LCCC ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
March 08/2019

Compiled & Prepared by: Elias Bejjani

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Bible Quotations For today
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it
The Narrow and Wide Gates
Matthew07/13-27: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
True and False Prophets
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
True and False Disciples
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
The Wise and Foolish Builders
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News published on March 07-08/2019
Lebanon’s president says Hezbollah part of Lebanese people
President Aoun Says Hezbollah's Regional Expansion Not Reflected in Lebanon
Burt Tells Aoun Lebanon Ties 'Intact' Despite British Move on Hizbullah
Hollande Meets Aoun, Jumblat
US Asks Beirut to Hand Over Syrian Intelligence Official to Berlin
Aoun Confirms Government’s Commitment to CEDRE Reforms, Resolving Economic Situation
Parliament Resumes 2nd Day of Legislative Session
Bassil Sends Letters to UN, EU, Foreign Ministers on Israel Infringing Territorial Waters
Report: Duquesne to Visit Beirut Again, Europeans 'Pessimistic' Lebanon Capable of Reforms
Hariri Throws Dinner Banquet in Honor of Hollande
No Internet and Cameras at the Door: Ghosn's Bail Conditions
Lebanon warns neighbours against using disputed territory for Israel's EastMed gas pipeline
To fight corruption, Lebanon must first restore its sovereignty
U.S. Sanctions Are Hurting Hezbollah/Hanin Ghaddar/The Washington Institute/March 07/19

Litles For The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on March 07-08/2019
Arab Quartet Committee Condemns Continuous Iranian Interference
Arab Foreign Ministers Reiterate Commitment to Palestinian Cause
Ultra-conservative cleric appointed head of Iran’s judiciary
EU Court Rejects Hamas Challenge over Terror Listing
Netanyahu: Pompeo to Aid Israel With Gas Export Plan
Israel Razes Home of Palestinian Suspect in Deadly Shootings
Palestinian Killed by Israeli Fire during Gaza Border Clashes
Trump Agrees to Expand Troop Mission in East Syria
Death and Despair in Last IS Syria Bastion
Lavrov From Kuwait: Ongoing Talks With US for Comprehensive Settlement of Syrian Crisis
Guaido Urges Europe to Increase Sanctions on Maduro Regime
Saudi Sisters Stranded in Hong Kong Granted Extended Stay
Halbousi Says Iraq Supports Iran Amid US Sanctions
Tunisia: 31 Sentenced to Death for Terrorist Attack
Salame, Sewehli Discuss Holding Inclusive Forum ‘Soon’
One Police Officer Hurt, Seven Militants Killed in Cairo

Titles For The Latest LCCC English analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources published on March 07-08/2019
Lebanon warns neighbours against using disputed territory for Israel's EastMed gas pipeline/Reuters/Ynetnews/March 07/19
To fight corruption, Lebanon must first restore its sovereignty/Ziad El Sayegh/Annahar/March 07/2019
U.S. Sanctions Are Hurting Hezbollah/Hanin Ghaddar/The Washington Institute/March 07/19
How Assad Defied the Odds, Won in Syria and Pushed the U.S. Out/Amos Harel/Haaretz/March 07/19
The Welfare Debate the US Should Be Having/Michael Strain/Bloomberg View/March 07/19
Why Is Saudi Arabia Under Attack on Women’s Issues/Abdulrahman Al-Rashed/Asharq Al Awsat/March 07/19
In Advance Of Iranian President Rohani's Iraq Visit, Iran Takes Control Of Iraqi Banking System – In Cooperation with Iraqi Prime Minister – In Order To Circumvent U.S. Sanctions/MEMRI/March 07/19
Palestinians: Arresting, Torturing Journalists/Khaled Abu Toameh/Gatestone Institute/March 07/19
Hard-line clerics promoted as Khamenei consolidates power/Dr. Majid Rafizadeh/Arab News/March 07, 2019

The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News published on March 07-08/2019
Lebanon’s president says Hezbollah part of Lebanese people
Associated Press/March 07/2019/BEIRUT: Lebanon’s president has spoken up in defense of the country’s militant Hezbollah group, telling a visiting British official that the group’s allegiances in the region do not affect internal Lebanese politics. President Michel Aoun’s office quoted him as saying that Hezbollah is part of the Lebanese people and is represented in the Cabinet and parliament. The comments by Aoun, a Hezbollah ally, came after his meeting with Britain’s Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt on Thursday. Hezbollah is allied with the Syrian government and Iran.

President Aoun Says Hezbollah's Regional Expansion Not Reflected in Lebanon
Kataeb.org/Thursday 07th March 2019/President Michel Aoun on Thursday met with Britain’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Secretary of State for International Development, Alistair Burt, with talks featuring focusing on bilateral ties in the wake of the UK's proscribtion of Hezbollah in its entirety. During the meeting, Aoun told his guest that Hezbollah's expanded regional role doesn’t mean that it has the greatest influence on the Lebanese politics, saying that the party's internal role does not go beyond being a part of the Lebanese people that is represented in the government and the Parliament. For his part, Burt voiced his country's wish to strengthen ties with Lebanon in all fields, expressing Britain's continuous support for the country and its economy. "Ties with Lebanon will not be affected by any stance that the UK takes regarding Hezbollah," Burt was quoted as saying. Last month, the United Kingdom's Parliament officially approved the government's decision to proscribe Hezbollah's political wing and add the party in its entirety to its terror list.

Burt Tells Aoun Lebanon Ties 'Intact' Despite British Move on Hizbullah
Naharnet/March 07/19/President Michel Aoun has met at Baabda Palace with British Minister of State for the Middle East at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Alistair Burt who asserted that British ties with Lebanon will remain intact despite the British decisions against Hizbullah, the National News Agency reported on Thursday. Discussions between the two men focused on the bilateral relations, and Aoun touched on Hizbullah’s role in Lebanon in the wake of Britain’s decision to ban the party. He said: “Lebanon has noted the British decision about Hizbullah. The regional extension of Hizbullah does not mean that its effect on Lebanese politics goes beyond it being part of the Lebanese people and also represented in the government and parliament.”Britain made a decision late in February to outlaw the political wing of Hizbullah. It announced it would seek to make membership of the movement or inviting support for it a crime. On another note, Aoun said the Lebanese government is “determined to implement the plan of economic advancement. We are also working hard to implement recommendations of the CEDRE support conference, especially those related to reforms and projects based on cooperation between the public and private sectors.”Aoun noted the "cooperation between Lebanon and Britain in various fields, especially in terms of supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces that have enabled the Lebanese army to defeat terrorists in the Bekaa border region."For his part, Burt said that “the recent economic conference in London is part of the British support plan for the Lebanese economy.” He stressed that "these relations will not be affected by any position taken by Britain against Hizbullah.”

Hollande Meets Aoun, Jumblat
Naharnet/March 07/19/President Michel Aoun received on Thursday the former French President Francois Hollande who plans to make a series of meetings with Lebanese officials to discuss the economic aid for Lebanon agreed at the CEDRE support conference last year. Hollande had arrived Wednesday in Beirut and met with Prime Minister Saad Hariri who threw a banquet in his honor. Discussions between the two touched on the situation in Lebanon, Hariri's media office had said. Later on Thursday, Hollande visited the Progressive Socialist Party leader ex-MP Walid Jumblat in al-Mukhtara. Jumblat threw a banquet in Hollande's honor. In a welcoming speech, Jumblat said the Syrian regime refused to acknowledge the rights of the Syrian people and that Hollande was the only president who supported their uprising. “You were the only president who supported the uprising of the Syrian people and the uprising of the Lebanese,” in reference to the March 14 uprising that ousted the Syrian army from Lebanon. For his part, Hollande said: “You represent a model to the world because you have succeeded in establishing security and unity.”

US Asks Beirut to Hand Over Syrian Intelligence Official to Berlin
Washington - Beirut - Asharq Al-Awsat/Thursday, 7 March, 2019/The United States has asked Lebanon to extradite the chief of Syria's Air Force Intelligence Directorate to Germany. Washington “would welcome” any decision by the Lebanese government that “would facilitate the lawful extradition of Syrian General Jamil Hassan to Germany,” in compliance with Berlin’s extradition request, the State Department said in a statement earlier this week. Hassan is “notorious for his alleged involvement in the extensive use of torture in Syrian detention centers. The German federal prosecutor issued an arrest warrant against the general in June 2018 for committing crimes against humanity based on a complaint filed by Syrian refugees residing in Germany,” it said. Hassan has reportedly visited Lebanon several times in the past few months to receive medical care. Last month, German authorities arrested two suspected former members of Syria's secret police on suspicion of carrying out or aiding in crimes against humanity. The arrests took place in Berlin and the southwestern state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Prosecutors said that a 56-year-old high-ranking member of Syria's General Intelligence Directorate, identified only as Anwar R., is accused of participating in the abuse of detainees at a prison he oversaw in Damascus. As lead investigator, he allegedly ordered the use of systematic and brutal torture of anti-regime activists between July 2011 and January 2012. According to prosecutors, the second man, Eyad A., aged 42, was part of a unit that arrested hundreds of activists and brought them to the prison run by the other suspect.

Aoun Confirms Government’s Commitment to CEDRE Reforms, Resolving Economic Situation
Beirut - Asharq Al-Awsat/Thursday, 7 March, 2019/President Michel Aoun praised cooperation between Lebanon and Germany in various fields, noting that resolving the economic file, combating corruption and following up the return of displaced Syrians were among the priorities of the government, in addition to Lebanon’s commitment to implement the agreements of the CEDRE Conference. Aoun’s remarks came during his meeting with German Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Niels Annen, and his accompanying delegation. “Tackling the economic issue, resuming the fight against corruption and the repatriation of the displaced Syrians are our government's priorities,” Aoun told his guest. He also underlined Lebanon’s commitment to implement CEDRE resolutions. Aoun maintained that Lebanon was unable to bear the consequences of the massive presence of Syrian refugees, renewing calls on the international community to help repatriate the displaced to the safe zones in Syria and “not to hinder this return under the pretext of the political solution.” “Lebanon will continue facilitating the repatriation of those wishing to return,” he said, noting that 162 thousand refugees have already returned home. Annen, for his part, highly valued Aoun’s efforts to form the new government and underlined his country’s support for Lebanon and its continuous participation in the UNIFIL forces. The German minister also met on Wednesday with Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil.

Parliament Resumes 2nd Day of Legislative Session
Naharnet/March 07/19/Speaker Nabih Berri chaired the parliament’s legislative session on Thursday after a previous session on Wednesday that approved a law authorizing the government to borrow funds in foreign currencies. At the beginning of the session, Berri gave the government a one month time limit to re-examine the proposal of a law on petroleum resources in Lebanese territory after the insistence of Prime Minister Saad Hariri to discuss it, media reports said. Energy Minister Nada al-Bustani has expressed reservation about the proposal, they added. Berri has referred a draft law, aimed at settling the conditions of employees in the Customs Authority, to the Supreme Council of Customs because it entails burdens on the Lebanese treasury, reports said.

Bassil Sends Letters to UN, EU, Foreign Ministers on Israel Infringing Territorial Waters
Naharnet/March 07/19/Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil on Thursday stressed that Lebanon “will not allow infringement of its rights and sovereignty” following Israel’s breach of Lebanon’s territorial waters. Bassil addressed letters to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the President of the General Assembly and the High Representative for Foreign Policy of the European Union, and to the Foreign Ministers of Cyprus, Greece and Italy on the project of extending pipelines between the occupied Territory and said countries, the National News Agency reported. He warned against “tampering with Lebanon's rights to the Special Economic Zone," and stressed the need to abide by international laws of the sea and coordinates sent by Lebanon to the UN Secretary-General's Office. Bassil warned that "Lebanon will not allow infringement of its rights and sovereignty.” In February, Speaker Nabih Berri has warned that Israel had licensed a company to excavate for oil and gas near disputed maritime areas with Lebanon. He raised the issue with Italian Prime Minister, Giuseppe Conte and said “it was necessary to raise the issue of Israeli violations against Block 9. We have warned the oil companies excavating in Lebanon’s oil, including the Italian ENI, on the issue.” In 2018, Lebanon signed its first contract to drill for oil and gas in a pair of offshore zones, including Block 9 which Israel says belongs to it. A consortium comprising energy giants Total, ENI, and Novatek has pledged to begin drilling off Lebanon's coast in 2019. Total has said that the dispute between Lebanon and Israel over Block 9 only covers eight percent of its surface area. But Lebanese officials have said the whole zone belongs to Lebanon, and Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman has insisted it is solidly in Israeli territory.

Report: Duquesne to Visit Beirut Again, Europeans 'Pessimistic' Lebanon Capable of Reforms
Naharnet/March 07/19/Pierre Duquesne, the French inter-ministerial delegate for the Mediterranean who is in charge of following up on the implementation of the CEDRE conference resolutions, is expected to visit Beirut again before the end of March, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Thursday. His visit aims to “identify the Lebanese seriousness to implement the CEDRE recommended reforms,” said the daily. Duquesne was in Lebanon last week where he stressed at meetings with senior Lebanese officials that France “must notice a desire from the Lebanese to start the reforms recommended by the CEDRE conference within two week.”He urged the Lebanese government to “devise a specific program for implementing CEDRE's terms,” noting that the “donors are especially focusing on the issue of reforms and confronting corruption.”The Paris-sponsored CEDRE support conference was held on April 6 and presented long-term economic developments projects for Lebanon. Al-Joumhouria daily said that “pessimistic European signals on the implementation of CEDRE continue to follow, and reflect a clear skepticism of the seriousness of the Lebanese side to fulfill what was committed at the Paris conference.”
According to unnamed sources, Dutch diplomats have reportedly confirmed that the “Lebanese are not serious about reforms because the same old crew of politicians are still in power and will cook the same dish,” they said. They stressed that CEDRE “will not offer anything before Lebanon improves itself.”Moreover, the daily referred to the latest visit of German Deputy Foreign Minister Niels Annen to Lebanon, saying “it comes in the context of urging the Lebanese officials to seriously engage in preparations to translate the conference reforms.” It said the “Germans, like all Europeans, doubt the Lebanese government’s seriousness in paving the way for implementation of the CEDRE pledges.”

Hariri Throws Dinner Banquet in Honor of Hollande
Naharnet/March 07/19/Prime Minister Saad Hariri met Wednesday evening at the Center House with former French president Francois Hollande, the premier's office said. The meeting was held in the presence of French Ambassador to Lebanon Bruno Foucher, MP Nazih Najm and ex-minister Ghattas Khoury. Talks then continued over a dinner banquet that Hariri threw in honor of his guest. “Discussions tackled the general situations in Lebanon the region,” Hariri's office said.

No Internet and Cameras at the Door: Ghosn's Bail Conditions
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/March 07/19/To obtain his freedom, former auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn had to stump up more than just a cool one billion yen ($9 million) in cash. He had to submit to various conditions that even his lawyer admitted might be "inconvenient" for the former jet-setting executive. Nevertheless, the conditions proposed by lead defence lawyer Junichiro Hironaka did the trick after two failed bail bids by a previous attorney.  Those were rejected by the court on the grounds that Ghosn was a flight risk who could destroy evidence. Prosecutors had strongly opposed his release, arguing that he could seek to contact others involved in the case. If he breaks any of the conditions he could lose some or all of the $9-million bail, or even find himself back at the Tokyo Detention Centre before his trial -- which could still take months to organise. Here are some of the major conditions of Ghosn's bail:
Residence
Ghosn may have walked free from the Tokyo Detention Centre that was his unwanted home for more than 100 days but there will still be significant restrictions on his movement while he is on bail. He must stay in a residence in Tokyo designated by the court. A surveillance camera will be installed at the door. Footage from this camera must be submitted to the court periodically. He is not under house arrest, however, and is free to go outside to do his shopping. He can even take short overnight domestic trips but needs the court's permission if he wishes to be absent for three days or longer.
Stuck in Japan
The globe-trotting executive with residences all over the world will be restricted to Japan as part of the bail conditions. According to the Japanese media, his lawyers will take possession of his passport, preventing him from overseas travel.
No web
As the head of three massive car companies, Ghosn was always on the move and in constant contact with his office. That will certainly change under his bail conditions.
He will be allowed access to a computer, but only at his lawyer's office and the machine will not be hooked up to the internet, Hironaka confirmed to reporters.
He is allowed to make phone calls but his lawyers will submit to the court the list of all the outgoing numbers dialled -- to prevent him making contact with a person of interest in his case. He will not be able to use emails or the internet on any phone he uses.
No contact
Ghosn has on several occasions denounced what he sees as a "plot" within Nissan to bring him down and part of his bail requirements is that he should not meet with anyone involved in the case. This includes his former right-hand man Greg Kelly, who was released on bail on Christmas Day but faces charges of conspiring to under-report Ghosn's salary over a period of eight years. However, according to local media, he could in theory attend a Nissan board meeting if he secures the court's approval. He remains technically a member of the board until an Exceptional General Meeting expected April 8 where shareholders will vote on ousting him.

Lebanon warns neighbours against using disputed territory for Israel's EastMed gas pipeline
Reuters/Ynetnews/March 07/19
In letter to UN head, EU foreign policy chief, and Italy, Greece and Cyprus, Beirut asks for them to honor country's exclusive economic zone, tells Greek FM it will not allow its sovereignty to be breached
Lebanon on Thursday warned its Mediterranean neighbours that a planned EastMed gas pipeline from Israel to the European Union must not be allowed to violate its maritime borders. Beirut has an unresolved maritime border dispute with Israel - which it regards as an enemy country - over a sea area of about 860 sq km (330 square miles) extending along the edge of three of Lebanon's southern energy blocks.Israel is hoping to enlist several European countries in the construction of a 2,000 km (1,243 mile) pipeline linking vast eastern Mediterranean gas resources to Europe through Cyprus, Greece and Italy at a cost of $7 billion. Lebanon's foreign minister, Gebran Bassil, said he had written to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, EU foreign policy head Federica Mogherini and the foreign ministers of Cyprus, Greece and Italy to request that the pipeline does not infringe on Lebanon's rights within what it claims as its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
In a copy of the letter sent to Greece's foreign ministry seen by Reuters, Bassil said Lebanon would not allow its sovereignty to be breached, "especially when it comes to any eventual attempt from Israel to encroach on Lebanon's sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its EEZ."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday said that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit Israel within the next few days to help with its plan to export natural gas to Europe. "In a few days, the leaders of Cyprus and Greece will come here, together with ... Pompeo, to advance a gas pipeline from Israel to Europe via these countries," Netanyahu said. Pompeo on Monday said his visit to the region will also include a stop in Beirut and Kuwait. Lebanon last year licensed a consortium of Italy's Eni, France's Total and Russia's Novatek to carry out the country's first offshore energy exploration in two blocks. One of the blocks, Block 9, contains waters disputed with Israel. Lebanese leaders have repeatedly warned Israel not to encroach on its offshore oil and gas reserves. A number of big gas fields have been discovered in the eastern Mediterranean Levant Basin since 2009. However, the region lacks significant oil and gas infrastructure and political relations between the countries - including Cyprus, Greece, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon and Syria - are strained on a number of fronts. In January, Eastern Mediterranean countries agreed in Cairo to set up a forum to create a regional gas market, cut infrastructure costs and offer competitive prices. Lebanon and Turkey did not participate in the meeting, nor did war-torn Syria.

To fight corruption, Lebanon must first restore its sovereignty
Ziad El Sayegh/Annahar/March 07/2019
BEIRUT: If a rampant underground economy, a mini-state within a state, violations of the constitution, extra-budgetary spending, and a failed social security system do not classify as corruption, then what does?
Isn't blaming the abysmal state of electricity, transportation, water and sewage networks on politics, while continuously spending billions on these sectors considered corruption?
What about enacting a public salary increase funded by a tax hike, or failing to adopt a comprehensive policy towards Palestinian and Syrian refugees?
And let's not forget the unconstitutional 11-month extension of the previous Lebanese Parliament's term.
These violations, committed by those in power, are but the tip of the iceberg. While an increasing number of lawmakers are claiming to be fighting corruption, only a few of them can be considered transparent, efficient, and looking out for the public's interest. Despite the extensive and elaborate media campaigns making rounds in recent days, it is unlikely that those actually involved in corruption will change course and truly enact reforms. Recent claims about fighting corruption serve to shift the conversation away from the real issues plaguing Lebanon and its existence moving forward and play right into the hands of those who are actually pushing Lebanon over the cliff. These claims are being echoed today by those who have abandoned the battle to defend Lebanon's sovereignty and offered one-sided concessions under the false belief that it serves the betterment of Lebanon.
In this context, it is necessary to understand that corruption in Lebanon is institutionalized. Regulating the job market or the public sector's working hours would do little to address corruption, which has been entrenched in the psyche of the everyday citizen, forcing him to become an accomplice to achieve his goals.
Corruption has been established by a political class that claims to want to eradicate it. A class that enjoys the political cover of regional and international players, who continue to violate Lebanon's sovereignty given the lack of a well-defined national security strategy; a strategy that should be drawn up and enforced to restore Lebanon's sovereignty before even touching on the issue of corruption.
Sovereignty is not only about restricting access to weapons to legitimate security institutions, but enjoying an independent foreign policy and decision-making process free of internal and outside pressures. And this requires legitimate and competent statesmen, not individuals seeking to reap in the rewards of the job.
This notion of fighting corruption before securing Lebanon's complete sovereignty is nothing more than a slogan, one that has been recycled and used by every government to date. Today, the ruling class is warning against an impending collapse but with no intention to save Lebanon. It is rather a last-ditch effort to collect international funds, aid, and grants, only to delay the inevitable.
*Ziad El Sayegh is an expert in Public Policies and Refugee crises.

U.S. Sanctions Are Hurting Hezbollah
حنين غدار/معهد واشنطن/العقوبات الأميركية تؤذي حزب الله
Hanin Ghaddar/The Washington Institute/March 07/19
http://eliasbejjaninews.com/archives/72809/hanin-ghaddar-the-washington-instituteu-s-sanctions-are-hurting-hezbollah%d8%ad%d9%86%d9%8a%d9%86-%d8%ba%d8%af%d8%a7%d8%b1-%d9%85%d8%b9%d9%87%d8%af-%d9%88%d8%a7%d8%b4%d9%86%d8%b7%d9%86-%d8%a7%d9%84/
To further tighten the noose, Washington should disrupt the group’s efforts to tap international aid, Lebanese ministry budgets, Syrian smuggling revenue, and other resources.
Despite Hezbollah’s repeated claims that foreign sanctions would not affect its capabilities, evidence suggests that the group is facing a serious financial crisis. Its leaders have already implemented harsh new austerity measures, and sources close to the group believe these efforts will become more severe over time. Many Hezbollah members and supporters are shocked by these measures, including rank-and-file fighters who have largely been spared from past budget cuts. Most significantly, the austerity campaign is shaking the group’s image as a “father figure” within the Shia community. Hezbollah is now looking for new sources of funding, but there are ways to stop it.
WHAT HAS CHANGED?
Most of the austerity measures have been enacted in the past few months, with Hezbollah attributing them to U.S. sanctions on Iran, the group’s principal patron. As Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah stated on August 14, Hezbollah will face a financial problem “as long as U.S. President Donald Trump is in power.” Yet while Nasrallah assured listeners that the group will persevere due to its strong infrastructure, officials have proven incapable of holding up to such promises so far.
As the fighting subsided in much of Syria over the past three months, Hezbollah has brought many of its personnel home, apart from the combat troops and logistics forces stationed in the Damascus area, Deir al-Zour, and south Syria. In particular, it has redeployed many of its newer fighters, whom it recruited during the war on a contractual basis and is no longer obligated to pay now that they are back home.
Meanwhile, according to a January report by Sky News Arabia, employees of Hezbollah’s media, education, medical, and military systems have complained of deep pay cuts, with some reportedly receiving only 60 percent of their salaries that month. Employees believe further pay cuts may be imminent.
Fighters and their families are beginning to complain about lost wages as well—a largely unprecedented development. Married fighters are reportedly receiving only half of their salaries (which normally range from $600 to $1,200 per month), and single fighters are receiving only $200 per month.
In other sectors, Hezbollah sources quoted by local media reported that employees in its religious institutions have not been paid in three months. The group has also closed around a thousand offices and apartments throughout Lebanon, merged many of its institutions, and frozen all hiring. Its social services budget has decreased as well, following a previous reduction in 2013.
THINKING LONG TERM
Although Iran has not stopped sending money to Hezbollah so far, the group realizes that continued sanctions and/or altered regional circumstances may require it to seek alternative sources of funding down the road. For instance, if a new war breaks out with Israel, Tehran might not be able to send trucks full of cash to Lebanon as it did around the time of the 2006 conflict. Likewise, other states may not be as willing to fund another postwar reconstruction now that Hezbollah controls the government.
The group also realizes that Tehran is engaged in several expensive endeavors beyond Lebanon, many of which involve Hezbollah personnel. In Syria, their activities are entering a new phase—one focused on cementing their military and political presence via soft-power initiatives, purchasing large amounts of land, recruiting Sunni men in the south and Deir al-Zour, and establishing social and cultural services to indoctrinate Syrian youths. All of these initiatives require budgetary shifts, and Hezbollah leaders seem intent on making cuts in Lebanon (where they believe the Shia community can afford such sacrifices) in order to build roots in Syria (where their influence is more fragile).
NEW SOURCES OF FUNDING
To address the financial crisis and ensure it does not worsen due to sanctions, Hezbollah has been looking to tap several alternative sources of money:
After making further inroads into government agencies following last year’s parliamentary elections, Hezbollah aims to use various public resources to appease its community. For example, when the new government finally formed this January, the group gained direct control over the Health Ministry, which commands Lebanon’s fourth-largest budget at $338 million per year. In contrast to other top ministries, the Health Ministry gives the majority of its funds directly to the public rather than paying them out as salaries to ministry employees, potentially allowing Hezbollah to divert large sums to supporters affected by its internal austerity measures. It might also use the ministry to funnel Iranian pharmaceuticals to Lebanon.
Via its political allies, Hezbollah has gained access to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the Agriculture Ministry, and the Ministry of Energy and Water, whose assistance may now be used to fund projects and businesses affiliated with the group.
Hezbollah officials have reportedly informed the allied Amal Party that they will take charge of assigning half of the government jobs constitutionally allocated to the Shia community. Traditionally, Amal has used this privilege to maintain its own support base, but Hezbollah can no longer afford to relinquish such a windfall; instead, it will likely give these positions to its own supporters and fighters.
Hezbollah has been increasingly exhorting Lebanese Shia to pay the khums, a religious tax representing one-fifth of whatever money they earn. The group is affiliated with many of the religious authorities who collect this tax, so it would benefit significantly.
The increase in smuggling along the Lebanon-Syria border and via Beirut port has also helped Hezbollah, which controls both sides of the frontier and the port facilities.
Hezbollah recently gave its blessing to the $11 billion in aid pledged at the French-sponsored CEDRE development conference last April, after opposing the idea for months because it will open Lebanon up to international scrutiny (for more on the current status of this aid, see the closing section of this PolicyWatch). Yet the group is pushing for the money to come through ministry budgets rather than public-private partnerships—the generally preferred route for foreign investments, and one that the previous government prepared for by passing the “PPP Law” in 2017. If its demands are met, Hezbollah will have an easier time accessing CEDRE funds through the many service ministries controlled by its allies.
DON’T PUNISH LEGITIMATE SHIA BUSINESSES
Because of Hezbollah’s many illegal activities at home and abroad, Lebanon’s Shia community as a whole is now considered “high risk.” For many investors considering deals there, the easiest decision is to avoid any partnership with Shia-owned companies, which unfairly alienates legitimate businesspeople.
Accordingly, the U.S. government should focus on educating international institutions and Lebanese citizens about which entities and activities are targeted by sanctions against Hezbollah. Treasury Department officials have repeatedly stated that sanctions are not meant to punish the entire Shia community, but no serious efforts have been made to reach out to Shia businesses. Such discussions would help Washington better understand the impact of sanctions and develop strategies to avoid serious collateral damage.
At the same time, sanctions have had promising results so far. Businesspeople who oppose Hezbollah want to protect their investments. More significantly, many Shia businesspeople are eager to extricate all of their interests from companies close to Hezbollah, and are looking for guidance and information on how best to do so.
For its part, Hezbollah is blaming the financial problems on the United States and asking supporters to resist and persevere, acknowledging the depth of the problem while seemingly regarding it as temporary. For example, one high-ranking commander told an interviewer in January that the group had lost more than 40 percent of its Shia supporters: “We know that this figure will rise; however, we are not worried. Those we’ve lost have nowhere to go, and they will come back to us when the crisis is over.”
Indeed, the disheartened Shia have no alternatives at the moment, which has left many of them feeling isolated and collectively punished. Yet this state of affairs can be reversed if the United States and other actors give them tangible alternatives such as better access to loans and jobs.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT CEDRE FUNDS?
Until such alternatives are available, Washington should make sure that any CEDRE money Lebanon receives from the World Bank, Saudi Arabia, or other top donors is sent through public-private partnerships rather than Beirut’s ministry budgets. That way, Hezbollah will not be able to control how it is spent or obstruct the reforms associated with it.
Currently, the World Bank is planning to issue a policy letter outlining the conditions for disbursement of these funds. Yet according to Hayya Bina—a Lebanese NGO with lengthy experience monitoring the country’s donor relations—international organizations lack the knowledge necessary to avoid unintended transactions with Hezbollah-affiliated institutions. This is why it is vital for the United States to engage in assertive dialogue with the World Bank as soon as possible, to help ensure that these billions do not become yet another slush fund for Hezbollah.
*Hanin Ghaddar is the Friedmann Visiting Fellow in The Washington Institute’s Geduld Program on Arab Politics.
https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/u.s.-sanctions-are-hurting-hezbollah?fbclid=IwAR2fe-R28oV_282keR5O4QzF9EBOmyR7KiuqHoWvvEkGqWJOu6w97CKfLyk#.XIFMeflbxUY.facebook

Latest LCCC English Miscellaneous Reports & News published on March 07-08/2019
Arab Quartet Committee Condemns Continuous Iranian Interference
Cairo - Sawsan Abu Hussein/Asharq Al-Awsat/Thursday, 7 March, 2019/The Arab Foreign Ministers’ Council, which convened in Cairo on Wednesday, emphasized the need for Syria’s unity but did not decide on its return to the Arab League in the upcoming summit in Tunis. The Arab foreign ministers concluded their meeting by renewing previous resolutions on the importance of “preserving the unity and territorial integrity of Syria,” but Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said that the issue of Syria’s attendance at the Tunis summit was not discussed by the foreign ministers. In a statement, the ministers affirmed their support of the efforts deployed by UN envoys to Libya, Yemen and Syria for a peaceful solution, as well as their backing of the “Sweden Agreement on the Yemeni file” and the need for the withdrawal of the Houthi militias from Hodeidah. The Arab foreign ministers reiterated the “Arab positions in support of the Palestinian cause,” stressing that there would be no peace and stability without the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital according to the two-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative. The statement added that the foreign ministers approved a “special resolution to support the Sudan and welcome President Omar al-Bashir’s declaration of 2019 as the year of peace and stability.” They also valued the efforts of the Sudanese government to promote peace, security and stability in the country based on the outputs of the national dialogue initiative. Meanwhile, the Arab ministerial committee on Iran’s interventions denounced the “provocative statements” by Iranian officials against Arab countries. The committee includes Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE and Bahrain, as well as Aboul Gheit. At the conclusion of its meeting on Wednesday the committee expressed its “deep concern over Iranian sectarian incitement in Arab countries and its support of terrorist militias.” The committee condemned the continuation of Iranian-made ballistic missile launches from within Yemeni territory towards Saudi Arabia, stressing the support for measures taken by the Kingdom and Bahrain to respond to such acts of aggression to protect their security and stability.

Arab Foreign Ministers Reiterate Commitment to Palestinian Cause
Cairo - Asharq Al-Awsat/Thursday, 7 March, 2019/Arab foreign ministers have reiterated their commitment to the Palestinian cause, expressing grave concern over the developments in Jerusalem, mainly Israel’s attempts to control parts of al-Aqsa mosque compound. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit asserted that Palestine is a “top Arab priority … because permanent stability in the region is only achieved through a just settlement for ending the occupation and establishing a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.” Aboul Gheit was speaking at the 151st session of the Arab League Foreign Ministers which kicked off in Cairo Wednesday for discussions on joint Arab action in political, economic, security and cultural affairs. “We are monitoring the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories with grave concern,” he indicated, adding that Israel’s use of violence and repression against the Palestinian people has intensified. Israel’s unrelenting measures in Jerusalem such as the ban of religious and political leaders from entering the al-Aqsa compound have effectively paralyzed the peace process for more than two years in anticipation of a US peace plan that only produced more arbitrary measures against the Palestinians and their rights, the Sec-Gen added. In his speech, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry also prioritized the Palestinian cause, calling for strong efforts to bring back “serious negotiations that will lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.” Shoukry asserted that Egypt fully supports the Palestinian people to obtain all their legitimate rights, and rejects unilateral measures aimed at perpetuating Israeli occupation. He called for full adherence to the Arab Peace Initiative adopted more than 17 years ago. Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Riyad Maliki called on Arab countries to take all practical measures to confront any country that recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, according to Wafa news agency. “Seventeen years after the Arab Peace Initiative, the number of Israeli settlers has doubled and campaigns to Judaize East Jerusalem and attempts to divide al-Aqsa Mosque have increased,” he said. “Killing, arresting and robbing Palestinian lands and resources have doubled,” Maliki added.

Ultra-conservative cleric appointed head of Iran’s judiciary
AFP/March 07, 2019/TEHRAN: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday appointed ultra-conservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi, a one-time presidential hopeful, as head of the judiciary, the leader’s website said. Former judge Raisi, who currently heads the holy shrine of Imam Reza, was the leading rival to President Hassan Rouhani at Iran’s 2017 election and has close ties to the supreme leader. Khamenei said in a statement that he appointed Raisi to bring about a “transformation (in the judiciary) in line with (its) needs, advancements and challenges” on the 40th year of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. “For carrying out this crucial act, I have chosen you who have a long track record in different levels of the judiciary and are in touch with its nuances,” he said in the statement. He called on Raisi to be “with the people, the revolution and against corruption” in his new role. Raisi is a mainstay of the conservative establishment, having served as attorney general, supervisor of state broadcaster IRIB and prosecutor in the Special Court for Clerics. He bears the title of Hojjat Al-Islam, which is a rank under Ayatollah in the Shiite cleric hierarchy. Raisi became deputy prosecutor at the Revolutionary Court of Tehran during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war. Human rights organizations, opposition members and dissidents have accused the tribunal of overseeing the execution of political prisoners without due legal process during his tenure. He was chosen by Khamenei in 2016 to head Iran’s Imam Reza Shrine and lead its huge business conglomerate, Astan Qods Razavi, with interests in everything from IT and banking to construction and agriculture. During his 2017 campaign, Raisi took a tough line on Rouhani’s “weak efforts” in negotiating the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers that brought the Islamic republic sanctions relief in exchange for limiting its nuclear program. US President Donald Trump last year withdrew Washington from the pact and reimposed sanctions on Tehran.

EU Court Rejects Hamas Challenge over Terror Listing
Luxembourg - Asharq Al-Awsat/Thursday, 7 March, 2019/An EU court on Wednesday dismissed a challenge by Hamas against its 2015 listing as a terrorist organization, a decision that made the Palestinian movement liable to EU sanctions. The European Union first included Hamas on its terrorist list in late 2001, which resulted in the freezing of assets owned in the bloc. The movement, which seized control of the Gaza Strip in 2007, has repeatedly contested the EU's listing decisions. Wednesday's ruling by the EU's General Court relates specifically to the EU's decision to renew the Hamas listing in 2015. Among other arguments, Hamas had said that the 2015 decision rested on facts that were not substantiated by any evidence; denied it the right of defense; and infringed upon the group's right to property by freezing its funds. The organization describes itself as "a lawful political movement that won the Palestinian elections and forms the core of the Palestinian government" which should therefore be prevented "from being characterized as a terrorist group." The Luxembourg-based judges dismissed the arguments. Since Hamas is "neither a state nor the government of a state, Hamas cannot benefit from the principle of non-interference," the court said. The decision to add Hamas to the terrorism list relied in part on an order by the British Home Secretary and a decision by the US Secretary of State from October 1997, describing Hamas as a foreign terrorist organization, according to the court. Wednesday's decision can be appealed before the European Court of Justice, the bloc's top tribunal.

Netanyahu: Pompeo to Aid Israel With Gas Export Plan
Tel Aviv- Asharq Al-Awsat/Thursday, 7 March, 2019/US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will soon visit Israel to help with its plan for exporting natural gas to Europe with Cypriot and Greek partners, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday. Israel is hoping to enlist several European countries in the construction of a 2,000 kilometer (1,243 miles) pipeline linking vast eastern Mediterranean gas resources to Europe at a cost of $7 billion. "In a few days, the leaders of Cyprus and Greece will come here, together with ... Pompeo, to advance a gas pipeline from Israel to Europe via these countries," Netanyahu told naval cadets in the port city of Haifa. Sources in Tel Aviv confirmed that Pompeo will squeeze into his Middle East tour a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the context of intensifying contacts between the two sides over the Middle East peace plan, dubbed the ‘deal of the century’. The White House announced on Wednesday that Pompeo’s tour will include Israel, Lebanon, and Kuwait, without disclosing the objectives of the visit. Washington, however, has denied any connection between the top diplomat’s visit to Israel with upcoming elections there, scheduled for April 9. The Israeli source highlighted the significance of Pompeo’s meeting with Netanyahu, merely days ahead of the latter’s visit to the US for attending the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) conference. In Washington, the State Department stressed that Pompeo's visit should not be interpreted as an attempt to interfering in Israeli elections. An upcoming visit to Israel by Pompeo is not meant to send any message to the Israeli electorate before the upcoming elections, State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said. “No message. Israel is an ally. We’re not going to get involved in the domestic politics of another country.”He did not give precise dates for Pompeo’s trip. Palladino, however, noted that Pompeo’s trip to Kuwait was a continuation of a visit he took to Arab Gulf states in January that was cut short because of family reasons.

Israel Razes Home of Palestinian Suspect in Deadly Shootings
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/March 07/19/Israel on Thursday razed the home of a Palestinian accused of shooting dead two soldiers in the West Bank and aiding another attack that caused a baby's death, the army said. A military statement said that troops, border police and defence ministry officials "demolished the residence of Assam Barghouti in Kobar, north of Ramallah," in the Israeli-occupied territory. Barghouti is accused of shooting the soldiers at a bus stop near the Givat Assaf settlement in the Ramallah area on December 13. At least two other people -- including another soldier -- were wounded, the army said at the time. Israel's domestic security service, the Shin Bet, has also accused him of involvement along with his brother in another shooting attack nearby, close to the Ofra settlement, that caused the death of a baby and wounded seven. In the December 9 shooting, a pregnant woman was seriously wounded and her baby was born prematurely by emergency caesarean and later died. Barghouti's brother, Salah, 29, was killed during an arrest raid on December 12. The armed wing of Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, which has fought three wars with Israel since 2008, has claimed Salah Barghouti as one of its "fighters."In a statement following Assam Barghouti's arrest, last month Hamas praised him and the Palestinian "resistance" without claiming him as a member. Assaf Barghouti was arrested at the home of an alleged accomplice near Ramallah and was allegedly preparing more attacks, the Shin Bet said. A Kalashnikov assault rifle, night-vision equipment and ammunition were seized during his arrest, according to the Shin Bet. Israel regularly razes the homes of Palestinians accused of carrying out attacks against Israelis. Rights groups criticise the practice as collective punishment since family members suffer from the actions of relatives. "It is carried out without trial and without any requirement to present evidence," says the B'Tselem organisation.

Palestinian Killed by Israeli Fire during Gaza Border Clashes
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/March 07/19/A Palestinian teenager was killed by Israeli fire during renewed clashes along the Gaza border overnight Thursday, the enclave's health ministry said, with Israel striking a Hamas position in response to the violence. Health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said Saif al-Deen Abu Zeid, 15, died "due to wounds sustained east of Gaza (City) a few hours ago."The teenager was shot during clashes along the border late Wednesday, Qudra told AFP. An Israeli army spokeswoman did not comment on the specific incident but said hundreds of "rioters" had hurled rocks and explosive devices at troops along the border. Soldiers responded according to "standard operating procedures," she said. Israeli fighter jets later struck several sites belonging to Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas in the south of the enclave, an army statement said. The military said the strikes were "in response to the balloons carrying explosive devices and the projectile that were launched from the Gaza Strip at Israeli territory earlier this evening."Projectile often refers to a rocket, but Israel's military said it could provide no further details. A Palestinian security source said a Hamas base was struck in southern Gaza, causing damage but no injuries. It was the fifth such Israeli strike since Saturday, each in response to either balloon-borne explosive devices floated across the border or explosive devices hurled at the border fence. The uptick in violence has raised fears a fragile truce agreed in November between Israel and Hamas could collapse, with both sides accusing the other of breaching the terms of the informal agreement. Islamists Hamas have controlled Gaza since 2007 and have fought three wars with Israel since. At least 252 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since March 2018, the majority shot during the at least weekly border protests, while others have been hit by tank fire or air strikes in response to violence from Gaza. Two Israeli soldiers have been killed over the same period.

Trump Agrees to Expand Troop Mission in East Syria
Washington, London – Asharq Al-Awsat/Thursday, 7 March, 2019/Washington added a new mission to US and European troops that will remain in eastern Syria, according to a letter issued by several members of Congress. The objective of the soldiers would be to prevent a conflict between Washington's Kurdish allies and Turkey. President Donald Trump wrote to members of Congress that he now agrees "100%" with keeping a military presence in Syria. “We support a small American stabilizing force in Syria,” the letter read, adding that keeping a military presence “which includes a small contingent of American troops and ground forces from our European allies, is essential to ensure stability and prevent the return of ISIS”. Trump sent the legislators a copy of the letter and highlighted a paragraph that details the group’s goal, which states: “Like you, we seek to ensure that all of the gains made in Syria are not lost, that ISIS never returns, that Iran is not emboldened, and that we consolidate our gains and ensure the best outcome in Geneva for American interests.”“I agree 100%. ALL is being done,” Trump hand wrote and signed the letter. The letter contributed to Trump’s decision to retain 400 soldiers instead of withdrawing all 2,000 currently in eastern Syria. Meanwhile, US military sources said that the meeting between US Chief of Staff Joseph Dunford and his Russian counterpart Valery Gerasimov in Vienna on Monday did not reach agreement on specific US requests to the Russian side. The sources added that Dunford did not receive decisive assurances from Russia on three points: a pledge from Russia that the Syrian regime will not attack the Syrian Democratic Forces after the war on ISIS is over, preventing any force from advancing east of the Euphrates, and not reaching an agreement on the details and mechanism of establishing a no-fly zone over northeastern Syria.

Death and Despair in Last IS Syria Bastion
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/March 07/19/Torched tents, a rain of bullets, the thunderous whoosh of warplanes muffling the call to prayer: survivors say life inside the Islamic State group's dying "caliphate" was a bleak catalogue of despair. The crackle and thud of gunfire and shelling filled the air as plumes of thick black smoke rose over the bombed-out village of Baghouz, the last sliver of territory still under IS control. "The last days were horrible," said Sana, a 47-year-old Finnish woman among the thousands who fled the bastion on Tuesday. "Bombing, shooting, burning all the tents... you would wake up and everything was destroyed." More than 7,000 people, mostly women and children, have fled the shrinking pocket over the past two days, as US-backed forces press ahead with an offensive to crush holdout jihadists. The operation to smash the last remnant of the "caliphate" that IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed in 2014 resumed Friday after a long humanitarian pause. Veiled from head to toe, Sana mixed milk powder with water to feed her children. The mother of four said she came to Syria with her Moroccan husband four years ago for the sake of Islam. "In the beginning yes, everything was normal," she said, a narrow slit in her veil revealing honey-coloured eyes. "Without bombings, everything was nice, we were happy," she told AFP. She has since lost her husband to a car accident and has followed jihadists across Syria's east and northeast, not settling in one place for longer than 16 months. She said she wished she could reverse her decision to join IS. "But I can't change history, I can't change my past, that is my destiny now."
'I lost everything'
Rudimentary tents and a small cluster of battered buildings, nestled in a palm-lined bend of the Euphrates, are all that remains of the IS proto-state. Its last survivors seek shelter in underground tunnels and inside tents and cars to hide from the shelling.
"We dig tunnels underground, and we cover them with blankets, that's the tents," said Abu Maryam, a 28-year-old Syrian man from the coastal province of Tartus. "We lived... on top of each other because there were so many people." He said he lost his wife and two children during shelling on Baghouz only days ago. "They burned and I lost everything," he said. "I just want to leave and rest a bit." Jihadists allowed women, children and the wounded to quit the bombed-out bastion in recent weeks, but it has prevented men of fighting age from fleeing, according to survivors. But jihadists are now allowing men to leave as death and destruction take hold. Fatima Abdul Jasem said conditions inside the jihadist encampment were "catastrophic". But the Iraqi woman waited until jihadists released her 20-year-old son before escaping, with him and her two daughters. "Men under 40 who wanted to go out were imprisoned in a guarded tent," she said. "But only two days ago they let them go". Jihadists themselves are among those who have left. Some 400 IS fighters were captured on Tuesday night as they attempted to slip out of Baghouz. The US-backed Syrian Democratic forces said the escape was organised by a network that had planned to smuggle them to remote hideouts.
'It was chaos'
The last malnourished survivors of the IS proto-state tear into packages of water and bread when they arrive in SDF-held territory. "It's been more than nine months since we last saw a vegetable," said a 24-year-old Belgian woman who identified herself as Safia. "Everything was expensive, last month a kilo of rice was over 50 dollars." She says she grew up in the northern French town of Roubaix. She married a French jihadist and followed him to Syria, where they lived out the dream of the "caliphate". "This is the only place where I could live my religion as I wanted," she said. "I really thought it was only going to get bigger." Nearby, a French woman sits on the ground beside two crutches, who said she was wounded in the leg by gunfire. "There was shooting 24 hours a day," she told AFP, declining to give her name. "Everyone is fired at, everyone falls on the street," she said. "It was chaos, there is no other word."

Lavrov From Kuwait: Ongoing Talks With US for Comprehensive Settlement of Syrian Crisis
Dhabi. - Merza al-Khuwaldi, Raed Jaber and Asharq Al-Awsat/Thursday, 7 March, 2019/Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that contacts were underway with Washington to reach a comprehensive settlement of the Syrian crisis. In a joint news conference with his Kuwaiti counterpart, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al Sabah, Lavrov said that talks with the Syrian opposition in Riyadh were constructive and fruitful, underlining the need to work in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolution, which guarantees intra-Syrian dialogue and is the basis of the political process. “We call on the Syrian authorities to work on the return of Syrian refugees and the delivery of humanitarian aid,” he said, highlighting talks with the US side to reach a comprehensive settlement of the Syrian crisis. Lavrov arrived in Kuwait on Tuesday, the third leg of his Gulf tour, which has already taken him to Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait before heading to the UAE. Observers said that the Syrian crisis and ways to bring back Damascus to the Arab League dominate the talks. Sheikh Sabah bin Khaled, for his part, said his country would be “very happy” with the return of Syria to the “Arab family”, referring to reports about the possibility of Damascus’ reintegration in the League of Arab States. This position represents a relative shift in Kuwaiti policy, which had earlier stressed that Syria’s exit from the Arab League was an Arab decision and its return can only be decided by the League itself. The Kuwaiti foreign minister went on to say Syria was a founding country of the Arab League, “a pivotal state in the region.”Kuwait will be “very happy” with “the start of the political process… and the return of Syria to its Arab family,” he emphasized. In the UAE, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, underlined his country’s keenness that Syria regain an Arab role at the political and security levels, despite the UAE’s disagreement with the Syrian government’s approach in many internal files. “We are now facing an increasing Turkish and Iranian influence and the absence of the Arab role. We believe that this absence is unacceptable,” he said during a joint news conference with Lavrov on Wednesday. He revealed ongoing cooperation with Russia and others to discuss containing Syria, so that it will be part of the Arab region. In Moscow, reports said that Lavrov was seeking to persuade Arab countries to normalize relations with the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, and to work to accelerate the return of Syria to take up its seat in the Arab League. Russian sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Moscow was interested in activating the debate on normalization, in addition to its desire to revive discussions with the Gulf countries on the reconstruction file in Syria and to create conditions for the return of the Syrian refugees to their homeland.

Guaido Urges Europe to Increase Sanctions on Maduro Regime
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/March 07/19/Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido called on Europe Thursday to intensify financial sanctions against the regime of Nicolas Maduro, a day after Caracas expelled the German ambassador for "interference". European countries "should strengthen financial sanctions against the regime. The international community must prevent Venezuelan money from being misused to kill opponents of the regime and indigenous peoples," Guaido said in an interview with the German news weekly Der Spiegel. Guaido, who declared himself interim president in January, strongly condemned the decision by President Maduro to expel the German ambassador to Caracas, and urged the envoy to "remain" in Venezuela. "Venezuela lives under a dictatorship, and this way of proceeding is a threat to Germany," Guaido said. "Maduro holds the presidency illegally. It is not legitimate to declare an ambassador undesirable," he added, thanking Germany for humanitarian aid it has provided. "The regime not only threatens the ambassador verbally, his physical integrity is also threatened." Venezuela expelled Germany's ambassador Wednesday, hitting out at international support for Guaido. The foreign ministry gave German envoy Daniel Kriener 48 hours to leave for "interference" in Venezuela's internal affairs. Kriener was among more than a dozen foreign representatives to welcome Guaido at Caracas airport on his return to the country on Monday -- but so far the only one deemed "persona non grata." German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that kicking Kriener out only "aggravates the situation."Guaido, recognised as interim president by more than 50 countries, had defied a ban on leaving the country to embark on a 10-day tour of South American allies. The National Assembly leader remains free despite the threat of arrest by the government. Washington has continued to tighten the screws on its campaign of sanctions to force Maduro from power, revoking the visas of 77 people linked to the regime, including officials and their families. However, UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said Wednesday that sanctions have worsened Venezuela's crippling economic and political crisis, which has forced 2.7 million people to flee since 2015.

Saudi Sisters Stranded in Hong Kong Granted Extended Stay
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/March 07/19/Two Saudi sisters marooned in Hong Kong after fleeing their family have been granted an extended stay in the city until next month, their law firm said Thursday, as they urgently seek sanctuary in a third country. The siblings are the latest example of Saudi women escaping the ultra-conservative kingdom only to find themselves stranded in foreign cities and making public appeals for their safety. The young women, aged 20 and 18, said they made a break from an abusive family during a holiday in Sri Lanka last September, with the intention of heading for Australia. But they only made it as far as Hong Kong. The two women -- who use the aliases Reem and Rawan -- said they were intercepted at the airport by Saudi consular officials and their air tickets cancelled. The pair, who entered Hong Kong as visitors, also had their passports revoked, leaving them stranded in the southern Chinese city. Their stay was due to expire on the last day of February, their lawyer Michael Vidler had previously said. As that deadline loomed they issued a fresh appeal last week asking authorities to allow them to remain while they seek emergency rescue visas to another country.
In a statement Thursday, Vidler & Co Solicitors said the immigration department confirmed the pair would be "further tolerated" until April 8 but added "the Director of Immigration now asserts that despite being tolerated, the sisters are liable to prosecution and removal as overstayers".
Reem and Rawan said they are "in constant fear of being found by the Saudi authorities and our family and forced to return to Saudi Arabia," in a statement provided by the law firm. "We feel like fish trapped in a little oasis that is rapidly drying out," they said. Fearful they might be abducted, the pair said they have had to change locations many times to stay hidden. Their testimony cannot be independently verified and Saudi authorities have yet to comment on their allegations. But many Saudi women who flee overseas have spoken to media and rights groups of persuasive and coercive tactics used by Saudi officials and family members to pursue those who escape. At the beginning of the year, 18-year-old Saudi woman Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun drew global attention with her dramatic escape from an allegedly abusive family, gaining refugee status in Canada. Vidler said Thursday they are pressing for an "urgent determination" of the sisters' visas to a safe third country.

Halbousi Says Iraq Supports Iran Amid US Sanctions
Baghdad - Hamza Mustafa/Asharq Al-Awsat/Thursday, 7 March, 2019/Iraq’s parliament speaker, Mohamed Halbousi, stressed Monday his country’s refusal to be a “platform for war against neighboring countries,” referring to the growing conflict between the United States and Iran. Halbousi arrived in Tehran on Wednesday, heading a parliamentary delegation at the invitation of the President of the Iranian Shura Council Ali Larijani. A statement from his office said he met with Larijani and discussed “relations between the two countries, activating parliamentary friendship committees, as well as broadening cooperation horizons in all fields.”Talks also touched on important challenges facing the region and the need to coordinate positions in international forums in the interest of both peoples, according to the statement. But Halbousi, on the other hand, underlined Iraq’s rejection of attempts to use its territory to launch any attack or aggression on neighboring countries. He also reiterated that his country would stand by Iran in facing the US sanctions. For his part, Larijani expressed satisfaction with the current security situation in Iraq, saying that Iran and Iraq enjoy friendly relations in various fields, particularly in politics, economics and culture. On a different note, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi held a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over the legal status of US-led coalition forces stationed in Iraq, Abdul Mahdi’s office said Wednesday. The two officials discussed the latest developments in the fight against ISIS near the borderline with Syria, as well as the impacts of the fight on Iraq, the statement added.

Tunisia: 31 Sentenced to Death for Terrorist Attack
Tunis - Mongi Saidani/Asharq Al-Awsat/Thursday, 7 March, 2019/Tunisia’s Criminal Court on terrorism cases in the capital’s Court of Appeal has sentenced 31 people to death over the 2014 terrorist attack on the house of former Interior Minister Lotfi Ben Jeddou. Among the 31 suspects are Seifallah Ben Hassine, known as Abu Ayyad, an associate of late al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden and founder of the militant group Ansar al-Sharia. He is also the main suspect in a series of terrorist acts, including the assassination of Tunisian leftist Chokri Belaid and MP Mohamed el-Brahmi. The 31 suspects, who include Algerians as well as Tunisians, were sentenced in absentia. Some of them are reportedly dead. Algerian Khalid al-Shayeb, known as Luqman Abu Sakhr, was among them. He was allegedly killed in 2015 during armed clashes in the Gafsa region of southwestern Tunisia. The court also sentenced one defendant to three years in prison, seven others to ten years, while a number of other suspects received 20-year or life sentences. In addition, the Tunisian judiciary acquitted seven defendants of terrorism charges. In May 2014, a terrorist group attacked Ben Jeddou's house in Kasserine, killing four Tunisian security agents and injuring several others. In other news, 19 letters containing potentially deadly toxins addressed to prominent journalists, politicians and trade unionists, have been intercepted by police at the central Post Office in Tunis and taken for testing. The National Unit of Investigation for Terrorist Affairs and Organized Crime revealed that the toxic substance was made in Tunisia inside a laboratory. The Ministry of Interior indicated that it is monitoring the movements of the terrorist cells that plotted the attack, especially that the deadly poison was made with local Tunisian expertise and required huge financial support.

Salame, Sewehli Discuss Holding Inclusive Forum ‘Soon’
Cairo - Jamal Jawhar/Asharq Al-Awsat/Thursday, 7 March, 2019/United Nations envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame and former President of the High Council of State (HCS) Abdulrahman Sewehli have discussed political developments in the country and intensive preparations for the “Inclusive Libyan National Peace and Reconciliation Forum”, according to the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). They stressed the necessity to hold the forum the soonest, added the mission. This forum will conclude the national conferences that occurred in Libya, totaling 77 sessions inside and outside the country. It seeks to end the political division among parties, achieve reconciliation, and issue required legislation to hold parliamentary and presidential elections. Many Libyans say the success of the conference depends on the parties who would take part in it and their background, while others insist that all factions should be represented. However, there are objections on the representation of the former regime or the invitation of armed militias to the dialogue. There are efforts to hold the elections in Libya this year despite doubt on the ability to organize the polls in the absence of an electoral law and the presence of armed militias in Tripoli. Salame expressed hope that a call for a national conference will be made soon to end the transitional phase and pave the way to hold the legislative and presidential elections. Member of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) Daw al-Mansouri said that the meeting of head of the Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj with mayors of eastern municipalities on Tuesday was a commemoration for the constitutional path, the civil law and the respect of law. In his meeting, Sarraj said that the country’s political situation did not meet his expectations because differences among the country's factions have had many repercussions including the paralysis of the country's move into statehood in the aftermath of the revolution. Moreover, UNSMIL documented 13 deaths (11 men, one woman, one boy) and 21 injuries (16 men, one woman, three boys) during hostilities across Libya. Most civilian casualties occurred in gunfire attacks (11 killed and 17 injured), followed by improvised explosive devices. This week, ISIS attacked Tazirbu in the country’s southeast, killing eight people, and wounding nine inside the police station. The militants also kidnapped 13 people from the town.

One Police Officer Hurt, Seven Militants Killed in Cairo
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/March 07/19/An Egyptian police officer was wounded and seven suspected militants were killed Thursday in a firefight and raid in the capital Cairo, the interior ministry said. Militants "opened fire" on security forces at a checkpoint on the southern part of the city's ring road, leaving one officer wounded and three attackers dead, the ministry said. "The militants driving a pick-up truck disguised in electricians' work clothes were planning a hostile act planting a bomb in Giza," the statement said. An explosive device, guns and electric cables were found in the truck, the ministry said. Checkpoints had been set up in response to intelligence that militants "had been planning a series of attacks with the aim of sowing chaos". Traffic was clear along the southern Giza Ring Road on Thursday morning, an AFP photographer said. Four other suspected militants were killed in a raid on an apartment in the southern outskirts of Cairo, where bomb-making material and weapons were found, the interior ministry said. The government said those killed in both incidents were part of the militant Hasm group, an armed affiliate of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. Authorities led a crackdown on Brotherhood members after the military overthrew Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, jailing many supporters on terror charges. The Hasm group emerged in 2016 and has in the past claimed responsibility for several attacks including those against judges and police officers.
Egypt has been battling an insurgency since President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi came to power in 2014. A military offensive launched last February against the Islamic State group in the Sinai Peninsula has killed more than 550 suspected jihadists and around 50 soldiers, according to official figures.

Latest LCCC English analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources published on March 07-08/2019
How Assad Defied the Odds, Won in Syria and Pushed the U.S. Out
عاموس هاريل/هآرتس: كيف تحدى الأسد الصعاب وربح في سوريا ودفع أميركا للخروج منها
Amos Harel/Haaretz/March 07/19
http://eliasbejjaninews.com/archives/72800/amos-harel-haaretz-how-assad-defied-the-odds-won-in-syria-and-pushed-the-u-s-out%d8%b9%d8%a7%d9%85%d9%88%d8%b3-%d9%87%d8%a7%d8%b1%d9%8a%d9%84-%d9%87%d8%a2%d8%b1%d8%aa%d8%b3-%d9%83%d9%8a%d9%81/
Eight years into Syria's Civil War, Russia is the big victor in Syria and will remain for a long time to come.
What a difference can 50 fighter jets make. In the summer of 2015 Syrian President Bashar Assad thought his regime was facing collapse. Four-and-a-half years into the Syrian civil war, the Syrian dictator’s army was exhausted; his soldiers were in retreat on nearly every front under pressure from the rebels. At that time, he barely controlled one quarter of the area of the country.
The only way out that he could think of was to turn to his old friend, Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin acceded to his request, sending two squadrons of Russian fighter planes to the Khmeimim air force base in northwestern Syria in September. The change in fortune brought about by these bombers reversed the course of the war and saved Assad’s regime.
The Russian intervention came at a stage when the two sides were already completely exhausted. Therefore, a relatively small number of planes sufficed to tip the scales. Russia began to utilize its planes systematically in indiscriminate attacks, carpet bombing rebel-controlled areas. Putin’s pilots were heedless of any legal or human rights concerns. In the words once used by Yitzhak Rabin to describe what Palestinians security forces would do after Oslo, they'd be unchecked by “the High Court of Justice and B’Tselem” (the Israeli human rights organization.)
The Russians weren't bothered by the Geneva Conventions or by the protest tweets of the international community. They destroyed everything that stood in the way of the regime and gradually restored Assad’s control of the country, at the price of the lives hundreds of thousands of Syrian civilians. In December of 2016, the second largest city in Syria, Aleppo, fell under the pressure of the bombings. In the summer of 2018, the rebel organizations on the Syrian side of the border with Israel in the Golan Heights also surrendered.
Assad now effectively controls about 70 percent of the territory of Syria, in an area that includes most of the large population centers. The rebels have one key stronghold remaining, an enclave in the Idlib area in the north of the country, between Aleppo and the Turkish border. Northeastern Syria is controlled by Kurdish forces but their presence bothers Assad less.
Two other developments played into Assad’s hands. One of them was the campaign conducted by the United States, led by President Barack Obama, against ISIS. America announced the establishment of an international coalition to fight ISIS in the summer of 2014, after a series of shocking executions of foreign hostages by fighters of that organization.
The Americans, in their typical systematic way, smashed ISIS to bits by means of tens of thousands of aerial strikes. The gradual disappearance of ISIS and organizations connected to Al Qaeda enabled the regime to recover. The Russians, meanwhile, focused most of its aerial attacks on areas controlled by other rebel groups, declaring they were thereby making their contribution to the international fight against terror.
The second development had to do with the Iranian intervention. Iran put boots on the ground at Assad’s disposal: Tens of thousands of Shi’ite militia fighters – Hezbollah from Lebanon and militias from Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. While the Syrian army was having a hard time providing trained soldiers, the Shi’ite fighters, sponsored by Iran, served as the spearhead of the moves on the ground, complementing the Russian pressure on the rebels from the air.
At the beginning of 2019, after eight years of the murderous civil war, Assad can more or less stretch out and get comfy again. The war is not entirely over but it looks as though the immediate threat to the regime has lessened considerably. The situation vis-à-vis the Idlib enclave is relatively static and there is presently no continuous and direct military friction with the Kurds. Various rebel groups, including some associated with ISIS, are still carrying out terror attacks in areas controlled by the regime, but to a far lesser extent than during the war's peak.
Damascus is relatively secure. Arab regimes – including the UAE – are renewing their diplomatic relations with Syria and opening embassies in Damascus. Representatives of the Syrian government are again being welcomed rather warmly in various capitals, among them Tehran, Moscow and Ankara. The biggest mass murderer of the 21st century (so far) has evaded punishment. Not only that – he has remained in power and looks to stick around for a long time.
The outcome elicits mixed feelings in Israel. Though Israel paid lip service to the distress of Syrian civilians during the course of the war (and even gave extensive humanitarian aid to inhabitants of villages in the Syrian Golan), it actually benefitted from the fact that two camps, both mightily hateful of Israel, were beating each other to death for many years. It took advantage of this period to curtail weapons smuggling to Hezbollah in Lebanon and later to thwart Iranian attempts to establish itself militarily on Syrian soil.
The victory of the Shi’ite axis doesn't do Israel much good. Rather, it has established Iran’s status in the Middle East and enables it to demand from Assad direct help in the fight against Israel. Looking back, some of the Israeli top brass regret that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government decided not to take a risk and not to hit Assad and his regime directly during the war. This could have been, they say, an expression of a moral position against mass murder of civilians. At the same time, it would have been possible to strike a blow against Iran and its efforts to achieve regional dominance.
Hezbollah has emerged from the war in Syria battered but toughened. Israeli intelligence estimates that the militants lost about 2,000 fighters in combat and that another 6,000 were wounded. However, it accumulated a great deal of battlefield experience there. Commanders who survived the battles learned to operate in difficult conditions and garnered a great deal of professional savvy from fighting shoulder to shoulder with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and the Russian advisers.
At least half the Hezbollah force that fought in Syria has returned home, some of whom have been redeployed in southern Lebanon, facing the Israeli border. Israeli intelligence believes Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is not eager for a new war against Israel. Nasrallah, somewhat paradoxically, is currently perceived as the responsible adult in the northern arena – the man who has already been burnt in wars and is not interested in repeating the experience.
As for the struggle between the powers, it is clear Russia is the big winner in Syria. Putin proved he knows how to stand by friends, regardless of the international criticism. Russia, despite its promises, will remain in Syria for a long time to come to protect its interests there (the air and naval bases), stabilize the Assad regime and benefit economically from signing contracts to rebuild the country.
The United States, however, is on the way out. President Donald Trump announced in December his intention to withdraw troops from Syria within a few months. Israel is now striving to persuade him to postpone the withdrawal or at least to keep American hands in control of Al-Tanf airbase near the Syrian border with Iraq and Jordan. For Israel, this is a critical issue because the base is located on the main road leading from Iran via Iraq to Damascus and Beirut. As long as an American presence remains there, Iran will have difficulty moving convoys of fighters and weaponry along this road unimpeded.

The Welfare Debate the US Should Be Having
Michael Strain/Bloomberg View/March 07/19
When Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez first rolled out her Green New Deal, she called on the government to provide economic security to those “unwilling to work.” 1 Conservatives correctly seized on this to argue that the Democratic Party seemed to be moving quite a bit further to the left in its views on economic policy.
The controversy was reignited last week, when first daughter Ivanka Trump rejected a “minimum guarantee” for people who are unwilling to work. Ocasio-Cortez shot back. Expect more volleys to follow.
The political score-keeping aside, the blunder crystallized the issue that experts should be discussing: the relative importance that government policy places on personal responsibility, on the one hand, and economic security, on the other. How do you balance the two?
The bipartisan welfare reform of 1996 changed the system for providing cash aid to the poor by setting the expectation that people receiving assistance should be working. In signing the legislation making these changes, President Bill Clinton said: “Today, we are ending welfare as we know it.”
But the shift in thinking about safety-net policies primarily as tools to help low-income Americans get and keep jobs is not as straightforward as it seems. Some people may be unwilling to work because they lack the very “work supports” — cash, food, housing assistance, medical care and the like — that would enable them to get and keep a job. It’s hard to find a job, let alone keep it, if you don’t have a roof over your head, or the medical care and nutrition necessary to keep you healthy.
There’s a chicken-and-egg problem here. On the one hand, if work supports aren’t tied to work requirements, then they give people an incentive not to get a job. On the other, if they are only available to people with jobs, then they can make it harder for people to move from not working into employment.
Implicit in the argument that people who are unwilling to work have forfeited their claim to economic security is that work is available. But jobs may not always be available, both for people who are willing to work and those who aren’t, particularly during economic downturns. During the Great Recession, there were over six unemployed workers for every job opening.
Another major challenge in weighing the balance between responsibility and economic security is what to do about the hard cases. How should policy handle the situation where a person is truly unwilling to work? Or a person who loses his job and won’t realistically be successfully retrained, but who is a decade away from retirement?
The first step in deciding how much economic security is owed to those unwilling to work is to recognize that this is a question of values. What do those who are relatively well off owe the poor? What, if anything, do the most vulnerable in society owe their neighbors? These questions have no objective answer.
I tend to lean more toward the importance of personal responsibility than economic security. Public policy should not create an entitlement to economic security for all who are unwilling to work. Instead, just as society has obligations to its most vulnerable members to provide a base of security, those who receive assistance also incur obligations to those providing it.
The US safety net often does a decent job of reflecting these values while also being flexible enough to deal with the hard cases and economic contingencies that often arise. Some features of these programs can serve as a model for thinking about how to fix and improve the system overall.

Why Is Saudi Arabia Under Attack on Women’s Issues?
Abdulrahman Al-Rashed/Asharq Al Awsat/March 07/19
If people in Saudi Arabia were asked to give their opinion of the best government service, the Absher app would probably be named by many of its 11 million users, who include about 5 million women. Targeting the app for criticism is not about defending women or helping to improve their situation in the Kingdom; it is nothing more than a political campaign. The focus on women’s issues in Saudi Arabia is clearly politically motivated, at this time in particular, when their situation has been improving dramatically. They have been given greater rights, a higher status in Saudi society, and are being included in the wider process of change in a way the Kingdom has never witnessed before. This, of course, does not mean that women do not deserve further reforms in legislation, but what has been accomplished in only three years is amazing by Saudi standards, and there is more to come.
Why is the topic of women’s rights, in particular, being used to attack the Saudi government?
Well, there are a number of reasons. For a start, the call for democracy in the Middle East is no longer the hot issue in the Western media that it once was. This is because of the disappointing democratic choices made by people in the region, which gave rise to extremist religious or nationalist regimes, and because democracy has become an easy way to fabricate legitimacy. Moreover, Islamic political groups have lost their luster in the West, where most civil powers have withdrawn their support for such groups after discovering their hypocrisy, and realizing that they use two forms of rhetoric: One for the West and another for the local audience in Islamic countries. The latter is based on hatred, exclusion and domination, and hence has little in common with the Western concept of democracy.
“Democracy” in places such as Iran, Sudan and Gaza has proven to be simply a ladder that has enabled holders of fascist religious ideas to rise to power. That is why Islamic groups in the West have changed their tactics, abandoning their political issues after being exposed. Instead, they are now adopting popular issues, such as defending women’s rights, when, in fact, they disrespect women.
On the Saudi side of the issue, three years ago there was an important, historic change that caused many Westerners, including diplomats, media professionals and academics, to seriously deliberate the “social revolution” in Saudi Arabia. This came after the announcement of Vision 2030 in April 2016, which led those to question the wisdom of the Saudi government’s adoption of such far-reaching social transformation at such a rapid pace and, in particular, the opening up of more parts of Saudi society to women.
The fact is that the Saudi government’s bet on the success of an increased role for women runs parallel to its opponents betting on failure. Critics have long believed that the Kingdom, known as one of the most conservative societies in the world, would never embrace reforms, openness and change, especially for women.
They were wrong. A visit to any mall in Saudi Arabia, for example, reveals that most of the shop assistants are now women. This is a new development, one that would have seemed almost impossible only three years ago. Such a step has been supported by the development of legislations such as: The introduction of a system of penalties for sexual harassment, the elimination of the religious police system that allowed for the domination and harassment of women, and new rules that make the employment of women possible and simple. Laws were introduced to make it more difficult to employ non-Saudis, so that women, in particular, would have more job opportunities. So far, Saudi women have taken up more than 120,000 jobs in the retail sector alone.
Furthermore, reforms have also included the opening up of education to women in areas that they were previously banned from. In recent years, the government has also placed women in senior positions, a 50-year-old ban on women driving was abolished, and state television is now broadcasting inspirational stories of women daring to enter new fields and embark on newly available careers such as pilots, architects, and even rocket scientists. Football stadiums and concert venues have also been opened up to women.
These are the government successes that opposition groups want to discredit. Islamist voices, particularly the ones that raise the banner of Saudi women’s rights, are the last who should protest, as they are the last defenders of women’s rights anywhere in the world. Here, they stand shoulder to shoulder with the Kingdom’s enemies, such as Qatar, who would latch on to anyone at odds with Riyadh in order to launch campaigns against Saudi Arabia.
They are now focusing on the issue of women, at this particular time, because they know that it attracts the attention of human rights organizations in the West and quickly finds resonance in the media. They reckon that, through such a campaign, they might be able to distort the Saudi government’s best achievements. It may be possible to criticize the Saudi government in some areas, such as democracy or freedom of expression, but most certainly not women’s rights and empowerment. This is an issue that deserves particular recognition, encouragement and acknowledgment for the great reforms and achievements accomplished so far.

In Advance Of Iranian President Rohani's Iraq Visit, Iran Takes Control Of Iraqi Banking System – In Cooperation with Iraqi Prime Minister – In Order To Circumvent U.S. Sanctions
ميمري: قبل زيارة الرئيس روحاني للعراق تقوم إيران بالسيطرة على نظامه المصرفي بالتعاون مع رئيس الوزراء العراقي بهدف التحايل على العقوبات
MEMRI/March 07/19
http://eliasbejjaninews.com/archives/72805/memri-in-advance-of-iranian-president-rohanis-iraq-visit-iran-takes-control-of-iraqi-banking-system-in-cooperation-with-iraqi-prime-minister-in-order-to-circumvent-u-s-sanction/
In advance of Iranian President Hassan Rohani's upcoming visit to Iraq next week, Iranian regime and banking officials in Baghdad have held preliminary meetings, during which the Iranian regime ensured that it would control the Iraqi banking system in a way that would allow Iran to circumvent the U.S. sanctions.
During the visit, Rohani is expected to sign agreements that go beyond what was concluded in these meetings. The Iranian news agency Tasnim, which is close to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), announced on February 6, 2019 that an Iran-Iraq payment system had been set up during a nighttime meeting in Baghdad between Central Bank of Iran governor Abdolnasser Hemmati and his Iraqi counterpart Ali Al-'Alaq.[1] It should be noted that Iran is striving to create a financial apparatus with Iraq that would allow it to evade the U.S. sanctions that threaten its economy (see MEMRI Inquiry and Analysis No. 1434, Iraq's Importance To The Survival Of Iran's Regime And Economy Following U.S. Sanctions, January 30, 2019)
While the Iraqi media barely covered the visit of the Central Bank of Iran governor's Baghdad visit in early February 2019, apparently in order to conceal the details of the agreements reached, Iranian news agencies reported on the meetings' conclusions and agreements. According to the reports, beyond decisions regarding a mechanism for Iran-Iraq payments, extensive sectors of the Iraqi political and financial leadership firmly support upgrading banking relations and trade with Iran. Thus, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abd Al-Mahdi, a Shi'ite supported by the U.S., personally committed to the agreements obtained and is a fervid supporter of continued bilateral negotiations with Iran. Central Bank of Iraq governor Ali Al-'Alaq seeks to remove the obstacles to economic cooperation, in particular to allow foreign currency to flow into Iran. This is so that Iran can export its oil and natural gas to Iraq and receive euros in exchange. To this end, it was agreed that the Central Bank of Iran would open euro and dinar accounts in Iraq through which payments for the oil and gas would be made.
It should be noted that the U.S. administration has warned that if Iraq becomes a channel for transferring foreign currency to Iran, the U.S. would respond with sanctions on Iraqi banks, and would block their access to dollars.
Furthermore, at a March 4, 2019 press conference in Baghdad, Iraqi President Barham Salih referred to the Iraqi interest in maintaining "very good relations" with Iran. He explained: "[Iranian President] Rohani's trip to Iraq is important. Not long ago, I was in Tehran and conducted in-depth talks with the Iranian upper echelons on many matters. Our relations with Iran are important. I always emphasize, in any country I visit, that Iraq's interests lie in maintaining very good relations with Iran. I deliberately repeat this sentence several times. We Iraqis have an interest in strengthening these relations with Iran, and we must see them as a main issue among all our regional relationships. We have paid a very high price for past [Iran-Iraq] tensions. These relations with Iran must be based on respect for [our] sovereignty. These are joint interests based on 1,400 km of shared border, and on history, culture, and society... We must remember the importance of this relationship [with Iran]... [Rohani's planned] trip will conclude in agreements and understandings that will advance our reciprocal relations. What will these agreements be like, and of what quality? This will become clear with [Rohani's Iraq] visit."[2]
The following are reports by the Iranian news agency Tasnim and the Iranian financial daily Taadol on agreements reached during the February 19, 2019 Iraq visit by the Central Bank of Iran governor, and a report by the Iranian news agency ISNA on a meeting between Iranian Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a reformist, and Iraqi Electricity Minister Luay Al-Khatteeb.
Iranian News Agency Tasnim On Meeting Of Iranian, Iraqi Bank Governors: "A Continuation Of The Financial Agreements Of The Two Countries"
"[Central Bank of Iran governor Abdolnasser] Hemmati, who visited Baghdad for banking talks, said that he met with his Iraqi counterpart on February 5 and expressed hope that the level of financial relations between the two countries would increase. He said: 'Iraq is Iran's largest trade partner, and the durability of this relationship between the two countries requires banking relations. America is conducting an extensive effort to thwart Iran's economic and political situation by waging economic war on Iran, but fortunately the enemy's plots are being neutralized by means of the arrangements that Iran came up with, and now the required stability prevails in Iran's economy.
"'The Central Bank of Iran has reached appropriate financial solutions for trade with Russia, Turkey, India, China, and others. At this time, I am certain that we will arrive at ideal results through cooperation on the part of the Iraqi government and also through following up on the economic relations as quickly as possible and establishing a financial channel for payments.'
"Ali Al-'Alaq, Central Bank of Iraq governor, welcomed his [counterpart] Central Bank of Iran governor Dr. Hemmati, and called the meeting 'a continuation of the financial agreements of the two countries,' and, as such, one that prepares the ground for strengthening economic cooperation between them.
Right: Central Bank of Iraq governor Al-Alaq. Left: Central Bank of Iran governor Hemmati. Source: Tasnim, Iran, February 6, 2019.
"He added that the Central Bank of Iraq would make all efforts to remove the obstacles to economic cooperation between the two countries. He said: 'Also according to the agreements we made, [Iraq's] debts for the export of gas and electricity [from Iran] to Iraq will be paid or transferred as per invoices from the Central Bank of Iran. This framework will be used also for [Iran's] income from future exports. This meeting, that lasted for over four hours, also covered agreements regarding the form of the foreign currency transfer of private Iranian exporters. I hope that after [the arrangement] is final, the problem of restoring exporters' foreign currency revenues will be solved."
Iranian Financial Daily Taadol: Hemmati Said "Agreements... Are Reached Thanks To The Direct Consent And Instructions Of The Iraqi Prime Minister"
The next day, February 7, 2019, the Iranian financial daily Taadol reported that Central Bank of Iran governor Hemmati had, on the second day of his Iraq visit, met with Iraqi bank directors, trade offices, and economic figures. It reported Hemmati as stating:
"Yesterday and today, we arrived at good agreements with the Central Bank of Iraq governor and we believe that banking relations are the key to expanding bilateral economic relations. I saw a strong desire among the Iraqi officials to expand bilateral relations. The Iraqi prime minister fervently supports bilateral negotiations and the agreements that were attained.
"According to the agreement that was attained, the Central Bank of Iran expects to have accounts in euros and dinar, and gas and oil exchanges will be conducted based on these accounts. According to the agreements, Iranian exporters can operate by means of the Iraqi banks and, accordingly, the Iranian banks can hold dinar accounts. Therefore, the Iran-Iraq banking relationship will be strengthened by these agreements, and the agreement of the Iraqi prime minister and the expansion of trade relations between the two countries will take shape based on this. Iraqi companies can also open accounts in Iranian banks and conduct their business in dinars.
"The chairman of the Iraqi Rashid Bank said: 'We are willing to cooperate with Iranian financial companies in the framework of the Central Bank of Iraq. In accordance with this, we seek to establish one branch in Iran which, if there is agreement, will play an important role in bilateral trade.'
"[Central Bank of Iran governor] Hemmati added: 'According to these agreements, I agree to the proposal to establish and open branches of Iraqi banks in Iran, and I believe that opening them in Iran can help [create] a chain of agreements, and expand them. I hope that we will see the implementation of agreements that are reached thanks to the direct consent and instructions of the Iraqi prime minister. The Central Bank of Iran governor said that there is a need for regular monthly bilateral meetings."[3]
Iranian News Agency ISNA: Iraqi Electricity Minister Says "Iraq Wants To Become A Manufacturing Country Through Partnership With Iran And Through Utilizing Iran's Capabilities And Experience"
According to an ISNA report, in his meeting with Iraqi Electricity Minister Al-Khatteeb, Iranian Deputy Prime Minister Eshaq Jahangiri, a reformist, said: "Iran will be alongside Iraq during its reconstruction. Those who want to destroy Tehran-Baghdad relations must know that these two countries have strong relations.
"Tehran is ready to expand its cooperation with Iraq in all areas. Good agreements were arrived at between the governors of the central banks of the two countries, and I hope that after expanding banking cooperation, Tehran-Baghdad economic relations will expand even more."
Also according to the report, "Iraqi Electricity Minister Al-Khatteeb said: 'In reality, the sanctions on Iran are sanctions on other countries so that they will not manage to make use of Iran's achievements. The media are trying to show that Tehran-Baghdad relations are political and security relations, [but] we want the media to understand the truth of the relations between the two countries with Iran's extensive cooperation in rebuilding Iraq. Iraq wants to become a manufacturing country through partnership with Iran and through utilizing Iran's capabilities and experience."[4]
[1] Tasnimnews.com, February 6, 2019.
[2] Alforatnews.com, March 4, 2019.
[3] Taadolnewspaper.ir, February 7, 2019.
[4] Isna.ir, February 7, 2019.

Palestinians: Arresting, Torturing Journalists
Khaled Abu Toameh/Gatestone Institute/March 07/19
https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/13842/palestinians-arrest-torture-journalists
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, a body dominated by Fatah loyalists, condemned the arrest of Hazem Nasser and called for his immediate release. The syndicate pointed out that Nasser had been summoned for interrogation by the Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces several times in the past few weeks despite the fact that he did not commit any crime.
In the world of the PA and Hamas, the only "good" journalists are those who report negatively about Israel. Independent journalists therefore find themselves forced to seek work in non-Palestinian media organizations, including some in Israel. Even then, these journalists, especially those who live under the PA and Hamas, engage in massive self-censorship.
What is hard to understand are the continued closed mouths of the international community and media towards this ongoing assault on the freedom of the media in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Had Nasser and Abu Arafeh been arrested by the Israeli authorities, their "plight" would have been splashed over headlines across the globe.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank is continuing its unremitting security crackdown on Palestinian journalists, particularly on those who are not affiliated with Mahmoud Abbas's ruling Fatah faction. Journalist Hazem Nasser was recently arrested by the PA security forces, and told his lawyer that he was physically tortured during his interrogation in the Central Prison in Jericho. (Image source: iStock. Image is illustrative and does not represent any person in the article.)
The Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank is continuing its unremitting security crackdown on Palestinian journalists, particularly on those who are not affiliated with Mahmoud Abbas's ruling Fatah faction. Scores of journalists have been arrested or summoned by the PA in the West Bank on a regular basis in the past few years. In the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, Palestinian journalists are facing a similar campaign of intimidation and harassment.
In the past few days, another two journalists, Hazem Nasser and Amer Abu Arafeh, were arrested by the PA security forces -- and not for the first time. Nasser, who is from the city of Tulkarem, and Abu Arafeh, who is from Hebron, have, in fact, become "frequent visitors" of PA detention centers and interrogation rooms.
The incarceration of Nasser and Abu Arafeh brings to 16 the number of Palestinian journalists who have been arrested or summoned for interrogation by the PA security forces in the West Bank and Hamas in the Gaza Strip just since the beginning of this year.
The Palestinian Committee for Supporting Journalists (PCSJ) has condemned the continued harsh treatment of its colleagues. The journalists were targeted because of their profession and political views, the committee said. It accused the PA and Hamas of waging a campaign of intimidation and harassment against Palestinian journalists by arresting them, summoning them for interrogation, raiding their homes and confiscating their computers and mobile phones.
"The campaign targeting journalists aims at restricting freedoms and rights," the PCSJ added. It also called on the PA and Hamas to refrain from engaging journalists in the power struggle between the two rival parties (the PA and Hamas).
According to still other Palestinian journalists, Nasser and Abu Arafeh have been regularly and systematically targeted by the Palestinian Authority security forces on the pretext that they are affiliated with Hamas.
Hamas, for its part, has been taking similar measures against Palestinian journalists in the Gaza Strip who are suspected of being affiliated with Abbas's Fatah faction. Since the beginning of this year, Hamas has arrested and interrogated four journalists: Huda Baroud, Salah Abu Salah, Tawfiq Abu Jarrad and Luay al-Ghul.
Back to the two most recent victims: Hazem Nasser, a photojournalist who was arrested earlier this week by the PA's General Intelligence Force, has been transferred to the Palestinians' notorious Central Prison in the West Bank city of Jericho. His lawyer said that he has been charged with "illegal possession of and trade in weapons." This charge, which is most likely false, seems designed to make the journalist appear as if he is an ordinary criminal whose arrest has nothing to do with his work or views.
Nasser told his lawyer that he had been physically tortured during his interrogation in the Central Prison in Jericho. He also told the lawyer that he has decided to go on hunger strike in protest against his incarceration and torture.
The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) said that Nasser has denied the charges. The group noted that Nasser was questioned about his involvement in a demonstration that took place in Tulkarem in December 2018 -- a charge that he had previously denied when summoned for interrogation.
"MADA expresses its concern over the extensive increase of arrests and detention," the group said in a statement. It also conveyed its concern over the repeated torture and abuse of many journalists in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, "as is the case with Tawfiq Abu Jarrad, who was subjected to abuse and torture during his arrest by the Internal Security Forces in Gaza recently, as he was forced to stand for hours with his face against the wall while in detention."
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS), a body dominated by Fatah loyalists, also condemned the arrest of Hazem Nasser and called for his immediate release. The syndicate pointed out that Nasser had been summoned for interrogation by the PA security forces several times in the past few weeks despite the fact that he did not commit any crime. "The [PA] security forces are continuing to apply pressure on some journalists from time to time," PJS complained. "We reject these unacceptable violations."
The fact that the Fatah-controlled syndicate has endorsed the case of Nasser is an indication that he is not affiliated with Hamas. The PJS usually does not complain when Hamas-affiliated journalists are arrested or harassed by the PA security agencies in the West Bank.
The second journalist, Amer Abu Arafeh, was arrested this week by the PA's Preventive Security Force in the West Bank city of Hebron. Abu Arafeh, who works for the Hamas-affiliated Shehab news agency, is no stranger to Palestinian Authority detention centers. In the past few years, he has been arrested and interrogated at least five times and has had his computer and mobile phone confiscated. At this stage, it remains unclear why Abu Arafeh was taken into custody. What is clear, however, is that he is not a journalist who is affiliated with the PA and its president, Abbas. This fact alone can land in prison any Palestinian journalist in the West Bank and Gaza Strip who does not "toe the line."
Under both the PA and Hamas, Palestinian journalists are expected to serve as faithful soldiers and mouthpieces for both their leaders and their people. In the world of the Palestinians, a journalist who dares to criticize his leaders is typically denounced as a "traitor" or "Zionist agent." That is undoubtedly the reason Palestinian journalists living under the PA and Hamas are afraid to report anything that would reflect negatively on Palestinian leaders.
In the world of the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, the only "good" journalists are those who report negatively about Israel. Independent journalists therefore find themselves forced to seek work in non-Palestinian media organizations, including some in Israel. Even then, these journalists, especially those who live under the PA and Hamas, engage in massive self-censorship.
The PA and Hamas crackdown on journalists is not a new practice and does not come as a surprise. On the contrary, the surprise would be the day we see a Palestinian journalist living in Ramallah open his or her mouth concerning Abbas or any of his top officials.
What is hard to understand are the continued closed mouths of the international community and media towards this ongoing assault on the freedom of the media in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Had Nasser and Abu Arafeh been arrested by the Israeli authorities, their "plight" would have been splashed over headlines across the globe.
*Khaled Abu Toameh, an award-winning journalist based in Jerusalem, is a Shillman Journalism Fellow at Gatestone Institute.
© 2019 Gatestone Institute. All rights reserved. The articles printed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editors or of Gatestone Institute. No part of the Gatestone website or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied or modified, without the prior written consent of Gatestone Institute.

Hard-line clerics promoted as Khamenei consolidates power
د. ماجد ربيزاده/ترقية رجال دين متشددين في إيران والخامنئي يعزز قبضة على السلطة
Dr. Majid Rafizadeh/Arab News/March 07, 2019
http://eliasbejjaninews.com/archives/72812/dr-majid-rafizadeh-hard-line-clerics-promoted-as-khamenei-consolidates-power%D8%AF-%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AC%D8%AF-%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%87-%D8%AA%D8%B1%D9%82%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%B1%D8%AC/
This week’s changes in Iran’s judiciary system and the Expediency Council will have significant implications for Iran’s domestic political dynamics and foreign policy issues.
An Iranian judiciary spokesman, Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, confirmed in a news conference that Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani will be stepping down as chief of the judiciary and he will be replaced by Ebrahim Raisi.
Larijani was recently appointed by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to the role of head of Iran’s Expediency Council. This is a promotion since, if there is any dispute regarding legislation between the Guardian Council and the Majlis (the Iranian parliament), the 12 unelected jurists of the Expediency Council will have the final say. In addition, the Expediency Council directly advises the supreme leader. Intriguingly, Larijani was also appointed by Khamenei to be one of the six theologian members of the Guardian Council.
Larijani is considered to be Khamenei’s confidant. He has frequently voiced harsh opinions against those who criticize or question Khamenei’s policies. For example, he famously warned President Hassan Rouhani that any attempt to invoke opposition against the supreme leader would be strongly confronted. Larijani even believes that it is against the law for the Assembly of Experts to supervise Khamenei.
Appointing the head of the Death Commission as the head of the judiciary sends a message to the population that opposition to the regime, particularly the supreme leader, will be dealt with by an iron fist.
Khamenei also appointed Raisi, another conservative cleric and hard-line loyalist, as the head of the judiciary branch. Raisi began his career after the 1979 revolution as the chief prosecutor of Karaj, Iran’s fourth-largest city, and as a prosecutor of Hamadan province in western Iran. Later, he was appointed as the deputy prosecutor of Tehran, where he became known as the head of the “Death Commission.” In 1988, one of the world’s largest mass executions occurred, with as many as 30,000 people executed, including children and pregnant women. Iran’s former grand ayatollah, the late Hussein-Ali Montazeri, who fiercely condemned the executions, named Raisi as one of the major orchestrators. He called the perpetrators criminal, saying: “I believe this is the greatest crime committed in the Islamic Republic since the (1979) revolution and history will condemn us for it… History will write you down as criminals.”
After years of cracking down on opposition, facilitating executions and consolidating the power of the Islamic Republic, Raisi swiftly climbed the political ladder. He was appointed as the prosecutor of Tehran, head of the General Inspection Office, attorney general of Iran, and finally he was promoted under the Rouhani government to head of Astan Quds Razavi, which has billions of dollars in revenues. Rouhani’s government also promoted other members of the Death Commission, including Mostafa Pourmohammadi — the former representative of the intelligence ministry to the notorious Evin Prison — who served as justice minister between 2013 and 2017.
The appointments of Raisi and Larijani as the heads of the two most powerful institutions in the Islamic Republic signify several other issues.
First of all, Khamenei is attempting to further consolidate his power, his hard-line base, and remove any opposition to his policies. The judiciary has the power to crack down on society by sentencing, imprisoning and executing critics. Appointing the head of the Death Commission as the head of the judiciary sends a message to the population that opposition to the regime, particularly the supreme leader, will be dealt with by an iron fist.
Iran’s judiciary also plays a significant role in providing leverage to the Islamic Republic against the West by imprisoning foreign citizens and helping the regime use them as political pawns for advancing Khamenei’s foreign policy objectives.
In addition, as the head of the Expediency Council, Larijani can play a crucial role in coalescing Iranian lawmakers, pushing for specific laws and getting the required votes to pass legislation that Khamenei favors. By this approach, Khamenei can assure that not only are his policies are carried out through his trusted man, but he can also dodge accountability and responsibility with the public in case these policies fail.
Secondly, Khamenei’s swift appointments signify the fact that the regime is under significant pressure domestically, regionally and internationally. Almost three years ago, it took Khamenei more than half a year to appoint a new chief for the Expediency Council. The widespread demonstrations of 2018 due to the political and economic crisis, the US sanctions on the regime’s banking systems and energy sector, and the currency devaluation have almost brought the regime to its knees.
Finally, by promoting Raisi and Larijani, Khamenei has basically groomed and paved the way for one of his most trusted men to succeed him as supreme leader.
In a nutshell, Khamenei’s appointment of his most trusted clerics as the heads of the judiciary and Expediency Council strengthens the hard-liners’ base, crushes the opposition, and smooths the supreme leader’s succession plans.
*Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian-American political scientist. He is a leading expert on Iran and US foreign policy, a businessman and president of the International American Council. Twitter: @Dr_Rafizadeh