UK £2 www.thearabweekly.com Issue 202, Year 5 EU €2.50 April 21, 2019 The lessons Erdogan’s Iran’s floods of Sudan and Istanbul fuel anger Algeria debacle

Pages 3-5 Page 14 Pages 8,15 US stance gives Haftar momentum in push to curb extremists in ► A White House statement April 19 said Trump “recognised Field-Marshal Haftar’s significant role in fighting terrorism.”

Lamine Ghanmi rity Council on April 5 called on all warring parties to de-escalate the conflict but did not issue a formal Tunis statement because of Russian ob- jections to singling out the LNA orld powers, including for blame. On April 19, Washington the , seem also objected. intent on not foreclos- A senior UN diplomat told Reu- W ing on the option that ters the United States was “trying the could, if to evaluate all the scenarios and successful in its Tripoli campaign, work out which one is in America’s curb the rule of extremist-allied mi- best interest and just hasn’t done litias in . that yet.” The White House said US Presi- Efforts by Qatar, and dent Donald Trump spoke by former colonial power Italy seem phone to Libyan Field-Marshal to have encountered unexpected , commander of the headwinds because of the percep- Libyan National Army (LNA), to tion the Government of National discuss “ongoing counterterrorism Accord (GNA) was a disparate array efforts.” A White House statement of armed gangs, militias and Islamic April 19 said Trump “recognised militants. Field-Marshal Haftar’s significant Videos of battles showed militia role in fighting terrorism and se- fighters on global lists of wanted curing Libya’s oil resources and the terrorists and human traffickers. two discussed a shared vision for They are suspected of wreaking Libya’s transition to a stable, demo- havoc in Tripoli since Islamists took cratic political system.” over the city after they lost elec- Jalel Harchaoui, a research fellow tions in 2014. at the Clingendael Institute think- Calculations by the Tripoli gov- Lawlessness. A militiaman loyal to the Tripoli government fires a machine gun during clashes with tank in The Hague, told the Asso- ernment and some European pow- Libyan National Army forces south of Tripoli’s suburb of Ain Zara. (AFP) ciated Press the Trump phone call ers led to the encroachment of the was tantamount to supporting Haf- militias in Tripoli. Wolfram Lacher, Turkey unleashed in Libya their an- in tandem with a diplomatic cam- Fighting in such areas has led to a tar’s operation and thus is “creating a Libya expert at the German Insti- tagonism against , the United paign focused on the human toll of recurring blame game. At least four an environment where a military tute for International and Security Arab Emirates and , the fighting while playing down the people were killed April 17 in heavy intervention by foreign states, like Affairs, told the which view Haftar as a block against issue of the make-up of the forces shelling in Tripoli’s southern Abu Egypt, is likelier.” that Tripoli militias had infiltrated Islamist destabilisation. battling the LNA. Salim district. Forces allied to Trip- Diplomatic efforts reflected GNA institutions to steal state re- has lent support to Haftar, LNA’s commanders sounded up- oli accused the LNA of firing rockets French, Russian and American re- sources. He described the militias whose help in southern Libya was beat about their chances of reach- into residential areas while the LNA luctance to go along with the drive as “criminal networks straddling crucial for France’s antiterrorism ef- ing the heart of Tripoli soon. “We said in a statement it had nothing led by the British and the Italians, business, politics and administra- fort in the Sahel as well as for the expect to conclude the liberation to with the shelling and accused a with the support of Qatar and Tur- tion.” security of neighbouring Mali and of the capital just before the be- Tripoli-based group. key, to block the advance by the The Associated Press reported Niger, which are main sources of ginning of Ramadan (May 5),” LNA “The areas shelled are located be- LNA towards seizing control of that, in 2017, Italy agreed with GNA French uranium imports. Lieutenant-General Faouzi al-Man- yond the range of our forces. They Tripoli. leader Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Experts said France and Russia souri said April 17. were shelled by 170 (mm) artillery UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Sala- al-Sarraj to pay militias to prevent eye expanding business and energy Military experts said that a rapid launchers manned by the terrorist me repeatedly expressed alarm migrants from leaving from Sabra- ties in a post-conflict Libya. This military conclusion of the battle Islamist militias,” countered LNA over the humanitarian consequenc- tha, even though security officials includes oil resources, which are for Tripoli is necessary for Haftar’s spokesman Ahmed Mismari. es of the fighting. warned that the groups would use mainly in areas virtually all con- forces, which rely on a long supply Both the United States and Rus- the aid to buy arms and recruit trolled by Haftar’s troops. line, to avoid getting bogged down Lamine Ghanmi is an Arab Weekly sia said they objected to a draft UN fighters. Wary of the consequences of a in an intractable showdown with correspondent in Tunis. Security Council resolution calling By aligning themselves with the swift victory by the LNA, Haftar’s militias entrenched in heavily pop- for a ceasefire in Libya. The Secu- Islamist camp in Tripoli, Qatar and rivals stepped up military attacks ulated areas. P2 S-400 purchase leaves Turkey’s NATO future in limbo

Sabahat Khan meet its own requirements, Turkey Turkey. The Turkish Air Force was Turkey this November. as challenging the US fight against selected China’s FD-2000 missile to purchase as many as 120 of the However, US Air Force General ISIS. defence system in 2015 before US aircraft, making it one of the larg- Tod Wolters, who is to take over Turkey is also under fire from the Dubai pressure forced Ankara to restart est buyers. the US European Command this United States for Turkish President the tender process, resulting in the year, in a US Senate Armed Ser- Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s alleged urkey has been part of the selection of Russia’s S-400. vices Committee meeting recently rights violations, including the NATO alliance since 1952 Turkish officials justified their If sanctions against said he backed steps to block Turk- jailing of US citizens and violence and, with geopolitical dy- decision, they said, because Rus- Turkey are imposed over ish pilot training on the F-35. The against demonstrators in Washing- T namics shifting, it has been sian and Chinese suppliers offer its purchase of Russia’s man Wolters will succeed, US Army ton in May 2017. in the spotlight more than ever in comparable systems at lower costs S-400, US President General Curtis Scaparrotti, earlier If sanctions against Turkey are recent years. and, crucially, with a technology Donald Trump will most called for the F-35 sale to Turkey to imposed over its purchase of Rus- Moscow’s courting of Ankara af- transfer that the United States was certainly let them be. be cancelled if Ankara purchased sia’s S-400, US President Donald ter its military intervention in Syria unwilling to match. the S-400. Trump will most certainly let them created sharp divergences with Washington has stated concern While the F-35 is not part of a Compounding tensions between be because he maintains a transac- Turkey’s partners in the West, par- that Turkey’s purchase of the S-400 NATO programme, the future force the United States and Turkey has tional view of US ties with Turkey. ticularly the United States. would compromise the security of transformation it enables would been the status of the Syrian Kurd- In his view, Erdogan must buy Turkey’s insistence on seeing the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, among underpin NATO air power and ish People’s Protection Units (YPG). American or face the wrath of the through the purchase of the Rus- other systems, by potentially mak- make the Turkish Air Force one of While Washington has relied on the United States. This means that a fis- sia-made S-400 missile defence ing it possible for Russia to work the world’s most modern. By halt- YPG to fight the Islamic State (ISIS) sure inside NATO is possible, with system has strained these ties, out how to spot and effectively ing delivery of parts for the F-35 to in Syria, Turkey views the force, an Turkey’s role in the alliance hang- bringing it to a strategic crossroads track the fifth-generation stealth Turkey, Washington has raised the offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers’ ing in the air. that could uproot its NATO role and multirole fighter. stakes in this standoff. Party, as a terrorist organisation future. The F-35 brings together nine Turkish pilots have been training and an existential threat. Sabahat Khan, based in Dubai, As air and missile capabilities countries into a US-led produc- for about a year on F-35s at Luke In 2016, Ankara launched incur- maintains a cross-disciplinary proliferated in the Middle East, tion programme in which 6-7% of Air Force Base in Arizona and two sions into Syria to undermine the focus in international security, Turkey’s capabilities lagged. To the parts were to be produced by of the aircraft were to be flown to group, a step Washington viewed defence policy and strategic issues. 2 April 21, 2019 Cover Story Libya US, Russia agreement could change international course on LNA’s push

Michel Cousins ers as well as diplomats and many Libyans. The realisation that it could be Tunis crunch time for Libya resulted in the veil of supposed disinterest slipping his is a military operation. from the international actors who Nothing ever goes accord- had been using Libya as a proxy for “ ing to plan.” their own rivalries. T The quote from a World Qatar and Turkey rallied to the War II thriller-turned-movie about support of the Presidential Council the plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler and there were reports of them pro- could easily have been written to viding material support as well. The describe the move by Libyan Field- and Italy, too, ap- Marshal Khalifa Haftar to take Tripoli. pear thrown in with the Presidential Two weeks after launching the of- Council’s while Egypt, Saudi Arabia fensive and following initial success and the remain in taking towns to the south of Tripoli firmly pro-Haftar. and moving into the city’s southern Despite international calls for a suburbs, Haftar’s Libyan National ceasefire, there is a stark division in Army (LNA) seemed to have become the international community regard- bogged down. ing Libya. Efforts at the UN Security The LNA is fighting militias sup- Council to produce a ceasefire call porting the internationally recog- became as bogged down by rivalries nised Presidential Council headed by as the conflict in Tripoli itself. Russia, Fayez al-Sarraj and its Government of an ally of Haftar, opposed a statement National Accord (GNA). devised by the United Kingdom over Despite the death of more than 200 the wording. So did the United States, people, including civilians, hundreds amid speculation that Washington is wounded, tens of thousands of resi- still to form a clear opinion about the dents leaving Tripoli for safety else- conflict. where and accusations of war crimes, Speculation as to the US position Military thrust. Smoke rises behind a tank and technicals belonging to forces loyal to Libya’s (AFP) neither side is willing to accept a was laid to rest April 19 when the Government of National Accord during clashes in the suburb of Wadi Rabie, south of Tripoli. ceasefire. Both appear convinced White House put out a statement they must, and can, win. saying US President Donald Trump EU statement on April 11 because of President Emmanuel Macron phoned tered that the attack had been carried “recognised Field-Marshal Haftar’s its intended criticism of Haftar. Rela- Sarraj after the LNA offensive started out by the militias with the intention significant role in fighting terrorism tions between it and the Presidential to assure him of France’s support for of discrediting it just when the Secu- Despite international calls and securing Libya’s oil resources and Council are stretched as never before. him and the Presidential Council. rity Council was about to discuss the for a ceasefire, there is a the two discussed a shared vision for There have been anti-French demon- Following Bashagha’s subsequent Libya crisis. stark division in the Libya’s transition to a stable, demo- strations in Tripoli and, on April 18, stance, the French presidency said in Claims of video evidence prov- international community cratic political system.” Presidential Council Interior Minister a statement: “France supports the le- ing militia responsibility and other regarding Libya. Trump’s support for Haftar could announced an end to gitimate government of Prime Minis- claims that US surveillance aircraft swings the UN Security Council firm- security cooperation with France. ter Fayez al-Sarraj and the mediation spotted the location of where the Both have been looking for interna- ly behind Haftar — only the United It is not clear if the order had been of the United Nations for an inclusive rockets were launched — central Trip- tional support. Both are determined Kingdom remains committed to Sar- relayed to the French at that point political solution in Libya.” Those as- oli, held by the militias — have not the other must be punished. The raj. It is also likely to have an effect but, four days earlier, a convoy of surances appeared to be falling on been substantiated. LNA’s military prosecutor issued an on public opinion in Libya, where French diplomatic security staff left deaf ears in Tripoli. In an interview with the BBC, arrest warrant for Sarraj and other the United States is widely respected Tripoli and headed for the Tunisian Following a missile attack April 16 UN Libyan Envoy Ghassan Salame Presidential Council members along and listened to, apart from its views border. There, they were held by on south-central Tripoli’s Abu Sleem sounded distinctly pessimistic. He with their military chief. Sarraj or- on . With Trump backing Haf- Tunisian security for several hours district, home to one of the major mi- expressed alarm over the LNA’s arrest dered the same for Haftar and his as- tar, there will be those, particularly because of undeclared weapons in litias fighting the LNA, Sarraj called warrants for Sarraj and other Tripoli sociates. in western Libya, who may decide to their possession and, Tunisia’s inte- for Haftar to be indicted by the Inter- officials. He voiced fears that the “We are still in the escalation support the field-marshal. rior minister said, were allowed to national Criminal Court. As many as stalemate could push other countries phase,” said one Libya military ana- It may also help France off the proceed only after they handed them six civilians were killed and some 20 to intervene militarily in the conflict. lyst, who predicted the fighting in hook. Widely seen as supporting Haf- over. people injured in the attack. Tripoli could last for a while. Similar tar, France is accused by Sarraj’s sup- To counter the growing animos- The LNA was accused by the GNA Michel Cousins is a contributor to fears were expressed by other observ- porters of having watered down an ity in Tripoli towards France, French of responsibility while the LNA coun- The Arab Weekly on Libyan issues. Egypt raises alarm on militias’ threat in Sisi-Haftar talks

Hassan Abdel Zaher port for combating terrorism and gazy, a former assistant to the Egyp- extremist groups and militias in Lib- tian foreign minister. “Cairo is also ya, Egyptian presidency spokesman against the terrorist militias that are Cairo Bassam Radi said. fought by Haftar now.” “The president noted that this Unrest in Libya made it necessary alks between Egyptian Pres- [support] will allow the establish- for economically struggling Egypt ident Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ment of a stable and sovereign civil to devote additional financial re- and Libyan National Army state and the beginning of the con- sources for border security. Tens of T Field-Marshal Khalifa Haftar struction and progress of Libya,” thousands of Egyptians who used reflected the extent of Egyptian con- Radi added. to work in Libya returned home be- cerns about developments in Libya Egypt’s increasingly open support cause of chaos and attacks singling and increasingly open coordination to the LNA comes at a time of ma- them out, increasing unemploy- between Cairo and Haftar, analysts jor international polarisation over ment in Egypt. said. Libya, a country that descended into Arms and explosives smuggled “Libya has turned into a major chaos after the 2011 uprising against from Libya have ended up in the refuge for terrorist groups and dan- long-time ruler Muammar Qaddafi. hands of Islamic State militants in gerous militias,” said Ali Masoud, a Sinai, Egypt said. political science professor at Beni Sisi visited a military base near Common concerns. Libyan National Army Field-Marshal Khalifa Suef University. “This poses threats Alarming to Cairo is the the Libyan border on April 16. The Haftar (L) walks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at to Egypt’s national security.” backing the militias Egyptian president, who is also the the Presidential Palace in Cairo, April 14. () The Libyan National Army (LNA) receive from regional head of the army council, ensured has stepped up operations against rivals, such as Qatar and that troops at the massive Moham- gela Merkel on the phone and told would detail the dangers inherent militias controlling Tripoli amid re- Turkey, both of which ed Naguib base were on high alert. her that Egypt supported the unity, for the security of Libya’s neigh- ports of heightened support to the support Islamist groups Military experts said Sisi was send- stability and security of Libya. bours in allowing militias to con- militias by regional powers. outlawed in Egypt. ing a strong message that the Egyp- “Egypt also backs efforts to com- trol Tripoli. The meeting, observers Cairo, which has tried to bring the tian Army was ready to confront bat terrorism and extremist groups said, takes place while Libya enters Libyans together, views the alliance Cairo has taken Haftar’s side in threats to national security. and militias that pose a threat to a new stage. between the internationally recog- Libya’s post-revolution conflict, Egypt is also reportedly leading Libya and the security and stabil- “This is why agreement be- nised Government of National Ac- particularly given that the LNA con- an international effort to rally sup- ity of the Middle East and the entire tween the three states is very im- cord and the Islamist militias polic- trols territory in eastern Libya adja- port for LNA operations. Libya was Mediterranean region,” Radi quoted portant,” said Hassan Abu Taleb, ing Tripoli with concern. cent to the Egyptian border. Many at the heart of talks between Sisi Sisi as telling Merkel. an adviser at the Ahram Centre Equally alarming to Cairo is the in Cairo expressed support for Haf- and US President Donald Trump A meeting of Algerian, Egyptian for Political and Strategic Studies backing the militias receive from re- tar’s move on Tripoli as a potential April 9 in Washington, reports indi- and Tunisian foreign ministers is think-tank. “Libya’s partition or gional rivals, such as Qatar and Tur- way to get Libya under control. cated. expected to be held soon. The three disintegration poses dangers to re- key, both of which support Islamist “Egypt wants the territorial integ- Sisi discussed Libya with visit- countries have been coordinating gional security.” groups outlawed in Egypt. rity of Libya, which is why it backs ing Russian Foreign Minister Sergei stances since the Libyan crisis start- During his April 14 meeting with the LNA, which works to achieve Lavrov on April 6. On April 15, Sisi ed in 2011. Hassan Abdel Zaher is a Cairo-based Haftar, Sisi reiterated Egypt’s sup- the same goal,” said Mohamed He- talked with German Chancellor An- This time, observers said, Cairo contributor to The Arab Weekly. April 21, 2019 3 Cover Story Sudan Continued pressures for new Sudan outside military, Islamist rule

Mohamed Aboelfadl loyalties. He said he fears a split in the military establishment or a se- cession that would affect plans to Cairo correct Sudan’s course. He has re- moved some incriminated officers he Transitional Military but the process will take some time. Council in Sudan has gone Demonstrators in Sudan have a long way towards getting continued their sit-in outside the T rid of the main figures of Ministry of Defence and their num- deposed Sudanese President Omar bers may have actually increased al-Bashir’s regime since April 11. recently. They have engaged in dia- It has won confidence with Su- logue with the TMC to ensure the danese demonstrators with its flex- country moves from the Islamist- ibility in responding to demands of military square to a civilian govern- the Sudanese Professionals Asso- ment. ciation and the Coalition for Free- Suspicions, however, hover dom and Change and promised to over some TMC members, includ- form a civilian government to end ing Lieutenant-General Omar the legacy of the former regime and Zain al-Abdin, head of the Politi- place the country on track for a new cal Committee; police chief Lieu- Sudan. tenant-General Tayeb Babeker; John Garang, the late leader Lieutenant-General Jalal al-Deen of the Sudan People’s Liberation al-Sheikh from the security forces; Movement, had long held the and Air Force Lieutenant-General dream of a united and stable Sudan Salah Abdul Khaliq. These are solid without distinction between North Islamist figures and might be used and South. He called his vision the by Islamists to prepare and execute “New Sudan.” a counter-revolution. However, the regime in Khar- In addition to the flexibility toum had other Islamist goals and shown by the TMC in welcoming projects and preferred to sacrifice candidates for leadership positions, the south by accepting the right to opposition forces benefit from one self-determination in 2005 and the important advantage: the exist- High hopes. Sudanese protesters flash the victory sign outside the army headquarters in Khartoum, secession of South Sudan in 2011 in ence of a broad regional and inter- April 19. (AFP) the hope of keeping the rest of Su- national consensus on the need to dan under its dominance. accelerate the handover of power to parts of the Sudanese citizenry. er, say this operation will take time are brought to justice. Al-Bashir sought to link the Is- a civilian government. This is why international voices en- and fear that this grace period may Sari said negotiations are under lamist movement to the military There is obvious regional sup- couraged the Sudanese to grant the become a prelude to consecrating way between the demonstrators establishment, which gave the lat- port for the removal of Islamist TMC respite to deal with remnants military rule. and the TMC on the formation of ter an ideological dimension it did strongholds from state institutions. of al-Bashir’s regime. Many Sudanese echoed these a sovereign council composed of not previously have. This led to Regional parties have said the Is- Yasir Arman, deputy leader of words as they recall the long histo- nine people — five civilians and Islamist control of the state politi- lamist Movement in Sudan created the Sudan’s Liberation Movement- ry of manoeuvres by the Sudanese four military personnel — a cabi- cally and militarily. tensions because of the former re- North, wrote on his Facebook page Army to stay in power. net of no more than 15 people and a Following the removal of al- gime’s ties with countries, such as that the TMC includes figures who Suleiman Sari, spokesman for the legislative council of 150 members, Bashir and a number of political, Turkey and Qatar, known for sup- played a crucial role in al-Bashir’s Arab Alliance for Sudan, said the including experts to draft legisla- military and partisan leaders from porting extremist forces. arrest and in forcing Ahmed Awad Sudanese demonstrators believe tion and a permanent constitution power, the Sudanese opposition is If events in Sudan represent an bin Auf, the former defence minis- that the TMC has not fulfilled tasks for the country. exploiting the opportunity to have opportunity to remove the Islamist ter and former head of the military demanded of it and is required to Observers said they fear the en- the Transitional Military Council legacy, shedding the military legacy council, and Salah Gosh, head of get rid of institutions and symbols thusiasm shown by the TMC may (TMC) attempt to establish a nu- faces many obstacles. There are re- the National Intelligence and Secu- of the former regime apparent in soon fade because the council is in cleus for a new Sudan in which the gional and international forces that rity Services, to step down. the political scene in Sudan. favour of taking time in transferring government is not Islamist and in say it will not be easy to turn Sudan These individuals include jun- Sari said the TMC is facing inter- power to a fully civilian govern- which the army is removed from into a civilian state in the foresee- ior officers from the army and the nal pressure from the demonstra- ment. Opposition forces are ada- politics. Such a project faces tre- able future and that it will be neces- and they must tions and outside pressure from the mant about having their demands mendous challenges after 30 years sary for the army to be present for cooperate to build a power system African Union, which opposes mili- met. It is possible that new clashes of rule by the former regime. some time to arrange the political that ends cronyism, leads the coun- tary coups. Therefore, the council may erupt, which could plunge Su- TMC Chairman Lieutenant-Gen- scene. try to safety and does away with needs to form a civilian govern- dan into political and security tur- eral Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is deal- The pessimistic visions are based the military, security, economic ment in less than two weeks. moil, given the many intractable ing cautiously with the opposition’s on the fact that opposition forces in and political pillars of the old order. Demonstrations will continue for problems in the country. demand of uprooting the remnants Sudan are dispersed and because Arman’s words regarding a total longer periods to prevent counter- of al-Bashir in the army and side- there are no outstanding politi- cleansing of the old order found a coups and to make sure military fig- Mohamed Aboelfadl is an Egyptian lining officers known for Islamist cal figures capable of rallying large large positive echo. Some, howev- ures with known Islamist leanings writer. Saudi Arabia and the UAE work to gain confidence of new Sudan rulers

Mohammed Alkhereiji President Hosni Mubarak to power ments to the coalition and will in Cairo. keep our forces until the alliance Sudan could follow a similar achieves its objectives,” TMC Vice- London path because of its history with Chairman Lieutenant-General Mo- . Also signifi- hamed Hamdan Daglo said in an n a move intended to calm cant are intentions of regional gov- official statement. tensions while preserving geo- ernments that support the Muslim While most media attention fo- political interests in Sudan, Brotherhood, including Qatar and cused on Burhan, another impor- I Saudi Arabia and the United Turkey. tant player in the Saudi-UAE-Su- Arab Emirates announced support Saudi Arabia and the United Arab danese axis is Major-General Taha for Sudan’s Transitional Military Emirates have tried to limit the Othman al-Hussein, who returned Council. influence of Islamist movements to Sudan on April 16 after two years Riyadh and Abu Dhabi issued in Africa but have often gone up in exile in Saudi Arabia. statements backing Sudanese against manoeuvres by Qatar and Othman, a former Sudanese Lieutenant-General Abdel Fattah Turkey. chief of staff under al-Bashir, al-Burhan and the Transitional Mil- The Turkish media, seen to be moved to Saudi Arabia in June itary Council (TMC) he is heading. aligned with the government, 2017 after an abrupt dismissal by The Gulf countries also pledged quoted Turkish President Recep the president. humanitarian aid for Sudan. Tayyip Erdogan as defending a Saudi newspaper Al Watan de- Experts said the quick expression theory that long-time Sudanese scribed Othman’s arrival as “a of support for Burhan was meant to President Omar al-Bashir was knockout blow to Qatar” and re- halt the potential grab of power in toppled in a coup orchestrated ferred to him as “the architect of Sudan by radical Islamist groups by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab the commitment of the former and countries that back them. Emirates and Egypt to sabotage Sudanese government to the Gulf Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Turkish-Sudanese relations. axis led by Saudi Arabia.” officials pointed to the 2011 upris- Sudanese TMC officials assured Qatari-aligned Al Khaleej pub- ing in Egypt as an example of how Riyadh and Abu Dhabi that Sudan lished a report under the headline popular sentiments can be chan- would not recall the more than “Taha Othman: Would the UAE use nelled by certain groups towards 3,000 members of Sudan’s Rapid him to infiltrate the military coun- their own ideological and political Support Forces deployed as part of cil in Sudan?” ends. The Muslim Brotherhood the Saudi-led coalition fighting in rode the wave of political protests Yemen. Mohammed Alkhereiji is the Gulf Winds of change. Sudanese protesters rally outside the army that led to the ousting of Egyptian “We are sticking to our commit- section editor of The Arab Weekly. headquarters in Khartoum, April 19. (AP) 4 April 21, 2019 News & Analysis Algeria In Algeria, head of Constitutional Council’s resignation could signal end of standoff

Lamine Ghanmi cal and business interests, many involving the country’s powerful army generals and their families. Tunis On February 10, Bouteflika ap- pointed Belaiz to oversee the con- he head of Algeria’s con- stitutional council for the second stitutional council stepped time, in violation of a constitu- down April 16, ceding to tional provision that limits him to T nationwide protests calling one term. Belaiz oversaw Algeria’s for the overhaul of the ruling elite 2014 presidential elections, which after the ouster of long-time Presi- Bouteflika won with more than dent Abdelaziz Bouteflika. 81.5% of the vote despite not par- The resignation of Tayeb Be- ticipating in his own campaign. laiz, a former justice minister and Belaiz’s departure comes as con- judge, could be a sign that Algeria troversy mounts over the prospect is nearing an end to the standoff of presidential elections within that pit protesters against the po- 90 days, as stipulated by the con- litical establishment. stitution. Officials plan to follow Belaiz, 70, was one of the sen- the constitutionally mandated ior political figures whom demon- time frame but protesters say the strators focused their ire on after deadline — July 4 — does not allow Bouteflika’s resignation two weeks enough time for the opposition to ago. mount a competitive campaign Belaiz, acting President Ab- against a political establishment delkader Bensalah and Prime Min- that has dominated Algeria dec- ister Noureddine Bedoui — dubbed ades. the “three Bs” — are the top po- In solidarity with protesters, litical figures Algerian protesters mayors across the country refused called on to step down. to cooperate with national authori- ties, while judges, whose approval is needed to validate election re- Belaiz’s departure and sults, have pledged to boycott the United more than ever. Algerian protesters during a demonstration against the country’s leadership Gaid Salah’s emphatic vote. in Algiers, April 12. (AP) statement in support of Algeria’s powerful military chief, protesters drew hopes General Ahmed Gaid Salah, vowed Gaid Salah denied that the army February 14 by Bouteflika. Bouchachi, who, along with other that the country’s to steer a peaceful transition and played a role in ordering violence “The army makes no decision at opposition leaders, has advocated leaders would meet sought to build rapport with pro- against protesters April 12, when the expense of the people and the to have the country’s transition pe- people’s demands. testers by addressing their de- the country’s elite Special Inter- homeland,” Gaid Salah said. “It en- riod overseen by three independ- mands publicly each Tuesday. vention Group unit was deployed sures that not a single drop of Al- ent figures. Protests have taken place in “All options are open in the pur- in Algiers after four female protest- gerian blood is shed although this Algerian writer Abed Charef said Algeria’s main cities each Fri- suit of overcoming the different dif- ers were stripped by police, spark- might not please some hostile par- Gaid Salah’s recent statements had day since February 22 calling for ficulties and finding a solution to ing public outcry. ties that are upset by the peaceful sent a strong warning to regime sweeping political change. In addi- the crisis as soon as possible,” Gaid “The decision to protect the peo- way of the marches.” hardliners. “It was a necessary tion to giving voice to popular dis- Salah recently said. ple with all their various quarters is Belaiz’s departure and Gaid form of deterrence in these mo- illusionment against the regime, He said he would ensure that an irreversible decision from which Salah’s emphatic statement in sup- ments of hesitation and doubt,” he the movement exposed divisions demonstrators are not subject to we will never deviate,” Gaid Salah port of protesters drew hopes that said. within the ruling elite. Cracks also police violence or manipulation said, defending the military. the country’s leaders would meet Algerian political scientist Louisa emerged between the police and and singled out country’s former “Stemming from the strength of people’s demands, including that Dris-Ait Hamadouche said Belaiz’s the armed forces, a fierce, behind- intelligence chief Mohamed Medi- the ties and confidence between the country’s remaining top offi- resignation was a “clear signal that the-scenes struggle over the coun- ene, known as “Rab Dzayer (“God the people and their army, we cials step down and the electoral having the elections within 90 days try’s political direction. of Algeria”) because of his far- have given clear and unequivocal process is reorganised. is politically impossible.” It shed light on the many com- reaching influence, for playing a instructions to protect citizens, “The statement by the army Former Algerian Prime Minister peting powers behind Bouteflika “destabilising role” in the crisis. specifically during the demonstra- leader gives us hopes to move onto Ali Benflis, who leads another op- and his inner circle, which analysts Mediene was involved in a bitter tions,” he added, in a clear rebuke a peaceful path of transition that position group, said Gaid Salah’s said was the outer shell of a regime rivalry with Gaid Salah before he of police Chief Abdelkader Kara satisfy the demands of the protest- guarantees could be the “way out made up of interdependent politi- was fired by Bouteflika in 2015. Bouhadba, who was appointed ers,” said rights lawyer Mustapha of” the “impasse.”

Viewpoint Mediene’s rearguard wars in Algeria

he Algerian Constitu- slows down during Ramadan? A day before Gaid Salah’s to organise democratic elections tion does not offer the Why should they take at his intervention, the former and by July. legal and political tools word army Chief of Staff Ahmed highly respected Mouloud The current government and Francis Ghilès necessary to guarantee Gaid Salah, when he assures them Hamrouche, who led a govern- interim president might not be a smooth transition that the army will protect the ment of bold reforms in 1989-91, able to continue in office for long. towards a more people he was threatening with a issued a similar warning to The president of the constitu- Tdemocratic regime. That is the Syria scenario two months ago? Mediene in the columns of tional court bowed out; others conclusion many Algerians have It is in this context that Gaid French-language newspaper El might follow suit. reached. Salah on April 16 threatened to Watan. The Algerian people may The government led by Noured- arrest the former head of security, Hamrouche went out of his way appreciate Mickey Mouse as a dine Bedoui is not only lacking in Mohamed Mediene, if Mediene to praise the army for having cartoon character but no longer talent but it includes people from did not end his meddling in the listened to the clamour for reform tolerate it as a government during the former regime who are situation by provoking divisions and maintaining its unity. The this crucial turning point in the notoriously corrupt. Most of them and spreading rumours, all institution remains the backbone country’s history. were close to the Bouteflika clan, time-honoured methods under of Algeria and draws its officers As demonstrations enter their which ruled Algeria for 20 years. authoritarian regimes. from every class and every third month, the peacefulness of Together with the interim Mediene has not been shy to region. Algerian demonstrators, the president, whose undistinguished throw groups of alleged Islamists Hamrouche also pointed out savviness of their slogans, the career has for two decades been in into the crowds during the Friday that a narrow reading of restraint of the police and gendar- the shadow of the former presi- demonstrations. In fact, they the constitution, as merie and their wariness in dent, the interim rulers of Algeria might have been drugged made by Gaid Salah, avoiding provocations are forcing fully deserve the nickname the convicts thrown into the fray. could not produce an the respect of their neighbours in street gives it — houkoumat So-called hooligans were interim administra- North Africa and . Mickey, Mickey Mouse govern- filmed throwing stones at tion willing, let Navigating the treacherous ment. cars that turned out to belong alone politically waters of a political transition Having prevented Abdelaziz to the police. savvy enough, towards a more rule-bound, less Bouteflika from running for a fifth The Department of Intelli- corrupt future is a difficult task term, 43 million Algerians are gence and Security that that is far from over but it may be clamouring their refusal to see Mediene ran for 25 years too late for the likes of Mediene or such people manage the election after 1990 contains many powerful outsiders to change the Navigating the of a new president. agents, infiltrated into course of events. How is it possible, they ask, for every company and The shadow war between the treacherous waters of the electoral roll to be revised administration in two old generals continues, a political transition before the start of Ramadan in Algeria that can however. When both depart the towards a more early May? sow discord and scene, Algeria’s transition towards How can those who wish to attempt to a more rule-bound system is likely rule-bound, less stand as candidates in the provoke to be more assured. corrupt future is a election have time to organise violence. their forces and prepare serious Francis Ghilès is an associate difficult task that is platforms for an election in July, Patience running thin. Algerian Army Chief of Staff Ahmed Gaid fellow at the Barcelona Centre for far from over. bearing in mind that everything Salah. (AFP) International Affairs. April 21, 2019 5 Debate Algeria Sudan

Lessons Algeria and Sudan can learn from other transitions

populations and the rulers in the With youth unemployment at region predictably reached that a rate of about 30% and half the Oussama breaking point. Authoritarians population less than 25 years old, Romdhani who clung to power for two, three it was not difficult to predict that decades, if not more, eventually young people would be the first to outlasted their welcome. object to the ruling class’s attempt s unrest sweeps away The populations that seemed at extending the reign of Bouteflika long-tenured rulers ready to live with the endless for a fifth term in office. in Algeria and Sudan, reigns of old and ailing leaders Sudan may have been more there are lessons the were unwilling to wait any longer. of an economic basket case as it new political genera- They reached that determination struggled with an inflation rate of tions there can draw based on domestic dynamics. Most nearly 70%, a foreign debt level of fromA other transitions in the region of those were determined by socio- about $50 billion and hard currency since 2011. economic factors in their countries’ reserves at merely seven weeks of The first lesson is that, despite borders. That’s the second lesson imports. regional ramifications of upheaval new rulers should not forget. With half the population under in any Arab country, the politics of In Algeria and Sudan, the the age of 19 and youth unem- unrest are essentially local. It might economy gave way well before the ployment at more than 27%, the be tempting to see a domino theory demonstrators concluded that the ticking bomb was waiting to go off in the pattern leading to the fall old rulers had to go. anytime. The discredited National of the long-time leaders in Algiers There are accelerators of the fire, Congress Party was out of its sync and Khartoum but it is more the re- such as the prevalence of social with the demands of the youth- alities of each country rather than media, the level of violent repres- ful population. Its Islamist diktat cross-border trends that were the sion on demonstrators and the abil- no longer guaranteed the regime’s determining factors that pushed ity of the rulers to read the writing hold on power. Omar al-Bashir and Abdelaziz on the wall. The main protagonists, especially Bouteflika out of power. Politics may not be an issue those trying today to hold onto the Populations in Algeria and Sudan first but the dynamics of political levers of power, should look at the were driven by their own politi- change were quickly unleashed lessons of the 2011 uprisings. They cal, social and economic factors once young populations came to know that as the dust settles and the same way societies in Tunisia, see the continued presence of out- as democratic transitions are set Libya and Egypt years before rose dated political systems as the most in motion, economics is likely to against long-entrenched authori- daunting obstacle between them come back and haunt them, prob- tarian systems. and a better future. ably sooner than the inexperienced There are caveats to that reality. Socio-economic indicators pro- operators of regime change would Young crowds may get inspira- vided the regimes in place with like them to believe. tion and encouragement from early warnings that should have The Tunisia case has shown that the scenes of protesters allowed them to adjust the any transition, even if deemed in other Arab countries course of their policies successful, will remain precari- challenging the status The military and but regimes at risk of ous unless it is accompanied by an quo. Also, it does extinction have a economic recovery that creates jobs not need a con- security tendency at stalling and revives growth and that’s eas- spiracy theorist establishment will — well, as long as ier said than done. In the climate to figure out that have to keep in they can. of endless demands and unbridled mind the security They try to buy expectations that come with revo- some regional ac- Heeding signals. A Sudanese protester demonstrates outside the risks inherent in time even when lutionary fervour, big-spending tors seeking wider army headquarters in Khartoum. (AFP) influence can find power vacuums and time is scarce. Alge- policies are going to be more likely in the protests an unsecured borders. ria’s bureaucratic than budget rigour. Such policies opportunity to settle statism combined are, however, untenable. bankrupt country. The military and security estab- scores with leaders they with clan interests The interim rulers in Algeria and The military and security estab- lishments in Sudan and Algeria dislike. Regime change rendered the system un- Sudan may have their minds set on lishment will have to keep in mind should be allowed to continue (obviously, more so in certain responsive and infused young more immediate concerns. In Alge- the security risks inherent in power doing their job of meeting national countries than others) can ap- masses with unmitigated despair. ria, there are demands to prosecute vacuums and unsecured borders. security challenges and the new peal to global powers with inter- The country’s undiversified econ- corrupt businessmen and investi- They should not commit the generation of politicians should ventionist agendas. omy could not adjust to the fall of gate allegations of ill-management mistakes of the post-2011 Tunisian have its chance at gearing the It remains, however, true that the oil prices from $100 a barrel in 2014 in the national oil company. There rulers who complacently let Islam- country towards democracy build- most fundamental conditions for to $66 in recent months. Foreign are hints from Sudanese rulers that ist radicals organise and wreak ing and economic reconstruction. unrest are home-bred. Populations exchange reserves fell by half and they see economic difficulties as havoc on the country. It took major That’s probably the most important can put up with rulers who over- GDP growth slumped to less than pressing. Saudi and Emirati expres- terrorist incidents for the new po- lesson of all. stay their welcome, until a breaking 1%. The government could not sions of support for Khartoum litical class to realise that national point is reached. bankroll its social programmes have included pledges to expedite security must be preserved even in Oussama Romdhani is Editor-in- In recent years, many of the anymore. economic assistance to the nearly a democracy. Chief of The Arab Weekly. What’s the world to do in Algeria and Sudan? spring” in Tunisia and Egypt in sured Abdelaziz Bouteflika to eyes of the people. They are wing- gone and Washington didn’t have 2011, the front lines between the resign as president but that wasn’t ing it politically. an alternative plan. Mohamad citizens and the regimes were enough to close the affair, empty While “confusion” and “caution” The whole world is dealing with Kawas clearly drawn. “The people want to the streets of demonstrators and appear to be keywords describing Algeria and Sudan with a policy of bring down the regime,” shouted return the country to normal life. the exercise of power in both coun- minimal diplomacy. The language the protesters. Like in a narrative Similarly, in Sudan, the army tries, they accurately describe the of diplomacy is rife with high doses he Sudanese and straight out of a history book, the played a major role in the country attitude of the major world capitals of hypocrisy and uncertainty, sug- Algerian armies took people and the rulers were pitted since independence in 1956. It was towards the two events. gesting that the fractured global control of their respec- against each other the army that conducted all the On the street in Algeria, a new system, which is trying to reshape tive countries or at least Later, the front lines shifted. military coups, starting with one and old structural distrust of the itself, has been stymied by a sud- they are desperately The showdown in Egypt turned led by Ibrahim Abboud in 1958 till French position is widespread. den and insidious movement that trying to do that. Both into one between the army and the the one led by Omar al-Bashir in Paris often has been accused of brought about the downfall of two Tmoves look like coups but they are Islamists while the one in Tunisia 1989. being the real seat of power in longstanding powerheads and that not. transformed into a confrontation For these reasons, people in Al- Algeria. The charge is a bit exagger- its major intelligence services have The general populations in both between the left and the Bourguib- geria and Sudan do not trust this ated and reflects the ambiguous failed to see coming. countries, however, suspect there ists on one side and the Islamists so-called saviour. historical relationship between The world cannot tolerate chaos, were transactions behind the on the other. When Ahmed Awad bin the two countries. especially in two of the largest scenes that resulted in pushing the None of this resembles what is Auf appointed him- French colonisation countries in the region. It is not in military to the forefront and pull- happening in Sudan and Algeria. self president of the The great irony of Algeria is cited as the best interest of this world to ing familiar faces of both regimes In both countries, it is not political Transitional Military is that the positions the root cause of Al- prolong the period of uncertainty backstage. Islam that is leading the popular Council in Sudan, declared by Moscow, geria’s misery and, in Algeria and Sudan. In Algeria, as in Sudan, the movements. In fact, political Islam he immediately Beijing, Washington, after independ- The major powers cannot com- “rebels” did not deal with the “de- has been defeated and is at a loss issued a flood of Paris, et cetera, are ence, Paris was ac- pete and operate in a world that posed” in the usual manner of your in Sudan while it has remained rosy promises practically the same, cused of colluding is out of their control. The great run-of-the-mill or revolutionary hidden in Algeria. Demonstrators while, at the same albeit with small with the Algerian irony is that the positions declared in Algeria expelled some Islamist time, imposing a regime. This mixed by Moscow, Beijing, Washington, coups. This is the army’s Statement differences in the No. 1 in both countries, sounding figures from their actions and pro- state of emergency, and charged at- Paris, et cetera, are practically the as if it were drawn by the deposed testers in Sudan shouted slogans a curfew and warning vocabulary titude of the Algerian same, albeit with small differences presidents. The confused mili- that accused political Islam of be- of heightened security chosen. street towards France in the vocabulary chosen and the tary leadership in Algeria and the ing responsible for the tyranny and measures. may explain Paris’s ex- actions taken to keep pace with the bewildered one in Sudan looked as corruption of the regime. Auf is now gone and the aggerated efforts to exonerate crises of Algeria and Sudan. if they were executing a planned The armies in Algeria and Sudan new version of the army rule, itself from the charge of med- Salvation does not necessarily manoeuvre like those taught in the are playing the role of a saviour. led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, dling in Algerian affairs. mean finding a final solution that great military academies. In that role, they have tried to insisted that it has no intention of Things seem much clearer in satisfies the Algerians and Suda- Whether these suspicions are hide the responsibility of military using violence against protesters. the case of Sudan. The world has nese. The path to salvation will be justified or born of conspiracy institutions in producing the re- The same spirit that has imposed lost control of all the keys that the one defined by the world for theories, the people in the streets gimes that governed in Algiers and itself in Sudan can be found in could be used to open Sudan’s both countries within the frame- in both countries feel they are on Khartoum. Algeria. gates: regime, opposition, armed work of the accepted and familiar the threshold of a historic entitle- Algeria’s national army has The bloody violence that is usu- factions, north, south, militias, rules. This world does not like ment and do not seem ready to be tightened its grip on the country ally meted by the punishing arms the International Criminal Court, revolutions that do not resemble satisfied with cosmetic repairs of since independence in 1962. It of the regime against demonstra- et cetera. Once more, Washington the “.” the broken facade while the roots has been the source of Algeria’s tors is perhaps old hat. In any case, has returned to put al-Bashir and of the regimes remain intact. presidents since then. In these the armies in Algeria and Sudan his regime on its list of terrorist Mohamad Kawas is a Lebanese In the first waves of the “Arab post-“Arab spring” times, it pres- have lost the virtue of power in the organisations. Now, al-Bashir is writer. 6 April 21, 2019 Opinion

Editorial Erdogan’s misadventures at home and abroad

urkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government seems to have been in denial over the results of the March 31 local elections. It was clearly not expecting the setbacks suffered by the ruling Justice and Development Party in Ta number of cities, including the capital, Ankara. Most significant was its reaction to the loss of Istanbul. For 17 days, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) engaged in appeals and recounts of the Istanbul vote. Even after Ekrem Imamoglu, the new mayor from the opposition Republican People’s Party, took office, Erdogan was not letting go. His party petitioned for an annulment and rerun of the elections after 25 years of control by Islamist mayors. “We will continue with this struggle of ours to the end. When the YSK (Supreme Electoral Council) says the last word, the matter will be closed for us,” Erdogan said April 18. The loss of Istanbul, Turkey’s most important financial hub, was a blow to Erdogan, who had put his credibility on the line by campaigning hard in the city where he started his political career. Istanbul is also the AKP’s lifeline of political patronage and business interest. There were ripple effects on public opinion from © Yaser Ahmed for The Arab Weekly the AKP’s relentless efforts to prevent Imamoglu from receiving his elected mandate. Even football fans at an Istanbul derby game chanted: “Give the mandate. Give Imamoglu the mandate now.” For Palestinians, it is going to be either The uncertainty created by the haggling over the results of the mayoral election has shaken the financial markets and pushed the lira down. stalemate or ‘Deal of the Century’ The tensions further affected an already lacklustre investment climate. “From the market perspective, an extended period of uncertainty around elections is a bad idea,” Tim Ash, senior Khairallah Khairallah emerging markets strategist at BlueBay Asset Management, told Reuters. What Netanyahu cannot understand is that time can play in favour of Uncertainties are not over as a second election for Istanbul could take place June 2 if the YSK were Israel for now but it can just as easily play against it in the long run. to accept the AKP’s request for a rerun. The top electoral body disqualified the winners hat can be while continuing to expand settle- there is a different Israel altogether in eight municipalities in south-eastern Turkey, ment construction.” even though those politicians had been cleared to learned from the with a permanent desire to create a run in the elections, and gave the mandate to the results of the This is what Netanyahu, too, fait accompli, a policy that Shamir second-ranking candidates — to the benefit of the Israeli elections had wanted to do. He is creating a and Netanyahu have bet on since the A KP. and Binyamin Ne- fait accompli through settlements Madrid Conference. There is wariness amid regional experts that the tanyahu’s return and by annexing a section of the Through the years, Israel has taken political and economic challenges at home could Wfor another term as prime minister . This is what he talked advantage of several factors that push Erdogan to look for diversionary ploys. The is that the stalemate in the peace about during his campaign. In fact, shifted Israeli society more to the claim by Turkish authorities they have arrested process in the Middle East is going what he talked about was to annex right. Among the factors were suicide two Palestinians “spying” for the UAE seems to fit the pattern. to last a long time unless the Trump the whole of the West Bank. He, attacks carried out by Hamas, espe- To woo the AKP’s nationalist allies, military administration really proposes a however, has not bothered to say cially in the post-Oslo period, and the adventures outside Turkish borders can also be “Deal of the Century.” what he was going to do with the Iranian threat, which was based on appealing for Erdogan. Syria comes to mind, so A “Deal of the Century” means, Palestinians of the West Bank. stirring sectarian instincts. does Libya. among other things, going beyond What solution can he come up Most Arab regimes also understood In the volatile North Africa nation, Ankara is the concepts that led to the peace with that would dissolve the Pal- that Iran’s expansionist project said to be joining forces with Qatar to aid Islamist process at the Madrid Conference estinians as long as Jordan rejects posed a direct threat to them and the groups and militias allied with Tripoli-based government of Fayez al-Sarraj. Such entanglement in 1991 on the basis of the principle any option other than the two-state region. The Iranian threat has grown could only compound the regional problems of an of land for peace and international solution and insists that East with the American occupation of Iraq already overstretched Turkey. resolutions, particularly UN Secu- Jerusalem, with its Christian and and the establishment of a regime in rity Council Resolution 242 issued in Islamic holy sites, be placed under Baghdad based on sectarian quotas. November 1967, immediately after its guardianship? Naturally, these developments Who’s afraid the Six-Day War. What about the Gaza Strip? Is it placed the Palestinian cause at the In the next phase, the choice is true that solutions are going to be bottom of the Arab agenda, despite of immigration going to be between the “Deal of the suggested within the framework of all the speeches heard at Arab sum- Century” and a stalemate. Of this expanding the area of the​​ Gaza Strip mits. ontrary to what political rhetoric might deal, we know practically nothing. in the direction of Sinai with Egyp- In the end, Iraq fell, Syria was frag- often suggest, immigration is not always What we do know is that the United tian consent and under US auspices? mented, Lebanon almost collapsed perceived as a threat by international States has recognised all of Jerusa- The next stage is going to be quite and Iran expanded to Yemen and public opinion. lem as the capital of Israel and has complex. This being so, it doesn’t became a threat to the Gulf states. A poll by the Pew Research Centre given its blessings to Israel to annex follow that we should not face the Netanyahu’s return to the Israeli indicated that majorities of respondents the Golan Heights. new realities that were created on premiership, with the blessings of Cin many “top migrant destination countries” said These moves by the Trump the ground after the Madrid Confer- Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, they viewed migrants as “a strength” rather than a burden. This was the case of Canadians (68%), administration are a clear expres- ence. is nothing but the expression of a Australians (64%), Brits (62%), Germans, Japanese sion of its unambiguous intentions Only Jordan, under the leadership new phase in the Middle East and and Americans (59%) and the French (56%). to change the map of the region. of the late King Hussein, understood the Arab region. Sooner or later, the The paradox highlighted by the survey is that International law has determined what had been going on in the re- Arabs will have to choose between the countries where immigrants are perceived as that East Jerusalem and the Golan gion, way before the Madrid Confer- the stalemate that Netanyahu adores an asset are those that hosted more than 7 million Heights are occupied territories. ence. King Hussein took a decision and the “Deal of the Century,” if there migrants in 2017. So, will the “Deal of the Century” to disengage from the West Bank is such a thing. Despite populist politicians’ attempts at require changes in other maps to in July 1988 and paved the way for whipping up fear about new arrivals and cam- There are new realities in the paigning for restrictions on migration, many see settle the Palestinian question at the parliamentary elections confined to region and the world that force us advantages in the inflow of migrants. Despite expense of the two-state solution? the East Bank. to think differently. We must have hostility to migration by the current US adminis- It can’t help but be noticed that, Following the signing of the Oslo courage and recognise that the Israel tration, nearly six in ten American adults who since the Madrid Conference, Israel Accords on the White House lawn we were familiar with in the past were asked said immigrants “make the country has veered off the path set by the and the historic handshake between no longer exists. There is no Israeli stronger because of their work and talents.” conference and returned to Netan- Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin in interest in peace or the peace process It is noteworthy that countries that were most yahu’s long-standing ideas. September 1993, the Palestinians while the Arab Orient is in a state of exposed to the wave of asylum seekers in 2015 have reacted differently. While , which Netanyahu was the spokesman of should have kept the momentum birth labour. seems to have adjusted better economically to the Israeli delegation at the Madrid and pressed on for a final set- Despite the absence of a Palestinian that wave of migration, has a relatively positive Conference while Yitzhak Shamir tlement, even if it was unfair, to leadership capable of meeting the outlook on immigration, Italy and Greece have a was both prime minister and foreign establish a Palestinian entity that current challenges and changes, there negative outlook on it (with, respectively, 54% and minister. US President George H.W. includes the West Bank and Gaza. remain crucial questions: What to do 74% of respondents saying it is a burden). Bush and US Secretary of State It would have been better if with the Palestinian people? Is it pos- Even more significant is that migration is not James Baker put tremendous pres- Arafat had taken advantage of the sible to just wipe out a whole people perceived as a source of potential terrorist threats. Such a perception is often compounded with sure on the Israeli government and presence of Rabin as prime minister from Palestine? anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias. In seven coun- forced Shamir to participate in the and of the Jordanian-Israeli peace What Netanyahu cannot under- tries, including the North American nations, as Madrid Conference, organised on agreement signed in Wadi Araba in stand is that time can play in favour well as France and Spain, majorities said immi- the principle of “land for peace.” October 1994 but none of that had of Israel for now but it can just as grants “do not increase the risk of terrorism in the Shamir, however, had always be- happened. easily play against it in the long run, host country.” lieved in land first, not in peace and The Israeli side, including Ehud especially when a settlement that It is a source of optimism that, despite attempts so had Netanyahu. When Shamir Barak in 2000, has never put forth a guarantees even the minimum of at political exploitation, international public was asked about the possible out- formula for a settlement that would opinion attitudes remain relatively balanced and Palestinian national rights and a continue to reflect a healthy predisposition to comes of the Madrid Conference, be agreeable to the Palestinians or measure of justice is missing. keep an open mind to the right of people to move the Israeli prime minister replied even match their minimum aspira- across borders. with total impudence: “We’ll waste tions. What was discovered instead Khairallah Khairallah is a Lebanese 10 years in endless negotiations after the recent elections is that writer. April 21, 2019 7 Opinion

The West should keep an open mind; Published by Al Arab maybe Haftar is right Publishing House Ibrahim Zobeidi Publisher I am usually critical of Trump’s populist stances. This time he is right and and Group Executive Editor is hopefully guiding the international community in the right direction. Haitham El-Zobaidi, PhD Editor-in-Chief hese are strange Even US Secretary of State European officials, espe- Unfortunately, Sarraj is not a Oussama Romdhani days. On the one Mike Pompeo called on Libyan cially the Italians and the Brits, man of his word. He is said to hand, Europeans Field-Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s should be cognisant of the fact have reached an agreement and Americans forces to halt their military that the Libyan National Army with Haftar in Abu Dhabi to Managing Editor denounce Islamic operations towards Tripoli. is going to Tripoli to expel the curtail the militias’ power but Iman Zayat extremism and say All was drifting in an odd rogue armed groups. They he failed to deliver. Tthey want to isolate Iran. At direction until US President should know better than Moreover, it is under Sarraj’s Deputy Managing Editor the same time, they are Donald Trump shifted course. anyone that the internationally rule that Turkish ships, sent by and Online Editor oblivious to the fact that A White House statement April recognised Libyan government Turkish President Recep Mamoon Alabbasi Qatari lends support to radical 19 said Trump “recognised of Fayez al-Sarraj is under the Tayyip Erdogan’s government, Islamists and keeps strong ties Field-Marshal [Khalifa] control of militias, jihadists laden with weapons and Senior Editor with Iran. Haftar’s significant role in and other rogue elements. ammunition went to Libya. John Hendel These observations come to fighting terrorism and secur- There is no better proof of Funding for Islamist groups mind in view of the position of ing Libya’s oil resources and Sarraj’s ineptitude than the flowed from Qatar in broad Chief Copy Editor the Europeans and the the two discussed a shared testimonial of Ali al-Qatrani, daylight. Richard Pretorius Americans towards develop- vision for Libya’s transition to who resigned as vice-presi- After all this wavering in the ments in Libya. The world’s a stable, democratic political dent of the Libyan Presidential West regarding events in Copy Editors champions of democracy, system.” Council because of Sarraj’s Tripoli, can’t we keep an open Stephen Quillen security and freedom, human I am usually critical of refusal to consult with other mind to the possibility that Kyle Arensdorf rights and the rule of law seem Trump’s populist stances. This council members. “Sarraj is a maybe Haftar is right? at times unhappy about the time he is right and is hope- puppet of the militias and he East/West Section Editor Libyan National Army’s push fully guiding the international will lead Libya to further Ibrahim Zobeidi is an Iraqi Mahmud el-Shafey (London) to impose security and the rule community in the right suffering and dissension,” said writer and US publisher of of law in Tripoli. direction. Qatrani. The Arab Weekly. Gulf Section Editor Mohammed Alkhereiji Society and Travel Revisiting Tunisia eight years after Sections Editor Samar Kadi the ‘Jasmine Revolution’ Contributing Editor James N. Falk Rashmee Roshan Lall

Despite Ennahda’s efforts to depict itself as pluralist and committed to democracy, there is deep distrust. Senior Correspondents Lamine Ghanmi (Tunis) s the plane began several large billboards and where we stayed deserved protected. Thomas Seibert (Istanbul) its descent to banners featuring Saudi King TripAdvisor’s four stars; In a sharp departure from Kelly Kennedy (Washington) Tunis-Carthage Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud however, adjacent to it were prior visits, there was wide International (reportedly accompanied by a several large hotels that were recognition that there was Regular Columnists Airport, the sites delegation of 1,300) and shuttered. Further south, the freedom of the press and that Claude Salhani below looked current Tunisian President Camp Yadis Ksar Guilane’s diverse views of opinion were Yavuz Baydar familiar,A yet I felt a degree of Beji Caid Essebsi. description on its website is readily accessible. apprehension because this My first morning, I took the sadly misleading or, as a Conversations with our Correspondents was my first visit since the train from La Marsa to the lawyer in our group said, interlocutors quickly turned “Jasmine Revolution,” the central business district of “fraudulent” because the to the presidential and Saad Guerraoui (Casablanca) name of the 2011 uprising in Tunis. While I had been told to “luxurious” tents were filthy. I parliamentary elections to Dunia El-Zobaidi (London) Tunisia that toppled the Ben expect a greater degree of doubt if “traditional bedding take place late this year. At Roua Khlifi (Tunis) Ali regime. conservative dress, that was typical of southern Tunisia” least among most with whom Due to my father’s career, I not to be the case. In fact, means sheets that covered half we spoke there was a worry Chief Designer was enrolled in the French diversity was clearly evident the mattress! that the Islamist Ennahda Marwen el-Hmedi school in La Marsa, Tunisia, and it was also interesting to The level of service in Movement party could either from 1970-74, a period that see young women walking restaurants and hotels had come out on top or at least Designers remains among the happiest together where one would be declined from what I recall ten exit with a sizeable number of Ibrahim Ben Bechir of my life. From 2003-08, I wearing a hijab while her years ago. Regrettably, seats to have significant visited Tunisia nearly every companion would not. whatever the reason, these are influence on the country’s Hanen Jebali year, leading different groups In the cafes that run along issues that must be addressed future. on behalf of the World Affairs Avenue Habib Bourguiba, if Tunisia is to regain its once Despite Ennahda’s efforts to Council. there was little change from justified reputation as a depict itself as pluralist and Contact editor at: While I would have never previous visits, except for leading tourist destination. committed to democracy, [email protected] predicted how the revolution pockets of well-armed secu- Following meetings and there is deep distrust. Several occurred, it was evident rity personnel, especially conversations with friends of people said the large number during my last visit in 2008 around the Interior Ministry many decades as well as of parties — 217 — needs to be that there was an unusual and and other government current and former govern- reduced dramatically to allow different environment that buildings. ment officials and bright and for distinct party platforms to portended a significant While I was walking into the engaging graduate students, I be debated. Al Arab Publishing House change. souk towards Al-Zaytuna came away with several Not surprisingly, my fellow Quadrant Building With this backdrop, I arrived Mosque came the point when I impressions. travellers and I were on the 177-179 Hammersmith Road March 28, 2019, leading realised that Tunisia’s road The 2011 revolution is receiving end of questions London W6 8BS members of the World Affairs forward was tenuous. Where perceived as a positive step about US President Donald Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. in the past on a Saturday but there is deep disappoint- Trump and the controversial The atmosphere at our arrival morning there would have ment that the anticipated and actions taken by him to was more festive and colourful been flocks of European promised changes, particu- redirect US policy in the Tel: (+44) 20 7602 3999 than expected because our tourists, on this day there larly economic, have not Middle East. Fax: (+44) 20 7602 8778 visit coincided with Tunisia’s were none. Sellers, who taken place. The consensus expressed is hosting of the Arab League previously would be encour- The younger generation is that both Tunisia and the Summit. aging passers-by to enter their acutely aware that their United States are experienc- As I explained to our shops, were solemn and quiet. employment prospects appear ing — as is Europe — a wave of US Publisher: travellers, a refrain they would Sadly, this was what we to be bleak and, while they populism due in large meas- The Arab Weekly USA LLC. often hear, Tunisia, because of experienced in most areas, would like to remain in the ure to the lack of employment its relative neutrality, has other than Houmt Souk on country, there is a recognition opportunities and increasing [email protected] often been called upon to host Djerba, which was bustling that because of the scarcity of inequality between rural and [email protected] such conferences, especially with activity and tourists. jobs they need to look abroad. urban areas. when there is acrimony among While official government While in many formerly How Tunisia addresses Tel: 248-679-6624 the members. That only 13 statistics may show an uptick developing countries students these issues will undoubtedly heads of state of the 22 in the number of tourists, a once sought to stay abroad, be the deciding factor in member countries attended is major reason for this is the they are now eager to return whether the “Jasmine Revolu- sad evidence of the continued influx of people entering home. Regrettably, such tion” provides the economic discord. either for short or longer stays opportunities do not exist for opportunities needed to At the outset, I was struck by from Libya and Algeria. many highly educated ensure the country’s stability. the non-existence of the Concerning tourism, Tunisia Tunisians. Many, especially in Implications loom large for Subscription & Advertising: ubiquitous propaganda will be faced with tough medicine and other technical the rest of the region. Tuni- [email protected] pictures of former President decisions that will necessarily fields, are exiting, despite, sians’ hopes and frustrations Tel : (+44) 020 3667 7249 Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali and involve an accommodation ironically, that medical are likely to be similar to those previously President Habib between the government, tourism is on the rise. of the Algerians and Sudanese Bourguiba that were essen- investors and banks — private Corruption and petty crime as they embark upon their Mohamed Al Mufti tially required in every store and state-owned — because are viewed to be on the own democratic transitions. Marketing & Advertising and street corner. This was my throughout the country there increase and several people Manager first indication that, however are hotels, condos and other cautioned us to be careful, James N. Falk is president and subtle, an important transition vacation properties in various especially when out at night. CEO of the World Affairs Direct: (+44) 20 8742 9262 to a democratic form of stages of decay that should Community policing is not Council of Dallas/Fort Worth www.alarab.co.uk government was in progress. probably be condemned. common, leaving some and host of the podcast Global There were, however, The Sousse Movenpick neighbourhoods lightly IQ Minute. 8 April 21, 2019 News & Analysis Iraq Iraqis furious with militiamen aiding Iran while ignoring troubles at home

Azhar Al-Rubaie “After many Iraqi provinces were hit by Iran’s floods, I did not see any Basra one of the politicians collect dona- tions for the Iraqi affected regions. raqis are furious with militia They rushed into Iran to provide leaders who volunteered to relief,” said social media activist Bi- help neighbouring Iran deal lal al-Obaidi. I with its flood crisis while ignor- Iraqi reactions appear to have ing troubles caused by rising water prompted influential cleric Muqta- levels in their own country. da al-Sadr to weigh in. Posting on Hundreds of families were dis- Twitter, he said Iraqi volunteers placed across Iraq because of re- would be more than welcome to cent floods. Thousands of hectares help Iran and any neighbouring of agriculture were affected. country once Iraq’s needs are met. The warning signs were there. Until then, he urged Iraqis to help Government officials said water Iraq’s flooded areas. levels in the country’s reservoirs The need for aid still stands be- and dams had reached historic cause Iraq faces more flooding, heights, sparking concerns about which has caused loss of human the structures’ ability to withstand life, damage to property, destruc- additional pressure. tion of crops and loss of livestock The government sought to as- in many Iraqi provinces. sure the public that the dams were “The floods hit the areas near not threatened with collapse but it rivers and waterways. Some ag- did warn people against getting too ricultural lands in provinces like close to river banks after weeks of Basra, Maysan, Wasit and Diyala rain swelled the Tigris and Euphra- have been damaged,” said Aoun tes rivers. Diab Abdullah, spokesman for the More than 100 people drowned Ministry of Water Resources. Deeper ties. Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (R) shakes hands with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel in Mosul when a ferry capsized on More than ten people died due to Abdul-Mahdi in Riyadh, April 17. (Saudi Royal Court) the Tigris in March. The ferry was the floods in the northern province dangerously overcrowded but high of Saladin, added Abdullah. water levels made it harder for pas- A report by the UN Office for the sengers to reach safety or be res- Coordination of Humanitarian Af- cued by onlookers. fairs said the harshest effects ap- Iraq aims to be ‘meeting Many Iraqis blame the govern- peared to be in central and northern ment for incompetence but they provinces of Iraq, primarily regions are levelling another accusation through which the Tigris River at the country’s establishment: fa- runs, and those adjacent to Iran. point’ for regional rivals vouring Iran. The Iraqi Red Crescent Society “The government and militias said on its website that it had mobi- have become the caretakers of Iran. lised staff members and volunteers I can’t even blame Iran for this. No to provide medical relief, tents and Mamoon Alabbasi Abdul-Mahdi also met with Ab- Iran should it become apparent Iraqi politician is putting Iraq first,” food to face the expected torrents. dullatif al-Zayani, secretary-gener- that it would be flouting US sanc- said Hussein Ali, a resident of the Iraqi volunteers are preparing al of the Gulf Cooperation Council tions against Tehran. Salhia district near the Iraq-Iran to help. Salim Jasim Mohammed, London (GCC), and Yousef al-Othaimeen, The two countries appear to be at border. “It is absolutely disgraceful head of Humanity Fingerprint secretary-general of the Organisa- odds over how to repay Iraqi debts when citizens in several cities are Team in Saladin, said his team of 26 raq aims to maintain good rela- tion of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). to Iran. Baghdad wants to pay in in need of help while others drive volunteers set up shelters to help tions with its neighbours and “He (Abdul-Mahdi) stressed that Iraqi dinars while Tehran insists on through to help Iran.” people affected by floods. even mediate between them, the Gulf Cooperation Council is receiving euros because using the Mohammed al-Shami, a resident “We transported the families I said Iraqi Prime Minister Adel important to Iraq… and pointed US dollar is out of question follow- of al-Qurna district in the Iraqi who live near the Tigris River to the Abdul-Mahdi, who recently con- out that Iraq is keen to work with ing sanctions. province of Basra, said floods dam- shelters after their houses sank. cluded visits to regional rivals Sau- its Arab and Islamic surrounding Observers said US sanctions on aged his agricultural lands and his People lost everything but they di Arabia and Iran. and to have balanced relations that Iran as well as Saudi Arabia’s rap- friend’s fish farm. got nothing from the government,” “This visit (to Saudi Arabia) is serve the interests of the people of prochement with Iraq are likely “They (the militias and the gov- said Mohammed. like an earlier visit to Egypt and the the region,” said a statement from to benefit Baghdad because Iraq ernments) are dancing on our Ghassan Ali, an activist from Islamic Republic (of Iran). They are the Iraqi prime minister’s office. would be less reliant on Tehran for wounds. What a shame seeing Maysan province, said the govern- important visits that reflect how “It is important that our region energy and other imports. them drive their loaded aid cars, ment should pay financial com- Iraq works with its neighbours and be stable and prosperous. We have passing through our city and going pensation to those affected by the with its environment in the Arab a lot of common ground that unites Abdul-Mahdi led a high- towards Iran but not our own city,” us, from which we can build trust, floods. So far, he said, aid has come and Islamic world. Iraq wants to level delegation of ministers said Shami. from private volunteers. be a meeting point for everyone,” surpass differences and find new Habeeb Adel, also from al-Qurna, “We call on the Iraqi government Abdul-Mahdi said before flying to environments for cooperation,” and senior government agreed. He described the militia- to address the problem and to com- Riyadh. the statement added. officials, as well as men as “ helping their pensate all those who are affected Abdul-Mahdi led a high-level It quoted Zayani as being “com- businessmen, April 17-18 to motherland,” in a reference to Iran. by floods and lost their property,” delegation of ministers and senior fortable” with the direction of the Saudi Arabia, where the two “If you have no shame, do what said Ali. “I and my friends went to government officials, as well as Iraqi government, which is dealing sides signed agreements to you want but our country should the affected areas in Maysan to pro- businessmen, April 17-18 to Saudi with challenges with “responsibil- boost bilateral trade ties. be more important than Iran,” he vide assistance in the form of tents, Arabia, where the two sides signed ity and wisdom.” said. food items and so on.” agreements to boost bilateral trade In his meeting with Othaimeen, “Saudi Arabia is seriously trying It did not take long for criticism ties. Abdul-Mahdi reiterated Iraq’s wish to expand its ties with Iraq with to move from Iraqi streets to social Azhar Al-Rubaie is a freelance The two countries agreed to to maintain good ties with its Iran the aim of limiting Iran’s influ- media. journalist in Iraq. cooperate on security and intelli- and Muslim neighbouring states. ence in Iraq, with at least a coun- gence issues. Saudi Arabia prom- In line with its stated wish to terbalance to it. Of course, the ised to increase the quota of Iraqi play regional mediation role, Iraq United States has also contributed haj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. Dur- is hosting heads of parliament to this strengthening of relations ing the visit, the Iraqi prime min- from neighbouring countries, in- between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, ister carried out the umra visit to cluding Saudi Arabia and Iran. especially as the United States, Mecca. Abdul-Mahdi’s visit to Saudi like Saudi Arabia, wants to reduce Abdul-Mahdi met with Saudi Arabia was soon after a trip by the Iran’s influence in the region. But King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Iraqi prime minister to Iran, where the point is that all this competi- and Saudi Crown Prince Moham- he was also accompanied by a tion will be beneficial for Iraq,” med bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. trade delegation. wrote Omid Shokri Kalehsar for “The two leaders [Abdul-Mahdi In Iran, Abdul-Mahdi reiterated the Institute for Strategic Analysis and King Salman] later oversaw Iraq’s position of “being open to think-tank. the signing of 13 bilateral agree- all its neighbours in order to build Despite potential benefits for ments… covering a wide range of a stable region,” while rejecting to Baghdad and setbacks for Tehran, areas, including political, energy join a particular axis or take part in Iran yields strong influence in Iraq, and cultural cooperation as well as the sanctions against Tehran. analysts said. the promotion and protection of Despite the diplomatic pleasant- “Those who want to remain in investment,” a statement from the ries, Iran appears to be concerned power in Iraq need to have the ac- Iraqi prime minister’s office said. by US pressure on Iraq to abide ceptance of Iran,” Ayad al-Khalaf The Saudi Foreign Ministry by sanctions against Tehran once al-Anbar, professor of political quoted King Salman telling his Washington’s waiver allowing science in Kufa University, told al- Iraqi guests: “Dear brothers, what Baghdad to deal with Iran on ener- Sharqiya TV. connects us to Iraq is not just ge- gy purchases expires this summer. ography and common interests but Reports said Abdul-Mahdi re- Mamoon Alabbasi is Deputy Left to their fate. Vehicles sit at the edge of a flooded area in al-Qurna blood ties, history and common quested inserting a clause that re- Managing Editor and Online district in the Iraqi province of Basra, April 10. (AFP) destiny.” lease Iraq from a trade deal with Editor of The Arab Weekly. April 21, 2019 9 News & Analysis Syria Clock ticks for Erdogan to decide on Syria

Sami Moubayed security concerns are accommo- dated. For that to happen, however, Syr- Beirut ian-Turkish relations need to be re- stored, after an 8-year suspension. urkish President Recep Such an agreement requires securi- Tayyip Erdogan is soon ty coordination, joint military com- going to be announcing a mittees and diplomatic relations T decision on Syria, ahead between Ankara and Damascus. It of upcoming peace talks at the Ka- also requires an end to the media zakhstan capital, Nur-Sultan (for- war between the two countries. merly Astana). This part of the deal is being ne- The Turkish leader is in hot wa- gotiated by the Iranians, whose ter since his party’s stunning defeat foreign minister, Mohammad Javad in municipal elections, which cost Zarif, travelled between Damascus him three major cities, including and Ankara April 16-17, carrying Istanbul. messages whose answers are to be One of his regional allies, Sudan’s revealed at the Nur-Sultan talks. Omar al-Bashir, has been over- The devil is always in the details. thrown, bringing back memories of The obvious first obstacle is what Muhammad Morsi’s ouster in Egypt to do with the 200 US troops who six years ago. Another ally, Fayez remain in the Kurdish areas and al-Sarraj in Libya, is facing uphill how US President Donald Trump battle against a Saudi-backed mili- will react to such a Russian-Turkish tary offensive led by Field-Marshal agreement. Both sides seem to be- Khalifa Haftar. Protests continue lieve that, apart from lip service, to snowball against Hamas rule in Trump will do nothing about it as Gaza. long as it doesn’t threaten Kurdish presence in north-eastern Syria. As for the US troops, the Rus- Syrian-Kurdish talks, on sians, Turks and Syrians have hold for several months, agreed to go around them, treating need to be jump-started them as invisible while making sure simultaneously, under that nobody trespasses on their ter- Russian mediation. ritory or catches them in any cross- fire. Two hundred troops would Risks and uncertainties. Turkish soldiers stand guard on the sides of the road during a patrol around Erdogan cannot afford to lose any deter neither the Russians nor the the Syrian border at the demilitarised zone, last March. (DPA) more friends — or territory. Turks from any joint action. He will soon be accepting a pro- Some Kurds were pinning hopes ning against the Kurdish towns of ish payroll, known as the National his payroll, first in West Aleppo and posal put forth in January by Rus- on the remaining US troops but Kobane, Tall Rifat and Ras al-Ayn, Liberation Army, who were bracing then in East Ghouta, in 2016-18? sian President Vladimir Putin, re- others argued otherwise, pointing to give the Adana Agreement a themselves for the new Kurdish of- After reaching an agreement with viving the 1998 Adana Agreement to Trump’s abandonment of them, chance. fensive. They cannot be collective- the Russians, he looked the other between Syria and Turkey. It re- first in Iraq in September 2017 and Syrian-Kurdish talks, on hold for ly pardoned and returned to Syria way as Russian warplanes pounded stores Syrian authority to the entire then in Afrin in April 2018. Two several months, need to be jump- because Damascus would never al- their strongholds to dust. border but makes it obligatory for hundred American troops are not started simultaneously, under Rus- low it and Erdogan cannot welcome Those Syrian proxies were cre- Damascus to make sure that it re- enough to help them carve out a sian mediation. The same old pro- them in Turkey. For now, they will ated for an objective, first to top- mains free of any Kurdish presence. state or even establish a sustainable posal is on the table: restoration of remain in Idlib but will that last? ple the regime in Damascus, which It gives Erdogan the right to send autonomous entity. government rule in all areas held by The truce in Idlib is temporary, af- failed, and then to expand Erdog- troops into Syrian territory in pur- At the Nur-Sultan conference, Er- the Kurds, in exchange for giving ter all. an’s geographic influence in Syria. suit of Kurdish separatists, should dogan will sign off a continued de- them the right to elect their own Russia wants it restored com- These are questions that are yet the Syrians fail in doing the job. The militarisation of Idlib, which he had municipalities and governor and to pletely, given that it lies within its to be answered by Erdogan, who agreement, however, only allows promised to cleanse from the Islam- keep their light arms, while surren- sphere of influence within Syria, has seemingly decided to go full him to enter after coordinating with ic State and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham dering heavy ones to the Russians while Erdogan realises that he can- board into the Russian orbit, now the Syrians and doesn’t give him by mid-October 2018, meaning the once they assume their positions not keep it forever. convinced, just like the Kurds, that the right to stay inside Syria. Russians will not march on the city, on the Syrian-Turkish borders. If accommodated properly on US President Donald Trump is a The Russians and Turks are dis- as they were expected to do this That, of course, would be music to other issues, such as the Kurds and very unreliable ally. cussing an amendment to the origi- spring. This will spare Turkey — and the ears of Erdogan. other cities under his control — Ja- nal agreement, deploying Russian Europe — a new wave of refugees. Another sticking point is what rabulus, Azaz, al-Bab and Afrin — Sami Moubayed is a Syrian military police along the borderline, In exchange, Erdogan will put off Erdogan will do with the approxi- will Erdogan abandon those prox- historian and author of “Under the to make doubly sure that Turkish a military operation he was plan- mated 70,000 Syrians on Turk- ies as he did with other Syrians on Black Flag” (IB Tauris, 2015). Viewpoint Is Russia-Iran marriage of convenience unravelling in Syria?

standoff between prevented Russian soldiers from Moscow saved a valuable bar- ing Moscow has blocked some of Russian soldiers and entering Wadi Barada to monitor gaining chip that it could use in Iran’s economic expansion plans. Iran-backed militias militias’ suspected violations of a negotiations with Washington and But for how long will Russia Iman Zayat in the northern ceasefire there. its allies in the Middle East. be able to keep Iran in check and Syrian city of Aleppo The incidents show that Russia Such a strategy has proven for how long does Moscow expect could point to an and Iran, while nominally on the effective. Wary of Iran’s involve- other players in the region to toler- endA to the unlikely marriage of same side in the Syrian conflict, do ment in the region, some Arab ate its dance with the wolves? not always act in concert. While countries moved closer to Russia, Such questions could soon be convenience between Moscow and Tehran in the war-wracked both are committed to the gen- hoping to convince Moscow to answered but, for now, what is country. eral aim of keeping the regime of change its course of action in Syria clear is that Russia preserving Iran The fighting in Aleppo killed at Syrian President Bashar Assad in and elsewhere. Of course, those as a bargaining chip is an old, inef- least 11 people, including civilians, power, they are looking to advance attempts failed, producing a new fective ruse. a toll that could inflame tensions their own influence and riches as reality: Arabs keeping Moscow The clock is ticking and it won’t between the two sides that are the war winds down. close but not ready to take the bait be long before Tehran creates a generally believed to be working in Other factors likely contributed again. militia force in Syria that functions concert in Syria. to the recent shift, including Iran- Now, as Russia remains stuck in like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Details surrounding the vio- backed militias’ switch to guerrilla poor bargaining, Iran is exploiting the Popular Mobilisation Forces in lence remain unclear. The Syrian tactics as a direct outcome of Iran’s the free rein it has gained in Syria Iraq. Observatory for Human Rights said declining financial assistance. to expand its influence — by creat- Of course, the Russians, who in fighting may have been triggered This brings us to the United ing local Shia militias, indoctrinat- the 1980s drank from the poisoned over competing for control of city States’ withdrawal from the Iran ing Syrians and spreading Khomei- chalice of the Afghan guerrilla war- checkpoints, which brings in a lot nuclear deal, officially known as ni-style fundamentalism. fare, know better than anyone how of money for forces on the ground. the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Tehran is also gaining influ- disastrous the end will be if Iran’s The standoff could also have Action, and its reimposition of ence economically. A 2018 report militias aren’t kept in check. stemmed from recent Israeli air sanctions in 2018. Just after the by Chatham House indicated that And, while Russians may look strikes near Aleppo, which some US move against Tehran at that Tehran had attempted to expand like the main winners today, they Iran-backed militias say Russia has time, a flurry of diplomatic activity its presence on the ground through face many challenges in Syria, been involved in, through coordi- between Washington and Moscow land grabs, including a large area including a ticking clock, domestic nation with Tel Aviv. was recorded, leading to specula- entering downtown Damascus. pressure, reconstruction chal- In any case, the Iran-Russia ten- tion that Russia could abandon its The report pointed to Iran’s lenges, regional and international sions are but the latest misstep in situational ally, Iran, in return for exporting of goods to Syria and the disapproval and potential backlash a long, rocky military partnership better relations with the United signing of at least five cooperation from radical Shia militias that will For how long will that is likely to be further strained States. deals that would allow Tehran to always view Russians as intruders in the future. However, it has become clear “invest in a port in the coastal city and infidels. Russia be able to keep Last year, the two countries that Russia was not ready to burn of Tartus, use 5,000 hectares of As we see more and more stand- Iran in check and for fell out after Iran-backed militias all its bridges with Tehran, an ally agricultural lands, explore phos- offs in Syria, a Pandora’s box could how long does blocked the evacuation of Aleppo, with an entrenched presence in phate mines south of Palmyra and indeed open for Russia and never prompting Russia to launch air Syria and with which Moscow has license mobile phone operators.” be shut again. Only the future will Moscow expect other strikes in the towns of Kafraya and collaborated on a wide variety of Russia, however, with one of tell if Moscow will act before it is players in the region Foua to pressure Tehran to agree issues, including energy and secu- the most powerful intelligence too late. to a deal. rity in the Caspian region and the services in the world, has tried to to tolerate its dance The year before, Hezbollah Afghan conflict. keep Iran’s manoeuvres in check, Iman Zayat is Managing Editor of with the wolves? fighters, in coordination with Iran, By keeping Iran in its orbit, with sources in Damascus suggest- The Arab Weekly. 10 April 21, 2019 News & Analysis Egypt Referendum to extend Sisi’s mandate Amr Emam

Cairo

gyptians are to head to the voting booths for a nation- wide referendum on consti- E tutional amendments that would drastically affect the coun- try’s political future if approved. About 59 million people are eligi- ble to vote, which was set for April 22-24. Egyptians living abroad may vote April 20-21. A total of 14 con- stitutional amendments are to be voted on as well two new articles to Egypt’s 2014 constitution. The amendments were approved by parliament April 16, with 531 out of 554 legislators attending approv- ing them. Only 22 MPs rejected the amendments and one lawmaker ab- stained. The most controversial amend- ment would extend the presidential term to two 6-year terms and grants incumbent President Abdel Fattah Gearing up for new chapter. Lasheen Ibrahim (6th R), chief of Egypt’s National Election Authority, prepares to give a news conference al-Sisi an exception that could see in Cairo, April 17. (AFP) him remain in office until 2030. Other amendments include quence of the 2011 revolution. While That view dominated discus- backed the effort. Egyptian Grand judicial authorities, the public pros- changing the makeup of parliament, presidential term limits would be sions on the amendments among Mufti Shawki Allam issued a state- ecutor and the head of the Supreme restoring Egypt’s Senate, ensuring constitutionally mandated to two the public. Dozens of events were ment stating that participation in Constitutional Court. the appointment of vice-presidents 6-year terms, many outside of par- organised, to explain the amend- the referendum was a “national and That potential concentration of and allowing civilians to be tried by liament expressed concern over the ments and, partly, to rally support religious duty.” The Coptic Church power in the hands of the president military courts in certain cases. issue of extended rule. for them. officially announced its support for alarms the opposition, which initi- It is the issue of Sisi potentially ex- All indications are that the con- The supporters’ aim is not just the constitutional amendments and ated campaigns, mostly on social tending his time in power from two stitutional amendments will pass, to ensure that the constitutional called on Christians to vote. media, against the amendments. 4-year terms mandated by the post- however, because of Sisi’s huge amendments pass but that enough In addition to the presidential This concentration of power, the revolution constitution — to 16 years support base and the underlying Egyptians vote to bypass interna- term-limit extension and changes opposition said, does away with the (one 4-year term and two 6-year political situation in the country, tional criticism. in parliament, the amendments gains of the 2011 uprising that was terms) has strirred controversy. including the war against terror- Banners filled the streets, building would ensure that the president has hoped to allow for more freedom “This is why we reject these ism and national megaprojects and facades and cafe and supermarket a stronger hand over Egypt’s judici- and a real transition of power. amendments,” said Farid Zahran, economic plans that have yet to be fronts with such phrases as “Do the ary, including granting the president “These amendments are a real the head of the liberal Egyptian So- completed. Right Thing” and “Yes, to the con- the right to appoint the heads of the burden on Egypt’s political life,” cial . “You cannot Sisi’s backers say he needs more stitutional amendments” written on said Mohammed Amin, the deputy draft amendments to the constitu- time to see his projects through. them. All indications are that the head of the centre-right Conserva- tion only for the satisfaction of one “Four years are far from enough State-owned and private TV chan- tive Party. “If approved, they will person.” for the president to accomplish his nels devoted much airtime to en- constitutional amendments open a new chapter in Egypt’s politi- Egyptians are sensitive about development agenda,” said MP Mag- couraging voters to participate in will pass because of Sisi’s cal life.” presidential term limits, particularly di Morshid. “This is why making a the referendum, regardless of how huge support base and the because the imposition of them was change in this regard is a very nor- they planned to vote. underlying political Amr Emam is an Egyptian reporter arguably the most important conse- mal matter.” Even Egypt’s religious figures situation in the country. based in Cairo. Viewpoint Sisi will extend his rule but will he ensure its stability?

gyptian President chance of a repeat of the Algerian Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi is or Sudanese scenarios in Egypt. Mahmud almost certain to Egyptian decision makers have el-Shafey increase his time in shown themselves wise to this by office by eight years amending the original constitutional following a nationwide amendments — under the original Ereferendum on constitutional proposal Sisi could have remained in amendments. Instead of his power until 2034. current term ending in 2022, it While the other constitutional would extend to 2024 and a third amendments would help the Egyp- term would end in 2030. tian presidency ensure stability, However, the real question is: Will from the appointment of vice-pres- Sisi maintain the long-term stability idents to changes in the make-up of and durability of his regime? parliament, including the restora- Sisi was the youngest and least tion of Egypt’s Senate. There are also known army chief in the post-rev- new powers the president would olutionary Supreme Council of the have over the judiciary, including Armed Forces that ruled Egypt after the authority to directly choose the the 2011 revolution. He parlayed that head of the Supreme Constitutional into the post of chief of the armed Court, Public Prosecutor and chairs forces and minister of defence in the A vote for stability. Egyptian MPs vote during a parliament session on of all other judicial authorities. administration of Muslim Brother- proposed constitutional amendments, April 16. (DPA) This is not to say there aren’t hood President Muhammad Morsi. threats. What the “Arab spring” Following mass demonstrations clearly demonstrated and what and Morsi’s ouster, Sisi consoli- well as the powers of that office, do seen in Sisi’s dual focus on Egypt’s the uprisings in Algeria and Sudan dated his position and won the 2014 not have his fingerprints on them. security and economy, surfing a confirmed are that public protests presidential election with 96.9% of These have been called for by law- wave of patriotism based on the can be like a runaway train. the vote. He was re-elected in 2018 makers with no official ties to the war against terrorism and people’s Sisi, however, has shown himself with 97.1% of the vote and, barring president and passed by a nominally hopes of an economic resurgence adept at mitigating public discon- an unexpected change, would likely independent legislature. through national megaprojects and tent. Cairo’s quick response to win with a similar proportion of the Sisi has been very careful not to regional energy dreams. February’s train crash that killed vote in 2024 if the amendments pass publicly comment on the amend- Most important, like Nasser, Sisi 22 — the result of a literal runaway and give him the opportunity to ments, saying only that he would is relying on his own brand of cha- train crashing into Ramses Station seek a third term. abide by the “will of the [Egyptian] risma and popularity, one that plays — demonstrates this. Rising public A career military man, Sisi is people.” well among Egyptians, to overcome anger was quickly alleviated with not a natural politician. However, In this way, Sisi is perhaps the obstacles. Populism might be a rela- the immediate firing of Egypt’s he turned that into his greatest closest of all Egyptian presidents to tively new phenomenon in Western transportation minister, promises strength. the original — Gamal Abdel Nasser, politics but it is nothing new to of payment to victims’ families and Will the Sisi Unlike Presidents Anwar Sadat who famously resigned from office Egyptians. pledges of reform to the country’s administration and Hosni Mubarak, who headed in 1967 after Egypt’s defeat in the On the international front, Sisi timeworn railway system. the National Democratic Party, Sisi Six-Day War only to return to office has proven himself to be a master The question remains: Will the remain so nimble in has been at pains to portray himself after massive spontaneous street diplomat, juggling warm relations Sisi administration remain so another ten years or, as being above the partisan political protests and a vote of confidence by with Trump’s Washington, Putin’s nimble in another ten years or, like like the Mubarak milieu. Each of his presidential cam- the country’s parliament. Moscow and Xi’s Beijing. Sisi has the Mubarak regime before it, will paigns was initiated with a massive This is something that can be made Cairo indispensable to rival it become increasingly stolid and regime before it, will grass-roots petition by Egyptians seen in the way Sisi addresses the world leaders without alienating slow-moving, unable to deal with it become calling on Sisi to run. Egyptian public — in a mix of collo- anyone while moving to restore changing circumstances? Similarly, the constitutional quial Egyptian Amiyah and classical Egypt’s place in the Arab world and increasingly stolid amendments that, if passed, would , full of patriotic fervour and open inroads into Africa. Mahmud el-Shafey is an Arab and slow-moving? greatly increase his time in office, as patriarchal wisdom. This can also be For these reasons, there is little Weekly correspondent in London. April 21, 2019 11 News & Analysis Gulf Yemen Qatar picks side of Tripoli militias in Libya showdown

Mohammed Alkhereiji He did not mention Italy’s foot- print in Libya, although Rome admitted to having at least 400 London soldiers in Libya. There has been speculation that Italy was working hile the showdown with Libyan militias to stop illegal between the Libyan immigration from Libya. National Army and The fighting in Tripoli pits the W militias aligned with LNA against militias backing the the Tripoli-based government internationally recognised Gov- continued, Qatari Deputy Prime ernment of National Accord led Minister and Foreign Affairs Minis- by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj. ter Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- Many of the militias are Islamist- rahman al-Thani arrived in Rome affiliated. to seek support for his call for an “There is an oversimplification. arms embargo on Libya. It is not just Haftar the baddie Sheikh Mohammed, who met against the goodies in Tripoli and with Italian Prime Minister Gi- . There are groups that are, useppe Conte and other govern- at the end of the day, allied to al- ment officials, said Doha was con- Qaeda on the other side,” a French cerned about the military risks diplomatic source told Thomson to Islamist militias, which Qatar Reuters. supports, as the Libyan National Qatar’s stances seem to be nudg- Army (LNA) pressed its offensive ing the Libya showdown towards on Tripoli. a similar polarisation in which the The April 15 visit by Sheikh Mo- Saudi-led Arab Quartet has faced hammed to Rome could be read as off with a Qatar-Turkey-Muslim an attempt by Doha to strike an al- Brotherhood alliance. In June liance with Italy over Rome’s rival- 2017, the quartet — Saudi Arabia, ry with Paris after their interests the United Arab Emirates, Egypt clashed regarding Libya. and Bahrain — imposed a boycott In an interview published by La of Qatar, claiming that Doha was Repubblica, Sheikh Mohammed supporting extremist groups and maintained close ties with Iran. suggested there had been an inter- Stirring the pot. Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs Enzo Moavero Milanesi (R) meets with Qatari Deputy Qatar’s suspected support for Is- national conspiracy regarding the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani in Rome, lamist factions in Libya was point- LNA’s swift advance on Tripoli. April 15. (ANSA) “And I ask the question: Can ed out in a sanctions list issued by someone explain how Haftar’s the Arab Quartet. On the list of the troops were able to cover 1,500km 71 Qatari-linked organisations and topher Stevens. Ansar al-Sharia is Ayman al-Zawahiri bestowed the al-Qaeda, the Islamic State and the of desert towards Tripoli without individuals were leading players in also suspected of terrorist activi- title of the “Emir of the Mujahi- Muslim Brotherhood by transfer- anyone realising?” he was quoted Libya, including al-Qaeda-aligned ties in Tunisia. deen” on Belhaj. ring $8 billion from a Qatari bank as saying. Defence Brigades. Another Libyan on the sanctions A June 2017 report in Newsweek account. The Qatari foreign minister, UAE officials said that since the list is jihadist leader Abdel Hakim magazine stated that Haftar ac- The LNA accused Doha of com- asked if the LNA was supported 2011 Libyan uprisings, Doha fun- Belhadj, who turned political party cused Qatari intelligence General plicity in the assassination of sen- by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab nelled arms and other support leader after the fall of the Qaddafi Salim Ali al-Jarboui of supporting ior officials and produced a letter Emirates and Egypt, said those to Libyan militias through radi- regime in 2011. Belhaj is the former by the acting charge d’affaires at countries had close links with LNA cal Ali Mohammed al-Salabi and military commander of al-Qaeda- Qatar’s stances seem to be the Qatar Embassy in Libya alleg- Field-Marshal Khalifa Haftar and his brother Ismail, a leader of the affiliated Libyan Islamic Fighting nudging the Libya ing that Qatar had deployed mili- tary units in the country. all had a stake in “creating a regime Benghazi Defence Brigades. Group, created in the 1990s in Af- showdown towards a like their own in Libya.” The Benghazi Defence Brigades ghanistan and designated as a ter- The Arab Quartet sees the Haf- Conte said after meeting with has ties with Ansar al-Sharia, the ror organisation by the United Na- similar polarisation in tar-led campaign as an effort to Sheikh Mohammed: “There are group behind the 2012 attack on tions. which the Saudi-led Arab prevent Islamists from turning Lib- foreign global players that are the US diplomatic mission in Beng- In a 2007 address announcing Quartet has faced off a ya into a base to pursue an agenda weighing strongly in this situa- hazi, which resulted in the death of the merger of the Libyan Islamic Qatar-Turkey-Muslim of conquest across the Middle East tion.” US Ambassador to Libya J. Chris- Fighting Group, al-Qaeda leader Brotherhood alliance. and North Africa. Trump vetoes congressional resolution on US role in Yemen

Kelly Kennedy logistics support fall under “the vote of the Congress and perpetuate with us to advance an enduring so- service members by impairing their president’s constitutional power America’s shameful involvement in lution to end this crisis and save ability to efficiently and effectively as commander-in-chief” and have this heartbreaking crisis.” lives.” conduct military engagements and Washington not included US military personnel, However, she did not call for a The United States has supported to withdraw in an orderly manner at Trump wrote. veto override. Based on previous Saudi Arabia to keep 80,000 Amer- the appropriate time.” S President Donald Trump Response from the Democrats votes — 247-175 in the House of Rep- icans in the region safe, Trump He blamed the Senate for not fill- vetoed a congressional res- was swift: resentatives and 54-46 in the Senate wrote. ing “key diplomatic positions” to olution seeking to end US “The conflict in Yemen is a horrific — there aren’t enough votes for an “The conflict in Yemen represents help negotiate a UN-led peace pro- U involvement in the Saudi- humanitarian crisis that challenges override. It would take a two-thirds a ‘cheap’ and inexpensive way for cess. led war in Yemen. the conscience of the entire world,” majority in both houses to do that. Iran to cause trouble for the United “The Saudi-led war in Yemen is “This resolution is an unneces- wrote House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, “This conflict must end now,” States and for our ally, Saudi Ara- inhumane,” wrote US Senator Chuck sary, dangerous attempt to weaken a Democrat from California. “Yet the Pelosi wrote. “The House of Repre- bia,” Trump wrote. Schumer, a Democrat representing my constitutional authorities, en- president has cynically chosen to sentatives calls on the president to He called the resolution “danger- New York and the Senate minority dangering the lives of American contravene a bipartisan, bicameral put peace before politics and work ous,” saying it “could endanger our leader, on social media. “So is Presi- citizens and brave service mem- dent @realDonaldTrump’s veto. bers, both today and in the future,” Why won’t he hold Saudi Arabia ac- Trump wrote to the US Congress. countable for its role in the devasta- This was the US president’s sec- tion and humanitarian disaster?” ond veto since he took office in Jan- Eliot Engel, chairman of the uary 2017. House Committee on Foreign Af- Congress took issue with US in- fairs and a Democrat from New volvement in a war that has cost York, said he would work with the thousands of civilian lives. The Houthi, Saudi, Emirati and Yemeni United States has supported the governments to stick with the UN- Saudi-led coalition with billions of led peace process efforts. dollars’ worth of arms to fight Iran- “The president’s veto shows his backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The contempt for a bipartisan major- bill passed both the Republican-led ity of Congress, for the people Con- Senate and the Democrat-led House. gress represents, for Congress’s war powers established in the constitu- tion and for the American values Trump blamed the Senate embodied in this resolution,” En- for not filling “key gel said in a statement. “This veto diplomatic positions” to sends a message that the adminis- help negotiate a UN-led tration lacks commitment to a po- peace process. litical solution to the catastrophic conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen.” Supporters of the resolution said US Senator Bernie Sanders, a Trump needed explicit permission Democrat from Vermont who wrote from Congress to engage in the war the Senate version of the bill, wrote but Trump argued the resolution on social media: “I am disappoint- was unnecessary because the Unit- ed, but not surprised, that Trump ed States is not directly involved in has rejected the bipartisan resolu- hostilities with Yemen, aside from tion to end US involvement in the counterterrorism efforts against al- horrific war in Yemen.” Qaeda. Thorny issue. L-R: Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Chris Murphy, Representative Ro Khanna and Efforts to support Saudi Arabia House Rules Committee Chairman James McGovern at a news conference after the House voted to Kelly Kennedy is an Arab Weekly through intelligence sharing or end American involvement in the Yemen war, April 4. (AP) correspondent in Washington. 12 April 21, 2019 Debate Lebanon

Anger boils in Lebanon over government austerity plans

fully implemented. Hariri’s tactical retreat over the salary cuts does not mean these Makram Rabah will not ensue but rather that the ruling establishment would sim- ply allow matters to deteriorate esperate people do further before allowing the sug- desperate things, gestion to resurface. more so when their Perhaps the most dangerous predicament is part of the debate goes beyond dis- largely of their own cussing the somewhat necessary making. This is reforms to the pension plan and Dpretty much the case with the reflects the sinister approach that Lebanese state and its cabinet, the government is employing, one which is frantically scrambling that ultimately frames the public to prevent the collapse of sector as the main reason for the Lebanon’s decrepit economy country’s inability to prosper. and, consequently, the coun- It is no coincidence that the rul- try. ing establishment has been im- The Hariri government once plicitly linking the ongoing anti- again demonstrated a total lack corruption campaign with the of political and fiscal acumen as debate on pension control. it floated the idea that its upcom- While it is true that the Lebanese ing budget would include slashing public sector suffers from a chron- salaries in the public sector, which ic corruption problem, most of for Lebanese Prime Minister Saad the pensioners who wait for their Hariri and his 30-member cabinet monthly retirement checks are not was the only way to weather the those who accumulated millions storm. from shady dealings or kickbacks. As alarming as this scenario The hard-working public serv- might seem, it was made gloomier ants who diligently run the state by the fact that these measures are not the demons the politicians Public servants during a protest in downtown Beirut against cuts to their would touch on retirement pack- and their extended propaganda A storm in the making. salaries, April 17. (Reuters) ages and health benefits of retired machine paint them to be. bureaucrats, who include thou- If the austerity measures sands of pensioners from and fiscal crunches must Yet much of the suggested re- are said to have cost the Lebanese public servants, who practically the military and security start somewhere, they form plan does not touch on the state approximately $500,000. give the state its legitimacy and forces and teachers as Thousands of should begin from privileges of the political elite, the Aoun was given a lukewarm re- perhaps its soul. well as from various pensioners went to above and not only majority of whom take advantage ception and only 11 minutes of Before Hariri asks members of sectors of govern- the streets, blocking target the lower- of their standing to block legisla- audience with Russian President his bureaucracy to relinquish part ment. main highways into and medium- tion or taxation that would lower Vladimir Putin. of their pay, he needs to reduce the Consequently, Beirut and flocked to income brackets. their profit margins. For $45,000 a minute, the Leba- number of ministers in his cabinet, thousands of pen- the Lebanese This is equally While the ruling establishment nese certainly did not get their half of whom collect a hefty pay- sioners went to parliament to true of the Leba- preaches austerity as the only money’s worth nor did Aoun affirm cheque while doing nothing but the streets, block- vehemently protest nese banking sec- economic salvation, the public his claim of being a strong presi- representing their respective sects. ing main highways tor, which is por- watches these same self-righteous dent willing to sacrifice to save his The Lebanese have a saying that into Beirut and against salary cuts. trayed as the vicious politicians as they abuse power people. to wash a staircase one needs to flocked to the Leba- capitalist wormhole and squander taxpayers’ money Quite as dangerous perhaps is start from the top floor. However, nese parliament to vehe- that is sucking the coun- by flying to trivial international that the Lebanese political elite in its current shape, no amount of mently protest and to warn try dry. conferences and driving around are comparing their predicament soap or water can clean decades of of the consequences of this As a country that celebrates in elaborate motorcades, all of to that of Greece or Serbia and are corruption nor delay the inevita- measure. free enterprise and a laissez-faire which incur millions of dollars emulating some of the measures ble. Hariri’s unimaginative response economy and with the imprudent of costs on the state — millions that such countries implemented to these disgruntled seniors was to fiscal planning of the government that could have been directed to to stimulate their economies. Makram Rabah is a lecturer at deny that this item was on the ta- and excessive corruption, it is nat- more worthy projects. Yet these so-called reformers the American University of Beirut ble, yet he warned of the difficult ural for these banks to profit from In his latest trip to Moscow, ignore that decades of corruption and author of “A Campus at War: times that await if austerity meas- their investment and capitalise on Lebanese President Michel Aoun and mismanagement could not be Student Politics at the American ures were not immediately and the failures of the political class. and his accompanying delegation simply rectified by chastising the University of Beirut, 1967-1975.” US tightens pressures on Hezbollah, keeps Lebanon on edge

Chams on its banned list, deposited in well-known against parliamentary Speaker crisis exposed the extent of accusing him of money launder- Lebanese banks during the time Nabih Berri, contrary to Arab Iran’s domination of Lebanon, ing operations for Hezbollah and of the Saddam Hussein regime in and Lebanese media reports. as well as what can be called the Ali al-Amin of transferring its drug money. Iraq. The same message was relayed withdrawal of Arab countries, Chams has denied the charges. Many individuals and organi- by the Lebanese parliamentary especially the Gulf countries, The US Treasury decision sations are thought to have been delegation returning from from Lebanon compared to uring his recent visit reflects the continued pace of involved in the operation and it Washington. what their role was a decade to Beirut, US sanctions and their tightening. is believed that nearly $3 billion However, this does not mean ago. Secretary of State Rumours circulated in Beirut was withdrawn from three that decisions targeting other Lebanon, which is suffering Mike Pompeo issued about decisions that will touch banks under a quasi-official individuals and institutions from financial and economic clear messages officials close to certain political cover. Four parties are said to that Washington says are collapse, finds itself facing related to Hezbol- leaders with Hezbollah, in have split the amount and involved in support- a series of existential Dlah, the party that has domi- addition to decisions placing names of individuals who had ing Hezbollah The US decisions challenges. It is likely nated to a large extent decision certain companies and political deposited the loot in anony- through illegal are weighing heavily the government, making in Lebanon. and business figures on the mous accounts have come up. operations will on political authorities which has begun Pompeo warned that the sanctions list because they are Iraqi authorities claim to have not be issued. reducing the United States would not hesitate believed by Washington to be no knowledge of this deal. A member of in Lebanon. country’s serious to take punitive measures involved in financial operations As the sanctions were being the Lebanese Washington’s deficit through against Lebanese parties that benefit Hezbollah. put together, there were US delegation said tightening grip on indirect taxation coordinating with Hezbollah. Reports claim that sanctions assurances, reportedly con- the US officials Lebanon is also while avoiding Washington is working on steps could be applied to those veyed by the Lebanese ambas- they met with weighing making serious that should be issued in compli- believed to have been involved sador in Washington, that there want Lebanon to on Hezbollah. reforms that would ance with recent US government in withdrawing Iraqi funds were no planned sanctions move from a necessarily affect decisions that placed Hezbollah free-for-all kind of arena Lebanon’s sovereignty, on its list of “criminal organisa- to a state of institutions risks being faced with an tions.” through which the govern- explosion at the social level. After Pompeo left, a Lebanese ment can control by force of law Lebanese Foreign Minister parliamentary delegation everything happening in its Gebran Bassil has pushed a headed to Washington to meet territory. button in this direction by with the members of Congress US State Department officials announcing wage reductions for and US Treasury officials to warned the delegation about all state employees. clarify the Lebanese position the lack of state control on the At the same time, the threat of and try to mitigate the US border with Syria, which has a war between Hezbollah and measures, particularly concern- turned it into a porous zone for Israel still stands and may ing finance and bank trans- smuggling operations. become real if Washington fers. The US decisions are weighing removes the card of the Leba- The Lebanese delegation heavily on political authorities nese-Israeli border dispute from heard clear messages from the in Lebanon. Washington’s Tehran’s hand either by taking assistant secretary of state for tightening grip on Lebanon is the issue to the United Nations Middle East affairs about ending also weighing on Hezbollah. or by pushing for direct tripartite border conflicts with Israel, The party’s financial resources border negotiations among especially because the border have shrunk significantly Lebanon, Israel and Cyprus. If it issue is linked to offshore gas because of the policy and as a does that, then Tehran will see and oil fields in disputed result of sanctions levied in that an existential threat to its areas. against Iran and the profound influence in Lebanon. The US Treasury Department Uneasy ties. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meets with economic and financial crisis in included the Chams Exchange Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut, last March. Lebanon. Ali al-Amin is a Lebanese Company and its owner Kassem (AP) Among other things, this writer. April 21, 2019 13 News & Analysis Palestine Israel

Viewpoint Trump peace plan to be unveiled soon but there are no takers

Hence, the Israeli strategy will be to string Trump along but not Gregory commit to anything. This is likely Aftandilian to work because Netanyahu knows that Trump has put himself in a corner by claiming to a conserva- fter congratulating tive Jewish American group that, Israeli Prime Minister under his administration, the Binyamin Netanyahu US-Israeli bond “has never been for his election victory, stronger.” Trump also has earned US President Donald plaudits from American evangeli- Trump expressed cal Christians, who uncritically optimismA that a soon-to-be- support Israel, for his unflinching revealed US peace plan would be positions in favour of Netanyahu’s successful. He said: “I think we now policies. have a better chance [of achieving a With Trump focusing on his own peace deal] with Bibi (Netanyahu’s election campaign for 2020, it is nickname) having won.” hard to imagine he would put the It was no secret that Trump not political squeeze on Netanyahu to only favoured Netanyahu and his make compromises. Netanyahu Likud party in the recent Israeli knows Trump would not want to In a tight spot. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh before leading the first cabinet meeting of elections but went out of his way to alienate a large part of his own his newly formed government in Ramallah, April 15. (DPA) give him a number of political gifts, political base for appearing to pres- such as recognising Jerusalem as sure him. Netanyahu also knows Israel’s capital and moving the US that Trump has painted the Embassy to that city, recognising Democrats as the “anti-Israel” Israeli sovereignty over the Golan party and so he would then look New Palestinian government Heights, designating Iran’s Islamic foolish for taking a stand against Revolutionary Guard Corps as a the Israeli government’s wishes. terrorist organisation and being As for the Palestinians and the silent when Netanyahu declared Arab states, it is hard to imagine faces challenges, ‘Deal of the during the last days of the cam- they will accept anything that is paign his intention to annex the short of the Arab peace plan settlements in the West Bank. endorsed by the Arab League. This These efforts by Trump may have involves Israeli withdrawal to the Century’ complications secured Netanyahu’s victory 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as because he and Likud were in a very the capital of a future Palestinian tight race with the Blue and White state. Although such positions may Manuel Langendorf rather than a radical break, from lations by Israeli security forces. political alliance led by former be unrealistic in the current the outgoing Hamdallah govern- The new Palestinian govern- Israeli security chiefs. Netanyahu environment, they see no reason ment,” Hugh Lovatt, policy fel- ment, said Saleh Higazi, deputy championed his friendship with to buckle to US pressure. London low at the European Council on Middle East and North Africa di- Trump during the campaign and Trump has already punished the Foreign Relations, told Agence rector at , boasted that, because of these close Palestinians over their refusal to he 18th Palestinian gov- France-Presse. “needs to urgently address the ties with the American president, engage with US officials in reaction ernment, which recently The new administration will deteriorating human rights situa- he achieved many benefits for to the new American position on started work, is headed face many challenges and “they tion by ensuring respect for free- Israel, implying that other leaders Jerusalem. He ended US funding of T by economist Mohammad are all quite overwhelming,” said dom of expression and association would never have been so success- the UN Relief and Works Agency Shtayyeh, who will also lead the Nour Odeh, a political analyst and and stopping arbitrary arrests and ful. This was all the more important for Palestine Refugees in the Near Interior and Religious Affairs min- former government spokeswom- torture by Palestinian security for Netanyahu with corruption East, shut the Palestine Liberation istries until new candidates are an. forces.” charges hanging over his head. Organisation office in Washington found. Key among them is a lack of These favours would normally and cut direct aid to the Palestin- Most of the ministers are new funds because of a tax dispute mean that Netanyahu owes ians in the West Bank. appointees, although Foreign with Israel and US aid cuts. Israel The new government, something to Trump. If Trump Therefore, Palestinians probably Minister Riyad al-Maliki and Fi- has been withholding 5% of the which includes many were clever enough, he would use feel there is not much more Trump nance Minister Shukri Bishara monthly tax revenues it transfers Abbas loyalists, is these major chits to press Netan- can do to them. Whatever slim kept their posts. Shtayyeh, a na- to the PA, stating that the Palestin- meant to further yahu to agree to a peace plan that hope they initially had of Trump tive of the Nablus area, is close to ians were using the money for sti- isolate Hamas. would be acceptable to the Pales- being an honest broker in the Palestinian Authority (PA) Presi- pends to the families of jailed Pal- tinians and obtain the “Deal of the peace process was shattered many dent Mahmoud Abbas. estinian militants. As a result, the Century” that he claimed would be months ago. Having had ministerial posts in PA has refused to accept any tax The biggest source of uncertain- achieved under his presidency. Close US allies in the Arab world previous governments, Shtayyeh transfers until the full amount is ty for Palestinians’ future might Such a plan, however, would are unlikely to be receptive to the has been closely involved in nego- restored as well as cut public sec- be the White House. Addressing need to involve territorial compro- Trump peace plan, either. Shortly tiations with Israel since the early tor wages in February and March. the new cabinet April 13, Abbas mise — a Palestinian political before Egyptian President Abdel 1990s and has been a member of Two days after having been said the first challenge would be presence in East Jerusalem and Fattah al-Sisi arrived in Washing- Fatah’s Central Committee since sworn in, Shtayyeh called on Arab the “Deal of the Century,” the Palestinian statehood — all things ton recently, Egyptian parliamen- 2009. countries to step up their finan- much-anticipated peace plan from that Netanyahu and his right-wing tarians and newspaper editors Abbas, who has headed the PA cial support for the PA. He said he US President Donald Trump. allies oppose. stated that Trump’s support for since 2005, said the new govern- wants a meeting with donor coun- US officials have remained tight- It should be remembered that to Israeli sovereignty over the Golan ment’s priorities were to speed up tries on April 30 to discuss “the lipped about details of the plan achieve a governing majority in the Heights was an impediment to reunification of the West Bank and ongoing financial war” waged by but senior adviser Jared Kushner, Knesset, Netanyahu needs the Egyptian cooperation in a new Gaza Strip and implement steps Israel and the United States. who is Trump’s son-in-law, told support of smaller right-wing secu- peace process. towards legislative elections in the A World Bank report said Israeli foreign diplomats that the deal lar and religious parties that are Saudi Arabia, which Trump has Palestinian territories. authorities should relax restric- would not be released before the strongly opposed to any Israeli been courting for more than two tions on the import of dual-use end of Ramadan in June, the Jeru- withdrawal from the West Bank. In years, is not going to go out on a goods with civilian and military salem Post reported. other words, they are even more limb and support a peace plan if The biggest source of applications to the Palestinian ter- The Palestinian leadership, both right wing than the right-wing the Arab world is opposed to it. uncertainty for ritories, saying the limits harm the in the occupied West Bank and the Likud party. Although the Saudis and the Palestinians’ future Palestinian economy. The report Gaza Strip, have rejected the plan Pro-Netanyahu Israeli officials United States share an antipathy might be the White said the Palestinian economy was even before it was released. A re- have said they are looking forward towards Iran, this does not mean House. “facing a severe fiscal shock” due port in the Washington Post said to Trump’s peace plan and will they will accept a US peace plan to the tax dispute. the plan would stop short of offer- examine it “with respect.” They, of that the Palestinians reject. Such a Fatah’s rival Hamas rejected “Without money, the govern- ing a fully separate and sovereign course, do not want to get on position would jeopardise the the new government, saying in a ment will be squeezed between a Palestinian state while focusing Trump’s bad side but this exercise Saudis’ standing in the Arab and statement that it had “no national rock and a hard place,” said Odeh, on practical improvements to Pal- is likely to be a charade. Even if, as Islamic worlds. legitimacy” and “will reinforce adding that the government need- estinian lives. is rumoured, the US peace plan is John Bolton, Trump’s national the chances of severing the West ed to change its economic policies. In his speech to the new cabinet, heavily tilted towards Israel, not security adviser, predicted that the Bank from Gaza.” Hamas and Fa- Odeh said Shtayyeh had a “bold” Abbas said Palestinians rejected surprising given that the main US peace plan, which is “coming tah signed a reconciliation agree- economic and political vision but the deal “because it excluded Je- drafters of it, including Trump’s out in the very near future,” will ment in Cairo in October 2017, needed a lot of support, which, rusalem from Palestine… There son-in-law Jared Kushner, have open “all kinds of prospects” but, which was never fully implement- she warned, might not be forth- is no state without Jerusalem, no been supporters of settlements in outside of the Israeli right wing, ed because of disputes over how coming from the international state in Gaza, no state without West Bank, it is hard to imagine the only prospect that most people to share power. community when it comes to the Gaza.” that the Israelis will accept it. in the region are hoping for is that, Two factions in the Palestine tax dispute. Whereas the Palestinian stance Netanyahu, as the Blue and in 2020, the American people elect Liberation Organisation did not Beyond the financial realm, the on the peace plan is clear, Wash- White political alliance charged, a leader who would be much more take part in the new government. new government faces pressure ington has worked hard to con- will do anything to remain in of an honest broker on the Israeli- The Popular Front for the Libera- from human rights groups. Since vince Arab countries to support power. This means he will not Palestinian issue than Trump. tion of Palestine called for a unity 2014, Amnesty International said the initiative. The deal’s chances pressure his pending coalition government that included Hamas. it has documented “escalating of success will depend on what partners to accept a plan not to Gregory Aftandilian is a lecturer in Observers said the new govern- human rights violations by Pales- signals come from Amman, Cairo their liking, knowing that if they the Pardee School of Global ment, which includes many Ab- tinian security forces in the West and Riyadh. bolt from the governing coalition, Studies at Boston University and a bas loyalists, is meant to further Bank,” while highlighting viola- his position as prime minister former US State Department isolate Hamas. The government tions in Gaza. Human rights or- Manuel Langendorf is a writer would be in jeopardy. Middle East analyst. seemed to be “a continuation, ganisations also documented vio- focusing on the MENA region. 14 April 21, 2019 News & Analysis Turkey

Diversionary move? Turkey accuses two Palestinians of ‘spying’ for UAE

The Arab Weekly staff Arab Emirates. Sources in Istanbul alistic constituencies he wants to leadership. with Riyadh although agreeing with identified the arrested Palestinians cultivate and put the focus on other Turkish officials said they had Saudi Arabia on prosecuting those as Samir Samih Shabaan and Zaki issues besides his setbacks,” the been investigating the two individu- responsible for the Khashoggi kill- Beirut Yousef Hassan. source said. als arrested for about six months. ing. Regional experts said, considering They added they were investigating Turkish officials accused Emirati nkara’s announcement of its timing, the arrest announcement The announcement came as whether the suspects were linked to authorities of backing Saudi Arabia in the Khashoggi case. the arrest of two Palestin- raises questions about why Turkish Erdogan’s government faced the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal ians accused of spying for authorities made it when it did. Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in The state-run Anadolu Agency re- political, economic woes. A the United Arab Emirates “This looks like a classic diver- Istanbul last year. They said one of ported that the suspects faced pos- was described by Turkey experts as sionary move by Ankara after so Ankara’s announcement came the men arrived in Istanbul shortly sible charges of “political, military a “diversionary move” to pull atten- many months of fruitless pressures amid an economic slowdown in Tur- after the killing and the second one and international espionage.” tion from Turkish President Recep on the US administration and Saudi key that contributed to surprising later. Publicly disclosing so much in- Tayyip Erdogan’s woes at home. Arabia and in the wake of setbacks defeats for the ruling Justice and De- Erdogan and senior Turkish of- formation is an unusual move by The move could also be an at- for Erdogan at home,” said an Arab velopment Party (AKP) candidates ficials have tried to exploit the Turkish authorities in spying cases. tempt to exert pressure on the UAE analyst who monitors Turkish af- in local elections March 31. Khashoggi killing through official Intelligence-related cases are usu- because of Abu Dhabi’s opposition fairs in Beirut. Election setbacks in major cities statements and media leaks aimed ally kept quiet except when the gov- to Turkey’s suspected promotion of “Erdogan has lived the recent such as Ankara and Istanbul were at pushing the US administration to ernment seeks some form of lever- extremist groups. electoral defeats as a major embar- perceived as big blows for Erdogan taking measures against Saudi Ara- age from the disclosures. Turkish authorities said they de- rassment. Emphasising and even who had campaigned directly for bia. Their efforts have not yielded tained two individuals April 15 on making up… national threats can the AKP candidates and wanted the tangible results because Washington (The Arab Weekly staff and suspicion of spying for the United hopefully consolidate the nation- election to be a referendum on his has tried to maintain good relations agencies.)

Post-election blues. Ekrem Imamoglu, the new mayor from Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party, is cheered by the crowd in Istanbul, April 17. (AFP)

Viewpoint Istanbul setback means an unpredictable future for Erdogan

must begin with a confession However, caution is called for. An the main opposition has a historic maybe a lesson that comes too late. that Turkish President Recep “extraordinary appeal” by the AKP window of opportunity to defuse So, what’s next? Erdogan has two Tayyip Erdogan would “let and its ally, the Nationalist Move- tension and polarisation in Turkey. choices, confrontation or concilia- Yavuz Baydar go of Istanbul” wasn’t my bet ment Party, is pending. It may lead The soft-mannered Imamoglu tion. from the outset. The me- to another surprise — a cold shower resembles, in many aspects, the late The first was summarised by tropolis of 15 million was his for the opposition — that Istanbul Turgut Ozal, who 35 years ago with Stratfor as: “The national govern- Ipolitical cradle and his mesmerising finds itself as the arena of a rerun of an all-embracing message across ment can make life difficult for story of political survival has always the vote. the ideological and ethnic divides opposition-led local governments been about Istanbul. For Erdogan the damage is done. had taken Turkey out of the military in Ankara or Istanbul by withhold- It is Turkey’s hub of finances, me- Despite that his party had an overall rule’s nightmare. How Imamoglu ing funding for critical programmes dia, intelligentsia and cronyism that 52% of the national vote, the defeat acts will define the path on whether and infrastructure. Naturally, such bears his fingerprints all over. If — it was highly personal for him. When Turkey will return to normalcy. a standoff would provoke anger is still an “if” — he lets go of Istan- — or if — the Istanbul vote is finally Third, the silent bloc within among the government’s many bul, Erdogan will have unleashed a judged by the YSK, Erdogan will the AKP, discontented with the domestic detractors and deepen the wave of dynamics that shatters his have lost six of the seven biggest hubris and iron rule of Erdogan, country’s polarisation to an even seemingly invincible rule. cities in Turkey, meaning a signifi- has without a doubt noted that he greater degree but the AKP’s control What overshadowed my bet was cant loss of control over a very large is stumbling and stands increas- over Turkey’s media networks will the element of surprise that has portion of the economy. ingly weaker against the tremors help it maintain control over the remained hidden in the ever-fluid This major change will reflect of the sharp economic decline. His narrative… What’s more, the AKP Turkish politics; it can pop up at on all ongoing projects, as well as foes, former President Abdullah Gul could force through parliamentary the most unexpected of times. future ones, in those municipalities. and former Deputy Prime Minister decisions and executive decrees That the Supreme Electoral Council Partisan employment and party Ali Babacan, the engine behind that would give Erdogan even more (YSK) handed in the certificate of loyalties will be directly affected, Turkey’s success story in early power at the expense of municipal mayorship to the 48-year-old man sooner than expected. Deepening millennium years, are expected to governments.” from the Black Sea coast, Ekrem economic crisis in extremely cen- introduce a new movement, either Erdogan may opt for the second. Imamoglu, caught many seasoned, tralised Turkey will cause sharp rifts through a rebellion within the AKP Extremely aware of the fierce eco- cynical observers of Turkey unpre- between the opposition mayors and or with a new party. nomic storm approaching and that pared. the president. Fourth, Erdogan’s choice to it may lead to his further fall, he In the crisis-ridden country, we Four major shifts posing chal- ally himself with the oppressive keeps busy talking about “Turkey A tough lesson for were all delivered another curve lenges to Erdogan must be added to circles (hard-core nationalists and alliance.” It may be seen as the ball. Yet one can’t be too cautious the current state of things. anti-Western militarists) may have signal that this powerful chameleon Erdogan is that 15% of when writing analysis about Turkey. First, local elections display a worked to purge and persecute the aims for a national unity govern- Turkish population It may be safe to say that the YSK move of votes in blocks from AKP’s Gulenists but has backfired regard- ment, including all the political par- resists all sorts of stood up to immense pressure from Islamist ground to rigid nationalist ing Kurdish voters, whose tactical ties except the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ the ruling Justice and Development parties. This will narrow Erdogan’s approach left Erdogan with the Democratic Party, and hopes to oppression, no matter Party (AKP) circles. YSK’s insti- political playground. loss of many cities in western and preside over it. how hard, but maybe tutional wisdom may have been Second, the “Istanbul effect,” southern Anatolia. A tough lesson endorsed by other dynamics within which apparently gave a sigh of for Erdogan is that 15% of Turkish Yavuz Baydar is a Turkish journalist a lesson that comes the state that led to its declaration relief for the tightly pressured seg- population resists all sorts of op- and regular columnist for The Arab too late. of Imamoglu as the winner. ments of the country, shows that pression, no matter how hard, but Weekly. April 21, 2019 15 News & Analysis Iran Iranians’ anger over slow response to flooding adds to pressure on Tehran Thomas Seibert agement and costly foreign policy adventures that have triggered on- and-off demonstrations for more Istanbul than a year. The widespread per- ception of poor performance by au- ublic anger over what is seen thorities in response to the flooding as a slow and inadequate cements the image of a government response by Iranian authori- that is unwilling or unable to look P ties to widespread flooding after ordinary people. is adding to pressure on the govern- Ali Fathollah-Nejad, a visiting fel- ment in Tehran. low at the Brookings Doha Centre, Weeks of heavy rain across Iran said the damage done to the gov- since mid-March have caused an ernment’s prestige in the eyes of estimated $2.5 billion in damage many was likely to be a problem for to roads, bridges, homes and farm- the leadership in Tehran even after land, officials said. Iran’s worst the current crisis passes. “The im- floods in 70 years have killed at mensity of the tragedy and public least 76 people and forced more anger at authorities’ multiple short- than 220,000 into emergency shel- comings will likely outlive the im- ters. mediate crisis and add to pre-exist- The floods have affected 4,400 ing grievances,” he said via e-mail. villages, damaged 14,000km of Tehran has tried to deflect public roads and destroyed more than 700 anger by blaming US sanctions. Ira- bridges, reports said. In late March, nian Foreign Minister Mohammad 25 of Iran’s 31 provinces suffered Javad Zarif said the sanctions, reim- from flooding or faced the threat of posed after Washington quit a 2015 a disaster. The International Feder- nuclear deal between Iran and six ation of Red Cross and Red Crescent world powers, impeded aid efforts. Societies said an estimated 2 mil- “Blocked equipment includes Iranians carry bags of sand as they set up barricades to contain flood waters in the lion people needed humanitarian relief choppers: This isn’t just eco- Modest means. city of Hamidiyah in Iran’s Khuzestan province, April 10. (AFP) assistance. nomic warfare; it’s economic TER- In some affected regions, locals RORISM,” Zarif wrote on Twitter. protested the lack of government Fathollah-Nejad pointed out that Some reports said Tehran sent the “The flood disaster is to a consider- extensive construction of dams,” help after the disaster. Footage this argument failed to explain the IRGC’s al-Quds Force commander able extent a result of a combina- she said. from some areas showed villagers extent of the slow government re- Major-General Qassem Soleimani, tion of man-made ecological deg- Tehran said it will pay compen- trying to block flood waters with sponse. “Although sanctions have a popular military leader, on a tour radations, including deforestation sation to those who have incurred their bodies. Reports said there complicated the inflow of interna- through the disaster area to dem- and mismanagement of rivers,” losses, especially farmers, but the were clashes between flood vic- tional aid, much anger among or- onstrate that the government cared Fathollah-Nejad said. state budget is already stretched tims and the Islamic Revolutionary dinary Iranians is directed against about the fate of the flood victims. Holly Dagres, editor of the Iran- because sanctions on its energy Guard Corps (IRGC). the authorities and their shortcom- The government was “hoping the Souce blog of the Atlantic Council and banking sectors have halved oil An impression that leaders in ings,” he wrote. popular general can rally public in Washington, said “the loss of exports and restricted access to rev- Tehran did not care about the vic- Another answer by the govern- support for the regime,” Omer Car- vegetation and soil, as well as de- enues abroad. tims added to the anger. Reports by ment to criticism has been to pres- mi, vice-president of intelligence forestation, have made water more Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatol- the ultra-conservative Fars News sure social media users who share at the Israeli cybersecurity firm likely to run off than be absorbed lah Ali Khamenei approved drawing Agency that Iranian President Has- news of the tragedy. Opposition Sixgill, wrote in an analysis for the into the ground.” up to $2 billion from the country’s san Rohani was vacationing when news outlets reported that several Washington Institute for Near East The disaster was the result of sovereign wealth fund for relief the dimensions of the disaster be- people were arrested for spreading Policy. longer-term developments, Dagres and reconstruction. The Sovereign came clear triggered criticism from “fake news” and “rumours” about Criticism is not confined to the wrote in an analysis posted on the Wealth Fund Institute, which tracks his hard-line opponents and even the disaster. Fathollah-Nejad said immediate response to the natural Atlantic Council website. “Over the the industry, said Iran’s fund was some reformist allies. the arrests were an indirect admis- disaster. Analysts said mistakes and years, the Iranian government has worth about $91 billion. The protests fuel public dissat- sion by the state that something poor management in the past left been guilty of poor water manage- isfaction over corruption, a deep- had gone wrong in the response to Iran exposed to catastrophic results ment and has become complacent Thomas Seibert is an Arab Weekly ening economic crisis, misman- the flooding. of extreme weather phenomena. about flooding in part due to the correspondent. Viewpoint Population turns against Iraqi volunteers in flood-affected regions

s the fifth Iraqi aid appear to have been coordinated convoy for flood- with Rohani and the rest of the affected regions government bureaucracy. There Ali Alfoneh arrived in Iran’s may have been several motives Khuzestan province, behind the invitation to the for- Persian-language eign Shia militias: socialA media boiled over with con- Soleimani may believe the PMF spiracy theories about the “real” participating in the aid-and-relief purpose of the aid: Is Iran’s Islamic operation in Iran, promotes trans- Revolutionary Guard Corps, in national Shia solidarity. He may anticipation of future anti-regime also believe such an effort legiti- uprisings, using the floods as a mises the Iran’s financial support pretext to deploy foreign Shia to foreign Shia militias, a policy militias in Iran to suppress the the Iranian public largely consid- opposition? ers illegitimate and wasteful. While there is no real evi- Also, Soleimani’s and the IRGC’s dence to support this theory, the invitation to the PMF may be seen regime’s attempt at promoting as a response to the US Depart- transnational Shia solidarity is a ment of State’s designation of the public relations fiasco. IRGC as a “Foreign Terrorist Or- The crisis began as heavy rains Troubled waters. Barricades are set up to contain water in a flooded ganisation.” By publicly cooperat- (AFP) and flash flooding in March af- street in the city of Ahvaz in Khuzestan province, April 10. ing with the IRGC, the PMF, which fected 28 of 31 provinces in Iran, is a part of the Iraqi state, defiantly killing 78 people. An estimated lel aid efforts but do not appear to der such a calamity [amounts to] demonstrates its disregard for 10 million people were directly coordinate efforts and blame each defending the shrine and nothing Washington. affected by the floods, 2 million other for shortcomings. is more important than securing Soleimani, however, may have may need some form of assistance As if that inter-agency rivalry human dignity.” underestimated the deep sense and approximately 300,000 peo- between the government and the Soleimani extended an invita- of distrust of the Iranian public ple reportedly remain displaced. IRGC was not enough, on April tion to foreign Shia militias to towards the IRGC as reflected in Widespread damage to road and 7, Iranian Major-General Qassem contribute to al-Quds Force’s social media speculation about transportation networks has left Soleimani, commander of the operation in Iran. Responding to foreign Shia militias being used to many villages and small towns extraterritorial operations al-Quds Soleimani’s call, Kayhan daily re- suppress future uprisings against inaccessible, which compounds Force of the IRGC, started an ported that Iraqi Popular Mobilisa- the regime, a scenario that cannot the problems. aid-and-relief operation under his tion Forces (PMF) convoys entered be ruled out as Iranians, frustrated Tehran responded to the natural command. Khuzestan to help Iranians in the with the government’s uncoor- disaster by mobilising govern- Visiting Khuzestan province and affected areas. dinated crisis management, may ment agencies to provide relief to speaking Arabic with members of In a separate report the same start a new round of anti-regime Soleimani may have affected areas but that effort was Iran’s Arab community, Soleimani day, Fars News Agency said the protests. In that light, Soleimani underestimated the anything but concerted. Those said: “Those who were too young Iraqi Harakat al-Nujaba militia was and the regime’s use of the mili- parts of the government bureau- to fight during the ‘Sacred De- distributing aid among the flood tias is already a public relations deep sense of cracy under the control of Iranian fence’ [Iran-Iraq war 1980-88] and victims in Iran. fiasco. distrust of the President Hassan Rohani and the those who insist on fighting as de- Soleimani has not publicly ex- agencies under the control of fenders of the shrine [in Syria and plained the logic behind his invita- Ali Alfoneh is a senior fellow at Iranian public the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Iraq] should, in my opinion, come tion to Iraqi and other foreign Shia the Arab Gulf States Institute in towards the IRGC. Corps (IRGC) are engaged in paral- to Khuzestan. [Providing aid] un- militias and his invitation does not Washington. 16 April 21, 2019 News & Analysis East West Is anti-Zionism a form of anti-Semitism? Even US Jews are divided on the issue

Kelly Kennedy “Democrats are advancing by far the most extreme, anti-Semitic agenda in history,” Trump told the Washington Republican Jewish Coalition April 7 in Las Vegas. s US Special Envoy to This statement followed attacks Monitor and Combat Anti- by Republicans aimed at Democrats Semitism Elan S. Carr took who did not attend the American A the oath of office, he con- Israel Public Affairs Committee firmed the Trump administration’s (AIPAC) conference in March, as policy of equating advocacy of anti- well as Pompeo’s statement that Zionism views with anti-Semitism. supporting the Boycott, Divestment That policy has sparked mixed re- and Sanctions (BDS) movement actions among various US groups, equated to anti-Semitism. US Vice- including Jews. President Mike Pence said Demo- “We are going to focus relent- crats had been “co-opted by people lessly on eradicating this false who promote anti-Semitic rhetoric.” distinction between anti-Zionism Most agree that speaking out and anti-Semitism,” Carr said April against Israel’s right to exist is anti- 11. “[US Secretary of State Mike Semitic but some argue that any Pompeo] stood before 18,000 activ- rhetoric that damages Israel finan- ists at the AIPAC Policy Conference cially, such as through boycotts just two weeks ago and he declared, of businesses that support Israel’s I quote: ‘Let me go on record: Anti- occupation of the West Bank, or Zionism is anti-Semitism.” argues against Israel’s policies re- Carr, as well as US President Don- garding the Palestinian territories is ald Trump and Pompeo, are meet- anti-Semitic. ing resistance from a surprising “I don’t think it’s a new discus- group: 20 religious organisations, sion,” said Kenneth Stern, director A fine line. People gather in support of US Representative Ilhan Omar outside the Nuss Truck and including many from the US Jewish of the Bard Centre for the Study of Equipment in Burnsville, Minnesota, April 15. (AFP) community. Hate at Bard College. “I think it’s “We welcome bipartisan efforts been used politically more at the aimed at combating anti-Semitism,” moment but it’s not a new ques- Heights,” Trump said. ed out a spliced video of an Omar done for political purposes.” a letter from the Interfaith Alliance tion.” The “your prime minister” phrase speech that seemed to portray her Stern said it’s concerning that stated. “However, much of the re- Attacks by white supremacists in earned him a rebuke from ADL CEO making light of the September 11, some in the Jewish community cent rhetoric and political manoeu- the United States have increased Jonathan Greenblatt, who said on 2001, terrorist attacks. Omar, how- have given a pass to anti-Semitism vring on the issue seems cynically while funding to fight them has social media: “Mr President, words ever, was making the point that, when they support a candidate, as focused on showing that one party decreased. The Anti-Defamation matter. As with all elected officials, while “some people did some- when Stephen Bannon, a former cares more about anti-Jewish big- League (ADL) said there was a 37% it’s critical for you to avoid language thing,” all US Muslims were paying Trump adviser, is brought in as a otry than the other. This political increase in hate crimes targeting that leads people to believe Jews the price through discrimination. supporter of the Jewish state or theatre is not only counterproduc- Jews and Jewish institutions in 2017 aren’t loyal Americans. Trump’s tweet left out the context talks about “good people” at a white tive but endangers the very people over 2016. “So he’s directly accusing them of but added a video of planes hitting supremacist march. Vilifying Mus- such advocates claim to defend.” Trump has also been accused of dual allegiance,” Bennis said. “What the World Trade Centre towers. lims also doesn’t help. The anti-Semitism envoy posi- anti-Semitism. did Ilhan Omar just get raked over Stern said people need to recog- “That makes anti-Semitism more tion had not been filled during the Phyllis Bennis, director of the the coals for? Her president has put nise that in Israel there are “two con- likely,” he said. first two years of Trump’s presi- New Internationalism Project at the her at extraordinary personal risk, flicting national narratives and that He said he was careful not to use dency but, as the administration Institute for Policy Studies in Wash- while Trump’s real anti-Semitic both can make legitimate claims to the term “anti-Semitism” too often prepares for Trump’s re-election ington, said many considered that statements move without pause.” national self-determination.” because he didn’t want to water campaign, as well as shows support Trump’s speech at the Republican Omar, a Democratic Muslim con- “It’s not surprising that you down a word that carries the weight for Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Jewish Coalition contained anti- gresswoman from Minnesota, apol- would have an emphasis on anti-Zi- of a long history of devastation. Netanyahu’s plans to annex parts of Semitic statements. ogised after saying American Jews onism and anti-Semitism,” he said. “I think it would be wise for eve- the West Bank, it’s aiming claims of “I stood with your prime minis- have dual loyalties, which is an anti- “I think it’s too easy when people ryone to be careful about the way anti-Semitism directly at the Demo- ter at the White House to recognise Semitic trope. are in one box or another to not look they use ‘anti-Semitism,’” Stern crats. Israeli sovereignty over the Golan In recent weeks, Trump tweet- at the nuances. Obviously, it’s being said.

Viewpoint Americans have the right to hear from BDS leader

(BDS) hysteria. derailed by the administration’s deci- to the United States.” because it violated the free speech This near-feverish campaign to sion to prevent us from hearing from We had hoped that if Zeldin had rights of Americans, Republicans penalise individuals and entities Barghouti directly. a chance to meet with Barghouti in pounced and attacked Democrats James J. Zogby that support BDS has succeeded in Listening to Barghouti’s responses person, he would have developed a as being insufficiently supportive more than two dozen states and is to questions from Beinart and the better understanding of the move- of Israel and even accused them of the subject of several measures and audience, it became clear why ment and the man. enabling anti-Semitism. resolutions before Congress. pro-Israel groups and supporters in Zeldin’s remarks echoed the views If this current is left unchecked, I Because the language in the con- “official Washington” are so afraid of of US President Donald Trump’s can imagine the day, in the not-too- gressional resolutions, we believe, letting Barghouti be heard. His an- special envoy on anti-Semitism distant future, when a congressional mischaracterises the BDS movement swers were informed and smart and who, when asked for the reason why hearing will open with a member awakened in early April to and misquotes Barghouti, we felt it his explanation of the BDS move- Barghouti was barred from entering grilling a witness with a McCarthy- listen to a voicemail message would be important to have him in ment was compelling. the United States, first said he could era question: “Are you now or have from Omar Barghouti, a leading Washington to directly address the However, seeing Barghouti via a not comment on the case but then you ever been a supporter of the BDS member of the Palestinian Boy- concerns of legislators and policy- large screen on wheels on the stage denounced both Barghouti and the movement?” cott, Divestment and Sanctions makers. meant that we were all undoubtedly BDS movement as anti-Semitic. It is precisely because so much is movement. Three events were planned: a dis- missing his presence, imposing a We have been gratified that the at stake that we are determined to IBarghouti said he was at Ben cussion moderated by Peter Beinart, distance between us that extended American Civil Liberties Union push back. It has become imperative Gurion Airport and, despite holding a leading American Jewish intel- the sense of Palestinians as the (ACLU) and PEN America have been for us to fight against the effort to a valid US visa and a boarding pass lectual who writes for the Atlantic “other” and hindered our ability to forthright in joining with us to pro- deny the Palestinian people’s right to for a flight to Washington, the airline magazine and the Jewish Forward have a back and forth with him as a test the barring of Barghouti’s entry peacefully resist the occupation and would not let him board the plane. newspaper; a conversation with real person. into the United States. the intensified violation of their basic He was informed that US immigra- young Jewish and Arab Americans As I expected, when it became The ACLU statement read: “This rights. tion officials had notified the airline (co-hosted with Jewish Voice for clear that we did not cancel the looks like an ideological exclusion, It is an unacceptable outrage for that he was being barred from enter- Peace); and a briefing for congres- events, opponents of BDS reacted which is a long-discredited form of anyone to term as anti-Semitic the ing the United States. sional staff. negatively. One congressional critic, government censorship that pre- Palestinian call to support their ef- We had invited Barghouti to We wrote to the original co-spon- US Representative Lee Zeldin, a vents Americans from meeting with forts for justice, equality and human Washington to speak at educational sors of the congressional legisla- Republican from New York, issued and hearing from a speaker whose rights and, given the hysteria that programmes and have him meet tion asking them to privately meet a release that applauded the barring views the government dislikes… it’s has accompanied the anti-BDS push, with members of Congress or their with Barghouti. There were also of Barghouti, denouncing him in a disgrace and a violation of Ameri- it has also become imperative for staffs. Apparently, it was this sort programmes scheduled at Harvard especially harsh language. cans’ First Amendment rights.” us to protect our First Amendment of dialogue and education that the University, New York University and Zeldin’s statement said: “We have The administration’s exclusion of rights in the United States to talk Trump administration did not want a major synagogue in Chicago. witnessed the rise of anti-Semitism Barghouti has intensified attacks on face-to-face with those leaders who to occur. When confronted by Barghouti’s and anti-Israel hate throughout BDS and I am under no illusion that advance Palestinian rights in the face While polling indicates that a denial of entry it was decided, nev- the world, in our nation, on college logic or appeals to justice alone will of regressive, discriminatory policies plurality of Americans support ertheless, to go forward with the campuses and within the halls of easily win out. or arbitrary decisions. the Palestinians’ right to call for a programme, conducting two of the Congress and whether this bigotry We live in disturbing times. There Now is not the time to silence boycott to protest Israel’s settlement scheduled Washington sessions via is brazen or shamefully masked as is a poisonous political climate in debate or the free and open exchange expansion and persistent violation Skype. It was not the way we had ‘legitimate’ we must reject it… Barg- Washington and the anti-BDS hys- of views on issues of critical national of Palestinian human rights, in Con- hoped to have this dialogue but we houti’s anti-Israel and anti-Semitic teria has become a part of it. When importance. gress and in state capitals around were determined that it was impor- hate must not be tolerated, empow- some key Democratic senators and the United States there is an anti- tant to have this conversation and ered or embraced and I applaud the members of Congress opposed an James J. Zogby is president of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions not allow our effort to be completely administration’s denial of his entry early effort to pass an anti-BDS bill Arab American Institute. April 21, 2019 17 Debate EastEurope West What the reaction to Notre Dame does and does not say

Rashmee Roshan Lall

ome have taken the mas- sive fire that destroyed the roof and spire of the 856-year-old Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris as a sign; others as a warning. SA journalist reporting for an Ameri- can TV channel said the sight of the burning cathedral left a “sense — real or imagined — that we were watching a metaphor.” Of what? There is more than a whiff of seventh- and eighth- century Byzantium in some of the Western reaction to the fire that engulfed one of Europe’s most architecturally and aesthetically remarkable mediaeval churches. In 730, many Christian clergy in the Byzantine Empire supported the view that the upstart Arabs’ territorial gains and battlefield victories (as well as a volcanic eruption on the Aegean islands of Thera and Therasia) were signs of divine wrath at Christians’ idola- trous practices. Indeed, the Arab conquests were sizeable. By 634, the Arabs had Gothic survivor. Cathedral of Notre Dame reflected on the River Seine after a massive fire devastated large parts of the gothic structure (Reuters) taken Syria and Palestine; by 650, in Paris, April 18. the Byzantines had lost Egypt, their richest province. As the Arabs thoughts. In 686, John of Phenek, the Arch of Triumph in Palmyra, make about the reaction to the In 2015, before ISIS destroyed grew in strength and influence, the a Christian monk who often wrote once one of the most important Notre Dame fire. The West cares Palmyra, many Syrians said they Byzantines became more supersti- about the early Muslim conquests, cultural centres of the ancient — truly and deeply — about its cared more about the humanitarian tious, watching for signs and meta- seemed to take an outbreak of world, or when ISIS smashed cultural treasures. Unlike the Arab toll of war than about antiquities. phors that foretold the future. It plague in eastern Syria as the ancient statues in the museum world’s rather muted reaction to At the time, Syrians spoke more was all pretty much nonsense, as it tipping point. “The end of in Mosul and bulldozed the the cultural vandalism perpetrated passionately about the horrors turned out. Constantinople didn’t the world has arrived,” ancient Assyrian capital, in Syria, Iraq and Libya, Western perpetrated 35 years before at the fall until 1453. So much for signs of the monk declared. It Arabs may have Nimrud. urgency about rebuilding No- prison in Tadmur, the tiny town divine wrath. is of a piece with to- lost much of their Notre Dame, how- tre Dame is apparent. Within 24 near Palmyra, than about the city’s The Notre Dame fire has prompt- day’s overwrought faith in the value ever, has evoked a hours, millions of dollars had been imperilled treasures. ed similar angst, for reasons that commentary, with of their heritage more anguished committed to the reconstruction Before I wrote this column, the seem to have as much to do with New York Times after they lost reaction than project by two of France’s leading editor of the paper suggested Arabs the current turmoil in the Roman columnist Roger adequate ISIS’s depredations industrialists. By April 17, nearly $1 may have lost much of their faith billion had poured in from ordinary in the value of their heritage after Catholic Church as with polaris- Cohen describing appreciation of the across Syria, Iraq ing trends within Western culture. Notre Dame as “a and Libya. French Frenchmen and women, as well as they lost adequate appreciation of The sense of being under siege was story of European value of lives in President Emmanuel wealthy businessmen. the value of lives in their midst. captured by Alexandra DeSanctis, civilisation.” their midst. Macron described It’s fair to note the Arab world That’s a fair point. It’s also the a staff writer for the conservative Intense sorrow at what Parisians’ feelings as a hasn’t mobilised in similar fashion, one that might justifiably trigger a American magazine National Re- has befallen Notre Dame Ca- “tremblement interieur” — an with such energy and determina- “tremblement interieur.” view: “To many Catholics, it feels thedral is natural. It could have internal trembling. It is an evoca- tion, when faced with the destruc- as if the Church is on fire in a sense been destroyed, leaving human- tive phrase, one that almost sug- tion of its artistic heritage. Does Rashmee Roshan Lall is a already and now we are watching ity collectively poorer. Its loss gests existential dread. If so, what the apathy say anything other than columnist for The Arab Weekly. Her it blaze.” would have been as heart-rending existential threat has provoked profound exhaustion at the toll blog can be found at That sounds like a 21st-century as when the Islamic State (ISIS) such a response? taken by conflicts in Syria, Yemen, www.rashmee.com and she is reprisal of mediaeval apocalyptic demolished temples, columns and There is one further point to Iraq and Libya? on Twitter: @rashmeerl. What ISIS defeat means for Europe’s domestic terror threat

and an idea not likely to be seri- Many others, some among them ously considered. Syrian Kurds jihadists, evade detection and suggested creating an interna- return to Germany, France and Stephen Starr tional tribunal in their territory elsewhere. to prosecute the fighters. While the focus is on ISIS, it Trying hundreds of Europe’s would be a mistake to forget that hough the Islamic jihadists in Iraq or Kurdish- there are thousands of other State is vanquished controlled Syria is not a feasible European passport-carrying in Syria and Iraq, Eu- option for a host of reasons, extremists in Syria’s Idlib who are ropean governments in part because it would cre- also likely to cross into Turkey face a major challenge ate a maelstrom of controversy when the Syrian Army attacks the from the terrorist at home among human rights province, as is expected in the Tgroup’s European elements, who, groups and legal authorities coming months. once back home, are likely to fearful of the punishment the That means dozens, perhaps turn their attention to attacks on extremists — European citizens — hundreds, of battle-hardened the continent. may be subjected to. fighters may make their way back Compared to the United States, Europe’s unwillingness to to Europe through covert means. far more Islamic State (ISIS) take back its extremists, despite With no road map for prosecut- extremists from Europe have the US government in February ing European fighters forthcom- returned to their home countries pushing it to do exactly that, ing, Kurdish groups interning and with far more devastating centres on the fact that its them may soon lose patience and effect, as cities such as courts would be unable Stubborn threat. A 2014 file photo shows an Islamic State militant walk away, leaving the jihadists Paris, Nice and Berlin to properly prosecute in Syria’s northern Raqqa province. (Reuters) to go free. That would breathe have experienced. Though it has them since evidence new life into ISIS and present a With as many as been shorn of collected from their new threat to Europe. 1,000 ISIS Europe- territory, ISIS lives wrongdoings in ishments are lax by American prisoned in north-eastern Syria, Though it has been shorn of Syria and Iraq standards: those convicted of the complexities associated with territory, ISIS lives and breathes an passport hold- and breathes on chat ers captured by might be inadmis- terrorism-related offences receive figuring out what to do with them on chat forums and file-sharing Kurdish militias forums and file- sible in European only five years on average and means that they may escape or be sites in the dark corners of the in eastern Syria sharing sites in the courts. In that many are released before serving released, free to cross into Turkey internet and in prisons across in recent months, dark corners of the event, trials of their full prison terms. and onward to Europe. the continent. Its only remain- where they will end internet. suspected terrorists “Authorities in France warn Interpol Secretary-General ing purpose — and position of up is far from clear. would likely quickly that by the end of 2019 French Jurgen Stock expressed worry strength — is to strike terror into Several proposals collapse, resulting in prisons will release 500 terror- over this, calling this cohort of Europe and countries it deems that would see European farce and fuelling terrorist ists and prisoners known to have fighters “ISIS 2.0.” “We could enemies. ISIS is biding its time fighters prosecuted and re- groups’ morale. been radicalised in prison. In soon be facing a second wave and, though it may be down main in Syria and Iraq have Even if some jihadists were the United Kingdom, half of the of other Islamic State-linked or today, it’s certainly not out. been tabled. Iraq said it would prosecuted in Europe, the nearly 200 terrorist inmates sent radicalised individuals,” he said happily put on trial Europe’s problems wouldn’t necessarily to prison since 2009 will be re- in December. Stephen Starr is the author of undesirables but wants $2 million stop. As academic Jytte Klausen leased by 2019. Among jihadists, Ankara detains dozens of “Revolt in Syria: Eye-Witness to per jihadist in return — a sum that highlighted in Foreign Affairs recidivism is high.” people trying to illegally enter the Uprising” and has lived in could run to billions of dollars in December: “European pun- While the fighters remain im- Greece and Bulgaria every week. Syria and Turkey since 2007. 18 April 21, 2019 Economy

Damascus struggles with chronic petrol shortages Briefs

Sami Moubayed At a standstill. G20 leaders to Taxi drivers push their meet in Saudi fter two weeks of a haunt- cars that ran ing petrol crisis, the worst out of fuel to a Arabia next year in the country’s history, petrol station A Syria has surrendered, in Damascus, Saudi Arabia will host an an- lifting subsidies and allowing April 16. (AFP) nual summit of the Group of 20 in two stations to emerge in Damas- Riyadh November 21-22, 2020, the cus selling petrol at international state news agency SPA reported. prices. It will be the first time such a Until early April, the price of summit takes place in the Arab one litre of petrol was 225 Syrian region. pounds (SP) (43 US cents). It will The G20 unites two-thirds of the now be selling at 600 SP ($1.16) — global population, representing more than double the cost. 85% of global economic output and For two weeks, massive queues 75% of global trade. obstructed traffic in Damascus as The group comprises 19 leading drivers waited for up to 16 hours to economic powers and the Euro- fuel their cars. Soldiers were sta- pean Union. tioned at petrol stations entrances to regulate traffic and orders were (DPA) given that each car was eligible to receive at most 20 litres of petrol every five days. Attempts at dividing weekdays Turkey looking between cars that had odd num- at new trade bered registration and those with even numbers failed and chaos packaging it as part of the services modate, after retaking large sec- blocking oil shipments to Syria via mechanisms ensued. Some of those with fi- of the socialist state, which has tions from the armed opposition, the Suez Canal, in compliance with nancial means bribed attendants been in power since 1963. including East Ghouta, Deir ez- US sanctions. with Iran with 10,000 SP ($19.41) per fill-up Subsidised products were sup- Zor, Aleppo and southern Syria. In March, the Syrians made their or bought petrol from Lebanon. posed to compensate for mediocre Damascus needed to provide only first U-turn, allowing industrialists Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Those who couldn’t afford waited salaries presented by the Ba’ath for four cities that were under its to import fuel and to sell it at black Cavusoglu said Turkey is looking and waited. Party. In addition to petrol, they direct control from 2012-18. As its market rates of 92 cents per litre. into establishing trade mechanisms subsidised heating fuel, cooking territorial reach widened, so did its The government rate remained 57 with Iran, such as the INSTEX sys- fuel, bread and sugar. In 2008, obligations, which required plenty cents per litre but its tankers have tem set up by European countries Iran, which used to send fuel subsidies were partially lifted, of money to restore basic services been empty since mid-February. to avoid US sanctions reimposed oil to its Syrian allies on raising prices 300%. Authorities to the liberated areas — money Da- Now, they have allowed the sale last year on exports of Iranian oil. credit, is asking for explained that much of the subsi- mascus did not have. of petrol at international unsubsi- Those sanctions followed US upfront cash payments, dised commodity was being smug- Iran, which used to send oil to its dised prices, raising anger among President Donald Trump’s decision citing its own problems. gled to Lebanon, causing great Syrian allies on credit, is asking for a population grinded with war to withdraw unilaterally from a harm to the Syrian economy. upfront cash payments, citing its and where an average salary in the 2015 nuclear accord between Iran The handwriting has been on This time the situation is very own problems after US sanctions public sector is no more than $100. and six world powers to pressure the wall since early 2019, when the different. Most of the oil wells were reimposed in November. At the new prices, they can nei- Iran to curtail its nuclear pro- Syrian government passed a “smart were occupied by the Islamic State No other country dares sell oil to ther buy petrol nor fuel. One sug- gramme and stop backing militant card for petrol consumption,” regu- (ISIS) in 2014-15, which sold oil to the Syrians, fearing automatic US gestion is to keep subsidies for proxies in the Middle East. lating it at 400 litres per month. Damascus via smugglers and in- sanctions. Countries or companies government employees and stu- Two years earlier, the public sec- termediaries, at reduced prices. that deal with Damascus could dents, letting the private sector (Reuters) tor was forced to reduce consump- When forced to evacuate their be fined $250,000-$1 million, de- buy both commodities at interna- tion of petrol by 50%. Exceptions self-proclaimed caliphate last year, pending on the violation. tional prices. were given only to vehicles owned ISIS destroyed most of the wells, Syrians had pinned their hopes “At the end of the day, lifting by the Ministry of Defence and am- reducing production to 0.05% of on getting petroleum-related prod- subsidies is a must,” said Amer Eli- Dubai Expo bulances. It was clear that the once capacity. ucts from the Arab world, after an as, a political analyst in Damascus 2020 to give $33 oil-producing country was on the Repair has been painstakingly initial rapprochement started late and member of the ruling Ba’ath verge of an oil bankruptcy after slow because of a shortage of funds last year, with the visit of former Party. “It needs a lot of prepara- billion boost to eight years of war. and Syria is currently producing no Sudanese President Omar al-Ba- tion, however, which includes the One year before the war started more than 24,000 barrels of oil per shir to Damascus, followed by the redistribution of taxes and raising UAE economy in 2011, oil sales used to generate day, which doesn’t meet the coun- reopening of the UAE Embassy in salaries throughout the public sec- $3.2 billion for the Syrian Treas- try’s domestic needs of 136,000 Damascus. t o r.” Dubai’s Expo 2020 global trade ury, accounting for 25% of revenue. barrels per day. That did not lead to economic He added: “Either we get a war fair is expected to give the United Seemingly always in abundance, An additional problem is the aid or engagement, due to pressure cabinet that runs a war economy Arab Emirates an economic boost the government sold petrol at sub- widening geography that the Syr- from the United States. Syrian au- or else this war will not end as we of more than $33 billion, consult- sidised rates to Syrian citizens, ian government needs to accom- thorities recently accused Egypt of wanted it to.” ants Ernst and Young said. Next year’s expo would add 1.5% Viewpoint to UAE’s GDP per year over the period that started in 2013 and runs until 2031, said Ernst and Young Saudi Aramco looks to South Korea for downstream investment partner Matthew Benson. (Agence France-Presse) Hyundai Oilbank is Seoul’s small- third-biggest refiner. That deal with its Asian customers to protect and est refiner by capacity. It operates a Hanjin was valued at $1.95 billion. grow its market share, particularly refining complex with a crude pro- In the release announcing the as it faced increasing competition Detention Jareer Elass cessing capacity of 650,000 barrels Hyundai Oilbank purchase, Saudi from other suppliers. per day (bpd) in Daesan, on South Aramco Senior Vice-President of This has meant acquiring stakes of Nissan’s Korea’s western coast. Downstream Abdulaziz al-Judaimi in refineries throughout Asia — in- ex-chairman Saudi Aramco and Hyundai said: “This acquisition demon- cluding South Korea, Japan, China, audi Aramco is making a Heavy Industries Holdings were strates our investment in the highly Pakistan and Malaysia — or helping Ghosn extended second major downstream already connected through a joint complex refining sector in Asia and bankroll the expansion of regional investment in South venture established in 2017 with continuous commitment to the re- refineries. There was also the recent A Tokyo court approved the de- Korea, with an eye to its Abu Dhabi’s Lamprell and Saudi gion’s energy security and develop- news that Saudi Aramco was in talks tention of former Nissan Chairman impending initial public of- national shipping company Bahri ment.” to buy as much as a 25% stake in Carlos Ghosn through April 22, fering and securing more that is dedicated to building a giant Judaimi added: “The investment Indian firm Reliance Industries’ re- allowing prosecutors to interrogate Sdedicated crude supplies to one of maritime shipyard at Ras al-Khair supports Saudi Aramco’s broader fining and petrochemical business. him daily on fresh allegations of the top Asian consumer nations of Industrial City in the kingdom. downstream growth strategy, as More than one-third of Saudi financial misconduct. Saudi oil. A regulatory filing by Hyundai well as providing long-term crude Aramco’s crude is processed in its Ghosn was arrested in Novem- Saudi Aramco’s move to pur- Heavy Industries Holdings stated oil placement supply options and wholly owned and joint venture ber, released on bail in March but chase a 17% stake in a South Korean that the South Korean parent com- product offtakes as part of our trad- refineries. The company indicated rearrested in April. He is being refiner comes on the heels of the pany signed a sales agreement with ing business.” that it wants to boost its refin- held at Tokyo Detention Centre. Saudi state oil and gas giant’s an- Saudi Aramco that would allow the As the world’s fifth-largest oil ing capacity from 5 million bpd at It is unclear when he might be nouncement in March of its $69 bil- Saudi firm to buy an additional 2.9% consumer, South Korea is depend- present to as much as 8 million-10 released. lion purchase of 70% of the shares holding in Hyundai Oilbank. ent on Middle Eastern crude to meet million bpd by 2030, as part of its The new board of Nissan’s al- in Saudi state-controlled Saudi Basic Hyundai Heavy Industries Hold- 70-80% of its petroleum needs. strategy to secure dedicated outlets liance with Renault SA of France Industries Company, a calculated ing had been mulling whether to go Saudi Aramco is South Korea’s top for Saudi crude. and Japanese automaker Mitsubi- step by Saudi Aramco to bolster its ahead with an initial public offering oil supplier, with Seoul importing Strengthening its downstream shi Motors Corporation met April corporate profile ahead of a limited (IPO) for Hyundai Oilbank for some nearly 90,000 bpd of Saudi crude in operations through purchases of 12 in Paris for the first time to plot public sale. time but put off a decision about a 2018. The Saudi volumes accounted stakes in refiners such as Hyundai out the group’s future without The announcement April 15 that public listing until after the Saudi for approximately 30% of South Oilbank and Reliance is calculated Ghosn. Saudi Aramco would purchase a Aramco purchase is complete. Korea’s oil imports. to boost Saudi Aramco’s valuation The alliance board is led by Re- 17% stake in Hyundai Oilbank for an Saudi Aramco made its first Saudi Aramco began shifting its as it prepares for the IPO, which nault Chairman Jean-Dominique estimated $1.25 billion is a further strategic investment in South Korea crude supply focus in the mid- Saudi Oil Minister Khalid al-Falih Senard. It also includes Nissan sign that Saudi Aramco is looking nearly 30 years ago when it bought a 2000s to Asian markets, where it said in January would occur in 2021 CEO Hiroto Saikawa and Mit- to pitch itself as a highly integrated 34.99% stake in South Korean refin- could typically fetch higher prices after several years of fits and starts. subishi CEO Osamu Masuko. It energy firm to potential sharehold- ing firm S-Oil in August 1991. Four than for its US- or Europe-bound The expectation is that Saudi Ara- will oversee shared projects such ers by continuing to grow its refining years ago, the Saudi state energy volumes and where oil demand mco will continue to add to its Asian as developing batteries and more business, a key component of its conglomerate built on its major- growth has generally been outpac- refining assets as the IPO looms. autonomous driving functions in downstream operations. ity stake in S-Oil by acquiring a ing the rest of the world. their vehicles. Hyundai Oilbank is a private 28.4% stake held by South Korean’s Not surprisingly, the Saudi state Jareer Elass reports from oil-refining arm of publicly traded Hanjin Group, giving Saudi Aramco oil firm was intent on ensuring it Washington on energy issues for (Associated Press) Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings. a 63.4% ownership of the country’s had dedicated crude deliveries to The Arab Weekly. April 21, 2019 19 Economy Tunisia struggles with scourge of tax evasion

Riadh Bouazza

Tunis

unisia’s economic commu- nity has been pressuring the government to speed T up reforms in the taxation system to curb tax evasion. Tunisia has been forced to look for sustainable sources of tax rev- enues to shore up the treasury and cope with worsening financial im- balances. Despite strengthening its tax laws in recent years, revenues continued to drop and regulators have not identified the causes. This phenomenon was one of the themes of a recent meeting organ- ised by the Tunisian Institute for Strategic Studies, which invited economists to discuss ways to urge companies and business people to pay taxes. Fadhel Ben Omran, a member of the Tunisian parliament’s Finance Committee, said the large taxation load is one of the main reasons for tax evasion. He pointed out that A shopkeeper counts money in his shop at a bazaar in Tunis. (Reuters) this burden also leads to a decline Financial imbalances. in savings levels. Official tax data show that, for have been enacted, constraining — 25% of the funds allocated for attributed the lack of fiscal stabil- streamline procedures for tax dec- last year, tax revenue collection the business environment and driv- development in the current year’s ity to persisting in changing proce- laration by digitising transactions rates rose to 23%, compared to 19% ing away investors. budget. dures and measures, thus creating to avoid dealing directly with the before the 2011 revolution. That Tunisia suffers from financial He stressed that such amounts, a situation of fiscal indiscipline. administration and reduce risks of percentage is one of the highest in imbalances because of the slow if made available, could transform Bouden said that about 48% of the corruption practices and promote Africa. However, savings dropped pace of implementing economic the development landscape in companies operating in Tunisia do transparency. during the same period from 23% reforms, especially with respect to many areas of the country and Tu- not respect deadlines for submit- Official data indicate that tax rev- to 13%, which prompted Tunisia to dealing with corruption, due to par- nisian authorities wouldn’t have to ting financial statements. enues had increased significantly resort to external loans to ensure tisan quotas and the suspicion that search for costly loans and other “The problem of enforcing the since the ousting of former Presi- funding of the budget. powerful business lobbies control sources of funding. law, especially against tax evad- dent Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, reach- the political scene. He further explained that if the ers, can be solved only by beefing ing $10 billion last year, compared Government data state that tax missing funds were allocated to up control on the field,” explained to $4.1 billion in 2010, accounting Official figures indicate revenues cover more than 60% of three different governorates each Bouden. “It is necessary today to for the difference in the exchange that there are only 1,600 the state budget annually, although year, the state could improve the mobilise all human, logistical and rate of the Tunisian dinars against inspectors assigned to the that rate was reduced in the current infrastructure and public services, informational resources to counter the dollar in the two periods. Some tax authority, one-quarter budget. in addition to improving develop- tax evasion.” experts, however, said the increase of whom do not carry out The prime minister’s economic ment conditions and encouraging Official figures indicate that there was not driven by economic growth adviser in charge of fiscal reforms, investment and job creation. are only 1,600 inspectors assigned but by inflation. field inspections. Faisal Derbal, said in February that Improving tax legislation, sup- to the tax authority, one-quarter of The Arab Regional Tax Forum has the volume of tax evasion since porting human resources and pro- whom do not carry out field inspec- urged Middle Eastern and North Ben Omran said the Tunisian tax 2011 amounted to approximately viding logistical support for busi- tions. This means that 99% of busi- African governments, including system has many shortcomings, $8.3 billion. nesses have become more urgent nesses and other economic institu- Tunisia, to correct tax application including administrative issues Finance expert Housam Eddine than ever in Tunisia. tions in Tunisia are not subjected to programmes. and multiple laws. In the last eight Taabouri said tax evasion costs Moncef Bouden, former secre- fiscal control each year. years, more than 500 tax measures Tunisia about $500 million a year tary of state in charge of taxation, Taabouri said it was necessary to Riadh Bouazza is a Tunisian writer. Morocco sees vocational training as way to boost employment, growth

Mohamed Alaoui the employability of young people major and promising sectors in and Youssef Hammadi through a range of short-term certi- Morocco and would be targeted by fication programmes.” many of the training programmes. The Vocational Training Office For example, there would be pro- Rabat said vocational training in Morocco grammes in Agadir and Casablanca involves about 370,000 trainees, designed for ship building. he Moroccan government is 7,400 teachers, 2,245 collaborators Lubna Trisha, director-general expecting a lot from a vast and more than 271 professions and of the Office for Vocational Train- programme implementing specialities. ing and Promotion of Employment, T training platforms for pro- Mohamed Nawfal Amer, national said the goal of the programme fessionals and qualified job seekers coordinator of the Moroccan As- was to make vocational training a to deal with unemployment issues sociation of Youth and Students, means for self-realisation and a way by providing new jobs and boosting said: “Prime Minister Saad Eddine forward. economic growth. El Othmani must accelerate the im- “This project seeks a profound Specialists said the Moroccan plementation of the royal directives rehabilitation of the vocational economy needs graduates of voca- since they are closely linked to the training sector to keep abreast with tional training programmes in all interests of young people and will the kingdom’s economic develop- specialities. They pointed out that it help them to join the labour mar- ment and competitiveness of com- would be important for the state to ket.” panies by making qualified human invest in training because it is a fac- He pointed out that youth educa- resources a competitive advan- tor that would encourage local and tion and vocational training have tage,” said Trisha. She added that international companies to invest in become an urgent need to support a the programme would facilitate the Morocco. strong local economy and to survive integration of young job seekers in Shaping the future. Young Moroccans walk past solar mirrors Officials said reforming educa- in today’s globalised one. the job market. at the Noor 1 Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plant, some 20km tion, vocational training and sci- The plan points to the importance Trisha said there would be the outside the central Moroccan town of Ouarzazate. (AFP) entific research are among major of learning foreign languages, di- adoption of various training cours- objectives of governmental efforts versification of competencies and es designed with the help of pro- to increase economic, scientific and involvement of professionals. fessionals and matching specifici- jects in their respective regions, centres are to help with human re- technical development in Morocco. ties of each region. Trainees would such as the Marchica Med megapro- sources needs of the hospitals. In Minister of National Education, have access to modern equipment ject and the Western Mediterranean Fez-Meknes, Marrakech-Safi and Vocational Training and Higher Moroccan economy needs like that found in real work condi- Port project. Dara-Tafilalet, the plan is to offer Education Saeed Amazazi recently graduates of vocational tions. Trisha said each city would have vocational training programmes re- released details of the $373 million training programmes in A new governmental approach a vocational training centre to en- lated to local handicraft industries. plan to train young people in all all specialities. has been adopted, based on in- hance trainees’ skills. She insisted Amazazi insisted that the meas- regions of the country to prepare volvement of professionals from that new technologies would have ures would enable a new generation them for the modern labour market. The “Cities of Professions and various sectors, that would allow a central presence in developing of training centres to develop real “This road map builds on the Competencies” programme would flexibility in matching the changing new training programmes through and effective models restructured gains made in the vocational train- accommodate programmes target- needs of the labour market. e-learning and other tools. within a comprehensive framework ing sector,” said Amazazi. “It also ing young people working in the Members of parliament previ- Health-related training pro- based on revising training to ensure aims at rehabilitating and restruc- parallel economy to enable them to ously requested the establishment grammes have been implemented sustainability. turing it in line with the require- integrate into the formal economy. of new vocational training units in regions where there is a univer- ments of the labour market, as well The gradual offering of training pro- suitable for the labour market that sity medical centre or where one is Mohamed Alaoui is a Moroccan as updating and developing peda- grammes is to begin by 2021. would qualify young people to being created, including Laayoune, writer. Youssef Hammadi is a gogical methods and improving Agriculture and industry remain work in the major economic pro- Agadir and Tangiers. The training Moroccan journalist. 20 April 21, 2019 Society Cuisine

Granules of tradition. Algerian Berber women prepare couscous in the village of Ait A dish of choice. Homemade couscous served with vegetables in Tunis. (Iman Zayat) el-Kecem, south of Tizi-Ouzou. (AFP) Maghreb bid to secure world heritage status for Couscous

Yassine Halila and elaborate dish prepared with Whatever couscous variations tural heritage” as “traditional,” sparking outrage in Morocco. Fil- a broth of meat or fish, vegetables might be used, the result is blended “inclusive”, “representative” and ing the united UNESCO bid required and spices. together and simmered for several “community-based.” Algeria, Mo- overcoming years of antagonism be- Tunis The granules are steamed in a hours in the couscoussier to create rocco, Mauritania and Tunisia must tween neighbours and rivals Algeria specialised cooking vessel, known a warm and comforting dish. have presented a solid case to se- and Morocco. he idea has been simmering as the couscoussier, which is com- Couscous has been the dish of cure UN Intangible Cultural Herit- “It’s the first time that four North for three years but Algeria, mon in Maghrebi households. choice for Maghrebis since ancient age status for couscous. African countries have come to- Morocco, Mauritania and When steamed, the grain becomes times. The Berbers, the indigenous The list, which showcases the gether to file a joint application,” T Tunisia have filed a joint bid fluffy. A hearty red broth is poured inhabitants of the region, are be- world’s most treasured cultural Morocco’s ambassador to UNESCO seeking the inclusion of couscous over the steamed couscous and lieved to have been the originators practices, confers recognition, pres- Zohour Alaoui told the MAP news into UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cul- an assortment of cooked meat and of this food. tige and protection to the global cul- agency. tural Heritage. vegetables is arranged on top of the Vestiges of primitive couscous tural practices that UNESCO deems Tunisia’s UNESCO envoy Ghazi The Maghrebi application is to grains. pots have been found in tombs dat- worthy of the status. Gherairi also hailed the coopera- be reviewed at the meeting of UN- There is no one common way ing to the third century BC. Indus- Not only does couscous have tion, posting on Twitter: “Couscous, ESCO’s World Heritage Committee of making couscous. Tremendous trialisation and urbanisation have unquantifiable importance for mil- the catalyst of North African unity.” in December. regional variations exist, not only changed many food habits of the lions of North Africans, it is also one Couscous’s popularity is not lim- Couscous is a staple food in the among countries but even between region’s inhabitants but the process of the strongest threads connecting ited to North Africa. Opinion polls Maghreb. The most basic definition cities separated by a couple hun- of producing and cooking couscous peoples who have been separated in indicate it is one of the French’s fa- of “couscous” denotes the granules dred kilometres. The variations in- remains often communal and cel- modern times by borders and poli- vourite dishes, rivalling boeuf bour- of crushed durum wheat semolina clude various cooking techniques ebratory. It brings families together tics. guignon, ratatouilles and raclettes. that make up the base of any cous- and different — and sometimes and is part of life’s milestones, such Agence France-Presse said Alge- cous dish. The term “couscous” unexpected — spices, vegetables, as weddings and funerals. ria announced in 2016 a solo bid to Yassine Halila is an Arab Weekly commonly refers to the traditional meats or dried fruit. UNESCO defines “intangible cul- win protected status for the dish, contributor in Tunis. Jordanian e-platform keeping traditional food recipes alive

Roufan Nahhas hadeh worked in the family busi- thyme and sumac, pickles, olive ness for six months but the idea oil, jam and vinegar, eggs — includ- haunted him and he founded eBa- ing quail eggs — and homemade Amman s6a in January. sweets. Despite being a very new ser- “The selection is very interesting romoting local produce and vice, eBas6a has gained large sup- and people enjoy the fact that eve- keeping traditional dishes port from suppliers and clients. rything we sell through the suppli- available to be passed to “We started with one supplier ers is fresh and of excellent quality, P later generations is behind and now we have seven and a cou- which you cannot find anywhere, the creation of Jordanian e-com- ple of housewives who work from even at the best supermarkets,” merce platform eBas6a — “street home and they are really happy to Shehadeh said. stalls.” find eBas6a, which takes care of Shehadeh toured local shops Dairy products, herbs, home- marketing, delivering and quality and determined that more than made pickles and sweets are control,” Shehadeh said. 90% of dairy products are manu- among products that can be pur- “We aim to have suppliers as factured by large companies or chased online and delivered di- well as customers from all over the imported from Hungary, Turkey, rectly to customers. The platform country with plans to approach the Saudi Arabia and the United Arab is designed to build an online pres- Gulf region and later the world.” Emirates. “It means that fresh is ence crucial for marketing and Shehadeh praised the public not the word,” he said. preserving local production in the support he received as he tries to Unofficial statistics indicate that digital age, eBas6a founder Hus- sustain the local food industry. Jordanian imports of dairy prod- sein Shehadeh said. “The response is great. People ucts had a total value of more than are becoming more aware that $220 million in 2016 (17% from the here in Jordan we have many local UAE, 14% from Saudi Arabia, 7% Shehadeh’s site offers and homemade products that are from Hungary and 3% from Tur- many homemade goodies, of excellent quality and can be de- key). including 13 dairy livered fresh. We are happy to have The dairy product market in Jor- products, herbal dedicated clients who place orders dan accounts for 33% of the food products, eggs — every week,” he said. priority scale. Mansaf, the most including quail eggs — and The use of technology by clients, popular Jordanian dish served on homemade sweets. mostly housewives, is one of the all occasions, is made of rice, lamb challenges facing eBas6a, Sheha- and dry yogurt from ewe’s or goat’s deh noted. milk. Shehadeh, 24, said he felt the “Our clients consist mainly of “I have noticed that local prod- need to protect Jordanian local housewives aged 40-60 who are ucts face strong competition from products when he was studying in not familiar with the culture of imported cheaper products that the United Kingdom and missed ordering food online,” he said. attract the attention of consumers food from his home country. “Using the website and soon a who are looking to pay less but, as “I simply craved for some good smart application created a kind Jordanians, we need to be aware of labneh (a soft cream cheese made of challenge but we are trying to the importance of supporting our from strained yogurt) from the find ways to make life easy for all local products by buying local,” Interesting selection. Jordanian products sold on eBas6a. (eBas6a) city of Jerash and some jameed clients by simply clicking a button Shehadeh said (hard dry yogurt made from ewe’s to order and the products will be There are 11 factories and ap- or goat’s milk) and I could not find delivered.” focus on selling really fresh prod- we manage to do it,” he said. proximately 80 small manufac- any. I thought there should be a Another challenge is to provide ucts. When you buy from eBas6a Shehadeh’s site offers many tures producing dairy products in way for Jordanian food products to fresh products to clients, Sheha- you will receive the products fresh homemade goodies, including Jordan. be available anywhere,” Shehadeh deh said. with the production date the same 13 dairy products such as white said. “It takes two days to prepare as the day of the order. This is a cheese, soft and hard yogurt, ghee, Roufan Nahhas is a journalist After returning to Amman, She- and deliver the orders because we unique concept that is not easy but butter, herbal products such as based in Jordan. April 21, 2019 21 Society Language Morocco weighs teaching science in French

Saad Guerraoui ties — the Party of Authenticity and A question of Modernity (PAM) and the Istiqlal efficiency. A Party (PI) — boycotted a meeting student reads Casablanca called by Speaker of the House of French words Representatives Habib El Malki to during a class he issue of teaching scientific reconcile views and set a date for a in the Oudaya subjects in foreign languages committee vote on the measure after primary is dividing politicians and in- it had been blocked by the PJD. school T tellectuals in Morocco where Abdelilah Benkirane, who had in Rabat. the public education sector faces a been prime minister from 2011-17, in (Reuters) crisis despite reforms. a posting on Facebook called on PJD A draft law that would regulate MPs not to vote for proposed text. He the education sector and which was said Moroccan Prime Minister Saad adopted by the Council of Ministers Eddine El Othmani should resign in mid-2018 has been blocked in par- from office rather than accept the liament because of the provision that “Frenchising” of scientific subjects. provides for teaching scientific and “It would be a shame if history technical subjects in French and, to records that the PJD has gone back- a lesser extent, English. ward on such a fundamental point The language measure, initiated and more dangerous than the gov- by the Higher Council of Education, ernment blockage,” said Benkirane. is meant to better prepare Arabised The PI, which deems the bill un- students for higher education in sci- constitutional, asked Othmani to entific specialties that are taught in apply Article 103 of the constitu- French. tion, linking the vote on the draft Arabisation of education occurred law to a vote of confidence in the in Morocco in the early 1980s to government. It said discussion of boost conservatives and Islamists the measure was marked by an “un- toral agendas and calculations” and courses in French and as long as we work with researchers and scholars against a growing leftist current. precedented legislative crisis” in the blamed Othmani for not straighten- do not have the means to do other- across the world. However, the policy created a crisis government. ing out members of his party and his wise,” Ennaji wrote on Facebook. “English is the language of the in public education, whose quality PJD member and State Minister parliamentary majority. “We must do what we are able to world, the ultimate lingua franca. It has deteriorated as expensive pri- Mustapha Ramid said he was for the Alami insisted that Arabic is not do and do well and there is the ques- is the DNA of the exact sciences,” he vate schools have sprouted up in use of Arabic as a language of educa- qualified to be used in science be- tion: Are we able to give the courses said. many cities of the country. tion but also for openness to foreign cause there are no laboratories for correctly in French or in English?” he Abdelali Oudrhiri, winner of King Arabic and Amazigh are Morocco’s languages, while considering the research. asked. Faisal Prize for Arabic Language two official languages​ ​but French is Amazigh language. “The Arabisation of science is “We must detach the question of and Literature, likened the position widely used, including in finance In an interview aired April 14 on purely ideological and has nothing identity from that of efficiency, oth- of Moroccan policies towards the and health care. More than one-third 2M television’s “Confidences de to do with common sense,” he said. erwise we will sink into the back- Arabic language to “a steering wheel of Moroccans are French speakers, presse” programme, Ramid said: “It “It is the workhorse of the Islamist ground to defend an identity that is whose move is changed from right to a 2018 survey by the International takes a strong will to make Arabic a party PJD and the conservatives of in any way being affected by social left. Organisation of the Francophonie true official language and that’s not the Istiqlal party although their chil- contradictions, poverty, forced exile “We have been through 60 years stated. the case today.” dren attended the French mission of young cadres, school dropouts since independence but we could “At the university, science subjects and studied in France, England, the at two or three speeds,” he added, only gain our Moroccanisation. In are taught in French. Translation United States and Canada. They only warning the education sector would our fight for Arabic, on the other The language measure is centres are limited and the business want to reproduce the same elites never come out of its crisis unless hand, we have the impression of meant to better prepare community as well as some levels of and thus block the way for young the subject must be treated with the never having advanced,” Oudrhiri Arabised students for the administration are Frenchised,” gifted students from modest fami- usual precautions. said at a news conference organised higher education in said Ramid. “That this case becomes lies.” Alami stressed the necessity to by the National Coalition for the Ara- scientific specialties that an identity matter is unreasonable, Intellectuals are also divided on sacrifice a generation or two for a bic Language. are taught in French. inadmissible and baseless,” he add- the subject. Some say that there is no transitional period, the first phase M’Hamed El Khalifa, lawyer and ed in reference to Benkirane’s state- harm in teaching sciences in foreign of which would be taught in French former minister, said voting on the Mourad Alami, a professor at Mo- ment on Facebook. languages but others see it as trea- while the second phase would be fol- language bill was tantamount to hammed V University in Rabat and PAM, the largest opposition party, son. lowed by learning scientific subjects “treason” to citizens. expert in linguistics, said a change reiterated its “unwavering” position, Writer Mohammed Ennaji raised in English so as to not have to wait “We do not want a society of false was necessary because the Arabisa- defending the right of children of the question of teaching in French or for translations of texts into French, guides who do not master any lan- tion of scientific subjects up to the the lower classes to benefit from the English correctly. which, he said, takes on average five guage but a society that masters its baccalaureate has not yielded re- openness to foreign languages while “Primary education forges iden- years. Arabic language,” Khalifa said at the sults. strengthening the teaching of Mo- tity and the Arabic language must be Alami said he was for teaching news conference. The ruling Islamist Justice and rocco’s two official languages. a priority but there is no harm in us- scientific subjects in English be- Development Party (PJD) along It slammed arch-foe PJD for delay- ing foreign languages when they are cause Moroccan researchers would Saad Guerraoui is a contributor to with the two main opposition par- ing a vote on the bill for “narrow elec- more effective for secondary level then be able to communicate and The Arab Weekly on Maghreb issues. Viewpoint Arabic audiobooks are taking the market by storm

hether it is the United Arab Emirates are the focus and hiring voice-over artists. come without parsing and many dearly held markets of these start-ups. “Classical books, modern novels, need localised relevance, includ- Hakawati culture Solely relying on print book self-help and personal development ing dialects used in the story. For Khadija sales, many publishing houses were are the most popular,” said Bolbol. example, a poetry book from the Hamouchi or the Egyptian 1980s radio reluctant in the beginning. Yet, for “We make sure there is enough bal- United Arab Emirates would need a programming the market to reach inflection point, ance between evergreen titles such dialectal voice from the Emirates. Wreading books to the public, Arabic- more awareness needed to be cre- as classics and the latest best-sell- To address those needs, Jorda- speaking audiences have always ated on the publishers’ side. ers. We take book reviews, awards nian start-up Masmoo3 developed been keen for audio experiences “Very few Arabic book publishers and our editors’ recommendation a one-on-one course to nurture and Arabic content. No wonder, are investing in creating audiobook very seriously before we go onto the skills such as Arabic grammar technology start-ups are taking the editions of their publications. For audio production.” and voice acting. It aims to provide market of Arabic audiobooks by the market to reach its full poten- To guarantee high-quality voice more professional narrators with storm. tial, publishers should actively par- recordings, audio companies are the help of sound engineers in pro- “Audiobooks are the natural evo- ticipate by producing audiobooks creating jobs in an unexpected fessional recording studios. lution of books. The immense traffic and distributing them through artistic market: professional voice “We do believe that there are not across Arab cities make audiobooks available online platforms,” said over actors, radio anchors and enough professional voice-overs to an amazing format for people Ammar Mardawi, country man- sometimes collaborating with cover the whole market. Our course seeking to read more books on the ager for -based celebrity artists. makes it accessible to any person go,” said Ahmed El Malky, CEO of start-up Storytel “Beyond having a clear nar- working in media or art to become Iqraaly, an app that has been down- Arabia. rating voice and good acting great voice actors,” said Ala’a Sulei- loaded more than 1 million times. Publish- skills, the most important man, co-founder of Masmoo3. There are few established audio- ing houses part is to give the right emo- Start-ups are clearly trying to books companies, either regional or are reacting to tions and narrate with a make a mark. “We want to make European, providing professional regional authors’ lot of grammar accuracy. knowledge more accessible for voice recording of the regional and excitement and Arabs care a lot about the Arabs all over the world and offer international literature in Arabic. demands for their language,” said Palestin- people with visual impairment an “We are only starting to scratch works to reach ian Alaa Ahmed, access to books,” said Bolbol. the surface of a sizeable 75 mil- wider audiences. a professional Competition is filling up very lion user market. We estimate the As demand voice-over actor quickly in this market with Saudi- current market to $5 million with for larger book who developed based Dhad and the fast-paced 12-month rolling revenue being catalogues grows, her talent growing Swedish Kitab Sawti. The Arabic audiobook around the $500,000 mark,” said particularly from through online The Arabic audiobook industry is Tarek Bolbol, CEO of Booklava in digital millenni- courses. clearly in its early stages and what industry is clearly in Dubai. als, the industry The language might make its format popular is its early stages and With production costs of $1,600- is carefully requirement additional investment in production what might make its $5,000 for a 200-page book, setting up its is another and marketing. margins can become very appealing processes issue be- format popular is because production of audiobook for choosing cause 95% Khadija Hamouchi is additional investment needs to be done only once and it book titles of Arabic books a Belgian-Moroccan social can be profitable through multiple entrepreneur and founder of in production and subscribers. With easy access to on- Big potential. A mobile phone displaying an Arabic audiobook SEJAAL, an initiative that is marketing. line payments, Saudi Arabia and the played in the Egyptian Iqraaly reading app. (Iqraaly.com) building an app for young people. 22 April 21, 2019 Culture

Exhibit revives legacy of iconic Egyptian cartoonist Alexander Saroukhan

Hassan Abdel Zaher ing his eyeglasses in one hand and drawing with the other. A third sketched a genie-like Saroukhan Cairo with the words “The Godfather of Egyptian Caricature” written on it. ioneering Egyptian car- The large turnout for the con- toonist Alexander Sarouk- test, the popularity of the fair and han was celebrated at an the rich nature of the event testi- P international competition fied to Saroukhan’s unforgotten that attracted entries from Arab legacy and lasting fame as Egypt’s and foreign cartoonists marking first political cartoonist. the 120th anniversary of the birth “He had a strong influence on of the person known as the “father all cartoonists whether in Egypt of political cartoons” in Egypt. or other countries,” said Tharwat The event’s organisers, the Murtada, an Egyptian cartoonist Egyptian Caricature Association, who participated in the contest. initiated the contest last October “This is why so many people were for the best cartoon of the late car- enthusiastic about participating in toonist who had introduced the the contest and visiting the exhibi- art to Egyptian newspapers and tion.” Lasting fame. Two of the cartoons on display at the Cairo exhibit. (Hassan Abdel Zaher) magazines in a politically rich en- Saroukhan, an Armenian na- vironment decades ago. tional who was born in October Some 200 cartoonists from 1898, was 26 when he arrived in han to have the freedom to draw other Arab countries. Antonio Santos (Portugal). 45 countries submitted entries, Cairo. He had with him dozens whatever he believed without any Participating in the contest and The drawing that Murtada sub- which were exhibited at the Goe- of pieces of his work, which were problems.” the exhibition titled “Saroukhan mitted depicted Saroukhan wear- the-Institut Egypt in Cairo. largely welcomed by Egyptian Saroukhan, who died in January Returns” were cartoonists from ing a blue suit, a dotted red necktie The event captured the atten- newspaper and magazine editors. 1977, drew more than 20,000 car- Arab countries, Latin America and and a red fez. In his left hand the tion of hundreds of cartoon lovers He worked for several publications toons, spanning all sorts of topics, Europe. cartoonist held a brush that looked who went to see the works of some and founded his own French-lan- including political, social and eco- more like an Olympic flame. He of the world’s best cartoonists, all guage magazine. nomic, with a lot of humour. His also points with his index finger to depicting the same man but each Mohamed Abla, founder of the works were popular because they Some 200 cartoonists his name written in Arabic at the imbuing their work with what they Cartoon Museum, a cartoon draw- carried a piece of his spirit, which from 45 countries bottom of the cartoon. believed Saroukhan stood for. ing school and showroom that col- was courageous, humorous and submitted entries, which Murtada said his participation in Some of the cartoons threw a laborated with the Egyptian Cari- insightful, cartoonists said. were exhibited at the the fair was a learning experience humorous light on the personal- cature Association in organising He wrote a book, “Cette Guerre” Goethe-Institut Egypt in for him and the other cartoonists ity of the late cartoonist, others the fair, said Saroukhan operated (“This War”), to warn against the who took part in the event. showed him in a serious manner in a politically rich era when politi- looming spectre of World War II. Cairo. “Saroukhan influenced genera- and some focused on what they cal parties did a wonderful job, all Apart from his work, Saroukhan’s tions of cartoonists in Egypt and believed was Saroukhan’s most resisting the British occupation of contributions, drawing style and Cuban cartoonist Yoemnis Del everywhere else,” Murtada said. outstanding personal trait. Egypt but also racing against each life were also at the centre of many Toro won the top prize for the “He expressed the most sophisti- One of the cartoons depicted a other to have their place in gov- books, studies and researches. most insightful cartoon of Sa- cated political ideas and views in nicely dressed Saroukhan with a ernment. Probably this was why his appeal roukhan. Honorary awards were the most humorous and simple long nose, an unshaven face and “It was an encouraging environ- was not confined to Egypt, where given to Marwa Ibrahim (Egypt), manner, becoming an idol for all smiling eyes. Another showed a ment for the work of cartoonists,” he spent the most important Omar Turcios (Spain), Ahmed Wa- those who had the chance to know Saroukhan with a big head, hold- Abla said. “That allowed Sarouk- years of his life, but expanded to hid (Egypt), Guo Ye (China) and him or see his work.” ‘A Land Without Jasmine’ puts on stage plight of Yemeni women

Karen Dabrowska speaks as if her monologue is solely ened by a mysterious figure dressed for them. Later in the play, Nasser, in white carrying a white book who who manages a cafe at the university, leads him to a pomegranate tree London offers members of the audience a cup where he finds Jasmine’s bag and se- of juice and makes them part of the cret diary. Land Without Jasmine,” story. This scene takes the play from eve- the first Yemeni thea- “I feel under siege,” a distressed ryday reality to the world of magic “ tre production staged in Jasmine says looking for empathy. and illusion. The white figure van- A London, is an engrossing “When a girl reaches maturity, she ishes after showing Ali Jasmine’s bag. combination of a detective story and becomes society’s enemy. Her father Finding the bag costs Ali his life. He a macabre fairy tale that takes the au- thinks she is a landmine that will ex- takes it to Jasmine’s family and her dience into a murky world of unsatis- plode between his feet.” tribe kills the young man. The inspec- fied sexual desires and magic where As she continues with her mono- tor comments that Jasmine is from a nothing is as it seems. logue she puts on an abaya, which ferocious tribe and nothing can be The play, which ran for three days can be interpreted as a symbol of iso- done to bring the killers to justice. in the Battersea Arts Centre in south- lation and seclusion from society. Jasmine’s mother, dressed in a col- west London, constantly highlights In the next scene Jasmine disap- ourful traditional Yemeni costume, the challenges faced by a young wom- pears. An inspector introduces her- tells her story emphasising that she an growing up in the conservative self and complains about the lack had four children and seven miscar- Yemeni society. It is about Jasmine, of assistance she receives from Jas- riages. This is the voice of the older who suddenly disappears from her mine’s family describing how her fa- generation concerned with female university campus in Sana’a. Jasmine ther cursed everyone. The inspector honour and influenced by black mag- is an individual but her experiences calls Jasmine’s mother the “lady of ic and superstition. are those of thousands of women and the veil of tears,” who pleads with her Jasmine appears again in the last the story is the that of young women to bring her daughter back. scene. She is in the garden of the uni- in Yemen today. She then describes a meeting with versity talking about her encounter The producers at the Sarha Collec- Dr Aqlan, a professor at Sana’a Uni- with the man in the white robe. A tive adapted Wajdi al-Ahdal’s satiri- versity with a reputation for luring smoky mist rises slowly covering the cal novel “A Land Without Jasmine” young female students to his apart- stage. into a theatrical masterpiece. Like ment with promises of good grades As in the novel, no one knows what the book, each scene is narrated by in return for sexual favours. happened to Jasmine. Everyone a different character, beginning with The other characters in Jasmine’s wants a piece of the charming young Jasmine herself. Much of the dia- life tell their stories, which contrast student and family, friends, fellow logue is in Arabic with the translation sharply with the account Jasmine students and nosy neighbours are on a screen above the stage. gives of their relationships in the first quick to make their own judgments In the first scene, Jasmine talks scene. Sultan, the neighbour, speaks on the case but no one knows the about her family and her life as a sci- about how Jasmine opened her win- truth, which may be stranger than ence student at Sana’a University. dow and looked at him licking an ice they all anticipate. She voices anger and unhappiness cream. Like the play, Ahdal’s novel provid- about unwanted attention from men In a powerful, emotional mono- ed a penetrating flash of insight into — her neighbour Sultan, who watches logue delivered sitting on a ladder, life in Yemeni society telling the un- her from his window and his son Ali, Ali speaks about how he played with varnished truth about the world of a who follows her as she walks to uni- Jasmine when they were children. girl whose every move comes under a versity. He was amazed at Jasmine’s knowl- gaze that, in her words, is “a noxious Like the other characters Jasmine edge of ancient Yemeni history. After type of male violence.” connects with the audience focus- Between the macabre and the piquant. Promotion poster of Jasmine’s disappearance he goes to ing on individuals seated in the “A Land Without Jasmine,” the first Yemeni theatre production the university, sits in the garden by a Karen Dabrowska is an Arab Weekly front row, looks them in the eye and staged in London. (Courtesy of Battersea Arts Centre) fountain and falls asleep. He is awak- contributor in London. April 21, 2019 23 Culture Interview Mazin Mamoory tours France with his rebellious poetry

camp called homeland,” he said. camp called Iraq or Syria, et Mamoory has published four cetera,” he said. poetry collections in Arabic: At the poetry festival Voix Sherif al-Shafei “The Book of the Dead,” “Abso- Vives of 2017 in Sete, France, lute Love,” “Secret Objects” and Mamoory recited poems, which “A Dead Body in a Dark House.” were well-received. This azin Mamoory He is one of the founders of prompted publisher Catherine is one of the the group Culture Militia and, as Tourne to acquire the rights to poets of the such, he said he believes in the translate and publish “A Dead Iraqi group power of poetry to move people Body in a Dark House” at Cultural to direct action. Editions Lanskine. Militia, which A poem is not just a collection Mamoory was invited on a represents a of words but must be trans- book signing and recitation tour Mband apart in the Iraqi poetry formed into a social and resist- in several French cities. The scene. ance movement and the theatre collection was also translated Like his colleagues’ work, of events and emotions, he said. and published in English. Mamoory’s poetry is of a Through poetry recitals, the poet Mamoory “performs” his rebellious nature, dissatisfied moves his body and soul into poetry through words and with the language and with dangerous zones. motion. He said this form of reality at the same time. It’s the Mamoory cited the Camp presentation is different from type of poetry that invites Speicher massacre in 2014 as a what can be called a “poetic reflection on social, geographic, turning point in his experience performance.” It is a concept political and cultural fragmenta- as a poet. More than 3,000 Iraqi that intersects with other artistic tion of Iraq, an artistic expres- soldiers and air cadets were shot genres in terms of relying on sion of the devastation that has dead or drowned in the Tigris performance techniques. afflicted the country. River by Islamic State fighters. “I do not really mean theatre Shortly after the release of the At that moment, Mamoory said here, for I’m not an actor,” French version, translated by he felt that words had become Mamoory said. “What I mean is Antoine Jockey and published by hollow. performance as a space for Editions Lanskine, of his The sectarian war in Iraq reflecting on transmitting collection “Cadavre dans une presented modern Iraqi poets discourse in the context of I’d maison obscure” (“A Dead Body with an existential dilemma. call live poetry.” A unique expression. Iraqi poet Mazin Mamoory. (Maison de la Poésie) in a Dark House”), Mamoory Mamoory said: “I was aware of Mamoory said that, by went on a reading tour in France. the magnitude of my responsi- resorting to this technique, the Mamoory, 49, recently talked bility as a poet. It is my responsi- poet gains control of the situa- poem in the market, while Serre about his creative path, his bility to bear witness to a period tion and can create work that Mamoory’s performed in one of the squares interactive texts, his vision of of violent changes in the history would have a direct effect on of Lyon. “We used video and the creative act of writing in a of contemporary Iraq and of the society. experience as a poet images on social media net- disintegrated reality, the whole region as a matter of fact. He also said the second point and plastic artist works,” he said. “Judging by the relationship of culture with It was happening during a time in this type of performance is the immediate reactions of viewers, ideology and other issues. when Arabic poetry was experi- presence of the body on stage as offers fertile ground the poem was a hit in its form.” Mamoory said his experience menting with linguistic and either part of the poetic writing for experimentation Mamoory, a poet closely as a poet and plastic artist structural forms that had or even the essence of the text, and a platform for connected with dark moments of offered fertile ground for nothing to do with communicat- integrating action, scene and reality, carries his poetry in a experimentation and a platform ing with the environment.” writing. In Arab culture, the launching large bag of creativity. That bag for launching “resistance For Mamoory, the Arab poet body has always been sup- “resistance rockets.” contains no candies, of course, rockets” and raising awareness has been unaware with no pressed, he said. In Mamoory’s but is bursting with shrapnel, through words and interacting interaction with his social poetry, the body sheds its burned clothes, bones and with others. environment since the 1960s. historical veil and shakes off its journey in France as being explosive gazes laden with the The purpose of that experi- This was because “Arab national- ancient taboos to become a present between two different smell of dynamite. ence was to draw attention to the ism ideology has completely rhetorical focus, more so than places and cultures, in partner- tragedy of Iraq, where the closed the horizon and we all language itself. ship with French poet Catherine Sherif al-Shafei is an Egyptian people are “prisoners in a huge became mere prisoners in a large Mamoory said he considers his Serre. He gave a recital of his writer. Carthage festival consecrates Tunisia’s love affair with jazz

However, once Jazz a Carthage was Saber Ben Ameur established, that event became a quick success. Tunis “I thank Allah for the grace of Jazz a Carthage, which had filled he 14th Jazz a Carthage the void left by the Jazz Festival Festival spread its perfor- in Tabarka,” said jazz fan Riadh mances outside Tunis to Khemisi. “I grew up fond of the at- T take the music to a wider mosphere of the Tabarka festival. audience. “I am obsessed with jazz and For the first time since the festi- I must have my dose of jazz and val was founded in 2005 the event blues every year even if I have to included concerts in the northern travel abroad once a year to satisfy suburbs of Tunis, particularly La my passion.” Marsa and Gammarth, to move the Mourad Mathari, founder of the innovative musical form closer to Jazz a Carthage Festival, said: “The its many Tunisian fans. 14th edition of the festival offered Tunisia has a long-standing re- a rich and varied programme, lationship with jazz. The first jazz which has made public turnout to festival in Tunisia took place as be unusually high this year. This early as 1970 in the north-western growing fondness of Tunisian Tunisian city of Tabarka. The fes- spectators for this special musical tival became an annual summer genre places the bar quite high for offering and the small, charming the coming edition.” coastal city of Tabarka became The festival included perfor- a mecca for jazz aficionados and mances by artists from Tunisia, musicians. Perhaps the most fa- Algeria, France, , Austria, mous performers at the Tabarka Switzerland, Italy, Cuba, Ghana, Jazz Festival were the late Miriam Turkey, the United States, the Makeba and Ray Charles. United Kingdom, Canada and Hai- ti. The performances took place in venues — Alhambra Cinema in La A touch of magic. Belgian band Hooverphonic performs during the 14th Jazz a Carthage Festival in Marsa, the Carthage Acropolium, For the first time since the Tunis. (Jazz a Carthage) festival was founded in Ennejma Ezzahra at Sidi Bou Said, 2005 the event included the French Lycee in Tunis and Ver- concerts in the northern sailles Hall in Gammarth — in addi- beat and soul music with jazz over- ed its show “Amber,” during which on the street and thus closer to suburbs of Tunis, tion to street performances in La tones, the Austrian duo Fuss and it performed old Tunisian songs the general public, this year’s Jazz Marsa. Leichtfried, the icon of Swiss mod- with jazz notes. The group was ac- a Carthage showcased two artists particularly La Marsa and “This year’s session marked the ern jazz the Marc Perrenoud Trio, companied by violinist Yasmine per performance and included oth- Gammarth. beginning of a permanent partner- Algerian Kheireddine M’Kachiche Azaiez. er music genres akin to jazz. These ship between the festival and the and his jazz with Andalusian The festival’s opening perfor- innovations seemed to please au- At the turn of the millennium, European Union as part of the ‘Tu- tones, French artist Bumcello, mance was by Myryam Toukabri, diences and all performances were however, Tabarka’s festival faded nisia Meets Europe’ programme,” Algerian-French Djam and Italian who gave a recital titled “From sold out. Tunisia’s love affair with due to organisational and logisti- said Mathari. Mario Biondi.” Tunisia to Havana,” in which she jazz continues. cal factors. The city’s open-air Sea “At this session also, Tunisian There was also significant par- mixed Tunisian and Cuban music Theatre, designed to hold 6,000 jazz fans were introduced to the ticipation by Tunisian jazz artists. and sang in Arabic and Spanish. Saber Ben Ameur is a Tunisian spectators, was deemed unsafe. British group Kokoroko and Afro- The Omar El Ouaer sextet present- In addition to being more open writer. 24 April 21, 2019 Travel www.thearabweekly.com

Agenda

Manama: Through May 15

“The Bahrain National Museum: A 30th Anniversary Retrospec- tive” exhibition traces the history of the Bahrain National Museum and highlights its ma- jor milestones.

Marrakech: Through May 16

The Marrakech Biennale is a festival with the mission to build bridges between cultures through the arts. The seventh edition is taking a multidisci- plinary approach to introduce artists and works primarily from the Arab world, the Mediter- ranean region and sub-Saharan Africa.

Beirut: Through June 1

The Laugh Story Comedy Show takes place every Thursday The roofless Qasr al-Abed in Iraq al-Amir near Amman. (Rana Naber) through Saturday at the Royal Hotel. The programme features comedians such as Tony Abou Jaoude, Hicham Haddad, Bonita Iraq al-Amir: Saade and Jad Bou Karam. Dubai: April 27-May 5

Jordan’s springtime The tenth Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition will feature works by an array of calligraphers and will explore archaeological modern and traditional tech- niques of calligraphic expres- sion. attraction Egypt: April 28 Roufan Nahhas hides a lot of history and it is worth discovering, especially the palace Also known as Sniffing the built in a very unique rectangular Breeze festival, the Sham el- Iraq al-Amir design with engravings of lions, ti- Nassim festival celebrates the gers and eagles to symbolise power arrival of spring. Families gather assing through Amman’s and glory.” together for picnics, to go to endless traffic jams and “The two-floor, 38 metres in parks, beaches and historical heading towards the curvy length, 18.5 metres wide and 10 sites with baskets of traditional P roads of Wadi al-Seer, named metres in height palace stands ma- food items. Street dancers, en- after a prehistoric queen who ruled jestically watching over the carved tertainers and vendors line the the area, rests a little-known site caves in the near mountain,” Naber streets to entertain them. built by a Persian prince in the sec- said. ond century BC. Surrounded by ol- “The palace was built using hard Dubai: ive trees and uninterrupted springs, limestone, high-crystalline and May 9-13 the place is shrouded with a myste- white stones while the limestone rious history. sedimentary rocks, known as the The 11th Dubai Tango Festival Iraq al-Amir, 30km from the cen- ‘white dolomite,’ were used for the includes tango workshops with tre of Amman, sits among green carved shapes of lionesses and li- milongas for famous tango meadows, proudly presenting a ons found on the lower walls at the dancers and singers. roofless Qasr al-Abed (Palace of the north-eastern and south-western Slave) constructed by Prince Her- corners,” she added. Oman: kanus the Ammonite of the Tobias The magnificent architecture of During June and July family and used extensively in the the site attracted the attention of Byzantine period. tourists and engineers and archi- Taking place annually in Dhofar province, the Salalah Tourism The name itself is a mystery to tects, said architect Wael Koroh. The crowned columns of Qasr al-Abed in Iraq al-Amir. (Rana Naber) many people because the word “Every stone of the Qasr al-Abed Festival hosts street shows, con- “Iraq” in Arabic means “cave in the tells a story of architectural wonder certs, games, fireworks, cultural mountains.” The site, designated and this palace is a unique master- rest are higher. In 1996, a Jordanian archaeologi- activities and food stalls for as “Caves of the Prince,” includes piece as you cannot find anything “The caves are full of secrets. cal mission led by the Department both locals and tourists. 15 caves that are usually empty like it that is why engineers tend to They were used as shelters by many of Antiquities uncovered remains but sometimes host shepherds and learn from it,” Koroh said. civilisations that settled there with of a small church dating to the fifth Beirut: their sheep. They are worth having “The 15 caves that face the palace their animals. Some have inscrip- or sixth century in front of one of July 23 a glimpse inside. area have an artistic value and you tions that are still obvious today,” the caves. “Not many know the mystery can easily enjoy a remarkable pano- Koroh said. “Cave No 13, for in- The findings led to another mis- Musician Yanni will perform his of such a site, which usually hosts rama of the landscape by standing stance, has a visible inscription in sion at Al Bassah Cave in Iraq al- first concert in Lebanon as part families for a weekend picnic due on the upper-level caves,” he said. Aramaic of the name ‘Tobias,’ which Amir where Jesus and his followers of his World Without Borders to its closeness to Amman,” said There are six caves on the low- many believe refers to the family of are believed to have rested as they tour. He will be accompanied by Rana Naber, an archaeological and er level on the cliff that can be Prince Herkanus, who ordered the passed through Jordan, said site an orchestra of virtuoso musi- cultural activist. “However, the site reached by staircases of stones. The construction of the famous palace.” discoverer Mohammad Waheeb, a cians and vocalists. The adjacent village of Iraq al- Jordanian professor of archaeology Amir is promoted by its inhabit- at the Hashemite University. Carthage: ants, who formed the Iraq al-Amir The cave has an arch-shaped gate During July-August 15 Women’s Cooperative Association, and is topped with engravings of founded by Noor al-Hussein Foun- crosses inside a large triangle with The Carthage Festival is one dation in 1993 to help women of the important religious significance to of the oldest arts and cultural village increase income through Christianity. events in North Africa, drawing traditional weaving, paper making, “What we found was really amaz- a mix of local and international ceramics and cooking, skills that ing,” Waheeb said, “a church inside performers to Tunisia over are shared with tourists visiting the one of the caves that shows the se- several weeks. Performances area. crecy in spreading Christianity and take place at the Amphitheatre “The association located in the another church outside the cave of Carthage. Ottoman part of Iraq al-Amir over- that shows the second stage of pub- looking Qasr al-Abd has ten reno- licly spreading Christianity.” We welcome submissions of vated historic farmhouses that “There is a strong belief that calendar items related to accommodate the workshops and Christ visited these caves and cultural events of interest to activities,” Naber said. “In addi- stayed in one of them and the Bible travellers in the Middle East tion, they have a visitors’ centre, a does refer to that,” he added. and North Africa. knowledge centre, showrooms and Iraq al-Amir is very popular with guesthouses, which were built in Jordanians and foreign visitors, es- 1925. The work of the association pecially in the spring when one can Please send tips to: A lioness and her cub engraved in stone at Qasr al-Abed in Iraq al-Amir. brings colourful experience to tour- enjoy the greenery, bulging springs [email protected] (Wikipedia) ists looking for something new.” and exuberant atmosphere.