Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on August 27-28/2023
Child Naya Hanna, the victim of stray bullets died after 23 days of hospitalization
Elias Bejjani/August 26/2023
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/archives/121653/121653/
Innocent child, Naya Hanna, who was hit by a stray bullet while in her school playground, passed away today after 23 days hospitalization.
Naya is a victim of chaos, uncontrolled weapons, and occupation that destroyed Lebanon, dismantled its institutions, embarked chaos on its borders, generalized-legitimized terrorism, criminality, and all the practices of rogues, thieves, murderers, and demons.
We pray for Nay's dwelling in paradise of eternity in the holy heavenly dwellings alongside the righteous and saints, where there is eternal joy, comfort and peace.
We pray that the Lord, Our Heavenly Father, will grant patience and solace to her bereaved parents, her family, and the people of her town.

Video Link of the Divine Liturgy that Patriarch Al-Rahi presided over today, August 27/2023, at  Al-Diman Church, with the text of his sermon
Patriarch Al-Rahi: In whose interest is the State of Lebanon deprived of its president?
NNA/LCCC/August 27/2023
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/archives/121672/121672/
The Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Mar Beshara Boutros Al-Rahi, presided over the Sunday Mass in the Patriarchal edifice-Diman, assisted by Bishop Joseph Naffa, Monsignor Victor Keyrouz, Father Fadi Tabet, Khalil Arab, and the Patriarch's secretary, Father Hadi Daou, in the presence of a large number of worshippers. After reciting the Holy Gospel, he delivered a sermon entitled "One is required" (Luke 10:42), in which he said: ,This is the "one and only" that gives flavor to all human actions, and fixes them as if by salt. I wish our political officials would hear God’s word in their hearts, especially those in whose fist the opening of the Lebanese parliament is, and the parliament’s call to hold successive elections for the president of the republic, in accordance with the operative provisions of Article 49 of the constitution.
He added, “At the time of questions, we ask: In whose interest is the State of Lebanon depriving its president, without whom the institutions would be paralyzed? And why was the National Pact of 1943 enshrined in the Taif Agreement of 1989 violated ten months ago, and stipulates that the President of the Republic be a Maronite Christian, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives A Shiite Muslim, and the prime minister a Sunni Muslim, as an actual expression of coexistence?We therefore ask those in power involved in violating this national pact: How do you reconcile this blatant and persistent violation with the preamble of the constitution, which states that “there is no legitimacy for any authority that contradicts the coexistence pact (J)?” Doesn't this text affect the legitimacy of the parliament's practice and the government? We asked these questions because we adhere to national constants: constitutional institutions, the coexistence pact with integration, equality and mutual respect, Lebanon is a homeland for all its people with full loyalty to it and no one else, Lebanon's internal sovereignty over all its lands.
Al-Rahi concluded: “I wish you, political officials, on the other hand, would feel with the Lebanese farmer in his suffering, such as the exorbitant costs of production requirements such as medicines, fertilizers, seeds, fodder, vaccines and veterinary medicines, and his having to pay them in dollars; and such as the invasion of the Lebanese market with non-Lebanese agricultural products that are forbidden.” Introducing them by order of the Ministry of Agriculture to protect the local product.We turn to the military, security and customs agencies to control smuggling and close illegal border crossings, and to strengthen control and procedures at border crossings to protect farms and local products.On this occasion, we acknowledge what the Ministry of Agriculture teams did yesterday in all Lebanese regions in cooperation With the State Security Apparatus and under the supervision of the competent judiciary, it has seized quantities of smuggled non-Lebanese grapes and vegetables. These two days, let us pray to God to move the consciences of the political officials, so that they strip themselves of their private, pious and sectarian interests, and work for the salvation of Lebanon and securing the common good. To the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, all glory and thanksgiving, now and forever, Amen.
After the Mass, the shepherd met the believers in the Sarh Salon, where actor Shadi Maroun presented him with a painting bearing his image. Dr. Alaa Hilal presented him with a painting of Saint Charbel, woven with a two-and-a-half-kilometer-long thread, with 400 nails embedded in it, showing the image of Saint Charbel from the front and the back.

Al-Rahi calls for protecting border crossings: Politicians should liberate themselves from personal interests
NNA/August 27/2023
Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Beshara Boutros Al-Rahi, called on the security services to strengthen the protection of the Lebanese border crossings, pointing out that officials should uphold the interests of the country above their own personal interests. Al-Rahi asked: "Why has Lebanon not been able to elect a president? Why does it violate the charter that stipulates that the president of the republic be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of parliament a Shiite Muslim?" He added: "We are committed to the national constants, that is, all constitutional institutions, the coexistence with equality pact, and Lebanon's sovereignty over all its lands."

Al-Rahi urges border control, slams presidential vote obstructors
Naharnet/August 27/2023
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi on Sunday called on security authorities to “enhance the protection of Lebanese border crossings.” “We are praying for officials to rise above their private interests,” al-Rahi said in his Sunday Mass sermon. “Why is Lebanon being deprived of the election of a president?” the patriarch wondered. “Why is the (National) Pact being violated?” al-Rahi lamented, noting that the 1943 pact between the countries’ sects “stipulates that the president be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister be a Sunni Muslim and the parliament speaker be a Shiite Muslim.”

Abdel-Massih to submit proposal for accelerated law on Wednesday, named "Naya Hanna Law"
NNA/August 27/2023
MP Adeeb Abdel-Masih wrote today on the “X” platform: “On Wednesday, I will submit a proposal for an accelerated law, which I called the “Naya Hanna” law, which tightens and raises the ceiling of penalties on shooters in all occasions, just as it criminalizes the property owner and the event organizer from which the shots were fired, if the perpetrator is not surrendered...You are criminals, murderers, terrorists, and nothing can stop you except reciprocity!”
 
Bishop Aoudi: Electing the president is a first step in the process of salvation/Dialogue is praiseworthy and blessed, but is it must be compatible with the provisions of the constitution
NNA/LCCC/August 27/2023
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/archives/121669/121669/
The Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Beirut and its dependencies, Archbishop Elias Aoudi, presided  today (August 27/2023) over the Divine Liturgy service at St. George's Cathedral. After the Bible, he gave a sermon in which he said:  “Do not let anyone push you to the bottom after Christ raised you and made you children of God and your God. Do not lend your ears to those who distort the image of the Church. And do not forget the example of the stupid rich man who built and expanded the barns to collect his crops in them, then said to himself: “O soul, you have many bounties. laid down for many years, rest and eat and drink and be merry” (Luke 12:19), and in the end he gave up his soul on the same night.”
And he asked: "Here we ask those who filled their treasuries with the country's bounty and the people's money. Do they not fear the judgment of their Lord? Do they not fear the consequence of what their hands have reaped? Do they not have to repent and step aside, leaving room for those who can do a better job? Lebanon is rich in human energies that, unfortunately, are not found." An opportunity to serve its country .Does our country need a foreign hand to save it? Is there not a Lebanese who is able to take charge, be a leader and role model? Can the country tolerate the present situation for a long time?Is everyone accustomed to the absence of a president? Questions I ask to those who have the power to decide on them They listen, and may they realize that electing a president is the necessary first step in the process of saving the country and running its administrations.
He said, "They talk about dialogue repeatedly. Dialogue is a praiseworthy and blessed matter, but with regard to electing the president, does the dialogue comply with the provisions of the constitution? Does the constitution stipulate a dialogue that precedes the election of the president, or does the House of Representatives have to convene in successive sessions to elect a president, as we said?" And we have repeated since the beginning of the presidential seat vacancy: We are in a democratic country, but it has not yet reached the correct democratic practice, and its officials have not realized that real reform begins from here, with respect for the constitution and its implementation. In light of the blackness hanging over our country, gas exploration has begun in our sea. Our hope is that this matter will be a glimmer of hope, and that God will bless Lebanon with a wealth that is managed by honest hands that invest well, so that it will be good leaven for tomorrow's generations, and that it will not be touched by polluted hands that abused power and managed the country, and drained its energies for personal ends.He added: “Christ said that salvation is available to all, because what is impossible for people is possible with God. Do not put your trust in temporary matters. Real life is not money that may run out at any moment, nor food that spoils quickly, nor a party that gives temporary happiness, nor a leader.” He abandons his followers in the blink of an eye for his own interests. True life is with Christ, and in Christ, so come, “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord” (Psalm 34:8). He concluded, "Our call today is to follow Christ, to keep His commandments, and most importantly, to act upon them, so that we may have eternal life."

Gas exploration amidst darkness: Metropolitan Elias Audi's hope for economic light
LBCI/August 27/2023
Metropolitan Elias Audi, the head of Beirut and its Suburbs Greek Orthodox Church, saw that politicians repeatedly talk about dialogue, an essential and blessed matter. He asked: "Regarding the president's election, does dialogue align with the Constitution's provisions? Does the Constitution stipulate a dialogue preceding the president's election, or is it the responsibility of the Parliament to convene in successive sessions to elect a president, as we have said and reiterated since the beginning of the presidential vacancy?" He considered in his Sunday sermon that we are in a democratic country, but we have not yet reached proper democratic practice. Those in charge have not yet realized real reforms from respecting and applying the Constitution. He affirmed that amid the darkness that hangs over the country, gas exploration in the sea has begun, expressing hope that this matter will be a glimmer of hope with wealth managed by trustworthy hands that invest it wisely. He said it should be a good influence for the generations to come, untouched by tainted hands that misused authority and mismanaged the country, draining its energies for personal purposes.

Balanced development: MPs emphasize administrative decentralization and credit fund
LBCI/August 27, 2023
In a significant convergence of viewpoints, MPs Gebran Bassil and William Tawk, alongside the Energy Minister, highlighted the importance of expanded administrative decentralization and establishing a credit fund. This approach has been further underscored by Patriarch al-Rahi, all advocating for the crucial role of these measures in achieving balanced development. Notably, a gathering in Bcharre revolving around a vital development demand, such as rehabilitating the Mar Lichaa hydroelectric plant in the Qadisha Valley, has spurred discussions about administrative decentralization. However, this issue has not yet brought Bassil and Tawk to a common standpoint regarding the presidential file. The Qadisha Valley plant had ceased operations due to the damage inflicted on water channels for hydroelectric power production four years ago. The state has been unable to initiate repairs due to currency collapse despite the rehabilitation cost of $150,000. Bassil's visit to Bcharre, centered on inaugurating the reoperation of the Qadisha Valley plant, aligns with his previous tours across various regions, from Chouf to Western Bekaa, Metn, Keserwan, Byblos, and Batroun. These tours indicate Bassil's inclination to foster political consensus around expanded administrative decentralization and the credit fund, a move that coincides with his dialogue with Hezbollah to emphasize the necessity of these demands for all Lebanese citizens. During the Bcharre event, William Tawk was involved, an ally of the presidential Amal-Hezbollah duo's candidate and former MP Sleiman Frangieh, which was particularly important. Tawk's contributions have played a role in a successful example of administrative decentralization, notably by enhancing the electricity supply to an entire region.

Nassar from Jbeil district: We rendered the Ministry of Tourism a ministry for all of Lebanon
NNA/August 27, 2023
Caretaker Minister of Tourism, Walid Nassar, toured Sunday a number of villages and towns in the northern district of Jbeil where some archaeological monuments and religious and tourist places were included on the tourist map, accompanied by Blat-Qartoboun & Mastita Municipality Head, Abdo Al-Ateeq. Nassar began his tour in the town of Meshmesh, where he was received by its mayor, municipal council members, and prominent dignitaries from the region. He visited the church of Mar Doumit, the church of Our Lady of Armeish, Mar Sarkis Monastery, and Mar Tadros Monastery.
Nassar then moved to Lehfed, where he was received in the parish hall of Saint Stephen by the Pastor of the Maronite Diocese of Jbeil, Bishop Michel Aoun, and municipal council members. In his delivered word, Nassar thanked Bishop Aoun for his presence and warm welcome, saying: "We made the Ministry of Tourism a ministry for all of Lebanon...What we provide in terms of services to the Jbeil region, we also offer to the rest of the Lebanese regions, each according to its tourism needs and religious and temporal heritage, and everyone has become a witness to the work of the Ministry of Tourism..." Nassar called on the sons of Lehfed to "highlight the tourist attractions in their town, which are many, and to organize informative visits to them," declaring that as a son of the Jbeil region, he stands by his townsmen in providing all support and assistance needed. He also revealed that "more than two and a half million expatriates have entered Lebanon to-date, and they constitute an important economic lever in these difficult financial conditions that afflict the Lebanese." Nassar urged the Lebanese to adhere to their land and village customs, "as it is a dear capital resource whose value is known only to those who miss it." Nassar's next stop-over was in the town of Mayfouk-Al-Qattara, where he was received at the municipal building by its mayor and municipal council members and residents. The Minister thanked everyone for the warm reception, highlighting the importance of guest houses and encouraging the establishment of such houses in villages and towns because they contribute to the economic and tourism movement in every Lebanese town. Nassar later visited the town of Tartaj, the Monastery of Mar Sarkis and Bacchus, the Monastery of Mar Anthony, the ancient Church of St. George, and the Path of the Cross in the Mar Gerges Reserve, following which he moved to the town of Jaj, and concluded his Jbeil district tour by visiting Mar Lisha Church and Alyassa Village in Saqi Rechmaya.

"Decentralization stipulated by Taif is the gateway to balanced development that protects Lebanon's unity," affirms Tony Franjieh
NNA/August 27, 2023
MP Tony Franjieh stressed today that "the Marada Movement has always pursued political realism, openness, and faith in a pluralistic Lebanon," adding that "pluralism in Lebanon never prevents working to build it."He deemed that "building a state that is rich in its plurality requires balanced development between all regions and citizens, in order to protect Lebanon's unity." "Lebanon's unity is strengthened when we prevent the prosperity of one Lebanese region at the expense of another, and when we strive for all citizens to be equal in rights and duties so that they all pay taxes without exception and all benefit from services," the MP asserted, considering that "everything that contradicts this logic rather destabilizes the idea of Lebanon's unity." He continued, "The implementation of the Taif Agreement in general, and administrative decentralization in particular, is the main prelude for balanced development and the correct distribution of state resources among the Lebanese regions." Franjieh's words came during a meeting with the Marada youth participating in the summer camp organized by the "Youth and Students Office" in the "Marada Movement". The MP hailed the vital role and contribution of Lebanon's youth to the nation's present and future and underlined the importance of dialogue and communication between various Lebanese components. "If we want to extricate our country from a state of irresponsibility and statelessness, we must, at the minimum, communicate with each other, then agree to build our state and give all the impetus to the judiciary and the security services so that they can play their actual role," emphasized Franjieh.

Bassil from Qadisha: They will not overcome our will & adherence to our land, Expanded decentralization, trust fund are the gateway to comprehensive...
NNA/August 27, 2023 
Free Patriotic Movement Chief, MP Gebran Bassil, indicated, during a ceremony held Sunday at the Mar Lisha Plant in Qadisha Valley, that "the meeting today is beautiful in its meanings of faith, people's faith in their land despite the bankruptcy that occurred in the Electricité du Liban...It was important to have a donor, as our colleague and friend William Tawq did, but the most important thing is the will and determination to make the project and electricity a success, which proves attachment to the land and the country..." He added: "The second meaning of this gathering lies in the fact that each region can suffice itself with its own resources. The central state in Lebanon has failed to develop the regions and serve the people by exploiting state facilities...This project shows us the way to electrical sufficiency. Today, we in Lebanon are producing more than 1000 megawatts of production capacity from solar energy. If the state fails, then let the people manage their affairs..."Bassil continued, "If we fail to endorse decentralization, every citizen and every region must think and implement to meet their needs. Thus, we can impose decentralization without waiting for its approval, as the country cannot be left to the unknown."He believed that the most pressing entitlement at this stage is the presidential election, "but electing a president is not the sole solution," he said, adding, "Every six years the same crisis will recur as long as our constitution is the same, which was originally laid down to protect the components, but they ventured into imposing a president on us...The solution is either to have the president elected directly by the people or to refrain from using quorum to obstruct."
"Today, we are taking advantage of this constitutional entitlement to try to achieve two national demands, the expanded decentralization that does not impact the central authority of the state and has nothing to do with foreign or defense policy, but rather allows each region to be independent with its revenues...Regardless of the presidential constitutional entitlement, decentralization must be applied. The trust fund also allows the state's resources to be managed by the private sector that is willing to invest, which secures additional revenues and contributes to returning part of the depositors' money. It is a necessity after the failure of the state to manage its resources,” Bassil went on to underline. He stressed that “when all the state’s resources are placed in the trust fund, all the state’s resources are multiplied.”In turn, Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Beshara Boutros Al-Rahi, who was also present during the event, gave a word in which he highlighted the importance of this project, thanking "all the endeavors that led to its completion, including the efforts of MP William Tawq and Minister Bassil." He said: "We thank this initiative to which MP William Tawq contributed and was completed by our beloved son, Gebran Bassil..."
"The light alone shows the truth, and that the people are brave and ready for sacrifice, confrontation, and steadfastness on the land," the Patriarch continued, adding, "Everything you spoke about in your words today, and everything you achieved is a prelude for us to get out of this dark tunnel in which we live in the country." In turn, MP Tawq spoke about the cultural, touristic, and struggle history of Qadisha, thanking Minister Bassil for his endeavors to complete the project, noting that the absence of an alliance in the elections did not undermine cooperation in this project. Tawq expressed a "stand of conscience" towards Minister Bassil, "who doubled his efforts to make the vital strategic project a success because he knows its importance towards consolidating presence on the land." "This project reflects our common belief in the vitality of expanded financial and administrative decentralization, which the Free Patriotic Movement is waging a battle to implement," Tawq concluded.

A pop concert in Beirut told a tale of two cities by mirroring Lebanon’s wealth gap
Nadia Al Faour/Arab News/August 27, 2023
DUBAI: The wildly popular Egyptian singer Amr Diab performed for an audience of thousands at the Beirut Waterfront in Lebanon on Aug. 19. Tickets went for $60 a piece, with concertgoers asked to wear white to be let in.
During his first performance in Lebanon in 12 years, the singer sported a $500,000 Rolex watch and was reportedly paid $750,000 for the concert and a private wedding show.
While Diab’s Lebanese fans might have been dazzled, if their Instagram posts from the venue were any guide, many found the concert and its star tasteless and insensitive at a time when Lebanon is in the grip of a protracted economic crisis that has pushed 80 percent of the population below the poverty line.
At the same time, some wondered how Diab was able to rally close to 20,000 people to the Beirut Waterfront, while the families affected by the Beirut port blast continue to call in vain for help from their fellow citizens.
The Aug. 4, 2020 Beirut explosion, one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history, devastated the capital. The impact destroyed the city’s port, damaged over half of the city and killed 218, injuring around 7,000 and leaving an estimated 300,000 homeless.
Diab’s starstruck fans were put on blast by Nasser Yassin, Lebanon’s minister of environment, who strongly criticized the state the venue was left in after the show was over as clips on social media showed the surrounding streets littered with garbage.
In a post on X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter, Yassin called on the company that organized the event to clean the site and adjacent streets at its own expense in accordance with the country’s 2018 Waste Management Law 80.
He also asked the governor of Beirut to issue general cleanliness guidelines and ended his post with the Arabic hashtag that translates to “clean your country.”
Arab netizens also took to X to comment on videos of the concert, posting such sarcastic messages as “the dollar returned to the exchange rate of 1,500 LL and the electricity is back as well.”
Other comments took on a more serious tone, with one social media user saying: “Even if Michael Jackson comes back from the dead to perform, the city remains paralyzed until the victims of the blast get justice.”
Lebanese journalist Omar Kaskas defended the partygoers against criticism in an article posted on Houna Loubnan, writing: “They pointed fingers at Amr Diab’s passionate fans, assigning them the responsibility for the port explosion, the political and financial collapse, and according to some intellectuals, the presidential and governmental void in the country!”
While no one blamed Diab’s fans for Lebanon’s economic misfortune, the concert and the white-clad attendees did illustrate a stark wealth gap that has led to the formation of two parallel societies in a city once known as the Paris of the Middle East.
Beirut has become a city of contrasts, with expensive luxury cars parked outside fancy restaurants and bars while across the street, people rummage through garbage bins searching for something to eat or sell. The economic situation has become so dire that some Lebanese have resorted to robbing their own frozen funds from banks.
The presidential and administrative void in the country is compounded by the governing elite’s failure to form a new government and elect a president. Public sentiment remains indifferent to political developments, with many Lebanese, preoccupied with day-to-day survival, turning a deaf ear to party rhetoric.
Tatiana, a mother of two living in the capital who preferred not to give her family name, told Arab News: “I am ashamed of my current situation, although I am not the one who caused it. I send my girls to school, but I often have to do so with no sandwiches, snacks and treats they can eat during their breaks, or with a meager labneh sandwich that they’ve grown sick of.”
While Tatiana struggles to support her girls, they at least continue to attend school. Many other Lebanese families have been forced to take their children out of school and send them off to work to keep the family from slipping deeper into poverty.
The mother explains that she is forced to “fake a smile and be happy because I don’t want my girls to realize the severity of our situation. How some people can afford to attend concerts, pay in dollars, and have a good time is something I used to understand, but now I can no longer.”
INNUMBERS
* 3m People in Lebanon living in poverty today
* 46% Share of population that is hungry
* 1.5m Syrian refugees currently in Lebanon
Meanwhile, a looming potential confrontation with its southern neighbor, Israel, threatens to turn Lebanon’s situation from bad to worse. Tensions have steadily escalated between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, which wields considerable political influence in Lebanon.
Each has accused the other in recent months of violating UN resolutions governing the boundary established 18 years ago after the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon.
On Thursday, Israel’s Shin Bet security agency announced that four Israeli citizens were arrested in July for suspected ties to Hezbollah, claiming that they were involved in smuggling Iranian-made explosive devices into the country. The next day, Lebanese authorities claimed to have busted “a spy cell working for the Israeli enemy” by arresting two individuals at Beirut airport.
During a war of words earlier this month, the likes of which have not been seen since 2006, Israel’s defense minister and Hezbollah’s secretary-general threatened to send one another’s country “back to the stone age.”
Elio Azar, a Lebanese citizen, told Arab News: “We have been dealing with an imminent war scenario every summer. They can go ahead. We have a joke: It’s not summer unless there’s a threat of war. Anyway, can it really get worse than this?”
The rhetorical question reflects the stark reality of an impoverished country in no position to fight a war, much less recover from the inevitable devastation — something that might further stoke popular anger against the country’s entrenched elites.
A World Bank report published earlier this year described the situation as “among the most severe crises globally since the mid 19th century … with an unprecedented institutional vacuum that will further delay any agreement on crisis resolution and critical reform ratification, deepening the woes of the Lebanese people.”
Since the start of the financial collapse in 2019 until today, the Lebanese currency has lost over 90 percent of its value, while about 80 percent of the population lives under the poverty line.
The International Monetary Fund said last month that the financial crisis is further compounded by the lack of policy action and interests that prompt resistance to reform. The report further explained that without reforms, the public debt could reach 547 percent of the country’s gross domestic product by 2027.
“The continuation of the status quo presents the largest risk to Lebanon’s economic and social stability, taking the country down an unpredictable road,” the report said.
Lebanon signed an agreement with the IMF in April 2022, promising reforms and measures that it has yet to fulfill to secure a full program.
IMF Mission Chief Ernesto Rigo described the situation as “very dire.”
Meanwhile, some experts warn that in case of eruption of another war between Hezbollah and Israel, Lebanon will not be able to rebuild.
“I don’t think Hezbollah can afford a war today,” Michael Young, a senior editor at the Beirut-based Carnegie Middle East Center, told Arab News.
“It will probably be years before Lebanon can rebuild itself because of a dire economic situation. The impact of the war will be felt for a long time, unlike the 2006 war when money quickly entered the country to help rebuild.”
Young added that if the current exchange of threats gave way to an exchange of fire, “the destruction in Lebanon will be so immense that, in a way, what it would do is create a great amount of discontent among the other communities in the country.”
With the country’s currency having lost over 90 percent of its value, the majority of its citizens living under suffocating poverty, and scores of people still recovering from the Beirut blast three years ago, the question on the minds of most Lebanese is: “Can it really get worse than this?”
However, until Lebanon reaches its breaking point, one thing is certain going by the Diab concert. Those with the means to do so will continue to eat, drink and party on, living in their very own Beirut far from the rest of the nation’s grim reality.

Federalism will not solve all of Lebanon’s problems
Nadim Shehadi/Arab News/August 27/2023
With the political impasse in Lebanon and the economic collapse resulting from it comes a heated debate, mainly among Christians in the country, regarding proposals for a federal alternative to the current system.
But not all federalists agree on the same formula or have the same rationale. The common theme is that, if we cannot live with an armed Hezbollah and we cannot fight it or disarm it, then the alternative is some degree of separation.
While at one end what is proposed is no more than a form of decentralization, at the other extreme are dangerous ideas based on twisted interpretations of both Lebanese and European history, and the result is no longer identifiable with Lebanon.
This division is not new and it dates back to long before the creation of the modern state of Lebanon. The fundamental question is whether people of different religions can live together in one unit or if they have to separate into more homogenous administrations.
The Emirate of Mount Lebanon, which enjoyed a certain degree of autonomy, collapsed in 1841 and was replaced by two separate regions, or cantons, known as the Double Qaim-Maqamate, one to the north with a Maronite majority and the other to the south with a Druze majority. After the massacres of Christians in the southern district in 1860, this was replaced by an autonomous region, or Mutasarrifate, where the two cantons were joined together under a Christian Ottoman governor, with the help of a council in which all the communities were represented. A Turkish historian of Lebanon called this “the long peace,” with stability lasting from 1864 to 1914. The Mutasarrifate was replaced by the rule of a military governor during the First World War.
There was a similar discussion after the creation of the modern state of Greater Lebanon, which consisted of an expanded Mount Lebanon, made more viable economically by including coastal cities and the agricultural areas of the Bekaa Valley and the south of the country, as well as the city of Tripoli and other areas in the north. The argument during the French Mandate, again mainly among Christians, was whether it would have been wiser to maintain a smaller area where they would be a majority, rather than face the challenge of sharing a country with other religious groups.
It is true, however, that during the civil war the country was divided into cantons and these were relatively efficiently run by the militias that controlled them. They collected taxes, distributed fuel and electricity, provided some services and security, and even managed to collaborate across the dividing lines. But there was also internal fighting for control within each side, sometimes more violent than the country had ever seen during the civil war. It was also at that time that radicals eventually took over in cities like Tripoli and Sidon and most parts of west Beirut. This was no longer the Lebanon we knew.
The fundamental question is whether people of different religions can live together in one unit.
In 1988, there was a meeting between two Lebanese in London. “You have to understand that the Christians are afraid of radical Islam,” said one of them, Joe, an intellectual linked to Gen. Michel Aoun, to Mohammed, a politician who was close to then-Prime Minister Salim Al-Hoss. Lebanon then had two separate governments, one headed by Al-Hoss and the other by Aoun. The office of the president was vacant with no clear mechanism on how to fill it.
Mohammed’s reply was to explain that Muslims have far more to fear if the radicals took over, as they would impose their way of life and their rigid interpretation of Islam on their coreligionists. They would be more of a threat to them than they would be to Christians. For him, the main antidote would be to go back to the model of coexistence. In fact, what he was saying was that mainstream Muslims find security in living in a diverse society within the Lebanese formula of power-sharing, which provides a healthier environment and is the best protection against radicalism. After all, radicalism is a threat to everyone.
The same goes for Christians. If the idea is to live in a separate and more homogeneous canton, then radicals of a different sort could take control. An equally rigid definition of identity would exclude many and curb freedoms.
If Lebanon’s current condition is caused by Hezbollah, then the Shiites who are under its control are its main victims. It is their children who are being indoctrinated and recruited into the militia at an early age. It is also their young men who are sent to fight and die in Syria, Iraq or Yemen. If Hezbollah launches or provokes a war, it is they who will be its human shields and among the first targets of assassinations.
The fact that Hezbollah’s lists may achieve 95 percent of the votes in Shiite areas is not an indication of its popularity, but rather evidence of its totalitarian grip on the community achieved through the traditional methods of control. These include a bloody three-year conflict from 1988 to 1990 between Hezbollah and the Amal militia, which ended with an agreement that gave it hegemony. Moreover, it is a fallacy that one can isolate an area and live peacefully next to Hezbollah-land. We have seen this in Palestine, where the West Bank under Fatah and the Palestine Liberation Organization is not isolated from the influence of Hamas’ control of Gaza. It is also the Gazans themselves who are the primary victims of Hamas’ control. It is also true that if Lebanon, with its track record, cannot solve the puzzle of coexistence between diverse people and different religions, then nobody can — not Syria, Iraq, the rest of the Middle East or Europe. Each society has its good, bad and ugly people, and we need a solution where the good will prevail.
• Nadim Shehadi is a Lebanese economist.Twitter: @Confusezeus

Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on August 27-28/2023
Israeli and Libyan ministers discussed cooperation, Israel says
JERUSALEM (Reuters)/August 27, 2023
The Israeli and Libyan foreign ministers met in Italy last week despite not having formal relations, Israel said on Sunday, saying they discussed possible cooperation. Since 2020 Israel has moved to normalise ties with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan through the so-called 'Abraham accords' brokered by the United States. "I spoke with the foreign minister about the great potential for the two countries from their relations," Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said in a statement. A spokesperson for Libya's Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Cohen's meeting with Libyan Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush. Libya does not recognise Israel and supports the establishment of a Palestinian state. Any Israeli effort to strengthen ties with Libya could be complicated by Libya's conflict and its bitter internal divisions over control of government and the legitimacy of any moves made by the Tripoli administration. Libya's GNU was installed in early 2021 through a U.N.-backed peace process but its legitimacy has been challenged since early 2022 by the eastern-based parliament after a failed attempt to hold an election. Previous foreign policy moves by the GNU, including agreements it has reached with Turkey, have been rejected by the parliament and subjected to legal challenges. The meeting was facilitated by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Israel's foreign ministry said, adding they had discussed possible cooperation and Israeli aid in humanitarian issues, agriculture and water management. Cohen said he had spoken to Mangoush about the importance of preserving Jewish heritage in Libya.

Iran and China sign an oil exchange agreement worth 2.5 billion euros
NNA/August 27, 2023
The executive director of Imam Khomeini International Airport in Iran said that an oil exchange agreement worth 2.5 billion euros with China to expand the second section of the airport has been completed. The Executive Director added that the second phase of Imam Khomeini Airport includes building a new terminal with an area of ​​410,000 square meters, noting that another airport should be built on the southern side of the airport with all capabilities. The Iranian official expressed hope that the implementation of the agreement would begin this month. Preliminary estimates of the financial resources required for the development phase amount to about 2.5 billion euros, which will be provided through oil exchange with China, and this amount may rise to 3 billion dollars.

Iran says uranium enrichment continues based on domestic law
Reuters/August 27, 2023
Iran's enrichment of uranium continues based on a framework established by the country's parliament, nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami said on Sunday when asked about reports regarding Tehran slowing down its 60 percent enrichment. "Our nuclear enrichment continues based on the strategic framework law," Eslami said, referring to a related legislation. Earlier this month, The Wall Street Journalreported that Iran had significantly slowed the pace at which it was accumulating near-weapons-grade enriched uranium and diluted some of its stockpile, moves that could help ease tensions with the US and revive broader talks over Iran's nuclear work. In 2020, Iran's hardline parliament passed a law requiring the government to take measures such as stepping up uranium enrichment beyond the limit set under Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal if other parties did not fully comply with the deal. After Washington ditched the deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, Tehran began to violate the nuclear curbs set out in the pact. Iran, which under the nuclear agreement could only enrich uranium to 3.67 percent, started enriching it to 60 percent purity in 2021, a move bringing the fissile material closer to levels suitable for developing a bomb. Tehran has repeatedly denied seeking a nuclear bomb.

Three American representatives visit an opposition-held area in northern Syria
AFP/August 27, 2023
Three members of the US House of Representatives undertook a rare visit to a region in northern Syria controlled by opposition factions aligned with Turkey, according to a team from AFP on site. Joe Wilson, Victoria Spartz, and Dean Phillips visited a hospital in the city of Azaz (Aleppo province), arriving from Turkey through the Bab al-Salam border crossing. They were greeted with a sign that read "Welcome to Free Syria," surrounded by Syrian revolutionary flags. Yasser al-Hajji, the Public Relations officer for the Turkey-backed interim government, stated to AFP that "the purpose of the visit is to observe the reality in liberated areas." The lawmakers met with orphans, a consequence of the war that has claimed over half a million lives since 2011. The visit was cut short due to security reasons, as confirmed by one of their escorts to AFP. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham controls approximately half of Idlib province (northwest) and adjoining areas in Aleppo, Latakia, and Hama provinces. There are also other opposition factions with varying degrees of influence, supported to different extents by Turkey. Rami Abdul Rahman, the director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, indicated that "to avoid controversy in the United States, they did not go to Jinderes, the areas controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham."Despite publicly severing ties with Al-Qaeda, Washington still classifies the group as a "terrorist" organization. Abdul Rahman added that "members of Congress wanted to evaluate the interim government's work to assess the possibility of sending humanitarian aid through Bab al-Salam instead of Bab al-Hawa," the latter of which is controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Congressman Joe Wilson tweeted on the site "Those seeking normalization and deals with Bashar al-Assad are dealing with death itself." Under the United Nations mechanism established in 2014, Bab al-Hawa is the only gateway for aid to northwest Syria from Turkey without permission from the Syrian government. On July 11, this mechanism, denounced by Damascus as a violation of its sovereignty, was not renewed. However, in early August, the United Nations announced an agreement with the Syrian government to allow aid delivery for six months through the Bab al-Hawa crossing.

An ISIS member arrested inside a hotel in Baghdad
LBCI/August 27, 2023
Iraqi authorities announced on Sunday the arrest of an individual belonging to the Islamic State (ISIS) group in a hotel in Baghdad. It was revealed that his mission was to gather "information" about security forces, according to a statement from the Intelligence and Investigation Agency under the Ministry of Interior. Despite the Iraqi authorities declaring their "victory" over the extremist organization at the end of 2017, jihadist cells continue to sporadically attack army and police personnel, particularly in rural and remote areas outside major cities. The man was arrested "in a hotel in Baghdad" on the eastern bank of the Tigris River, in the Rissafa district, as per the official statement by the Intelligence and Investigation Agency. The statement noted that the aforementioned person was arrested "based on accurate intelligence received by the Intelligence Agency's special units responsible for securing tourist sites. The intelligence indicated the presence of a wanted individual involved in terrorist cases, primarily providing information about security personnel to the terrorist Daesh gangs."The statement further elaborated that during the interrogation of the detainee, it was revealed that he had been "assigned to provide personal information about security personnel within Nineveh province" and its capital city, Mosul. It was mentioned that he confessed to his affiliation with "the terrorist Daesh gangs."The statement did not disclose the identity of the detainee nor the name of the hotel where he was apprehended. The Islamic State seized vast territories in Iraq and neighboring Syria in 2014. However, the group was defeated in both countries in 2017 and 2019, respectively. A senior Iraqi military official confirmed in March of last year that the Islamic State still had between 400 to 500 active fighters in Iraq. A report by the United Nations released in July stated that "the counter-terrorism operations carried out by Iraqi forces have continued to curtail ISIS activities, though the group has maintained a low-level insurgency."The report added that jihadist operations "have been limited to rural areas, with attacks in urban centers being less frequent." According to the report, the core structure of "ISIS still commands between 5,000 and 7,000 individuals throughout Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic, the majority of who are fighters."

Jihadists kill 11 Syrian soldiers in tunnel attack
Agence France Presse/August 27, 2023
Jihadists killed at least 11 soldiers in northwestern Syria Saturday when they detonated explosives placed in tunnels dug underneath army positions before attacking them, a monitor said. The attack involving jihadists from the Ansar al-Tawhid group and the Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) took place in the south of Idlib province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The jihadists "detonated tunnels they had dug beneath army positions and simultaneously launched an assault from other tunnels", said Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Britain-based Observatory. The attack, which also wounded 20 soldiers, came as Syria and its main military ally Russia bombarded the mountainous Jabal al-Zawiya area of Idlib province, the Observatory said, without immediately reporting any casualties. The White Helmets volunteer emergency service said that two children -- a brother and sister -- were killed and five other civilians wounded when their home in the village of Kansafra was hit. An AFP photographer witnessed the funeral of the two children. On Friday, Russia carried out air strikes on the Jisr al-Shughur region further north, where TIP jihadists are present, the Observatory said. Both groups involved in the tunnel attack are affiliated with the jihadist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, which controls swathes of Idlib province as well as parts of the adjacent provinces of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia. Seven HTS fighters were killed Friday in bombardments by government forces and at least 13 others in Russian air strikes Monday, said the Observatory, which relies on a network of sources on the ground in Syria for its reports. Two civilians were also reported to have been killed by Russian strikes near Idlib. The war monitor said "two jihadists took their own lives" in Saturday's attack and that the death toll was expected to rise as the "intense clashes are still ongoing."Syria's civil war broke out in 2011 when the government's repression of peaceful protests escalated into a conflict that drew in foreign powers and jihadists from abroad. Russia intervened in the conflict in 2015 on the side of President Bashar al-Assad, launching air strikes to support his government's struggling forces. The TIP is largely made up of jihadists from China's Uighur Muslim minority who came to Syria after 2011 to assist groups like HTS, which is led by al-Qaida's former affiliate in Syria. The rebel-held region of Idlib is home to about three million people, around half of them displaced from elsewhere in Syria.A ceasefire deal brokered by Russia and rebel-backer Turkey has largely held since 2020, despite periodic clashes. The Syrian war has killed more than 500,000 people and forced around half of the country's pre-war population to flee their homes.

Sudanese paramilitary force backs ceasefire and talks on country's future
CAIRO (Reuters) Sun, August 27, 2023
Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces said it was open to a long-term ceasefire with the army and presented its vision for a "Sudan Reborn", an initiative that could revive efforts to hold direct talks between the warring parties. The statement came as fighting between the RSF and the army enters its 20th week with no side claiming victory while millions have been driven from their homes in the capital and other cities. The United Nations has warned of a "humanitarian catastrophe of epic proportions", with rising hunger, collapsing healthcare, and wrecked infrastructure. The RSF and allied militias have also been accused of ethnic cleansing in West Darfur. The two sides blame each other for starting the war on April 15, after weeks of tension over the integration of their troops into a single force as part of a transition to democracy. The two sides led the country together since toppling Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and pushing civilian politicians out of the government in a coup in 2021. In the statement released late on Sunday, RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo appeared willing to negotiate with the army over the shape of the future Sudanese state, going beyond the technicalities of a permanent ceasefire which have hindered Saudi and U.S.-sponsored mediation efforts. "Efforts to end the protracted crisis must be directed toward achieving a lasting ceasefire, coupled with comprehensive political solutions that address the root causes of Sudan's wars," the statement said. Under his "Sudan Reborn" plan, Dagalo committed the RSF to previously floated principles such as federal, multicultural rule, democratic elections, and a single army. The statement came after army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan arrived on Sunday in Port Sudan on his first trip outside the capital since fighting broke out. Government sources say he will travel to Saudi Arabia and Egypt for talks. Pro-democracy politicians warned Burhan against announcing a new government, saying it would prompt the RSF to form a parallel authority. Regional mediators have appeared to accept a future role for soldiers in a transitional government. But on Friday, the ambassador of the United States, one of the main sponsors of the post-Bashir transition, wrote on X that "the belligerents, who have demonstrated they are not fit to govern, must end the conflict and transfer power to a civilian transitional government".

US Commerce Secretary's complex mission: Balancing trade with China amidst restrictions
LBCI/August 27, 2023
In one of the most challenging and crucial visits by a US official to China, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo embarked on a significant and demanding task: enhancing trade ties with Beijing while concurrently imposing constraints.
Adding to the intricacy is that the American official played a pivotal role in imposing a substantial portion of the restrictions that sparked China's displeasure. Raimondo's visit to China is a tangible indicator of the balance the Biden administration seeks to establish in its relations with Beijing. Can the United States effectively foster economic relations with China while promoting peace between the two and enforcing stringent limitations to curb China's access to advanced technology under the guise of safeguarding American national security? Amidst these contradictions in Raimondo's visit, she carries a chance for success that eluded others. Bloomberg notes that among all Biden administration officials who have visited China in recent months, Gina Raimondo's visit could be pivotal in improving relations between the world's two largest economies. Following visits from both the US Treasury Secretary and the Secretary of State Antony Blinken, which failed to yield significant breakthroughs in bilateral relations, Raimondo's stated intention is to build upon the agreement reached between Presidents Xi Jinping and Joe Biden in Bali last year. Her mission centers on deepening communication between the United States and China on various fronts, despite the stark contrasts between the two nations on topics ranging from trade to human rights to Taiwan. Undoubtedly, these two formidable forces, divergent from trade to human rights to the Taiwan issue, will navigate through conversations heavily influenced by the restrictions imposed on Beijing. These restrictions, targeting China's access to technology potentially augmenting its military prowess, encompass chip, software, and machinery sales regulations. Moreover, these limitations might soon extend to other sectors, such as artificial intelligence. Given the depth of these disputes, informed sources have disclosed to The New York Times that these discussions may result in working groups forming to deliberate on export controls and trade issues between Beijing and Washington. All of this unfolds ahead of an anticipated meeting between the American and Chinese leaders next month in New Delhi on the sidelines of the G20 summit, bringing together the world's major economies.

FIBA World Cup: Lebanon faces tough defeat against Canada
LBCI/August 27, 2023
Lebanon put up a valiant effort in their match against Canada, but the relentless machines of the American professional league have proven to be formidable opponents. Following their recent loss to France, Lebanon suffered their second defeat in the FIBA World Cup, concluding the game with a score of 128-73. Omari Spellman emerged as the top scorer of the match with 16 points, although his defensive performance was noticeably lacking. Karim Zeinoun, who entered the game from the bench, showcased an exceptional defensive and offensive display, contributing 15 points, including a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the three-point line. At the start of the match, Wael Arakji attempted to maintain Lebanon's momentum. Still, the Canadians asserted complete control, led by RJ Barrett, a player for the New York Knicks, who concluded the match as Canada's top scorer with 17 points. Under the guidance of coach Jordi Fernandez, Canada's statistics reflected their dominance: 36 rebounds to Lebanon's 18 and 44 crucial assists compared to Lebanon's 19. Canada's three-point shooting also reached an impressive 60%, while Lebanon managed 42%. For those following basketball closely, it is evident that Lebanon is contending with some of the world's strongest teams. The underlying purpose of participating in the FIBA World Cup is to allow the players to gain experience that they can transfer to future generations. This investment is expected to elevate the standard of Lebanese basketball in the coming years, ultimately benefiting from the talents of Lebanese players currently playing abroad and returning armed with more skills for future world tournaments.

White gunman kills 3 Black people in Florida hate crime
Associated Press/August 27, 2023
A masked white man fatally shot three Black people inside a Jacksonville, Florida, Dollar General store in a predominately African-American neighborhood on Saturday, in an attack where he used a gun painted with a swastika, officials said. The shooter, who had also posted racist writings, then killed himself. Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters told a news conference that the attack that left two men and one woman dead was definitely "racially motivated.""He hated Black people," Waters said after reviewing the man's writings, which were sent to federal law enforcement officials and at least one media outlet shortly before the attack. He added that the gunman acted alone and "there is absolutely no evidence the shooter is part of any larger group." Waters said the shooter, who was in his 20s, used a Glock handgun and an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle with at least one of them painted with a swastika. He was wearing a bullet-resistant vest. He said the shooter had once been involved in a 2016 domestic violence incident and was once involuntarily committed to a mental hospital for examination. He did not provide further details on those incidents. Officials didn't immediately release the names of the victims or the shooter. The sheriff said the gunman had left behind in his writings evidence that leads investigators to believe that he committed the shooting because it was the fifth anniversary of when another gunman opened fire during a video game tournament in Jacksonville, killing two people before fatally shooting himself. The shooting happened just before 2 p.m. at a Dollar General about three-quarters of a mile from Edward Waters University, a small historically Black university. In a statement, the university said that shortly before the shooting, one of its security officers saw the man near the school's library and asked him to identify himself. When he refused, he was asked to leave. The man returned to his car. Sheriff Waters said the man was spotted putting on his vest and mask before leaving. He said it is unknown if he had originally planned to attack the school. "I can't tell you what his mindset was while he was there, but he did go there," the sheriff said. Edward Waters students were locked down in their dorms for several hours after the shooting. No students or faculty are believed involved, the school said. The shooter had driven to Jacksonville from neighboring Clay County, where he lived with his parents, the sheriff said. That house was being searched late Saturday. Shortly before the attack, the shooter sent his father a text message telling him to check his computer. The father found the writings and the family notified 911, but the shooting had already begun, Sheriff Waters said. "This is a dark day in Jacksonville's history. There is no place for hate in this community," the sheriff said. "I am sickened by this cowardly shooter's personal ideology." He said the investigation will continue. The FBI was helping the sheriff's office and said it had opened a hate crime investigation.
Mayor Donna Deegan said she is "heartbroken."
"This is a community that has suffered again and again. So many times this is where we end up," Deegan said. "This is something that should not and must not continue to happen in our community." Gov. Ron DeSantis, after speaking by phone with the sheriff, called the shooter a "scumbag" and denounced his racist motivation. "This guy killed himself rather than face the music and accept responsibility for his actions. He took the coward's way out," said DeSantis, who was in Iowa campaigning for the Republican presidential nomination. Both President Joe Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland were briefed on the shooting, officials said. Dollar General's corporate office said in a statement that the company was supporting its Jacksonville employees "as we work closely with law enforcement." Virginia Bradford lives in the neighborhood of modest brick and cinder block houses near the store. She frequently shops at the Dollar General, and said she meant to go there Saturday for detergent and bleach, but got sidetracked by other plans.
"That's my store," Bradford told reporters, looking past patrol cars with flashing lights blocking the street to the store a block away. "I know everyone in the store. It's sad." Unsettled by the racist killings, Bradford, who is Black, said she doubts she'll ever go back. "I won't even send my kids up there anymore," she said. "My nerves are bad." Penny Jones told The Associated Press in a phone interview that she worked at the store, located a few blocks away from her home, until a few months ago. "I'm just waiting to hear about my co-workers that I used to work with," Jones said. "I don't know if it's safe to move about the neighborhood." Jones added that she was "feeling awkward, scared." Rudolph McKissick, a national board member of the Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network, was in Jacksonville on Saturday when the shooting occurred. "As it began to unfold, and I began to see the truth of it, my heart ached on several levels," said McKissick, who is a Baptist bishop and senior pastor of the Bethel Church in Jacksonville. The neighborhood of the shooting is known as Newton. "It's a Black neighborhood, and what we don't want is for it to be painted in some kind of light, that it is filled with plight, violence and decadence," McKissick said. The shooting took place within hours of the conclusion of a commemorative March on Washington in the nation's capital, where organizers drew attention to the growing threat of hate-motivated violence against people of color.
Reached by The Associated Press on Saturday evening, march attendee and Jacksonville native Marsha Dean Phelts said learning of the shooting was "a death blow."
"It hurts," Phelts said by phone while on a charter bus home from Washington. Many fellow bus riders began hearing about the deadly shooting in their community, just before they all boarded to make the long journey back, she said. "It's a neighborhood, a Black community that we come out of," said Phelts, 79, who is Black. "It's where our college is, Edward Waters University." LaTonya Thomas, 52, who also was riding a charter bus from the march home to Jacksonville, said she wouldn't allow the shooting to completely dampen her spirits. But she did feel sadness. "We took this long journey from Jacksonville, Florida, to be a part of history," she said. "When I was told that there was a white shooter in a predominantly Black area, I felt like that was a targeted situation." The attack on a shopping center in a predominately Black neighborhood will undoubtedly evoke fears of past shootings targeting Black Americans, like the one at a Buffalo, New York, supermarket in 2022, and one at a historic African Methodist Episcopal church in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015. The Buffalo supermarket shooting, in particular, stands apart as one of the deadliest targeted attacks on Black people by a white lone gunman in U.S. history. Ten people were killed by the gunman, who has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The shooting happened one day before the 63rd anniversary of one of Jacksonville's most notorious racist incidents, "Ax Handle Saturday." A group of Black protesters were conducting a peaceful sit-in at a city park to protest the Jim Crow laws that kept them out of white-owned stores and restaurants. That's when they were attacked by 200 members of the Ku Klux Klan, who hit them with bats and ax handles as police stood by. Only when members of a Black street gang arrived to fight the Klansmen did the police intercede. Only Black people were arrested.

3 US Marines killed, 20 injured in aircraft crash in Australia
Associated Press/August 27, 2023
A United States Marine Corps aircraft crashed on a north Australian island Sunday, killing three Marines and injuring 20 during a multination training exercise, officials said. Three had been confirmed dead on Melville Island and five of the 23 on board were flown in serious condition 80 kilometers (50 miles) to the mainland city of Darwin for hospital treatment after the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft crashed around 9:30 a.m. local time, a statement from the Marines said. "Recovery efforts are ongoing," the statement said, adding the cause of the crash was under investigation. Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft had been deployed to return from the remote location with the rest of the injured, Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy said. One of the injured was undergoing surgery at the Royal Darwin Hospital, Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said around six hours after the crash.. Some were critically injured and were being triaged on arrival at Darwin's airport, she said. "We acknowledge that this is a terrible incident," Fyles said. "The Northern Territory government stands by to offer whatever assistance is required." Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said only Americans were injured in the crash when happened during Exercise Predators Run, which involves the militaries of the United States, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and East Timor. "The initial reports suggest that the incident involves just U.S. defense force personnel," Albanese said. "Our focus as a government and as the department of defense is very much on incident response and on making sure that every support and assistance is given at this difficult time," he added. Melville is part of the Tiwi Islands, which along with Darwin are the focus of the exercise that involves 2,500 troops. The Osprey that crashed was one of two that had flown from Darwin to Melville on Sunday, Murphy said. Around 150 U.S. Marines are currently based in Darwin and up to 2,500 rotate through the city every year. The U.S. military was also taking part in a multination military exercise in July when four Australia personnel were killed in an army MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crash off the northeast Australian coast.

Zelenskiy says he will propose tougher corruption measures this week
KYIV (Reuters)/Sun, August 27, 2023
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a television interview shared on his Telegram channel on Sunday that he would ask parliament in the coming week to increase penalties for those found guilty of corruption during wartime. "I have set a task for the legislation and the Ukrainian legislators will be offered my proposals to equate corruption with high treason in wartime," he said. "I think the parliament will get it in the next week and then the ball is in the parliament's court," he added. Zelenskiy, who says ending graft is key to defeating Russia, also hopes that by fighting corruption he will make it easier for partners to support rebuilding efforts that will cost billions of dollars. A series of government shake-ups over corruption included Zelenskiy's dismissal this month of all the regional military recruitment chiefs after a nationwide audit. Ukraine ranks 116th out of 180 countries on campaign group Transparency International's latest Corruption Perceptions Index. "We are fast approaching the point where it will be us or them," Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said on the Telegram app on Sunday. External and internal factors meant the state's survival was beginning to depend on Ukraine's ability to "really destroy the corrupt as a social group," she said. Zelenskiy said those found guilty must face justice. "But this is not a firing squad. This is not Stalinism," he said. "If there is evidence, the person must be behind bars."

Russian Investigative Committee confirms Prigozhin's death in air disaster
NNA/August 27, 2023 
The Russian Investigative Committee announced today, Sunday, that "the identities of all ten people who were killed in an air disaster that occurred in the Tver region north of Moscow last Wednesday were identified," according to "Russia Today" news agency. "As part of the investigation into the plane crash in the Tver region, molecular genetic tests have been completed," the Russian Investigative Committee said in a statement. It continued: "According to the results of these examinations, the identities of all ten dead were identified, and their names correspond to those contained in the plane's passenger list" on the ill-fated flight. Earlier, the Russian Aviation Authority confirmed that the founder of the "Wagner" group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, and the second man in the "Wagner" group, Dmitry Utkin, were on board the plane. The Russian Federal Agency for Air Transport opened an investigation into the plane crash, while the Russian Investigative Committee, for its part, opened a criminal investigation into the accident.

Ukrainian drone falls near the residence of RT's editor-in-chief
NNA/August 27, 2023
RT's editor-in-chief, Margarita Simonyan, announced that a drone had crashed near her home for the second time in a week. She stressed that "the terrorists who are trying to get Russia to reject the special operation will not succeed," according to the Russian "Novosti" news agency. "Near our house, for the second time in a week, a drone has fallen. It's falling loudly," Simonyan said, noting that "terrorists who send drones, including to the Moscow City mall, have a general creative streak."She continued: “They want to spread great terror in our souls, and they prefer that it be at the level of the twin towers on September 11, so that we panic and run to our president and say: “No, this is enough, we will not defend anyone, we do not need any of our lands, let us return everything so that these drones do not fly over our heads. They have such estimates, but they are wrong. That won't happen. Because we are different, and it's time to find out." She pointed out that such actions could lead to the fact that "we will not go backward, but our brakes will stop working in this case, and one pedal will remain, which is the gas pedal."She praised "the efforts of the Russian army in confronting the drones, and the efforts of the civil authorities to quickly repair the damage caused by them."

US Secretary of Commerce begins a visit to China
NNA/August 27, 2023
US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo arrived in China Sunday evening, as the two world powers try to ease bilateral tensions, Chinese state media reported. Raimondo was greeted when she got off the plane by, the Director of the Americas and Oceania Department of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce Lin Feng, and the two officials shook hands smilingly, according to the Chinese public broadcaster CCTV. The US Commerce Department said Raimondo "looks forward to constructive discussions on US-China trade relations, challenges facing US companies, and potential areas of cooperation." Besides Beijing, Gina Raimondo will also visit Shanghai. For its part, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said that "Beijing will inform the minister of its concerns, while it hopes to hold in-depth discussions on resolving economic and trade disputes."

Bin Salman launches master plan for logistics centers that render the Kingdom a global center
NNA/August 27, 2023
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has launched the master plan for logistics centers, which aims to develop the infrastructure of the logistics sector and strengthen the Kingdom's position as a leading investment destination and a global logistics center, according to "Russia Today". The Crown Prince affirmed that "the launch of this scheme comes as an extension of a package of ongoing initiatives, in accordance with the objectives of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services, with the aim of developing the logistics sector to support economic growth and develop local, regional and international connectivity to international trade networks and global supply chains."He added, "The general plan for logistics centers also aims to strengthen partnership with the private sector, expand job creation opportunities, and consolidate the Kingdom's position as a global logistics center, as it is distinguished by its geographical location that connects three of the most important continents of the world, Asia, Europe, and Africa." According to Saudi media, the scheme includes 59 centers with a total area of more than 100 million square meters, including 12 logistical centers for the Riyadh region, 12 logistical centers for the Makkah Al-Mukarramah region, 17 logistical centers for the eastern region, and 18 logistical centers in the rest of the regions of Saudi Arabia, where work is currently underway, with all centers to be completed by 2030.

5 Egyptian Parties Announce Support for Sisi in Presidential Elections
NNA/August 27, 2023
The Conference and the Arab Nasserist parties announced their support for President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in the upcoming presidential elections, bringing the number of political blocs backing his reelection to five. Those also include, the Future of a Nation, which holds the majority in the parliament, the Free Egyptians and the Homeland Defenders. The head of the National Elections Authority, Walid Hamza, said the candidacies for the presidential elections were likely to be opened soon, after the completion of the logistical preparations for the electoral process, and the establishment of international and local monitoring regulations. The deputy head of the Conference Party, Dr. Magdi Morshed, said during televised statements on Friday that the party’s decision to support Sisi for a new presidential term was based on a “full conviction” of the importance of maintaining the political leadership’s endeavor “to build a new republic.”The Nasserist Arab Democratic Party also announced its support for Sisi “to complete the march of achievements... despite the difficult global economic conditions.”In addition to Sisi, four potential candidates are likely to run for the presidential race. Those include, former MP Ahmed Tantawi, president of the Independence Movement Ahmed Fadali, head of the Wafd party Abdel-Sanad Yamama, and the Republican People’s Party chief, Hazem Omar. In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, MP Mostafa Bakry, pointed to a national consensus among the parties over Sisi’s reelection. While Bakri confirmed that opening the door for candidacy “will take place within a few weeks,” he said that this step will be linked to “important measures,” including “judicial supervision of the elections, local and international oversight, as well as media coverage.” --- ASHARQ AL-AWSAT

Latest English LCCC  analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources published on August 27-28/2023
Biden's Disastrous Withdrawal from Afghanistan Still Haunts the West
Con Coughlin/ Gatestone Institute/August 27, 2023
Putin is nothing if not an opportunist, and the images of American forces and their British allies struggling to contain the surging crowds at Kabul airport who were desperately trying to flee the country will have confirmed the Russian leader's view that, so long as Biden remained in power, he had nothing to fear from the US.
By ordering US forces to withdraw from Afghanistan, Biden effectively gave Putin the green light to press ahead with his invasion plans.
In every sense, the invasion of Ukraine started in Kabul, so much so that the Russian military build-up on the border with Ukraine prior to the invasion only got seriously underway after the August 2021 withdrawal.
Now, thanks to the utter incompetence of the Biden administration's handling of the Afghan crisis, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and most urgently Taiwan all find themselves struggling to deal with the disastrous consequences of the Biden administration's ineffectual leadership.
Had the warplanes been provided when President Volodymyr Zekensky first requested them at the end of last year, they may have arrived in time to make a calculable difference to the Ukrainian ground offensive, where a lack of effective air cover has slowed the Ukrainian advance.
Biden's dithering over the issue, with the White House initially ruling out approving the transfer of the jets before eventually changing its mind, now means that it is highly unlikely the warplanes will be in action this year, by which time the Ukrainian offensive will have ended.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who has told his army to "prepare for war", appears to have reached the same conclusion as Putin.
In such circumstances, the Ukrainian people and the Taiwanese could be forgiven for believing that, just as happened in Afghanistan, Biden's inability to provide effective leadership on the world stage will simply result in them being abandoned to their fates.
By ordering US forces to withdraw from Afghanistan, President Joe Biden effectively gave Russian President Vladimir Putin the green light to press ahead with his plans to invade Ukraine. Pictured: A US Air Force transport plane takes off from Kabul Airport on August 30, 2021. (Photo by Aamir Qureshi/AFP via Getty Images)
It is not just the beleaguered people of Afghanistan who are suffering as a result of US President Joe Biden's catastrophic decision to arbitrarily end America's military involvement in the country two years ago.
It is now abundantly clear that Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to launch his brutal invasion of Ukraine was taken as a direct consequence of the weak leadership Biden displayed over his handling of the Afghan issue.
Putin is nothing if not an opportunist, and the images of American forces and their British allies struggling to contain the surging crowds at Kabul airport who were desperately trying to flee the country will have confirmed the Russian leader's view that, so long as Biden remained in power, he had nothing to fear from the US.
Six months later, the Kremlin launched its invasion of Ukraine as Putin sought to fulfil his ambition of restoring Russia to its former imperial glory.
By ordering US forces to withdraw from Afghanistan, Biden effectively gave Putin the green light to press ahead with his invasion plans.
In every sense, the invasion of Ukraine started in Kabul, so much so that the Russian military build-up on the border with Ukraine prior to the invasion only got seriously underway after the August 2021 withdrawal.
Consequently, when US intelligence finally concluded in early 2022 that the massive military build-up Russia was conducting close to Ukraine's borders was not, as Putin claimed, simply a training exercise but a full-strength invasion force, the White House's attempts to persuade Putin to back down came to nothing.
Now, thanks to the utter incompetence of the Biden administration's handling of the Afghan crisis, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and most urgently Taiwan all find themselves struggling to deal with the disastrous consequences of the Biden administration's ineffectual leadership.
In Afghanistan, the impact of Biden's withdrawal has been nothing short of devastating for the majority of the Afghan people, especially the country's womenfolk who find themselves deprived of basic freedoms, such as socialising in public and being educated.
The Taliban's nationwide crackdown on women's rights has resulted in teenage girls being barred from attending school and female employees in government offices being ordered to stay at home. Other restrictions imposed on Afghan women include a ban on most Afghan female staff from working at aid agencies, beauty salons being closed and women not being allowed to travel in the absence of a male guardian.
The Taliban's repressive behaviour has, of course, been the complete opposite of the Biden administration's confident prediction in the wake of the fiasco of the Afghan withdrawal that the new Taliban would be entirely different from its barbaric predecessor, and adopt a more inclusive approach to dealing with the country's citizens.
Indeed, the Taliban leaders themselves sought to portray a more moderate image, even declaring in one of their first press conferences after seizing control of the country that, "We are going to allow women to study and work without our framework. Women are going to be very active in our society."
The Taliban's oppressive conduct, moreover, has had a devastating impact on the country's population, with a recent report by International Crisis Group estimating that about 28 million Afghans -- equivalent to two thirds of the population -- are in need of humanitarian aid.
That the Taliban have done the exact opposite of what they pledged not only highlights the extreme naivety the Biden administration displayed in believing the Taliban's claim that it would adopt a more moderate position. It raises deeply troubling questions about the ability of the White House to tackle other major global issues, such as the Ukraine conflict, which began as a direct consequence of Biden's inept handling of the Afghan crisis.
Ukraine, too, has suffered widespread devastation as a result of Putin's brutal invasion. The latest figures compiled by the United Nations indicate that more than 17 million people in Ukraine are in need of humanitarian support, including around 5 million people who have been displaced internally by the effects of the war. In June this year there were 6.3 million Ukrainians who had sought refuge abroad.
Yet, despite Russia's indisputable responsibility for causing this humanitarian crisis, questions remain about the commitment of the Biden White House to securing a Ukrainian victory.
The recent decision by the Biden administration to allow the delivery of US-made F-16 warplanes to Ukraine is a case in point.
Had the warplanes been provided when President Volodymyr Zekensky first requested them at the end of last year, they may have arrived in time to make a calculable difference to the Ukrainian ground offensive, where a lack of effective air cover has slowed the Ukrainian advance.
Biden's dithering over the issue, with the White House initially ruling out approving the transfer of the jets before eventually changing its mind, now means that it is highly unlikely the warplanes will be in action this year, by which time the Ukrainian offensive will have ended.
Furthermore, with neither Denmark nor the Netherlands, the two countries that have agreed to loan Ukraine F-16s from their military arsenals, willing to say exactly how many aircraft will be sent to Ukraine, questions remain about just how effective they will prove to be to Ukraine's war effort.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who has told his army to "prepare for war", appears to have reached the same conclusion as Putin.
In such circumstances, the Ukrainian people and the Taiwanese could be forgiven for believing that, just as happened in Afghanistan, Biden's inability to provide effective leadership on the world stage will simply result in them being abandoned to their fates.
**Con Coughlin is the Telegraph's Defence and Foreign Affairs Editor and a Distinguished Senior Fellow at Gatestone Institute.
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Syria: Orphan in News Headlines
Amir Taheri/Asharq Al-Awsat/August 27, 2023
The Syrian tragedy started with peaceful efforts by a large segment of the population to secure more individual freedoms, a curb on corruption, and better economic opportunities.
All the current talk about normalization and reconstruction is a subterfuge to avoid the core geopolitical aspect of this tragedy created by conflicting visions of the future, not only of Syria but of the Middle East as a whole.
Iran and Russia are supposed to be allies in Syria, but it is obvious that they are in opposite camps when it comes to the future of the region. Russia wants the Middle East modeled on what it was in the heyday of the Cold War, when it acted as a glacier for the Soviet Union. Iran's ruling mullah, however, dreams of an ideological empire ruled by the "Supreme Guide" in Tehran.
The US, at least under the Biden administration, is content with a largely symbolic presence and, so far at least, hasn't offered a coherent vision for the region.
In an even outer-outer circle, the United Nations is trying to dance around the issue with gesticulations about writing a constitution for a non-existent state and promoting peace talks between the Assad regime and personalities and groups that no longer have credible constituencies.
Meanwhile, the war in Syria is far from over.
Nor are its terrible consequences brought under control. In the past five weeks, dozens of clashes between rival groups, including forces loyal to the regime, have claimed hundreds of casualties. The Russian Air Force has conducted 17 bombing raids on various parts of the country, pursuing its mission of turning Syria into piles of smoking rubble. More recently, it has started using Iranian-made drones in some attacks. According to a United Nations report, 31,000 boys aged 12 or above have been kidnapped from Kurdish-held prison camps, presumably to prevent them from growing up and joining "terrorist groups".
Turkey and Iran continue to exploit Syrian resources of oil, gas and phosphate through black-market networks.
This month marks the anniversary of the chemical attack on three localities in the Ghouta region which, in 2013, killed 1,217 civilians and wounded many others.
The war in Syria is far from over. Nor are its terrible consequences brought under control. In the past five weeks, dozens of clashes between rival groups, including forces loyal to the regime, have claimed hundreds of casualties. Pictured: The debris of a water pumping station in Syria's rebel-held northwest, on August 23, 2023, after Russian air strikes hit it. (Photo by Abdulaziz Ketaz/AFP via Getty Images)
"Are you there?" This was a question shot at me from a Syrian Twitter acquaintance the other day, followed by a stark reminder: "Hi there! The war in Syria isn't over!"
For years, the sender of the message had informed me and doubtless many others of what was going on in his war-struck homeland.
Over time, however, many recipients of his reports lost interest as the narrative of "normalization" dominated the international discourse on Syria.
As President Bashar al-Assad came out of his hideout in a corner of Damascus and visited a number of capitals, the normalization claim began to assume a more serious aspect. The narrative was extended when official media in the Islamic Republic of Tehran claimed that "having saved Syria" thanks to " the wisdom and heroism of martyr General Qassem Soleimani", Iran was now preparing to "take the lead in rebuilding" that war-shattered country.
In his recent meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian spoke of creating a "task force" for Syrian reconstruction. For his part, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi spoke of building more than a million lodgings to house Syrians made homeless by the war. To be sure, it wasn't clear whether the promise concerned the chunk of Syria that Iran controls or the country as a whole. Iran also promised to revive pilgrimage tourism to Syria, with plans to send over a million Iranian pilgrims a year.
However, the first group of 500 pilgrims slated to start the scheme last month haven't left Tehran yet.
Reconstruction has also been the theme of recent remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose forces control a chunk of Syrian territory. Erdogan's scheme, however, seems to be limited to the area he controls, a policy that, taken to its logical conclusion could create a semi-autonomous canton in that corner of Syria.
Russia, another big player in the Syrian war, has also been talking about "reconstruction," with the Wagner militia supposedly in command.
Reconstruction has also been the theme of fantasies bandied around about rich Arab countries putting billions into raising Syria from its graveyard, in exchange for Assad stopping the production and export of captagon and other drugs that threaten several countries in the region and beyond.
The US, which controls another chunk of Syria through its Kurdish surrogates, has also made noises about reconstruction, with a team of "experts" expected to report on "possibilities and hurdles" within the next few months.
In France, President Emmanuel Macron's special envoy on Lebanon-Syria, Jean-Yves Le Drian, claims that "giving Lebanon a working government" is a key step towards launching a global effort to rebuild Syria.
However, all this talk of normalization and reconstruction may amount to no more than idle chatter because participants in the Syrian tragedy ignore its geopolitical roots. The Syrian tragedy started with peaceful efforts by a large segment of the population to secure more individual freedoms, a curb on corruption, and better economic opportunities.
The uprising may or may not have achieved its goals, ending with a fish-tail result as in some other "Arab Spring" countries.
But, without foreign intervention, first by Iran, then by Russia followed by Turkey, Israel, and the US, it would not have acquired the geopolitical dimension that has led Syria into a historic impasse.
All the current talk about normalization and reconstruction is a subterfuge to avoid the core geopolitical aspect of this tragedy created by conflicting visions of the future, not only of Syria but of the Middle East as a whole.
This tangled web looks even more daunting when we realize that the vision in question cannot be summed up in two categories. Iran and Russia are supposed to be allies in Syria, but it is obvious that they are in opposite camps when it comes to the future of the region. Russia wants the Middle East modeled on what it was in the heyday of the Cold War, when it acted as a glacier for the Soviet Union. Iran's ruling mullah, however, dreams of an ideological empire ruled by the "Supreme Guide" in Tehran.
Turkey, the US and Israel are allies, well, more or less, but, when it comes to the future of Syria, not to say the Middle East as a whole, can't read from the same hymn sheet. Turkey hopes to create a glacier in Syria to make it impossible for rebellious Kurds to form a contiguous belt of territory along its border. Israel's chief concern is to prevent Syria from becoming a base for infiltration into the Golan Heights and eventual attacks on the rest of its territory. The US, at least under the Biden administration, is content with a largely symbolic presence and, so far at least, hasn't offered a coherent vision for the region.
In an outer circle of interest, not to say concern, most Arab nations seem resigned to endorsing the status quo, gingerly modified by such meaningless gestures as the readmission of Assad into the Arab League.
In an even outer-outer circle, the United Nations is trying to dance around the issue with gesticulations about writing a constitution for a non-existent state and promoting peace talks between the Assad regime and personalities and groups that no longer have credible constituencies.
Meanwhile, the war in Syria is far from over.
Nor are its terrible consequences brought under control. In the past five weeks, dozens of clashes between rival groups, including forces loyal to the regime, have claimed hundreds of casualties. The Russian Air Force has conducted 17 bombing raids on various parts of the country, pursuing its mission of turning Syria into piles of smoking rubble. More recently, it has started using Iranian-made drones in some attacks. According to a United Nations report, 31,000 boys aged 12 or above have been kidnapped from Kurdish-held prison camps, presumably to prevent them from growing up and joining "terrorist groups".
Turkey and Iran continue to exploit Syrian resources of oil, gas and phosphate through black-market networks.
This month marks the anniversary of the chemical attack on three localities in the Ghouta region which, in 2013, killed 1,217 civilians and wounded many others.
The world should not forget that, although it has become an orphan in news headlines, the war in Syria goes on.
Are you there?
*Amir Taheri was the executive editor-in-chief of the daily Kayhan in Iran from 1972 to 1979. He has worked at or written for innumerable publications, published eleven books, and has been a columnist for Asharq Al-Awsat since 1987. He is the Chairman of Gatestone Europe.

DeSantis-Haley ticket — a rising challenge to Biden’s reign
Dalia Al-Aqidi/Arab News/August 27, 2023
The US city of Milwaukee last week hosted the opening Republican presidential primary debate, with coverage attracting more than 11 million viewers.
In the dynamic landscape of American politics, Wisconsin has emerged as a pivotal battleground, with its status as a swing state adding layers of intrigue and importance. The outcome in this state can serve as a linchpin for presidential aspirants, particularly in elections where margins are razor-thin. Although the state might not command a hefty electoral vote cache, the value of each vote is magnified in closely contested races, with the potential to tip the balance toward victory or defeat.
The unpredictability of Wisconsin’s electorate further elevates its significance. A case in point: The 2016 presidential election witnessed Donald Trump securing a narrow victory in the state, disrupting a historically consistent pattern of Democratic triumphs. Such electoral outcomes underscore the state’s evolving political dynamics, making it a focal point for political analysts and campaign strategists.
Eight candidates took their place on stage in the debate: Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, former Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, and Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota.
Notably absent was the early favorite in the primary, Donald Trump, who chose not to participate and unveiled a pre-recorded interview with former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson. Some perceived the former president’s decision as a slight to the American electorate, indicating a potential disregard for the democratic process and the public’s expectations.
Various topics were broached throughout the debate, ranging from foreign policy challenges to pressing climate change concerns and the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot.
In a recent survey by The Washington Post, DeSantis emerged as the standout performer, with 29 percent of Republican viewers saying that his performance outshone the rest.
The Florida governor projected a formidable and unwavering stance, eager to persuade potential voters that he is the beacon of change amid the nation’s perceived challenges. One of the primary issues that resonated powerfully was crime.
When questioned about the subject, DeSantis responded assertively: “America’s current trajectory with crime is emblematic of its overall decline. This is significantly exacerbated by the likes of George Soros financing ultra-progressive district attorneys. Once in office, these DAs openly admit their reluctance to prosecute certain crimes, leading to an anarchic situation akin to ‘inmates running the asylum.”
Haley, a former UN envoy, displayed a masterful blend of composure, clarity and preparation.
Meanwhile, Ramaswamy emerged as an unexpected focal point, channeling the combative style of the former president, and engaging in confrontations with numerous rivals on stage. His approach, reminiscent of Trump’s signature tactics, seemed to grate on the other participants. Ramaswamy’s outspokenness, frequent interruptions and a propensity to speak over others, combined with attempts at humor that often missed the mark, ensured that he was at the center of the evening’s most heated exchanges.
However, despite these inconsistencies, there is no denying that Ramaswamy struck a chord with staunch supporters of the former president. His bravado and rhetoric, while divisive for many, resonated with this demographic. Although the road ahead appears promising for this young politician, the debate was a testament to the experience and insight he still needs to acquire. Time will tell whether he can hone his craft and translate his initial momentum into sustained political efficacy.
Haley launched a pointed critique of Ramaswamy’s stance on Ukraine. Challenging his assertion that the US should not back Kyiv in its resistance to the Russian invasion, she emphasized the risks inherent in this viewpoint. “Under your watch, you would make America less safe,” she said, underscoring her rival’s lack of foreign policy acumen. The former UN envoy displayed a masterful blend of composure, clarity and preparation. Her arguments were finely honed, particularly when highlighting the intricate interplay of global geopolitics. She stressed that a victory for Russia would inherently translate to a triumph for China, underlining the strategic importance of Ukraine in safeguarding America’s national interests. Her adept articulation of such complexities showcased her deep understanding of international relations.
A conspicuous unity was evident among the seven GOP candidates, all of whom, with the exception of Ramaswamy, lauded Pence’s actions on Jan. 6, hailing him as a stalwart defender of the American constitution, and emphasizing his commitment to upholding the nation’s foundational principles at a critical moment.
Meanwhile, the former vice president staunchly defended the achievements and policies of the “Trump-Pence administration,” underscoring their collaborative efforts during their tenure.
In a distinctly Trump-esque move, DeSantis said he would have fired presidential adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci, who led the White House pandemic response under the Trump administration — a statement that elicited appreciable applause from the Milwaukee audience. The gesture showcased the continuing influence of the former president’s political strategies and the resonance of certain stances with a segment of the Republican base.
The potential pairing of DeSantis and Haley could, indeed, present a formidable challenge to the Biden-Harris administration. With DeSantis exuding presidential dignity and Haley bringing her dynamic presence as a woman of deep conviction and extensive foreign policy experience, such a ticket could appeal to a broad swath of voters. The combination of DeSantis’ executive leadership in Florida and Haley’s global diplomatic prowess might resonate with constituents seeking a balanced and robust Republican leadership.
• Dalia Al-Aqidi is a senior fellow at the Center for Security Policy.
Twitter: @DaliaAlAqidi

The substantial impact of global poverty on children
Dr. Majid Rafizadeh/Arab News/August 27, 2023
Global poverty remains one of the most important, yet complicated, global issues. It is important to examine its root causes in order to effectively chart a path in tackling the underlying problem. At this stage of globalization and advanced technology, there are enough resources to address this issue.
Poverty is defined as a condition of deprivation in which an individual, family or a community lacks the financial resources and basic necessities to maintain a minimum standard of living. Basic essentials in life include food, clothing, water and shelter.
In order to measure extreme global poverty, the World Bank adopted the global poverty line, which uses factors such as purchasing power parity, exchange rates across countries, global prices and values of local currencies. The international poverty threshold was $1 a day in 1985, $1.90 a day in 2015, and was updated to $2.15 in September 2022 as the cost of living increased. In other words, surviving on less than $2.15 a day is considered to be living in extreme poverty.
But it is important to point out that the poverty line in richer countries is set at higher levels due to the higher standard of living and differences in purchasing power. A person might be making more than $2.15 a day, but his or her family still may be unable to afford basic necessities, such as electricity, clean water, education, basic healthcare and proper housing. For example, the poverty line in the US for one individual is around $15,000 (SR56,280) a year, or about $56 per day.
Based on the updated global poverty line, almost 10 percent of the world population lives in extreme poverty, while about half survive on less than $6.85 per person per day. On the global level, one in nine people is hungry or undernourished.
But the most important issue is that the young are disproportionately affected since almost half of people living in extreme poverty are children. This despite the fact that children comprise only one-third of the global population. An estimated 360 million children are living in extreme poverty, and roughly 1 billion children lack access to nutrition, housing, education, water, sanitation and healthcare. In other words, children are more than twice as likely to be living in poverty compared with adults.
The other problem is that poor communities become trapped in a cycle of hardship that can last for generations, as they are unable to provide the resources, education, opportunities and basic necessities needed for their children to pull themselves out of poverty. In 2021, about 5 million children (roughly 16,000 a day) died before their they reached their fifth birthday, while 2.1 million children and youth aged between 5 and 24 lost their lives because of inadequate access to healthcare, according to the latest estimates released by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation.
In addition to hardship, impoverishment can have long-term effects on children’s mental and physical health, such as slowing brain development. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services: “Childhood poverty is associated with developmental delays, toxic stress, chronic illness and nutritional deficits. Individuals who experience childhood poverty are more likely to experience poverty into adulthood, which contributes to generational cycles of poverty. In addition to lasting effects of childhood poverty, adults living in poverty are at a higher risk of adverse health effects from obesity, smoking, substance abuse and chronic stress.”
Poor communities become trapped in a cycle of hardship that can last for generations.
One of the main factors in global poverty is inequality when it comes to distribution of resources. Other reasons include inefficient systems of governance at the state level; corruption; discrimination against ethnic and racial groups; social barriers; inadequate access to healthcare; lack of access to education, food, clean water and sanitation; poor infrastructure; high unemployment rates; lack of social services and welfare offered by government; and gender inequality; as well as climate change and environmental degradation leading to droughts, storms and flood.
We should bear in mind that conflicts have a substantial impact on poverty. Conflicts and wars can inflict damage on infrastructure and, more importantly, disrupt production and manufacturing processes.
Some people may point out that poverty has existed throughout human history, but I would argue that there exists one difference in the 21st century: The world has enough resources, technology and wealth to tackle this critical global issue and make sure that people meet at least their basic needs regarding food, clothing, water, education, adequate healthcare and shelter.
This will require coordination on individual, national, regional and international levels to ensure accessibility of technology to everyone, availability of basic resources, education, food, healthcare, clean water, sanitation, shelter, and addressing poor governance and corruption.
Cooperation between the private sector, private philanthropy and the government’s developmental programs is critical as well to channel resources to poor communities. The role that the wealthiest in the world can play should not be underestimated. The wealth of some individuals and philanthropists has grown larger than that of some national economies and government budgets. As economist Homi Kharas, of the Brookings Institute, wrote: “There are 2,755 billionaires in the world today, with an estimated wealth of $13.2 trillion. Even just 1 percent of this wealth would yield a flow of $130 billion per year. This can be compared with annual official aid of roughly $160 billion from all countries and multilateral institutions combined.”
In summary, the impact of global poverty on children is substantial. We have all of the resources and technology necessary to tackle this global issue.
• Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian-American political scientist.