English LCCC Newsbulletin For Lebanese, Lebanese Related, Global News & Editorials
For November 08/2024
Compiled & Prepared by: Elias Bejjani
#elias_bejjani_news

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https://eliasbejjaninews.com/aaaanewsfor2024/english.November 08.24.htm

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Bible Quotations For today
Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory
John 17/24-26:"Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. ‘Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.’"

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on November 07-08/2024
Our Maronite Patriarch and Bishops Live in Another World, Drowning in Dhimmitude, and Blinded to Hezbollah’s Occupation and its Crime of Usurping Sovereignty/Elias Bejjani/November 6, 2024
Israel’s recent kidnapping of Imad Amhaz, Hezbollah’s top maritime operative, is not a violation of Lebanese sovereignty/Elias Bejjani / November 06, 2024
Hezbollah is an occupier, Iranian, terrorist, jihadist, and an enemy of Lebanon and the Lebanese people/
Elias Bejjani/November 05/2024
Mufti Qabalan and the Painful Fate/Colonel Charbel Barakat/November 07, 2024
New Israeli Strike: Car Targeted on the Jamhour-Kahaleh Road
Geagea: 'Hezbollah Is Deceiving the Lebanese to Continue Fighting'
Beirut Airport Operating Normally
Three Killed, Several Wounded in Israeli Raid at Saida Entrance
Parliamentarians Appeal to UNESCO to Protect Heritage Amid War
Israel’s Chief of Staff: Army Must Prepare to Expand Lebanon Ground Offensive
Israel Strikes Lebanon after Discussing 'Iranian Threat' with Trump
Israeli Military: 5 Soldiers Killed in Combat in South Lebanon
Separate Israeli Drone Strikes Kill 4 People in Lebanon
Lebanese Air Transport Union Denies Evacuation Rumors at Beirut Airport
Lebanon to Increase Army Personnel Ahead of Possible Deployment South of Litani
Trump Victory Fuels Fears of Netanyahu’s Increased Freedom in Lebanon/Youssef Diab/Asharq Al Awsat/November 07/2024
‘We are Prepared, No Matter How Long It Takes’: New Hezbollah Leader Naim Qassem Boasts of Terror Group’s Endurance
Who is the Lebanese billionaire who helped put Donald Trump in the White House?
Hezbollah’s Unit 4400/David Daoud & Ahmad Sharawi/ FDD's Long War Journal/November 07/2024
Israel’s right-wing pushes to resettle Gaza: Will the US respond?/Yehuda Lukacs, opinion contributor/The Hill/November 7, 2024

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on November 07-08/2024
Israeli attacks reportedly kill dozens across Gaza, including 27 in one strike
A new law allows Israel to deport the relatives of attackers. Experts expect it to be struck down
14 killed in Israeli strike on UNRWA school used as shelter for displaced Gazans
US had talks with Israel on setting up Gaza civilian harm channel
Statements Attributed To Ali Akbar Velayati, Advisor To Iranian Supreme Leader: 'The President Of Syria Has Betrayed The Sacred Regime Of The Islamic Republic
Of Iran'
Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei: 'Today We Need To Establish The Islamic Nation' – Headed By Shi'ite Iran
50 European Leaders Assess How Trump Will Affect their Fortunes
Putin says Ukraine must remain neutral for there to be peace
Joly says Canada's immigration plan stands in face of Trump deportation threats
Iraqi Judiciary Faces Challenge After Trump’s Win, Arrest Warrant Issued

Titles For The Latest English LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources on November 07-08/2024
Nobody Talks About It: Jihadi Terrorists Continue to Ravage Africa/Uzay Bulut/Gatestone Institute./November 7, 2024
Israel Gears Up for Action: Iran’s Missile Moves from Iraq Push U.S. and Israeli Patience to the Brink/Ahmad Sharawi/FDD/November 07/2024
The Sting Doctrine ...Haven’t its flaws become obvious?/Clifford D. May/The Washington Times/November 07/2024
Putin Plays Tough in Opening Move with Trump/Simon Shuster/Time/November 7, 2024
The Missions of Envoys/Suleiman Jawda/Asharq Al-Awsat/November 07/2024

The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on November 07-08/2024
Our Maronite Patriarch and Bishops Live in Another World, Drowning in Dhimmitude, and Blinded to Hezbollah’s Occupation and its Crime of Usurping Sovereignty
Elias Bejjani/November 6, 2024
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2024/11/136590/
Matthew 5:37 / “Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.”
To the shepherd who has abandoned his flock, and to the Maronite bishops who participated in the misguided and sinful homage at the Mleeta Museum: Enough with the dhimmitude and blindness to the reality of occupation, its crimes, its wars, and its shameful arrogance. Your statement today is alienated from Lebanon, its state, its people, and their suffering; it is undoubtedly a grave mistake and a sin.
Know that the abduction of Imad Amhaz and Israel's war against Hezbollah in Lebanon are by no means violations of Lebanese sovereignty, as you have falsely claimed in your “lamentable” statement. Sovereignty, you dear Bishops who are supposed to be guardians of sovereignty, has long been absent, usurped, confiscated and controlled by Hezbollah and its Persian masters.
Fear God, or resign, for your presence has become a disaster, and your absence would indeed be a relief and a blessing.

Israel’s recent kidnapping of Imad Amhaz, Hezbollah’s top maritime operative, is not a violation of Lebanese sovereignty
Elias Bejjani / November 06, 2024
"Hezbollah's Occupation and Israel's Response: A Battle Over Sovereignty"
Israel’s recent kidnapping of Imad Amhaz, Hezbollah’s top maritime operative, is not a violation of Lebanese sovereignty, as Hezbollah itself occupies Lebanon and has effectively seized its, independence, decision making process, the ware peace decision, and sovereignty. In this context the military actions Israel is carrying out in Lebanon amid its war with Hezbollah do not infringe on Lebanese sovereignty because that sovereignty has been suspended, seized, and rendered nonexistent by Hezbollah’s dominance. Under its control, Hezbollah occupies Lebanon, dictating decision-making mechanisms and institutions.
Since 2005, Lebanon has been under Hezbollah’s occupation—a terrorist armed jihadist Iranian proxy that serves Iran’s regional schemes ambitions, not Lebanese interests. The ongoing  divesting ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah is therefore not a Lebanese war but a proxy war, waged by Hezbollah on Lebanese soil to advance Iran’s broader regional strategy. This is a war fought not by the Lebanese state nor in service of Lebanese people, but in submission to Hezbollah's—and by extension, Iran’s—control over Lebanon’s political and military apparatus.
Hezbollah’s influence permeates the Lebanese government and military, rendering them tools in its hands. The recent kidnapping of Imad Amhaz by Israeli commandos from the coastal town of Batroun illustrates the extent to which Hezbollah has transformed Lebanon into a battleground for its proxy wars. Israel’s operations, including this and other targeted actions against Hezbollah’s infrastructure and leadership, underscore that Israel’s conflict is with Hezbollah—not the Lebanese state or its people.
When Hezbollah and its affiliates decry these actions as violations of Lebanese sovereignty, they ignore a fundamental truth: Lebanon’s sovereignty was already compromised by Hezbollah itself. Israel’s strikes are intended to dismantle Hezbollah’s Iranian-backed military and financial network, which has eroded Lebanon’s independence and drawn it into foreign conflicts.
Those opposed to Hezbollah’s occupation are not bound to condemn Israel’s actions against Hezbollah. For many Lebanese, it is consistent to oppose Hezbollah’s authoritarian rule and stranglehold over the state while understanding Israel’s targeted actions as assaults on Hezbollah’s illegitimate power—not on Lebanon itself. Recognizing this distinction allows Lebanese to grasp the complex realities facing their country and to advocate for true Lebanese sovereignty, free from foreign interference and armed militias.
In the struggle for Lebanon’s future, it is essential to underscore that Hezbollah’s presence and control are the real threats to the country’s identity, stability, and independence. Only with an end to Hezbollah’s occupation can Lebanon’s sovereignty and neutrality truly be restored.

Hezbollah is an occupier, Iranian, terrorist, jihadist, and an enemy of Lebanon and the Lebanese people.
Elias Bejjani/November 05/2024
Every politician, party leader, or religious figure who has claimed—and still claims—that Hezbollah is Lebanese, liberated the south, resistance and and embodies its community should be tried for treason.
As for those who consider Hezbollah’s fallen as equal to our own martyrs, they should be exiled and excommunicated.

Mufti Qabalan and the Painful Fate
By Colonel Charbel Barakat/November 07, 2024
(Freely translated from Arabic and quoted by Elias Bejjani, editor and publisher of the LCCC website)
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2024/11/136612/
Introduction
Colonel Charbel Barakat, a retired Lebanese Army officer, historian, terrorism expert, and author of numerous works on Lebanon, the Iranian regime’s schemes, and jihadist movements, has testified multiple times before the U.S. Congress on critical issues, including Iranian and Syrian terrorism, the Syrian occupation of Lebanon, jihadist threats, and the pursuit of Middle East peace.
In his editorial of today, Colonel Barakat speaks directly to the Shiites of Lebanon and their political and religious leaders, urging them, “Heed the lessons of history. Do not repeat it in ways that serve Iranian agendas.” He warns against allowing “arrogance and an excess of power” to draw Lebanon’s Shiite community into Iranian schemes aimed at depopulating Lebanon, transforming it into a Shiite stronghold, and aligning it with the ideological visions of the Iranian mullahs.
Reflecting on his deep personal connection to South Lebanon, Barakat recounts, “I have lived through the turbulent events of the 1970s and beyond, witnessing firsthand the impact of military, security, and political challenges.” Drawing on historical examples, he advises Hezbollah and specifically Shiite Mufti Qabalan, stating, “Cease repeating the mistakes made during the Mamluk rule.”Barakat argues that the distorted retelling of history by Mufti Qabalan and Iran “will only lead to more suffering and tragedy for Lebanon.” He emphasizes, “Let us not fall prey to illusions of power that erase Lebanon’s diversity and unity.”Through his message, Barakat calls on Lebanon’s Shiite community to resist ideologies that seek to “alter Lebanon’s historical identity and foster division.” He urges, “Our country must not become a pawn in foreign agendas. Let Lebanon stand as a beacon of peace, freedom, and coexistence.

Mufti Qabalan and the Painful Fate
Colonel Charbel Barakat / November 7, 2024
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2024/11/136612/
Colonel Charbel Barakat begins his analysis by recalling, “In the late Crusader period, specifically after Sultan Baibars and his allies assassinated Mamluk Sultan Qutuz—who had led them to victory over Hulagu’s Mongol army at the Battle of Ain Jalut in 1260—they claimed authority over Egypt.” He emphasizes that Baibars assumed the sultanate after Qutuz’s assassination and, immediately upon his return, launched attacks on Crusader cities. He highlights, “These Crusader cities were protected by mutual agreements with the Mamluks that ensured non-aggression, yet Baibars disregarded them entirely.”
Barakat explains that Baibars’ campaigns led to the depopulation of South Lebanon, stating, “He emptied the area of inhabitants after destroying strongholds such as Safed, Tebnine, Hunin, Nimrod, Maroun, and other fortifications that protected the stability and security of the region.” He notes, “Baibars went as far as to raze villages and towns, forbidding habitation within 40 kilometers of the sea, under the claim that these inhabitants would support the Crusaders’ return to the area.”
Reflecting on Baibars’ motives, Barakat suggests, “Perhaps this brutal decision was a tactic to divert people’s attention from his coup against Sultan Qutuz, as he occupied his followers with war instead of allowing them to plot against him.” However, he concludes that the outcome was the same: “Baibars’ actions led to the displacement of Christians, Shiites, Druze, and others who sought safety by relocating inland—to places like the Hauran region or further toward the Bekaa Valley and the eastern mountains of Lebanon.”
Barakat also recalls, “Notably, Baibars’ and later Qalawun’s campaigns extended to coastal cities, from Byblos to Tripoli, destroying the entire Bsharri area after a betrayal by Salim, a local leader, during Qalawun’s assault aimed at capturing Tripoli.” He questions whether Salim acted out of greed or naïveté, yet he underscores the devastating impact of these invasions on the region’s inhabitants.
“This historical prelude,” Barakat explains, “serves as a reminder to Mufti Qabalan and other Lebanese Shiite leaders who, manipulated by Iranian forces, seek to rewrite history and transform Lebanon into an exclusively Shiite territory.” He warns that rather than seeing Lebanon as a haven for people of diverse beliefs and ideologies, some leaders aim to reshape Lebanon to fit the ideologically driven agendas of the Persian mullahs. He asserts, “Like Baibars, Qalawun, and the fatwas of Ibn Taymiyyah, who justified the killing of Shiites, Druze, Ismailis, Alawites, and all who differed from them, these Iranian mullahs seek to distort the region’s demographic and historical landscape under the pretense of purging ‘infidels.’”
Colonel Barakat states, “Today, as Hezbollah’s arrogance grows and as the mullahs in Iran grow increasingly delusional with dreams of dominion, they’ve already displaced entire populations from Syria’s plains and cities to alter the demographic balance.” He criticizes Mufti Qabalan for echoing these dangerous ideologies, claiming that, “Figures like our friend Mufti Qabalan of Mays al-Jabal have been convinced that non-Shiite Lebanese have no place in Lebanon.” Barakat condemns this ideology, which suggests that non-Shiites must leave “whether through humiliation, impoverishment, coercion, or at gunpoint, imposed under the pretense of ‘resistance’ and its destructive projects that undermine justice and law.” He poses the question, “Where are the Shiites of truth in all of this?”
Addressing Mufti Qabalan directly, Barakat urges, “To Mufti Qabalan, a son of our cherished region where people still value dignity and community, I say this: the hollow arrogance you’ve adopted is emptying the South of its people and destroying everything our forebears built.” He refers to iconic sites and infrastructure, observing, “From the historic Abu Dhar mosque, a symbol of welcoming the oppressed, to the bustling markets, schools, homes, and even the hospital—everything is being demolished so that no one can live there again.” He questions Hezbollah’s role, asking, “Will this Hezbollah you praise, with its relentless and illogical warfare, restore the ruined homes and busy squares of Mays al-Jabal?”
He continues, “Will Iran’s backing to seize lands in Mount Lebanon, whether from the Druze or the Maronites, bring any comfort to the displaced Shiites driven from their homes and ancestral lands?” He emphasizes, “Will it return to them the memories of pride and the hard work they put into their fields, among the olive and fig trees and vineyards?” Barakat suggests that their situation is comparable to that of Gazans, with “its displaced people and stateless citizens, akin to Palestinian refugees in camps that Hezbollah tried to exploit.”
Recalling Mufti Abdul Amir Qabalan’s more peaceful approach, he explains, “The late Mufti Abdul Amir Qabalan, who grew up and spent his youth in Mays and held deep ties to the village, understood the importance of neighborly relations and calm across the borders.” When the residents asked him about their course of action following the Israeli army’s entry into Lebanon in 1978, Barakat recounts, “His response was clear: ‘If they close the gate, jump over the fence.’” He clarifies that this was a metaphor for maintaining stability and avoiding any cause for conflict.
Barakat states that this wisdom led Mays and other border villages to embrace a “coordination” approach, which contributed to peace and deterred hostility against the Israeli neighbors. He notes, “People joined the local National Guard, then the Free Lebanon Army, and eventually the South Lebanon Army without resentment or insecurity.” He points out, “For more than twenty years, stability reigned, despite Hezbollah’s operations outside the region and its attempts to lure residents into unrest.”
Barakat reminds readers of the dire situation today, explaining, “Today, Israelis face displacement much like our own residents, as their army works to clear areas near the borders to prevent future attacks when people return.”

New Israeli Strike: Car Targeted on the Jamhour-Kahaleh Road
This is Beirut/November 07/2024
Israeli airstrikes continued targeting multiple areas across Lebanon on Thursday, following heavy strikes overnight. A recent Israeli strike hit a vehicle on the Jamhour-Louaizeh road, leading to the closure of the international road in the Araya area toward Jamhour. One person is reported killed according to preliminary reports.
Southern Suburbs
Late Wednesday, several southern Beirut suburbs, including Haret Hreik, Burj al-Barajneh, Tahwita al-Ghadeer, and Ouzai, were heavily bombarded. An Israeli airstrike in the Ouzai area, near the airport, caused some damage within the Rafic Hariri International Airport premises. While debris was scattered on the western runway and service road, and minor damage occurred near Runway 17, Beirut Airport sustained no major damage. Cleanup efforts began early Thursday, and airport operations have since returned to normal, Caretaker Minister of Public Works, Ali Hamieh, confirmed on X.
Southern Lebanon
In southern Lebanon, Israel targeted several towns, including Sultanine, Deir Antar, al-Jumayjima, al-Burghouliyeh, Burj al-Haw, al-Qasmiyeh, the road to al-Abbasiya, Shaqra, Hadatha, and Majdel Selm. The International Red Cross mission had to postpone its recovery operation in Wata al-Khiyam, as they had not received clearance. An Israeli airstrike on the former Ansar detention area destroyed a building and blocked the road between Ansar and al-Dweir. Civil Defense teams from the Islamic Health Society worked to clear debris and reopen the route. Another airstrike demolished a house on the road to Kawthariyeh al-Riz, blocking access to the Abu al-Aswad-Tyre area. Clearing efforts are underway. Israeli warplanes also struck Yuhmur al-Shaqif, impacting areas near the Litani River and the town center. Cluster munitions, banned internationally, were used in nearby olive groves and agricultural fields. In the town of Bazouriyeh, an Israeli airstrike resulted in four deaths and three injuries. Other towns, including Hadatha, Majdel Selm, and Kounin, were hit by intermittent shelling until dawn. Early Thursday, the Israeli Army fired heavy machine guns toward Naqoura, Jabal al-Labnuna, Alma al-Shaab, Tayr Harfa, and al-Dhaira. Israeli surveillance and warplanes flew intensively over Tyre and Bint Jbeil, with flares illuminating the skies near Tyre. Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Unit in Tyre reported that displacement has stabilized in the city but is rising in several towns, with people moving toward Sidon and other areas. Teams are assisting those in need within available resources. Additionally, heavy clashes have been ongoing since midnight between Hezbollah fighters and the Israeli Army near Rmeish and Yaroun, close to the Doviv settlement. There were also reports of gunfire near Aita al-Shaab as Israeli forces attempted incursions into Lebanese territory.
Israel Expands Its Attacks
Israel expanded its scope of attacks, targeting the town of Barja and the Iqlim al-Kharroub area in the Chouf District on Wednesday night. The latest airstrike was on a residential building in Barja that housed families displaced from the south. The attack resulted in more than 40 casualties, including children, women, and men. In the Beqaa Valley, an Israeli airstrike targeted Harfouch on Wednesday night, resulting in one civilian fatality.
Hezbollah Response
Hezbollah reported targeting Israeli forces at the eastern edge of Maroun al-Ras for the sixth time, using a barrage of rockets. The Israeli Army confirmed the death of a soldier in southern Lebanon and claimed to “have killed 60 Hezbollah members in Lebanon over the past 24 hours."

Geagea: 'Hezbollah Is Deceiving the Lebanese to Continue Fighting'
This is Beirut/November 07/2024
Head of the Lebanese Forces (LF) Party Samir Geagea affirmed that the campaign launched against the Lebanese Army about two weeks ago, followed by the positions of Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, “represents the largest operation of fraud and deception that we are witnessing.”In an interview with LBCI on Thursday, he attributed the reasons for this campaign to the desire to “belittle the Lebanese Army, since it is the only side capable of filling the vacuum in the south and throughout Lebanon in the coming stage.”“Hezbollah is deceiving the Lebanese people to continue fighting and that’s what is required of them,” he continued. “There is no fear of slipping into civil war,” Geagea reassured, pointing out that “it is a big word and needs a decision, and no Lebanese team wants it.”Geagea also made clear that “since the launch of the support front, Hezbollah’s calculations have been all wrong, and today’s results are proof of that,” regretting that “it still continues with the same logic.”Additionally, he pointed out that the Israelis are preparing for the second phase, “and I don’t know whether it will extend to the Litani.”He indicated that the second phase of war will now begin, after “the main fortifications of Hezbollah unfortunately fell in the first stage, which was the most difficult.”Geagea affirmed that “Lebanese authorities must implement international resolutions 1701, 1559 and 1680 and take control of the situation,” stressing that “the Israelis will withdraw through political, not military, means.”On the presidential file, he noted that the “intense competition in the United States was resolved in less than 24 hours after the electoral process ended,” asking why parliamentary groups in Lebanon refuse to take any practical step in this issue. “87 deputies can meet at any time to hold a session chaired by the oldest among them,” he continued. He blamed the “Axis of Resistance” for disrupting presidential elections, under the pretext of “no presidency before a ceasefire, while Lebanon suffers from a strategic, national, humanitarian and living disaster, and is in dire need of a president more than any other time.”
Finally, Geagea expected “battles to continue and even worsen,” until US President-elect Donald Trump takes office and finishes organizing his new administration, “which requires three or four months to crystallize results.”

Beirut Airport Operating Normally
This is Beirut/November 07/2024
Despite a heavy airstrike near Ouzai on Wednesday night, Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut is operating normally, according to Caretaker Public Works and Transport Minister, Ali Hamieh. The attack, which struck late Wednesday, caused minor damage to the western runway and service roads, with scattered stones found on the tarmac and some damage around runway 17. Fortunately, airport operations were not significantly disrupted, and no injuries were reported. Cleaning operations began early Thursday morning, and all sections of the airport have since resumed normal function.

Three Killed, Several Wounded in Israeli Raid at Saida Entrance
This is Beirut/November 07/2024
The Israeli army carried out its first raid in Saida early Thursday afternoon, targeting a car near the army roadblock at the mouth of the Awali River at the entrance to the city. .Three people were killed in the raid. They were identified as Hussein, Alaa, and Malak Choumar, the siblings of Amin Choumar, a journalist with Hezbollah’s al-Manar TV.Eight others, including five UNIFIL peacekeepers and three Lebanese army troops, were slightly injured. The peacekeepers were injured as their vehicle was passing in the same lane as the targeted car when the raid took place. The road was closed to traffic while Civil Defense firefighters extinguished the blaze and Lebanese Red Cross paramedics treated the wounded on the spot.

Parliamentarians Appeal to UNESCO to Protect Heritage Amid War
This is Beirut/November 07/2024
In an urgent appeal to the international community, a group of Lebanese parliamentarians has called on UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay to intervene and protect Lebanon’s cultural heritage sites, which are facing mounting threats due to the ongoing Israeli attacks and destruction.
The MPs, led by Najat Saliba, delivered a message to UNESCO, urging the global organization to take immediate action to safeguard the country’s invaluable historical landmarks from further damage. In a letter on Thursday, the MPs condemned the recent atrocities committed during the war on Lebanon, highlighting Israel’s violations of international laws and the catastrophic toll on human life. The MPs stressed that, alongside the loss of innocent lives and the forced displacement of families, Lebanon’s ancient sites, including those in Baalbek, Tyre, Sidon, and other historic cities, are at high risk. “These cherished landmarks, which are priceless not only to Lebanon but to humanity, face a growing threat as the war intensifies,” MP Saliba said in the message to UNESCO. “These sites embody centuries of history, achievements, and human identity, and they carry profound values that bind generations. Their protection is not only a national interest but a global responsibility," she added. The MPs urged UNESCO to act swiftly, mobilizing its resources to draw international attention and implement protective measures for Lebanon’s endangered sites. UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has long been tasked with promoting peace through education, science, and culture. The MPs pointed out that the destruction of Lebanon’s historic sites would be a “tragic blow” to world heritage, causing lasting damage to humanity’s collective identity. As parliamentarians, the MPs emphasized that their plea goes beyond mere physical preservation. They called for the protection of the stories, traditions, and values these sites represent, which are crucial to connecting the country’s past with its future. “We stand firmly with the United Nations mission to protect lives, rights, and cultural heritage, acknowledging the urgent need to preserve what remains of our shared humanity,” the MPs wrote. “Targeting these sites, whether directly or indirectly, will not only affect Lebanon but will have far-reaching consequences for people worldwide.”The MPs concluded their letter by urging Azoulay and UNESCO to prioritize the preservation of these historical monuments, ensuring that they remain as symbols of unity and peace for future generations.

Israel’s Chief of Staff: Army Must Prepare to Expand Lebanon Ground Offensive
Tel Aviv: Asharq Al Awsat/November 07/2024
The Israeli Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said on Wednesday that the military must prepare to expand the ongoing ground offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon. During an assessment provided by the army, Halevi said, “Alongside the diplomatic attempt to reach agreements in Lebanon, we need to continue formulating the plans for the continuation of the fighting in Lebanon, including expanding and deepening the [ground] maneuver, and we will activate these plans as needed.”He added that the Israeli army “continues to strike Hezbollah targets according to plan in the entire region, in southern Lebanon, the Beqaa Valley, Beirut and Syria.” Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel the day after Hamas’ surprise attack into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 ignited the war in Gaza. Hezbollah and Hamas are both allied with Iran. For nearly a year, the conflict was mostly contained to the areas along the border between Israel and Lebanon. The conflict dramatically escalated on Sept. 23 with intense Israeli airstrikes on south and east Lebanon as well as Beirut’s southern suburbs, leaving hundreds dead and leading to the displacement of nearly 1.2 million people.

Israel Strikes Lebanon after Discussing 'Iranian Threat' with Trump
Asharq Al Awsat/November 07/2024
Israel launched fresh strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs early Thursday, hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US president-elect Donald Trump spoke about the "Iranian threat". The Israeli premier was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Trump, calling the re-election "history's greatest comeback". Over the phone on Wednesday, the pair "agreed to work together for Israel's security" and "discussed the Iranian threat", Netanyahu's office said in a statement. Not long afterwards, the Israeli military launched its latest strikes on Iran-backed Hezbollah's main bastion of south Beirut, with AFP footage showing orange flashes and plumes of smoke over the densely populated suburb. The Israeli army had issued evacuation orders ahead of the strikes, calling on people to leave four neighborhoods, including one near the international airport. In Lebanon's east, the country's health ministry said Israeli strikes on Wednesday killed 40 people, with rescuers combing the rubble for survivors. "The series of Israeli enemy strikes on the Bekaa Valley and Baalbek" killed "40 people and injured 53", the ministry said in a statement.

Israeli Military: 5 Soldiers Killed in Combat in South Lebanon
Asharq Al Awsat/November 07/2024
Five Israeli soldiers were killed and 16 others wounded in combat in southern Lebanon in recent weeks, the Israeli military said in a statement on Thursday. Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem said in a speech aired Wednesday that the Lebanese group is open for ceasefire negotiations only once “the enemy stops its aggression.” His speech marked the 40-day mourning period since former Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was assassinated in Beirut. Hezbollah began firing into Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, in solidarity with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Since the conflict erupted, more than 3,000 people have been killed and some 13,600 wounded in Lebanon, the Health Ministry reported.

Separate Israeli Drone Strikes Kill 4 People in Lebanon
Asharq Al Awsat/November 07/2024
An Israeli drone strike on Thursday hit a car at an army checkpoint in the southern port city of Sidon, killing three people and wounding several others, including Lebanese soldiers and UN peacekeepers, Lebanon’s state news agency and the army said. The Lebanese army said in a communique that three soldiers and four Malaysian peacekeepers were injured. The National News Agency said one of the wounded was taken to the hospital while the peacekeepers were treated for minor injuries at the scene of the attack at the northern entrance of Sidon, Lebanon’s third-largest city. There was no immediate information on the identities of those who died. The UN peacekeeping force known as UNIFIL said in a statement that a convoy bringing newly-arrived peacekeepers to south Lebanon was passing by when a drone strike took place near it. The strike lightly injured five peacekeepers, it said. “We remind all actors of their obligation to avoid actions putting peacekeepers or civilians in danger. Differences should be resolved at the negotiating table, not through violence,” the statement said. A drone strike earlier Thursday hit a car on a main highway just outside Beirut, killing one woman, according to local media. The attack took place near Araya, where several similar drone strikes have taken place in the past week.

Lebanese Air Transport Union Denies Evacuation Rumors at Beirut Airport
Asharq Al Awsat/November 07/2024
The Lebanese Air Transport Union on Wednesday denied rumors that it issued an evacuation request of the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, confirming that airport operations continue without disruption. The Union denied in a statement “rumors that quoted chairman of the board of directors of the Middle East Airlines as requesting technicians and engineers to evacuate the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut and deport the planes.”It said the rumors aim at spreading chaos at the airport and among the Lebanese. “We assure that the airport is operating normally", it stated.
Despite the ongoing Israeli hostilities in Lebanon and the mounting risks, Lebanon’s national carrier Middle East Airlines (MEA) continues to operate flights to and from Rafik Hariri International Airport. Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel the day after Hamas’ surprise attack into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 ignited the war in Gaza. Hezbollah and Hamas are both allied with Iran. For nearly a year, the conflict was mostly contained to the areas along the border between Israel and Lebanon. The conflict dramatically escalated on Sept. 23 with intense Israeli airstrikes on south and east Lebanon as well as Beirut’s southern suburbs, leaving hundreds dead and leading to the displacement of nearly 1.2 million people.

Lebanon to Increase Army Personnel Ahead of Possible Deployment South of Litani
Asharq Al Awsat/November 07/2024
The Lebanese government has approved funding to recruit 1,500 new military personnel in the Lebanese Army as part of an initiative to increase military presence along the southern border, amid Israel’s ongoing hostilities. The funds will be provided to the Ministry of Defense as an advance, a decision highlighted by the Minister of Information for its political and international significance, particularly in relation to implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. Prime Minister Najib Mikati in the caretaker government emphasized that continued and escalating Israeli attacks on Lebanon amount to crimes against humanity. He stated that a primary pathway to a resolution involves halting hostilities against the country, fully implementing Resolution 1701, and electing a new president to restore institutional order, stability, and initiate reconstruction. Mikati condemned what he described as an international failure to stop Israel’s actions against Lebanon, which include attacks on towns and villages, civilian deaths, and strikes against medical and relief personnel. “We condemn and hold the international community responsible for the continuation of Israel’s genocidal war on Lebanon, its destruction of towns and villages, killing of civilians, assassination of army personnel, and targeting of medical teams, civil defense, relief teams, and journalists. “Additionally, the attacks on UNIFIL, which represents international legitimacy, make targeting UNIFIL an assault on the international community and the Security Council. This destruction continues to affect hospitals, schools, and educational centers,” stated Mikati. On the international front, Mikati highlighted the solidarity shown by world figures, referring to his discussions with leaders like Jordan’s King Abdullah, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, and Britain’s Prime Minister. This was further demonstrated during the Paris Conference in Support of Lebanon -late on October- he underlined, specifically thanking France for its humanitarian efforts and military support. But he added: “But unfortunately, Israel is blatantly disregarding all international efforts to achieve a ceasefire.”The prime minister reiterated Lebanon’s stance on safeguarding its dignity and sovereignty across air, sea, and land, pledging to confront any Israeli violations. Following the cabinet meeting, Minister of Information Ziad Makari assured that funds to recruit 1,500 additional soldiers are available and that the government encountered no issues regarding this allocation. Nasser Yassin, the government’s Emergency Committee coordinator, announced that the cabinet approved fuel allocations for 541 shelters in mountainous regions over 300 meters in altitude to ensure winter heating. Yassin also detailed efforts concerning the people displaced as the result of the Israeli hostilities in Lebanon. He highlighted that there are 44,000 families in 1,138 shelters and an additional 147,000 families housed within communities.

Trump Victory Fuels Fears of Netanyahu’s Increased Freedom in Lebanon
Youssef Diab/Asharq Al Awsat/November 07/2024
Lebanese are watching closely after Donald Trump’s election as US president, hoping his policies might bring solutions to regional crises and possibly halt wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Observers caution, however, that change won’t be immediate or at Israel’s expense; instead, they expect Israel could have more military leeway before peace efforts begin. Trump didn’t outline his plans to end conflicts during his victory speech, only briefly mentioning the issue. Fares Soeid, a former Lebanese MP, called Trump’s win a potential global turning point, particularly in conflict zones like Ukraine and the Middle East. Soeid believes Trump’s support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s far-right may intensify. Soeid told Asharq Al-Awsat that Trump’s election could hasten military actions on the Lebanese-Israeli border, allowing Netanyahu more freedom to secure military objectives and strengthen Israel’s negotiating position. He suggested key UN resolutions intended to control arms in Lebanon may lose focus, with the goal shifting to place all weapons under state control. There is concern in Lebanon over any change to Resolution 1701, which maintains the ceasefire with Israel.
Soeid clarified that Trump might not scrap these resolutions outright but could push for tighter arms restrictions, ensuring only Lebanon’s government holds power over weapons. He believes the US may aim to create a cohesive Lebanese leadership to enforce these measures, essentially enabling Netanyahu more flexibility in regional matters. The US election drew intense interest in Lebanon, with citizens and officials closely tracking the campaigns and vote results, hoping for a positive shift. Lebanese politician Khaldoun Sharif noted that Trump reached out to Lebanese Americans during his campaign, promising to bring peace to Lebanon quickly. He sees Trump’s advisor, Lebanese-born Massad Boulos, as potentially instrumental in highlighting Lebanon’s needs to the new administration. Sharif criticized the outgoing Democratic administration’s handling of conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, saying it failed to curb Netanyahu’s plans despite multiple ceasefire proposals. As Trump prepares to take office on January 20, Sharif emphasized that Lebanon is eager for a complete ceasefire, adherence to Resolution 1701, a consensus-backed president, and a transparent, reform-oriented government to rebuild trust with Arab nations and the international community. Sharif voiced disappointment that past US administrations have often overlooked Lebanon’s significance. Now, amid a severe conflict, he hopes Trump will act swiftly to end the violence, support reconstruction, and restore Lebanon’s standing on the regional stage.

‘We are Prepared, No Matter How Long It Takes’: New Hezbollah Leader Naim Qassem Boasts of Terror Group’s Endurance
FDD/November 07/2024
Latest Developments
• Hezbollah Warns Israel Against a ‘War of Attrition’: Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem delivered a speech on November 6 in which he asserted that Israel should not rely on a “war of attrition.” Qassem — the successor to Hassan Nasrallah, who was assassinated by Israel in September — maintained that Hezbollah’s “strength lies in its endurance” and that the Iran-backed terrorist group is “prepared” to defeat Israel “no matter how long it takes.” Warning that “no area in Israel is off limits,” Qassem vowed that Israel “will not achieve victory, even if time drags on.”
• No Diplomatic Solution: Qassem stated that “only one thing can stop this war of aggression, and that is the battlefield.” Hezbollah will not participate in indirect negotiations with Israel unless the Jewish state “decides to stop” operating in Lebanon, he added.
• Hezbollah Attacks Continue: Hezbollah fired a volley of rockets at central Israel on November 6. The IDF intercepted most of the projectiles, but one impacted near Ben Gurion Airport. Hezbollah said it had targeted Israel’s Tzifrin military base south of Tel Aviv.
FDD Expert Response
“There was little that was unpredictable about Qassem’s second speech as secretary-general — from its date, coinciding with 40 days since Nasrallah’s assassination, to its content. Once again, he stressed that Hezbollah will continue to have the upper hand until a ceasefire is achieved. The attacks deeper into Israel were meant to underscore Qassem’s points and commemorate the significant date.” — David Daoud, FDD Senior Fellow
“After suffering significant setbacks at the hands of the Israelis, Hezbollah is striving to project an image of strength and resilience. Although Hezbollah publicly asserts that it won’t engage in indirect negotiations with Israel until the Jewish state ceases hostilities, matters are likely different behind closed doors. Hezbollah has a vested interest in considering Israeli proposals to end the conflict, particularly those that could be presented in a way that allows the group to maintain credibility in the eyes of its supporters.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal
“Israel has made significant strides in dismantling much of Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in Lebanese villages near the Blue Line. However, the job is far from over, as Hezbollah retains the capability to launch projectiles from various locations across Lebanon, posing an ongoing threat to Israeli population centers. To address the persistent danger posed by Hezbollah’s mid-range missiles, Israel must sustain its momentum from recent operations and continue countering this threat effectively.” — Ahmad Sharawi, FDD Research Analyst

Who is the Lebanese billionaire who helped put Donald Trump in the White House?
The New Arab Staff/November 07/ 2024
Lebanese businessman Massad Boulos, father-in-law to Tiffany Trump, has leveraged his ties with Arab American communities to rally support for Donald Trump.
Massad Boulos has actively engaged with Lebanese media to garner support for Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign [Getty]
Massad Boulos, a Lebanese-born businessman, has acted as one of Donald Trump's key emissaries to the Arab American community during the 2024 election cycle, with a mission to secure their support for Trump's 2024 presidential campaign as they moved away from the Democratic Party mainly over the war in Gaza and Lebanon.
Boulos, a billionaire with extensive business ties in Nigeria, joined Trump's inner circle through family connections; his son, Michael Boulos, married Tiffany Trump, Donald Trump's youngest daughter, in 2022.
Boulos was born in Lebanon and moved to Texas as a teenager, where he attended the University of Houston, eventually earning a law degree.
After completing his education, Boulos returned to his family's business and took over as CEO of SCOA Nigeria, a billion-dollar conglomerate specialising in the distribution of motor vehicles and equipment across West Africa.
Role in US politics
Boulos is no stranger to politics having previously ran for a parliamentary seat in Lebanon in 2009. He reportedly maintains connections with influential Lebanese figures, including Christian politician Sleiman Frangieh, an ally of Hezbollah.
However, his entry into American politics began following his son's relationship with Tiffany Trump, which eventually led to his closer involvement with the Trump family.
Boulos's political reach has focused on mobilising Arab American voters, particularly those dissatisfied with the Biden-Harris administration's stance on Israel's genocide in Gaza and war on Lebanon with protests and significant opposition voiced in key states like Michigan. By all accounts, this was a key cause for Kamala Harris losing Michigan, a key swing state.
Boulos and other Trump allies' sales pitch to the community was claiming that Trump's approach presented a better alternative, someone who would prioritise stability and avoid further Middle Eastern conflicts.
Critics have long disputed this claim, given that during his previous term, Trump made several unprecedented moves in support of Israel's illegal settlements and occupation of Palestinian and Arab territories, including relocating the US embassy to Jerusalem and recognising Israel's sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, while brokering the controversial Abraham Accords with several Arab nations that sought to sidestep the Palestinian question completely. Many even argue that the Abraham Accords led to the events of October 7 and the subsequent Israeli wars in the region.
Outreach to Arab Americans
But with the Biden-Harris administration continuing Trump's policies and Kamala Harris failing to engage the Arab and Muslim communities, many shifted away from the Democrats towards third-party candidates like Jill Stein and even Donald Trump himself.
Boulos helped take advantage of this disillusionment, helping Trump tap into his longstanding connections within the Arab American community.
He also actively engaged with Lebanese media to communicate the messages of Trump's presidential campaign. In an interview with Lebanon's LBCI News, Boulos discussed his role as Trump's Coordinator of Arab Relations, outlining strategies to attract Arab American voters.
In an interview with Saudi-funded Al-Arabiya, he emphasised Trump's alleged open-mindedness towards Arabs and Muslims, disputing accusations of Trump's anti-Arab bias, and highlighted the alignment of Arab and Muslim American conservative values with the Republican Party.
Boulos also addressed concerns about Trump's past policies, such as the Muslim travel ban, trying to reshape the narrative within Arab communities.
On the Lebanon-Israel conflict, Boulos had stated that if Trump wins the election on Tuesday, he would "act immediately to end the war in Lebanon and won't wait until his inauguration in January". However, critics point out that Trump never explained how he would do that, and accused him of making empty promises to win votes. Trump was also accused of anti-Palestinian racism by using the word 'Palestinian' as a slur during the first debate with Joe Biden.
Trump also threatened to deport pro-Palestinian protesters as "supporters of Hamas", reinforcing the sentiment among many Arab and Muslim Americans that Trump cannot be trusted on the Middle East. However, the events of Election Day proved many of them were still willing to vote Trump to punish the Democrats, a kind of protest vote rather than a reflection of trust in Trump.
The impact on the 2024 race
Utimately, Boulos's influence was part of a broader strategy by Trump's campaign to exploit divisions within the Democratic base.
Trump's team is acutely aware of the protest vote that Biden (and now Harris) encountered among Arab Americans, particularly in states like Michigan, where this community wields significant political influence.
Boulos, through private fundraisers and public engagements, has argued that a vote away from Harris, for example to Jill Stein, indirectly supports Trump's return to the White House, a message designed to resonate amid Arab American frustration with US foreign policy. And reports suggest the Trump campaign was contributing funds to the Stein campaign as well as running cynical ads targeting Arab Americans targeting Harris' poor record on Gaza.
And it seems to have paid off.

Hezbollah’s Unit 4400
David Daoud & Ahmad Sharawi/ FDD's Long War Journal/November 07/2024
On October 1, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the killing of Mohammad Jaafar Qasir, a high-value Hezbollah operative who commanded the group’s Unit 4400—the body responsible for transporting weapons from Iran and its proxies to Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Israeli strike focused attention on this shadowy unit whose activities are vital to Hezbollah’s battle-readiness.
What is Unit 4400? A history of the organization and its activities
Unit 4400 is also known as Unit 108 within Hezbollah or, alternatively, is believed to be a subunit of Unit 108 that operates in Syria. After the assassination of Hezbollah Chief of Staff Imad Mughniyeh in Damascus in 2008, Hezbollah took it upon itself to create and secure weapons transfer routes from Iran to the group within Lebanon. This effort led Hezbollah to establish a network of offices and units within Syria to facilitate this process. In the three years prior to the Syrian Civil War and during the first years of that conflict, three units within Hezbollah assumed this task: Unit 100, Unit 108/4400, and Unit 112. Unit 108/4400 was the most significant and influential among them.
Unit 108/4400 was headquartered in Damascus, Syria, and assumed the primary task of transferring weapons between countries where the Iran-led Axis of Resistance was influential (namely, Iran, Iraq, and Syria) to the Lebanese border. Unit 112 would then receive these weapons and distribute them to Hezbollah’s weapons warehouses inside Lebanon, while Unit 100 was tasked with transporting Hezbollah’s fighters and leaders, plus Iranian advisors, between Lebanon, Syria, and Iran.
Hezbollah’s involvement in the Syrian Civil War led to the expansion of Unit 108/4400’s duties. The unit began to store weapons in warehouses inside Syria and developed an extensive presence throughout that country, particularly in Aleppo.
Israel began publicly identifying the unit’s activities in 2018, referring to it as “Unit 4400,” though the Israelis had been previously tracking its activities for years. Unit 4400 began specializing in acquiring and smuggling “sensitive weaponry,” including sophisticated weapons, precision-guided missiles, modern drones, and loitering munitions, to Hezbollah’s weapons depots in Lebanon. Unit 4400 operatives would travel to, among other places, Latakia Port in Syria and the Bukamal region on the Syria-Iraq border to collect weapons shipped by sea or land from Iran and destined for Hezbollah. Reports indicate that once these smuggled arms reach Lebanon, Unit 4400 members often stored them temporarily before distributing them to various Hezbollah divisions.
Unit 4400 had an additional task: transporting and transferring funds, whether via financial support provided by Iran, from trading oil in Syria, or resulting from Hezbollah’s private investments. Based on IDF targeting, it would seem that Unit 4400 also smuggled and stored fuel in Lebanon.
Israel launched a campaign of airstrikes against Unit 4400 and its assets during the conflict with Hezbollah that began in October 2023. Here are some highlights of this campaign, which peaked in September 2024:
• February 10, 2024: Israel struck Dimas Airport in Syria, most likely targeting an assembly point for drone parts obtained from Iran and Syria before being transferred by Unit 4400 into Lebanon. Israel first reportedly struck the site in October of 2022.
• June 10, 2024: Israeli jets struck a military compound belonging to Unit 4400 “deep inside Lebanon” in the vicinity of Baalbek.
• September 8, 2024: Israel Air Force (IAF) Shaldag Unit commandos conducted a special forces raid on Masyaf in northwestern Syria while covered by Israeli airstrikes. The raid led to the destruction of a PGM and drone factory, according to some sources that were under Unit 4400’s supervision.
• July 9, 2024: An Israeli airstrike targeted a car carrying Yasser Nimr Qranbish on the Beirut-Damascus International Highway, killing him.
• September 30, 2024: Israel hit Dimas Airport again.
• In October, four Israeli airstrikes on the Mezzeh in Damascus killed several Unit 4400 commanders.
• October 3, 2024: An Israeli airstrike targeted a warehouse near the Russian-controlled Hmeimim Airbase. The facility, reportedly previously used to store food, had been converted to a Hezbollah missile storage site. The warehouse was reportedly controlled by Unit 4400. The strike occurred hours after the arrival of an Iranian Qeshm Air flight, an airline owned by the sanctioned Mahan Air, and sanctioned itself for links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF) and ferrying weapons on its behalf.
• October 4, 2024: Israeli F-35 jets struck and destroyed a 3.5 km tunnel that crossed from Syria into Lebanon that Unit 4400 had been using to smuggle weapons from Iran. The tunnel appears to have been near the Al-Masnaa Border Crossing, the central crossing point between Lebanon and Syria.
• October 6, 2024: An Israeli airstrike targeted weapons warehouses, allegedly storing missiles, in Homs and Hama. The warehouses were reportedly supervised by Unit 4400.
• October 8, 2024: An Israeli airstrike hit Building 14 in the al-Sheikh Saad area of the Mezzeh neighborhood of Damascus—where Hezbollah and the IRGC own several budlings, especially in the neighborhood’s more affluent areas. The strike killed “Hajj Samer,” a commander in Unit 4400—most likely Hassan Jaafar Qasir, Nasrallah’s son-in-law named after his older deceased brother Hassan—and another unidentified Hezbollah member.
• October 21, 2024: Israel killed Qasir’s successor in the Mezzeh neighborhood of Damascus
• October 25, 2024: Israeli jets struck Hezbollah infrastructure on the Syrian-controlled Jusiyah Border Crossing in the northern Beqaa Valley, which Unit 4400 had been using to smuggle weapons into Lebanon. This, according to the IDF, was one of many strikes it conducted that month against Syria-Lebanon border crossings being used by Unit 4400.
• October 30, 2024: Israeli jets struck silos belonging to Unit 4400 in Baalbek, destroying fuel used for various Hezbollah vehicles. The IDF said that Iran supplied the fuel as part of its support for the group.
• October 31, 2024: Israeli jets struck Hezbollah weapons depots being used by the Radwan Force in al-Qusayr, Syria. These depots were under Unit 4400’s supervision, which the IDF’s statement claimed had “recently expanded its activities in Syria to al-Qusayr, near the Syria-Lebanon border.” Two or three unidentified individuals were reportedly killed in the strike.
• November 1, 2024: Israel’s elite Shayetet 13 naval commandos landed on the coast of Batroun and seized a Hezbollah operative, taking him back to Israeli territory. The alleged operative was later identified as Baalbek native Imad Amhaz, who credible sources claimed was engaged in maritime smuggling on behalf of Unit 4400.
• November 5, 2024: Israel claimed a strike on Unit 4400’s weapons depots in the area of al-Qusayr, Syria.
Unit 4400’s leaders and their contributions to the unit’s development
Israel’s intensified pursuit of Unit 4400 culminated in the assassination of Qasir on October 1. Also known as Hajj Fadi/Sheikh Salah, Qasir was born on February 12, 1967, in Dayr Qanun al-Nahr in south Lebanon. He is the younger brother of Ahmad Jaafar Qasir, a 19-year-old member of Hezbollah at the time of his death who drove an explosives-laden car into the IDF’s military headquarters in the city of Tyre in southern Lebanon on November 11, 1982. The attack killed 71 Israeli soldiers, officers, and Shin Bet agents alongside dozens of Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners. The operation’s date became Hezbollah’s annual “Martyr’s Day” commemoration. A year later, Ahmad and Mohammad’s other brother, Hassan, reportedly struck the Tyre HQ again with an explosives-laden truck on November 4, 1983, killing 28 Israelis and 32 Lebanese.
Mohammad Qasir appears to have followed in his brothers’ footsteps into Hezbollah, though it is unknown when he joined the organization. After the assassination of Mughniyeh, Qasir began to rise to prominence. He is believed to have assumed command of Unit 4400 before 2010 and held the role until his assassination, overseeing countless operations transferring strategic weapons to Hezbollah.
In time, Qasir would assume the role of a critical financial conduit between the IRGC’s Quds Force and its Lebanese franchise. On April 17, 2018, Qasir and a Syrian associate received over $63 million to benefit Hezbollah, a figure he confirmed in a letter to a senior official at the Central Bank of Iran. In a testament to his organizational significance, Qasir also became a close confidante of then-IRGC-QF Commander Qassem Soleimani and Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. On February 25, 2019, Qasir even accompanied Soleimani as a notetaker for meetings between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Alongside arms smuggling, Qasir and Unit 4400 have been rumored, per some unsubstantiated reports, to be involved in drug trafficking operations. If these rumors are true, it seems that Qasir used Unit 4400’s established supply lines to smuggle narcotics across Syria and Lebanon while collaborating closely with the IRGC and Syria’s 4th Armored Division commanded by Bashar al-Assad’s brother, Maher.
Qasir’s activities, including acting as one of Hezbollah’s primary financial architects and using smuggling networks to fund the organization’s operations and bolster its regional influence, led the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control to designate him as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist on May 15, 2018. Two years later, the State Department’s Rewards for Justice Program offered $10 million for information leading to the disruption of Qasir’s activities.
After the assassination of Mustafa Badreddine, Mughniyeh’s successor, in 2016, Qasir’s prominence again rose. His Unit 4400 would further tighten ties with the IRGC, and he would become involved in smuggling Iranian oil, generating substantial revenues for Hezbollah. According to IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari, Qasir was also responsible for “financial transfers to Hezbollah” derived from sales of Iranian oil and other sources, allegedly worth “hundreds of millions of dollars a year.”
After Qasir’s assassination, his unidentified successor took his place as the head of Unit 4400. However, he did not last long in that role. On October 21, Qasir’s successor was killed alongside an unidentified companion in the Mezzeh neighborhood of Damascus, Syria, near a memorial service being held for Yahya Sinwar. According to an IDF spokesperson, the commander was responsible for managing financial transactions within the organization and had command over Unit 4400. Although the IDF did not release the commander’s name, Hezbollah-affiliated social media accounts eulogized Ali Hassan Gharib, also known as Ayman Abu Hassan, claiming he had been killed in Syria on the same day.
Other Unit 4400 members and affiliates
• Yasser Nemr Qranbish, a former bodyguard for Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on his vehicle that was traveling along the Beirut-Damascus International Highway. Qranbish reportedly assumed a command role within Unit 4400 after his bodyguard post.
• Ali Abdul Nour Shaalan holds a significant role in managing the financial affairs of Unit 4400. Shaalan was accused by Hezbollah of embezzling $5 million in 2022, which led to his detention by a protection unit run by a member of the Awada family. However, Qasir intervened, using his influence and connections with Iranian allies to secure Shaalan’s release.
• Alongside Shaalan, Mohammad Al Bazzal, also known as “Haj Mu’in,” was considered a personal aide of Qasir and photographed next to him near Shebaa farms in 2022. Al-Bazzal is married to Qasir’s daughter Fatima and served as the head of financial affairs for the unit. He is also sanctioned by the United States.
• Reports have indicated that Imad Amhaz, who was captured by Israel’s Shayetet 13 in Batroun on November 1, is likely connected to maritime smuggling for Hezbollah’s Unit 4400.
• Mohammad Baraa Qaterji, also known as “Hajj Baraa,” was responsible for the smuggling of Syrian oil in coordination with Unit 4400. Hajj Baraa’s company, Qaterji International Group, is connected to the IRGC-QF and has transported Iranian oil to Syria on multiple occasions. A report from 2019 suggested that Qaterji and Unit 4400 had financial disputes because of Qaterji’s failure to settle its debts to Iran due to a cash shortage at the Syrian Central Bank. Qaterji was killed in an Israeli airstrike on July 15.
Unit 4400 coordinates closely with IRGC-QF’s Unit 190 and Unit 700 in smuggling weapons into Lebanon. Some of the individuals who are behind the transfers of weapons from Iran to Hezbollah include:
Ali Mohammad Taghvi is responsible for Unit 4400’s warehouse in Tehran.
Brigadier General Ali Naji is with Unit 700 based in Tehran.
Colonel Sayyed Jalal Ahmadi is thecommander of the 15th Khordad Missile Group in the IRGC’s Ground Forces.
Saeed Dirani coordinates weapon transfers and supplies.
Abul Fazl Salmani Zadegan is with Unit 700 based in Syria.
Israel’s purpose for targeting Unit 4400 and the impact of these attacks
Between October 8, 2023—when Hezbollah began attacking Israel—and September 16, 2024, Israel and Hezbollah were locked in a state of mutual attrition. However, starting with its dual telecommunications device attacks on September 17 and September 18, Israel began rapidly executing a strategy to cripple Hezbollah’s ability to use its massive arsenal—before turning to destroy the arsenal itself.
The Israelis aimed at disrupting the group’s communications and assassinating its senior military and political leadership. Israel’s focused attacks on Unit 4400 that escalated around the same time were likely a continuation of this strategy, meant to suffocate Hezbollah by crippling its ability to acquire more arms and funds—thus undermining the group’s capability to continue fighting.
Hezbollah, predictably, denies that this strategy has significantly impacted its operations or that Israel has had much success in degrading the group’s assets and arsenal. However, Hezbollah can’t be expected to admit such weaknesses. Unless the group is holding back unleashing its full strength as part of a larger plan, the Israeli strategy seems to be working, having prevented the apocalyptic scenarios expected to occur during the next Israel-Hezbollah war. Degrading Unit 4400’s personnel, assets, and resulting capabilities certainly contributes to this outcome. Hezbollah stumbled into a long conflict with Israel that it was not anticipating and which does not seem to be ending soon. If the group’s access to weapons and material is being strangled by Israeli military action against Unit 4400, the situation could force the group to ration what remains of its arsenal, which would explain its reduced rate of daily fire on Israel.
However, it is too soon to speak of a long-term impact on Hezbollah of Israel’s degradation of Unit 400 beyond the current conflict. Hezbollah is a 42-year-old organization with a complex hierarchy and chain of succession. The group has, therefore, likely been able to fill all the vacancies left by the spate of Israeli assassinations, albeit, admittedly, with seemingly inferior or less-experienced replacements. However, if Hezbollah remains standing at the end of the current conflict, those individuals will continue to acquire the sophistication that comes with time and may learn the lessons of the current war with Israel. The group’s newer leaders could use this knowledge to reestablish Unit 4400’s supply lines—with which Hezbollah could begin rebuilding its arsenal.
*David Daoud is senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, where he focuses on Israel, Hezbollah, and Lebanon affairs. Ahmad Sharawi is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian intervention in Arab affairs and the Levant.

Opinion - Israel’s right-wing pushes to resettle Gaza: Will the US respond?
Yehuda Lukacs, opinion contributor/The Hill/November 7, 2024
In August 2005, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s government evacuated 8,600 Jewish settlers from 21 communities in the Gaza Strip and transferred control of the territory to the Palestinian Authority. Nearly two decades later, right-wing parties in Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition are advocating for a return to Gaza, blaming the 2005 disengagement for Hamas’s subsequent military buildup that culminated in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack. The push for resettlement is currently gaining momentum within Netanyahu’s coalition. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, declared: “We have a historic opportunity which cannot be missed to establish a new and true Middle East where west of the Jordan [River] there is room for one and only one national entity — the state of the Jewish people.”These positions appear to resonate with a significant portion of the Israeli public. According to Israel’s Channel 12 poll, nearly 40 percent of Israel’s Jewish population now supports resettlement of Gaza. The establishment of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip began after the 1967 war. Today, over 500,000 settlers — approximately 5 percent of Israel’s population — reside in the occupied West Bank. The existence of these settlements constitutes one of the thorniest and most contentious issues separating Israel and the Palestinians.International law considers the transfer of civilian populations to occupied territories a violation of the Geneva Convention, a position reaffirmed by the International Court of Justice this year as well as the UN General Assembly in September. One year into the current war, Netanyahu has not articulated any plans for Gaza’s future governance. Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip have caused the death of more than 42,000 Palestinians according to Gaza authorities, and the displacement of a significant number of civilians. The war appears to continue with no end in sight until a “total victory” is achieved. The historical record of American policy toward Israeli settlements reveals significant shifts across administrations, ranging from strong opposition based on international law to tacit endorsement.
American-Israeli relations can be considered unique in the annals of international relations. Israel is a small country, highly dependent militarily, economically, and diplomatically on a superpower. Yet it has been able to avoid or rebuff significant pressure from the United States that could have forced it to change course on its conflict with the Palestinians. Explanations for this anomalous relationship abound, including geopolitics, ideology, religion, domestic politics and the considerable influence of pro-Israeli lobbies. While each administration had its own distinct ideological compass and foreign policy agenda, the protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflict has remained an ongoing core concern shared by all. President Lyndon Johnson set an early tone in September 1968, while the settlements project was still in its embryonic phase, warning that ”Israel must persuade its Arab neighbors and the world community that Israel has no expansionist designs on their territory.” His State Department explicitly cited the Geneva Convention in opposing settlement activity. The Nixon administration maintained this position. It emphasized that “Israel, as occupant of the territories seized during 1967, is bound by the Fourth Geneva Convention.”President Jimmy Carter’s administration took a categorical stance. He stated unequivocally that settlements were “illegal and an obstacle to peace.”A significant policy shift occurred under President Ronald Reagan, who declared in February 1981: “I disagreed when the previous administration referred to them as illegal, they are not illegal.”President George H.W. Bush maintained Reagan’s approach while expressing opposition to settlement expansion. Secretary of State James Baker stated in 1991 that while settlements constituted “a serious obstacle to peace,” the administration no longer considered them illegal. President Bill Clinton focused on the Oslo peace process while expressing concern about settlement expansion. In a 1996 letter to Netanyahu, he warned that settlement growth could “halt the progress made by the peace process.”
President George W. Bush’s April 2004 letter to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon recognized that the substantial number of Jewish settlers already residing in the West Bank had created a fait accompli. Recognizing the permanence of major settlement blocs in the West Bank constituted another departure from previous U.S. policy. Under President Barack Obama, however, the U.S. abstained in December 2016 when the Security Council approved resolution 2334, stating that the settlements “had no legal validity.”
The Trump administration, in contrast, relocated its embassy to Jerusalem and explicitly rejected the settlements’ illegality under international law. Trump also recognized Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights — still regarded by the international community as occupied Syrian territory.
The Biden administration has returned to a bolder position against settlements. Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared in February 2024 that settlements are “inconsistent with international law.” Biden has also taken unprecedented steps, imposing sanctions on settler groups involved in violence against Palestinians. Over six decades, U.S. positions on settlements have ranged from “illegal” to “not illegal,” from “obstacle to peace” to “illegitimate.” Yet, no administration, irrespective of its stance on their legal status, has been able to persuade Israel to halt their construction.
Should a defiant Netanyahu proceed with resettling Gaza, Trump will have to balance his campaign pledges to Jewish and Arab Americans. On the one hand, he cast himself as a “big protector” of the State of Israel. On the other, while meeting with the local Muslim and Arab community in Michigan, he said: “We have to get this whole thing over with,” referring to the wars in Gaza and Lebanon, “We want to have peace. We want to have peace on earth.”Would Trump view the resettlement of Gaza differently than the settlements in the West Bank, which he considered as legal during his first term? According to the Times of Israel, Trump has told Netanyahu that he expects Israel to “wrap up the war in Gaza by the time he returns to office.” Trump hopes to expand membership in the Abraham Accords, signed during his presidency in 2020. He will face a resounding Arab veto if Israel refuses to end the war and does not fully withdraw from Gaza.Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, has recently reaffirmed Riyadh’s position that there will be no normalization of “ties with Israel without a Palestinian state.”What seems certain is that America’s inconsistent approach, coupled with a reluctance to exert pressure on Israel, has impaired its ability to serve as an effective peace broker. This will likely persist.
Yehuda Lukacs is an associate professor emeritus of global affairs at George Mason University. He is author of the forthcoming book, “Op-Ed: Musings on War and Peace in the Middle East and Beyond.”
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on November 07-08/2024
Israeli attacks reportedly kill dozens across Gaza, including 27 in one strike
Mohammad Al Sawalhi, Ibrahim Dahman, Kareem Khadder, Eyad Kourdi and Tim Lister, CNN/Thu, November 7, 2024
An Israeli airstrike on a multi-story building in northern Gaza killed at least 27 people, relief officials said, as the Israeli military issued new evacuation orders in the area, where it is mounting a major offensive. The home of the Mbahouh family in Jabalya was struck on Thursday afternoon, according to the spokesperson for Gaza’s Civil Defense, Mahmoud Basal. He said the four-story property was sheltering more than 50 displaced people, and some had been trapped in a warehouse at the bottom of the building. CNN is reaching out to the Israeli military on the target of the strike. The Israeli military campaign in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas-led attacks has demolished entire neighborhoods and rendered large swathes of the strip uninhabitable. At least 43,469 Palestinians have been killed and another 102,561 people injured in Gaza, according to the Ministry of Health there. Human rights agencies warned of “apocalyptic” survival challenges for Palestinians trapped in Jabalya, home to a large refugee camp, where the Israeli military ramped up aerial and ground attacks in early October that it says are targeting Hamas’ renewed presence in the area.Israeli airstrikes and shelling reportedly killed at least 30 other people in Gaza since Wednesday. Most of those Palestinians were killed by Israeli attacks in the Beit Lahiya area of northern Gaza. An Israeli airstrike struck a residential building in the Mashrou’ neighborhood of Beit Lahiya, killing six people and injuring several others, journalists and medics say, who added that a further six people were killed in second strike in the same area. Four others were killed in a separate drone strike in Beit Lahiya, they said. In addition, six people had been killed, according to local journalists, as a result of Israeli artillery shelling west of Jabalya camp in northern Gaza. The head of field hospitals in Gaza, Dr. Marwan Al-Hams, told CNN Thursday that the “health situation in the north is more than catastrophic… Three hospitals in the north of the Strip are out of service, and we cannot perform surgeries.”
New evacuation orders
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that “troops started to operate in the area of Beit Lahiya following prior intelligence information and a situational assessment indicating the presence of terrorists and terrorist infrastructure.”The IDF said it also continues operations in Jabalya in northern Gaza and had killed some “50 terrorists” over the past day. The military’s Arabic spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, posted on X a demand that residents leave several areas of northern Gaza, saying that “once again, terrorist organizations are launching rocket attacks toward the state of Israel.” Adraee said that the “specified area has been warned multiple times previously. We inform you that the specified area is considered a dangerous combat zone, so for your safety, move south immediately.”Elsewhere, in central Gaza, according to a CNN stringer at the scene, Civil Defense said it had recovered eight bodies after a strike in Al-Nuseirat refugee camp on Wednesday night. A male witness, Salim Mohammed Alaa Abu Najeh, told CNN that his sister’s home was targeted. “They were at home when suddenly a missile hit their building… They have no connection to any organizations or anything like that. They were unarmed, poor people with difficult circumstances, who struggled to build this home.” Among those in the building were orphans who had been raised by their grandmother, Abu Najeh said. CNN has asked the IDF about the target of the attack. Israeli operations also continue in southern Gaza, where the IDF said Thursday that a “number of armed terrorists” had been killed in the Rafah area. The Palestine Red Crescent said paramedics had transferred five bodies to hospital as a result of an Israeli drone attack in the Al-Janina neighborhood, east of Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip. Journalists said four of those killed were from the same family.Additionally, they said, two people were killed in a strike launched from an Israeli military quadcopter.

A new law allows Israel to deport the relatives of attackers. Experts expect it to be struck down
Julia Frankel And Melanie Lidman/The Associated Press/November 7, 2024
Israel’s parliament passed a law early Thursday that would allow it to deport family members of Palestinian attackers, including the country’s own citizens, to the war-ravaged Gaza Strip or other locations. The law, which was championed by members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party and his far-right allies, passed with a 61-41 vote. However, legal experts said that any attempt to implement the legislation would likely lead to it being struck down by Israeli courts. The law would apply to Palestinian citizens of Israel and residents of annexed east Jerusalem who knew about their family members' attacks beforehand or who “express support or identification with the act of terrorism.” They would be deported, either to the Gaza Strip or another location, for a period of seven to 20 years. The Israel-Hamas war is still raging in Gaza, where tens of thousands have been killed and most of the population has been internally displaced, often multiple times. It was unclear if the law would apply in the occupied West Bank, where Israel already has a long-standing policy of demolishing family homes of attackers, which critics decry as collective punishment. Palestinians have carried out scores of stabbing, shooting and car-ramming attacks against Israelis in recent years. Oded Feller, a legal adviser to the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, dismissed the law as “populist nonsense.” He said it was unlikely to be applied, because there is no legal way for the Interior Ministry to send an Israeli citizen to another country or to Gaza.His organization doesn't plan to challenge the law unless authorities try to enforce it, in which case he expects any court challenge to succeed. Eran Shamir-Borer, a senior researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute and a former international law expert for the Israeli military, agreed that the law was likely to be struck down by the Supreme Court. He said that if a resident of east Jerusalem was deported under the law, it could be seen by many in the international community as a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, because they view the area as occupied territory, although Israel does not.
The deportation of an Israeli citizen could be seen not only as a violation of their constitutional rights under Israeli law, but also as a breach of their human rights under international law, he said.
The law could also be seen as a form of collective punishment and as discriminatory, because it appears to only apply to Arab citizens and residents, and not to family members of Jews convicted under terrorism laws. “The bottom line is this is completely nonconstitutional and a clear conflict to Israel’s core values,” Shamir-Borer said. Israel's national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, a Jewish West Bank settler leader who was himself convicted of terrorism crimes as a political activist years ago, praised the new law, noting that a member of his Jewish Power party was among the sponsors. “Jewish Power is making history!” he wrote on X. Israel captured Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war — territories the Palestinians want for their future state. It withdrew settlers and soldiers from Gaza in 2005, but has reoccupied parts of the territory since Hamas' attack on Oct. 7, 2023 triggered the war. Israel annexed east Jerusalem in a move not recognized by most of the international community. Palestinians there have permanent residency and are allowed to apply for citizenship, but most choose not to, and those who do face a series of obstacles. Palestinians living in Israel make up around 20% of the country's population. They have citizenship and the right to vote but face widespread discrimination. Many also have close family ties to those in the territories and most sympathize with the Palestinian cause. A second law that was passed Thursday allows minors between the ages of 12 and 14 to be sentenced to prison for murder or attempted murder under terrorism laws, though they must be held in a secure facility before being transferred to prison at age 14. Previously, minors of those ages were not allowed to be sentenced to prison, according to Adalah, a legal advocacy group. It claimed the law was motivated by “revenge” and said it would affect Palestinian citizens of Israel and residents of east Jerusalem. Palestinians in the occupied West Bank can already be sentenced from age 12 under Israeli military laws in the territory, Adalah said.

14 killed in Israeli strike on UNRWA school used as shelter for displaced Gazans
Euronews/Thu, November 7, 2024
14 killed in Israeli strike on UNRWA school used as shelter for displaced Gazans
Palestinian rescue workers say at least 14 people have been killed and dozens of others wounded in an Israeli strike on a UN-run school that was being used as a shelter for displaced people. The Israeli military said the building, in the Shati refugee camp west of Gaza City, was being used by Hamas to plan and execute attacks on Israel. The IDF gave no further details. The military said it took steps to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including using precise munitions, aerial surveillance and additional intelligence. In recent months Israel has conducted dozens of air strikes on schools across the Strip, structures where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by fighting have sought refuge. The United Nations said in September that around 85% of all schools in Gaza have been hit or damaged, with many requiring major reconstruction work to be functional again. And the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said 70% of the schools it administers have been hit and that 95% of them were being used as shelters. Shortly after the Shati strike, the Israeli army ordered the evacuation of the refugee camp among other neighbourhoods west of Gaza City, spreading panic among Palestinians who in recent days had sought refuge in those areas from Israel’s renewed offensive against Hamas militants further north.
Israel's issues with UNRWA
Israel has long accused UNRWA of turning a blind eye to Hamas militants among its staff and of allowing the group to use its facilities for military purposes. UNRWA denies those claims. In October, Israel's parliament passed laws effectively banning UNRWA’s operations in Israel and the Palestinian territories. Multiple UN agencies have since rallied around UNRWA, calling it the "backbone" of the world body’s aid activities in Gaza and other Palestinian areas. UNRWA provides education, health care and emergency aid to millions of Palestinian refugees from the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation and their descendants. Refugee families make up the majority of Gaza's population of around two million people.
Aid to enter Gaza
Meanwhile, the IDF says it will allow 300 truckloads of humanitarian aid supplied by the United Arab Emirates to enter the Gaza Strip in the coming days.That's less than the 350 trucks per day that the United States said it wants to see enter the territory. COGAT, the military body in charge of civilian affairs in Gaza, said the aid was brought in by sea and unloaded at the Israeli port of Ashdod, just north of Gaza. It said the shipment, which includes food, water, medical equipment, shelter and hygiene supplies, would be inspected before being transported into Gaza, though it did not specify a date. The amount of aid entering Gaza dropped dramatically in October as Israel launched another offensive in the territory’s north. By the end of October, an average of just 71 trucks a day were entering Gaza, according to the latest UN figures. The United States warned Israel to ramp up the entry of aid by mid-November, saying failure to do so could lead to a reduction in military support. Israel says it allows plenty of aid to enter Gaza and blames UN agencies and other aid groups for not distributing it. Humanitarian groups say their efforts are hobbled by Israeli restrictions, ongoing fighting and the breakdown of law and order.

US had talks with Israel on setting up Gaza civilian harm channel
Reuters/November 7, 2024
The United States has had conversations with Israel in the past week about establishing the first meeting of a channel for Washington to raise and discuss civilian harm incidents in Gaza, the State Department said on Thursday. The first meeting has not yet taken place, but State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters the U.S. was hoping it would happen in the next week or two in person. The U.S. proposed a new channel to "raise and discuss civilian harm incidents" with Israel in a letter sent by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin last month, which gave Israel a month to take steps to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza or face potential restrictions on U.S. military aid.

Statements Attributed To Ali Akbar Velayati, Advisor To Iranian Supreme Leader: 'The President Of Syria Has Betrayed The Sacred Regime Of The Islamic Republic
Of Iran'
MEMRI/ Special Dispatch No. 11661/November 07/ 2024/
On October 29, 2024, sources in the Iranian opposition posted on Instagram statements they attributed to Ali Akbar Velayati, international affairs advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The statements were harshly critical of President Bashar Al-Assad of Syria for his failure to prevent Israel from using Syrian airspace in its October 26, 2024 attack on Iran, and for failing to alert Iran that the Israeli airplanes were en route. They went on to call this a "betrayal" by Syria, stressing that this was particularly egregious in light of Tehran's efforts to preserve the Assad regime throughout the Syrian civil war that broke out in 2011. The statements were widely shared across social media in Iran.
Iranian media published sweeping denials of the statements, but refrained from specifying them, with the exception of one Iranian website, Rouydad24.ir, which did cite them.
It is notable that in recent months, Arab sources have published reports about Iran-Syria tensions due to Syria's decision not to join the fighting against Israel in the current war. This is in contrast to Iran's other proxies in the region – Hizbullah in southern Lebanon, Ansar Allah – the Houthis – in Yemen, and the Iran-backed Shi'ite militias in Iraq (see MEMRI Inquiry and Analysis No. 1783, Arab Reports On Cooling Relations Between Syria's Assad Regime And Iran, August 19, 2024).
The following are translations of the statements attributed to Velayati on Instagram and the denials by Iranian media:
Statements Attributed To Ali Akbar Velayati: "This Means That The President Of Syria Has Betrayed The Sacred Regime Of The Islamic Republic" Of Iran
On October 29, 2024, statements attributed to Ali Akbar Velayati, international affairs advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei were posted on the Instagram account of the oppositionist Iran Briefing (irbr.news), saying: "If our information is correct – that the Syrian government took no action to stop Israeli planes' flight to Iran, and, worse, did not inform the Islamic Republic of Iran in this matter – then this means that the president of Syria has betrayed the sacred regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which stood by him and his government in the most difficult of circumstances! We must tackle this matter at the highest echelons, and demand an explanation from the Syrian government and from Bashar Al-Assad himself."[1]
The post on Instagram (Source: Instagram.com/irbr.news, October 29, 2024)
Velayati's Office Denies His Statements
The next day, October 30, 2024, Velayati's office issued a denial of the statements attributed to him by the oppositionist Irbr.news, but refrained from repeating them. Only one website, Rouydad24.ir, noted the remarks that the denial was about.[2]
The office's denial said: "Reports which quote Velayati from unknown sources were published with the aim of slandering and destroying Iran-Syria relations. The public is hereby informed that the abovementioned news and all this published content are totally false and untrue. The Syrian government is a revolutionary, anti-Zionist government and one of the central links in the chain of resistance, and Bashar Al-Assad is an influential man who believes in the resistance, primarily against the Zionist regime."[3]
[1] Instagram.com/irbr.news/p/DBsIxaXIZVf.
[2] Rouydad24 (Iran), October 30, 2024.
[3] IRNA (Iran), October 30, 2024.

Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei: 'Today We Need To Establish The Islamic Nation' – Headed By Shi'ite Iran
MEMRI/ Special Dispatch No. 11662/November 07/ 2024/
On September 21, 2024, Iranian regime officials, ambassadors of Islamic countries, and others attending the 38th Conference for Islamic Unity met with Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, to mark the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Hosseiniya, or seminary for Shi'a religious studies, named for the father of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. In his address to them, Khamenei stressed the need for establishing a united Islamic ummah, or nation, as the Prophet Muhammad had begun to do.
Khamenei hinted, but refrained from explicitly stating, that this united Islamic ummah must be led by the Shi'a, by the Supreme Leader (that is, himself), and in accordance with the values and vision of Iran's Islamic Revolution. It should be noted that if this happens, one of the overarching goals of the Islamic Revolution – a world order led by revolutionary Shi'a – will have been achieved.
Khamenei went on to say that today, despite the proliferation of Muslim countries in the world, there is no true Islamic ummah, because these countries are not coordinated and are not working in the same direction. As leader of the Shi'ite minority in the Muslim world, Khamenei explained the divide in the Islamic world as caused by the supremacy of the enemies of Islam, and stated that the Islamic countries needed to rely on the U.S. because of it. He called on all Muslims, 90% of whom are Sunni, to unite – that is, under revolutionary Shi'ite leadership – in order to form a force that will withstand all forces in the world and be stronger than anyone else.
Also in his address, Khamenei called for leveraging the internal strength of the Muslims to "remove the Zionist regime" – the "evil cancerous growth" – so as to unify forces in the pan-Muslim struggle against the Jewish state. He added that the U.S. control in the region must be eradicated, and demanded of the Islamic states to take the first step in the struggle against the "terrorist gang ruling Palestine" by severing economic and political relations with Israel.
The following is the translation of his September 21 address:
Khamenei: "The Birth Of The Prophet Was A Necessary Prelude To The Final Prophecy"
"...I welcome all the dear brothers and sisters, the guests of Unity Week, and the representatives of the Islamic countries to Tehran. I welcome you on the occasion of the birthday of our Great Prophet and of the Imam Ja'far Al-Sadeq, and I hope that with Allah's help, today will be a joyful holiday for the Iranian people, and for the entire Islamic ummah and for Muslims worldwide. I thank our distinguished president, who in his correct statements raised the central and most important issue today: Islamic unity. It is on this that I will also speak.
"The birthday of the Prophet is an exceptional day in history. The reason for this is that the birth of the honorable Prophet was a necessary prelude to the final prophecy, that is in fact the full and final version of humanity's happiness and progress. Therefore, this day is a very important day. "I want to say a few words about the general movement of the prophets. If we compare the general movement in the history of humanity to a caravan moving along the path, in which humanity advances all the time in sequential progress, there is no doubt that the leaders of this caravan are the prophets. The divine prophets do not only show the way; they also hold human beings' capability to identify the correct direction. This means [that they] not only [provide] guidance, but that they also build up humanity's ability to properly identify the path.
"As the Emir of the Believers [the Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb] said, 'In order to awaken their internal covenant, they must be reminded of the ongoing blessing, and must make public the hidden forces of their thinking.' The prophets work with those... [who are] using their minds and their reason and putting these into action, thus allowing humanity to move forward.
Graphic from Khamenei's website with text from his address: "Today we need to establish an Islamic ummah – the force of the Islamic ummah can remove the corrupt and evil Zionist entity." Source: Khamenei.ir, September 21, 2024.
"There were times when humanity obeyed the prophets and went on the path they indicated, and saw positive results. There were also times when humanity resisted the prophets and ignored their guidelines, and saw negative results. These oscillations in history created the disputes and differences in the faith, as well as heresy, and they led to clashes between truth and lie...
"The birthday of the Prophet is naturally a day of the dawning of this sun, a revelation of the unique gemstone of the world of existence. Therefore, this is a great day, a very important day. We must not denigrate the birthday of the Prophet. We must learn lessons from it. Mere description and praise are not sufficient. The lesson of the Prophet is a comprehensive, full, and inclusive lesson for all areas of life. Every part of it can be greatly explained, analyzed, and expanded upon."
"Today, We Have No United Islamic Ummah – There Are Many Islamic Countries… But We Cannot Call Them An Ummah Because They Are Not Coordinated And Not Moving In A Single Direction"; "If We Establish A Single Unit, It Will Be Stronger Than All The Forces Existing In The World Today"
Khamenei continued: "One of the lessons from the life of the Prophet and his call [to join him], that in my view is perhaps one of the greatest lessons for us, is the creation of a nation – the establishment of an 'Islamic Ummah.' The struggles that have gone on for 13 years in Mecca ultimately led to hijra [the Prophet Muhammad's emigration from Mecca to Medina in 622, which is the year the Islamic calendar begins], that was the basis for the establishment of the Islamic ummah. The Islamic ummah became strong, both during the Prophet's life and after his death, by virtue of people's sacrifices and concessions. Although the ummah could have been administered better, it still remained an ummah established by the Prophet in Medina, with a small population. Today, we need this lesson. Today, we have no united ummah. There are many Islamic countries, and nearly two billion Muslims in the world, but we cannot call them an ummah because they are not coordinated and not moving in a single direction.
"An ummah is a group of people who are moving together in the same direction for the same shared goal with a shared motivation. We are not like that. We are scattered. The result of this divide is control by the enemies of Islam; the result of this divide is that a particular Islamic state feels that in order to hold on, it must rely on the U.S. If we were not divided, this need would not arise. We could stand together, use the resources of one for another, help one another, and establish a single unit. This unit would be able to be stronger than all the forces existing in the world today. It was like this in the past. With all the problems and flaws of that situation, the fact that they were united made them a force. Today, we are not in this situation. This is the greatest lesson for us today. We must draw closer to one another.
"Today we need to establish an Islamic ummah – that is, we must aspire to do so. Who can help us in this matter? The [various] governments can have an influence, but the motivation among the governments is not always strong. The ones who can strengthen this motivation are the ones with influence in the Islamic world – that is, you, the politicians, the religious leaders, the scientists, the academics, the influential thinkers, the poets, the writers, and the political and social commentators. All these can have an influence. Imagine if, for 10 years, all the media in the Islamic world were to focus on Muslim unity. If they wrote articles, if the poets wrote poems, if the analysts analyzed, if the academics explained, if the religious leaders issued rulings – there is no doubt that within 10 years the situation would be significantly changed. When the peoples awaken, when they take an interest in unity, the governments will be forced to act accordingly. Those with influence can do this work. It is their duty."
"Focus On The Enemies Of Islam"; "They Do Not Want The Creation Of An Islamic State Or Of Unity"
Khamenei said: "Of course, there are those who are opposed to the things I am saying – i.e. the creation of unity and the establishment of an Islamic nation. [They are] the enemies of Islam. Think and focus on the 'enemies of Islam.' The enemies of a particular state are not important. There are those who are the enemies of Islam even if they are ostensibly close to some of the Muslims. But their aim is to eliminate other parts. They [hinting at the Sunni countries, particularly Saudi Arabia] are in fact the enemies of Islam. They do not want the creation of an Islamic state. They do not want the creation of unity. They are activating the religious fault lines in the Islamic world in order to prevent this unity.
"One of the most dangerous fault lines among the communities is the belief and religious fault line – just like the fault lines in an earthquake. If this fault line is activated, it is very hard to stop it. The Crusades went on for 200 years, and they were really religious wars that were based on religious fanaticism. They (the enemies of Islam) are not allowing this [unity]. They do not want to allow it. The will of the enemies must be overcome. Even before the Islamic Revolution, our great Imam [Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini] put such a great emphasis on the unity of the Islamic world and on Shi'ite and Sunni unity, for just this reason. The strength of the Islamic world emanates from unity, and the enemies want exactly the opposite and act against this and try to prevent this. This is the lesson we learn today from the Prophet."
"We Must Act For Real Goals"; "We Must Leverage Our Internal Strength" To "Remove The Zionist Regime, This Evil Cancerous Growth, From The Heart Of Islamic Society, And To Eradicate America's Influence, Control, Interference, And Aggression In The Region"
He concluded: "Of course, we must, and our entire people must, take note that if we want this message, the message of unity, to be perceived in the world as sincere, we must create this unity amongst ourselves. Differences of opinion, political differences, and the like need not impinge upon the people's cooperation and mutual understanding. We must act for real goals. If we succeed at this, then the enemy will not be able to allow a filthy and evil entity like the Zionist regime to commit all those crimes in the region. See what the Zionist regime is doing today! They are shamelessly committing crimes, and not hiding them. In Gaza, in one form, in the West Bank, in another form, and in Lebanon and Syria in yet another form. They are committing actual crimes. They are not fighting fighters – they are fighting simple folk. In Palestine, they are not succeeding in harming fighters, so they are turning their idiotic and evil rage against little children, patients in hospitals, and young schoolchildren. All this stems from the fact that we are not leveraging our internal strength – we must leverage it. This internal strength can remove the Zionist regime, this evil cancerous growth, from the heart of Islamic society – that is, Palestine – and to eradicate America's influence, control, interference, and aggression in the region. We can do this.
"The first and most important step today in uniting the Islamic world against the criminal and terrorist gang that rules Palestine and has destroyed its land is this: The Islamic countries must completely sever their economic ties with this criminal gang. That is the least they can do. It needs to be done. Their economic ties must be severed, their political ties weakened, their media and media attacks strengthened, and their support for the oppressed Palestinian people must be open and openly declared.
"We hope that Allah will bless us all – the governments, the peoples, those with influence, and the activist groups – so that we can fulfill this duty."[1]
[1] Farsi.khamenei.ir/speech-content?id=57610, September 9, 2024.

50 European Leaders Assess How Trump Will Affect their Fortunes
Asharq Al Awsat/November 7, 2024
Around 50 European leaders on Thursday called for a stronger defense posture across the continent that no longer necessitates a fundamental dependence on Washington as they gave a guarded welcome to incoming US President Donald Trump.
The European Political Community summit on Thursday in Hungary's capital Budapest reassessed trans-Atlantic relations in the hope that Donald Trump's second US presidency will avoid the strife of his first administration.
“He was elected by the American people. He will defend the American interests," French President Emmanuel Macron told the other leaders, adding that it was not the role of European Union leaders to “comment on the election ... to wonder if it is good or not.”
“The question is whether we are willing to defend the European interest. It is the only question. It is our priority,” The Associated Press quoted Macron as saying.
Time and again, leaders stepped up to say European defense efforts should be increased.
During his first 2017-2021 presidency, Trump strongly pushed the European NATO allies to spend more on defense, up to and beyond 2% of gross domestic product, and to be less reliant on US military cover. That point has totally sunk in.
“He was the one in NATO who stimulated us to move over the 2%. And now, also thanks to him, NATO, if you take out the numbers of the US, is above the 2%,” NATO chief Mark Rutte said.
Charles Michel, the council president of the 27-nation EU, agreed that the continent needed to become less reliant on the United States.
“We have to be more masters of our destiny,” he said. “Not because of Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, but because of our children.”
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said it was “time to wake up from our geopolitical naivete and to realize that we need to commit additional resources in order to be able to address major challenges. It is a (question of) competitiveness and a European defense.”
During his election campaign, Trump threatened anything from a trade war with Europe to a withdrawal from NATO commitments and a fundamental shift of support for Ukraine in its war with Russia — all issues that could have groundbreaking consequences for nations across Europe.
“Of course he said a lot of things during the campaign,” said Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, adding they won't all be appearing in his official policies. “Transatlantic cooperation is of the utmost importance both for the US and European interests.”
For now, European leaders hope a new beginning holds the promise of smoother relations.
Rutte, who was Dutch prime minister during Trump's first presidency, said, “I worked with him very well for four years. He is extremely clear about what he wants. He understands that you have to deal with each other to come to joint positions. And I think we can do that.”
And Rutte insisted that the challenges posed by Russia in Ukraine affected both sides of the Atlantic.
“Russia is delivering the latest technology into North Korea in return for North Korean help with the war against Ukraine. And this is a threat not only to the European part of NATO, but also to the US mainland,” he said as he arrived at the summit.
During the campaign, Trump said if he were reelected, he would end the war in Ukraine, now well into its third year, in a single day. Ukraine and many of its European backers fear that this means a peace on terms favorable to Russian President Vladimir Putin and involving the surrender of territory. European allies in NATO hope to convince Trump that if he helps to negotiate any peace, it should be done from a position of strength, for both Ukraine and the US.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who spoke to Trump last night by phone, told reporters in Budapest that Europe and the US need each other to remain strong.
“It was a good, productive conversation. Of course, we cannot yet know what his specific actions will be. But we hope that America will become stronger. This is the kind of America Europe needs. And a strong Europe is what America needs. This is the bond between allies that should be valued and must not be lost,” he said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the summit’s host and an ardent Trump fan, said early Thursday that he already had a phone call with the incoming president overnight, announcing, “We have big plans for the future!”
So did hard-right Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who lauded the “deep and historic strategic partnership that has always tied Rome and Washington.”
That partnership came under constant pressure during Trump’s first term. Trump’s administration slapped tariffs on EU steel and aluminum in 2018, based on the claim that foreign products, even if produced by American allies, were a threat to US national security. Europeans and other allies retaliated with duties on US-made motorcycles, peanut butter and jeans, among other items. Further compounding an already complicated situation in Europe, Germany — the continent's troubled economic juggernaut — sank into political crisis after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz fired his finance minister, causing his governing coalition to collapse. Scholz, who remained in Berlin instead of joining the summit in Budapest, will now lead a minority government.The turmoil raises the specter of an election in a few months and yet another standoff between the emboldened hard right and the establishment parties in Europe. Those two combined “adds even more pepper and salt to this situation,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.

Putin says Ukraine must remain neutral for there to be peace
Reuters/November 7, 2024
President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Ukraine should remain neutral for there to be a chance for peace, adding that the borders of Ukraine should be in accordance with the wishes of the people living in Russian-claimed territory. "If there is no neutrality, it is difficult to imagine the existence of any good-neighborly relations between Russia and Ukraine," Putin said. Putin said Russia had recognised Ukraine's post-Soviet borders based on the understanding that it would be neutral. The U.S.-led NATO military alliance has repeatedly said that Ukraine would one day join. If Ukraine was not neutral, it would be "constantly used as a tool in the wrong hands and to the detriment of the interests of the Russian Federation," Putin said. Russia controls about a fifth of Ukraine after more than two and a half years of war. Putin on June 14 set out his terms for an end to the conflict: Ukraine would have to drop its NATO ambitions and withdraw all of its troops from all of the territory of the regions claimed by Russia. Ukraine rejects those conditions as tantamount to surrender and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has presented a "victory plan" for which he has requested additional Western support. "We are determined to create conditions for a long-term settlement so that Ukraine is an independent, sovereign state, and not an instrument in the hands of third countries, and not used in their interests," Putin said. Asked about the future borders of Ukraine, Putin said: "The borders of Ukraine should be in accordance with the sovereign decisions of people who live in certain territories and which we call our historical territories." Ukraine says that it will not rest until every last Russian soldier is ejected from its territory though even U.S. generals say that such an aim would take massive resources that Ukraine currently does not have.

Joly says Canada's immigration plan stands in face of Trump deportation threats
Kyle Duggan/The Canadian Press/November 7, 2024
OTTAWA — Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says Canada will stand firm on its plan to rein in the number of newcomers entering the country, despite concerns that Donald Trump's re-election could spur an influx of migrants from the U.S. Trump's decisive win this week immediately launched discussions about the border because he has promised mass deportations of illegal immigrants. Anti-immigration policies and rhetoric during his first administration prompted a surge of migrants into Canada, in particular at a rural border road in Quebec. Canada recently announced plans to cut back on the number of newcomers, and Joly says that won't change even if the situation at the U.S. border does change. NDP MP Jenny Kwan says Ottawa needs a plan that will prepare for an influx of migrants in a humanitarian way. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today revived a Canada-U.S. relations cabinet committee that hadn't met since Trump left office in 2021, which includes Immigration Minister Marc Miller and Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc.

Iraqi Judiciary Faces Challenge After Trump’s Win, Arrest Warrant Issued
Baghdad: Hamza Mustafa./November 7, 2024
Iraqi President Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani congratulated Donald Trump on his win in the US presidential election. At the same time, Iraq’s parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee began discussing how to handle Trump, following an arrest warrant issued by the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council over his role in the deaths of Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Committee member Mokhtar al-Moussawi said in a statement that, under Iraqi law, “Trump is considered a criminal,” but Iraq will engage with him normally due to national interests. He stressed that Trump’s victory would not affect relations between Baghdad and Washington. Al-Moussawi, a member of the Shiite Coordination Framework, explained to the press that the US operates as an institutional country and foreign policy doesn’t change much with different presidents. He also noted that Trump did not recognize or respect the Iraqi government, pointing out that his previous visit to Iraq was limited to meeting US troops at the Al-Asad airbase. Still, Iraq will deal with Trump normally. The parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee member concluded by saying, “If Trump visits Iraq, it will be hard to enforce the arrest warrant. Iraq’s national interests take priority, preventing the warrant from being carried out against him.” Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council Chief, Faik Zidan, announced an arrest warrant for Trump over his role in the killings of Soleimani and al-Muhandis on January 7, 2021. An official statement confirmed the warrant was based on Article 406 of Iraq’s Penal Code and that investigations would continue to identify other individuals involved, both Iraqi and foreign.
Iraqi legal expert Ali al-Tamimi explained to Asharq Al-Awsat that the judiciary acted based on a complaint from the plaintiff, meaning it is legally required to take action against anyone, whether inside or outside Iraq. He stated that since the crime occurred in Iraq and targeted Iraqi figures, the case falls under Iraqi jurisdiction. Al-Tamimi confirmed that the arrest warrant for Trump was issued under Article 406 of the Iraqi Penal Code, which covers premeditated murder. As Trump is considered a partner in the operation, he said the legal procedure was correct. In response to a question about enforcing the arrest warrant, al-Tamimi said it could be done through Interpol by submitting a request via Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, though this would be difficult in practice. Another option would be for Iraq to join the 1948 Rome Statute, which allows prosecution for crimes like the assassination ordered by Trump. However, Iraq would need to first join the agreement. Al-Tamimi also noted that, as a head of state, Trump has immunity under the Vienna Convention.

The Latest English LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources on November 07-08/2024
'Nobody Talks About It': Jihadi Terrorists Continue to Ravage Africa
Uzay Bulut/Gatestone Institute./November 7, 2024
According to reports, since 2009, Muslims, inspired by Boko Haram, have murdered more than 150,000 Christians in Nigeria.
Chad, Libya, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria and Niger all struggle with jihadist insurgencies.
"The persistent and growing strength of violent extremist organizations in the Sahel threatens to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and spread instability across Africa, posing significant security and financial risks to the United States and Europe. The continuing collapse of international counterterrorism support, as well as weakening leadership in regional efforts, has created a vacuum in which violent extremism can expand." — Council on Foreign Relations, October 23, 2024.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, for example, poses a serious threat to Chad's stability. As Sudan's civil war escalates, it fuels further turmoil in the region.
"The conflict, which has spread to 14 of the 18 states in Sudan, has killed and wounded tens of thousands of civilians, displaced nearly 8 million people and forced two million more to flee to neighboring countries." — UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, September 6, 2024.
The civil war in Sudan has driven around 700,000 refugees into Chad, creating a humanitarian crisis and impeding trade between the two countries.
"Unless there is a coordinated effort to implement comprehensive political, economic, and social reforms alongside military campaigns against Boko Haram, the extremist group's ideology is likely to continue to gain ground." — Open Doors, March 2024.
As a result of jihadi violence by terror groups in sub-Saharan Africa, 16.2 million Christians have been forcibly displaced. An Open Doors report quotes Pastor Barnabas, who lives in a displaced persons camp in Nigeria: "Millions of Christians are displaced, here in Nigeria. Millions of Christians are displaced in Africa. The news doesn't care about it, politicians don't talk about it, governments don't talk about it, global politics don't talk about it. Nobody talks about it."
"Who is funding these groups? Who is arming and enabling them to the extent that they are more powerful than the forces of sovereign states? What powerful and monied entities are supporting the advance of jihad in Africa?" — Robert Spencer, director of Jihad Watch, October 27, 2024.
Chad, Libya, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria and Niger all struggle with jihadist insurgencies. The civil war in Sudan has driven around 700,000 refugees into Chad, creating a humanitarian crisis and impeding trade between the two countries. Pictured: The Ourang refugee camp in Adre, Chad, inhabited by refugees who fled the civil war in Sudan, photographed on December 7, 2023. (Photo by Denis Sassou Gueipeur/AFP via Getty Images)
While much of the world media and human rights groups are fixated on the war being waged on Israel by Iran and its Hamas/Hezbollah/Houthi proxies, Islamic jihadist terrorists continue to ravage Africa.
At least 40 Chadian soldiers were killed in a terrorist attack on October 26-27 on a military base in Chad's Lake Region, according to a government statement that blamed the attack on the jihadist Boko Haram group. Reuters added:
"Chad is an important ally for French and U.S. forces aiming to fight jihadists in the Sahel, which has become the epicentre of global terrorism under attack by factions loyal to al Qaeda and Islamic State."
The area around Lake Chad, which lies along the borders of Chad, Nigeria, Cameroon and Niger, is targeted by Islamist insurgencies -- by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram -- which began a terror campaign in northeast Nigeria in 2009 and spread to Chad.
Boko Haram and ISWAP have since 2009 created severe security problems in the region. They have sent suicide bombers across Nigeria's border with Chad, and murdered many civilians and Chadian soldiers. On May 22, 2022, for instance, ISWAP terrorists abducted and murdered three Christians in Chad's Litri region, near the border with Nigeria.
In 2020, the security situation in Chad took a drastic turn for the worse, according to the Africa Centre of Strategic Studies, with Boko Haram killing 98 Chadian soldiers and wounding dozens more in Bohoma, on March 23, 202o.
Following this attack, the Chadian armed forces launched an offensive aimed at eliminating the jihadist insurgents from Chad. However, continuing terrorist attacks since then suggest that Boko Haram and ISWAP are gaining force, posing increasing risks to regional stability.
Boko Haram, founded in northeastern Nigeria, has, since 2009, carried out countless assassinations and massacres there. The group seeks the universal implementation of Islamic sharia law. According to reports, since 2009, Muslims, inspired by Boko Haram, have murdered more than 150,000 Christians in Nigeria.
According to the US government's National Counterterrorism Center,
"Boko Haram, which refers to itself as 'Jama'atu Ahl as-Sunnah li-Da'awati wal-Jihad' (JASDJ; Group of the Sunni People for the Calling and Jihad) and 'Nigerian Taliban'—other translations and variants are used—is a Nigeria-based group that seeks to overthrow the current Nigerian Government and replace it with a regime based on Islamic law. It is popularly known in Nigerian and Western media as 'Boko Haram,' which means 'Western education is forbidden' (the word boko is a holdover from the colonial English word for book). The group, which has existed in various forms since the late 1990s, suffered setbacks in July 2009 when clashes with Nigerian Government forces led to the deaths of hundreds of its members, including former leader Muhammad Yusuf...
"Boko Haram's capability increased in 2014, with the group conducting near-daily attacks against Christians, security and police forces, the media, schools, politicians, and Muslims perceived as collaborators. Boko Haram continued to raise its international profile in 2015, pledging allegiance to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in March—and publicly using the name "ISIL-West Africa Province" and similar variants—and conducting simultaneous suicide bombings in N'Djamena, Chad, in June—the first such attack in that country's capital.
"Boko Haram's violence—including the kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls in Borno State, Nigeria, in April 2014—brought international condemnation and in February 2015 provoked a large regional CT [counterterrorism] offensive against the group that displaced it from the majority of its strongholds in Nigeria. Nonetheless, Boko Haram remains resilient, conducting attacks in neighboring Cameroon, Chad, Niger, as well as Nigeria, emphasizing the threat it poses to Western and regional interests."
Chad, Libya, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria and Niger all struggle with jihadist insurgencies.
The epicenters of the violence and humanitarian disaster in Africa are in the Liptako-Gourma and Lake Chad basin subregions, notes a report by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). Liptako-Gourma is in the central Sahel, in the borderlands of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. According to the report:
"The persistent and growing strength of violent extremist organizations in the Sahel threatens to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and spread instability across Africa, posing significant security and financial risks to the United States and Europe. The continuing collapse of international counterterrorism support, as well as weakening leadership in regional efforts, has created a vacuum in which violent extremism can expand. Organizations including Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), Islamic State in the West African Province (ISWAP), and others have already taken advantage of that vacuum, using countries in the region as platforms to launch indiscriminate attacks on government forces and civilians alike...
"Notable attacks targeting the Radisson Blu Hotel in Mali, the Splendid Hotel in Burkina Faso, and L'Etoule du Sud Hotel in Ivory Coast in 2015 and 2016 demonstrated the extent of the Islamist threat to the Sahel and West Africa. In September 2016, the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) surfaced in Burkina Faso, launching its first major attack on a border post near the Burkinabe city of Markoye.
"In 2017, several al-Qaeda affiliates merged to form Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM). The emergence of ISGS and JNIM have intensified violence in the Sahel. Both JNIM and ISGS have pushed farther south in Liptako-Gourma, threatening the security of West Africa's relatively stable coastal states. JNIM has more recently gained control over territory in northern and central Mali, while ISGS has been confined to northern Burkina Faso and western Niger due to clashes with JNIM that began in 2020.
"Violent extremism in the Lake Chad Basin at the intersection of Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria prevailed in the same period with the reemergence of Boko Haram in northern Nigeria."
Chad's stability is intrinsically linked to the stability of neighboring nations. The ongoing civil war in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, for example, poses a serious threat to Chad's stability. As Sudan's civil war escalates, it fuels further turmoil in the region.
"The conflict, which has spread to 14 of the 18 states in Sudan, has killed and wounded tens of thousands of civilians, displaced nearly 8 million people and forced two million more to flee to neighboring countries," according to the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The civil war in Sudan has driven around 700,000 refugees into Chad, creating a humanitarian crisis and impeding trade between the two countries.
In the context of the escalating Boko Haram and ISWAP jihad in Chad, the security of Christians in the country is increasingly threatened, reports Open Doors, an international human rights organization:
"These jihadist groups are known for targeting religious minorities, including Christians, in their quest to establish an Islamic State.
"Christian women are subject to sexual violence by Islamic militants. A country expert explained: 'There have been reports of Christian women being kidnapped and forced into marriage across parts of the nation where Boko haram militia have wreaked havoc. ... particularly in rural areas and in internally displaced people's camps.'
"Christian men and boys in Chad are most vulnerable to persecution from Islamic militant groups. Some have reportedly been abducted, forced to convert to Islam and be recruited to join the ranks of jihadist groups to serve as fighters.
"According to a source, men and boys, particularly in Eastern Chad are 'forced to organise self-defence groups, arming themselves primarily with spears, knives, poison-tipped arrows, etc. in order to discourage and defend against militia attacks in the absence of any substantial military or police presence provided by the Chadian government. Boys are also compelled to sleep in the open fields and watch over animals to try to prevent them from being stolen by armed militias.'"
In addition to the jihadist insurgency, Christians in Chad also suffer from persecution on a societal level, according to Open Doors.
Islam first came to Chad in the 11th century but did not become a national religion until the 16th and 17th centuries when the country had become established as a route for the Islamic slave-trade.
Although Chad is officially a secular republic, Islam is today the majority religion (56% of the population) and pervades the whole of society, causing some Chadians to show hostility and intolerance towards Christians, whom they regard as "infidels," reports Open Doors. There are over 6 million Christians in the country (35% of the population). According to Open Doors:
"The influence of Islamic extremism is quite pervasive in Chad. In collaboration with Arab nations, numerous schools, universities and mosques are being established to spread radical Islamic ideologies. This has catalyzed the radicalisation of specific segments of the population, creating an increasingly hostile environment for Christians...
"The rise of Islamic militancy in the Sahel region has profound implications for Chad, particularly for its Christian population and other minority religious communities. This surge in extremism not only empowers militant groups but also influences other Islamic factions within Chad to adopt more conservative Islamic doctrine...
"Unless there is a coordinated effort to implement comprehensive political, economic, and social reforms alongside military campaigns against Boko Haram, the extremist group's ideology is likely to continue to gain ground."
As a result of jihadi violence by terror groups in sub-Saharan Africa, 16.2 million Christians have been forcibly displaced. An Open Doors report quotes Pastor Barnabas, who lives in a displaced persons camp in Nigeria:
"Millions of Christians are displaced, here in Nigeria. Millions of Christians are displaced in Africa. The news doesn't care about it, politicians don't talk about it, governments don't talk about it, global politics don't talk about it. Nobody talks about it."
As Robert Spencer, the director of Jihad Watch, said in an October 27 interview with this writer:
"Jihad groups in several countries in Africa confront and defeat government military forces on a regular basis. This raises several questions that no one seems able or willing to answer: Who is funding these groups? Who is arming and enabling them to the extent that they are more powerful than the forces of sovereign states? What powerful and monied entities are supporting the advance of jihad in Africa?"
*Uzay Bulut, a Turkish journalist, is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at Gatestone Institute. She is also a senior researcher at the African Jewish Alliance.
© 2024 Gatestone Institute. All rights reserved. The articles printed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editors or of Gatestone Institute. No part of the Gatestone website or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied or modified, without the prior written consent of Gatestone Institute.

Israel Gears Up for Action: Iran’s Missile Moves from Iraq Push U.S. and Israeli Patience to the Brink
Ahmad Sharawi/FDD/November 07/2024
Iran’s proxy terrorist organizations in Iraq have claimed more than 100 strikes against Israel in the past year alone, including one drone attack on October 4 that resulted in the deaths of two IDF soldiers and the wounding of 24 at an army base in the Golan Heights. Now, new intelligence suggests Iran may be transferring ballistic missiles to Iraq for a potential launch against Israel. The Islamic Republic continues to treat Iraq as a vassal state and a permissive jurisdiction for its regional terrorist apparatus. As a result, Baghdad’s subordination to Tehran and its role as a staging ground for these proxies mean that Iraq could soon find itself the target of an Israeli reprisal.
Israel Moves to Counter Iran’s Missile Transfers and Launch Capabilities
Israeli intelligence reports indicate that Iran may be planning to use its proxy militias in Iraqi territory to launch further attacks on Israel. One of Tehran’s aims is to avoid direct Israeli retaliation on Iranian soil, a reminder that Iran has few qualms about sacrificing the lives of Palestinians, Iraqis, and others in pursuit of its goal of eliminating the Jewish state. New Israeli satellite imagery reportedly shows Iran transferring ballistic missiles into Iraq, likely to exploit the closer range to Israel. In response, Israel has reportedly issued a formal warning to the Iraqi government to prevent Iran from using Iraqi territory for offensive operations.
According to the Saudi news outlet Elaph, if this warning is disregarded, Israel is prepared to conduct a large-scale strike targeting 30 pre-identified sites in Iraq. However, Israel’s warning will likely go unheeded, much like previous appeals from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed al-Sudani to Iran’s proxies to cease their missile and drone attacks on the Jewish state. Al-Sudani has consistently struggled to control proxy actions that defy state policy.
Despite U.S. Withdrawal Plans, Iran’s Proxies Remain Unchecked
As the United States prepares to withdraw some of its 2,500 service members from Iraq by late September 2025, threats from Iranian proxies remain persistent. While the frequency of attacks against U.S. forces has decreased since last year’s peak, recent incidents — such as the August attack that injured five American servicemen at Al Asad airbase — have largely gone unanswered. Iran’s proxies have targeted U.S. forces more than 175 times since October 17, 2023, but the Americans responded on only 11 occasions.
In October, Abu Ali al-Askari, a senior official of Kata’eb Hezbollah, the leading Iranian proxy in Iraq, warned that “any targeting of Iraq or the use of its airspace … will invite Kata’eb Hezbollah’s retaliation not only against Israel but also against U.S. bases in Iraq and the region.” Given the U.S. reluctance to punish Iran’s proxies in response to their aggression, Tehran may direct them to strike American targets in response to Israeli military action.
U.S. Must Strengthen Regional Military Posture Ahead of Potential Israeli Strike
With signals of Israel’s readiness to strike Iran-linked targets in Iraq, the United States should direct its forces in Iraq and Syria to prepare for what could be a new round of attacks by Iranian proxies. Washington should likewise prepare to strike back if Iran’s proxies initiate further aggression. A passive stance risks emboldening these militias, who may interpret U.S. inaction as weakness.
*Ahmad Sharawi is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), where he focuses on Middle East affairs, specifically the Levant, Iraq, and Iranian intervention in Arab affairs, as well as U.S. foreign policy toward the region. Follow him on X @AhmadA_Sharawi. Follow FDD on X @FDD. FDD is a Washington, DC-based, nonpartisan research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy.

The Sting Doctrine ...Haven’t its flaws become obvious?
Clifford D. May/The Washington Times/November 07/2024
There’s no such thing as a winnable war
It’s a lie we don’t believe anymore
We share the same biology, regardless of ideology
But what might save us, me and you
Is if the Russians love their children too
So sang Sting.
He was – I think he still is – a marvelous singer. But the naïve notions expressed in that 1985 song are long past their sell-by date.
Start with the Russians.
Vladimir Putin firmly believes his war of conquest against Ukraine is winnable. Russians who love their children have no say in the matter. As for Ukrainian parents, roughly 20,000 of their children have been abducted into Russa to be raised as Russians.
Moving on to China. Xi Jinping has told his military to be prepared to wage war by 2027. His goal is to conquer Taiwan, a democratic society that doesn’t want to be crushed under a Communist jackboot. Do Chinese parents love their children – including those children serving in the People’s Liberation Army? I’m sure they do but brutal rulers don’t take direction from those they rule.
Iran’s dictator, Ali Khamenei, has been fighting a war against Israel for years – primarily utilizing Arab militias in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. He aims to eradicate Israel and establish a modern Muslim empire that will end the global preeminence of the United States. At home, his thugs have been murdering, beating, and blinding Iranian children – parental love notwithstanding.
I’ll note, too, that the ideologies of Osama bin Laden, Hassan Nasrallah, and Yahyah Sinwar trumped their biologies until warfighters from free nations terminated their biological functions.
It’s disappointing that so many Western political and thought leaders subscribe to the Sting Doctrine, telling themselves that our enemies just have “grievances” that we must “address.”
They think that peace, like cheese, can be processed.
The quaint notion that there are “no military solutions,” but only “diplomatic solutions” doesn’t stand up to scrutiny. It’s after the military defeat of an enemy that diplomats can be most useful, building political structures atop the rubble. That’s how World War II ended.
The mistake too many diplomats make is to regard negotiations as an end rather than a means. That inclination is reinforced when they are rewarded for concluding flawed agreement based on attempts to appease sworn enemies.
I mentioned World War II. Now consider the next war the U.S. fought, 71 years ago on the Korean peninsula. It culminated in a ceasefire, an armistice, a stalemate.
After that, came decades of negotiations intended to prevent the dynastic dictatorship in Pyongyang from acquiring nuclear weapons and missiles to deliver them. Deals were cut. Those deals all failed.
Yet the congressionally funded United States Institute of Peace continues to argue that “political-military dialogue with North Korea is key to defusing military tensions and reducing nuclear risks.”
Last week, Kim Jong-un test-fired a new and improved ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) with the range to strike anywhere on the U.S. mainland. That elicited a statement from Secretary of State Antony Blinken “strongly urging” Mr. Kim to “cease” his “destabilizing actions that threaten peace and security.” You think he took that to heart?
Mr. Kim has sent 10,000 troops to help Mr. Putin conquer Ukraine. The munitions he’s providing, including more than 9 million artillery shells, will be even more impactful.
In return for that favor, there is a “high chance,” according to South Korea’s Defense Minister, that Mr. Kim will ask Mr. Putin for technology useful for making tactical nukes and/or improving ICBMs.
Mr. Putin also may be giving such technology to Mr. Khamenei as a quid pro quo for the hundreds of Iranian drones and ballistic missiles he’s received from Tehran.
A few days ago, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Tehran and Moscow will sign a defense cooperation treaty “in the near future.”
Another example: The love that Gazan parents feel for their children did not prevent Hamas from invading Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 and carrying out a barbaric pogrom, thereby initiating a brutal war in which Gazan children have been forced to serve as Hamas’s human shields.
On Oct. 8, 2023, Hezbollah began firing missiles at northern Israel from Lebanon, initiating a second front in the same war.Israeli troops are now in southern Lebanon where they’ve found an extensive, elaborate, and expensive system of tunnels that were intended to be used in Hezbollah’s “Conquer the Galilee” plan – an attack on Israel that would have been similar to that carried out by Hamas.
This underground fortress – containing command centers, thousands of missiles, drones, and explosive devices – “would not exist were it not for the expertise, engineering, equipment, advisors, and technicians provided by North Korea,” according to Bruce E. Bechtol, president of the International Council on Korean Studies.
Twice this year, Mr. Khamenei also has attacked Israel directly. First, on April 13, a barrage of more than 300 drones and ballistic missiles. Then, on Oct. 1, he launched from Iranian soil some 200 ballistic missiles at Israeli population centers. Thanks to Israel’s high-technology air defense system and assistance from the U.S., most were intercepted.
On Oct. 25, Israel struck back against Tehran, hitting only military targets and knocking out the S-300 air defense systems supplied by Mr. Putin.
Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters: “We don’t think that Iran should or needs to respond.” She added that opportunities now exist “to use diplomacy to dial down tensions in the region.”
But that’s not on Mr. Khamenei’s to-do list. On Saturday, he threatened a “crushing response” to the “enemies, both the USA and the Zionist regime.”
Contra Sting, he thinks his war is winnable. The lesson he needs to be taught is that it’s also losable.
*Clifford D. May is founder and president of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and a columnist for the Washington Times.

Putin Plays Tough in Opening Move with Trump
Simon Shuster/Time/November 7, 2024
Vladimir Putin did not come running. He let his spokesman react on Wednesday to the outcome of the U.S. presidential race, proclaiming that the Kremlin has no plans to congratulate Donald Trump on his victory. If the U.S. wants the peace deal Trump promised during his campaign, the Russians signaled that he would need to earn it, and the price for Ukraine would be particularly high.
“The message is, if you want a deal, you’re going to crawl on your knees for it,” says Nina Khrushcheva, an authority on Russian politics and foreign affairs at the New School. “Putin feels he is starting out with Trump from a position of strength.”
That makes the Russian president an outlier among European leaders. On Wednesday, many of them issued flattering statements and promises to cooperate with the Trump administration. But the Kremlin noted drily that the U.S. and Russia remain at war, “both directly and indirectly," while Putin’s conditions for ending that war, his spokesman said, “remain unchanged, and are well known in Washington.” Indeed, over the last few years, Russia has issued a series of conditions for ending the war in Ukraine. Most of them were tossed aside by the Biden administration, which tended to see them as ultimatums rather than good-faith efforts to negotiate.
In December 2021, for instance, just a few months before Russia invaded Ukraine, Biden reached out to Putin with an offer to discuss a broad agreement on international affairs, ranging from nuclear and cyber security to the future of Europe and the NATO alliance. The response from Putin amounted to a middle finger. If Biden wanted a summit with Putin, the Kremlin said the U.S. should set the mood by pulling its military forces entirely out of eastern Europe, retreating to positions it held before Putin took power. As the lead Russian envoy put it at the time, “The U.S. needs to pack up its stuff and get back to where it was in 1997.”
The U.S. rejected that notion out of hand. Instead of a summit, the White House promised sanctions that would cripple the Russian economy. Since then, Putin’s occasional overtures to the Americans have varied widely in tone and substance, depending on how the war in Ukraine happens to be going at the time. During a low-point for the Russians in the fall of 2022, when they faced the third in a series of humiliating losses on the battlefield, Putin’s rhetoric grew notably softer. He even referred to the Ukrainians as his “partners,” insisting that Russia had always been open to negotiating a deal to end the war.
Such talk evaporated as the fighting turned in Russia’s favor last year. In an ultimatum issued in July, Putin demanded that Ukraine withdraw from four regions that Russia has partly occupied. He also called on the West to lift all sanctions against Russia. Trump, during his campaign for the presidency, signaled a willingness to consider that demand, saying that sanctions "should be used very judiciously" in order to protect the power of the dollar in the global economy. When he was asked whether he stayed in touch with Putin in recent years, Trump declined to answer. But it would be a “smart thing,” he said, for a U.S. president to talk to the Russians.
What Putin would hope to get from such talks is no mystery. Based on his statements in recent years, he wants to neuter Ukraine militarily, cut off all pathways for it to join NATO, and gain permanent control over its southern and eastern regions. Neither Trump nor his close advisers have declared a willingness to grant those demands. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance said on the campaign trail that a peace deal could turn the current front line into a “demilitarized zone” that would be “heavily fortified so the Russians don’t invade Ukraine.”
The Ukrainians balked at that idea. President Volodymyr Zelensky called it “too radical,” even though it would fall well short of what Putin has demanded. Others in Trump’s circle have outlined far tougher terms for Russia. Mike Pompeo, who served as the Secretary of State and CIA director under Trump, has called on the next administration to tighten sanctions, lift all restrictions on the use of American weapons in Ukraine, and create a “lend-lease” program worth $500 billion to help the Ukrainians buy the weapons they need from U.S. manufacturers.
“I hope we get the strategy right,” Pompeo told TIME during a visit to Kyiv in September. Although Congress has approved more than $174 billion in assistance to Ukraine since the start of the invasion, “President Biden squandered it,” Pompeo added. “Too slow, too little, too late, too restrained.”
Given the range of views in Trump’s orbit, and the absence of a strategy for ending the war in Ukraine, the Russians are likely to wait and see where the administration lands on this issue. They are in no hurry to make a deal. All along the frontline, especially in the eastern Donbas region, Russian forces have made slow but steady gains this year, using artillery and aerial bombs to decimate towns before rolling over them. The U.S. estimates that Russia has lost more than 600,000 soldiers, dead and wounded. But Putin has shown a remarkable ability to absorb those losses and to recruit more soldiers without causing any serious backlash among the Russian population.
“There’s no pressure on him to negotiate,” says a former senior U.S. official who maintains high-level contacts in both Washington and Moscow. If Trump decides he wants to make a deal with Putin, “the Russians will be interested,” he says. “I’m sure they’ve got a lot of feelers out about the menu of options. But they are not going to respond until the U.S. decides what it wants to offer.” It will be up to Trump, in other words, to make the first move in Putin’s direction.

The Missions of Envoys
Suleiman Jawda/Asharq Al-Awsat/November 07/2024
The EU has joined the game of sending envoys to the Middle East, dispatching Austrian diplomat Christian Berger after naming him as its envoy to Syria. It seems, by sending him, that Europe is saying: "Why shouldn’t I have an envoy like the US and others?"
Our region has received many international envoys, and the last one to end his mission without achieving anything was Abdoulaye Bathily, the United Nations Envoy to Libya. As for the United States Envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, he is still trying to end the war there. Meanwhile, the US Envoy to Lebanon and Israel, Amos Hochstein, found Israel’s war on Lebanon intensifying after every visit. Most recently, he went to Tel Aviv hoping to go to Beirut from there, but he went straight back to the US. It was then announced that this would be his last tour before submitting his resignation.
Our experience with envoys suggests that their missions often seem to be an end in themselves, rather than a genuine means for resolving the issues they had been sent there to address- or, at the very least- that is the impression we have. If we were to go over the countries in the region that have received envoys, one by one, and try to find one whose mission yielded a positive outcome, I doubt we would. Indeed, these envoys are sent to serve the political interests of the parties that sent them, not the countries they are visiting.
This fact is clearly reflected in the landscape of our region. Take Libya, for example, which has received nearly ten envoys. And then there's Sudan, whose war began almost a year ago amid a flurry of visits by Perriello.
I do not blame the envoys themselves; rather, I blame those who believe that an envoy can achieve results the country's own people and politicians cannot. An envoy comes with the intention of “bringing good," as we say, but time after time, it becomes increasingly apparent that they cannot help those who do not help themselves. Ibrahim Shihata, the renowned Egyptian economist, wrote a book titled "My Will to My Country" towards the end of his life. Although the title suggests it is about Egypt, you will find, in the dedication on the first page, that the book's principles on state-building apply to any country that seeks to build on strong and sound foundations.
In a corner of the book, it is noted that neither European, US, or UN envoys have the magical staff of Moses. Rather, they try to help those they are sent to as envoys- if their intentions are genuine and they carry out their task in good faith. Moreover, the responsibility lies, first and foremost, with the people of the country themselves and their determination to prioritize the national interest above all else. The Austrian diplomat, Berger, has just begun his mission, and his task seems ambiguous and unclear. We will have to wait and see what he accomplishes in Syria, a country whose relations with Europe cut off. When Europe realized, late on, that Syria shares the ruins of the Mediterranean with it, it began to reconsider and recalibrate its stance towards Damascus. Europe then decided that sending an envoy might be the first of several steps, potentially serving as a bridge connecting the two shores in the future. I don't think anyone among us seeks to undermine Berger's mission before he departs for Syria. There is certainly hope for him to have better luck in Syria than Hochstein has had in Israel and Lebanon, Perriello has in Sudan, or any of the others. Nonetheless, we are talking about hope first and foremost, but we should always keep Shihata's preface in mind.