English LCCC Newsbulletin For
Lebanese, Lebanese Related, Global News & Editorials
For November 20/2022
Compiled & Prepared by: Elias Bejjani
#elias_bejjani_news
The Bulletin's Link on the lccc Site
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Bible Quotations For today
The angel Gabriel Delivers the Godly Message To Virgin Mary
Saint Luke 01/26-38/:”In the sixth month the angel
Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin
engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name
was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is
with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of
greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you
have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a
son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son
of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor
David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there
will be no end.’Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a
virgin?’The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the
power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will
be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her
old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was
said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’Then Mary said,
‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’
Then the angel departed from her.
Titles For The Latest English LCCC Lebanese &
Lebanese Related News & Editorials published
on November
19-20/2022
Lebanon’s child welfare drive ‘lacks laws, national strategy’
Report: Paris, al-Rahi, Bassil may nominate Ziad Baroud
Four Syrian soldiers killed by Israeli strikes
Franjieh: I won't conspire against resistance nor against its rivals
Geagea says presidential vacuum is due to waiting for developments, regional
project interests
Alain Aoun: FPM did not nominate anyone for presidency, Ziad Baroud could be one
of the candidates
Al-Makary represents Lebanon at the Francophone Summit’s opening session in
Djerba, Tunisia
Hamieh: Lebanese ports to have preference in benefiting from Lebanon's oil
wealth
Myriam Fares, Nicki Minaj, Maluma release World Cup anthem
Titles For The Latest English LCCC
Miscellaneous Reports And News published
on November
19-20/2022
Iran leader says 'enemies' may target workers as protests rage
UK says Iran 'spreading bloodshed' from Mideast to Kyiv
Britain to Call Out Iran as ‘Threat’ to Middle East Security
Canada Spy Agency Probing Death Threats from Iran
Four Iraqi Soldiers Killed in Attack Near Kirkuk
US Ambassador to Israel Visits Settlement in West Bank
US defense secretary blames Putin's war for Poland explosion
UK Skeptical on Macron Call for Talks, Says Ukraine Must Decide
First Ukrainian passenger train rolls into newly freed Kherson
Zelensky Dismisses 'Short Truce' With Russia
Most APEC Leaders Condemn War in Ukraine
FIFA's Infantino accuses World Cup critics of 'hypocrisy'
Titles For The
Latest LCCC English analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources published
on November
19-20/2022
Economics Is the Core of Language Strength/Amel Moussa/Asharq Al-Awsat/November,
19/2022
Is this a New Era in US-Russian-Chinese Relations?/Abdulrahman Al-Rashed/Asharq
Al-Awsat/November, 19/2022
Britain to Call Out Iran as ‘Threat’ to Middle East Security/London/Asharq Al-Awsat/November,
19/2022
Biden Administration’s Inaction Legitimizes Iran’s Brutality/Dr. Majid Rafizadeh/Gatestone
Institute/November 19/2022
Who Is Mohammed Shia al-Sudani?/May Kadow, Erik Yavorsky/The Washington
Institute/November 19/2022
A Politically Challenging World Cup for Iran/Omer Carmi/The Washington
Institute/November 19/2022
UK must not ignore Iranian murder and kidnap plots on its own soil/Dr. Azeem
Ibrahim/Arab News/November 19/2022
Lebanon’s child welfare drive ‘lacks laws, national strategy’
Najia Houssari/Arab News/November 19, 2022
BEIRUT: A recent courtroom drama in which a judge offered to pay the bail
amounts for two destitute brothers, who had been arrested in a financial
dispute, has served to highlight the impact of Lebanon’s economic crisis on
children.
The arrested duo, who collect and sell tin cans and scrap from streets and
landfill for a living, had been detained for a month following a row.
Dany Zeeny, the investigating judge, helped the minors and ordered their release
from an Akkar police station in the far north of Lebanon.Many poor people across
Lebanon have recently started collecting scraps of metal, which they sell on for
small amounts to provide for their families.
The brothers appeared before Zeeny in the presence of a court-appointed
attorney. The boys’ case shows how the protection of children is no longer on
Lebanon’s list of priorities, although the country signed the Convention on the
Rights of the Child more than 30 years ago. The number of beggars, including
children, has been significantly increasing. Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi
said the government was addressing the issue, and added that there are plans to
set up a juvenile rehabilitation center. Once established, the center will
solely house juveniles, and he said there will be no minors in the central
prison for adults in Roumieh. Caretaker Justice Minister Henry Khoury, Education
Minister Abbas Al-Halabi, Social Affairs Minister Hector Hajjar, and Mawlawi,
acknowledged the problem of protecting children to Najat Mualla Majid, the
special representative of the UN secretary-general on the issue of violence
against children. The UN official took part in a meeting held at the government
headquarters in Beirut, after the organization expressed concern about the
growing threat to the well-being and safety of children in Lebanon. According to
UNICEF, the harsh conditions in the country have led to a slowing down in the
progress that it was making toward securing children’s rights, as defined in the
convention. This was reflected in their reduction in access to healthcare,
protection, education, rest, play and recreation, which had resulted in dire
effects on children, particularly those with disabilities. The reports presented
by ministers during the meeting showed pre-existing crises — some of which were
exacerbated by economic collapse — in addition to new concerns related to
intractable political, economic, and legal problems. The justice minister said
that although successive governments had prepared draft laws, and discussed the
need to establish centers or correctional facilities for the rehabilitation of
children, parliament was yet to vote on or approve any of the moves. Hajjar said
the child protection program was hard to implement in light of the presence of a
large number of Syrian and Palestinian refugees. He added that children lived in
harsh conditions in camps, with the majority not attending school which exposed
them to even more problems. Hajjar urged the international community to
coordinate with the relevant ministries to help find appropriate solutions.
Hyperinflation in the face of the collapse of the Lebanese currency has resulted
in families struggling to survive. UNICEF says some families have tried to cope
by cutting back on food, restricting healthcare and education and, in many
cases, forcing children into work. This had been the case even prior to 2019.
The social protection system in Lebanon has suffered from large gaps in coverage
and funding. In addition, there is no national scholarship program for children,
nor general allowances for children with disabilities. New UNICEF findings have
revealed the depth of the damage to the lives of children. It said: “Children
are exposed to an increased risk of abuse, exploitation, and violence, and they
are prevented from accessing basic needs in order to survive, which will lead to
physical, mental, psychological, and economic repercussions that will accompany
them in the stages of adolescence and adulthood.
“The high level of stress and anxiety within the family causes health and
psychological issues for children, and sometimes leads to violent situations
within the family and to more dependence than before on harmful social and
gender norms and practices.” Majid said: “The protection of children should be
met at the judicial, social, medical, and administrative levels. “The goal is to
activate a series of services to reach all children. Lebanon ought to invest in
its children and the country’s future and present. “The UN and UNICEF are fully
prepared to provide all possible support to improve services provided to
children and families, for the benefit of children.”
Report: Paris, al-Rahi, Bassil may nominate Ziad Baroud
Naharnet/Saturday, 19 November, 2022
The French are seeking a new roadmap for presenting a clear initiative for
Lebanon’s presidential election that would be also be accompanied by a
governmental and economic initiative, a media report said on Saturday. “This
initiative might need further French consultations with the others, especially
with the United States, which French President Emmanuel Macron will visit soon,
in parallel with the ongoing talks with the Saudi side,” al-Akhbar newspaper
reported. “Accordingly, the French are working on a main channel that is not
limited to their open and permament dialogue with Hezbollah but rather extends
to broader communication with Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil and
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi,” the daily said. “It seems that there is a
joint bet by Paris, al-Rahi and Bassil on producing a name from outside the
ranks of the main political players, such as Ziad Baroud, in order to secure the
broadest Christian consensus over it, based on a strong belief by Bassil and al-Rahi
that the latter (Baroud) can be convincing for the rest of the Christian
components,” al-Akhbar added. It also said that “it would be easy for the French
to promote him with the rest of the parties inside and outside Lebanon, and
accordingly the parties on the other side, from Speaker Nabih Berri to Hezbollah
to ex-MP Walid Jumblat, will be obliged to endorse him.”
Four Syrian soldiers killed by Israeli strikes
Agence France Presse/Saturday, 19 November, 2022
Israeli strikes on Saturday morning killed four Syrian regime soldiers and
wounded one in central and western districts, Syrian state media reported. "At
about 06:30 am (0330 GMT), the Israeli enemy carried out an air attack" which
resulted in "the death of four soldiers, the wounding of one soldier and
material losses", a military source told the official SANA news agency. The
Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the strikes
targeted pro-Iranian groups in Homs and Hama provinces, hitting weapons and
ammunition sites. Israel also targeted a Syrian air defense battery in Latakia
province, it added. Israel rarely comments on such reports, but it has carried
out hundreds of air strikes on Syrian territory since civil war broke out there
in 2011, targeting government positions as well as allied Iran-backed forces and
Hezbollah fighters. Israel has repeatedly said it will not allow its archfoe
Iran to gain a foothold there. Israeli strikes targeting the Shayrat airbase on
November 8, 2021 wounded two Syrian regime soldiers, according to Syrian state
media. In late October, four pro-Iranian fighter were killed during Israeli
strikes on several positions near Damascus, said the Observatory, which relies
on a wide network of sources in Syria.
Franjieh: I won't conspire against resistance nor
against its rivals
Naharnet/Saturday, 19 November, 2022
Marada Movement chief Suleiman Franjieh has stressed that he “will not conspire
against the resistance nor against its rivals and enemies,” days after Hezbollah
chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah openly announced that his party wants a president
for Lebanon who “would reassure the resistance.” “I’m ready for all
possibilities. For the presidency and for failure to reach it. Others are
fighting over it today as if it is a lottery prize whereas in fact it is a real
ball of fire,” al-Akhbar newspaper quoted Franjieh as telling sources informed
on his stance. “I don’t know if I will succeed or fail, but what I know is that
I will try and exert efforts to succeed,” Franjieh added. Noting that being
elected president is “not a goal in itself,” the Marada chief reminded that he
had given up the post in the 2016 elections and said that he is “not clinging to
it now” if “there is no chance for salvation and success.” Asked whether he is a
“confrontation candidate,” Franjieh said that a consensual president is not one
who is elected in a consensual manner bat rather one who “also acts in this
manner.”“Of course I’m a member of a project and camp and I’m holding onto my
position in them, but my election would oblige me to be for all Lebanese,
be them pro-government or in the opposition,” the Marada chief added. “I will
implement what I can pledge to do, not more and not less,” he said. “I will not
be the president of my camp exclusively, but I will give the resistance what
rivals or enemies cannot give,” Franjieh went on to say. Moreover, he added: “We
cannot forget that we are in a country that is governed by balances of power and
political and sectarian balances that confine the ability to act. Those unable
to confront the resistance will become confident that their election will make
them more incapable of thinking to strike it.” “We need patience in thinking and
behavior to address all our problems, including the arms of the resistance,”
Franjieh went on to say. Hezbollah’s weapons “do not need my cover or
protection,” the Marada chief added, noting that he agreed with what Nasrallah
recently said about “a president who does not stab the resistance in its
back.”“What I will do is that I will not conspire against the resistance, nor
against its rivals and enemies,” Franjieh said. “I won’t take revenge on anyone
nor settle any score with anyone – not over the past nor over the future,” the
Marada leader added, pointing out that “Hezbollah’s arms have a regional and
international dimension that we alone cannot settle.” As for his ties with
Washington and Paris, Franjieh said: “So far I have not heard from the Americans
and French that they support my election, but I have not received any negative
message indicating that they oppose me or don’t want me. The same thing applies
to Saudi Arabia.”
Geagea says presidential vacuum is due to waiting for
developments, regional project interests
NNA/Saturday, 19 November, 2022
"Lebanese Forces" Party Chief, Samir Geagea, considered that the reason for the
current presidential vacuum is mainly due to the fact that some are waiting for
developments and studying their moves in regards to the presidential election on
grounds that have nothing to do with Lebanon or the interest of the Lebanese
people, but instead are focusing on their own narrow interests and those of the
regional project to which they are affiliated. Speaking during his meeting with
a delegation from the "Beirut II" electoral district, Geagea stressed that "the
128 deputies must perform their constitutional duty by attending the
presidential electoral sessions, particularly in light of the delicate,
difficult and critical conditions prevailing in the country. The delegation also
raised with Geagea various issues related to the city of Beirut. The LF Chief
later met with a delegation from the town of Mtolleh, with talks touching on the
affairs of the town and the Chouf region. The visit was an occasion for the
delegation to extend an official invitation to Geagea to attend the inauguration
ceremony of the new St. George Church in the town, during a festive Mass
presided over by Sidon’s Maronite Diocese Head, Archbishop Maroun Al-Ammar,
scheduled for upcoming Sunday, November 27.
Alain Aoun: FPM did not nominate anyone for presidency,
Ziad Baroud could be one of the candidates
NNA/Saturday, 19 November, 2022
Member of the “Strong Lebanon” bloc, MP Alain Aoun, affirmed that “the Free
Patriotic Movement did not nominate anyone for the presidency of the republic,"
indicating that former minister Ziad Baroud could be one of the possible
candicates that the bloc might agree upon if conditions were available.
MP Aoun stressed that the presidential vacuum cannot continue especially since
the problem today is political, and the horizon of the vacuum cannot be long and
the FPM will not be part of it.
Finally, the MP considered that voting in Parliament should not be a formality,
but rather it must be prepared for with the other blocs, adding that their
political team has the right to vote with a blank paper so as not to disrupt the
quorum of the sessions.
Al-Makary represents Lebanon at the Francophone Summit’s
opening session in Djerba, Tunisia
NNA/Saturday, 19 November, 2022
Caretaker Information Minister, Ziad Al-Makary, is currently representing
Lebanon at the opening session of the Francophone Summit held in Djerba,
Tunisia, with the participation of 88 countries. Al-Makary heads an official
delegation including Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary-General, Ambassador Hani
Chmaytelli, Lebanon's Ambassador to Tunisia Antoine Franjieh, Lebanon's
Ambassador to UNESCO Sahar Baasiri and Dr. Jarjoura Hardan. Delivered speeches
at the opening session included a word by Tunisian Republic President Kais Saied,
who said: "Digital transformation is the result of man and his intelligence, not
artificial intelligence, and we have to dream of a better world for the good of
all mankind on the basis of justice and freedom." In his delivered address,
Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, considered that "in the face of
prevailing health challenges such as the Corona pandemic and environmental
problems, we must emphasize more and more on solidarity among Francophone
countries, provided that the weaker countries feel this solidarity," adding that
“in exchange for hatred, we must stress on coexistence.”In turn, the
Secretary-General of the World Organization of la Francophonie, Louise
Mushikiwabo, said: "The time for transformation has come. There are many
problems, crises and storms that have affected the Francophone environment, but
I am happy that these circumstances did not prevent encouraging results."She
thanked the member states of the World Organization of La Francophonie that
contributed to such outcome, noting that "the Organization is more and more
present on the ground, in coordination with its partners, and is now more
flexible than before, as we are heading towards a renewed Francophonie, and all
member states will have a role."During the opening tour, Minister Al-Makary met
with French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau,
Tunisian Prime Minister Najla Bouden and various figures.
Hamieh: Lebanese ports to have preference in benefiting
from Lebanon's oil wealth
NNA/Saturday, 19 November, 2022
Caretaker Minister of Public Works and Transport, Ali Hamieh, confirmed Saturday
that “in order for Lebanon to benefit from its wealth in oil and gas, from
exploration to extraction, ongoing efforts have been focused for the past year
on ensuring that:
1- Lebanese ports have preferentiality in providing services through the
licenses that will be granted in terms of sea and air transport from/to
exploration platforms
2- Specialized ports are established and equipped to keep pace with the stage.”
Myriam Fares, Nicki Minaj, Maluma release World Cup
anthem
Associated Press/Saturday, 19 November, 2022
Hip hop star Nicki Minaj has teamed up with Colombian singer-songwriter Maluma
and Lebanese singer Myriam Fares for the latest addition to the official
soundtrack of the World Cup in Qatar. The single "Tukoh Taka," with lyrics in
English, Spanish and Arabic, was released on Friday, two days ahead of the start
of the tournament. It's the latest in a series of songs by artists from around
the world released as part of FIFA's official soundtrack of the 2022 World Cup.
Maluma and Myriam Fares will perfo.
The Latest English LCCC
Miscellaneous Reports And News published
on November
19-20/2022
Iran leader says 'enemies' may target
workers as protests rage
DUBAI (Reuters)/November 19, 2022
Protests raged on at Iranian universities and in some cities on Saturday as
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned the country's "enemies" may try to
mobilise workers after failing to topple the Islamic government in more than two
months of unrest. One of the boldest challenges to Iran's clerical leaders in
decades, the protests have been gaining steam, frustrating authorities who have
blamed Iran's foreign enemies and their agents for orchestrating the
disturbances. "Until this hour, thank God, the enemies have been defeated. But
the enemies have a new trick every day, and with today's defeat, they may target
different classes such as workers and women," state television quoted Khamenei
as saying. Women and university students have played a prominent role in the
anti-government street demonstrations, waving and burning headscarves to
denounce Iran's strict Islamic dress code for women. The wave of unrest erupted
in September after Kurdish-Iranian woman Mahsa Amini died in the custody of the
country's morality police after she was arrested for wearing clothes deemed
"inappropriate". Protests spread into the vital energy sector last month but
demonstrations by workers, which have partly addressed demands linked to pay and
working conditions, have been limited. In 1979, a combination of mass protests
and strikes by oil workers and bazaar merchants helped to sweep the clergy to
power in Iran's Islamic revolution. On Saturday, activist HRANA news agency said
sit-down strikes and protests were taking place on two dozen campuses in the
capital, Tehran, and in major cities including Isfahan, Tabriz and Shiraz with
slogans including "Freedom, freedom, freedom". Kurdish rights group Hengaw
posted videos purporting to show security forces shooting at protesters in the
town of Divandarreh, killing one protester. Reuters could not verify the videos.
HRANA said 402 protesters had been killed in the unrest as of Friday, including
58 minors. Some 54 members of the security forces were also killed, it added.
More than 16,800 people have been arrested, it said. State media said last month
that more than 46 security forces, including police, had been killed. Government
officials have not provided an estimate of any wider death count. Iran's
hardline judiciary has sentenced five protesters to death and said it will put
on trial more than 2,000 people indicted for unrest, intensifying efforts to
crush weeks of demonstrations.
UK says Iran 'spreading bloodshed' from
Mideast to Kyiv
Agence France Presse/Saturday, 19 November, 2022
Britain's foreign minister on Saturday hit out at Iran for "spreading bloodshed"
and vowed to work with allies to counter Tehran as he addressed leaders in
Bahrain. Ukraine and its Western allies have accused Iran of supplying Russia
with drones that they say Moscow has used in recent weeks to carry out attacks
in Ukraine. Earlier this month, Tehran admitted it had sent drones, but insisted
they were supplied before Russia's invasion. "Iranian-supplied weapons threaten
the entire region," British foreign secretary James Cleverly told the annual
Manama Dialogue conference in Bahrain. "The regime has resorted to selling
Russia the armed drones that are killing civilians in Ukraine."Cleverly spoke a
day after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also warned in
Bahrain that Iran's "weapons proliferation" is a threat to Europe. The growing
criticism comes as Iran grapples with mass protests -- the biggest in years --
following the death in September of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by
Iran's notorious morality police for an alleged breach of its strict dress code
for women. "As their people demonstrate against decades of oppression, Iran's
rulers are spreading bloodshed and destruction across the region and as far away
as Kyiv", Cleverly said. "Britain is determined to work alongside our friends to
counter the Iranian threat." On Monday, the EU hit more than 30 senior Iranian
officials and organizations with sanctions over Tehran's crackdown on protesters
and the supply of drones to Russia. In his address, Cleverly also slammed
Russian President Vladimir Putin for threatening global security. "No country is
immune from the turmoil he has brought to world markets or the damage he has
caused to global food security," he said. "Putin's war is inflicting yet more
suffering on Syrians and Yemenis, who were already enduring the privations of
humanitarian emergency, and ordinary Lebanese, caught up in economic crisis."
Britain to Call Out Iran as ‘Threat’ to Middle East
Security
London - Asharq Al-Awsat/Saturday, 19 November, 2022
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will call out Iran and Russia as
threats to the security of the Middle East in a speech to global leaders in
Bahrain on Saturday. Speaking at the Manama Dialogue security conference in
Bahrain, he will commit to working with partners in the region to ensure Iran
never develops a nuclear weapon and tackle its destabilizing activity in the
region. On the threat posed by Iran, Cleverly is expected to say that
Iranian-supplied weapons threaten the entire region. “Today Iran’s nuclear
program is more advanced than ever before, and the regime has resorted to
selling Russia the armed drones that are killing civilians in Ukraine.” “As
their people demonstrate against decades of oppression, Iran’s rulers are
spreading bloodshed and destruction as far away as Kyiv,” he will add. The
Secretary will affirm Britain’s determination to work alongside its friends to
counter the Iranian threat, interdict the smuggling of conventional arms, and
prevent the regime from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability. He will also
call out Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine as a “flagrant
breach” of the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is
“heaping misery” on millions of Syrians and Yemenis by driving up food prices.
“Putin’s war is inflicting yet more suffering on Syrians and Yemenis, who were
already enduring the privations of humanitarian emergency, and ordinary
Lebanese, caught up in economic crisis,” according to excerpts distributed from
his speech.
He will also highlight opportunities for cooperation on Gulf States’ transition
to green energy and look forward to greater trade between the Gulf and the UK
following the conclusion of talks on a new Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf
Cooperation Council, expected in 2023. Separately, Britain’s maritime agency
said a drone circled a ship in the Gulf of Oman on Friday. The Maritime Trade
Operations (UKMTO) said the incident took place about 50 miles southwest of
Muscat. The vessel and crew were reported to be safe. It did not specify what
kind of vessel was involved. Earlier on Tuesday, an attack took place on an oil
tanker off the coast of the Sultanate of Oman. The US Central Command said on
Wednesday that an Iranian-made drone had attacked the tanker Pacific Zircon. An
Israeli official said Iran was responsible for the strike, while Iran's Nournews,
which is affiliated to Tehran's security organization, blamed Israel. Pacific
Zircon sustained minor damage with no injuries or spillage of the gas oil cargo,
its operator, Israeli-controlled Eastern Pacific Shipping, said on Wednesday.
Attacks on tankers in Gulf waters in recent years have come at times of
heightened regional tensions.
Canada Spy Agency Probing Death Threats from Iran
Asharq Al-Awsat/Saturday, 19 November, 2022
Canada's spy agency said Friday it is investigating credible death threats
against people in Canada by Iran, days after Britain levelled similar
accusations against the Iranian regime. CSIS is actively investigating several
threats to life emanating from Tehran based on credible intelligence, Eric
Balsam, spokesman for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, told AFP.
"Ultimately, these hostile activities and foreign interference undermine the
security of Canada and Canadians, as well as our democratic values and
sovereignty," he said. No details of the investigation were given, but Balsam
said the agency is working with international partners. CSIS is also aware that
Iran is monitoring and intimidating people in Canada, including members of the
Iranian diaspora, he added, in order to "silence those who speak out publicly
against" the regime. Last week, Britain accused Tehran of threatening the lives
of UK-based journalists. "I have summoned the Iranian charge d'affaires today
after journalists working in the UK were subject to immediate threats to life
from Iran," British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly tweeted at the time.
Four Iraqi Soldiers Killed in Attack Near Kirkuk
Asharq Al-Awsat/Saturday, 19 November, 2022
A machine gun attack on a remote northern Iraqi military post killed four
soldiers on Saturday, a military source said. According to AFP, the source said
the pre-dawn assault targeted the desert post near Kirkuk, where remnants of the
ISIS extremist group are active, as well as Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)
fighters. Iraqi Kurdish fighters are deployed about one kilometer from the post
that was attacked, said the source, who asked not to be identified. No one has
claimed responsibility for the attack. Turkish forces regularly carry out
military operations against Kurdish PKK forces.
US Ambassador to Israel Visits Settlement in West Bank
Jerusalem, New York - Asharq Al-Awsat/Saturday, 19 November, 2022
The US ambassador to Israel on Thursday visited a Jewish settlement in the
occupied West Bank to offer his condolences to relatives of a man killed by a
Palestinian, a spokeswoman said. The spokeswoman for the American embassy
confirmed that this was ambassador Thomas Nides’ first visit to a settlement
since taking up the post in Dec 2021, adding that his “position on settlements
is quite clear.”In a January interview, Nides told the Israeli daily Yediot
Ahronot that he would not visit Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank --
widely considered illegal under international law. Nides was accompanied by
Yossi Dagan, the head of the Shomron regional council, which administers Jewish
settlements in the northern West Bank. He was visiting the family of Tamir
Avihai, a resident of the Kiryat Netafim settlement and one of three victims
killed Tuesday in an attack by a Palestinian in Ariel, one of the largest
Israeli settler communities in the occupied Palestinian territory. He had
visited the families of the two other victims earlier, the US embassy said. A
Palestinian man stabbed three Israelis in a settlement in the occupied West Bank
on Tuesday before he was shot and killed by Israeli security personnel. The
Israeli military said the Palestinian attacked Israelis at the entrance to the
settlement’s industrial zone, then proceeded to a nearby gas station and stabbed
more people there, reported The Associated Press. It said the attacker was shot
fleeing the scene. The attack took place a few hours before Israel swore in the
most right-wing parliament in its history. Prime Minister-designate Benjamin
Netanyahu is working to cobble together a far-right and religious governing
coalition in the 120-seat parliament, or Knesset.
US defense secretary blames Putin's war for Poland
explosion
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP)/November 19, 2022
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Saturday the deadly missile explosion
in Poland this week is a consequence of Russian President Vladimir Putin's “war
of choice” against Ukraine, and said international stability and prosperity are
at stake in the conflict. Austin made the remarks at the annual Halifax
International Security Forum which attracts defense and security officials from
Western democracies. “The tragic and troubling explosion in Poland this week
reminded the whole world of the recklessness of Putin’s war of choice,” Austin
said. On Tuesday, two workers were killed when a projectile hit the grain-drying
facility close to Poland's border with Ukraine. While the source of the missile
is under investigation, NATO officials have said they suspect it was fired from
a Ukrainian missile battery. Officials from Poland, NATO and the United States
have blamed Russia for the deaths in any case, saying a Ukrainian missile would
not have misfired had the country not been forced to defend itself against heavy
Russian attacks that day. Russian officials have cast the conflict as a struggle
against NATO — though Ukraine is not a NATO member even if it has been receiving
aid from NATO member states.
Austin said NATO is a defensive alliance and poses no threat to Russia. “Make no
mistake: we will not be dragged into Putin’s war of choice. But we will stand by
Ukraine as it fights to defend itself. And we will defend every inch of NATO
territory,” Austin said.
A Polish investigation to determine the source of the missile and the
circumstances of the explosion was launched with support from the U.S. and
Ukrainian investigators joined the probe on Friday. Andriy Yermak, head of the
Office of the President of Ukraine, said in an interview broadcast live at the
forum that “It’s not right to say it’s a Ukrainian rocket, or a Russian rocket,
before the investigation is over.”
Austin called Putin’s invasion the worst crisis in security since the end of the
Second World War and said the outcome "will help determine the course of global
security in this young century,” Austin said. “Stability and prosperity on both
sides of the Atlantic are at stake. The U.S. trading relationship with the
European Union is the largest in the world. So when an aggressor manufactures a
huge security crisis in Europe, it hits home for everyday Americans and
Canadians.” Austin said the U.S. has deployed or extended more than 20,000
additional U.S. forces to Europe since late February, bringing the total to more
than 100,000 American service members across Europe. “Russia isn’t just waging a
war of aggression. It’s also deliberately attacking civilian targets and
civilian infrastructure — targets with no military purpose whatsoever. Now,
these aren’t just lapses. These aren’t exceptions to the rule. These are
atrocities,” Austin said. He added that the war "shows the whole world the
dangers of disorder. That’s the security challenge that we face. It’s urgent,
and it’s historic. But we’re going to meet it ... the basic principles of
democracy are under siege around the world,” he said. He dismissed Putin's
claims that “modern Ukraine was entirely created by Russia,” calling it a vision
of “a world in which autocrats decide which countries are real and which
countries can be snuffed out.” He drew comparison to China's increasing military
activities in the Taiwan Strait. “Beijing, like Moscow, seeks a world where
might makes right, where disputes are resolved by force, and where autocrats can
stamp out the flame of freedom,” he said. In its 14th year, about 300 people
gather each year at Halifax International Security Forum held at Halifax’s
Westin hotel, where about 13 Ukrainian refugees now work.
UK Skeptical on Macron Call for Talks, Says Ukraine Must
Decide
(Bloomberg)/November 19, 2022
The UK pushed back against a French call for Ukraine to restart peace
negotiations with Russia, warning that President Vladimir Putin may simply be
seeking a pause in hostilities after suffering a series of military setbacks.
“It’s always been clear that Russia would only meaningfully enter into
negotiations when it felt pressurized to do so,” UK Foreign Secretary James
Cleverly said Saturday in an interview. “Russia is now on the back foot, but it
is incredibly important that we continue to support the Ukrainians as they
continue to defend themselves.”Speaking on the sidelines of the IISS security
conference in Bahrain, Cleverly said all wars “ultimately end in negotiations”
but insisted that it’s up to Ukraine to decide under what conditions it’s
willing to sit down for talks and what any settlement may look like. “If Russia
does decide to enter into negotiations,” it can’t “just be used as a pause
button because they are now seeing reversals on the battlefield,” he said.
Cleverly’s comments came as British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made an
unannounced visit to Kyiv for the first time since taking office in October.
There, he reaffirmed the UK’s support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
Negotiating Table
French President Emmanuel Macron said a day earlier that he hopes his Ukrainian
counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, will agree to resume peace talks that have
been suspended since April. “The Ukrainians will, this is my hope, will come
back to the table with the Russians, and the international community will be
around this table,” he told the Financial Times and Nikkei in an interview.
Zelenskiy responded by saying Russia may seek a “short truce” merely to regroup
-- pushing back against the French suggestion. “Someone may call this the war’s
end,” he told an international security forum in Halifax, Canada, according to a
transcript released by his office on Saturday. “But such a respite will only
worsen the situation.”Russia this month suffered the humiliation of having to
withdraw from Kherson, the only provincial capital its forces had captured since
the Kremlin’s nine-month invasion began. The reverse came just weeks after Putin
declared Kherson and three other partially occupied Ukrainian regions to be
Russian “forever,” like the Crimean peninsula, which it annexed in 2014.
Kherson Embarrassment
The recapture of the Kherson was the latest in a series of Ukrainian territorial
gains since a counteroffensive kicked off in September with the help of billions
of dollars in weapons and training for its forces provided by the West. Still,
Russia is stepping up a relentless bombardment -- partly with the use of Iranian
drones -- aimed at wiping out critical heating and electricity infrastructure as
the winter sets in. Ukraine has said Russian missile attacks have disabled
almost half of the country’s power system. The US and its allies will step up
deliveries of surface-to-surface and air-to-air rockets to bring down Russian
missiles and help them integrate the new equipment into their
airspace-protection capabilities, according to Cleverly. “We recognize that they
need these air-defense systems now because as they head into the winter,
Vladimir Putin’s strategy is very very clear,” he said. “So his attempt to
freeze them and starve them into submission will be unsuccessful.” While Russia
is continuing to reject Western demands to withdraw from occupied Ukrainian
lands, Moscow and Washington in recent weeks have stepped up communications. The
US says the talks aim to avoid the risk of nuclear escalation and it isn’t
negotiating an end to the Ukraine war.
First Ukrainian passenger train rolls into newly freed
Kherson
KYIV/KHERSON (Reuters)/November 19, 2022
Jubilant Ukrainians rolled into Kherson by train on Saturday for the first time
in more than eight months as residents of the newly liberated southern city
greeted them on the platform with flowers and national flags. "I can't even put
my feelings into words," said Hryhorii Vyrtosa, a 67-year-old construction
worker, shortly after stepping off the overnight route from the capital, Kyiv.
Ukrainian forces liberated Kherson from Russian occupation on Nov. 11 in what
amounted to another major battlefield setback for Moscow. It had been the only
regional capital captured by Russian forces since the Feb. 24 invasion.
Saturday's journey marked the first time Vyrtosa, a native of Kherson region
with Moldovan roots, was able to return after escaping the Russian-occupied city
of Skadovsk in April. Upon arriving, a beaming Vyrtosa fulfilled his pledge to
shout "Glory to Ukraine" upon arrival. He then tightly hugged his son, who he
had not seen in eight months. Hundreds of residents of the city, which is
currently without electricity, running water or central heating, cheered as they
welcomed the train. "It's a symbol of freedom. It's happiness," said Maria
Matsenko, 66, who was holding a Ukrainian flag while waiting on the platform
with her friend. The train, which was brightly painted by various Ukrainian
artists and featured slogans such as "People of Steel", departed Kyiv late on
Friday following a celebratory event at the main railway station. The event
included a performance by Ukrainian rock singer Oleh Skrypka, with passengers in
the crowd, including Ukrainian soldiers, singing along. Tickets to Kherson first
went on sale weeks before its liberation as part of a "Train to Victory"
initiative between Ukrainian Railways and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's
United24 fundraising initiative. The southeastern city of Mariupol, which was
heavily damaged earlier this year and is still occupied by Russian forces, is
among the other destinations.
Zelensky Dismisses 'Short Truce' With Russia
Asharq Al-Awsat/Saturday, 19 November, 2022
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday dismissed the idea of a "short
truce" with Russia, saying it would only make things worse, according to AFP.
"Russia is now looking for a short truce, a respite to regain strength. Someone
may call this the war's end, but such a respite will only worsen the situation,"
the Ukrainian leader said in remarks broadcast at the Halifax International
Security Forum. "A truly real, long-lasting and honest peace can only be the
result of the complete demolition of Russian aggression," Zelensky said. The
White House said earlier in the day that only Zelensky can decide when to open
peace talks with Russia, rejecting the notion that it was pressing Kyiv in this
regard. General Mark Milley, the top US military officer, has however suggested
in recent weeks that Kyiv could take advantage of battlefield victories over
Moscow's forces and open talks toward ending the conflict. Milley said Wednesday
that while Ukraine has achieved key successes, Moscow still controls some 20
percent of the country, and that it is unlikely Kyiv's troops will force the
Russians to quit the country soon.
Most APEC Leaders Condemn War in Ukraine
Asharq Al-Awsat/Saturday, 19 November, 2022
Most leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum on Saturday
condemned Russia's war in Ukraine. Leaders of the 21 members of the grouping in
their declaration at the end of a two-day summit in Bangkok also said they
recognized that more intensive efforts were needed to address such challenges as
rising inflation, food security, climate change and natural disasters. The APEC
gathering is the third summit in the region in the past week. A Southeast Asian
summit that included China, Japan and the United States was held in Cambodia
while the Group of 20 (G20) nations met on the Indonesian island of Bali. At the
G20 meeting in Indonesia, countries unanimously adopted a declaration saying
most members condemned the Ukraine war but that also acknowledged some countries
saw the conflict differently. The APEC leaders echoed that as they referred to
UN resolutions that deplore Russia's aggression and demand its complete and
unconditional withdrawal from Ukraine. "This year, we have also witnessed the
war in Ukraine further adversely impact the global economy," they said. "Most
members strongly condemned the war in Ukraine and stressed it is causing immense
human suffering and exacerbating existing fragilities in the global economy."
"There were other views and different assessments of the situation and
sanctions. Recognizing that APEC is not the forum to resolve security issues, we
acknowledge that security issues can have significant consequences for the
global economy."
The leaders also vowed to uphold and strengthen a rules-based multilateral
trading system.
FIFA's Infantino accuses World Cup critics of 'hypocrisy'
Agence France Presse/Saturday, 19 November, 2022
FIFA president Gianni Infantino hit back at criticism of Qatar's human rights
record on Saturday, blasting the "hypocrisy" of Western critics on the eve of
the World Cup kick-off. Infantino, speaking at his opening press conference of
the tournament in Doha, also expressed support for the LGBTQ community and
migrant workers. "This moral lesson-giving -- one-sided -- is just hypocrisy,"
said the Swiss. "I don't want to give you any lessons of life, but what is going
on here is profoundly, profoundly unjust."He added: "For what we Europeans have
been doing for the last 3,000 years we should apologize for the next 3,000 years
before starting giving moral lessons to people." The build-up to the tournament
in the Gulf state has been dominated by concerns over Qatar's treatment of
migrant workers, women and the LGBTQ community. Infantino expressed his support
for those communities. "Today I feel Qatari, today I feel Arab, today I feel
African, today I feel gay, today I feel disabled, today I feel a migrant
worker," he said. Qatar officials say their country has been the target of
"racism" and "double standards". They point to the reforms on working conditions
and safety that have been hailed as groundbreaking in the Gulf region. The World
Cup kicks off on Sunday when host nation Qatar take on Ecuador in the opening
match.
The Latest LCCC English analysis &
editorials from miscellaneous sources published
on November
19-20/2022
Economics Is the Core of Language Strength
Amel Moussa/Asharq Al-Awsat/November, 19/2022
Addressing the subject of language is usually associated with culture, which is
a natural association, given that language is a component of culture. Rather,
language is a determinant of the symbolic construction of the identity of any
society.
Historically, the most famous, expansive, and common civilization can make its
language dominate the world. Let’s also not forget that the number of speakers
estimates the universal value of any language.
Today, however, language is approached differently, far from solely
anthropological linguistic slants. In the cultural history of peoples, languages
were included in the cultural diversity of humanity. Language is viewed as one
of the components of identity. Any nation is keen on preserving its language
from melting, blending, and fading.Nevertheless, this approach has changed in
modern days. The link between the place of language in the world and the value
of its economy has become very strong. For many decades now, language has been
correlated to science. The country that innovates the most has its language
dominate the world more than others. Of course, separating science and economics
in this context is difficult. Major economies that lead the world today gain
strength from their position in experimental sciences, innovation, and
invention.
Consequently, a language that knows strong economic support is better than other
languages in this aspect.
As we focus on scrutinizing this dimension specifically, we also implicitly
affirm that there is no differentiation between languages and cultures and
confirm the implications of human rights and anthropological studies.
But the difference emerges when the economy’s reputation, innovations, markets,
business climate, and ways to achieve dreams of wealth begin to support a
specific language. Then the language acquires particular importance and becomes
an element of the same power the economy benefits from to gain more speakers.
So, the power of language comes from the power of the economy and its spread
from the spread of goods, products, devices, and inventions. In other words, the
economy becomes a source of attraction for its primary language.
Here we can ask a simple question: Does language contribute to shaping our
economy? The answer is yes.
Language, as we know it, is a carrier of the worldview of its speakers in
general.
Also, talking about speakers of a language does not mean that language does not
go beyond pronunciation and speech. Language is a system of thinking, vision,
perception, representations, and even behavior.
From this standpoint, we understand the relationship of the English language
with science, and we know more about why Britain was the cradle of the
Industrial Revolution and how its language acted as a lever and support for the
emergence of the scientific movement.
The more accurate a language is, and the more vigorous its relationship with the
tangible world, the closer its people are to knowledge.
It is also no secret that language mirrors peoples’ mentality, and through it,
one can eavesdrop on the imagination and systems of thought.
Through this mirror, the extent to which a society can provide a strong and
dynamic economy can be determined.
It is the language that reflects the accuracy of its speakers. It reveals an
upbringing based on independence, creativity, balanced self-confidence, and a
strong work ethic, which produces societies that live in economies that create
wealth and satisfy people’s expectations.
What led us to talk about language and economics?
Today, the 18th summit of the very ancient “Organisation Internationale de la
Francophonie (OIF),” which is now more than half a century old, considering that
it was founded in 1970, includes nearly 80 countries.
Holding the 18th OIF summit in Tunisia, specifically on the charming island of
Djerba with its beauty and culture, is an excellent occasion to raise the
relationship between the dissemination of language and economic projects and
extensive and robust cooperation programs that bring French-speaking countries
together.
The OIF is meeting around the French language, and the future of this language
is closely and organically interconnected to what this language can provide in
terms of cooperation and interests between the countries that speak it.
So, it seems that choosing to hold an economic forum at the OIF summit
activities attended by Francophone leaders is a successful choice in two
respects: The first aspect is that the economy is what brings together all forms
of blocs, whether they are based on belonging to one continent, one religion,
one language or one geography.
As for the other aspect, it rests in the message that all kinds of empires live
and flourish and become stronger and more powerful when they are based on vital
interests, and the economy is the essential interest of relations and exchanges.
The economy is the core of languages, and everything!
Is this a New Era in US-Russian-Chinese Relations?
Abdulrahman Al-Rashed/Asharq Al-Awsat/November,
19/2022
On the cusp of winter, a blooming international political spring is in the air.
An atmosphere of optimism has prevailed over this year’s G20 summit as the US
and China, the world’s two largest economies, saw their deteriorating relations
come to a halt. “The world has come to a crossroads. Where to go from here,”
said Chinese President Xi Jinping, and US President Joe Biden stated: “I
absolutely believe there need not be a new Cold War.”
Urging the immediate peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine, called for
by both Russia and the US, is yet another key indicator of its great impact on
the political and economic world.
The warring presidents started their meeting by congratulating each other on
winning the elections, an implication that both presidents' teams have
accomplished most of the task before Biden and Xi began direct negotiation.
The US midterm elections results came as no surprise to me; Democrats sealed
control of the Senate and Republicans took the House after a tight race. The US
Congress elections are difficult because they take place locally and focus on
dozens of living, social, and personal issues. By retaining control of the
Senate, President Biden has sufficient power to pass his projects and veto those
of his opponents. Nevertheless, this power is far from absolute as a decision to
sign an agreement with Iran or keep weapons flowing to Ukraine must go through
Congress and certain Democratic members of the House may choose to vote with
their Republican opponents, against the President.
All the same, I expect Biden to complete his full term seeking a memorable
historic achievement - a habit of US presidents. He indeed laid the cornerstone
for such an achievement on Monday as he sat face-to-face with the Chinese
President in Indonesia. His potential success in putting an end to the crisis so
that both powers can coexist on earth would place him on the cover of Time
magazine and get him nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. The world would
remember him, not for the mocking videos posted by his opponents, but for what
he did for his country and the world by preventing a new Cold War with China
early on. This difficult task can become easier if he refrains from running for
a second term as he would have a bigger margin of freedom to make decisions
without being concerned about their impact on public opinion and without causing
Democrats to lose popularity.
The question that interests us is: How will he deal with our region and its
issues during his remaining two years in the White House? A decision to return
to - or even set the ground for a new - nuclear deal with Iran can only be
achieved by involving concerned regional countries to avoid its abandonment in
the future as in the case of former President Barack Obama’s deal. Also, if he
chooses to link his name with a Palestinian-Israeli peace process, he will need
the support of key regional countries.
If Biden chooses to disengage from the region and its issues to focus on the US
conflict with Russia and China, countries such as Saudi Arabia and others in the
Gulf region would become involved in this competition and support China, because
the Kingdom is China’s biggest supplier of crude oil. This would generate more
US pressure on Riyadh, which seeks to achieve balance in its relations. History
shows that our region has always been fertile ground for external conflict
aiming at controlling waterways and energy sources. Saudi Arabia remained the
target of rivals for nearly a century: The Allied powers against the Axis
forces, Nazi Germany and Ottoman Turkey, and the Cold War against the Soviet
Union. Today, waterways, oil, and gas are once again sources of conflict, even
though the US is the world’s largest producer. The world’s great powers putting
a stop to their deteriorating relations would positively impact the energy
market and reset the damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in
Ukraine.
Britain to Call Out Iran as ‘Threat’ to Middle East
Security
London/Asharq Al-Awsat/November, 19/2022
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/archives/113441/dr-majid-rafizadeh-gatestone-institute-biden-administrations-inaction-legitimizes-irans-brutality-%d8%af-%d9%85%d8%a7%d8%ac%d8%af-%d8%b1%d9%81%d9%8a-%d8%b2%d8%a7%d8%af%d9%87-%d9%85%d9%86-%d9%85/
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will call out Iran and Russia as
threats to the security of the Middle East in a speech to global leaders in
Bahrain on Saturday.
Speaking at the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain, he will commit
to working with partners in the region to ensure Iran never develops a nuclear
weapon and tackle its destabilizing activity in the region. On the threat posed
by Iran, Cleverly is expected to say that Iranian-supplied weapons threaten the
entire region. “Today Iran’s nuclear program is more advanced than ever before,
and the regime has resorted to selling Russia the armed drones that are killing
civilians in Ukraine.”
“As their people demonstrate against decades of oppression, Iran’s rulers are
spreading bloodshed and destruction as far away as Kyiv,” he will add.
The Secretary will affirm Britain’s determination to work alongside its friends
to counter the Iranian threat, interdict the smuggling of conventional arms, and
prevent the regime from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability.
He will also call out Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine as
a “flagrant breach” of the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity,
which is “heaping misery” on millions of Syrians and Yemenis by driving up food
prices.
“Putin’s war is inflicting yet more suffering on Syrians and Yemenis, who were
already enduring the privations of humanitarian emergency, and ordinary
Lebanese, caught up in economic crisis,” according to excerpts distributed from
his speech.
He will also highlight opportunities for cooperation on Gulf States’ transition
to green energy and look forward to greater trade between the Gulf and the UK
following the conclusion of talks on a new Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf
Cooperation Council, expected in 2023. Separately, Britain’s maritime agency
said a drone circled a ship in the Gulf of Oman on Friday. The Maritime Trade
Operations (UKMTO) said the incident took place about 50 miles southwest of
Muscat. The vessel and crew were reported to be safe. It did not specify what
kind of vessel was involved. Earlier on Tuesday, an attack took place on an oil
tanker off the coast of the Sultanate of Oman. The US Central Command said on
Wednesday that an Iranian-made drone had attacked the tanker Pacific Zircon. An
Israeli official said Iran was responsible for the strike, while Iran's Nournews,
which is affiliated to Tehran's security organization, blamed Israel. Pacific
Zircon sustained minor damage with no injuries or spillage of the gas oil cargo,
its operator, Israeli-controlled Eastern Pacific Shipping, said on Wednesday.
Attacks on tankers in Gulf waters in recent years have come at times of
heightened regional tensions.
د. ماجد رفي زاده/معهد جيتستون: تقاعس إدارة بايدن يضفي الشرعية على وحشية إيران
Biden Administration’s Inaction Legitimizes Iran’s Brutality
Dr. Majid Rafizadeh/Gatestone Institute/November 19/2022
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/archives/113441/dr-majid-rafizadeh-gatestone-institute-biden-administrations-inaction-legitimizes-irans-brutality-%d8%af-%d9%85%d8%a7%d8%ac%d8%af-%d8%b1%d9%81%d9%8a-%d8%b2%d8%a7%d8%af%d9%87-%d9%85%d9%86-%d9%85/
Reports from the Oslo-based non-governmental organization Iran Human Rights
state that in recent anti-regime protests, 326 people have died and 15,000 have
been arrested. Executions have already begun.
The least the Biden administration can do to show support for the Iranian people
is immediately to convene a session at the United Nations to address the ruling
mullahs’ gruesome crackdown.
Is the Biden administration not taking action because they are concerned that it
may scuttle the prospects of the reviving the nuclear deal with the ruling
mullahs later?
Continuing to back the nuclear deal by refusing to declare it dead — permanently
— sends the message to the Iranian people: that the West does not care about, or
stand with, their struggles against a savage dictatorship.
The Biden administration needs to stop all negotiations that could lead to
economic, financial or political benefits for the Iranian regime.
Another path that the Biden administration could take is immediately to initiate
the process of restoring UN sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
Reports from the NGO Iran Human Rights state that in recent anti-regime
protests, 326 people have died and 15,000 have been arrested. Executions have
already begun. The least the Biden administration can do to show support for the
Iranian people is immediately to convene a UN session to address the ruling
mullahs’ gruesome crackdown.
As Winston Churchill pointed out, “I never ‘worry’ about action, but only about
inaction”. The Biden administration’s inaction has only been legitimizing the
Iranian regime’s savage crackdown on its population, and sending a message to
the Iranian people that Washington does not stand with them or with their
aspirations for establishing a democratic system of governance; rule of law and
justice; freedom of speech, of the press and of assembly; and human rights for
all.
Iranians have been protesting for nearly two months while risking their lives
every hour. They have been chanting “Death to the dictator”, “Death to [Supreme
Leader Ali] Khamenei” and “This year is a year of blood, Seyyed Ali [Khamenei]
will be gone”.
Reports from the Oslo-based non-governmental organization Iran Human Rights
state that in recent anti-regime protests, 326 people have died and 15,000 have
been arrested. Executions have already begun.
According to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human
Rights:
“Some sources suggest that as many as 23 children have been killed and many
others injured in at least seven provinces by live ammunition, metal pellets at
close range, and fatal beatings. A number of schools have also been raided, and
children arrested by security forces. Some principals have also reportedly been
arrested for not cooperating with security forces. On 11 October, the Minister
of Education confirmed that an unspecified number of children had been sent to
‘psychological centres’ after they were arrested allegedly for participating in
anti-State protests.”
The least the Biden administration can do to show support for the Iranian people
is immediately to convene a session at the United Nations to address the ruling
mullahs’ gruesome crackdown.
As Amnesty International’s director for the Middle East and North Africa, Heba
Morayef, pointed out:
“The Iranian authorities’ reckless and unlawful use of firearms against
protesters, including live ammunition, reveals yet again the tragically high
cost of international inaction. All member states of the UN Human Rights Council
must take decisive action now and immediately convene a special session on Iran
in order to prevent further loss of life. Failure to act decisively will only
embolden the Iranian authorities to further crackdown against mourners and
protesters set to gather in the coming days during commemorations marking 40
days since the first deaths of protesters after the deadly repression began in
mid-September. “
Is the Biden administration not taking action because they are concerned that it
may scuttle the prospects of the reviving the nuclear deal with the ruling
mullahs later?
Who Is Mohammed Shia al-Sudani?
May Kadow, Erik Yavorsky/The Washington Institute/November 19/2022
A closer look at the new prime minister’s political career, past affiliations,
and key cabinet picks as he attempts to balance relations with pro-Iran groups
and wary U.S. officials.
When Iraq’s parliament approved Mohammad Shia al-Sudani as prime minister last
month, it closed a paralyzing year-long government formation process and
signaled imminent changes in senior cabinet posts that are crucial to relations
with the United States. Yet little has been written about Sudani himself in
Western media outlets. What is the prime minister’s personal and political
background, and what manner of officials is he surrounding himself with as his
new government takes shape?
Political Career
AShia Muslim born in Baghdad in 1970, Sudani earned his bachelor’s degree in
agricultural science from the University of Baghdad in 1992 and a master’s
degree in project management in 1997. During his childhood, his father and five
other family members were executed by Saddam Hussein’s regime on charges of
membership in the outlawed Dawa Party, an Islamist faction closely aligned with
Iran. Sudani himself became active in politics at a young age and participated
in the Shia uprisings that followed the 1991 Gulf War. Later, he worked with
Saddam’s government as a supervisor of major agricultural projects.
Having grown up in Maysan province, Sudani began his political career there in
2004 once Saddam’s regime was toppled. After a term as mayor of Amara City, he
was elected governor of the province in 2009. He then held a string of
ministerial positions in the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a
fellow Dawa member: minister of human rights (2010-2014), acting minister of
finance (2014), acting minister of migration and displacement (2014), minister
of social and labor affairs (2014), acting trade minister (2015), and acting
minister of industry and minerals (2016). Following the October 2019 protests
that led to Prime Minister Adil Abdulmahdi’s resignation, Sudani was considered
as a candidate for premier but withdrew after Mustafa al-Kadhimi emerged as the
frontrunner.
Unlike most of the country’s current political elite, Sudani remained in Iraq
his whole life rather than living in exile during Saddam’s rule. In contrast,
Kadhimi resided in the United States and other Western countries before
returning home after 2003, even obtaining British citizenship.
Cabinet Formation
Given Tehran’s outsize influence in Baghdad, Iraqi politicians necessarily
engage with Iran-backed figures, including those tied to U.S.-sanctioned
entities. Sudani is no exception—in recent months, for example, he met with
prominent pro-Iran politicians such as Hossein Moanes, head of the party Harakat
Hoquq. That meeting came as little surprise because the party is run by the
designated militia Kataib Hezbollah, a leading element of the “Coordination
Framework” that oversees the majority coalition in parliament and essentially
enabled Sudani’s premiership after outmaneuvering rival factions.
His early cabinet and staff appointments have likewise included individuals tied
to sanctioned Iranian proxies:
Media and education. His media office will be headed by Rabee Nader, who
previously worked for news outlets affiliated with Kataib Hezbollah and Asaib
Ahl al-Haq (AAH), another U.S.-designated terrorist organization. Additionally,
AAH member Naim al-Aboudi was appointed minister of higher education and
scientific research.
Intelligence. Sudani has also dismissed or moved some of Kadhimi’s key staffers.
On November 1, he removed Raed Johi as head of the Iraqi National Intelligence
Service (INIS), then announced he would be overseeing the agency himself.
Previously, Kadhimi took the reins at INIS in 2016 and continued running it
after he became prime minister, thereby cementing his influence over the
organization; he did not appoint Johi to the post until July 2022. By removing a
Kadhimi associate from the senior ranks of INIS, Sudani is creating room for his
own people, potentially including pro-Iran figures in leadership roles. That
scenario could make it difficult to sustain close cooperation with the United
States, since Washington would be wary about sharing sensitive information with
such individuals—especially on Iran and its proxies. Indeed, the future of the
entire bilateral security relationship could be affected.
Finance and anti-corruption. Amid these worrisome developments, one potentially
positive step is the appointment of Taif Sami to head the Ministry of Finance. A
career civil servant in the ministry, she received the International Women of
Courage Award from the U.S. State Department for her efforts to prevent
financial corruption in Iraq while serving as deputy minister. Given Sudani’s
pledge to fight corruption, Sami could play an important role in a much-needed
government initiative. Conversely, she could face continued threats from malign
actors who oppose any serious anti-corruption efforts.
In addition to accepting Sudani’s new cabinet, parliament approved his
twenty-nine-page ministerial program with 250 of 329 votes. The program includes
fighting corruption, improving public services, and reforming the economy. Yet
Sudani’s affiliation with Maliki may hang like an albatross over his
anti-corruption efforts—assuming the highly corrupt members of the Coordination
Framework even allow him to press that agenda item in the first place. One early
test of this facet has already begun: soon after taking office, Sudani demanded
the return of some $2.5 billion in state funds pilfered from the Finance
Ministry. What he does next to actually recover the funds will say a great deal
about his orientation.
*May Kadow and Erik Yavorsky are research assistants in The Washington
Institute’s Program on Arab Politics.
A Politically Challenging World Cup for Iran
Omer Carmi/The Washington Institute/November 19/2022
Instead of attracting tourists, boosting the economy, and rallying Iranians
around the flag, this year’s tournament could turn into a Pyrrhic victory for
the regime given its dire political situation at home.
On paper, the Qatar World Cup should be an occasion for much celebration and
opportunity in Iran. After qualifying for three tournaments in a row, the
talented squad representing this football-obsessed nation is looking to pass the
initial group stage for the first time ever. The fact that the matches will be
held in Iran’s backyard likely convinced the regime that it could simultaneously
attract tourists and boost the economy via joint projects with Doha. Yet weeks
of mass protests have drastically changed Tehran’s plans on this front.
In April, Vice President Mohammad Mokhber reviewed seventy areas of potential
economic cooperation during the tournament, such as hosting fans on Iran’s
Persian Gulf islands and ferrying tourists back and forth to Qatar. More
recently, however, the economic newspaper Donya-e-Eqtesad reported that “none of
the promises made by Iranian officials have materialized,” while the reformist
paper Etemad noted that 20,000 Iranian hotel rooms set aside for football
tourists remained empty—a situation no doubt exacerbated by the regime’s
high-profile detainment of foreigners amid the protests.
In the past, sports helped Iran’s leaders marshal some degree of nationalistic
unity despite simmering public discontent. Yet the uprising has led many current
and former athletes to align with the protesters. Football legends such as Ali
Karimi and Ali Daei supported the demonstrations from the very beginning and
recently turned down invitations to attend the World Cup. In response,
hardliners have publicly threatened their assets and even their lives. Last
month, Javan—a newspaper affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—warned
Daei that “whoever doesn’t know his limits will perish,” while Karimi was
charged in absentia for “acting against national security.”
In another show of solidarity, the national teams for various sports have
remained silent when the Islamic Republic’s anthem played during recent
competitions, including basketball, water polo, and even the football squad
during last week’s friendly against Nicaragua. On November 15, Coach Carlos
Queiroz told reporters that his players can protest if they want so long as they
respect the rules and spirit of the World Cup; two days later, top players
Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Alireza Beiranvand said that singing the anthem and
celebrating goals are personal decisions for each teammate. The issue has
received prominent media attention, and activists are reportedly planning to
protest inside and outside Iran’s matches, making the regime extra sensitive to
any symbolic support from the team. One former parliamentarian warned this week
that players who do not sing the anthem or celebrate goals may be removed. The
regime has also reportedly sought to control in-game Persian media coverage by
convincing Qatar to ban at least one network sympathetic to the protesters (the
London-based Iran International).
Interestingly, in mobilizing public support against the demonstrations, the
regime has focused on nationalist rather than religious themes. Many recent
murals in Tehran’s famous Valiasr Square feature a spectrum of national symbols
and ethnic groups, aiming to rally the people around a patriotic ethos and
urging them to keep Iran from “falling into the enemy’s hands.” One mural
featured the unofficial national anthem “Ey Iran,” which was first published
during the Pahlavi monarchy.
The regime is using the football team for similar purposes. On November 13, it
unveiled a mural showing players accompanied by ancient and pre-Islamic heroes.
The squad has also occupied the front pages of most major newspapers all week.
When they met with President Ebrahim Raisi, the encounter was headlined “For the
Iranian Flag,” and Raisi was given an honorary “Twelfth Player” jersey. Yet
efforts to celebrate the team and lighten the atmosphere have rankled many young
Iranians, with activists criticizing the squad for posting playful photos while
other youths are being beaten and killed across the country.
As for the competition itself, Iran’s initial four-team round-robin group
notably includes the United States, England, and Wales, with only the top two
squads advancing to the tournament’s knockout stages. Its first match is against
England on November 21, followed by Wales on November 25 and the United States
on November 29.
The latter match holds especially potent political implications. The two
countries famously squared off at the 1998 World Cup in France, with Iran’s
victory sparking days of nationwide festivals back home. Minutes after the
match, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei congratulated the nation on defeating its
“arrogant” opponents, comparing the game with “past victories” against “the
Great Satan.”
Today’s context is even more ripe for nationalist exploitation and anti-American
sentiment. In truth, the 1998 match was a rather friendly encounter on the
field, with new reformist president Mohammad Khatami using football diplomacy to
foster wider bilateral rapprochement. Players followed the World Cup custom of
exchanging jerseys after the win and posed for a joint pregame photo. Yet Raisi
is not Khatami, and current relations are far from detente. The regime is more
eager than ever to rally Iranians around the “football flag” with a win against
the United States, both to serve its propaganda aims and to counter any further
momentum the protests may gain during the tournament.
This may be easier said than done, however. In April, Raisi’s spokesman jokingly
tweeted that football star Sardar Azmoun should meet with the IRGC air force
chief to brainstorm ahead of the U.S. match, playing off the fact that “Sardar”
can be translated as “General.” By September, however, Azmoun had posted his
support for the protests on Instagram. He deleted the post a few hours later and
was ultimately included on the national roster, but the incident highlighted the
precarious state of Tehran’s profit-risk balance at Qatar 2022.
*Omer Carmi is a former visiting fellow at The Washington Institute.
UK must not ignore Iranian murder and kidnap plots on its
own soil
Dr. Azeem Ibrahim/Arab News/November 19/2022
The head of MI5, Britain’s domestic security service, this week confirmed
something many of us had long suspected. The news was fed to us, drip by drip,
for more than a week. The Sunday Times reported that a number of Iranians in
Britain were facing intimidation from the state many of them had fled. They were
told by the police they were being followed and threatened. Then the
international media reported that the Iranian regime had begun to hire private
investigators to tail and intimidate Iranians living in Britain, the US and
Europe. Finally, Ken McCallum, the director-general of MI5, confirmed during an
address at the service’s headquarters in London what many people had suspected,
and worse. He said that this year alone, British security services had foiled at
least 10 Iranian plots to kidnap or kill people in the UK. Iranian dissidents
and journalists critical of Iran were among those targeted.
This is a sharp intensification of the Iranian regime’s intimidation of its
critics, and represents a growing threat to the free world.
For a long time, the UK, Europe and the US have been havens for Iranian
dissidents and dissenters. Ayatollah Khomeini himself traveled from Paris to
assume power as supreme leader of Iran after the events of 1979. But the regime
is a tyranny and a threat unlike anything else in Iran’s history. It does not
encourage difference and debate, but seeks to snuff them out, often by force. To
the regime, the existence of alternative points of view represents a deep
threat. It views the idea that Iranians could live happily abroad under foreign
and secular laws as an outrage. Iranians who are living outside the country can
continue to speak freely and write critical articles about the regime, but in
the regime’s mind, this must be stopped. Over the past few years, this has led
to a campaign of kidnapping and murder. Iranian dissidents have been targeted by
the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or the Iranian intelligence services. Some
have been lured back to Iran under false pretenses, while others have been
snatched from the streets of cities in Turkiye or Europe.
The Iranian regime cannot be placated or negotiated with. The aims of its
statecraft are not normal or acceptable.
This is what happened to Ruhollah Zam, an Iranian journalist who had been
critical of the regime. He was kidnapped, bundled off to Iran and executed on
spurious charges in 2020. It was an outrage — and it is an outrage that the
Iranian regime is keen to replicate.
This ought to be a moment of reflection for the West. For too long it has
assumed Iran is a normal country with rulers it can work with. That is why
Europe and the US decided to take Iran’s word about the progress of its illegal
attempt to acquire nuclear weapons, and why the Europeans and Americans
concluded a very favorable nuclear deal with the regime in Tehran under the 2015
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
It is also why Western powers largely averted their eyes from Iranian empire
building in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, perhaps because they believed that
although Iran was bad, it could not have the terrible ambitions for domination
and suppression that Tehran’s regional rivals told them it did.
This was an unfortunate illusion to operate under. But the West dutifully held
on to it for years. That must end now. This is the time those illusions must
end. Only good fortune and diligent work by police and security services have
prevented the UK becoming the scene of an Iranian murder spree. To repeat, this
is — or ought to be — a moment for reflection.
Britain cannot simply rely on its security services to make this problem go
away. It must change its entire view of Iran. How can the UK maintain a normal
diplomatic relationship with a treacherous country intent on murder?
Just as a serious decline in Britain’s relationship with Russia began as a
result of Moscow’s attempt to murder a former Russian spy in Salisbury in 2018,
which resulted in the death of an innocent British woman, this spate of
attempted killings by the Iranian regime must force a change of mindset.
It seems Iran cannot be placated or negotiated with. The aims of its statecraft
are not normal or acceptable. Britain must acknowledge this and change its
diplomatic course accordingly.
When Russia used a chemical weapon to carry out an attack in the UK in 2018, the
international response was significant. Dozens of Russian spies posing as
diplomats were expelled from Western countries and British authorities looked
again at helping countries near Russia at risk of invasion.
There is no reason for the West to react to the situation with Iran any
differently. It ought to expel as many Iranian “diplomats” as possible and look
again at aiding those within Iran, and outside of it, who find themselves at
risk of the Iranian regime’s penchant for violence.
*Dr. Azeem Ibrahim is the director of special initiatives at the Newlines
Institute for Strategy and Policy in Washington D.C. and the author of “The
Rohingyas: Inside Myanmar’s Genocide” (Hurst, 2017). Twitter: @AzeemIbrahim