English LCCC Newsbulletin For
Lebanese, Lebanese Related, Global News & Editorials
For February 15/2025
Compiled & Prepared by: Elias Bejjani
#elias_bejjani_news
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Bible Quotations For today
A bishop, as God’s steward, must be blameless; not arrogant or quick-tempered or
addicted to wine or violent or greedy for gain; but he must be hospitable, a
lover of goodness, prudent, upright, devout, and self-controlled.
Letter to Titus 01/01-09/:”Paul, a servant of God and an apostle
of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of
the truth that is in accordance with godliness, in the hope of eternal life that
God, who never lies, promised before the ages began in due time he revealed his
word through the proclamation with which I have been entrusted by the command of
God our Saviour, To Titus, my loyal child in the faith we share: Grace and peace
from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour. I left you behind in Crete for
this reason, that you should put in order what remained to be done, and should
appoint elders in every town, as I directed you: someone who is blameless,
married only once, whose children are believers, not accused of debauchery and
not rebellious. For a bishop, as God’s steward, must be blameless; he must not
be arrogant or quick-tempered or addicted to wine or violent or greedy for gain;
but he must be hospitable, a lover of goodness, prudent, upright, devout, and
self-controlled. He must have a firm grasp of the word that is trustworthy in
accordance with the teaching, so that he may be able both to preach with sound
doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.”
Titles For The Latest English LCCC
Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published
on February 14-15/2025
Text & Video/For These Reasons, We Fear the Nasserite Arabists, Fatah
Supporters, and Leftists Like Nawaf Salam and Tarek MitriElias Bejjani/February
15/2025
Gobran Bassil & Micheal Aoun Are Actually The Enemies Of The Lebanese
Christians/Elias Bejjani/February 12/2025
Theoretically, Nawaf Salam’s Interview Was Encouraging… But Doubt and Fear
Remain Regarding Implementation/Elias Bejjani/February 11/ 2025
Theoretically, Nawaf Salam’s Interview Was Encouraging… But Doubt and Fear
Remain Regarding Implementation/Elias Bejjani/February 11/ 2025
It Is Astonishing to See a Rational Lebanese Praises Michel Aoun & Fails To See
Him For What He Truly Is/Elias Bejjani/February 11, 2025
UNIFIL Deputy Commander Injured in Attack by Hezbollah Supporters Near Beirut
Airport
UNIFIL vehicle torched as Hezbollah supporters block airport road anew
UNIFIL urges 'immediate' probe into vehicle torching, UN coordinator says attack
unacceptable
Lebanon: France Proposes the Deployment of UNIFIL for a Definitive Israeli
Withdrawal
Iran accuses Israel of disrupting air route to Lebanon
US general sees progress as Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deadline approaches
Israeli security official says army readying to 'withdraw from Lebanon'
The Lebanese Information Center Condemns Attack on UNIFIL Convoy
Hariri hints at return to politics, urges Shiite Duo not to be 'obstruction
force'
Hariri returns to politics, backs PM Salam, calls for unity
Lebanon marks 20th anniversary of Rafik Hariri's assassination amid political
shifts
Aoun, Salam commemorate Rafik Hariri as thousands rally in central Beirut
Top commander with UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon is injured by protesters
Israeli airstrikes target alleged Hezbollah sites in the South
UN chief urges Israel and Lebanon to honor their commitments
Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon would benefit all parties/Dr. Dania Koleilat
Khatib/Arab News/February 14, 2025
Drugs, weapons in Syria borderland where Hezbollah held sway
Titles For The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published
on February 14-15/2025
Iran bars Lebanese planes from taking stranded citizens home after Israeli
'threat'
Iran is rearming its missile program and a ship of supplies just arrived from
China, Western sources say
Trump backs ‘hard stance’ on Gaza, says he does not know what Israel will do
Israeli security official says military readying to withdraw from Lebanon
Gazans return to ruined homes and severe water shortage
Hamas names three Israeli hostages to be released Saturday as part of Gaza
ceasefire
France says EU working toward ‘rapid’ easing of Syria sanctions
Syria’s new leaders zero in on Assad’s business barons
Syria receives local currency printed in Russia before Assad’s fall
Security Council condemns death of UN aid worker in Houthi detention
Ukraine-US talks end without agreement on critical minerals deal
Russian forces take control of two settlements in eastern Ukraine, TASS says
Vance attack on Europe overshadows Ukraine talks at security conference
Saudi Arabia praises US-Russia call, welcomes possible summit in Kingdom
Turkiye’s Erdogan says US making “wrong calculations” in Mideast
Titles For
The Latest English LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous
sources
on February 14-15/2025
Given Christianity's dominance in US, Trump raises eyebrows with
anti-Christian bias initiative/Peter Smith/The Associated Press/February 14,
2025
'Why Did You Sit at Home among the Sheepfolds?': Israel and the People of the
Book/Nils A. Haug/Gatestone Institute./February 14, 2025
Erdogan on tour as Turkiye pivots to Asia/Dr. Sinem Cengiz/Arab News/February
14, 2025
Why Europe’s security must be a key US aim/Luke Coffey/Arab News/February 14,
2025
Smart cities must embrace the circular economy/Majed Al-Qatari/Arab
News/February 14, 2025
Erdogan on tour as Turkiye pivots to Asia/Dr. Sinem Cengiz/Arab News/February
14, 2025
Why Europe’s security must be a key US aim/Luke Coffey/Arab News/February 14,
2025
The Latest English LCCC
Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published
on February 14-15/2025
Elias Bejjani/Text & Video/For These Reasons, We
Fear the Nasserite Arabists, Fatah Supporters, and Leftists Like Nawaf Salam and
Tarek Mitri
Elias Bejjani/February 15/2025
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2025/02/140191/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1zFkE_4Me8&t=9s
In Lebanon, some—leftists, fake nationalists, eternal adversaries of Israel, and
those who trade in the deception of so-called "resistance &
Liberation"—criticize us (The Lebanese Patriots) for labeling Nawaf Salam and
Tarek Mitri as Nasserite Arabists and as Palestinians more Palestinian than
Arafat the Muslim Brotherhood loyalist, George Habash the leftist, and Yahya
Sinwar the jihadist. They accuse us of being Lebanese nationalists, opposing the
Taif Agreement, and advocating for federalism and partition.
Rather than engaging in futile debates with Lebanon’s enemies and those who
reject the Christian role in governing the country, we respond firmly and
unapologetically, relying on the facts and history that expose the true nature
of these figures and their ideology:
Abdel Nasser Nasser and all the officers who overthrew King Farouk’s regime in
Egypt were members of the Muslim Brotherhood. There is no need to elaborate on
the hatred, extremism, and radical objectives of this jihadist movement.
Abdel Nasser, who infused Arabism with Brotherhood ideology, led the region into
ignorance, populism, and fanaticism, culminating in one of the greatest defeats
in Arab history. He failed in his union with Syria, his war in Yemen, his
hostility toward the Gulf states, and in every civilian, military, social, and
political endeavor. Today, few in Egypt even know where his grave is.
Meanwhile, Palestinian organizations—chief among them Fatah, which Nawaf Salam,
Tarek Mitri, and many others supported under the deceptive umbrella of the
so-called "National Movement"—turned against Lebanon, its people, and its
government, particularly the Christians. They waged wars, launched invasions,
and committed massacres, all while promoting delusions that the road to
Palestine passed through Jounieh. In this, they are no different from Iran’s
mullahs and their jihadist proxies, including Hezbollah, who—by deliberate
choice—have never once found the road to Jerusalem. According to their twisted
logic, the road to Jerusalem passes through Damascus, Baghdad, and Cairo. Today,
their deceit has evolved, and now, the road supposedly runs through Beirut
International Airport!
As for the Arabists and Fake nationalists—whether Baathists, Syrian
nationalists, leftists, communists, or others consumed by hatred for everything,
including themselves, their people, and their homelands (excluding the Gulf Arab
identity, which fundamentally opposes Nasserite and Arafatist Arabism)—their
record of failures and betrayals is immeasurable. They are not only Lebanon’s
enemies but also their own worst adversaries. With the fall of Assad’s regional
influence, they have vanished from every ruling Arab government. It is also
worth noting that Erdogan and Qatar’s rulers belong to the same jihadist breed,
and the devastation of Gaza is a direct consequence of their policies.
This is why our concern for Lebanon and its people is both urgent and
justified—against every Arabist, Nasserite, leftist, fake nationalist, mullah
loyalist, and deceiver who chants about throwing Israel into the sea,
"liberating" Palestine, and praying in Jerusalem.
Based on all of the above, and because Nawaf Salam, Tarek Mitri, and perhaps
Ghassan Salamé are deeply rooted in the defeatist, deceptive ideology of Arafat
and Nasser—one built on manipulation, false resistance, and perpetual failure
(Arafat himself was a prominent Muslim Brotherhood member)—we have every right
to reject them in the current new Lebanese government, or at least to fear their
non-Lebanese agendas. How can we be trustful when the newly formed government’s
primary mission must be the complete eradication of Iranian influence, embodied
in Hezbollah’s terrorist network, and active participation in the Arab-Israeli
peace process embraced by all Arab states.
Ultimately, the mindset and ideology of leftists, Nasserite Arabists, mullah
loyalists, Islamists, and jihadists are, at their core, one and the same.
Gobran Bassil & Micheal Aoun Are Actually The
Enemies Of The Lebanese Christians
Elias Bejjani/February 12/2025
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2025/02/140118/
Gebran Bassil, Michel Aoun, and the swarm of opportunists surrounding them, are
the last people on Earth who have any right or legitimacy to claim the
representation of Lebanese Christians or their rights. Someone should do Bassil
a favor and tell him that Lucifer, the king of the devils himself might
represent Lebanon’s Christians rights and governing positions a million times
more than he, his father-in-law Micheal Aoun, and their masters the Iranian
Mullahs and the toppled Syrian Assad, the butcher.
Bassil needs to drop the charade and stop masquerading as a defender of
Christian rights. His relentless media propaganda, filled with lies and
heresies, must come to an end. Lebanese Christians deserve a break from his
childish stupidity and shameless deception.
A free piece of advice: Gebran Bassil should back off and not forget—or pretend
to forget—that he is the only Lebanese Christian and Maronite in history to be
officially sanctioned for corruption by the United States. With that in mind, he
should drop the so-called "Christian rights" issue from his agenda, step aside,
and spare the people from his endless chatter and nonsense.
Theoretically, Nawaf Salam’s Interview Was Encouraging… But Doubt and Fear
Remain Regarding Implementation
Elias Bejjani/February 11/ 2025
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2025/02/140093/
For years, I have never trusted the Nasserist Arab nationalist Nawaf Salam.
Today, despite his verbal constitutional and legal approaches in his interview
with TL , he has neither reassured me nor dispelled my doubts and fears. The
real judgment on his mission as as the PM will be based on actions, not words.
It Is Astonishing to See a Rational Lebanese Praises Michel Aoun & Fails To See
Him For What He Truly Is
Elias Bejjani/February 11, 2025
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2025/02/140059/
Michel Aoun, by undeniable facts and evidence, is corrupt, a Judas, and an enemy
to his homeland. He abandoned his slogans, betrayed his people, and traded
Lebanon’s sovereignty for a presidential chair on which he was nothing more than
a ghost for six years. He built his popularity on opposing the Syrian occupation
and attacking it, only to later whitewash it as an “experience marred by some
mistakes.” Then, he signed a pact with Hezbollah—the party of Satan—dedicated to
erasing Lebanon, its identity, and its history.
We, as Maronites, have never known a leader or politician who has harmed us,
humiliated our history, and distorted our national conscience more than he has.
It is truly baffling that any sovereign-minded Lebanese, or any rational
person—could see Aoun, his son-in-law, or anyone of the opportunists who
remained with him after his disgraceful pact with Nasrallah, as anything other
than a Lasiffors of destruction, perhaps even more catastrophic than him by
light-years.
UNIFIL Deputy Commander
Injured in Attack by Hezbollah Supporters Near Beirut Airport
This is Beirut/February 14, 2025
On Friday evening, a convoy carrying UNIFIL’s outgoing Deputy Commander, General
Chok Bahadur Dhakal, was attacked by Hezbollah supporters near Beirut airport.
General Dhakal sustained injuries and was hospitalized, while one of the three
vehicles in the convoy was set on fire. Other members of the convoy were able to
seek refuge within the airport compound. In an attempt to deflect blame,
Hezbollah claimed that the chaos around the airport was caused by “undisciplined
troublemakers,” according to Al-Manar TV. The group accused these individuals of
engaging in “anarchic actions for questionable purposes,” knowing that Hezbollah
holds firm control over the area. The Lebanese army responded swiftly to the
escalation, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the attack.
As protests spread to Salim Salam Street and the Ring area near downtown Beirut,
the military, deployed in large numbers, cleared the roads by removing
barricades made of burning tires and rubble, which protesters had used to block
access. For the second consecutive night, Hezbollah supporters had shut down the
airport road, first by burning tires, and then by bringing in trucks filled with
dirt and debris to block all access to the airport. This was in protest against
Lebanon’s decision to ban a flight from the Iranian airline Mahan Air to Beirut.
The United Nations quickly advised its personnel to avoid using the airport
road, while the Lebanese army issued a warning about the ongoing disruptions.
“Several areas, including the vicinity of the airport, are seeing protest
activities marked by violations of public order, including attacks on soldiers
and UNIFIL peacekeepers,” the army wrote on its X account.
The army also warned that continued unrest could lead to internal tensions with
unpredictable consequences for Lebanon’s during this period, promising to
“firmly prevent any harm to civil peace” and take action against those
responsible for the unrest. Justice Minister Adel Nassar, for its part, called
the interim public prosecutor, Jamal Hajjar, to request an investigation into
the airport incidents. The investigation will be conducted by the army’s
intelligence services. Meanwhile, Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam contacted
the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and UNIFIL
Commander General Aroldo Lazaro Saenz to assure them that steps were being taken
to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack. The interim chief of
the Lebanese army, General Hassane Audeh, also assured General Saenz of the
army’s commitment to bringing the attackers to justice. The attack sparked
widespread condemnation, including from the Amal Movement, Hezbollah’s ally,
which issued a statement calling any assault on UNIFIL an attack on South
Lebanon itself. “Any roadblock, wherever it occurs, undermines civil peace,”
Amal warned, urging the army to take decisive action against the instigators.
Later in the evening, UNIFIL confirmed that its Deputy Commander had been
injured while returning home after completing his mission in Lebanon. “We are
deeply shocked by this outrageous attack on peacekeepers who have been working
for years to restore security and stability in southern Lebanon during these
challenging times,” the statement read, emphasizing that “attacks on
peacekeepers are a clear violation of international law and could be considered
war crimes.” UNIFIL called for “an immediate investigation” and demanded that
the attackers be brought to justice, reaffirming that its peacekeepers would
continue their mission to restore security and stability in southern Lebanon.
The special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, also said in a
statement that the attack was “unacceptable”. “Such an act of violence threatens
the safety of United Nations staff who work tirelessly to maintain stability in
Lebanon, sometimes at great personal risk”, she added. Mrs. Hennis-Plasschaert
emphasized that “the United Nations remains committed to working with the
Lebanese government and all relevant stakeholders to preserve stability and
implement United Nations Security Council resolution 1701”. “A full, transparent
investigation must urgently be pursued to bring the perpetrators to justice”,
she insisted.
UNIFIL vehicle torched as
Hezbollah supporters block airport road anew
Agence France Pressee/February 14, 2025
A vehicle emblazoned with the logo of the U.N. peacekeeping force in Lebanon was
torched late Friday as supporters of Hezbollah again blocked the road to Beirut
airport. The charred vehicle lay abandoned by the roadside as Lebanese troops
deployed in response to the protest and managed to reopen the road and restore
order in the area. UNIFIL said its outgoing deputy commander was injured in the
incident. “We are shocked by this outrageous attack on peacekeepers who have
been serving to restore security and stability to south Lebanon during a
difficult time,” it said. It said that the deputy commander — Maj. Gen. Chok
Bahadur Dhakal from Nepal — had been set to leave the country after completing
his mission when the UNIFIL convoy “was violently attacked, and a vehicle was
set on fire.” The Lebanese Army said in a statement that acting commander Maj.
Gen. Hassan Odeh had contacted UNIFIL and promised to “work to arrest the
citizens who attacked its members and bring them to justice.” In another
statement, the army pledged to take firm action against those who attacked the
UNIFIL vehicle and peacekeepers. "Several areas, particularly the area around
the airport... have been the scene of demonstrations marked by acts of vandalism
and clashes, including assaults on members of the armed forces and attacks
against vehicles" of the United Nations, the army posted on X, adding that
troops would take "firm action to prevent any breach of public order and arrest
troublemakers." The army also warned that such actions threaten to create
dangerous internal tensions. Protesters later blocked the Salim Salam and Ring
highways in Beirut, before the army managed to reopen them. It was the second
straight day that Hezbollah supporters had blocked the airport road in protest
at a decision barring two Iranian planes from landing. Iran accused Israel on
Friday of disrupting flights from Tehran to Beirut. Israel has repeatedly
accused Hezbollah of using Lebanon's only airport to transfer weapons from Iran
and struck the area during its war with the Tehran-backed militant group which
ended late last year. The Iranian foreign ministry said that "the threat by the
Zionist regime to a passenger plane carrying Lebanese citizens has disrupted
normal flights to Beirut airport". The statement by ministry spokesman Esmaeil
Baqaei did not specify the nature of the threat attributed to Israel, but comes
after Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee had warned the army was prepared
"to thwart" any attempts to transfer funds or weapons to Hezbollah. Hezbollah
and Lebanese officials have denied Israel's claims that Beirut's Rafik Hariri
International Airport was used to arm the militant group. Baqaei condemned
Israel's "gross and continuous violations of the principles and rules of
international law and violations of Lebanon's national sovereignty". He also
called for the International Civil Aviation Organization and other world bodies
"to stop Israel's dangerous behavior against the safety and security of civil
aviation". Lebanon's Directorate General of Civil Aviation said on Thursday it
had "temporarily rescheduled" some flights including from Iran until February 18
as it was implementing "additional security measures". That date coincides with
the deadline for the full implementation of a ceasefire agreement between Israel
and Hezbollah. The Israeli military's Adraee has said that Iran and Hezbollah
"have been exploiting... the Beirut international airport through civilian
flights, to smuggle funds dedicated to arming" the group. After the airport
protests on Thursday, Lebanese authorities said they were working to bring back
Lebanese passengers stranded in Iran with planes belonging to the Beirut-based
Middle East Airlines. But Saeed Chalandari, CEO of Tehran's Imam Khomeini
Airport said on Friday that Iran had rejected the proposal. "Naturally, we do
not agree to their request, because if there is to be a flight between the two
countries, it must be a two-way flight," Chalandari told Iranian news agency
Tasnim. Iran's ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, said that Tehran could
agree to the Middle East Airlines evacuation flights "on the condition that they
(Lebanese authorities) don't block Iranian flights."
UNIFIL urges 'immediate' probe into vehicle torching, UN
coordinator says attack unacceptable
Agence France Pressee/February 14, 2025
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon on Friday demanded a "full and
immediate investigation by Lebanese authorities" Friday after one of its
vehicles was torched by Hezbollah supporters on the airport road, wounding its
outgoing deputy commander. "Attacks on peacekeepers are flagrant violations of
international law and may amount to war crimes," the UNIFIL peacekeeping force
said. "We demand a full and immediate investigation by Lebanese authorities and
for all perpetrators to be brought to justice," U.N. Special Coordinator for
Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert meanwhile called the attack unacceptable and
warned that "such an act of violence threatens the safety of United Nations
staff who work tirelessly to maintain stability in Lebanon, sometimes at great
personal risk." "The United Nations remains committed to working with the
Lebanese Government and all relevant stakeholders to preserve stability and
implement United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). A full,
transparent investigation must urgently be pursued to bring the perpetrators to
justice," she added.
Lebanon: France Proposes
the Deployment of UNIFIL for a Definitive Israeli Withdrawal
This is Beirut/February 14, 2025
France has proposed that some soldiers from the United Nations Interim Force in
Lebanon (UNIFIL), including French troops, be deployed in positions in southern
Lebanon to allow for a "complete and definitive" withdrawal of Israel, announced
Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Thursday. "The ceasefire has been extended
until February 18, the date on which Israel's definitive withdrawal is
expected," Barrot recalled at a press conference following the international
conference on Syria. However, Israel wants to maintain five positions in
southern Lebanon after February 18, which Beirut has refused. "We have worked to
formulate a proposal that could meet Israel's security concerns, which planned
to stay longer," Barrot continued. "We have proposed that some UNIFIL
contingents, including the French, could take over these observation posts," he
said, adding that the UN Secretary-General was "in agreement" with this
proposal. "It is now up to us to convince the Israelis that this solution will
enable a complete and definitive withdrawal," Barrot added.According to the
truce agreement between Israel and Lebanon, implemented on November 27, the
Lebanese army was supposed to deploy in the South alongside UN peacekeepers,
while the Israeli army was to withdraw over a 60-day period, later extended
until February 18.The Hezbollah was also to dismantle its infrastructure in the
South, near the Israeli border, and withdraw to the north of the Litani River
during this period.With AFP
Iran accuses Israel of disrupting air route to Lebanon
Agence France Presse/February 14, 2025
Iran accused Israel on Friday of disrupting flights from Tehran to Beirut, after
a decision barring two Iranian planes from landing in the Lebanese capital
sparked protests. Israel has repeatedly accused Hezbollah of using Lebanon's
only airport to transfer weapons from Iran and struck the area during its war
with the Tehran-backed militant group which ended late last year. The Iranian
foreign ministry said that "the threat by the Zionist regime to a passenger
plane carrying Lebanese citizens has disrupted normal flights to Beirut
airport".The statement by ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei did not specify the
nature of the threat attributed to Israel, but comes after Israeli military
spokesman Avichay Adraee had warned the army was prepared "to thwart" any
attempts to transfer funds or weapons to Hezbollah. Hezbollah and Lebanese
officials have denied Israel's claims that Beirut's Rafik Hariri International
Airport was used to arm the militant group. Baqaei condemned Israel's "gross and
continuous violations of the principles and rules of international law and
violations of Lebanon's national sovereignty".He also called for the
International Civil Aviation Organization and other world bodies "to stop
Israel's dangerous behavior against the safety and security of civil aviation".
Lebanon's Directorate General of Civil Aviation said on Thursday it had
"temporarily rescheduled" some flights including from Iran until February 18 as
it was implementing "additional security measures". That date coincides with the
deadline for the full implementation of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and
Hezbollah. The Israeli military's Adraee has said that Iran and Hezbollah "have
been exploiting... the Beirut international airport through civilian flights, to
smuggle funds dedicated to arming" the group. Late Thursday, a crowd of Lebanese
supporters of Hezbollah blocked the Beirut airport road and burned tires to
protest the decision to bar the Iranian planes from landing. AFP images showed
young men raising Hezbollah's yellow flag and holding portraits of the group's
former leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike in
September, and of Iran's slain Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani.
After the airport protests, authorities said they were working to bring back
Lebanese passengers stranded in Iran with planes belonging to the Beirut-based
Middle East Airlines. But Saeed Chalandari, CEO of Tehran's Imam Khomeini
Airport said on Friday that Iran had rejected the proposal. "Naturally, we do
not agree to their request, because if there is to be a flight between the two
countries, it must be a two-way flight," Chalandari told Iranian news agency
Tasnim. Iran's ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, said that Tehran could
agree to the Middle East Airlines evacuation flights "on the condition that they
(Lebanese authorities) don't block Iranian flights."
US general sees progress as Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire
deadline approaches
Associated Press/February 14, 2025
The U.S. representative on a committee overseeing the ceasefire agreement that
ended the latest Israel-Hezbollah war said Friday that “significant progress”
had been made ahead of a looming deadline to implement all the terms of the
deal. However, Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers' statement appeared to leave some
ambiguity on whether Israel would withdraw its forces from all of southern
Lebanon by the ceasefire's Feb. 18 deadline, saying only that he was confident
“all population centers in the Southern Litani Area” would be back under
Lebanese control by then. In areas where Israeli forces pull out, the Lebanese
Army and a U.N. peacekeeping force known as UNIFIL are tasked with ensuring
Hezbollah does not reestablish a military presence. The deadline for Israel and
Hezbollah to withdraw was initially set for late January, but Israel and Lebanon
agreed to extend it. Lebanese officials say they won't agree to another
extension and adamantly reject an Israeli proposal to keep Israeli forces in
five border points after leaving other areas. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël
Barrot said Thursday that his country had proposed a beefed-up UNIFIL presence,
including French forces, in place of Israeli troops at those five points. The
monitoring committee also includes France, Lebanon, Israel and UNIFIL.
Israeli security official says army readying to 'withdraw from Lebanon'
Agence France Presse/February 14, 2025
The Israeli military is prepared to withdraw from Lebanese territory and hand
over areas to the Lebanese Army "within the timeline" set by a
U.S.-French-mediated ceasefire agreement, a senior Israeli security official
said. Under the ceasefire that took effect November 27, Lebanon's military was
to deploy in the south alongside United Nations peacekeepers as the Israeli army
withdrew over a 60-day period, later extended until February 18. Hezbollah was
also expected to vacate its positions in the south, near the Israeli border,
during that timeframe. "We are still deployed in accordance with the U.S.
monitored agreement and we are working closely with the U.S. to make sure that
handing over responsibility to the Lebanese Army will happen within the
timeline," the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in accordance with
protocols, said. Speaker Nabih Berri said on Thursday the United States had
informed him that, while Israel would withdraw on February 18, "it will remain
in five locations." Lebanon rejected this, he said in a statement. The Israeli
official did not comment on whether the withdrawal also applied to the five
locations mentioned by Berri. The official, said however that the military
withdrawal was in motion and "the next step of the agreement stipulates that we
will withdraw to Blue Line handing over in orderly fashion to the Lebanese Army
in the area where we pull out from." The Israeli military, however, was
continuing to monitor Hezbollah's movements, he said, adding: "We have seen
several clear incidents where Hezbollah was trying to breach the agreement such
as infiltrating south in civilian clothes, trying to restore or remove munitions
and also smuggling arms in the Bekaa valley." The U.N. as well as Hezbollah have
also accused Israel of committing violations during the ceasefire. Hezbollah and
Israel clashed for more than a year, including in two months of all-out war,
before the November 27 agreement came into effect. The Iran-backed Lebanese
armed group said its hostilities with Israel were in solidarity with Palestinian
militant group Hamas in Gaza, where Israel fought a deadly war for more than a
year before international mediators brokered a fragile truce in January.
The Lebanese Information Center Condemns Attack on
UNIFIL Convoy
Washington/February 14, 2025
The Lebanese Information Center (LIC) strongly condemns the heinous attack on a
UNIFIL convoy earlier today, February 14, 2025, which resulted in the violent
destruction of a vehicle and the injury of UNIFIL’s outgoing Deputy Force
Commander as he was returning home after completing his mission. This blatant
violation of international law is an affront to the peacekeeping efforts that
have been essential in maintaining security and stability in South Lebanon
during this critical time.
We extend our profound gratitude to the UN peacekeepers for their unwavering
sacrifices and commitment to peace in South Lebanon, despite the persistent
dangers they face. Their service remains a cornerstone of stability in Lebanon
and the broader region, and such violent acts must not be allowed to undermine
their vital mission.
We urge the Lebanese government to take immediate and decisive action to secure
the airport road and other critical infrastructures, ensuring the safety of
civilians, visitors, and peacekeeping forces. The failure to secure these
strategic areas puts lives at risk and threatens Lebanon’s ability to restore
order under the new administration of President Joseph Aoun.
Furthermore, we reiterate our call for the full disarmament of all armed groups
operating outside the authority of the Lebanese state, primarily Hezbollah,
whose continued military activities pose the greatest threat to Lebanon’s
sovereignty and stability. The proliferation of illegal weapons endangers the
Lebanese people and erodes national sovereignty. It is imperative that Lebanese
authorities take decisive measures to restore security and reassert state
control.
We also call for a full and immediate investigation into this reprehensible
attack, with those responsible swiftly brought to justice. Attacks on
peacekeepers are not only an assault on international forces but a direct
challenge to the rule of law and the global order we all strive to uphold.
Hariri hints at return to
politics, urges Shiite Duo not to be 'obstruction force'
Naharnet/February 14, 2025
In a speech to a crowd of supporters at his father's tomb on Friday, ex-PM Saad
Hariri stopped short of announcing a return to politics, but did say his al-Mustaqbal
Movement would "stay with you and be your voice in all national milestones and
in all upcoming events." “The same as I bow to all martyrs from our people in
the South, the Bekaa, Beirut, Dahieh and all regions, I pride myself in the
solidarity that you showed during the (latest Israeli) war (on Lebanon), when
you opened your homes to the aggrieved and welcomed the displaced, proving
through action and not words that Lebanon is unified and that the Lebanese are
one body,” Hariri added, in a speech marking the 20th anniversary of Rafik
Hariri’s assassination. Hariri added that the election of a new president and
the formation of a new government represent a “golden chance” for Lebanon. “To
our people in the South, the Bekaa and Dahieh I say: you are partners in this
chance, and without you it cannot be fulfilled. But you must break any past
impression that you are a force of obstruction and arms,” Hariri said,
apparently addressing the Shiite Duo -- Hezbollah and the Amal Movement. He
added: “We will support the presidential tenure, the government and every effort
aimed at building a normal state and normal relations with our Arab family and
the international community.”
Hariri returns to politics,
backs PM Salam, calls for unity
NAJIA HOUSSARI/Arab News/February 14, 2025
BEIRUT: Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced on Friday, the 20th
anniversary of the assassination of his father Rafic Hariri, also a former PM,
the “return of the Future Movement to political activity in all upcoming
milestones and events.”
This comes after a three-year suspension of his political engagement and that of
his party.Hariri affirmed that the party, founded by his late father, “will
continue, rooted in adherence to the Taif Constitution, state-building,
reconstruction, and institutional development. We ask for nothing but a normal
state where no weapons exist outside the authority of the state.”Speaking before
crowds that had gathered since the morning from Beirut, Bekaa, and the north,
waving Lebanese flags in Martyrs’ Square in downtown Beirut and chanting his
name, Hariri stated: “The supporters of Rafic Hariri remain here, and your
voices will be heard in every upcoming national milestone. Everything comes in
its own time.”In what politicians have described as a “responsible,
non-provocative, and unifying speech,” Hariri emphasized: “We now have a
president, a government, and new hope, which was expressed in the inaugural
speech and the statement of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. This is a golden
opportunity, and our decision is to support it and reject any attempt to
circumvent it.”Addressing the residents of the south, Bekaa, and Beirut’s
southern suburbs — who suffered the brunt of the Israeli war against Hezbollah —
Hariri said: “You are partners in this opportunity, and without you, it cannot
be realized. You must break the previous impression that you are a force of
obstruction, domination, and arms. You are partners in building bridges with
Arab brothers and in reconstruction. You are key partners in restoring the
legitimacy of the state, which alone — through its army, security forces, and
institutions — can protect all Lebanese citizens.”Hariri added: “Demanding a
normal state means a state where weapons are exclusively in the hands of the
national army and legitimate security forces, where the economy is free,
productive, and provides jobs and a dignified life for all Lebanese. It means a
state where the judiciary is independent, laws are upheld, freedoms are
protected, and justice is served for the martyrs, the wounded, and those
affected by the Beirut port explosion.”
He praised citizens who opened their homes to those forced to flee their
communities.
“From the south to the Bekaa, from Beirut to its southern suburbs, we honor all
those we have lost. The same unity that carried us through conflict must now
heal the unified Lebanese body and drive our reconstruction,” he said, calling
for a coordinated effort to rebuild affected areas. “We fully back the
presidency and government in their efforts to build a functioning state,” Hariri
said, emphasizing the importance of restoring Lebanon’s regional role and
maintaining healthy relationships with both Arab nations and the international
community. Hariri expressed strong support for state institutions and the
Lebanese army, particularly in their efforts to implement UN Resolution 1701 and
ensure complete Israeli withdrawal from occupied villages. “Twenty years ago,
you demanded justice and, through your determination, removed Bashar Assad’s
criminal regime from Lebanon. Now after 20 years, and before that, 30 years of
sectarian rule, suffering, injustice, murder, imprisonment, torture, and
brutality, the heroic Syrian people have risen and expelled this criminal from
Syria. Perhaps this marks not just the beginning of justice, but its ultimate
triumph.”Hariri stressed: “We stand firmly with the Syrian people’s aspirations
and their right to self-determination. Our vision is clear: a stable, rebuilt
Syria engaging with Lebanon as an equal partner, where both nations’ sovereignty
and independence are fully respected.”Addressing regional issues, Hariri
reaffirmed his commitment to Palestinian rights and the two-state solution. He
criticized Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s approach saying that “the problem
with Netanyahu is his evasion of responsibility and peace in favor of war.”He
warned against attempts to resolve the conflict at the expense of neighboring
Arab states including Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
President Joseph Aoun paid tribute to Rafic Hariri, calling him “a statesman par
excellence.” He highlighted that “his political stance played a crucial role in
strengthening national unity, safeguarding civil peace, and implementing the
National Reconciliation Document endorsed by the Taif Conference.”
The ceremony, held near Hariri’s tomb, drew tens of thousands of Lebanese,
including supporters of the Future Movement. The event coincided with Israeli
warplanes flying over Beirut and its southern suburbs. Meanwhile, the Lebanese
and Iranian foreign ministries worked to facilitate the return of Lebanese
passengers from Tehran after Lebanese authorities denied a plane from the
Iranian capital permission to land at Beirut airport under Israeli pressure.
Youssef Rajji, Lebanon’s foreign minister, said on Friday that “the Lebanese and
Iranian ministries are in communication through the Lebanese ambassador in
Tehran to ensure the return of the Lebanese citizens to Beirut.”
On the same day, all roads leading to Beirut airport were reopened following the
army’s intervention, ending hours of protests on Thursday night. Hundreds of
Hezbollah supporters had taken to the streets, setting tires ablaze in protest
and accusing “the Lebanese state of yielding to Israeli and American demands.”
Avichai Adraee, spokesperson for the Israeli army, posted a claim alleging that
“the Quds Force and Hezbollah are using Beirut airport to smuggle funds intended
for arming Hezbollah on civilian planes.”Following a directive from the Ministry
of Transport and Public Works, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation at
Beirut airport informed Tehran airport that it would temporarily refrain from
receiving the Iranian aircraft. In a statement, the directorate explained that
additional security measures would be implemented to ensure the safety of Beirut
airport, Lebanese airspace, and passengers, in coordination with airport
security authorities. These measures align with international aviation
standards, but their full implementation would require additional time for
certain airlines to comply. Consequently, flight schedules — including those
from Iran — have been temporarily adjusted until Feb. 18. A political source
linked the incident to intelligence suggesting that the plane was carrying funds
for Hezbollah, raising security concerns. Given the airport’s heightened
surveillance, authorities have taken precautionary measures to mitigate any
potential risks. Hezbollah, through its deputy Ibrahim Al-Moussawi, accused
Israel of repeatedly violating Lebanese sovereignty with US complicity. He urged
the state to stand firm against Israeli threats, regardless of the
circumstances. On Jan. 3, an Iranian plane was searched after an Iranian
diplomat on board refused to comply with security procedures. However, the
Iranian Embassy later clarified that the funds in the diplomat’s possession were
intended for the embassy’s operational expenses.
Lebanon marks 20th anniversary of Rafik Hariri's
assassination amid political shifts
Sally Abou Aljoud/BEIRUT (AP) /February 14, 2025
Thousands of supporters gathered in downtown Beirut on Friday to mark the 20th
anniversary of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri’s assassination,
which comes amid seismic regional political shifts. The ousting of Bashar Assad
in December after 54 years of family rule in Syria marked the fall of a
government long accused of orchestrating Hariri’s assassination and other
political killings in Lebanon. Meanwhile, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah
— whose members were convicted by a U.N.-backed tribunal for their role in
Hariri’s murder — now faces its own turning point following the assassination of
its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in an Israeli airstrike in September. Nasrallah’s
funeral is set for February 23. “This is the beginning of justice. If the
justice of the earth did not serve us, no one escapes the justice of heaven,"
said Hariri’s son, former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, as he addressed a
huge crowd in the capital Beirut. "After 20 years, Rafik Hariri’s project is
continuing, and those who tried to kill the project, look where they are now,"
Saad added. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, appointed in early February, visited
Hariri’s burial site Friday. “Today, we remember the legacy of the great martyr
in serving Lebanon, preserving its national unity, and working for its
prosperity,” Salam wrote on X. “He was greatly respected in the Arab world and
the world, leaving Lebanon with a remarkable moral and political legacy.”
Lebanon’s president Joseph Aoun also paid tribute to Hariri, saying on X that
Hariri's "national stances were a fundamental building block in strengthening
national unity and protecting civil peace.”Hariri was killed on Feb. 14, 2005,
when a massive bomb exploded near the St. Georges Hotel, a historic landmark on
Beirut’s waterfront. The blast killed 21 other people and injured over 200. In
2020, a U.N.-backed tribunal convicted one member of the Hezbollah militant
group and acquitted three others of involvement in the assassination. The
Special Tribunal for Lebanon said Salim Ayyash was guilty as a co-conspirator of
five charges linked to his involvement in the suicide truck bombing. None of the
suspects was ever arrested or attended court to hear the verdicts. The
assassination of Hariri ignited the “Cedar Revolution,” leading to massive
protests against Syria’s nearly three-decade military presence in Lebanon,
ultimately culminating in the withdrawal of Syrian troops in 2005. The
assassination also intensified sectarian divisions within Lebanon and bolstered
the political influence of Assad's ally, Hezbollah.
Hopes that Lebanon ‘would unite’
Buses from across Lebanon arrived early, bringing supporters to downtown Beirut
to commemorate the anniversary. Thousands of people filled the streets and waved
Lebanese flags and the blue flag of Hariri's Future Movement to songs honoring
Hariri's memory. “After the Syrian and Iranian guardianship ended and the
ousting of the Syrian regime, the Lebanese state alone rules us,” Mohammad
Kanaan told The Associated Press. “In this square, you expelled Bashar Assad
from Lebanon,” Saad said during his speech. “And after twenty years of sectarian
rule, detention and brutality, the heroic Syrian people rose up and expelled the
criminal from Syria.”Another supporter, Ahmad Serhal, said he hoped that
“Lebanon would unite” after the departure of Assad. “All the political shifts
are for the good of this country. Lebanon is for all the Lebanese, we need to
reach an agreement and unite.” “God took revenge upon those who assassinated
president Rafik — from ousting Assad, from ousting the system that is allied
with Iran,” Ahmad Trab said. “We hope for a better future now with Syria.”
Israeli withdrawal deadline looms
The anniversary of Hariri’s death comes just four days before the deadline for
Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon under a ceasefire agreement
that ended a 14-month war with Hezbollah in late November. The ceasefire deal
also stipulates that Hezbollah must end its military presence south of the
Litani River, with the Lebanese Army and UN peacekeepers deploying in the
vacated areas. The pullout deadline, initially set for Jan. 26, was postponed to
Feb. 18. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said Lebanon “absolutely rejects” an
Israeli proposal to keep troops in five strategic border points after the
withdrawal. “It is the responsibility of the Americans to impose (the
withdrawal), otherwise they will have caused the biggest setback for the
government,” he said. Aoun has also insisted that Israel must adhere to the
agreed-upon timeline. During his speech, Saad also emphasized the need for the
Israeli army's withdrawal from Lebanon. Saad addressed the people of southern
and eastern Lebanon, regions largely supporters of and influenced by Hezbollah,
urging them to seize Lebanon’s golden opportunity while dispelling any
perception of being “a force of obstruction.”
Renewed Arab engagement
On Feb. 8, Lebanon formed a new government led by Salam, the first fully
empowered administration since 2022. Salam, a former president of the
International Court of Justice, was appointed following the election of Aoun in
January. The 24-member cabinet includes a mix of technocrats and political
figures, representing various sects, including Hezbollah’s allies. Although
Hezbollah did not formally endorse Salam’s appointment, the group negotiated
during the government formation process. The United States has expressed support
for the new government, emphasizing the importance of stability and reforms,
though opposing Hezbollah’s direct participation in the cabinet. Salam's
government now faces Lebanon’s longstanding economic crisis and an urgent need
to implement key financial reforms. The political shift has reopened the door
for renewed Arab engagement, particularly from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which
had previously distanced themselves from Lebanon due to the growing influence of
Iran and its ally, Hezbollah. These countries, which had strong ties with
Lebanon under Hariri, are now reassessing their approach, with hopes of
reintegrating Lebanon into the Arab fold.
*Sally Abou Aljoud, The Associated Press
Aoun, Salam commemorate Rafik Hariri as thousands rally
in central Beirut
Associated Press/February 14, 2025
Thousands of supporters gathered in downtown Beirut Friday to commemorate the
20th anniversary of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's assassination, which
comes amid seismic regional political shifts. The ousting of Bashar Assad in
December after 54 years of family rule in Syria marked the fall of a government
long accused of orchestrating Hariri's assassination and other political
killings in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah — of which some members were convicted
by a U.N.-backed tribunal for their role in Hariri's murder — now faces its own
turning point following the assassination of its leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah,
in an Israeli airstrike in September. Nasrallah's funeral is set for February
23.
"This is the beginning of justice. If the justice of the earth did not serve us,
no one escapes the justice of heaven," said Hariri's son, former Prime Minister
Saad Hariri, as he addressed a huge crowd in the capital Beirut.
"After 20 years, Rafik Hariri's project is continuing, and those who tried to
kill the project, look where they are now," Saad added. Prime Minister Nawaf
Salam, appointed in early February, visited Hariri's burial site earlier Friday.
"Today, we remember the legacy of the great martyr in serving Lebanon,
preserving its national unity, and working for its prosperity," Salam wrote on
X. "He was greatly respected in the Arab world and the world, leaving Lebanon
with a remarkable moral and political legacy." President Joseph Aoun also paid
tribute to Hariri, saying on X that Hariri's "national stances were a
fundamental building block in strengthening national unity and protecting civil
peace."Hariri was killed on Feb. 14, 2005, when a massive bomb exploded near the
St. Georges Hotel, a historic landmark on Beirut's waterfront. The blast killed
21 other people and injured over 200. In 2020, a U.N.-backed tribunal convicted
one member of Hezbollah and acquitted three others of involvement in the
assassination. The Special Tribunal for Lebanon said Salim Ayyash was guilty as
a co-conspirator of five charges linked to his involvement in the suicide truck
bombing. None of the suspects was ever arrested or attended court to hear the
verdicts. The assassination of Hariri ignited the "Cedar Revolution," leading to
massive protests against Syria's nearly three-decade military presence in
Lebanon, ultimately culminating in the withdrawal of Syrian troops in 2005. The
assassination also intensified sectarian divisions within Lebanon and bolstered
the political influence of Assad's ally, Hezbollah.
- Hopes that Lebanon 'would unite' -
Buses from across Lebanon arrived early, bringing supporters to downtown Beirut
to commemorate the anniversary. Thousands of people filled the streets and waved
Lebanese flags and the blue flag of Hariri's al-Mustaqbal Movement to songs
honoring Hariri's memory. "After the Syrian and Iranian guardianship ended and
the ousting of the Syrian regime, the Lebanese state alone rules us," Mohammad
Kanaan told The Associated Press. "In this square, you expelled Bashar Assad
from Lebanon," Saad said during his speech. "And after twenty years of sectarian
rule, detention and brutality, the heroic Syrian people rose up and expelled the
criminal from Syria."Another supporter, Ahmad Serhal, said he hoped that
"Lebanon would unite" after the departure of Assad. "All the political shifts
are for the good of this country. Lebanon is for all the Lebanese, we need to
reach an agreement and unite."
"God took revenge upon those who assassinated president Rafik — from ousting
Assad, from ousting the system that is allied with Iran," Ahmad Trab said. "We
hope for a better future now with Syria."
Israeli withdrawal deadline looms -
The anniversary of Hariri's death comes just four days before the deadline for
Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon under a ceasefire agreement
that ended a 14-month war with Hezbollah in late November. The ceasefire deal
also stipulates that Hezbollah must end its military presence south of the
Litani River, with the Lebanese Army and U.N. peacekeepers deploying in the
vacated areas. The pullout deadline, initially set for Jan. 26, was postponed to
Feb. 18. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said Lebanon "absolutely rejects" an
Israeli proposal to keep troops in five strategic border points after the
withdrawal. "It is the responsibility of the Americans to impose (the
withdrawal), otherwise they will have caused the biggest setback for the
government," he said. Aoun has also insisted that Israel must adhere to the
agreed-upon timeline. During his speech, Saad also emphasized the need for the
Israeli army's withdrawal from Lebanon. Saad addressed the people of southern
and eastern Lebanon, regions largely supporters of and influenced by Hezbollah,
urging them to seize Lebanon's golden opportunity while dispelling any
perception of being "a force of obstruction."
Renewed Arab engagement -
On Feb. 8, Lebanon formed a new government led by Salam, the first fully
empowered administration since 2022. Salam, a former president of the
International Court of Justice, was appointed following the election of Aoun in
January. The 24-member cabinet includes a mix of technocrats and political
figures, representing various sects, including Hezbollah's allies. Although
Hezbollah did not formally endorse Salam's appointment, the group negotiated
during the government formation process. The United States has expressed support
for the new government, emphasizing the importance of stability and reforms,
though opposing Hezbollah's direct participation in the cabinet. Salam's
government now faces Lebanon's longstanding economic crisis and an urgent need
to implement key financial reforms. The political shift has reopened the door
for renewed Arab engagement, particularly from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which
had previously distanced themselves from Lebanon due to the growing influence of
Iran and its ally, Hezbollah. These countries, which had strong ties with
Lebanon under Hariri, are now reassessing their approach, with hopes of
reintegrating Lebanon into the Arab fold.
Top commander with UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon is
injured by protesters
AP/February 14, 2025
BEIRUT: The outgoing deputy commander of the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon
was injured Friday when protesters attacked a convoy taking peacekeepers to the
Beirut airport, the force known as UNIFIL said in a statement. “We are shocked
by this outrageous attack on peacekeepers who have been serving to restore
security and stability to south Lebanon during a difficult time,” it said. The
Lebanese army intervened to disperse the protesters. The army said in a
statement that acting commander Maj. Gen. Hassan Odeh had contacted UNIFIL and
promised to “work to arrest the citizens who attacked its members and bring them
to justice.”Demonstrators have been blocking the road to the airport and other
roads in the capital to protest a decision by Lebanese authorities to revoke
permission for a passenger plane from Iran to fly to Beirut on Thursday, leaving
dozens of Lebanese passengers stranded. The decision to ban the Iranian plane
came after the Israeli army issued a statement claiming that Iran was smuggling
cash to the militant group Hezbollah via civilian flights. Lebanon’s civil
aviation agency said Thursday that “additional security measures” meant some
flights were temporarily rescheduled until Feb. 18 — the same day as a deadline
for Israel and Hezbollah to fully implement their ceasefire agreement, including
a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
Israeli airstrikes target alleged Hezbollah sites in the
South
Agence France Presse/February 14, 2025
Israeli fighter jets overnight hit what the Israeli army said were Hezbollah
military sites "containing weapons and launchers, which pose a direct threat to
the Israeli home front."Lebanese media reported that Israeli aircraft had
targeted sites near the town of Yater. Warplanes were also seen flying over
southern Lebanese villages and towns.
UN chief urges Israel and Lebanon to honor their commitments
Agence France Presse/February 14, 2025
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said "we
continue to urge Israel and Lebanon to honor their commitments to the cessation
of hostilities understanding.""Continued progress in Lebanese Armed Forces
redeployment and Israeli Defense Force withdrawal is crucial," Haq said, adding
that "the parties must avoid any action that could raise tensions, endanger
civilians and further delay their return to their towns and villages on both
sides." Haq added that the "U.N. continues to urge the full implementation of
Resolution 1701 as a comprehensive path towards longer term peace, security and
stability on both sides of the Blue Line." He was referring to the U.N. Security
Council decision that ended a 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. Under
Resolution 1701, only the Lebanese army and U.N. peacekeepers can be deployed in
southern Lebanon.
Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon would benefit all parties
Dr. Dania Koleilat Khatib/Arab News/February 14, 2025
Following the ceasefire agreement that was sealed on Nov. 27 last year, Israel
was supposed to withdraw from Lebanese territory by Jan. 26. The deadline was
last month extended to Feb. 18. However, as we approach that date, Israel is
showing no signs that it will withdraw in time. Its withdrawal is necessary for
Lebanon to have any kind of stability or state-building. Israel has been
successful in decapitating Hezbollah’s leadership. It used advanced technology
to assassinate the group’s field leaders. Later, it conducted the attack on
Hezbollah pagers, in which more than 3,500 top operatives were simultaneously
either killed or maimed. Israel followed this attack with an intensive bombing
campaign, in which it killed all commanders of the group, starting with
Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. According to the ceasefire agreement,
Hezbollah needs to withdraw north of the Litani River. The deal also includes
the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1559, which orders all
Lebanese militias to disarm. Meanwhile, Israel was supposed to withdraw by the
end of an initial 60-day period. However, it did not. The excuse that Israel
presented was that it needs to clear the south of the country of all arms depots
and pockets of resistance. This is why it keeps bombing parts of the south and
the Bekaa Valley every now and then. What is obvious is that Israel and the new
US administration do not believe in soft power or the ideas of nuance and
narrative. They only believe in hard power. They believe that the only way to
get rid of Hezbollah is to kill all its operatives and dry up all its sources of
funding. What they do not realize is that by adopting this method they are
undermining the Lebanese state.
Hezbollah’s military muscle can be weakened, but the idea of Hezbollah cannot be
eradicated as long as there is any form of Israeli occupation or breach of
Lebanese sovereignty. Hezbollah’s argument, on which it bases the legitimacy for
its existence, is that the Lebanese army cannot protect Lebanon from Israeli
aggression. Hence, a guerrilla force is needed. If Israel wanted to act
intelligently, it would withdraw before the next deadline and allow the Lebanese
state to take the credit. This way, Beirut could show the Lebanese people,
including Hezbollah, that the Lebanese state can repel the Israelis and protect
the country from its aggression by using diplomacy. However, the Israeli
leaders’ arrogance, coupled with American permissiveness, is undermining the
Lebanese state.
Though Hezbollah is weakened militarily, its narrative is being strengthened at
the expense of the Lebanese state’s prestige. When the 60-day period finished,
the people of the south rushed back to their homes. Israel shot 22 people dead.
This was a blow to the Lebanese state. It showed that the state was unable to
protect its own people. Hezbollah will not be weakened as long as its audience
feel that they need protection. Israel might kill the commander and disrupt the
chain of command. However, it will only be a matter of time before the group
restores its chain of command and grooms new leaders.
The US, which brokered the ceasefire, should show respect and empower the
Lebanese state in order for the Lebanese people to trust it. If the average
Lebanese, especially in the south, does not feel that the state can protect them
from Israeli aggression, they will revert to Hezbollah for protection. They will
send their children to be enlisted in the group. They will contribute from their
hard-earned money to finance the group.
However, this is not how the US has acted. During her visit to Lebanon last
week, Deputy Special Middle East Envoy Morgan Ortagus thanked Israel for
defeating Hezbollah. Israel had just destroyed half of the country and the US
envoy, speaking at the presidential palace, thanked it. This announcement
undermined the Lebanese state and exacerbated the country’s internal divisions.
It also reinforced the perception among Lebanese Shiites that the state cannot
protect them. The Shiites feel alienated and hurt and Hezbollah is taking
advantage of that.
At the same time, the camp that is antagonistic to Hezbollah feels empowered.
Progress MP Mark Daou said that the speaker of the parliament, who is an ally of
Hezbollah, should walk the line, otherwise he should be wary of a woman’s shoe
(referring to Ortagus) or to a boot (probably referring to a military boot). The
supporters of Hezbollah and Amal were deeply offended by his disrespectful
comments toward their leadership. They accused him of being an agent for the
Israelis.
The US, which brokered the ceasefire, should show respect and empower the
Lebanese state in order for the Lebanese people to trust it
This is a watershed moment for the Lebanese — a moment where the people should
rally around the state and focus on institution-building and the conducting of
reforms. However, the Israeli presence is creating a point of contention between
the Lebanese who are happy that Hezbollah has been defeated and the supporters
of the group, who feel alienated by the rest of Lebanese society. It is also a
distraction from state-building and a gift for corrupt politicians to derail the
progress toward reforms. The US, which has the upper hand, should have a
strategic view. It should pressure Israel to withdraw, while getting enough
guarantees from the Lebanese state that it will pressure Hezbollah to disarm and
to morph into a political party on a par with the other parties in the country.
However, the US seems to prefer hard power and a blunt approach. This approach
entails the risk of internal unrest.
The US should realize that the only viable alternative to Hezbollah is a strong
Lebanese state that can deliver security and services to its citizens. This
cannot happen as long as Israel occupies parts of Lebanon and infringes on its
security. The US should pressure Israel to withdraw by the deadline of Feb. 18.
• Dr. Dania Koleilat Khatib is a specialist in US-Arab relations with a focus on
lobbying. She is co-founder of the Research Center for Cooperation and Peace
Building, a Lebanese nongovernmental organization focused on Track II.
Drugs, weapons in Syria borderland where Hezbollah held
sway
Agence France Presse/February 14, 2025
In a desolate area of Syria where Lebanese militant group Hezbollah once held
sway, security forces shot open the gates to an abandoned building and found a
defunct drug factory. Syria's new authorities launched a security campaign last
week around Qusayr at the porous Lebanese border, cracking down on drug and
weapons smugglers. They have also accused Lebanon's Hezbollah, which for years
propped up Bashar al-Assad, of firing at them in clashes in the weeks since his
ouster. "We've begun to comb factories used by Hezbollah and remnants of the
defunct regime," said Major Nadim Madkhana, who heads Syria's border security
force in Homs province near Lebanon. Before Syria's war erupted in 2011, Syrians
and Lebanese lived side by side in the border area -- a mostly tribal region
long renowned for smuggling. In April 2013, Hezbollah announced it was fighting
alongside Assad's forces and leading battles in the Qusayr area, a rebel
stronghold at the time. After weeks of battles that displaced thousands of
Syrians, Hezbollah seized control of the area, establishing bases and weapons
depots and digging tunnels -- which Israel repeatedly targeted in subsequent
years. Hezbollah's support for Assad was as much an act of loyalty for its
fellow member of the "axis of resistance" as it was a necessity for its own
survival, with Syria acting as its weapons conduit from Iran. "Under the defunct
regime, this area was an economic lifeline for Hezbollah and drug and arms
traders traffickers," Madkhana said.
In the building raided by Syrian border security, AFP correspondents saw large
bags of captagon pills -- a potent synthetic drug mass-produced under Assad that
sparked an addiction crisis in the region. Both the sanctions-hit ousted
government and Hezbollah, which is proscribed as a "terrorist organization,"
have faced accusations of using the captagon trade to finance themselves. In the
months leading up to Assad's December 8 ouster, Hezbollah pulled many of its
militants back to Lebanon to fight an all-out war with Israel. But it was only
after his overthrow that it rushed the majority of its forces and allies out of
the country. Attesting to the speed of the pullout, plates of food were left to
rot in the kitchen of one facility.
Drug traffickers -
Snow-speckled dirt tracks leading to the facilities still bear marks left by
barricades that smugglers had set up "to delay our advance," Madkhana said. In
recent days, Syrian forces have clashed with "Hezbollah loyalists and regime
remnants" in the area, some of them armed with rocket launchers, he added.
Charred vehicles lay by the side of the road, near damaged luxury villas built
by drug traffickers, residents told AFP. Hezbollah provided cover for Lebanese
and Syrian smugglers operating at the border, according to residents of the
area. After more than five decades of rule by the Assads, the rebels that once
fought his army are now running the country, and that has had a knock-on effect
on neighboring Lebanon. Earlier this week, Madkhana told AFP Syrian forces had
started coordinating with the Lebanese Army at the border. Last week, the
Lebanese Army said it was responding to incoming fire from across the Syrian
border. Syria shares a 330-kilometer (205-mile) border with Lebanon, with no
official demarcation, making it ideal turf for smugglers.
'Banned from returning' -
Since Assad's ouster, Syrians displaced during the war have started returning
home to Qusayr. After spending almost half of his life as a refugee in northern
Lebanon, Hassan Amer, 21, was thrilled to return. "I was young when I left, I
don't know much about Qusayr," he said, painting the walls of his house with
help from neighbors and families. "We returned the day after the regime fell,"
he said, beaming with pride. Hezbollah "took over Qusayr and made it theirs
while its people were banned from returning," he said, adding that schools and
public institutions had been turned into bases.In 2019, Hezbollah said residents
of Qusayr could return home, citing a decision by Assad's government. Mohammed
Nasser, 22, and his mother were among the lucky ones allowed back in 2021. "My
elderly grandfather was alone here... and I was under 18," he said, meaning he
was not yet due for conscription. His father stayed in Lebanon, fearing arrest.
For years, Nasser's family and a couple of others were the only Syrians living
in the area, he said, while Lebanese "loyal to Hezbollah lived in the
less-damaged houses."Nasser's 84-year-old grandfather, also named Mohammed,
recalled the day Assad and his family fled. "On liberation day, they fled... and
the town's people came back at night, before sunrise, to the sound of the call
to prayer," he said.
The Latest English LCCC
Miscellaneous Reports And News published
on February 14-15/2025
Iran bars Lebanese planes from taking stranded citizens home after
Israeli 'threat'
Reuters/February 14, 2025
Iran barred Lebanese planes from repatriating dozens of Lebanese nationals
stranded in Iran on Friday, in a standoff after Lebanon blocked an Iranian
civilian flight following what Tehran described as an Israeli threat to attack
it. Lebanon halted an Iranian flight to Beirut this week after the Israeli
military accused Tehran of using civilian aircraft to smuggle cash to Beirut to
arm Hezbollah. Iran said it would not allow Lebanese flights to land until its
own flights were cleared to land in Beirut. The standoff has left dozens of
Lebanese citizens stranded in Iran for three days after attending a religious
pilgrimage. They had been due to return to Beirut on Iran's Mahan Air before
Lebanon barred the plane from landing. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson
Esmaeil Baghaei said on Friday that Israel had threatened a passenger plane
carrying Lebanese citizens from Tehran, "which caused a disruption in the
country's normal flights to Beirut airport". He condemned the alleged Israeli
threat as a violation of international law. In a post on X, Israel's military
spokesman Avichay Adraee said Iran's elite Quds Force and Hezbollah had used
civilian flights to smuggle funds to Beirut. Israel's military would "not allow
Hezbollah to arm itself and will use all means at its disposal" to enforce a
truce that requires Lebanon to halt arms transfers to Hezbollah, Adraee said.
After blocking the Iranian flight, Lebanon dispatched two planes on Friday from
its own national airliner Middle East Airlines to bring the stranded Lebanese
home from Iran, but Iran refused to allow the Lebanese aircraft to land on its
territory. Iran's ambassador to Beirut, Mojtaba Amani, told Iran's state
television on Friday that Iran would allow the planes to land only if Iranian
flights were allowed to travel to Beirut. "For sure the Lebanese government's
request will be accepted, but on condition that they do not impede Iranian
flights," he said. Lebanon's Foreign Minister Joe Raggi told Lebanese
broadcaster Al-Jadeed on Friday that his ministry was working to resolve the
issue with its Iranian counterpart. Hezbollah parliamentarian Ibrahim al-Moussawi
on Thursday called on Lebanon's government to "take the necessary measures to
guarantee Lebanon's sovereignty over all its public facilities, most importantly
the airport". Dozens of Hezbollah supporters cut off roads around Beirut's
airport late on Thursday in protest. In September, Lebanon's transport ministry
ordered an Iranian aircraft not to enter its airspace after Israel warned air
traffic control at Beirut airport that it would use "force" if the plane landed.
Iran is rearming its
missile program and a ship of supplies just arrived from China, Western sources
say
Saskya Vandoorne, Gianluca Mezzofiore, Simone McCarthy and Yong Xiong, CNN
February 14/ 2025
The first of two vessels carrying 1,000 tons of a Chinese-made chemical that
could be a key component in fuel for Iran’s military missile program has
anchored outside the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas on Thursday, ship tracking
data shows. It could be a signal that Iran’s missile production is back to
business as usual after the devastating, and embarrassing, attacks by Israel on
key factories last year. The ship, Golbon, left the Chinese port of Taicang
three weeks ago loaded with most of a 1,000-ton shipment of sodium perchlorate,
the main precursor in the production of the solid propellant that powers Iran’s
mid-range conventional missiles, according to two European intelligence sources.
The sodium perchlorate could allow for the production of sufficient propellant
for some 260 solid rocket motors for Iran’s Kheibar Shekan missiles or 200 of
the Haj Qasem ballistic missiles, according to the intelligence sources. The
shipment comes as Iran has suffered a series of regional setbacks with the
collective defeat suffered by its allies: the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria
and Hezbollah’s losses in Lebanon. Following Israel’s strike on Iran’s missile
production facilities in October, some Western experts believed it could take at
least a year before Iran could resume solid-propellant production. This delivery
points to Iran being not far from – or that they could already be back to – the
production of its missiles. The shipment was purchased on behalf of the
Procurement Department of the Self Sufficiency Jihad Organization (SSJO), part
of the Iranian body responsible for the development of Iran’s ballistic
missiles, according to the sources. The second ship, Jairan, has yet to be
loaded and leave China, with both vessels operated by the Islamic Republic of
Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) company, the sources told CNN. The Jairan is due to
ferry the remainder of the 1,000 tons to Iran. The Golbon left the Taicang port
for Iran on January 21. CNN has reached out to IRISL for comment. The sources
could not say if the Chinese government knew of the shipments prior to media
reporting about their movement late January. The delivery of sodium perchlorate
in itself is not illegal, nor does it breach Western sanctions. In a response to
a request for comment from CNN, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was
“not aware of the specifics of the case” mentioned and reiterated that it
opposed “illegal unilateral sanctions” and “arbitrary smearing and accusations
that lack evidence.”“China has consistently abided by export controls on
dual-use items in accordance with its international obligations and domestic
laws and regulations,” the statement said, adding that “sodium perchlorate is
not a controlled item by China, and its export would be considered normal
trade.”
Sanctions backdoor
The United States and United Kingdom have levied sanctions against the Islamic
Republic of Iran Shipping Lines company, with the State Department saying the
firm is the “preferred shipping line for Iranian proliferators and procurement
agents.”
The UK treasury said the company was “involved in hostile activity” by Iran and
highlighted its links to the Iranian defense sector. Both the Golbon and Jairan
are under US sanctions. Meanwhile, China has remained a diplomatic and economic
ally for sanctions-hit Iran, decrying “unilateral” US sanctions against the
country and welcoming Tehran into Beijing- and Moscow-led international blocs
like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS. China also remains by far
Iran’s largest energy buyer, though it has not reported purchases of Iranian oil
in its official customs data since 2022, according to analysts. Despite China’s
historic ties to Iran’s defense sector, observers say Beijing has scaled back
security ties over the past decade as it seeks to bolster relations with Saudi
Arabia and other Gulf states. The US has in recent years, however, sanctioned a
number of Chinese entities for alleged roles supporting Iranian military drone
production. Recent joint naval drills between China, Iran and Russia have also
signaled a potential deepening of government-to-government strategic ties.
A key ingredient
While Iran would need solid propellant for a range of missiles, including
smaller air defense weapons, the lion’s share of such deliveries would likely be
headed towards Iran’s ballistic missile program, Fabian Hinz, research fellow at
the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told CNN.
Although sodium perchlorate trade is not restricted by Western sanctions, it can
be chemically transformed into ammonium perchlorate - a fuel and oxidizer which
is a controlled product. “Ammonium perchlorate is the material that was used in
the solid rocket propellants of the Space Shuttle,” Andrea Sella, professor of
inorganic chemistry at University College London, told CNN. “There really aren’t
very many alternative things” that the chemical in the Chinese deliveries can be
used for, aside from for rocket propellants, fireworks and fuel, he said,
adding: “Perchlorates have a fairly narrow range of uses.”
Increasing controls on perchlorates in the West have seen China become a major
alternative supplier of such chemicals, he said. China has long been “a primary
source of sodium perchlorate for Iran’s missile programs, dating at least to the
mid-2000s,” Jeffrey Lewis, director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program at
the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, told CNN.“This is just the
latest shipment in a decades-old pattern,” Lewis added.
Supply troubles
Defense analyst Hinz said that while Iran has previously boasted of its ability
to produce ammonium perchlorate itself, this delivery hints at supply chain
bottlenecks as domestic precursor supply has been unable to meet missile
production needs. It’s a problem even countries like the US can face, he added.
Hinz said that Iran’s solid propellant production infrastructure has
“dramatically expanded in the last few years - and potentially even since
October 7, (2023),” with new sites built and existing ones enlarged. Kheibar
Shekan missiles have a range of 880 miles (around 1,420 km), with their Haj
Qasem cousins able to reach targets 900 miles (around 1,450 km) away, according
to the Western intelligence source. Although not the most technically advanced
weapons in Iran’s arsenal, their range does make them valuable for attacks on
Israel. Hinz said that variants of such missiles have been used by
Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen against Israel, despite the distance ostensibly
outstripping the missiles’ standard range. Modifications of the warhead mass or
secondary propulsion units could lengthen their reach, he said. Solid propellant
is also used in Iran’s short-range missiles – like those used in the past
against US bases in the region and in exports to Russia, Hinz said. Iran’s
largest and most powerful ballistic missiles typically use liquid propellant.
According to the Israel Defense Forces, wreckage from at least one Kheibar
Shakan missile was recovered following Iran’s October 1, 2024 barrage against
Israel. Analysis from one of the Western sources confirmed that some 50
medium-range missiles with solid propulsion were fired at Israel by Iran in this
attack. Iran’s arsenal is believed to hold “over 3,000 ballistic missiles,” US
Air Force Gen. Kenneth McKenzie told Congress in 2023 - but exact numbers of
each type of missile are unknown. A western intelligence official told CNN that,
although relevant US government agencies are aware of the delivery, there is
limited concern over the shipment. If Iran does funnel the chemicals towards
missile fuel production, especially on weapons destined for Russia, that will be
of greater concern, the source said.
The Iranian government declined to comment in response to questions posed by CNN
for this article.
Trump backs ‘hard stance’ on Gaza, says he does not know
what Israel will do
Reuters/February 15, 2025
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Friday advocated taking a “hard stance” on
Gaza, the Palestinian enclave for which he has proposed a US takeover and where
a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants is in place.
Trump had said this week that Hamas should release all Israeli hostages in Gaza
by Saturday midday or “let hell break out.”“I don’t know what’s going to happen
tomorrow (Saturday) at 12’o clock. If it was up to me, I would take a very hard
stance but I can’t tell you what Israel is going to do,” Trump told reporters on
Friday. A ceasefire went into effect just before Trump returned to the
presidency on January 20.Some Israeli hostages have been released by Hamas and
Palestinian prisoners have been released by Israel since then. The UN human
rights office has described images of both emaciated Israeli hostages and
Palestinian detainees released as distressing, saying they reflected the dire
conditions in which they were held. Trump on Friday reiterated his concerns
about the appearances of released Israeli hostages without commenting on the
state of the Palestinians. Israel’s military assault on Gaza has killed more
than 48,000 Palestinians since October 2023, according to the Gaza health
ministry, and led to accusations of genocide and war crimes that Israel denies.
The assault internally displaced nearly Gaza’s entire population and caused a
hunger crisis. The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian
conflict was triggered on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing
1,200 people and taking some 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Trump
has faced international condemnation for his proposal to take over Gaza and
permanently displace Palestinians there. Rights experts and the United Nations
have called it a proposal for ethnic cleansing
Israeli security official says military readying to
withdraw from Lebanon
AFP/February 14, 2025
Jerusalem: The Israeli military is prepared to withdraw from Lebanese territory
and hand over areas to the Lebanese army “within the timeline” set by a
US-French-mediated ceasefire agreement, a senior Israeli security official said.
Under the ceasefire that took effect November 27, Lebanon’s military was to
deploy in the south alongside United Nations peacekeepers as the Israeli army
withdrew over a 60-day period, later extended until February 18. Hezbollah was
also expected to vacate its positions in the south, near the Israeli border,
during that timeframe. “We are still deployed in accordance with the US
monitored agreement and we are working closely with the US to make sure that
handing over responsibility to the Lebanese army will happen within the
timeline,” the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in accordance with
protocols, said on Thursday. His comments came as Israeli fighter jets overnight
hit what the army said were Hezbollah military sites “containing weapons and
launchers, which pose a direct threat to the Israeli home front.”Lebanese media
reported that Israeli aircraft had targeted sites near the town of Yater.
Warplanes were also seen flying over southern Lebanese villages and
towns.Lebanon’s parliamentary speaker Nabih Berrih said on Thursday the United
States had informed him that, while Israel would withdraw on February 18, “it
will remain in five locations.”Lebanon rejected this, he said in a statement.
The Israeli official did not comment on whether the withdrawal also applied to
the five locations mentioned by Berrih. The official, said however that the
military withdrawal was in motion and “the next step of the agreement stipulates
that we will withdraw to Blue Line handing over in orderly fashion to the
Lebanese army in the area where we pull out from.”The Israeli military, however,
was continuing to monitor Hezbollah’s movements, he said, adding: “We have seen
several clear incidents where Hezbollah was trying to breach the agreement such
as infiltrating south in civilian clothes, trying to restore or remove munitions
and also smuggling arms in the Bekka valley.” The UN as well as Hezbollah have
also accused Israel of committing violations during the ceasefire. Hezbollah and
Israel clashed for more than a year, including in two months of all-out war,
before the November 27 agreement came into effect. The Iran-backed Lebanese
armed group said its hostilities with Israel were in solidarity with Palestinian
militant group Hamas in Gaza, where Israel fought a deadly war for more than a
year before international mediators brokered a fragile truce in January.
Gazans return to ruined homes and
severe water shortage
Reuters/February 14, 2025
BEIT LAHIYA: A ceasefire has enabled some Gazans to go back to their ruined
homes without fear of Israeli airstrikes, but they have returned to a severe
water crisis. “We returned here and found no pumps, no wells. We did not find
buildings or houses,” said 50-year-old farmer Bassel Rajab, a resident of the
northern town of Beit Lahiya. “We came and set up tents to shelter in, but there
is no water. We don’t have water. We are suffering.”Drinking, cooking, and
washing are a luxury in Gaza, 16 months after the start of the war between
Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Rajab said he sometimes walks
16 km, hoping to shower in Gaza City. Some Palestinians have dug wells in areas
near the sea or rely on salty tap water from Gaza’s only aquifer, contaminated
with seawater and sewage. The Palestinian Water Authority estimates it will cost
$2.7 billion to repair the water and sanitation sectors. Palestinians were
already facing a severe water crisis as well as shortages of food, fuel, and
medicine before the wells were destroyed in the war. The Palestinian Water
Authority said in a statement on its website that 208 out of 306 wells had been
knocked out of service during the war, and a further 39 were partially out of
service. “There is a big shortage as the occupation (Israel) is preventing the
entrance (into Gaza) of drills, excavators, machines, equipment, and generators
that are needed to operate wells and to dig them,” said Beit Lahiya Mayor Alaa
Al-Attar. Attar said small companies were trying to fix the wells but had
minimal equipment. He added: “We are trying to establish new wells to mitigate
the severity of the water crisis at this stage.”COGAT, the branch of the Israeli
military that manages humanitarian activities, has said it has coordinated water
line repairs with international organizations, including one to the northern
Gaza Strip.The Hamas-Israel ceasefire has been in force since Jan. 19. Gazans
hoping to one day rebuild are squeezed by shortages of water, food, medicines,
and fuel in Gaza, which was grappling with poverty and high unemployment even
before the war erupted. Youssef Kallab, 35, says he has to carry heavy water
containers to the roof of his home using a rope. The municipality supplies water
every three days. “We do not have the strength to carry it up and down the
stairs. We have children, we have elderly. They all want water,” Kallab said as
he lifted water containers. Twelve-year-old Mohammed Al-Khatib says he has to
drag a cart for 3-4 km to get water. Mohammed Nassar, a 47-year-old Palestinian
supermarket owner, said he has to walk for miles to fill buckets from a water
pipe despite health problems and cartilage damage. “We turn a blind eye to the
pain because we have to,” he said.
Hamas names three Israeli
hostages to be released Saturday as part of Gaza ceasefire
Julia Frankel/JERUSALEM
(AP)/February 14, 2025
Hamas militants on Friday named three Israeli male hostages to be released at
the weekend as part of a fragile ceasefire deal that had teetered in recent days
amid a major dispute that raised the specter of fighting resuming in the
devastated Gaza Strip.
Hamas and a forum representing families of hostages identified the three to be
freed Saturday as Israeli-Argentinian Iair Horn, 46; Israeli-American Sagui
Dekel Chen, 36; and Israeli-Russian Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov, 29. The trio
were abducted from the same hard-hit kibbutz during the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on
Israel that sparked the war in Gaza. Under the terms of the ceasefire, which
began on Jan. 21, Israel is to release more than 300 Palestinian prisoners held
in Israeli jails in return for the hostages. The exchange will be the sixth swap
since the ceasefire came into effect. So far, 21 hostages and over 730
Palestinian prisoners have been freed during the first phase of the truce. But
the ceasefire had appeared dangerously close to collapse in recent days. Hamas
had said it would delay the next hostage release after accusing Israel of not
adhering to the terms of the deal by not allowing enough shelters, medical
supplies, fuel and heavy equipment for clearing rubble into Gaza. Israel, with
the support of U.S. President Donald Trump, had retorted it would resume
fighting Saturday unless hostages were freed - leaving it unclear whether it
meant the three hostages as scheduled in the ceasefire deal, or all remaining
hostages.
An Israeli government official on Friday confirmed Israel had received the list
of hostages to be released. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because
they were not authorized to brief the media. Who are the hostages slated for
release Saturday. Horn, Dekel Chen and Troufanov were abducted from Kibbutz Nir
Oz, where some 80 of roughly 400 residents were taken hostage during the Oct. 7,
2023 attack. Horn was taken along with his brother, Eitan Horn, who had been
staying with him at the time. Eitan remains in captivity. Dekel Chen had been
working on a bus renovation when militants stormed the kibbutz. His wife, Avital,
who was seven months pregnant at the time, hid in a safe room with their two
daughters. Avital has since given birth to a third daughter while her husband
has been in captivity. Troufanov was taken hostage along with his grandmother
Irena Tati, mother Yelena (Lena) and girlfriend Sapir Cohen. The three women
were released during a brief ceasefire in November 2023. Troufanov's father was
killed in the Oct. 7 attack.
Concern about remaining hostages' condition
Of the 251 people abducted, 73 remain in Gaza, around half of whom are believed
to be dead. Nearly all the remaining hostages are men, including Israeli
soldiers. Concern has been growing about the remaining hostages' condition,
particularly after the release of three last Saturday, who emerged looking
emaciated and frail. One of them, 65-year-old Keith Siegel, said in a video
message addressed to Trump Friday that his captors had starved him and
physically and emotionally tortured him. He said the militants who held him for
484 days treated him worse as the 15-month war intensified, kicking him,
spitting on him and holding him with no water or light. The statement marked one
of the first accounts of Hamas captivity from a hostage released during the
ceasefire. “When I was in Gaza, I lived in constant fear...for my life and my
personal safety,” he said. Siegel, originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina,
implored Trump to use his “leadership and strength” to ensure the ceasefire
holds and all hostages return home. The truce faces a much bigger challenge in
the coming weeks. The first phase is set to conclude at the beginning of March,
and there have not yet been substantive negotiations over the second phase, in
which Hamas would release all remaining hostages in return for an end to the
war.
Trump's plan raises uncertainty
Trump’s proposal to remove some 2 million Palestinians from Gaza and settle them
in other countries has thrown the truce’s future into further doubt. His plan
has been welcomed by Israel, but vehemently rejected by Palestinians and Arab
countries which have refused to accept any influx of refugees. Human rights
groups say it could amount to a war crime under international law. Trump has
said Gaza’s population should be resettled elsewhere in the region, with wealthy
Arab countries paying for it. He has suggested that once the fighting ends,
Israel would transfer control of Gaza to the United States, which would then
redevelop it as the “Riviera of the Middle East.”Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu’s far-right allies are already calling for a resumption of the war
after the first phase with the goal of implementing Trump’s plan and
annihilating Hamas, which remains in control of the territory after surviving
one of the deadliest and most destructive military campaigns in recent history.
Hamas may be unwilling to release any more hostages if it believes the war will
resume. The captives are among the only bargaining chips it has left.
‘New war’ would likely be far worse
The war has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children,
according to Gaza’s health Ministry, which does not say how many were fighters.
Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.
Israel’s offensive has obliterated large parts of Gaza. At its height, the
fighting had displaced 90% of the territory’s population of 2.3 million.
Hundreds of thousands have returned to their homes since the ceasefire took
hold, though many have found only rubble, buried human remains and unexploded
ordnance. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, echoing Trump, said Wednesday
that “all hell will break loose” if Hamas stops releasing hostages. He said a
“new Gaza war” wouldn’t end until Hamas was defeated, which would allow for
Trump’s vision of mass displacement to be carried out. With far fewer hostages
remaining in Gaza, Israel would have more freedom of action militarily.
It would also face far fewer constraints from the United States, its main
military patron. The Biden administration, while providing crucial military and
diplomatic support, had occasionally pressed Israel to allow in more aid and at
one point suspended some weapons shipments. It had also said there should be no
permanent displacement of its Palestinian population. Trump has lifted
restrictions on arms transfers, and his administration is pressing ahead with
the sale of $7 billion worth of weapons approved under President Joe Biden.
France says EU working
toward ‘rapid’ easing of Syria sanctions
News Agencies/February 14, 2025
PARIS: France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Thursday that the EU was
working toward swiftly easing Syria sanctions as Paris hosted a conference on
the transition in the war-torn country after President Bashar Assad’s fall.
Opposition fighters toppled Assad in December after a lightning offensive. The
new authorities, headed by interim leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa, have sought to
reassure the international community that they have broken with their jihadist
past and will respect the rights of minorities. They have been lobbying the West
to ease sanctions imposed against Assad to allow the country to rebuild its
economy after five decades of his family’s rule and almost 14 years of civil
war. “We are working with my European counterparts toward a rapid lifting of
sectorial economic sanctions,” Barrot said, after EU foreign ministers agreed
last month to ease them, starting with key sectors such as energy. Syria’s
Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani is in Paris for the conference, in his first
such official visit to Europe for talks after he attended the World Economic
Forum in Davos last month. The French presidency said earlier that the United
States, Germany, Britain, the European Union and the United Nations were also to
be represented, as were several Gulf nations and Syria’s northern neighbor
Turkiye. French President Emmanuel Macron is due to address attendees. There has
been concern among Western governments over the direction the new Syrian
leadership will take in particular on religious freedom, women’s rights and the
status of the Kurdish minority in the northeast of Syria. Shaibani on Wednesday
said a new government would take over next month from the interim cabinet,
vowing that it would represent all Syrians in their diversity. German Foreign
Minister Annalena Baerbock, ahead of the Paris meeting, emphasized the need for
“all actors” in Syria to be included. “It is essential that women be
represented,” she said. Several diplomatic sources had said the conference also
aimed to focus on protecting Syria from destabilizing foreign interference and
coordinating aid efforts. Turkish-backed factions launched attacks against
Kurdish-held areas in northern Syria at around the same time as the offensive
that overthrew Assad, and have since seized strategic areas.
Syria’s new leaders zero in on Assad’s business barons
News Agencies/February 14, 2025
DAMASCUS: Syria’s new rulers are combing through the billion-dollar corporate
empires of ousted President Bashar Assad’s allies, and have held talks with some
of these tycoons, in what they say is a campaign to root out corruption and
illegal activity.
After seizing power in December, the new administration that now runs Syria
pledged to reconstruct the country after 13 years of brutal civil war and
abandon a highly-centralized and corrupt economic system where Assad’s cronies
held sway.
To do so, the executive led by new President Ahmed Al-Sharaa has set up a
committee tasked with dissecting the sprawling corporate interests of
high-profile Assad-linked tycoons including Samer Foz and Mohammad Hamsho, three
sources told Reuters. Days after taking Damascus, the new administration issued
orders aimed at freezing companies and bank accounts of Assad-linked businesses
and individuals, and later specifically included those on US sanctions lists,
according to correspondence between the Syrian Central Bank and commercial banks
reviewed by Reuters.
Hamsho and Foz, targeted by US sanctions since 2011 and 2019 respectively,
returned to Syria from abroad and met with senior HTS figures in Damascus in
January, according to a government official and two Syrians with direct
knowledge of the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The two men, who are reviled by many ordinary Syrians for their close ties to
Assad, pledged to cooperate with the new leadership’s fact-finding efforts, the
three sources said. Accused by the US Treasury of getting rich off Syria’s war,
Foz’s sprawling Aman Holding conglomerate has interests in pharma, sugar
refining, trading and transport. Hamsho’s interests, grouped under the Hamsho
International Group, are similarly wide-ranging, from petrochemicals and metal
products to television production. Hamsho, whom the US Treasury has accused of
being a front for Assad and his brother Maher, did not respond to a Reuters
request for comment. Foz could not be reached. The establishment of the
committee, whose members are not public, and the conversations between Syria’s
new government and two of the Assad government’s closest tycoons who control
large parts of Syria’s economy have not been previously reported. The new Syrian
government’s approach toward powerful Assad-linked businesses, yet to be fully
clarified, will be key in determining the fate of the economy as the
administration struggles to convince Washington and its allies to remove
sanctions, Syrian analysts and businessmen say.
Trade Minister Maher Khalil Al-Hasan and Syrian investment chief Ayman Hamawiye
both confirmed to Reuters the government had been in contact with some
Assad-linked businessmen, but did not identify them or provide further details.
Khaldoun Zoubi, a long-term partner of Foz, confirmed his associate had held
talks with Syrian authorities but did not confirm if he had been in the country.
“Foz told them he is ready to cooperate with the new administration and provide
all the support to the Syrian people and the new state,” Zoubi said from the
gilded lobby of the Four Seasons hotel in central Damascus, which Foz’s group
majority owns. “He is ready to do anything asked of him.”The two Syrian sources
said Foz, who holds a Turkish citizenship, had left Damascus after the talks.
Reuters could not ascertain Hamsho’s whereabouts. The US has sanctioned Foz,
Hamsho and others with a prominent economic role, including Yasser Ibrahim,
Assad’s most trusted adviser.
Syrian analysts say around a dozen men make up the close ring of business barons
tied to the former regime. HTS-appointed government officials consider all of
them to be persons of interest. Syrian authorities have ordered companies and
factories belonging or linked to the tycoons to keep working, under supervision
of HTS authorities, while the committee investigates their various businesses.
“Our policy is to allow for their employees to continue working and supplying
goods to the market while freezing their money movements now,” Trade Minister
Hasan told Reuters in an interview early in January. “It’s a huge file. (Assad’s
business allies) have the economy of a state in their hands. You can’t just tell
them to leave,” he added, explaining the new government could not avoid engaging
with the tycoons. Hamsho International Group is among those put under HTS
supervision, according to the sources with direct knowledge.
A Reuters visit in late January showed little work was being carried out at its
modern multi-story headquarters in Damascus, where some offices had been looted
in the wake of Assad’s fall. Staff have been instructed to cooperate fully with
the new Syrian administration, members of whom regularly visit the company
seeking information, said one employee, who asked not to be identified by name.
Some economists say the country’s dire economic situation required major
domestic corporations to continue to operate regardless of who they may be
affiliated with.
The UN says 90 percent of Syrians live below the poverty line. While basic goods
shortages have eased after strict trade controls dissolved in the aftermath of
Assad’s fall, many Syrians still struggle to afford them. “Syrian authorities
need to be wary of a harsh crackdown on former regime cronies because this could
create significant shortages (of goods),” said Karam Shaar, director of a
Syria-focused economic consultancy bearing his name. Assad’s rapid fall,
culminating with his Dec. 8 escape to Russia, left many Syrian oligarchs with no
time to dispose of or move their local assets that have since been frozen,
giving Syria’s new rulers strong leverage in dealing with the tycoons, according
to two prominent businessmen and the government official.
Syria receives local currency printed in Russia before
Assad’s fall
Reuters/February 14, 2025
DAMASCUS: Syria’s central bank said a batch of Syrian currency had arrived at
Damascus airport from Russia, where banknotes were printed under the rule of
toppled President Bashar Assad, Syria’s state news agency SANA reported on
Friday. The central bank did not specify the amount of currency that had
arrived, but a source with knowledge of the matter said it was in the “hundreds
of billions of Syrian pounds,” equivalent to tens of millions of US dollars. The
source said the cash had been printed in Russia under Assad’s rule but had not
been shipped to Syria by the time he was toppled in early December 2024. Syria’s
new leadership ordered the Russian company printing the currency to stop after
Assad fled to Moscow, the source said, without providing details on what
prompted Friday’s delivery of the previously printed cash.
BACKGROUND
A source said the cash had been printed in Russia under Bashar Assad’s rule but
had not been shipped to Syria by the time he was toppled in early December 2024.
Syria has been facing a liquidity crunch since Assad’s ouster, with Syria’s new
central bank governor, Maysaa Sabreen, saying in January that she wanted to
avoid printing Syrian pounds to guard against a surge in inflation. Syria’s
pound has strengthened on the black market since the new leadership took over,
helped by an influx of Syrians from abroad and an end to strict controls on
trade in foreign currencies. It traded 9,850 pounds to the US dollar on
Thursday, according to exchange houses closed on Friday. According to statements
by the central bank, the official foreign exchange rate has stayed around 13,000
pounds to the US dollar. But that has sparked concerns about liquidity in Syrian
pounds. The central bank only has foreign exchange reserves of around $200
million in cash, sources said, a considerable drop from the $18.5 billion that
the International Monetary Fund estimated Syria had in 2010, a year before civil
war erupted. Russia is hoping to retain the use of naval and air bases in Syria
under its new leaders. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with
Syria’s President Ahmad Al-Sharaa on Wednesday, the first call between the two
leaders since Assad’s ouster. The Syrian presidency said Putin had invited
Syria’s new foreign minister to visit Moscow.
Security Council condemns
death of UN aid worker in Houthi detention
Ephrem Kossaify/Arab News/February 14, 2025
NEW YORK CITY: The UN Security Council on Friday strongly condemned the death of
Ahmed, a World Food Programme employee, who died in Houthi captivity on Feb. 10.
Council members also denounced the ongoing detention of UN staff, as well as
workers from national and international nongovernmental organizations, civil
society groups, and diplomatic missions. They demanded the immediate and
unconditional release of all detainees held by the Houthis and reiterated that
threats against workers delivering humanitarian aid are unacceptable. The
detention of aid workers by the Houthis prompted the UN on Monday to temporarily
suspend all operations and programs in Yemen’s Saada governorate, where six
people were recently detained. Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the decision was a response to the
ongoing detention of UN staff by the Houthis, which has compromised the
“necessary security conditions and guarantees” for the continuation of UN
operations in the area. It comes as the humanitarian situation in Yemen
continues to deteriorate, with an estimated 19.5 million people in the
war-ravaged country requiring humanitarian assistance and protection services,
an increase of 1.3 million people compared with 2024. During a Security Council
meeting this week, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said that 17.1 million
people in Yemen, 49 percent of the population, suffer from food insecurity and
nearly as many do not have access to enough water for their basic daily needs.
Council members expressed deep concern over the rapid and severe deterioration
of the humanitarian situation in Yemen. They highlighted the critical need for
humanitarian personnel, including UN staff, to be granted unimpeded access so
that they can provide life-saving aid for civilians in need.
They also expressed alarm at the growing risks to the delivery of humanitarian
assistance, and called on the Houthis to uphold international humanitarian law
by ensuring safe, rapid and unimpeded access for aid operations. They reaffirmed
that all efforts must be made to guarantee that assistance reaches those who are
most vulnerable. The Security Council underscored the fact that in the absence
of a political solution to the conflict in Yemen, the humanitarian crisis in the
country will continue to worsen. Members reiterated their commitment to the
unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen, and said
they stand firm in support of the country’s people. The council also renewed its
support for the UN’s special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, and endorsed his
ongoing efforts to help reach a negotiated, inclusive, Yemeni-led and
Yemeni-owned political settlement. This process, they added, must be grounded in
the agreed references and consistent with Security Council resolutions.
Ukraine-US talks end without
agreement on critical minerals deal
Reuters/February 15, 2025
KYIV/MUNICH: Talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US Vice
President JD Vance ended in Munich on Friday without an announcement of a
critical minerals deal that is central to Kyiv’s push to win the backing of
President Donald Trump. Kyiv came back to the US earlier with a revised draft
agreement of the deal that could open up its vast resources of key minerals to
US investment, amid concerns in Kyiv over a US version that was presented to
Ukraine on Wednesday. “Our teams will continue to work on the document,”
Zelensky wrote on X, adding that he had had a “good meeting” with Vance and that
Kyiv was “ready to move toward as quickly as possible toward a real and
guaranteed peace.”Two members of the Ukrainian delegation told Reuters that
“some details” still needed to be worked out. It was not immediately clear what
the sticking point was, but Ukraine is pressing for robust security guarantees
from Europe and the United States that would protect it from Russia in the
future if a peace deal is reached. Zelensky set out the contours of the deal in
a Reuters interview last week, unfurling a map showing numerous mineral deposits
and saying he was offering a mutually beneficial partnership to develop them
jointly and not “giving them away.” The minerals in question would include rare
earth varieties, as well as titanium, uranium and lithium among others.Trump,
who has not committed to continuing vital military assistance to Ukraine, has
said he wants $500 billion in rare earth minerals from Kyiv and that
Washington’s support needs to be “secured.”Asked earlier if there would be a
deal agreed on Friday, Vance had said: “Let’s see.”Ukraine was presented with a
draft accord drawn up by the United States on Wednesday when Treasury Secretary
Scott Bessent traveled to Kyiv. Zelensky said Ukraine would study it with a view
to reaching an agreement in Munich. Bessent told Fox Business Network on Friday
that the Trump administration’s plan to end the war would intertwine Kyiv’s
economy with the United States, with the US bringing its “best practices” of
privatization. He said: “Part of it starts with intertwining the ... Ukrainian
economy more with the US, and making sure that US taxpayers receive the return
for the money they put in.”
‘One-sided offer?
Meeting for 90 minutes with a bipartisan group of US senators behind closed
doors in Munich, Zelensky voiced concern about the US proposal presented on
Wednesday, three sources familiar with his presentation said. He “felt he was
being asked unreasonably to sign something he hadn’t had a chance to read,” one
of them said on condition of anonymity. “I don’t think he appreciated being
given a take-it-or-leave-it thing.”Zelensky discussed his own proposal for a
mineral deal with the United States, the source said, saying it was drafted to
comply with the Ukrainian constitution. Two other sources characterized the
proposal delivered by Bessent as “one-sided,” but declined to elaborate.
Democratic Senator Brian Schatz, asked after the meeting if Zelensky considered
the US proposal one-sided, responded, “I think that’s fair to say.” Schatz said
that the Trump proposal “needs massaging,” but declined to go into detail.
Russian forces take control
of two settlements in eastern Ukraine, TASS says
Reuters/February 15, 2025
MOSCOW: Russian forces have taken control of two frontline settlements in
eastern Donetsk region, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday. A ministry
report said Russian forces had captured the village of Zelene Pole located
between Pokrovsk, the focal point of Russian attacks in the region, and Velyuka
Novosilka, a settlement that Russia’s military said it captured late last month.
Also captured, according to the Russian report, was the village of Dachne, west
of the town of Kurakhove, which Russia’s military said it also captured last
month. The town had been subjected to weeks of heavy fighting. The General Staff
of Ukraine’s military, in a late evening report, said both villages were among
11 settlements that had come under Russian attack in the Pokrovsk sector. But it
made no mention of them coming under Russian control. Reuters could not
independently confirm battlefield reports from either side.
Ukraine’s DeepState military blog, which tracks frontline positions based on
open source reports, said this week that Russian forces had made advances near
Zelene Pole and Dachne. Russian forces failed in their initial bid to advance on
Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, after the February 2022 invasion and have since
concentrated on capturing Donbas, made up of the eastern regions of Donetsk and
Luhansk. They have been making steady progress across Donetsk region for months,
capturing a long string of villages. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
on Thursday praised the “good success” of a regiment based near Pokrovsk,
without identifying where the operation had taken place. At least one foreign
blogger has noted Ukrainian counterattacks in the area.
Vance attack on Europe overshadows Ukraine talks at security conference
AP/February 15, 2025
MUNICH: US Vice President JD Vance accused European leaders on Friday of
censoring free speech and failing to control immigration, drawing a sharp rebuke
from Germany’s defense minister and overshadowing discussions on the war in
Ukraine. The prospect of peace talks had been expected to dominate the annual
Munich Security Conference after a call between US President Donald Trump and
Russian leader Vladimir Putin this week but Vance barely mentioned Russia or
Ukraine in his speech to the gathering. He said the threat to Europe that
worried him most was not Russia or China but what he called a retreat from
fundamental values of protecting free speech — as well as immigration, which he
said was “out of control” in Europe. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius hit
back in his speech to the conference later in the day, calling Vance’s remarks “unacceptable.”He
said Vance had called into question democracy not only in Germany but in Europe
as a whole. The clash underlined the divergent worldviews of Trump’s new
administration and European leaders, making it hard for longtime allies the
United States and Europe to find common ground on issues including Ukraine. Many
conference delegates watched Vance’s speech in stunned silence. There was little
applause as he delivered his remarks. After his speech, Vance met with Alice
Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, a move
likely to draw criticism as unwelcome interference ahead of German federal
elections next week. Trump’s call with Putin alarmed European governments, which
have tried to isolate the Russian president since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of
Ukraine and fear they could be cut out of peace talks that would have
repercussions for their own security. Vance, who met Ukrainian President
Volodymyr Zelensky in Munich on Friday, told the Wall Street Journal in an
interview before the conference that Trump could use several tools — economic
and military — for leverage with Putin. Vance’s spokesman, William Martin, later
took issue with the newspaper’s interpretation that the vice president had been
threatening Russia.
Peace talks
Zelensky said at the Munich conference that he would talk to Putin only once
Ukraine had agreed on a common plan with Trump and European leaders. Vance and
Zelensky declined to give details of what they discussed in Munich but the
Ukrainian president reiterated that his country needs “real security
guarantees.”German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned against any attempt
to impose a peace deal on Ukraine. “A sham peace — over the heads of Ukrainians
and Europeans — would gain nothing,” she said. “A sham peace would not bring
lasting security, neither for the people in Ukraine nor for us in Europe or the
United States.”Russia now holds about 20 percent of Ukraine nearly three years
after launching a full-scale invasion, saying Kyiv’s pursuit of NATO membership
posed an existential threat. Ukraine and the West call Russia’s action an
imperialist land grab.
Vance also repeated Trump’s demand that Europe do more to safeguard its own
defense so Washington can focus on other regions, particularly the Indo-Pacific.
“In the future, we think Europe is going to have to take a bigger role in its
own security,” he said in a meeting with German President Frank-Walter
Steinmeier. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Vance was “absolutely right”
about the need for Europe “stepping up” and doing more for its own defense. “We
have to grow up in that sense and spend much more,” Rutte said.
At the conference, several European leaders echoed his comments, saying Europe
would step up its defense spending but also needed to discuss with Washington on
a gradual phasing-out of its support. Prior to meeting with the AfD leader,
Vance suggested in his speech that the group is an eligible political partner,
appearing to denounce a policy not to work with the AfD held by Germany’s major
political parties. The anti-immigration AfD is monitored by German security
services on suspicion of being right-wing extremist. It is currently polling at
around 20 percent ahead of the February 23 general election. Billionaire US
businessman Elon Musk, the biggest donor to Trump’s 2024 election effort and now
head of Trump’s task force to slash US government spending, has also publicly
backed the AfD.
Saudi Arabia praises
US-Russia call, welcomes possible summit in Kingdom
Arab News/February 14, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Friday welcomed a recent phone call between US President
Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as the possibility of
hosting a summit between the two leaders in the Kingdom, according to a
statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “The Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia commends the phone call that took place between His Excellency President
Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, and His Excellency
President Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, on February 12,
2025,” the statement read. It further expressed Saudi Arabia’s readiness to host
any potential summit and reaffirmed its commitment to mediating a resolution to
the ongoing war in Ukraine. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reiterated the
Kingdom’s support for mediation since the beginning of the war, and during
separate calls with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on
March 3, 2022. “The Kingdom affirms its continued efforts to achieve lasting
peace between Russia and Ukraine,” the statement added, underscoring Riyadh’s
ongoing diplomatic initiatives over the past three years.
Turkiye’s Erdogan says US making
“wrong calculations” in Mideast
Reuters/February 14, 2025
ANKARA: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the administration of US President
Donald Trump was making “wrong calculations” regarding the Middle East, adding
that heeding “Zionist lies” would only exacerbate conflicts. Turkiye has
rejected Trump’s plan to remove the more than 2 million Palestinians from the
Gaza Strip, claim US control of it and turn it into the “Riviera of the Middle
East.” It has also said Israel’s assault on Gaza amounted to a genocide, while
calling for international measures against its government. “Unfortunately, the
United States is making a wrong calculation about our region. One should not be
engaged in an approach that disregards the region’s history, values, and
accumulation,” he said, according to a transcript of comments to journalists on
a return flight from Malaysia, Indonesia and Pakistan.Erdogan said he expected
Trump to realize his election campaign promises of taking steps for peace,
rather than create new conflicts. He said he saw no real signs of a ceasefire in
Gaza despite a truce agreement between Israel and Palestinian militant group
Hamas, and added the Muslim world had still not been able to take a collective
step on the issue.
The Latest English LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous
sources
on February 14-15/2025
Given Christianity's dominance in US, Trump raises
eyebrows with anti-Christian bias initiative
Peter Smith/The Associated Press/February 14, 2025
Christianity is by far the largest faith in America, and Christian conservatives
have a strong grip on the levers of government. That dominance is leaving many
to question why President Donald Trump’s new task force on eradicating
anti-Christian bias is needed. Critics see the task force initiative as
unnecessary and pandering to Trump’s base. But some Christian supporters said it
is overdue, claiming the Biden administration had discriminated against them
through actions and inactions. The two-year task force, chaired by Attorney
General Pam Bondi and composed of Cabinet and other government representatives,
is assigned to review and “identify any unlawful anti-Christian” actions under
the Biden administration, change any objectionable policies and recommend steps
to rectify any past failures.
A debate over victimhood
Bruce Ledewitz, a law professor at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, criticized
the mindset behind the executive order as that of a powerful group claiming
victimhood. The Christian conservative movement — a core Republican constituency
— now has significant sway on the Supreme Court and in numerous states, Congress
and the presidency, Ledewitz said. And still, they declare, “We are victims,” he
said. “There’s a struggle for the soul of America,” said Ledewitz, who studies
the relationship between constitutional law and religion. “We call this a
culture war, but it’s very deep,” animated by the charge “that you people, the
Democrats, you are not religious, and we are.”Trump said exactly that at a
National Prayer Breakfast gathering on Feb. 6. “The opposing side, they oppose
religion, they oppose God,” Trump claimed, accusing the previous administration
of engaging in “persecution." President Joe Biden, a regular Mass-attending
Catholic, often spoke of drawing on the values of his faith and had warm
relations with Pope Francis. But Ryan Bangert, a senior vice president at the
conservative legal organization Alliance Defending Freedom, said the task force
is overdue. He said the Biden administration was “deliberately targeting
Christian beliefs through discriminatory policies” on issues such as abortion
and gender. These are “not fringe beliefs” and are shared by other religious
groups besides Christians, he said.
Do the cases of alleged bias add up to a pattern?
Critics said Trump is claiming to see persecution in distorted case
descriptions, a calendar coincidence and other situations that, while raising
concerns, don’t add up to a pattern. For example, Trump spoke at the prayer
breakfast about how he pardoned a set of abortion protesters. He
mischaracterized the case of one woman, who was sentenced to prison at age 75,
as being “put in jail because she was praying.” She and co-defendants were
sentenced for blockading an abortion clinic in violation of the Freedom of
Access to Clinic Entrances Act, enacted in the 1990s after violent attacks on
abortion providers. But Bangert said the Biden administration “severely
weaponized” the FACE Act, being far more aggressive against anti-abortion
protesters than those who vandalized or threatened other institutions protected
by the same act, including churches and pregnancy centers that counsel women not
to have abortions. Those incurred a spate of attacks after the Supreme Court, in
2022, overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that had made abortion legal
nationwide. A Biden-era Justice Department document lists one case of a
conviction of three activists who supported abortion rights and vandalized
pregnancy centers. That list otherwise documents numerous prosecutions against
anti-abortion protesters who blockaded, threatened or disrupted clinic
activities. The act was “simply deployed to prosecute pro-life advocates who,
had they been advocating for any other set of beliefs, would never have been
prosecuted by the government,” Bangert said. “Yet the Biden administration
refused to enforce the FACE Act in cases where pro-life pregnancy centers or
churches or synagogues were targeted.”
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops welcomed the creation of the task force.
“We are hopeful in hearing the news that the Administration is seeking to
address anti-Christian bias and incidents, and we stand ready to offer our own
insights into how we might ensure that all people are able to fully exercise
their religious freedom,” said conference spokesperson Chieko Noguchi. The
conference keeps a running list of reports of vandalism and attacks on churches,
reporting at least 366 cases of arson, damaged religious statues and other
incidents since 2020. The conference’s religious liberty committee released a
report in 2024 citing a bipartisan list of concerns ranging from mandates from
the Biden administration regarding gender and abortion to a crackdown by Texas’
Republican attorney general on Catholic organizations serving immigrants.
Trump’s executive order claims that Biden-era equal-employment officials sought
to “force Christians to affirm radical transgender ideology against their faith”
and that another department “sought to drive Christians out of the foster-care
system.”
Trump claimed the FBI in 2023 “asserted that traditional Catholics were
domestic-terrorism threats and suggested infiltrating Catholic churches as
’threat mitigation.’”The claim emerged from the case of a man of who pleaded
guilty to a federal weapons charge and who had spoken of intending to kill Jews
and other minorities. He had been attending a church espousing traditionalist
Catholic beliefs -- though not in communion with the pope – where he reportedly
sought to recruit others, according to a Justice Department review. A leaked FBI
report cited a purported link between “Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent
Extremists” and “Radical Traditionalist Catholic” adherents. A Justice
Department inspector general subsequently found “there was no evidence of
malicious intent” but that the memo showed a failure to “adhere to analytic
tradecraft standards.”
Trump also cited a calendar mashup. Biden had issued a declaration proclaiming
March 31, 2024, as “Transgender Day of Visibility,” which occurs annually on
that date. In 2024, that date also happened to be Easter Sunday. While churches
have a range of views on LGBTQ+ issues, the proclamation’s timing led to
indignant responses from conservative Christian leaders that do not affirm
transgender identity.
Looking at the big picture
A White House action focused on a specific religion is not unprecedented. The
Biden administration, for example, issued strategy plans to combat antisemitism
and Islamophobia. The secular advocacy group Freedom From Religion Foundation
questioned the new task force on the social media platform X, saying
“government’s job is to protect everyone’s rights, not give special treatment to
one religion.” It questioned whether the task force would “just push a Christian
nationalist agenda.”Ledewitz said the task force doesn’t violate the
constitutional prohibition on the state establishment of a religion — in theory.
“If, in practice, it’s going to have government promote Christianity, that
violates the Establishment clause,” he said. Ledewitz cited the Supreme Court's
2017 ruling in favor of a Colorado baker who refused to bake a wedding cake for
a same-sex couple, saying that his state’s Civil Rights Commission showed
“hostility” to his religious beliefs.
“Government is not allowed to be hostile to religion,” Ledewitz said.
However, Ledewitz said there is no case to be made for U.S. Christians suffering
systemic persecution. Though the numbers of people without religion have grown
to about 3 in 10 American adults, Christians still make up nearly two-thirds of
the population. Matthew Taylor, Protestant scholar at the Institute for Islamic,
Christian and Jewish Studies in Baltimore, said the task force raises concerns.
Taylor’s 2024 book, “The Violent Take It By Force: The Christian Movement That
Is Threatening Our Democracy,” recounts the role of charismatic leaders who have
been among Trump’s most fervent supporters. In a majority Christian country,
“it’s a bit absurd to claim that there is widespread anti-Christian bias,”
Taylor said. “When a majority begins to claim persecution, that is often a
license for attacks on minorities.”
'Why Did You Sit at Home among the Sheepfolds?': Israel and the People of the
Book
Nils A. Haug/Gatestone Institute./February 14, 2025
Zionism is simply the right of the Jewish nation to live peacefully in its
ancestral home -- the land promised them in millennia past. Canaan is their
inheritance, and has served as their sanctuary for nearly 4,000 years in a world
that largely despises them.
The great British statesman Winston Churchill said in 1922 that Jews had
returned to Palestine, as it was called then -- based on its revised name, given
by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who was trying to sever Judea from the Jews -- "as
of right and not by sufferance, and that this was based on their ancient
historical connection."
The biblical Song of Deborah praises those tribes who participated in the battle
under the leadership of Barak, the son of Abinoam, and scorns those who did not:
"Why did you sit at home among the sheepfolds?" the song asks; "Why did Dan stay
home?"
The great British statesman Winston Churchill said in 1922 that Jews had
returned to Palestine, as it was called then -- based on its revised name, given
by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who was trying to sever Judea from the Jews -- "as
of right and not by sufferance, and that this was based on their ancient
historical connection."
"Even an ancient vision has its moment of birth," wrote the Israeli poet Nathan
Alterman (1910-1970). Alterman lovingly described Israel: "The surroundings of
the Kinneret have been a kind of symbol of earthly beauty to us...."
Alterman's vision of Israel, Eretz Yisrael, and her natural beauty, seems to
have been given birth through a deep commitment to an ancient promise made by
the Creator to the patriarch Abraham, forefather of all Jews. This covenant was
repeated to his son Isaac and then grandson Jacob, again by the Creator. Moses
emphasized this promise at Sinai when he declared to the twelve tribes that G-d
would restore to them the land of their ancestors.
In this way, the area to be possessed became known to the world at large as the
"promised land." The biblical book of Bereshit (Genesis) records the extent of
the land, Zion. What exactly is Zionism? Zionism is simply the right of the
Jewish nation to live peacefully in its ancestral home -- the land promised them
in millennia past. Canaan is their inheritance, and has served as their
sanctuary for nearly 4,000 years in a world that largely despises them. Zion
(now Israel), is the place they can gather to practice their faith without
persecution. The right of religion is an integral part of the covenant
dedicating that land to them.
The modern movement for returning to the land was initiated by Theodor Herzl in
1897. He declared that the purpose of Zionism was to "establish a national home
for the Jewish people, secured by Public Law." On this basis, Zionism is
believed by some to be a narrow ideology with emphasis on Jewish nationalism and
statehood. Although those two concepts can find some validity, Zionism is not an
ideology but an enactment of promises made to the Jewish nation many thousands
of years ago, and kept alive into the present era.
The great British statesman Winston Churchill said in 1922 that Jews had
returned to Palestine, as it was called then -- based on its revised name, given
by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who was trying to sever Judea from the Jews -- "as
of right and not by sufferance, and that this was based on their ancient
historical connection."
The question that needs to be asked is why so many Jews would vehemently oppose
their nation's legitimate occupation of the land that was promised them? It is
to be expected that non-Jews have their own views on the subject, but those are,
in principle, quite irrelevant to Jewish rights to the land. Nonetheless,
contrary opinions from Jews in the diaspora and within Israel's society itself,
as well as non-Jews can, unfortunately, make peaceful, secure, and undisturbed
occupation for the majority quite complex, to say the least.
Many Haredim (ultra-orthodox Jews) believe that the establishment of Israel as a
secular state in the modern day is premature, as establishment should only occur
in the coming messianic age. Yet, the desire of most religious students is
presumably to live and study in their ancient homeland, notably in its capital,
Jerusalem, and to receive numerous state benefits granted to low-income
families, such as subsidized daycare for children.
Despite their dedicated study of the scriptures and associated writings, and
many being teachers of Torah, the argument of Haredi leaders against most of
their community members doing serving in Israel's military in the defense of the
land and its people is not sustainable, biblically or otherwise.
There are historical precedents that even religious leaders, such as rabbis,
have joined their brethren in battle, for the Israelite army "was always
accompanied to the field by a priest." The Book of Numbers records that to
defend against the Midianites:
"Moses sent them to the war, a thousand from each tribe, together with Phineas
the son of Eleazar the Cohen [priest], with the vessels of the sanctuary and the
trumpets for the alarm in his hand."
Religious leaders historically had, and still have, a duty towards the spiritual
well-being of the troops and to encourage them.
The biblical Song of Deborah praises those tribes who participated in the battle
under the leadership of Barak, the son of Abinoam, and scorns those who did not:
"Why did you sit at home among the sheepfolds?" the song asks; "Why did Dan stay
home?"; and, "they did not come to help the Lord— to help the Lord against the
mighty warriors." Only those warriors concerned for the survival of their tribes
and the nation, were left to fight the enemy.
Moses challenged the two tribes who did not wish to cross the Jordon River with
the others, and fight for the land promised them: "Moses said to the descendants
of Gad and the descendants of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to war while you
stay here?" Moses considered it sinful for them not to join the rest in
conquering the land. Their participation in battle was essential to enable the
assembled tribes to conquer the land from sworn enemies.
In 1948, when yeshiva students of the respected scholar, Israel's Sephardi Chief
Rabbi Benzion Uziel, asked whether or not they should seek exemption from
joining the War of Independence, he told them:
"How can you ask for such a thing? Were it not for my old age and illness, I
would pick up a rifle and hand grenade and defend my Jerusalem, the place I was
born; my neighbor's homes; the streets and alleyways of the Old City and the
Yohanan Ben Zakkai synagogue. How can you raise such an outrageous request while
everyone else is fighting? This is a war of life and death. It's a mitzvah
[divine obligation] to fight. Remove these baseless ideas from your minds and go
join the fight."
Thousands of Haredi Jews, in fact, already do serve in Israel's military and are
considered among its finest, especially in combat.
"All Israel are responsible for one another" ("kol yisrael arevin zeh bazeh"),
according to the Babylonian Talmud. The late UK Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
emphasized its meaning, saying: "Responsibility in Judaism belongs to all of us
and we cannot delegate it away." Sacks further explained:
"Covenant societies exist not because they have been there a long time, nor
because of some act of conquest, nor for the sake of some economic or military
advantage. They exist to honour a pledge, a moral bond, an ethical undertaking.
That is why telling the story is essential to a covenant society. It reminds all
citizens of why they are there.... They are honouring the obligations imposed
upon them by the founders.
"It is utterly astonishing that the mere act of telling the story, regularly, as
a religious duty, sustained Jewish identity across the centuries, even in the
absence of all the normal accompaniments of nationhood – land, geographical
proximity, independence, self-determination – and never allowed the people to
forget its ideals, its aspirations, its collective project of building a society
that would be the opposite of Egypt, a place of freedom and justice and human
dignity, in which no human being is sovereign; in which God alone is King."
According to the journalist Caroline Glick, who is now international affairs
adviser to the Israeli government:
"It is the resurrection of strategic independence — of Zionism — that will
secure Israel's future for the next hundred years."As even the Qur'an states
that this land was reserved for the "children of Israel", "the people of the
Book":
"And We said thereafter to the Children of Israel, 'Dwell securely in the land
of promise.'" ( Qur'an 17:104)
"O my people! Enter the holy land which Allah has assigned to you..." (Qur'an
5:21)
Nils A. Haug is an author and columnist. A Lawyer by profession, he is member of
the International Bar Association, the National Association of Scholars, the
Academy of Philosophy and Letters. Dr. Haug holds a Ph.D. in Apologetical
Theology and is author of 'Politics, Law, and Disorder in the Garden of Eden –
the Quest for Identity'; and 'Enemies of the Innocent – Life, Truth, and Meaning
in a Dark Age.' His work has been published by First Things Journal, The
American Mind, Quadrant, Minding the Campus, Gatestone Institute, National
Association of Scholars, Jewish Journal, James Wilson Institute (Anchoring
Truths), Document Danmark, and many others.
© 2025 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.
https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/21390/israel-people-of-the-book
Erdogan on tour as Turkiye pivots to Asia
Dr. Sinem Cengiz/Arab News/February 14, 2025
Turkiye’s engagement with Southeast Asia is often seen as part of a broader
strategic pivot that has been evolving in line with its broader foreign policy.
Last week President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conducted a tour of Malaysia,
Indonesia, and Pakistan, which was significant in many respects and deserves a
closer look. In 2019, Turkiye introduced the Asia Anew Initiative with three
main goals: to bolster Turkiye’s defense cooperation by building stronger
defense ties with Asian countries; to address the growing demand for defense
procurement by increasing Turkiye’s access to Asian markets; and to foster
closer economic relations with individual countries and regional organizations
of which they are members. The initiative covers various projects from 2024 to
2026. Malaysia and Indonesia play important roles, as both are members of
influential organizations such as the ASEAN, BRICS, the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation, and the Developing-8. Erdogan’s first stop on his tour was
Malaysia, which he last visited in 2019. Malaysia is especially important in the
context of Asia Anew for several reasons. Malaysia is the 2025 chair of ASEAN,
in whose summits Turkiye has participated since 2013. Turkiye is currently a
sectoral dialogue partner of the organization, with aspirations to gain full
dialogue partner status. Malaysia’s support, as one of ASEAN’s founding members,
is crucial for Turkiye to achieve this goal.
Malaysia is also a member of the D-8, an international organization founded in
1997 in Istanbul, along with Turkiye, Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia,
Egypt, and Nigeria. It is also an active member of the OIC, and along with
Turkiye has been instrumental in diplomatic efforts to resolve the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict. One of the key issues discussed during Erdoğan’s
visit to Malaysia was the reconstruction of Gaza: Malaysia pledged to support
the creation of a fund for this purpose and co-chair the East Asia
Reconstruction Plan for Gaza and Palestine. Erdogan emphasized the importance of
platforms like the OIC and D-8 to address global humanitarian issues, including
Gaza. Malaysia also was the first ASEAN member country to sign a free trade
agreement with Turkiye, in 2014.
The global shift of power from the West to the East, the “pivot to Asia” trend,
changing dynamics in the Middle East, and Turkiye’s pragmatic foreign policy
have shaped Ankara’s own turn toward Asia.
There is a burgeoning relationship between Turkiye and Southeast Asian states in
the area of defense. Malaysia’s Ministry of Defense has identified Turkiye as a
key player in the development of its defense capabilities. In particular,
Malaysia has shown interest in Turkish maritime defense products. Turkish
defense giant STM signed an agreement with Malaysia in 2024for the purchase of
three corvette warships. The strong momentum of Turkish-Malaysian relations was
evident in the 11 agreements signed during Erdogan's visit.
The president’s second stop was Indonesia, the world’s most populous
Muslim-majority nation and Southeast Asia’s largest economy. The two countries
have significantly strengthened their ties in recent years. In 2022, they signed
five agreements on defense, technology, forestry, and environmental cooperation.
In 2023, they agreed to carry out joint military exercises and enhance their
defense industry cooperation. During Erdogan’s visit, an agreement was signed
between Indonesian defense company Republikorp and Turkiye’s Baykar to establish
a drone production facility in Indonesia. President Prabowo Subianto spoke
highly of this growing cooperation, noting successful joint ventures with
Turkish defense firms such as Roketsan, Aselsan, Havelsan, and Baykar. This
visit also marked the first meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation
Council of two states, which was established in 2022.
The final leg of Erdogan’s tour took him to Pakistan, which he visited five
years ago. Turkiye has a special bond with Pakistan, a middle-sized defense
partner where Turkiye has long played a crucial role in strengthening military
capabilities. During this visit, Pakistan signed a deal to acquire electronic
warfare aircraft — another outcome of the already growing defense cooperation,
particularly in areas such as technology transfer, joint production agreements,
and arms sales. Turkish defense companies such as Aselsan and Roketsan have
worked with Pakistani partners to develop advanced weaponry, enhancing
Pakistan’s indigenous defense production and reducing its reliance on Western
suppliers. This growing military collaboration has deepened Turkiye-Pakistan
relations and solidified Turkiye’s position as an important partner.
The global shift of power from the West to the East, the “pivot to Asia” trend,
changing dynamics in the Middle East, and Turkiye’s pragmatic foreign policy
have shaped Ankara’s own turn toward Asia. Turkiye is now working to expand its
influence in Southeast Asia, a region that has warmly welcomed this involvement.
But it is important to consider how Turkiye can further align its strategic
objectives with the evolving dynamics of this region and increasing competition
among several actors. The personal diplomacy at leadership level with each
nation, defense capabilities, and economic potential are Turkiye’s key assets
that can support its pivot to Asia. But its Southeast Asia policy needs
sustained focus and efforts, moving beyond economic and defense collaboration,
and building more on people-to-people relations.
• Dr. Sinem Cengiz is a Turkish political analyst who specializes in Turkiye’s
relations with the Middle East. X: @SinemCngz
Why Europe’s security must be a key US aim
Luke Coffey/Arab News/February 14, 2025
Last week was a busy one in US-European relations. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth
made his first official visit to Europe for a NATO meeting in Brussels, Vice
President J.D. Vance also made his first visit to deliver a speech on artificial
intelligence in Paris — and Americans woke up to the surprising news that an
American long held by Russia had been released as part of a prisoner exchange.
President Donald Trump also held lengthy phone calls with Vladimir Putin and
Volodymyr Zelensky to try to jump start Ukraine peace talks between the two
countries. These events all led up to the annual Munich Security Conference,
beginning on Friday, at which Europeans, Americans, and many from all corners of
the world were eager to hear what Vance had to say about the future of
US-European ties, NATO, and relations with Russia. This busy week will set the
tone for the new Trump administration and its approach to the continent. As
Trump develops that approach, he should look back at his first term as a
blueprint.
What many in Europe remember about that first term was repeated by Vance in his
speech in Munich on Friday — criticism of European allies for their inadequate
funding of defense and relying too much on the American military presence on the
continent. However, the actual policy outcomes differed greatly from the
rhetoric. Despite the attacks on Europeans for not spending enough, Trump’s
first term in the White House delivered an increase of more than 40 percent in
American spending on European defense compared with the Obama administration. By
the time Trump left in 2021, there were more US forces in Europe and more
training exercises across the continent than before he took office. Trump also
took significant steps to strengthen Europe’s energy security and stability. He
ramped up US exports of LNG, reducing European reliance on Russian gas. He also
imposed sanctions Russia’s Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline, which was
undermining Europe’s energy security. Trump was the first to provide advanced
anti-tank weapons to Ukraine after the Obama administration repeatedly failed to
do so. He also oversaw the largest expulsion in history of Russian spies and
diplomats from US territory, and closed down two Russian consulates in Seattle
and San Francisco along with two trade mission annexes in Washington and New
York. These were not the actions of someone indifferent to Europe or weak on
Russia. If anything, they demonstrated a strong commitment to European security
and US leadership in transatlantic affairs. It is this kind of strategic
thinking that should inform the second Trump administration’s approach. The
security of Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia is interconnected,
whether policymakers like it or not.
One significant change since Trump’s first term is the growing bipartisan
awareness of the challenges China poses to US national interests. As a result,
many in the Trump administration believe that East Asia should be the focus for
national security. However, as a global power in what Secretary of State Marco
Rubio describes as a multipolar world, the US cannot afford to focus on one
region at the expense of others. Regardless of discussions about reprioritizing
Asia and drawing down US forces in Europe and the Middle East, geopolitical
reality makes such a shift nearly impossible.
Europe remains crucial to the well-being of the American economy. Together,
North America and Europe account for about half of the world’s GDP. Two-thirds
of all foreign investment into the US is from Europe. Additionally, Europe is
collectively America’s largest export market, with 48 out of 50 US states
exporting more to the continent than they do to China. Trump, with his
background in business, understands better than anyone that when an American
product is exported, that secures an American job. Right now, Russia is actively
trying to undermine stability in Europe, which threatens the economic prosperity
that has long benefited both the US and the American worker. Essentially,
America’s military presence in Europe, along with NATO, is the primary security
guarantor of America’s largest export market and source of foreign investment.
The idea that America could simply walk away from Europe is not only naive but
also geopolitically dangerous. If the world is reemerging as a multipolar
system, as Rubio suggests, then many of these geopolitical poles are converging
in eastern Ukraine, where Russia continues its aggression with the assistance of
North Korean soldiers and Iranian drones. The security of Eastern Europe, the
Middle East, and East Asia is interconnected, whether policymakers like it or
not. As Trump’s second administration unfolds, maintaining strong transatlantic
relations will be essential to ensuring that the US remains an influential
player on the world stage. While there will undoubtedly be discussions about
shifting priorities, the geopolitical realities of the modern world make it
clear that Europe must remain a key pillar of US foreign policy. The
administration should take a strategic, long-term approach to strengthening
NATO, supporting Ukraine, and maintaining US leadership in European security.
Ultimately, the Trump administration’s approach to Europe should not be defined
by campaign rhetoric but by practical policy measures that align with US
strategic interests. As history has shown, a strong and engaged America in
Europe is not just beneficial for the continent — it is also vital for US
national security and economic prosperity.
• Luke Coffey is a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. X: @LukeDCoffey
Smart cities must embrace the circular economy
Majed Al-Qatari/Arab News/February 14, 2025
Urbanization has led to increased resource exploitation and pollution. Smart
cities, by contrast, represent a forward-thinking approach to development,
leveraging technology and the latest innovations to address urban challenges.
With 68 percent of the global population expected to live in urban areas by
2050, integrating circular economy concepts is essential for technological,
environmental, and economic transformation. The circular economy framework for
innovative cities focuses on reducing resource consumption and promoting the
recycling of materials. Urban planning can support this by incorporating
reusable construction materials, renewable resources and recycled products.
These efforts can be enhanced by technologies that minimize waste and policies
that promote circular resource management. New technological advancements,
including the internet of things, artificial intelligence and blockchain, are
key drivers in the development of circular smart cities.
Sensors can monitor waste accumulation, optimize collection schedules and reduce
costs, while AI-powered algorithms can predict energy consumption, helping to
optimize resource use. Meanwhile, blockchain enhances transparency and supply
chain traceability, promoting sustainable procurement.
A strong example of this is Amsterdam’s Circular City program, which leverages
technology to track physical materials and their consumption. Amsterdam’s
circular strategy aims to recycle 67 percent of municipal waste with the goal of
achieving full circularity by 2050.
Copenhagen has integrated AI into its energy systems, leading to a 42 percent
reduction in the city’s carbon emissions over the past decade. Applying circular
economy principles in innovative city development is not just an environmentally
responsible choice but an essential one. Recycling in the Danish capital is
commonly implemented within the construction industry, where 80 percent of
construction materials are reused or regenerated. Similarly, Saudi Arabia’s NEOM
project envisions a sustainable, smart city that integrates waste-reducing
technologies, including renewable energy sources and circular systems. Circular
strategies can lead to significant improvements in waste reduction, energy use
and resource utilization. However, obstacles such as high initial costs,
bureaucratic constraints, and public skepticism hinder widespread adoption.
Innovations in the circular economy of smart cities require the involvement of
governments and the private sector as part of public-private partnerships.
Policymakers must establish clear legal guidelines for sustainability that are
easily understood by all stakeholders. This could include mandating the use of
recycled materials in construction projects or offering tax exemptions to
participants in the circular economy. Education investment is equally important,
as public awareness can drive the behavioral changes necessary for realizing the
circular economy. Additionally, financing is needed for the development of new
infrastructure and technologies, such as smart grids, renewable energy sources
and modern recycling centers. Applying circular economy principles in innovative
city development is not just an environmentally responsible choice, but an
essential one. With increasing urbanization and growing pressure on the natural
environment, circularity can serve as a blueprint for creating sustainable urban
environments. We can build cities for today and tomorrow by advancing
technology, fostering teamwork, promoting education and constructing
infrastructure.
• Majed Al-Qatari is a sustainability leader, ecological engineer and UN Youth
Ambassador.
Erdogan on tour as Turkiye pivots to Asia
Dr. Sinem Cengiz/Arab News/February 14, 2025
Turkiye’s engagement with Southeast Asia is often seen as part of a broader
strategic pivot that has been evolving in line with its broader foreign policy.
Last week President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conducted a tour of Malaysia,
Indonesia, and Pakistan, which was significant in many respects and deserves a
closer look.
In 2019, Turkiye introduced the Asia Anew Initiative with three main goals: to
bolster Turkiye’s defense cooperation by building stronger defense ties with
Asian countries; to address the growing demand for defense procurement by
increasing Turkiye’s access to Asian markets; and to foster closer economic
relations with individual countries and regional organizations of which they are
members. The initiative covers various projects from 2024 to 2026. Malaysia and
Indonesia play important roles, as both are members of influential organizations
such as the ASEAN, BRICS, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the
Developing-8.
Erdogan’s first stop on his tour was Malaysia, which he last visited in 2019.
Malaysia is especially important in the context of Asia Anew for several
reasons. Malaysia is the 2025 chair of ASEAN, in whose summits Turkiye has
participated since 2013. Turkiye is currently a sectoral dialogue partner of the
organization, with aspirations to gain full dialogue partner status. Malaysia’s
support, as one of ASEAN’s founding members, is crucial for Turkiye to achieve
this goal.
Malaysia is also a member of the D-8, an international organization founded in
1997 in Istanbul, along with Turkiye, Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia,
Egypt, and Nigeria. It is also an active member of the OIC, and along with
Turkiye has been instrumental in diplomatic efforts to resolve the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict. One of the key issues discussed during Erdoğan’s
visit to Malaysia was the reconstruction of Gaza: Malaysia pledged to support
the creation of a fund for this purpose and co-chair the East Asia
Reconstruction Plan for Gaza and Palestine. Erdogan emphasized the importance of
platforms like the OIC and D-8 to address global humanitarian issues, including
Gaza. Malaysia also was the first ASEAN member country to sign a free trade
agreement with Turkiye, in 2014.
The global shift of power from the West to the East, the “pivot to Asia” trend,
changing dynamics in the Middle East, and Turkiye’s pragmatic foreign policy
have shaped Ankara’s own turn toward Asia.
There is a burgeoning relationship between Turkiye and Southeast Asian states in
the area of defense. Malaysia’s Ministry of Defense has identified Turkiye as a
key player in the development of its defense capabilities. In particular,
Malaysia has shown interest in Turkish maritime defense products. Turkish
defense giant STM signed an agreement with Malaysia in 2024for the purchase of
three corvette warships. The strong momentum of Turkish-Malaysian relations was
evident in the 11 agreements signed during Erdogan's visit.
The president’s second stop was Indonesia, the world’s most populous
Muslim-majority nation and Southeast Asia’s largest economy. The two countries
have significantly strengthened their ties in recent years. In 2022, they signed
five agreements on defense, technology, forestry, and environmental cooperation.
In 2023, they agreed to carry out joint military exercises and enhance their
defense industry cooperation. During Erdogan’s visit, an agreement was signed
between Indonesian defense company Republikorp and Turkiye’s Baykar to establish
a drone production facility in Indonesia. President Prabowo Subianto spoke
highly of this growing cooperation, noting successful joint ventures with
Turkish defense firms such as Roketsan, Aselsan, Havelsan, and Baykar. This
visit also marked the first meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation
Council of two states, which was established in 2022.
The final leg of Erdogan’s tour took him to Pakistan, which he visited five
years ago. Turkiye has a special bond with Pakistan, a middle-sized defense
partner where Turkiye has long played a crucial role in strengthening military
capabilities. During this visit, Pakistan signed a deal to acquire electronic
warfare aircraft — another outcome of the already growing defense cooperation,
particularly in areas such as technology transfer, joint production agreements,
and arms sales. Turkish defense companies such as Aselsan and Roketsan have
worked with Pakistani partners to develop advanced weaponry, enhancing
Pakistan’s indigenous defense production and reducing its reliance on Western
suppliers. This growing military collaboration has deepened Turkiye-Pakistan
relations and solidified Turkiye’s position as an important partner.
The global shift of power from the West to the East, the “pivot to Asia” trend,
changing dynamics in the Middle East, and Turkiye’s pragmatic foreign policy
have shaped Ankara’s own turn toward Asia. Turkiye is now working to expand its
influence in Southeast Asia, a region that has warmly welcomed this involvement.
But it is important to consider how Turkiye can further align its strategic
objectives with the evolving dynamics of this region and increasing competition
among several actors. The personal diplomacy at leadership level with each
nation, defense capabilities, and economic potential are Turkiye’s key assets
that can support its pivot to Asia. But its Southeast Asia policy needs
sustained focus and efforts, moving beyond economic and defense collaboration,
and building more on people-to-people relations.
• Dr. Sinem Cengiz is a Turkish political analyst who specializes in Turkiye’s
relations with the Middle East. X: @SinemCngz
Why Europe’s security must be a key US aim
Luke Coffey/Arab News/February 14, 2025
Last week was a busy one in US-European relations. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth
made his first official visit to Europe for a NATO meeting in Brussels, Vice
President J.D. Vance also made his first visit to deliver a speech on artificial
intelligence in Paris — and Americans woke up to the surprising news that an
American long held by Russia had been released as part of a prisoner exchange.
President Donald Trump also held lengthy phone calls with Vladimir Putin and
Volodymyr Zelensky to try to jump start Ukraine peace talks between the two
countries. These events all led up to the annual Munich Security Conference,
beginning on Friday, at which Europeans, Americans, and many from all corners of
the world were eager to hear what Vance had to say about the future of
US-European ties, NATO, and relations with Russia.
This busy week will set the tone for the new Trump administration and its
approach to the continent. As Trump develops that approach, he should look back
at his first term as a blueprint.
What many in Europe remember about that first term was repeated by Vance in his
speech in Munich on Friday — criticism of European allies for their inadequate
funding of defense and relying too much on the American military presence on the
continent. However, the actual policy outcomes differed greatly from the
rhetoric. Despite the attacks on Europeans for not spending enough, Trump’s
first term in the White House delivered an increase of more than 40 percent in
American spending on European defense compared with the Obama administration. By
the time Trump left in 2021, there were more US forces in Europe and more
training exercises across the continent than before he took office.
Trump also took significant steps to strengthen Europe’s energy security and
stability. He ramped up US exports of LNG, reducing European reliance on Russian
gas. He also imposed sanctions Russia’s Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline,
which was undermining Europe’s energy security. Trump was the first to provide
advanced anti-tank weapons to Ukraine after the Obama administration repeatedly
failed to do so. He also oversaw the largest expulsion in history of Russian
spies and diplomats from US territory, and closed down two Russian consulates in
Seattle and San Francisco along with two trade mission annexes in Washington and
New York.
These were not the actions of someone indifferent to Europe or weak on Russia.
If anything, they demonstrated a strong commitment to European security and US
leadership in transatlantic affairs. It is this kind of strategic thinking that
should inform the second Trump administration’s approach.
The security of Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia is
interconnected, whether policymakers like it or not.
One significant change since Trump’s first term is the growing bipartisan
awareness of the challenges China poses to US national interests. As a result,
many in the Trump administration believe that East Asia should be the focus for
national security. However, as a global power in what Secretary of State Marco
Rubio describes as a multipolar world, the US cannot afford to focus on one
region at the expense of others. Regardless of discussions about reprioritizing
Asia and drawing down US forces in Europe and the Middle East, geopolitical
reality makes such a shift nearly impossible.
Europe remains crucial to the well-being of the American economy. Together,
North America and Europe account for about half of the world’s GDP. Two-thirds
of all foreign investment into the US is from Europe. Additionally, Europe is
collectively America’s largest export market, with 48 out of 50 US states
exporting more to the continent than they do to China. Trump, with his
background in business, understands better than anyone that when an American
product is exported, that secures an American job. Right now, Russia is actively
trying to undermine stability in Europe, which threatens the economic prosperity
that has long benefited both the US and the American worker. Essentially,
America’s military presence in Europe, along with NATO, is the primary security
guarantor of America’s largest export market and source of foreign investment.
The idea that America could simply walk away from Europe is not only naive but
also geopolitically dangerous.
If the world is reemerging as a multipolar system, as Rubio suggests, then many
of these geopolitical poles are converging in eastern Ukraine, where Russia
continues its aggression with the assistance of North Korean soldiers and
Iranian drones. The security of Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia
is interconnected, whether policymakers like it or not.
As Trump’s second administration unfolds, maintaining strong transatlantic
relations will be essential to ensuring that the US remains an influential
player on the world stage. While there will undoubtedly be discussions about
shifting priorities, the geopolitical realities of the modern world make it
clear that Europe must remain a key pillar of US foreign policy. The
administration should take a strategic, long-term approach to strengthening
NATO, supporting Ukraine, and maintaining US leadership in European security.
Ultimately, the Trump administration’s approach to Europe should not be defined
by campaign rhetoric but by practical policy measures that align with US
strategic interests. As history has shown, a strong and engaged America in
Europe is not just beneficial for the continent — it is also vital for US
national security and economic prosperity.
• Luke Coffey is a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. X: @LukeDCoffey