” of the decision when servatives under intense pressure he landed in Canada for the recent to tighten immigration laws. Tougher line. (L-R) Italian, Austrian and German police officers stand G7 meeting. A blazing row between Italy and together during a tri-national border routine check, on June 15. ( Reuters) If Rome puts forward a proposal France, sparked by Italian reaction to reinforce external border con- to what the country’s leaders view the millions of refugees from the The UNHCR said Italy has seen trols, along with Vienna and pos- as moral lecturing from French Middle East, Iraq, Afghanistan and 15,500 irregular migrants this year, sibly Berlin, which might include a President Emmanuel Macron, was the Indian sub-continent in Turkey, Spain 15,000 and Greece 12,500. suggestion to open centres in Africa patched up when the Italian prime Lebanon, Jordan and Serbia. Some However, “the underlying fac- for asylum seekers, those who minister visited Macron. France has of its conservative politicians tors that have led to more than 1.8 know their history will be reminded done virtually nothing to help Italy would like to entice North African million migrants coming to Europe of the alliance those capitals forged by opening its doors to African refu- countries to act as the gatekeepers since 2014 have not gone away,” in the late 1930s. gees. But nerves between the two of Africa, oblivious of the fact that wrote Jon Henley for the Guardian, These are very unhappy days for countries remain raw. the three central Maghreb countries with many observers saying “it is Europe, for the Mediterranean and The new Spanish Socialist gov- host an estimated 260,000 migrants only a matter of time before the for Africa as the president of the ernment agreed to let the Aquarius, from sub-Saharan countries, a fig- number of arrivals picks up again.” European Council, Donald Tusk, a rescue ship carrying 629 migrants, ure seasoned observers say is very “Everyone agrees Europe needs will find it almost impossible to which had been refused entry into conservative. to urgently overhaul its asylum and find a compromise ahead of the EU Malta and Italian ports, dock in It is ironic that tensions have immigration rules. At present Italy summit. Valencia. Spanish Foreign Minister flared when the scale of migration and Greece take most of the strain When EU leaders meet in Brus- Josep Borrell said this was a “sym- has declined: Numbers are sharply because of their geographical posi- sels, the reality of the Italian bolic act” to impel more coordinat- down from their 2015-16 peak tion and the fact that, under EU law, government stance will hit home. ed action from a continent engaged because of an EU deal with Turkey, asylum seekers must lodge their Major European powers no longer in “ostrich politics.” border fences in the Balkans and applications in the first EU country have to contend to contain the The Spanish gesture might a deal between Italy and Libya, they enter,” wrote Henley. manoeuvres of the awkward squad prompt a desperately needed represented all too often by Libyan No one in Europe has been able to (Hungary and Poland) but will have rethink. The advent of a new Coast Guard or militias, which treat agree on how to do it and the wider to face Salvini and the two min- minority Socialist government in sub-Saharans abominably. political context has become poison- isters of the interior he has made Spain suggests that not all Euro- UN agencies say European Union ous. Italian Interior Minister Matteo common cause with, Horst See- pean countries are drifting towards aid money is flowing to some of Salvini, who heads the League hofer, head of Germany’s Christian When EU leaders right-wing populist action. Macron the most repressive and dictatorial political party, wants to carry out a Social Union of Bavaria (CSU) and meet in Brussels, the has said France would accept those regimes in Africa, such as Sudan, census of Roma in Italy and expel Austria’s far-right Herbert Kickl. reality of the Italian migrants from the Aquarius who whose abuses are driving the those who hold foreign national- wanted to settle in his country. Not exodus of people trying to escape ity — an openly fascist discourse. Francis Ghilès is an associate government stance all is lost as yet. dangerous and desperate condi- He campaigned on a pledge to send fellow at the Barcelona Centre for will hit home. Europe will do all it can to keep tions in the first place. 500,000 irregular migrants home. International Affairs. 18 June 24, 2018 Economy

US sanctions expected to cut Iran’s Briefs Saudi bourse joins growth, weaken foreign investment MSCI emerging market index Thomas Frank The Saudi stock exchange, Tadawul, has been upgraded to the Washington status of an emerging market by global index provider MSCI, a step he reinstatement of US sanc- expected to lure billions of dollars tions against Iran would in foreign investments. severely weaken Tehran’s The decision is the second key T oil exports, economy and recent development for Tadawul, political power while benefiting the largest Arab stock market major oil producers such as Russia with capitalisation of more than and Saudi Arabia, experts on the $525 billion, after the global FTSE Middle East and energy production Russell index granted it secondary concluded. emerging market status in March. The sanctions would reverse sev- MSCI, in which the UAE and Qa- eral years of strong growth in Iran’s tari bourses are already included, production of oil and natural gas will cover Tadawul in two phases that restored the country’s position starting from June 2019, it said in a as one of the world’s leading fuel statement. producers. A report stated that Iran’s produc- (Agence France-Presse) tion of oil and natural gas soared since sanctions were lifted under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal to the Lebanon’s finance point that it is the world’s fourth- leading oil producer and third-lead- minister warns ing natural-gas producer. With increasing sales boosting its over slow economy, Iran became the largest energy consumer in the Middle East formation of in 2017, edging ahead of Saudi Ara- government bia, a report by British oil and gas On the blink. Iranians leave the stock exchange in Tehran, on May 8. (AFP) company BP stated. That growth would be jeopard- Lebanese Finance Minister Ali ised when US sanctions resume Dale, group chief economist at BP, economic sanctions. Iran’s substantial oil and gas re- Hassan Khalil said Lebanon was between August and November, said at the release of the BP report. Trump’s decision will weaken serves. not forming a new government fast forcing many countries to scale Iran produced nearly 5 million bpd Iran both economically and politi- “They certainly don’t have the enough and he has not seen seri- back imports of Iranian oil and in 2017 and has some of the world’s cally by deterring foreign invest- technology to produce liquid natu- ous headway made on the matter. natural gas and turn to other ex- largest oil reserves, the latest an- ment. “If I get more investment, I ral gas, which Iran needs from be- The International Monetary porters, such as Iran’s chief rival nual BP Statistical Review of World produce more and that means we ing the largest reserves of gas in Fund has said Lebanon’s debt tra- Saudi Arabia. Energy said. have more political capital on the the world,” said Seznec. Russia also jectory is unsustainable and needs In 2014, before sanctions were world stage,” Vatanka said. wants to increase its oil and gas immediate action or the country’s lifted under the nuclear agree- Experts say Europe will scale back production because it needs more debt-to-GDP ratio could hit 180% Trump’s decision will ment, Iran produced 3.7 million imports of Iranian oil and invest- money as its economy suffers under by 2023. weaken Iran both barrels of oil a day. ment in Iran to avoid sanctions that increasingly tight economic sanc- economically and politically Much of Iran’s increased produc- could restrict access to the lucrative tions imposed by the United States (Reuters) by deterring foreign tion has gone to European coun- US consumer market and to US fi- and the European Union, he added. investment. tries. Iranian Oil Minister Bijan nancial institutions. The French oil Seznec, Mammadov and Vatanka Zangeneh cultivated markets in Eu- company Total said, in response to spoke at a panel discussion at the Turkey strikes rope to expand sales beyond Iran’s the US sanctions, that it was pulling Middle East Institute in Washing- “Iran is under a perfect storm traditional customers: China, India, out of a $2 billion deal to develop ton on the future of Iran’s energy back, taxing $1.8 today. [It] will go under very strict South Korea, Turkey and Japan. the Iran’s South Pars gas field. sector. US sanctions. It’s happening just as “For him Europe is still the big “Russia and China seem like the Another Middle East Institute billion worth of Russia and Saudi Arabia are decid- hope. The big test is: What will the only options for the Iranian Energy panellist said US sanctions would ing to stop their [oil] production Europeans do? Can they do any- Ministry for investment and oil benefit many countries by com- US goods cuts,” said Jean-Francois Seznec, a thing to overcome American objec- imports,” said Rauf Mammadov, a pelling them to increase oil and scholar at the Middle East Institute tions and the new Trump policy?” former top official at the State Oil gas production. “Having sanctions Turkey is imposing tariffs on and former international banker in asked Alex Vatanka, a Middle East Company of Azerbaijan Republic. on Iran is not really hurting any- nearly two dozen US products, the Middle East. “Iran will suffer expert who advises the US Air Force. Russia, however, might not be one. It creates market share for oil ranging from cars to sunscreen, a great deal under the sanctions US President Donald Trump an- so eager to invest in Iran because producers,” said Sara Vakhshouri, to strike back at Washington’s because I expect the sanctions nounced in May that he was with- it is a competitor as the world’s president of SVB Energy Interna- sanctions on imported steel and will be really tough.” drawing from the agreement signed third-largest oil producer and sec- tional who worked for the National aluminium. The consensus among oil traders by his predecessor, President ond-largest natural-gas producer, Iranian Oil Company from 2000- Documents filed with the World is that Iran’s oil production will fall Barack Obama, and European lead- Mammadov said. The China Na- 08. “Having sanctions on Iran will Trade Organisation state that 300,000-500,000 barrels per day ers requiring Iran to limit its nuclear tional Petroleum Corporation lacks profit many countries and doesn’t Turkey will place $267 million (bpd) within six months, Spencer programme in exchange for easing the technical expertise to cultivate bother the rest.” in tariffs on $1.8 billion worth of products the United States exports to Turkey. Renewable energy sector could see growth after Egypt subsidy cuts The tariffs are in retaliation for US President Donald Trump’s Amr Emam rising,” said Ahmed Hamdi, the head company posted very slow growth. renewable energy by 2022. decision to tax foreign steel and of solar power company Africa Solar However, now the company has More than 94% of the country’s aluminium. Energy, one of dozens of renewable been receiving a huge number of electrical power plants are powered Cairo energy companies in Egypt. “Inter- calls from factories looking into so- by traditional fuels, including natu- (The Associated Press) est in our projects is growing and we lar energy and people considering ral gas and oil. enewable energy compa- can feel it.” installing solar panels on their roofs The growth of the renewable en- nies have struggled in Egypt Egypt slashed home and car fuel or in their yards. ergy market is being stimulated by to expand their market. subsidies almost 50% in June, the The sales section at Hamdi’s com- increased investment, with major Syria gets food R Growth has been hampered third such cut in less than three pany recently secured deals for the banks willing to finance renewable lifeline from by the lack of support from local years. Fuels sell at more than 80% of installation of ten solar power arrays energy projects. banks for renewable energy pro- their real market price and the gov- on the rooftops of buildings in Cairo, Solar power panels are being man- Crimea jects, the high cost of needed station ernment has said it plans to elimi- with more deals expected soon. ufactured in Egypt in several na- components and little interest from nate fuel subsidies in the next three tionally owned factories. Apart from Crimea has stepped up grain citizens. years. saving foreign currencies that used exports to Syria in the past year The fact that fossil fuels were Electricity subsidies will be cut The austerity plan is to be spent on importing solar pan- in an arrangement that gives the much cheaper than renewable en- by almost 47% in the fiscal year altering prospects of els from abroad, their being manu- Black Sea peninsula an outlet for ergy, with the Egyptian government 2018-19, which starts July 1. This is renewable energy factured domestically contributes to its surplus crops and ensures Syr- spending billions of dollars to sub- also the third time that electricity companies, reviving hopes lowering prices and making renew- ian President Bashar Assad has a sidise fuel, was the prime reason subsidies have been reduced in less for better business able energy more affordable. reliable source of wheat. there was scant national enthusiasm than three years. The government conditions and increasing There are, however, many chal- Shipments started picking up for renewable energy. expects to eliminate electricity sub- lenges before a major domestic shift in the middle of 2017 and at least This is quickly changing with sidies as well. demand. to renewable energy takes hold, ex- 170,000 tonnes of grain were de- Egypt implementing an austerity These developments are deeply perts said, not least that solar power livered to Syria from July 2017-May plan that eliminates subsidies, in- affecting the cost of powering eve- “I am sure solar energy will in- plants require expensive mainte- 2018, port and ship tracking data, cluding those allocated for fuels. rything in Egypt, from the country’s vade every part of Egypt in the com- nance and upkeep. seen by Reuters and confirmed by The plan is altering prospects of millions of homes to its vehicles and ing few years with its cost gradually “The components needed for so- shipping sources, indicate. renewable energy companies, reviv- industrial plants that relied on gov- becoming lower than the cost of en- lar power plants, including the solar The rise in grain shipments from ing hopes for better business condi- ernment subsidies. ergy generated by traditional fuels,” panels, also remain expensive,” said Crimea is helping to support As- tions and increasing demand for re- With the subsidies expected to be Hamdi said. “Most of the electricity Wael al-Nashar, an Egyptian expert sad’s government, as a steady sup- newable energy for institutions and cut, renewable energy companies generated in Egypt will be generated in renewable energy. “The prices ply of wheat is critical to providing citizens who hope renewable energy such as Hamdi’s Africa Solar Energy by solar power.” could go down in the future but, the heavily subsidised bread that could be cheaper than traditional fu- say their time has come. Officially, Egypt has a much more until this happens, this will consti- many Syrians depend on. els. Like many renewable energy modest goal as far as renewable en- tute a major hindrance on the road “Conditions are quickly changing companies, Africa Solar Energy ergy is concerned. Cairo plans to to greater dependence on renewable (Reuters) with the price of the traditional fuels struggled to find a market and the generate 20% of its electricity from energy nationwide.” June 24, 2018 19 Economy Energy Algeria renews major gas deal with Spain

Lamine Ghanmi annual gas imports, demonstrates Algeria’s advantage in the market. “In addition to contributing to Tunis the security of supply to the Span- ish market, the agreement rein- lgeria’s state-owned en- forces an optimal distribution of ergy company Sonatrach the supply mix for the country agreed to an extended 12- between natural gas supplied via A year gas deal with Spain’s pipelines, which represents 30% Gas Natural Fenosa firm for $34.8 of domestic consumption and liq- billion, solidifying its role as Eu- uefied natural gas (LNG),” Fenosa rope’s main natural gas supplier. said in a statement. The agreement is seen as a big Algeria has a network of pipe- win for Algeria, which had ex- lines to supply gas to Europe via pressed concern that European Italy and Spain, as well as a fleet of firms could shift to supplies from tankers to export LNG gas to Euro- the United States or Qatar. How- pean and other markets. ever, its proximity to Europe and Algeria’s LNG supplies have been reputation as a stable, reliable sup- steady over the past two years but plier give it an edge over other in- its gas supplies via pipelines to Eu- ternational providers. rope have increased to Italy. Despite a brutal civil war from Gas flow to Spain via two un- 1992-2004 and repeated attempts derwater pipelines and to Italy by Islamist rebels to sabotage sup- through the Trans-Mediterranean ply lines, Algeria has honoured all Pipeline hit a 5-year high this year, its gas contracts and saw no major with deliveries to the two countries interruption in its pipeline exports. averaging 120 million cubic metres “This agreement is a major per day, official figures state. step forward to strengthen our Algeria’s pipeline gas exports historical strategic alliance with have expanded since 2015 due to a Sonatrach,” said Fenosa Execu- significant jump in supplies to Italy Major advantage. Workers ride bikes at the In Amenas gas plant, 1,300km south-east of Algiers. (Reuters) tive Chairman Francisco Reynes. via Tunisia. Algeria’s major advantages as a key gas supplier to Europe include ports to Spain, Italy and other Eu- and construct specialised ports. concessions. It is obvious that the Algeria’s state-owned its abundance of hydrocarbons as ropean countries, with the remain- Seven of Europe’s 22 regasification European market is the most im- energy company Sonatrach well as 4.5 trillion cubic metres der going to Morocco and Tunisia plants are in Spain. portant to the Algerian gas and it agreed to an extended of gas reserves, giving it the 11th- as payment for transit fees. Despite Algeria’s success with must continue to be so but not at largest natural gas reserves in the Spain is increasingly transform- the European market, it is aiming any price.” 12-year gas deal with Spain’s world and the second-largest in Af- ing itself into a gas hub for Europe to export half of its gas output to “The announcement of the 50% Gas Natural Fenosa firm for rica, behind Nigeria. thanks to its position near North new territories, mostly in Asia. is a manner to say that the Algerian $34.8 billion. Algeria is also estimated to hold Africa that allows it to be a spring- “The 50% announced by gas can find other markets else- the third largest amount of shale board for gas entering the conti- Sonatrach is a target. It is also a where, namely in Asia, which is “Moreover, it undoubtedly consti- gas resources in the world — more nent via the Mediterranean Sea message to its traditional Europe- becoming the main market for oil tutes a significant milestone in the than 20 trillion cubic feet — and 5.7 and the Atlantic, energy experts an clients who are negotiating the and gas… The competition in Asia relationship with Algeria as this billion barrels of recoverable shale said. extension of old deals,” said for- is certainly tough but it is already renewal guarantees the stability of gas and oil resources. Spain, through Fenosa, Endesa mer Sonatrach CEO Abdelmadjid fierce in Europe where the con- gas supply to Spain.” Algeria is the sixth-largest gas and Union Fenosa Gas, has invest- Attar. sumption of energy is in any way The gas deal, which is to pro- exporter in the world, sending ed about $1.16 billion since 2000 to “These clients are all asking for declining compared to Asia,” he vide 40% of the Spanish firm’s more than 90% of its pipeline ex- improve its regasification capacity cuts in price and terms and other added. Soaring fuel prices anger Moroccans as government mulls return to old cap system

Saad Guerraoui Saad Eddine El Othmani was work- ing to “reactivate” the Competition Council, government spokesman Casablanca Mustapha El Khalfi said. “By intellectual honesty, the uel costs in Morocco have head of government came to the increased 9.1% on average obvious and admitted his mistake since price liberalisation since he had blamed the freezing F at the end of 2015, a state- of the activity of the Competition ment from Morocco’s High Plan- Council on its president, Abdelali ning Commission (HCP) said, and Benamour, to whom he had asked Moroccans are venting their anger to resume service until the appoint- against the government for failing ment of a successor,” said Khalfi. to slow the rise. Benamour, however, blamed un- The HCP said that the increase named business lobbies for being was primarily related to the in- behind the situation. crease in crude prices in the inter- “When a Competition Council national markets. emerges and wants to do its job, Diesel prices have soared 42% interests emerge and lobbies get from the beginning of 2016 to the to work. I cannot tell you what end of May 2018 and now costs lobbies, since their own is to work about $1 a litre. softly,” Benamour told TelQuel.ma. “Increases and decreases in pric- Opposition MP Omar Balafrej, es (and not only increases, contrary from the Federation of Democratic to the suspicion that continues to Left, called on distribution firms to weigh on distributors) of imported repay of what he called “unethical” refined crude are reflected in inter- profits totalling $1.7 billion to Mo- nal prices at the pump, with a lag roccans. of 15 days, but not with the same The government is weighing the magnitude,” the HCP said. “This option of price caps for diesel and offset takes into account the time petrol to control fuel prices. required for transport, storage and Galloping prices. Fuel pumps at a gas station in Sidi Allal el-Bahraoui in Morocco. (Reuters) Minister of General Affairs and distribution. Declines and increas- Governance Lahcen Daoudi, whose es in the prices of refined products surprise resignation has not been do not have an exact impact on people and a consumption that will pared with $28.9 million in 2017. transport and food prices. accepted by Moroccan King Mo- pump prices.” be affected and therefore have an Civil servant Abdellatif Eddoubli “The poor are getting poorer hammed VI, was dealing with the MP Abdellah Bouanou from the effect on the purchasing power and slammed the government’s inac- while the rich are getting richer.” thorny issue of capping fuel prices, ruling Islamist Justice and Devel- this has been proven by the HCP tion over the high fuel prices, say- Moroccans have taken to so- including the return of the price opment Party blamed distribution data in 2016,” said Bouanou. ing: “Moroccan citizens are paying cial media to call for the boycott structure abandoned the liberalisa- firms’ “greed.” He said some firms A top business banker, who spoke the price of the government’s in- against leading consumer brands, tion took place in December 2015. in Morocco had not made a gain to The Arab Weekly on condition of ability to control the prices, which including Afriquia petrol stations, The Federation of Service Station abroad while their profit margins anonymity, said benefits of some will have a serious effect on public which are owned by billionaire and Managers has rejected the return tripled from their activities in Mo- oil firms had soared since the lib- Agriculture Minister Aziz Akhan- to the old system, arguing it would rocco. eralisation of fuel prices, which he nouch. lead to the closure of half of the “Oil companies in Morocco earn said raised questions about their Diesel prices have soared The Competition Council, which service stations. twice as much as other companies profit margins. 42% from the beginning regulates prices, has been inactive operating abroad… We do not want Total Maroc, the country’s third- of 2016 to the end of since 2013, pending the appoint- Saad Guerraoui is a contributor them to lose, on the contrary, but largest fuel distributor, posted a May 2018 and now costs ment of new members by the au- to The Arab Weekly on Maghreb they must realise that there are profit of $87.9 million in 2016 com- about $1 a litre. thorities. Moroccan Prime Minister issues. 20 June 24, 2018 Debate Social Media IT

Blockchain: A revolution waiting to happen

operations. Regulations could go faster if traditional banks are not Khadija seeing it as a threat,” he said. Hamouchi Laroudi’s enthusiasm is under- standable. Now 25, he moved from his native Algeria to Tunisia when the Algerian Central Bank banned money transfers without bank ac- lockchain is the counts. This was a facility offered new black in the by Laroudi’s now-defunct start-up start-up world but KodePay. The Algerian authorities’ its utility goes disapproval made it impossible beyond the high- to continue but Laroudi saw it as tech fashions of the his mission to make banking and day. finance more accessible to ordi- BAs an open, distributed ledger, nary people. blockchain ensures information is However, most people — and not controlled by any one entity, is that includes politicians and gov- public and can be easily checked ernment officials just as much as — a gift, one might have thought, citizens on the street — have a very for people in the Arab world, who limited perspective on blockchain. yearn for transparency, access and Mostly, it is considered in the accountability. context of fraud, identity theft and “It is fair to say that some Arab New opportunities. Young Tunisians at the Blockchain Enthusiast Meet Up at Dar nefarious purposes such as black- countries are keeping an eye on Blockchain in Ariana. (Dar Blockchain) market trading. the technology,” said Mohammed Mnif said blockchain has more Mnif, co-founder of Tunis-based advantages than disadvantages, Dar Blockchain, an incubator for nology company in New York. can record transactions between provided attention is paid to start-ups wishing to broaden use In 2017, too, Qatar-based two parties efficiently and in a Several Arab network architecture. “It could of blockchain. “Some are more Commercial Bank completed an verifiable and permanent way. governments revolutionise everything you set into it. Dubai announced earlier international money transfer pilot Wamda, a platform for inte- seem your mind to,” he said. “Block- this year that it aims to become using blockchain and the National grated programmes that aim to ac- increasingly chain has infinite use cases from the world’s first blockchain-pow- Bank of Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s larg- celerate MENA entrepreneurship, aware of health care all the way to supply ered city by 2020,” est bank, used the technology for is positive about finance start-ups. blockchain’s chain management. My favour- Is the UAE the exception, rather cross-border payments. In its 2017 FinTech report, Wamda potential to ite, however, is voting because it than the rule? Yes, said Nassym Magnitt.com, an online guide to said regional finance start-ups provides enhanced transparency, Laroudi, co-founder of KDBox, a the MENA’s start-up eco-system, raised more than $100 million in transform security, efficiency and hence virtual bank with its own cryp- said there are a dozen blockchain 10 years and the trend is accelerat- different absolute democracy.” tocurrency and assets. “I think start-ups focused mainly on cash ing because of blockchain’s grow- business Laroudi added that blockchain some MENA governments don’t transfers. ing prominence. sectors. could be especially useful to create understand blockchain or digital One key player is Dubai-based Accelerating, perhaps, but to an investment culture and to allow currencies,” he said. ArabianChain, a venture founded whose benefit? As Mnif said, for money transfers between peo- Blockchain is mainly used in in 2016. It claims it wants “to several Arab governments seem ple who live deep in the hinterland banking in MENA. Last August, revolutionise the way govern- increasingly aware of blockchain’s and have little access to banks. the Bahraini Bank ABC became ments, businesses and individuals potential to transform different Technology, Mnif said, must be MENA’s first financial institution perceive and deal with economy, business sectors. Laroudi said that seen as the foundation for the re- to join the R3 blockchain consor- e-services and digital transforma- blockchain could literally set the gional infrastructure of tomorrow. tium, a distributed database tech- tion by leading the way in entre- region free. “There are just some shifts and preneurial thinking and innova- “It could alleviate the pains of upgrades that need to happen over tion in blockchain technology.” the banking sector in our region the next few years,” he said. “Trust Blockchain has more This is in line with the capability because of the non-convertible na- me, it is only a matter of time.” and potential of blockchain, the ture of fiat currencies. Cryptocur- advantages than technology at the heart of bitcoin rencies or assets could solve the Khadija Hamouchi is a disadvantages, provided and other virtual currencies, problem for international trade Belgian-Moroccan social attention is paid to network which allows information to be like import-export because it pro- entrepreneur and founder of shared from a database hosted by vides liquidity and fewer compli- SEJAAL, an initiative that is architecture. millions of computers and which cations, notably in inter-banking building an app for young people. Citizens can’t distinguish between religious and political tweets

did it the old-fashioned way. He fore Twitter started shutting down between these two roles continues. was sitting in the White House with unwelcome accounts, the social The virtual Religious scholars have left their pictures of his wife and daughters media platform was overflowing political ivory towers and are mingling with Taher Alwan behind him as he, with a serious with religious messages, doctrinal realities that politicians. Politics is based on and measured tone, unleashed a interpretations and messages of digital pragmatism and not necessarily in- war that refuses to die. Had Twit- incitement. At the beginning of technologies terested in the truth. That did not ter been around then, he and his the Syrian crisis, politicians and seem to bother religious scholars father, George H.W. Bush, would media people found it useful to and social who, for the sake of fortune and verybody is tweeting have probably tweeted their wars use extremist discourse borrowed media power, were willing to overlook these days. The new into existence. Not to worry. Amer- from religious stars on the internet platforms that aspect. Taking intellectual and technology seems to ica today has a Twitter aficionado and vice versa. Political Islam was have created doctrinal shortcuts for the purpose have brought together for president. Donald Trump is so at its peak and religion and politics are far of mixing politics and religion has two groups that we fond of tweeting that his political had become so intertwined that it removed from become so banal on social media would have never ex- rivals never miss an opportunity to was difficult to tell who was who reality. platforms it seems we are living in Epected to find together: politicians poke fun at his nasty habit. Russian in Twitterland. Politicians had a surrealist world. and people of religion. Separated President Vladimir Putin, for exam- turned into religious scholars or Things are no better on the by years of special fatwas and ple, joked about Trump’s Twitter charlatans and religious scholars receiving end. Public opinion in political upheavals, we find them wars. had turned into political stars. the Arab world is divided. The fact united through tweeting. Together, Not to be outdone, people of reli- Each was tweeting in the domain remains, however, that the general they keep public opinion occupied gion too quickly adopted tweeting of the other. public has given up on both politi- and confused. to spread fatwas left and right. Be- In the Arab world, the confusion cians and political Islamists. People Tweeting has made the politician no longer trust that magical recipe give up fiery speeches and long of blessing governments composed articles and take up the concise of corrupt politicians just because digital format. He must learn to those politicians crawled out from tell his story in 20-30 words. For under the cover of political Islam. example, he can simply write: “I Unfortunately, citizens in the announce that I’m pulling out of Arab world are lost in an ocean the Iran nuclear deal,” end with a of political tweets or, let us say, hashtag sign and go home. It’s that tweets that sound more like easy. With new technology, the religious fatwas than political politician no longer needs to go views. There is nothing in such through the burdensome tasks of tweets that can reassure citizens consulting advisers and writing an about their future and that of their elaborate speech. country. Twitter was not around when Digital technologies and social former US President George W. media platforms have facilitated Bush declared his war on Iraq. He instant communication with the public. The virtual political reali- ties they have created, however, Citizens in the Arab world are far removed from reality. It is ironic that this phenomenon has are lost in an ocean of tweets made it possible for politics and that sound more like religion to mingle and create what religious fatwas than was once known as political Islam. political views. Lost in tweets. Kuwaiti men check a Twitter feed on a phone in Kuwait City. (Reuters) Taher Alwan is an Iraqi writer. June 24, 2018 21 World Cup

Viewpoint Teams are out but World Cup consolidates bonds between the Maghreb and its diasporas

plied to Tunisian players. About at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, half of the Tunisian national told the New York Times: “It’s a football team is Europe-born, big issue that this generation felt Oussama including French-Tunisians such excluded from the very start of Romdhani as Wahbi Khazri, Mouez Hassen, their lives.” There has been, for Dylan Mahmoud Bronn, Ellyes instance, the blatant racism and Skhiri and Yohan Benalouane. bigotry of populist politicians, lthough Morocco and Doubts about the binationals such as Geert Wilders, the leader Tunisia have already stemmed from the complex rela- of the Dutch Party for Freedom, been eliminated tionship between the Maghreb and who once slandered Moroccans from the FIFA World its diasporas in Europe. Like most as “scum.” Cup in Russia, both second-generation emigrants of In some instances, however, Maghrebi teams’ Maghrebi descent, these athletes choosing between the country of participationA in the prestigious did not necessarily speak Arabic birth and the country of origin tournament had more than a silver (or Amazigh, in the case of the was problematic. Players ap- lining. Among others, it will prob- Moroccans). These young Europe- proached by the Moroccan and ably have a lasting effect on the ans of Maghrebi origin grew up in Tunisian football federations two North African countries’ ties a different culture and achieved had legitimate considerations to their diasporas in Europe. varying degrees of socio-economic about the effects of When the Moroccan and Tuni- integration in Europe. Many in the their choice. In some sian football federations started Maghreb long held to the notion instances, their prefer- scouting for talented footballers that these were “Maghrebi mi- ences were not compat- eligible to play in their national grants,” just like their parents but ible with the wishes of football teams by virtue of their origin, they weren’t. bodies in the Maghreb. there was scepticism about In a stark illustration of that The Tunisian football federa- drafting Europe-born players misunderstanding, most Tunisian tion, like its Moroccan counter- of Maghrebi extraction. Many post-independence governments part, devoted time and effort to doubted they could integrate into invested in wooing the children convince the players to join the their adopted teams or that they of first-generation immigrants. In Maghrebi squads. “By enlarg- had the emotional bonds needed many ways, these governments ing its horizons, the technical to rally around the Tunisian or did not seem to accept the fact staff hopes to create an osmosis Moroccan flag. that these young people were now between players chosen from For those who doubted the patri- French, Belgian and German, al- the Tunisian championship otism of binational players on the beit of Tunisian origin. They were and those originating from the two teams, it was surely sufficient not “Tunisians living abroad” as second generation established in to watch the Moroccan team’s the Tunisian authorities liked to Europe,” the Tunisian federation star Nordin Amrabat. He stunned label them. Meanwhile, they saw noted on its website. football fans around the world economic benefits for the state In some cases, the players because he was not expected to be from migrants’ remittances and preferred not to jeopardise their in the lineup for the June 20 game investment in Tunisia. chances of playing someday for against Portugal. Unlike Arab-Americans, whose the national team of their coun- Amrabat had suffered a nasty hyphenated identity was quickly try of birth. In most other cases, concussion in Morocco’s previous recognised for what it is, young however, they were eager to join game against Iran but, just a few Europeans of North African de- the Moroccan or Tunisian team. days after being discharged from scent were all too often expected Eventually, there was a clear the hospital, there he was, wearing to behave like Maghrebi natives, sense of solidarity and even com- a skull cup and valiantly leading as did their parents. The problem plicity between the players his teammates’ attempt to mount was, they weren’t Maghrebi na- regardless of their place a serious comeback against the tives. of birth. Playing friendlies Portuguese. Even so, second-generation during Ramadan, the Tuni- From the enthusiasm of the youths of Maghrebi origin never sian team seemed to count on its players, it was, in fact, nearly im- cut the umbilical cord that bound French-born goalkeeper Mouez possible to tell who among them them to their country of origin. Hassen to provoke a playing was born in Morocco and who was Geographic proximity and modern pause that allowed them to break Valiant effort. Morocco’s forward Nordin Amrabat born abroad. It was not just the communications technology their fast. Asked by reporters if controls the ball during the World Cup football match Holland-born Amrabat and Mehdi allowed for continued contact his complaint about injuries was between Portugal and Morocco in Moscow, on Benatia and Younes Belhanda, between the second generation contrived, Hassen replied: “What June 2. (AFP) both of whom were born in France. and their parents’ birthplace. In can I tell you? I am Muslim.” No less than 17 of Morocco’s 23 fact, it was the parents who often Language was never a real that I do not speak the language players are foreign-born. Five of worked to preserve that connec- handicap. French is a com- yet. I hope to be able to learn it the them are natives of Holland, while tion even when their children were mon second language in North soonest. That will facilitate my others were born in France, Italy reluctant. Africa. Foreign tongues are not integration.” or Spain. Now, playing for the country of an insurmountable problem in Whether he ends up speaking To a great extent, the same ap- their ethnicity is seen to consoli- modern football where players the Arabic language or not, the date Europe-born Maghrebis’ ties often hail from many different integration of Skhiri and other to their parents’ generation. backgrounds. foreign-born Maghrebis in their Doubts about the binationals Ironically, the impediments to Beyond cultural differences, countries of origin is much less in stemmed from the complex full integration in Europe might most players rallied around the doubt after the FIFA World Cup. relationship between the have further encouraged second- flag; and Tunisian player Ellyes generation Maghrebis to identify Skhiri reflected that spirit: “I was Oussama Romdhani is Maghreb and its diasporas in with their North African countries totally welcomed by everyone. Editor-in-Chief of The Arab Europe. of origin. Maurice Crul, a professor There are no concerns. It is true Weekly. Early Arab departures leave sour taste in football fans’ mouths

The Arab Weekly staff lowed the next day, with losses tion under pressure. Others saw a and growing expectations, the 48-team World Cup, potentially to Uruguay and Morocco, respec- deeper problem. losses by Arab teams fuelled dis- including more Arab teams than tively. Tunisia hung on until June The 90th-minute hurdle proved appointed social media posts. One ever. Tunis 23 before being defeated by one a key talking point. “What’s the popular Facebook video showed Teams such as Saudi Arabia qual- World Cup favourite Belgium. story of Arab teams with the an angry Egyptian football fan ify for the World Cup via the Asian he 2018 FIFA World Cup One fan drily commented: “Arab 90-minute mark?” Tunisian col- asking: “What do other teams Football Confederation. Morocco, has been a disappoint- countries always differ in every- umnist Habib Mbarki wrote. “Log- eat that our team does not? Why Egypt and Tunisia compete via the ment for the four Arab thing but agree to leave the World ic would say Arab teams have the couldn’t our teams bring us some Confederation of African Football, T teams taking part, with all Cup together.” means of standing up to the best of joy and happiness? We had the leading one Egyptian fan to point four teams bowing out in the first For many teams, fitness and world teams for full 90 minutes but right to that!” out that, as far as football was con- round. concentration proved to be key they did not. In an illustration of the Egyptian cerned, they were “Arabs first, Af- The region’s poor performance, factors, with both appearing to team’s fall from grace, some fans ricans second.” which included last-minute de- flag at the 90-minute mark. In an expressed concern over the squad’s In eight years’ time, the confed- fensive breakdowns, frustrated apparent disavowal of the team’s Some Arab coaches own safety once they return home. erations will field a combined 17 fans who had high hopes for the staff, Egypt fired all its trainers. bemoaned their players’ Questions about the readiness of teams in the finals instead of the tournament and raised questions The Tunisians were neck and loss of concentration Arab teams for the world stage are present nine. However, if there about the region’s ability to have neck with their English rivals un- under pressure. Others likely to mount, especially that, is another poor showing in 2026, its teams’ performance match til the last minute but allowed a saw a deeper problem. despite an underwhelming per- other federations could question their growing presence in world goal that dashed hopes. The Mo- formance in Russia, the presence why these countries have so many football. roccans and Egyptians shared the “What Arab teams lacked was a of Arab teams in the World Cup is World Cup spots. Egypt was the first to crash out dubious distinction of conceding deep understanding of the culture set to grow as will scrutiny of their Ironically, it might be the better of the tournament, losing 3-1 to goals in the 90th minute. of victory and instilling it in the performances. performance of Asian and African an underpowered Russia on June Some Arab coaches bemoaned minds of players.” In 2026, Mexico, Canada and the teams at the World Cup that is sav- 19. Saudi Arabia and Morocco fol- their players’ loss of concentra- After months of preparations United States will host the first ing spots for the Arab world. 22 June 24, 2018 Culture

Egypt’s ‘al-Hezb el-Comedy’ on mission to spread laughter

Marwa al-A’sar

Cairo

mid the bitter social and economic problems fac- ing many Egyptians, here A comes a glimpse of laugh- ter — al-Hezb el-Comedy, a group dedicated to establishing the stand- up comedy industry in Egypt, where this artform is relatively new. Established in 2011, al-Hezb el- Comedy (Arabic for “the comedy party”) derived its name from the wide-scale partisan life in Egypt since the uprising that toppled the regime of President Hosni Mubarak. “We have no political affiliations or interests but we noticed that sev- eral parties were founded at that time so we tried to make fun of this fact by calling our troupe a ‘party,’” said Hashem el-Garhy, stand-up co- median and group founder. Garhy described his “party” as a one-stop shop for aspiring stand-up comedians to explore their comedic talent and learn how to harness and express it in humorous ways. He said the aim was to develop a gen- eration of stand-up comedians that New artform. Stand-up comedian and founder of al-Hezb el-Comedy Hashem el-Garhy performs in Cairo. (Shahira el-Sayed) would have a positive influence on the community. While other parties produce politi- the United States, for example. We humorous manner. Heba Botrous, a 27-year-old phar- about sexual harassment or use an cians, al-Hezb el-Comedy promotes don’t have comedy clubs in Egypt. Living up to its slogan “foko macist, said some situations nar- obscene word, but for me, as a girl, comedians by training and advis- Our goal is to have ones where nafsak” (“loosen up yourself”), al- rated by the comedians “mimic I always try to revolve around sub- ing them. It also creates content shows take place every night,” said Hezb el-Comedy offers comic re- states people go through in their jects to deliver my message,” she that is funny and meaningful to all Garhy, who defines himself as a lief in performances, which mostly daily lives.” added. audiences. “comediapreneur: — an entrepre- take place in cultural centres. It has “Tonight, I felt as if one of the The group’s logo is a tarboosh, The important thing is to make neur plus a comedian. monthly open-mic events to select stand-up comedians was talking the red hat worn in Middle Eastern sure the performances are some- There are three red lines al-Hezb new comedians based on feedback about me,” she said. countries in past centuries with thing the public can relate to and el-Comedy members never cross: of the audiences. In a male-dominated society, fe- the black tassel of the tarboosh re- can easily be understood through sex, religion or politics. male stand-up comedian Reem Na- placed with a microphone. humour, explained Garhy, a prom- “We try to spread the stand-up bil stirring surprise and amazement “The tarboosh reminds us of the ising stand-up comedian who left comedy industry within the con- While other parties produce might seem weird to many. golden era of Egypt, which we hope his job in marketing to become a straints of the rules of the country politicians, al-Hezb “Many people felt astonished it could come back, while the mi- humorist and entrepreneur. where we are performing,” Garhy el-Comedy promotes that a stand-up comedian is a wom- crophone stands for our voice as Garhy said a stand-up comedian said. “We can seek to solve social comedians by training and an but when I start my part of the youths,” Garhy said. “We can be the was no actor. “Actors portray other problems through positive com- advising them. performance, people change their number one country exporting cul- people while stand-up artists por- edy. Comedy could be a therapeutic minds,” said Nabil, who joined the ture (in the Arab world) like in the tray themselves,” he said. tool.” “I really loosened up during to- group six months ago. past if we just work harder.” Among the goals of al-Hezb el- Approximately 50 stand-up per- day’s gig. Life has become so tough “I make fun of girls rather than He said the group hopes to go Comedy is to turn stand-up comedy formers have joined the group in Egypt to the extent that one is boys and I deal with dark comedy, on national tours to take comedy into a job rather than a hobby. Most and each performance consists eager to face anything funny to re- speaking, for instance, about issues to audiences outside Cairo and stand-up artists have day jobs. of appearances by five or six art- lax and vent out,” Mohamed Samir, like how people handle death with Alexandria. “Unfortunately, in Egypt stand- ists. They sometimes make fun of 35, an accountant, said at the end fake feelings,” she said. up comedy cannot financially sup- everyday life situations and oth- of one of the group’s performances “When it comes to men, it’s Marwa al-A’sar is a Cairo-based port a person unlike the case in ers talk about personal issues in a during Ramadan. relatively OK if they speak openly journalist. Book Review ‘My Country’: Kassem Eid’s memoir of enduring survival

assem Eid, author This memoir provides the human and of survival. Security Council. Today, he lives in of the recently story necessary for understand- Above all, Eid creates a portrait Germany as a refugee. published “My ing Syrians’ struggle for freedom. of the Syrian people’s immutable “I wrote this memoir to send a Abdulrahman Country: A Syrian Through the eyes of a young man, hope for freedom and human- reminder that what is happening al-Masri Memoir,” was “My Country” takes the reader ity’s indictment in abandoning a in Syria should continue to get raised in the along a path from an intense op- tormented country. attention,” Eid said. “I know there Western Ghouta pression to fervent human rights At the heart of his memories, are millions of Syrians who didn’t Ksuburb of Moadamiya near activism. Eid recalls August 21, 2013, the get the chance to tell their story.” Damascus with ten siblings and Throughout the memoir, Eid horrific day he was brought back Now that his memoir is pub- both parents. documents key events of his life from the dead. Although he had no lished, Eid said he feels that he Eid’s father, Fawaz, died when that relate to Syria’s tragedy. He external signs of injury, Eid recalls: will be able to take time to look he was in elementary school but details his experience of Ba’athist “My eyes were burning, my head after himself and try to move on. he had told Eid about the Ba’athist indoctrination in schools, his fam- was throbbing and my throat was “My Country” is not just a story dictatorship and the cruelty of ily and their view of the state, the rasping for air. I was suffocating” of the pain of the Syrian revolution Syria’s then President Hafez As- people’s fear of authorities and the as a result of the first chemical turned war. It is a remarkable story sad. While Eid said he did not fully state-engineered sectarian divide, weapons attack in Syria. Regime of resilience as well. It is a gripping fathom his father’s stories of the the 2011 protests and life as a rebel rockets filled with sarin gas landed combination of fear and bravery, Syrian regime as a young child, he in rebel-held towns in the Ghouta a heartfelt account of one’s life in developed a ceaseless curiosity agricultural belt around Damas- dictatorship, revolution and war. about his surroundings. cus. Eid’s town, Moadamiya, was Eid provides a valuable perspec- Eid and his siblings supported among the targeted suburbs. tive absent from much of what has their mother after his father’s “Suddenly my windpipe opened already been written on Syria — it death but he could not have again. The air ripped through my is an epic view of what Syria was expected that his mettle would throat and pierced my lungs. Invis- and has become. be tested by the harshest circum- ible needles stabbed my eyes,” he This book does not attempt to stances of the Syrians. writes. “A searing pain clawed at explain the dynamics and politics Eid, a Syrian-Palestinian, wit- my stomach. I doubled over and of Syria and the war. However, nessed much of Syria’s war first- shouted to my roommates, ‘Wake Eid’s memoir should serve as a hand. He survived bombing, up! It’s a chemical attack!’” first reference on Syria’s conflict, siege, starvation and chemical Eid survived that day but more to comprehend the backstory of weapons before fleeing Syria in than 1,300 people did not. life in the country before and after 2014. He said he has since been “My Country” is a personal 2011. Eid provides a unable to rest and that he is journey of survival. Many more This memoir is one man’s story committed to telling the world hardships followed the chemical and thus is not comprehensive. valuable perspective about Syria, about the revolu- attack but Eid managed to flee the Nevertheless, it encompasses absent from much of tion, about the war, about country. He went to the United an identity and experience with what has already been the cruelty he witnessed and States and testified before the UN which many Syrians can identify. about his hopes. He said he written on Syria — it is found comfort in writing his Abdulrahman al-Masri reports on an epic view of what story. A story of resilience. Cover of politics and news in the Middle Syria was and has “My Country” is an im- Kassem Eid’s “My Country: East and Syria in particular. He passioned account of life under A Syrian Memoir.” can be followed on Twitter: become. dictatorship and war in Syria. @AbdulrhmanMasri. June 24, 2018 23 Culture Design Architecture UNESCO crowns Dubai as first Creative City of Design in the Middle East

Caline Malek a design and come up with a solu- tion, to better improve society as a whole.” Dubai The UNESCO announcement places Dubai within the UNESCO ubai has been selected the Creative Cities Network, which has first city in the Middle East 180 members from 72 countries and 24th in the world to be covering arts and crafts, design, D a part of the UNESCO Crea- film, literature and media arts. The tive City of Design. network is aimed at promoting co- Activities across the emirate will operation among cities that have focus on design, beginning with identified creativity as a strategic the opening of the Dubai Institute factor for sustainable urban devel- of Design and Innovation (DIDI) in opment. September, the first of its kind in “Design is beyond the product, the United Arab Emirates. rather it is the framework by which “It came to be part of this an- problems are solved,” said Dawood nouncement and plan,” DIDI Presi- al-Hajiri, director-general of Dubai dent Mohammad Abdullah said. “If Municipality. “It puts people and you talk about culture, transport, their needs first to convert trash health and education, education into energy, improve quality of life, is one important pillar [involved] increase sustainability and pro- in the work of the city towards in- mote happiness.” novation and design. Today, you’re Citizens will be invited to partici- talking about established govern- pate in the creative process. “More ment and private entities that are activities will take place to cement More than buildings. The skyline of Dubai with the Burj al-Arab (R) in the foreground and Burj taking that whole creativity think- this, going forward,” said Abdulla Khalifa (L) in the background. (AFP) ing [to the next level].” al-Basti, secretary-general of Dubai Executive Council. “We also expect Rock Art of the Hail region. Such velop the best creative practices, opportunity as the doors I am going The UNESCO announcement people from society to come for- sites represent commitment to cul- through the introduction of crea- to open from now on are interna- ward with their ideas to contrib- ture and heritage across the region tive touches on the design of road tional doors [that will allow] my art places Dubai within the ute.” and the Gulf countries’ vision to networks, intersections, bridges to spread worldwide, to represent UNESCO Creative Cities The municipality has had a long position themselves on the global and tunnels.” what a true Emirati stands for. I Network, which has 180 history with UNESCO to recognise map. Joining UNESCO’s network al- witnessed a new era in the art field, members from 72 countries. Dubai Creek as a UNESCO World “The announcement of the Crea- lows countries to collaborate fur- which makes us realise how much Heritage Site. tive City of Design in the Middle ther afield and gives regional talent is actually possible.” Students out of high school will Some sites across the Middle East for Dubai marks the culmina- added opportunities. Initiatives were unveiled to have design thinking instilled in East, including Al Zubarah Archae- tion of the vision of Sheikh Mo- “We live in a fast-moving world,” achieve the objectives of UNESCO’s them in terms of how to identify ological Site in Qatar, the cultural hammed bin Rashid, UAE vice- said Rowdha Alsayegh, an Emirati Innovative Design Cities Network, problems and come up with solu- sites of Al Ain in the UAE, such as president and prime minister and artist. “It’s been said that creativity including the Dubai Creative City of tions. Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Oa- ruler of Dubai, who has taken a is the only factor that will keep us Design Council, the Dubai National “In four years, the first batch will ses areas, have achieved that desig- proactive approach to innovation surviving in the future as all else is Design Centre, the Innovation for graduate and they will find room nation. and creativity in Dubai’s public being replaced by robots. Creativ- Public Service Transformation and within that concept that the city Saudi Arabia has its share of rec- and private sectors,” said Mattar al- ity has always been an important the Dubai Institute of Design and is a target area,” Abdullah said. ognised sites, including Al-Hijr Tayer, director-general and chair- factor of survival.” Innovation, as well as the Dubai “The way we look at it is that de- Archaeological Site, also known man of the board of directors of the “I proudly stand here today to Design and Innovation Festival. sign involves all aspects of life. If as Madain Salih, At-Turaif District Roads and Transport Authority in see the UAE appreciate art in all you have traffic problems related in ad-Dir’iyah, the Historic Jeddah the country. its factors and watch it grow,” Al- Caline Malek is an Arab Weekly to transport, students can think of site — the Gate to Mecca — and the “We are keen to adopt and de- sayegh said. “I’m thankful for this contributor in Abu Dhabi. Exhibition explores Arab architectural influence in Latin America

Roufan Nahhas tion of Alhambra, the famous pal- half of the 19th century to the first nos. It is reduced to the arrival and Iberian Peninsula. ace and fortress complex in Grana- third of the 20th century,” Guzman presence of (Arab) emigrants,” he Manal Shamot, a fan of history da, Spain. The palace was built in said. said. “The important thing is that of architecture, said the exhibi- Amman the mid-13th century by the Nasrid “The interest lies in the fact that when we put together apparently tion depicts the special relation Emir Mohammed ben al-Ahmar of the Jordanian citizens can visu- diverse elements we can observe bonded by history between the unique exhibition fo- Granada. alise the influence that the Arab an influence that we had not eval- two cultures. cused on the influence of Rafael Lopez Guzman, professor culture, in this case the one of Al- uated correctly.” “I have always been a great fan the Arab world in Latin of art history at the University of Andalus, had in distant places like Ana Ramos, a native of Andalu- of architecture especially when it A America and the special Granada and scientific coordina- Latin America.” sia, pointed out there are connec- is related to the history of our Arab bond between Arab and Latin tor of the exhibition, described the The 37 beautifully made im- tions in many fields. culture,” she said, adding that the American cultures through the show as a unique experience. ages of architectural landmarks “Absolutely, there are cultural exhibition, the result of years of re- art of architecture was presented “It is an initial approach to the throughout Latin America, where linkages in the traditions, social re- search and financed by the Council through 37 beautiful photographs. wealth of Latin American archi- the Arab influence on institution- lations and gastronomy that can be of the Alhambra and the General- Titled “Alhambras: Neo-Arabic tecture that was inspired by the al, private and leisure buildings felt on a wider scale,” Ramos said. ife, offered a unique approach to Architecture in Latin America,” the Alhambra Palace in Granada and can be appreciated, were a feast to “We need to remember that, in ad- the wealth of the Latin American show at the Jordan Museum high- other significant Andalusian her- the eyes, Guzman said. dition to culture, there is closeness heritage inspired by Alhambra lighted a period in architecture’s itage in buildings erected for the “History tells us a little about the in language as we inherited words Palace. history marked by the construc- main part in between the latter relations between Arabs and Lati- from the Arabic language. Several cities, such as Seville, Grenada and Cordoba, show much cultural Titled “Alhambras: closeness.” Neo-Arabic Architecture in The Arabic influence on the Spanish language can be best Latin America,” the show seen in words spoken every day was at the Jordan such as “azucar,” which originates Museum in Amman. with the Arabic word “as-sukkar” — “sugar” in English. “Alberca” comes from the Arabic “Al Berka,” “There are so many cultures that which means “pool” in English. took inspiration from the great Al- The exhibition was preceded hambra. I believe there are many by a seminar on “Arab and Latin interesting issues linking the two American Culture,” which covered cultures which can be revealed the influence of the Arab world in through exhibitions like this one,” Latin America in relation to the in- she said. spiring power of Al-Andalus expe- “Alhambras: Neo-Arabic Archi- rience and offered a detailed view tecture in Latin America” came in of Arab cultural influence in the the framework of the Arab-Iberi- Americas since its colonisation by an-American Divan for Thought, Spain to modern times. a platform dedicated to promoting Lecturers said the Mudejar style, dialogue between the Arab and the which is centred in the Aragon re- Ibero-American world in coopera- gion of north-eastern Spain, has tion with the Royal Institute for been recognised with representa- Inter-Faith Studies, the Cervantes tive buildings as UNESCO World Institute, the Spanish Embassy Heritage Sites, in addition to “neo- and the Arab Thought Forum. Arab” art. “We are definitely joined by cul- Mudejar style is a technique of ture more than we could expect,” creating architecture influenced Guzman said. by Muslim and Christian cultures that emerged as an architectural Roufan Nahhas is a journalist Andalusian influence. A view of La Glorieta Castle in Sucre in Bolivia. (Alhambras exhibition) style in the 12th century on the based in Jordan. 24 June 24, 2018 Travel www.thearabweekly.com

Agenda

Rabat: Through June 30

The 17th Mawazine Festival takes place in Rabat and fea- tures international and local musical performances.

Marrakech: July 1-31

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

Baalbek: July 8-August 18

Set in the Roman ruins in eastern Lebanon, the Baalbek International Festival includes opera, classical music, pop and jazz concerts, modern and classical dance by internation- al and local performers. This A view of an old church in the ancient village of Hardine. (Samar Kadi) year’s edition includes Mat- thieu Chedid, Jahida Wehbe and Ben Harper. Lebanon’s Hardine: Carthage: July 13-August 15

The Carthage Festival is one A treasure trove off of the oldest arts and cul- tural events in North Africa, drawing a mix of local and international performers to the beaten track Tunisia over several weeks. Performances take place at the Amphitheatre of Carthage. Samar Kadi and on cliff tops. “The places of worship and se- Jerash: clusion were built in the rock and July 19-August 3 Hardine inside caves starting from the sixth century AD. Some date back to the The Annual Jerash Festival of ith more than 30 mon- seventh century, others to the ninth Culture and Arts, first organ- asteries, churches and century and the eighth century and ised in 1980, takes place in hermitages, the ancient some were built in the Middle Ages the ancient Jordanian city of W village of Hardine is in the 12th and 11th centuries and Jerash and showcases folk- known as the “Lourdes of Lebanon” later,” Saleh said. lore troupes, concerts, poetry and is visited by Christian pilgrims “For instance, Mar Tadros Church readings, ballet performances, as well as seculars seeking tranquil- dates to the tenth century. Mar symphony orchestras and lity and a peaceful retreat for con- Challita, Mar Nohra and Mar Elias other events. In addition to templation. Churches, which are all in mountain handicrafts, food, art and book Perched on rocky mountains caves, are much older and Mar Yo- exhibitions. and sheer cliffs rising 1,400 metres hanna Chkif Cell dates to the Cru- above sea level, Hardine is where saders’ period.” Tabarka: one can hear the “voice of silence, Hardine is the hometown of one July 20-28 meditate, pray and feel close to the of Lebanon’s four saints, Saint Ni- creator,” says the village Bishop matullah Hardini (1808-58) who The 13th Tabarka Jazz Festival Youssef Saleh. was canonised by Roman Catholic in Tunisia features renowned “Hardine, which was a centre of Pope John Paul II in 2004. international and local jazz paganism and home for many pa- The cells inside the rocks are artists such as Kid Creole, gan temples in the ancient times, equipped with basics and can be Nick West and Malina Moye. was the first town to become Chris- used by anyone seeking isolation Concerts take place at the new tian in Mount Lebanon,” Saleh said. from the outside world. Statue of Saint Nimatullah Hardini. (Samar Kadi) Tabarka theatre and there will “Its name is derived from the Syriac “Hermits are not only members be free street performances. language meaning ‘pious’ but some of the clergy,” Saleh said. “We often argue that the name stems from the receive secular people who spend gious heritage,” Assaf said. lity in the many hermitages and Cairo: words ‘haret’ (‘home’) and ‘deen’ days in the hermitages meditating “Our main project is to connect monasteries that were used by early August 29-September 9 (‘religion’), owing to the numerous and engaging in spiritual exercises all the monasteries for the pilgrims Christians. places of worship in the village.” and yoga.” to visit through a footpath that goes “Christians used to hide in the Organised by the Cairo Opera Known as the “Rock of Faith Hardine Mayor Ramza Assaf said on the side of the rock. We want caves while fleeing persecution at House, the annual Citadel Fes- and Religion,” Hardine is a histori- she hopes to place the village on them to be able to access all the the hands of the Mameluks and the tival for Music and Singing is cally significant site for Lebanon’s the religious tourism map as the caved monasteries, because at pre- Ottomans in the 12th century and scheduled for the Saladin Cita- Christian Maronites. Pilgrims from “Lourdes of Lebanon and the re- sent some cannot be accessible for then the 17th and 18th centuries. del and the Opera House over across the country visit Hardine’s gion.” the regular pilgrim.” We even have 12 martyr nuns from nearly two weeks. The festival many ancient churches and mon- “The most important project for “Hardine’s wealth consists of its Hardine who jumped over the cliffs includes concerts of classical asteries on weekends, while her- us is to promote religious tourism. natural beauty, clean environment to escape invaders,” Saleh said. Arab music in addition to con- mits of all faiths spend days in the However, Hardine has archaeologi- and religion which we are keen on “The village is naturally pro- temporary performances. secluded hermitages in the rocks cal treasures in addition to its reli- preserving as well as its character as tected by the valleys and the rocky a sanctified village. We have strict mountains around it making it an Byblos: construction rules, allowing only ideal place for the then new religion September 5-10 two-storey stone buildings with (Christianity) to flourish.” red-tiled roofs,” Assaf added. Legend has it that in 270AD, a Ro- The Lebanon Latin Festival She explained that the village’s man official imprisoned his daugh- takes place every year in Edde importance dates to before Christi- ter in Hardine for converting to Sands with artists from around anity reached the area, as evidenced Christianity. She converted many the world. Dance workshops by its archaeological vestiges, in- others in Hardine to the Christian are scheduled in Salsa, Ba- cluding a 1,900-year-old temple faith. chata, Kizomba, cha cha cha, built for the Roman god Mercury “Hardine was at one point the seat hip-hop, Samba, Lambada, under Emperor Hadrian Augustus of the Maronite patriarch before it Oriental, Dabke and Afro-Cu- (117-137). was moved to Wadi Qannoubine. It bano, in addition to shows and The hilltop temple with 30 enor- is a town of sanctity and holiness, performances. mous pillars was severely damaged that is full of monasteries, hermit- in an earthquake and only a few col- ages and churches, which you can umns remain standing. find everywhere — in the valleys, We welcome submissions of “The Directorate of Antiquities on the cliffs and in the rocks,” Saleh calendar items related to began restoration of the temple be- said. cultural events of interest to fore the beginning of the civil war in For Assaf, Hardine is a “treasure travellers in the Middle East 1975. It stopped during the war and that is not really recognised… It has and North Africa. now we are seeking to relaunch the a long history that we are deter- restoration,” Assaf said. mined to make it better known.” Hardine is not the place to be for Please send tips to: Ruins of a temple dedicated to the Roman god Mercury in partygoers but rather for people Samar Kadi is The Arab Weekly [email protected] Hardine. (Samar Kadi) seeking solitary peace and tranquil- Travel and Society section editor.