English LCCC Newsbulletin For Lebanese, Lebanese Related, Global News & Editorials
For July 05/2025
Compiled & Prepared by: Elias Bejjani
#elias_bejjani_news

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Bible Quotations For today
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart
Matthew 11/25-30: "‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’"

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on July 04-05/2025
I Call On Joseph Aoun To recruit Randala Jabour and May Khreish To His Advisors' Brigade./Elias Bejani/July 03, 2025
Father Khadra: A Prophetic Voice Calling for the Preservation of the Christian Presence in Lebanon/Elias Bejjani/July 01/ 2025
Expatriates' Betrayal Crime: Basil, His Father-in-law, & Their Puppet Pharisees and Judases Are Abject Slaves to the Evil Hezbollah/Elias Bejjani/July 01/2025
Video link: A commentary by journalist Marwan Al-Amin from "Al-Badeel" website, titled: "The Rule of Law and Accountability Are What Founded Israel's Victory."
The Nature of Obstructionism and the Ethics of Obstructionists/Dr. Ali Khalifa/Nidaa Al-Watan/July 04/2025
My Father told me the story of our ancestor's journey to The United States of America/Eblan Farris/Face Book/July 04/2025
Hezbollah Ambiguous on Disarmament and Disbanding of Its Security and Financial Arms/Bassam Abou Zeid/This is Beirut/July 04/2025
Adraee Confirms the Targeting of Qassem Salah al-Husseini in Khaldeh Strike
Barrack reportedly discussed Lebanon and Syria at the Elysee
Barrack says disarming Hezbollah requires 'carrots and sticks'
US Plan on the Table: Disarm Hezbollah and Revive Lebanon’s Economy
President Aoun Stresses Judicial Integrity During Visit to Ministry of Justice
Aoun denies reports about fighters build-up on Lebanon's eastern border
US paper 'cannot pass' as it is, Hezbollah sources say
Reports: Hezbollah may cede heavy arms but not lighter ones
Hezbollah to reply within 48 hours to Lebanese paper after Aoun-Berri talks
Report: Hezbollah agrees to 'step-for-step' proposed by Aoun
Paris says in contact with US over Lebanon
Bassil meets Aoun, says Hezbollah disarmament should not be a free ride
Hezbollah supporters mourn Nasrallah's bodyguard Abou Ali
Wave of Israeli airstrikes target south Lebanon
Berri and the Deadly Trinity: Arms, Corruption, and Electoral Sabotage/Makram Rabah/Now Lebanon/July 04/2025
Under pressure, Hezbollah weighs scaling back its arsenal
Lebanon Risks Missing the Train/Pierre Nahas/This is Beirut/July 04/2025

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on July 04-05/2025
IAEA pulls inspectors from Iran as standoff over access drags on
Israeli military prepares plan to ensure Iran cannot threaten country, defense minister says
Iran resumes international flights after a 20-day suspension
Saudi Arabia's current priority is a permanent Gaza ceasefire, foreign minister says
Trump says he expects Hamas decision in 24 hours on 'final' peace proposal
Gaza’s Nasser Hospital operating as ‘one massive trauma ward’
UN records 613 killings in Gaza near humanitarian convoys or aid distribution points run by US group
British group Palestine Action seeks to pause government ban
Efforts ongoing to halt Gaza war
Hamas responds to Gaza ceasefire proposal, it’s ‘positive,’ Palestinian official says
Settlers and Palestinians clash in West Bank village
Dozens of Palestinians killed while waiting for aid
Syria ready to work with US to return to 1974 disengagement deal with Israel
Syria unveils new national emblem as part of sweeping identity overhaul
Syrian authorities evacuate citizens amid major forest fires
Turkish prosecutors add charges of forging diploma against jailed Istanbul mayor

Titles For The Latest English LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources on July 04-05/2025
The Baha'i faith is small, far-flung, and faced with repression in parts of the Middle East/DAVID CRARY/Associated Press/July 4, 2025
Question: “What does the Bible say about Christian tithing? Should a Christian tithe?”/GotQuestions.org/July 4, 2025
Pentagon has undermined Trump’s goal of Ukraine peace/Luke Coffey/Arab News/July 04, 2025
Ensuring water security through robust regulation/Mads Helge/Arab News/July 04, 2025
Syria’s reintegration highlights deepening intra-Arab ties/Zaid M. Belbagi/Arab News/July 04, 2025
Regional tensions bring Turkiye and Armenia closer/Dr. Sinem Cengiz/Arab NewsJuly 04, 2025

The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on July 04-05/2025
I Call On Joseph Aoun To recruit Randala Jabour and May Khreish To His Advisors' Brigade.
Elias Bejani/July 03, 2025
The popular proverb states, "Tell me what you read, and I'll tell you who you are." We can coin a similar adage: "Tell me who your advisors are, and I'll tell you who you are."
Building on this principle, which connects advisors to individuals and, more critically, to public officials, I personally urge President Joseph Aoun to recruit May Khreish, a prominent Southern resistance and defiant lawyer still mourning Sayyed Nasrallah's assassination. Additionally, Randala Jabour, a Syrian nationalist journalist known for her ideological devotion to Antoine Saad's Greater Syria, her commitment to Hezbollah's resistance, and her unwavering hostility towards Zionists and their "usurping" state, would be a valuable addition.
It's crucial to acknowledge that these two figures were aligned with Gebran Bassil and his father-in-law, giving them invaluable experience in all forms of opportunism, expediency, and political adaptability.
Adding Khreish and Jabour to the Baabda Advisors' brigade is now essential, as the Lebanese proverb wisely states, "To complete the carried load with hawthorn."
Historically, sound advice came at a price. However, given the culture of the "resistance merchants" and their cronies—steeped in illusions, daydreams, and psychological denial, justification, and projection—our counsel is freely offered. This advice aims to support the President in his approach to "negotiating with Hezbollah in a bid to hand over its weaponry to the state." These negotiations, however, contradict UN resolutions, the ceasefire agreement, and the agenda of all regional and international powers who brought both President Aoun and Nawaf Salam into power. Their mandate is to supervise the implementation of UN resolutions, not to negotiate with proxies of the Iranian occupation to entrench their presence and legitimize their weapons through cunning rhetoric and manipulative tactics.
Undoubtedly, Khreish and Jabour are the ideal advisors for the path Joseph Aoun has pursued thus far. As for the rest of the President's advisor brigade, there's no need to elaborate more.

Father Khadra: A Prophetic Voice Calling for the Preservation of the Christian Presence in Lebanon
Elias Bejjani/July 01/ 2025

https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2025/07/144813/
With a clear conscience, in testimony to the truth, and in faith in Lebanon—the land of holiness and saints, with its identity, entity, mission, and the foundational role of Christians, especially the Maronites, in shaping its unique existence—we must thank the Lord for the blessing of this leavening and apostolic monk, Father Tony Khadra. He carries in his heart, conscience, and soul—and on his shoulders, with all the abilities, gifts, and blessings granted to him by God—the sacred mission of safeguarding the active Christian presence in the Land of the Cedars.
Father Khadra’s activities are a form of apostolic struggle, and his voice stands as a steadfast and prophetic call defending the coexistence and dignity of Christians in Lebanon—amid the blindness and numbness of conscience that afflicts many political party leaders, politicians, tycoons, and submissive Christian clerics, in the full and humiliating sense of the term. Father Khadra’s perseverance and determination to continue his holy mission is a blessed and apostolic endeavor. May God prolong his life, strengthen his faith, and fortify his unwavering and unyielding resolve.

Expatriates' Betrayal Crime: Basil, His Father-in-law, & Their Puppet Pharisees and Judases Are Abject Slaves to the Evil Hezbollah 
Elias Bejjani/July 01/2025
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2025/07/144768/
Basil's brazen, vile, and treacherous opposition to the right of expatriates to participate in elections, most of whom are Christians, confirms that he, his La Civilforci Father-in-law, and all those who support them—the merchants, the deposits, the Pharisees, the scribes, and the tax collectors— are the sons of Judas in heart, soul, and genes, and a demonic catastrophe with which we Maronites have been afflicted.

Video link: A commentary by journalist Marwan Al-Amin from "Al-Badeel" website, titled: "The Rule of Law and Accountability Are What Founded Israel's Victory."
July 04, 2025
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2025/07/144864/

Worshipping and sanctifying the leader, and turning him into an untouchable symbol, brings nothing but defeat and ruin.
Marwan Al-Amin/Facebook/July 04, 2025
Netanyahu saved Israel from the Hamas movement and killed Sinwar and all the movement's leaders.
He saved Israel from Hezbollah and killed Nasrallah and all the party's leaders.
He saved Israel from the Iranian nuclear project and killed most of Iran's military and security leaders and nuclear scientists.
And today, Netanyahu appears before the court on corruption charges.
Military power alone does not achieve victories. The Soviet Union possessed nuclear weapons, but it collapsed. The concepts of the rule of law, accountability, and science are the solid foundations upon which military power rests, and which led to Israel's victory.
Does Israel deserve victory? Yes, it does, because victory is the result of a political, state, and institutional framework, and because it built a political environment that ensures the state remains above the leader.
Do we deserve defeat? Yes, we do, and we established it through failed states, blind subservience, and hollow slogans that wrap backwardness, humiliation, collapse, and defeat in religious coverings and illusory victories.
Worshipping and sanctifying the leader, and turning him into an untouchable symbol, brings nothing but defeat and ruin, even if after some time. For the state that triumphs is the one that subjects everyone, no matter how high their positions and status, to accountability, and places the law above the individual, not the other way around.


The Nature of Obstructionism and the Ethics of Obstructionists

Dr. Ali Khalifa/Nidaa Al-Watan/July 04/2025
(Free Translation from Arabic by: Elias Bejjani)
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2025/07/144869/
Obstructionism is a term soaked in negativity. It abstains from everything noble—chiefly, ethics. At its core, obstructionism is a setback for humanity, a regression in the Arab and Islamic civilizational experience, and a disgrace in the modern history of Lebanon. The age of obstructionism is one of decay, desolation, and extremism. To obstructionists, the world is split into two camps: one that parrots their myths, fabrications, and nonsense as if they were divine truths, and another of traitors, apostates, and villains—merely for daring to think differently.
With a corrosive gaze, obstructionism views global civilization as a threat. It seeks to sever cultural connections and destroy mutual enrichment. It launches preemptive strikes against shared human values and lashes out at individualism, critical thinking, and intellectual independence. It vilifies liberalism, even as it parasitically benefits from its accomplishments. From the darkness of its self-imposed cave, it scorns modernity and demonizes the West—and if it could, it would reduce the entire world to ashes.
In return, obstructionism offers no alternative but backwardness, weaponized ignorance, and the malicious abuse of religion—even to the extent of fabricating a religion that wars against the essence of faith itself. This is precisely what Khomeini did when he replaced Islam with a barbaric doctrine bearing no relation to historical Shiism—whether Twelver, Alawite, or Ameli—and reduced God to the likeness of a black-turbaned devil. Or as Hezbollah has done: a scourge upon Lebanon's Shiites, growing like a parasite upon the corpse of the state and usurping its exclusive responsibilities in defense, security, economy, and society.Should an obstructionist come across an article that challenges their beliefs, they erupt at the mere title—or once their internal pressure reaches boiling point—raging like a bull in a corrida. They do not debate or respond; instead, they call for your blood or attack your honor, invoking your mother or sister in vulgarity, rather than confronting your ideas. Meet them on air, and at the first disagreement, they recoil as if touched by evil—hurling insults, trivialities, and defamation. On social media, their pages are shrines to their idols: one features a grimacing Soleimani, another Khamenei scowling like an owl, or Nasrallah issuing threats or smirking. They retreat into their symbols, their talismans, their vendettas—often anonymous, faceless figures. One, in a moment of misplaced intimacy, posts a photo with his wife, her face hidden behind an emoji—obedient to a religious prohibition invented for him by his guardian.
From the culture of obstructionism and the minds of obstructionists, no refined art emerges, no useful science, no enlightening discourse—only ignorance, buffoonery, and vulgarity. In the face of reason—which alone can rescue from misery—they wrap themselves in the false robes of piety, engaging in theatrical displays meant to inflame sectarianism and provoke discord, all while abandoning even the most basic standards of moral conduct.

My Father told me the story of our ancestor's journey to The United States of America

Eblan Farris/Face Book/July 04/2025
My Father told me the story of our ancestor's journey to The United States of America. My ancestors came from Lebanon to the United States in 1898 and 1900. Through Ellis Island - my Mom's family went to Joplin Missouri and my Dad's family Springfield, Missouri.
Lebanon was occupied by the Ottoman Empire, the Ottomans would go to a home and if you had 4 children they would take 3 and leave 1. The 3 would be used as laborers and most of the time the family would never see them again. So, instead of giving 3 to the Ottomans - many Lebanese Families would send the 3 to America, the Land of Freedom, the Land of Hope! They traveled by Ship from Lebanon to New York, and the trip would last about 40 days, upon getting closer to the shores of the United States, they eagerly waited for the first sign of the new promised land by searching out the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of enduring hope. The Statue of Liberty has been a symbol of freedom and hope for millions of immigrants to the United States, it remains an international symbol of freedom for people everywhere, the Statue of Liberty has greeted immigrants in search of a better life to America’s shores.
After going through Ellis Island they traveled to Springfield. My dad told me they walked a lot but the majority of the travel was by train. Interesting note as to why they chose Springfield, other Lebanese immigrants made it here and were successful, and that the train actually ended in Springfield Missouri.
Our great great Uncle Frank had 3 stores in Springfield and a house, he hosted and employed everyone that came from the old country. He used to instruct them about honest work and upholding a good reputation, and that we all are now part of the American family and must contribute positively to this family. Upholding high standards of Morals, Values, and Ethics. He used to tell them every morning we will attend morning mass from 7:00 am to 7:30 am and then head off to work the day usually lasted until 7 pm, and then he hit them with this last statement - “miss one day of mass and you’re going back to the Ottomans.”To embark to this land was the best decision in our families' history.

Hezbollah Ambiguous on Disarmament and Disbanding of Its Security and Financial Arms
Bassam Abou Zeid/©This is Beirut/July 04/2025
According to Lebanese sources, the anticipated response to the message conveyed by US envoy Tom Barrack regarding the disarmament of Hezbollah is expected to align with what Barrack stated in an interview with The New York Times, specifically the application of a carrot-and-stick approach toward the group. Lebanon's official response, however, remains unsettled, as Hezbollah has yet to submit its feedback on the draft proposal. Barrack is expected to be briefed on the latest developments during his meetings in Beirut on Monday with President Joseph Aoun. He is also set to meet Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri—Hezbollah’s main liaison—as well as Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.Hopes are high that the current draft may evolve into an official response once Hezbollah’s input is incorporated. However, Hezbollah appears to be engaging in tactical brinkmanship. It might either delay submitting its reply until Barrack arrives in Beirut or refrain from responding claiming it needs more time to review the document. In either case, Hezbollah seems to be betting on the likelihood that a finalized Lebanese response would be acceptable to the US envoy.
Nevertheless, sources also voiced concern about Israel’s increasingly hardline stance and the possibility of outright rejection—especially since Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected in Washington on Monday for a meeting with President Donald Trump, where the Lebanese file will reportedly be on the agenda. Meanwhile, several possible scenarios are being considered regarding the US envoy’s response: the Lebanese reply could be either accepted as is, sent back with requests for amendments, or rejected outright. Should the US approve the document, it will then be submitted to the Lebanese Cabinet. However, the matter will not be discussed at the Cabinet level unless the US first gives its green light. If the Americans request modifications, Cabinet deliberations would likely be postponed until further notice. An outright rejection, on the other hand, may signal a premeditated plan by Israel to escalate its military pressure on Hezbollah, possibly forcing the group into total capitulation. Sources fear that Barrack’s visit to Beirut, coinciding with Netanyahu’s meetings in Washington, could be accompanied by a surge of Israeli airstrikes. The most crucial point in the Lebanese draft response remains unanswered: Will Hezbollah relinquish its weapons? If Hezbollah responds affirmatively, government insiders say Beirut will stress that disarmament cannot come free of charge. Each concession, they argue, must be met with concrete, reciprocal steps—chief among them firm US guarantees that translate into action on the ground: an Israeli withdrawal from remaining occupied territories, a halt to assassinations, and an end to airstrikes. For now, the Lebanese government continues to avoid labeling Hezbollah as a “militia”—a term the US insists on using. Ambiguity also surrounds Lebanon’s official position on dismantling Hezbollah’s security infrastructure and halting all related activities. Equally unclear is Beirut’s stance on dismantling Hezbollah’s economic apparatus, most notably the al-Qard al-Hassan Association.

Adraee Confirms the Targeting of Qassem Salah al-Husseini in Khaldeh Strike
This is Beirut/July 04/2025
The Israeli army’s Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced on Friday that the Israeli army had eliminated Qassem Salah al-Husseini, an operative working for Iran’s Quds Force, in a drone attack on his vehicle in Khaldeh. Thursday’s strike also injured three other individuals. Adraee wrote on his X account, “Yesterday, the Israeli army attacked with precise intelligence guidance and eliminated Qassem Salah al-Husseini, a Lebanese terrorist who was working to promote terrorist plans against the citizens of Israel and the Israeli army on the northern front, at the behest of the Iranian Quds Force.”He added, “Al-Husseini was a key element in the network smuggling weapons from Iran via Syria to several areas on the northern front, as well as in Judea and Samaria. He operated under the direction of the Quds Force and participated in attempts to smuggle weapons into Israel to carry out terrorist plots.”Adraee described the elimination of al-Husseini as “a blow to the ability of various terrorist organizations on the northern front and in the Judea and Samaria regions to grow.”He stressed that the army and the General Security Service would continue to work to thwart any threat to the security of Israel’s citizens.

Barrack reportedly discussed Lebanon and Syria at the Elysee
Naharnet/July 04/2025
U.S. envoy Tom Barrack met Thursday night with officials at the French presidential palace to discuss the situations in Lebanon and Syria, a French diplomatic source said.“Paris and Washington agreed to boost cooperation in the Lebanese and Syrian files and they have stressed their commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability,” the source told Al-Arabiya’s Al-Hadath channel. The source added that Barrack and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot discussed the ceasefire mechanism between Lebanon and Israel and the file of the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Barrack says disarming Hezbollah requires 'carrots and sticks'
Naharnet/July 04/2025
U.S. envoy Tom Barrack has called the ceasefire that ended the war between Israel and the Hezbollah in November “a total failure” because Israel is still bombing Lebanon and Hezbollah is accused of violating the agreement’s terms. Last month, according to the New York Times, he delivered a proposal from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Lebanon’s government with specific objectives and timelines on how to disarm Hezbollah and fix the economy. He is expected to receive a reply next week. Disarming Hezbollah would require “carrots and sticks,” Barrack told the New York Times, and involves the Lebanese Army searching house to house for weapons. To give Hezbollah’s supporters and Lebanese southerners a stake in the process, Barrack said the United States is seeking financial help from Saudi Arabia and Qatar that would focus on reconstruction in parts of southern Lebanon battered during the war. “If the Shiites of Lebanon are getting something from this, they will cooperate with it,” he said.

US Plan on the Table: Disarm Hezbollah and Revive Lebanon’s Economy
This is Beirut/July 04/2025
In an interview with The New York Times, Donald Trump’s special envoy for Syria and US ambassador to Turkey, Thomas J. Barrack Jr., revealed that he had recently presented a proposal to the Lebanese government aimed at disarming Hezbollah and reviving the country’s economy. The plan, delivered in June and attributed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, includes specific objectives and timelines, with operations led by the Lebanese Army involving house-to-house weapons searches. Barrack acknowledged the sensitive nature of the process, stating that “disarming Hezbollah would require ‘carrots and sticks.’” He emphasized the need to secure the cooperation of Lebanon’s Shiite communities, long seen as supportive of Hezbollah, by tying the disarmament effort to targeted reconstruction aid. He stated, “If the Shiites of Lebanon are getting something from this, they will cooperate with it.”
He indicated that the US is seeking financial backing from Qatar and Saudi Arabia to fund the rebuilding of southern Lebanon, heavily damaged by the latest round of fighting. Barrack also dismissed the November ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah as “a total failure,” arguing that “Israel was still bombing Lebanon and Hezbollah was violating the agreement’s terms.”

President Aoun Stresses Judicial Integrity During Visit to Ministry of Justice
This is Beirut/July 04/2025
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visited the Ministry of Justice in Beirut this morning to assess the state of the judicial sector amid the country’s ongoing challenges. During his tour, President Aoun addressed judges directly, urging them to uphold fairness and resist external influence. “Judge fairly and per the law; do not acquit a criminal, do not convict an innocent person and do not yield to pressure or intimidation,” he stated. The President met with Minister of Justice Judge Adel Nassar and emphasized the crucial role of the judiciary and the need to reinforce justice during this critical period for Lebanon.
Following his visit to the ministry, President Aoun proceeded to the Supreme Judicial Council alongside Minister Nassar, where he met with Council President Judge Suhail Abboud. He later met with Public Prosecutor Judge Jamal al-Hajjar, joined by Judges Abboud, Nassar and Ayman Oweidat, President of the Judicial Inspection Authority. The President also met with Acting Deputy Public Prosecutor Judge Dora Khazen, in the presence of the same senior judicial figures.

Aoun denies reports about fighters build-up on Lebanon's eastern border
Naharnet/July 04/2025
President Joseph Aoun on Friday denied the reports about the alleged entry of armed groups from Syria into Lebanon and the reports about mobilization for incursions from Syria.“No party can eliminate another party in Lebanon and no sect has an advantage over another. The latest Israeli war targeted entire Lebanon, while the economic war has not been merciful on any of its sons,” Aoun said. Warning of “the enemies within the country who incite sectarianism out of keenness on their interests with foreign forces,” the president said “coordination is well underway with the Syrian side to prevent cross-border smuggling.”

US paper 'cannot pass' as it is, Hezbollah sources say
Naharnet/July 04/2025
A U.S. paper that was presented to Lebanon’s government with specific objectives and timelines on how to disarm Hezbollah and fix the economy "is not acceptable as it is" to Hezbollah, according to sources close to the group. The sources told al-Joumhouria newspaper, in remarks published Friday, that Hezbollah's disarmament cannot happen through the "carrots and sticks" approach or through threats and pressure. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack had told the New York Times that disarming Hezbollah would require "carrots and sticks" and involves the Lebanese Army searching house to house for weapons. The sources said the topic needs time to be discussed and that pressure for a rushed response and a "take-it-or-leave-it" approach will not work. Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc had said Thursday that it is important that the Lebanese response preserves Lebanon's demands, rights and sovereignty and that Israel's withdrawal from the occupied territories in south Lebanon and its commitment to the ceasefire deal are "naturally" required as a first step.

Reports: Hezbollah may cede heavy arms but not lighter ones

Naharnet/July 04/2025
Hezbollah began a strategic review following its latest war with Israel and is considering scaling back its role as an armed movement without disarming completely, media reports published Friday said. Hezbollah concluded that its arsenal has become a liability and is now considering turning over some weapons, notably missiles and drones seen as the biggest threat to Israel, on condition Israel withdraws from the south and halts its attacks, the reports said. But the group won't surrender its entire arsenal and intends to keep lighter arms and anti-tank missiles as a means to resist any future attacks, the reports added.

Hezbollah to reply within 48 hours to Lebanese paper after Aoun-Berri talks
Naharnet/July 04/2025
President Joseph Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri and PM Nawaf Salam are yet to receive Hezbollah’s response to the Lebanese amendments to U.S. envoy Tom Barrack’s paper, which were prepared by a tripartite committee after intensive meetings at the Baabda Palace, Al-Jadeed TV said. Hezbollah is expected to deliver the response on Friday or Saturday to Berri, Al-Jadeed added, noting that the joint presidential committee would meet again after receiving the official response in order to finalize Lebanon’s formal response. Informed sources meanwhile told the TV network that Hezbollah is demanding “real guarantees that Israel would abide by the new paper.”“It has concerns over Barrack’s paper and considers it a capitulation paper based on the previous experiences with Israel, which did not commit to agreements, Resolution 1701 or the ceasefire arrangements,” the sources added, noting that “the atmosphere is uneasy and marred by cautious anticipation pending Hezbollah’s response.”Al-Jadeed also revealed that Berri had met with Aoun over a dinner banquet on Wednesday evening and that the discussions tackled Barrack’s paper, Hezbollah’s response and the file of appointments.

Report: Hezbollah agrees to 'step-for-step' proposed by Aoun
Naharnet/July 04/2025
Hezbollah has agreed to the “step-for-step” principle proposed by President Joseph Aoun regarding the handover of its weapons in return for Israel’s withdrawal from the South and the halt of its attacks, sources told Al-Arabiya’s Al-Hadath channel. “Hezbollah has proposed that the Israelis withdraw from the five hills after which it would pull back north,” the sources said. “Hezbollah has agreed to hand over the heavy weapons in return for credible guarantees that Israel won’t wage further attacks,” the sources added.
“Hezbollah will turn over its weapons in Beirut after Israel withdraws to the international border,” the sources went on to say.

Paris says in contact with US over Lebanon
Naharnet/July 04/2025
The French foreign ministry said Friday that Paris is communicating with Washington over Lebanon and that “the November agreement must be implemented with all its stipulations.”“We condemn all Israeli strikes in Lebanon, especially those leading to civilian casualties,” a French foreign ministry official told Al-Arabiya’s Al-Hadath channel. “The pacification agreement with Israel stipulates that only the Lebanese Army is tasked with removing weapons in the South,” the official said. “UNIFIL and the mechanism committee will oversee the handover of arms to the Lebanese Army,” the French official added.

Bassil meets Aoun, says Hezbollah disarmament should not be a free ride
Naharnet/July 04/2025
Free Patriotic Movement leader Jebran Bassil said Friday there should be a quid pro quo for Hezbollah's disarmament after he met President Joseph Aoun in Baabda. According to Bassil, it goes without saying that Israel must in return withdraw from occupied Lebanese territories, halt its attacks and its exploitation of Lebanese natural resources - including water, oil, and gas. "Everyone should feel that these weapons are not being given away for nothing in return," Bassil said. An old but no longer ally of Hezbollah, Bassil had in the past supported Lebanon's defense but criticized Hezbollah for dragging the crisis-hit country into a war with Israel in support of Hamas and Gaza. Bassil said he hopes Hezbollah "would seize the opportunity" and would not feel defeated. "We should all feel that we have won what's in Lebanon's interest and that no party has been defeated."

Hezbollah supporters mourn Nasrallah's bodyguard Abou Ali
Associated Press/July 04/2025
Hezbollah members and supporters held a funeral Thursday in Beirut's southern suburbs for the former bodyguard and head of security of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the group's longtime leader. Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli strike in south Beirut last year, while his former bodyguard Abou Ali Khalil was killed in Iran during last month's Israel-Iran war, along with his son Mahdi. Abou Ali Khalil, better known as Abou Ali Jawad, was killed after he went to Iran from neighboring Iraq. For many years, he was seen behind Nasrallah during most of his public appearances. After Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstike in September, his bodyguard was put in charge of his tomb in Beirut.

Wave of Israeli airstrikes target south Lebanon
Agence France Presse/July 04/2025
A series of Israeli airstrikes targeted Thursday areas in south Lebanon between Yahmor al-Shqif and Deir Seryan, and the outskirts of Zawtar el-Sharqiyeh and other areas in the Jezzine region. The Israeli army said it struck "military sites, including weapons depots, military structures, and terrorist infrastructure" of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Their presence and activities in the area constitute, according to Israel, a "flagrant violation" of the ceasefire agreement, which came into effect on November 27 to end over a year of hostilities. Despite the ceasefire, Israel continues to carry out strikes on Lebanon almost daily, claiming to target Hezbollah. An Israeli strike on a vehicle at the southern entrance of Beirut earlier on Thursday killed one man and wounded three other people, as the Israeli army said it hit a "terrorist" working for Iran.

Berri and the Deadly Trinity: Arms, Corruption, and Electoral Sabotage

Makram Rabah/Now Lebanon/July 04/2025
It is difficult—perhaps impossible—for Lebanon to change so long as Hezbollah retains its weapons. While some argue that focusing exclusively on the group’s arsenal is simplistic or even unfair, Speaker Nabih Berri’s latest move—blocking expatriate voting in the upcoming parliamentary elections—returns the discussion to its core and reminds us of the harsh reality at hand.
During the most recent parliamentary session, Berri, Hezbollah’s partner in “crime”, acting in his capacity as Speaker, refused to place the issue of expatriate voting on the agenda. Instead, he deferred to the existing law, which restricts the diaspora’s electoral rights to electing six MPs representing six continents, stripping them of their previous right to vote in their home districts, as they did in the last elections. This is not merely a question of electoral law—it is emblematic of a much deeper struggle: the Shiite duo’s categorical refusal to concede anything on the issue of arms.
This deadly trinity—arms, corruption, and obstruction of electoral reform—rests on three foundational pillars:
First, the weapons: Hezbollah’s weapons are the linchpin of the political control exercised by Berri and what remains of Hezbollah over the state. Cloaked in the rhetoric of “protecting Shiite rights,” this claim is heretical in nature: it protects neither the Shiites nor Lebanon. As recent regional events have shown, these weapons have failed even to defend Iran itself or serve any credible deterrent function.
Second, sectarian patronage: This is evident in the monopolization of key appointments across Lebanon’s security, administrative, and judicial institutions. Successive backroom deals and political clashes over judicial appointments have revealed a system in which competence and integrity are irrelevant. What matters is loyalty—sectarian loyalty—regardless of constitutional violations or governmental paralysis.
Third, the rejection of electoral reform: Berri and Hezbollah categorically reject any reform that might challenge their monopoly over Shiite representation. This rejection preserves the linkage between sect and arms and prevents other Lebanese factions from touching the so-called “national pact.” Hence their adamant opposition to expatriate voting and to meaningful reforms such as the establishment of “mega centers” that would allow citizens to vote freely without facing harassment or coercion from the political establishment.
The right of the diaspora to vote is not a marginal issue. It is a national right and duty. These are the Lebanese who built the country’s reputation abroad and accumulated its symbolic and financial capital. They entrusted their savings to Lebanese banks—only to see them squandered by the same political class now denying them the right to participate in the country’s democratic life.
This trinity—arms, corruption, and the exclusion of the diaspora—is not just a theory. It is a coherent system designed to protect Lebanon’s entrenched criminal order. If weapons are the symbolic foundation of this order, then elections and appointments are its concrete mechanisms—and it is through these that Lebanese citizens must fight back, with a resolve equal to that of the regime’s leaders, who routinely violate the constitution and dismantle the state.
What many overlook is that denying expatriates the right to vote is practically also a denial of sovereignty. Sovereignty is not confined to geography—it is measured by every citizen’s ability to express their political will freely, wherever they may be. Preventing the diaspora from voting is simply an extension of the armed coup against the state—beyond Lebanon’s borders, a coup which has been led by Berri as the face of Lebanon’s so-called political class. This is not a time for grievance. It is a time for action. Every Lebanese citizen—at home or abroad—has the right and the responsibility to confront this toxic trio, not with silence or resignation, but with resistance: at the ballot box, in the courts, in the streets, and through the creating and upholding a new national narrative. mak
Nabih Berri is not the Lebanese people’s fate. Arms are not a constitution. And the diaspora is not a guest in this country—it is a partner in its salvation.
*This article original appeared in Nidaa al-Watan
*Makram Rabah is the managing editor at Now Lebanon and an Assistant Professor at the American University of Beirut, Department of History. His book Conflict on Mount Lebanon: The Druze, the Maronites and Collective Memory (Edinburgh University Press) cover collective identities and the Lebanese Civil War. He tweets at @makramrabah

Under pressure, Hezbollah weighs scaling back its arsenal
Reuters/July 04, 2025
BEIRUT: Hezbollah has begun a major strategic review in the wake of its devastating war with Israel, including considering scaling back its role as an armed movement without disarming completely, three sources familiar with the deliberations say. The internal discussions, which aren’t yet finalized and haven’t previously been reported, reflect the formidable pressures the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group has faced since a truce was reached in late November. Israeli forces continue to strike areas where the group holds sway, accusing Hezbollah of ceasefire violations, which it denies. It is also grappling with acute financial strains, US demands for its disarmament and diminished political clout since a new cabinet took office in February with US support. The group’s difficulties have been compounded by seismic shifts in the regional power balance since Israel decimated its command, killed thousands of its fighters and destroyed much of its arsenal last year. Hezbollah’s Syrian ally, Bashar Assad, was toppled in December, severing a key arms supply line from Iran. Tehran is now emerging from its own bruising war with Israel, raising doubts over how much aid it can offer, a regional security source and a senior Lebanese official told Reuters.Another senior official, who is familiar with Hezbollah’s internal deliberations, said the group had been holding clandestine discussions on its next steps. Small committees have been meeting in person or remotely to discuss issues including its leadership structure, political role, social and development work, and weapons, the official said on condition of anonymity. The official and two other sources familiar with the discussions indicated Hezbollah has concluded that the arsenal it had amassed to deter Israel from attacking Lebanon had become a liability.Hezollah “had an excess of power,” the official said. “All that strength turned into a weak point.”Under the leadership of Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed last year, Hezbollah grew into a regional military player with tens of thousands of fighters, rockets and drones poised to strike Israel. It also provided support to allies in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.
Israel came to regard Hezbollah as a significant threat. When the group opened fire in solidarity with its Palestinian ally Hamas at the start of the Gaza war in 2023, Israel responded with airstrikes in Lebanon that escalated into a ground offensive.
Hezbollah has since relinquished a number of weapons depots in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese armed forces as stipulated in last year’s truce, though Israel says it has struck military infrastructure there still linked to the group. Hezbollah is now considering turning over some weapons it has elsewhere in the country — notably missiles and drones seen as the biggest threat to Israel — on condition Israel withdraws from the south and halts its attacks, the sources said. But the group won’t surrender its entire arsenal, the sources said. For example, it intends to keep lighter arms and anti-tank missiles, they said, describing them as a means to resist any future attacks. Hezbollah’s media office did not respond to questions for this article. Isreal’s military said it would continue operating along its northern border in accordance with the understandings between Israel and Lebanon, in order eliminate any threat and protect Israeli citizens. The US State Department declined to comment on private diplomatic conversations, referring questions to Lebanon’s government. Lebanon’s presidency did not respond to questions. For Hezbollah to preserve any military capabilities would fall short of Israeli and US ambitions. Under the terms of the ceasefire brokered by the US and France, Lebanon’s armed forces were to confiscate “all unauthorized arms,” beginning in the area south of the Litani River — the zone closest to Israel. Lebanon’s government also wants Hezbollah to surrender the rest of its weapons as it works to establish a state monopoly on arms. Failure to do so could stir tensions with the group’s Lebanese rivals, which accuse Hezbollah of leveraging its military might to impose its will in state affairs and repeatedly dragging Lebanon into conflicts.
All sides have said they remain committed to the ceasefire, even as they traded accusations of violations.
PART OF HEZBOLLAH’S ‘DNA’
Arms have been central to Hezbollah’s doctrine since it was founded by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to fight Israeli forces who invaded Lebanon in 1982, at the height of the 1975-1990 Lebanese civil war. Tensions over the Shiite Muslim group’s arsenal sparked another, brief civil conflict in 2008. The United States and Israel deem Hezbollah a terrorist group. Nicholas Blanford, who wrote a history of Hezbollah, said that in order to reconstitute itself, the group would have to justify its retention of weapons in an increasingly hostile political landscape, while addressing damaging intelligence breaches and ensuring its long-term finances. “They’ve faced challenges before, but not this number simultaneously,” said Blanford, a fellow with the Atlantic Council, a US think tank. A European official familiar with intelligence assessments said there was a lot of brainstorming underway within Hezbollah about its future but no clear outcomes. The official described Hezbollah’s status as an armed group as part of its DNA, saying it would be difficult for it to become a purely political party. Nearly a dozen sources familiar with Hezbollah’s thinking said the group wants to keep some arms, not only in case of future threats from Israel, but also because it is worried that Sunni Muslim jihadists in neighboring Syria might exploit lax security to attack eastern Lebanon, a Shiite-majority region.
Despite the catastrophic results of the latest war with Israel — tens of thousands of people were left homeless and swathes of the south and Beirut’s southern suburbs were destroyed — many of Hezbollah’s core supporters want it to remain armed. Um Hussein, whose son died fighting for Hezbollah, cited the threat still posed by Israel and a history of conflict with Lebanese rivals as reasons to do so. “Hezbollah is the backbone of the Shiites, even if it is weak now,” she said, asking to be identified by a traditional nickname because members of her family still belong to Hezbollah. “We were a weak, poor group. Nobody spoke up for us.”Hezbollah’s immediate priority is tending to the needs of constituents who withstood the worst of the war, the sources familiar with its deliberations said. In December, Secretary General Naim Qassem said Hezbollah had paid more than $50 million to affected families with more than $25 million still to hand out. But there are signs that its funds are running short.One Beirut resident said he had paid for repairs to his apartment in the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs after it was damaged in the war only to see the entire block destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in June. “Everyone is scattered and homeless. No one has promised to pay for our shelter,” said the man, who declined to be identified for fear his complaints might jeopardize his chances of receiving compensation.He said he had received cheques from Hezbollah but was told by the group’s financial institution, Al-Qard Al-Hassan, that it did not have funds available to cash them. Reuters could not immediately reach the institution for comment.
Other indications of financial strain have included cutbacks to free medications offered by Hezbollah-run pharmacies, three people familiar with the operations said.
SQUEEZING HEZBOLLAH FINANCES
Hezbollah has put the onus on Lebanon’s government to secure reconstruction funding. But Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, a Hezbollah critic, has said there will be no aid from foreign donors until the state establishes a monopoly on arms. A State Department spokesperson said in May that, while Washington was engaged in supporting sustainable reconstruction in Lebanon, “this cannot happen without Hezbollah laying down their arms.”Israel has also been squeezing Hezbollah’s finances. The Israeli military said on June 25 that it had killed an Iranian official who oversaw hundreds of millions of dollars in transfers annually to armed groups in the region, as well as a man in southern Lebanon who ran a currency exchange business that helped get some of these funds to Hezbollah. Iran did not comment at the time, and its UN mission did not immediately respond to questions from Reuters. Since February, Lebanon has barred commercial flights between Beirut and Tehran, after Israel’s military accused Hezbollah of using civilian aircraft to bring in money from Iran and threatened to take action to stop this. Lebanese authorities have also tightened security at Beirut airport, where Hezbollah had free rein for years, making it harder for the group to smuggle in funds that way, according to an official and a security source familiar with airport operations. Such moves have fueled anger among Hezbollah’s supporters toward the administration led by President Joseph Aoun and Nawaf Salam, who was made prime minister against Hezbollah’s wishes. Alongside its Shiite ally, the Amal Movement, Hezbollah swept local elections in May, with many seats uncontested. The group will be seeking to preserve its dominance in legislative elections next year.
Nabil Boumonsef, deputy editor-in-chief of Lebanon’s Annahar newspaper, said next year’s poll was part of an “existential battle” for Hezbollah. “It will use all the means it can, firstly to play for time so it doesn’t have to disarm, and secondly to make political and popular gains,” he said.

Lebanon Risks Missing the Train
Pierre Nahas/This is Beirut/July 04/2025
With Iran’s power waning and its proxies humbled, regional normalization with Israel is accelerating once again. Syria appears to be on board. Lebanon, once central to the conflict, risks becoming a forgotten bystander. There was a time when the idea of Syria normalizing ties with Israel would’ve been laughed out of every Arab capital. Not anymore. Damascus is reportedly engaged in serious discussions to join the Abraham Accords. Once-controversial deals, the Accords now seem like the Middle East’s new baseline. That Syria, of all countries, is entertaining the idea of normalizing with Israel by the end of the year should ring loud alarm bells in Beirut, because Lebanon, despite all its potential and historic ties to the West, remains incapable of taking decisive action and is drifting dangerously close to becoming irrelevant.
The Region Is Moving On
After October 7, many people quickly concluded that the Abraham Accords – a landmark diplomatic victory for the first Trump administration – had become obsolete, or at the very least, would be difficult to revive without new Israeli leadership. But two years on, those deals have proven resilient, even after Israel’s war in Gaza and the backlash it triggered. Not only did countries like the UAE and Bahrain stand by them, but the idea is now spreading and may potentially include the entire region. The reality is that a new understanding of politics is gaining momentum. One that is more concerned with development, economics, trade and addressing domestic problems than on deflecting those issues by fighting Israel. Syria’s transformation didn’t happen in a vacuum. After years of civil war and total isolation, President Ahmad al-Chareh had two choices: either resume perpetual “resistance” against Israel or engage in the difficult task of diplomacy to revive his country. Chareh seems to have gone with the pragmatic choice of prioritizing reconstruction. Knowing full well that countries like Turkey can’t foot the bill, he has lobbied Gulf countries – especially Saudi Arabia – to vouch for him to powers that can actually make a positive difference, like the United States. To that end, Washington has been quick to reciprocate Syria’s enthusiasm and concrete actions, despite Chareh’s background as a former al-Qaeda member. Meanwhile, Lebanon? Stuck. Still broken. Bleeding its youth. And debating whether Resolution 1701 applies south or north of the Litani. Lebanon is, as we speak, still hostage to Hezbollah, whose relevance is tied to a version of the region that’s quickly vanishing. We are in the era of the new Middle East, and all Arab leaders have started reading the map differently. Syria did. The Gulf did. Even Qatar, a long-time supporter of Hamas, is recalibrating.
Syria’s Pivot Should Be Lebanon’s Wake-Up Call
The bitter irony is that Lebanon should have been first in line to receive investments and reconstruction aid. Lebanon still has a human capital base that is largely Western-educated, democratic and culturally closer to the West – and to the Gulf’s vision for the region – than Syria. The only thing missing is decisive action on disarming Hezbollah in order to restore the rule of law and truly stabilize the country, encouraging investment. The Gulf is not a charity created to bail us out every time Hezbollah decides to commit strategic blunders. Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Gulf countries are nations with their own people and national interests to worry about. They’re not going to invest in countries where they don’t see any potential return on investment, and there is no return on investment in Lebanon while Hezbollah holds the leash. Until now, the Lebanese government has talked about the need to disarm all militias and implement real reforms. It is saying the right things. But words won’t cut it anymore. If Beirut doesn’t act – meaning serious, visible moves to disarm Hezbollah, not just south of the Litani, and to restore state authority – then no one in Washington, Brussels or Riyadh is going to take it seriously.
A Final Chance?
Many have described the election of President Joseph Aoun as Lebanon’s final chance. But now, our moment is slipping away. If Lebanon doesn’t get serious soon, it won’t just be behind the curve; it’ll suffer a worse fate. It’ll be out of the picture. Forgotten. Irrelevant. The government’s actions so far resemble those of a cancer patient prioritizing a nose job over removing the tumor – Hezbollah. The Abraham Accords are growing, not shrinking. Israel, despite everything, is proving to be a long-term player. The Arab world is thinking about ports, tech and energy corridors, not Kalashnikovs and Katyushas.
The new Middle East isn’t about glory through war. It’s about partnerships and coexistence. Syria, of all places, seems to get that now. Lebanon should too.

The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on July 04-05/2025
IAEA pulls inspectors from Iran as standoff over access drags on
Reuters/July 05, 2025
VIENNA: The UN nuclear watchdog said on Friday it had pulled its last remaining inspectors from Iran as a standoff over their return to the country’s nuclear facilities bombed by the United States and Israel deepens. Israel launched its first military strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites in a 12-day war with the Islamic Republic three weeks ago. The International Atomic Energy Agency’s inspectors have not been able to inspect Iran’s facilities since then, even though IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has said that is his top priority. Iran’s parliament has now passed a law to suspend cooperation with the IAEA until the safety of its nuclear facilities can be guaranteed. While the IAEA says Iran has not yet formally informed it of any suspension, it is unclear when the agency’s inspectors will be able to return to Iran. “An IAEA team of inspectors today safely departed from Iran to return to the Agency headquarters in Vienna, after staying in Tehran throughout the recent military conflict,” the IAEA said on X. Diplomats said the number of IAEA inspectors in Iran was reduced to a handful after the June 13 start of the war. Some have also expressed concern about the inspectors’ safety since the end of the conflict, given fierce criticism of the agency by Iranian officials and Iranian media. Iran has accused the agency of effectively paving the way for the bombings by issuing a damning report on May 31 that led to a resolution by the IAEA’s 35-nation Board of Governors declaring Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has said he stands by the report. He has denied it provided diplomatic cover for military action.
IAEA wants talks
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Thursday Iran remained committed to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). “(Grossi) reiterated the crucial importance of the IAEA discussing with Iran modalities for resuming its indispensable monitoring and verification activities in Iran as soon as possible,” the IAEA said. The US and Israeli military strikes either destroyed or badly damaged Iran’s three uranium enrichment sites. But it was less clear what has happened to much of Iran’s nine tons of enriched uranium, especially the more than 400 kg enriched to up to 60 percent purity, a short step from weapons grade. That is enough, if enriched further, for nine nuclear weapons, according to an IAEA yardstick. Iran says its aims are entirely peaceful but Western powers say there is no civil justification for enriching to such a high level, and the IAEA says no country has done so without developing the atom bomb. As a party to the NPT, Iran must account for its enriched uranium, which normally is closely monitored by the IAEA, the body that enforces the NPT and verifies countries’ declarations. But the bombing of Iran’s facilities has now muddied the waters. “We cannot afford that .... the inspection regime is interrupted,” Grossi told a press conference in Vienna last week.

Israeli military prepares plan to ensure Iran cannot threaten country, defense minister says
Reuters/July 04, 2025
DUBAI: The Israeli military is preparing an enforcement plan to “ensure that Iran cannot return to threaten Israel,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz told senior military officials. He said the military must be prepared, both in intelligence and operations, to ensure Israel has air superiority and to prevent Tehran from reestablishing its previous capabilities. He made his remarks following a 12-day air war between the longtime enemies in June, during which Israel struck Iranian nuclear facilities, saying the aim was to prevent Tehran developing a nuclear weapon. Iran denies seeking nuclear arms and that its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes. Israel and Iran agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire that ended hostilities on June 24

Iran resumes international flights after a 20-day suspension
Associated Press/July 4, 2025
TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport has welcomed its first foreign flight since the resumption of international air travel after a 20-day suspension, local media reported Friday. According to Student News Network, Mehdi Ramezani, spokesperson for Iran's Civil Aviation Organization, confirmed the Flydubai flight from the United Arab Emirates landed on Wednesday, after extensive security and diplomatic coordination. The landing marks a “new phase of stability” for Iran’s aviation sector, Ramezani said, after recent tensions with Israel. He added that it represented a return to calm and intelligent management of the nation’s airspace. International flights will gradually resume to specific destinations in coordination with authorities, to meet public needs and restore air links, he said. Iran and Israel agreed to a ceasefire last month after a bloody 12-day conflict that saw Israel striking hundreds of Iranian military infrastructure targets and nuclear-related sites, and Iran firing missiles at Israel in return. The truce was brokered by the U.S. after it dropped 30,000-pound “bunker-busting” bombs on three of Iran’s key nuclear sites.

Saudi Arabia's current priority is a permanent Gaza ceasefire, foreign minister says
Reuters/July 4, 2025
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov meets with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in Moscow
DUBAI -Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud said on Friday that the kingdom's current priority is reaching a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, when asked about the possibility of normalising ties with Israel. He was speaking during a visit to Moscow. In 2024, the Saudi foreign minister said that there can be no normalisation of ties with Israel without resolving the Palestinian issue. "What we are seeing is the Israelis are crushing Gaza, the civilian population of Gaza," he said. "This is completely unnecessary, completely unacceptable and has to stop."The local health ministry in Gaza says more than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's assault on the region since an October 7 attack on Israel by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. According to Israel, 1,200 people were killed in that attack and more than 250 taken hostage into Gaza.


Trump says he expects Hamas decision in 24 hours on 'final' peace proposal
Kanishka Singh and Nandita Bose/Reuters/July 4, 2025
WASHINGTON -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday it would probably be known in 24 hours whether the Palestinian militant group Hamas has agreed to accept what he has called a "final proposal" for an Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza. The president also said he had spoken to Saudi Arabia about expanding the Abraham Accords, the deal on normalization of ties that his administration negotiated between Israel and some Gulf countries during his first term. Trump said on Tuesday Israel had accepted the conditions needed to finalise a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas, during which the parties will work to end the war. He was asked on Friday if Hamas had agreed to the latest ceasefire deal framework, and said: "We'll see what happens, we are going to know over the next 24 hours."A source close to Hamas said on Thursday the Islamist group sought guarantees that the new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal would lead to the end of Israel's war in Gaza. Two Israeli officials said those details were still being worked out. Dozens of Palestinians were killed on Thursday in Israeli strikes, according to Gaza authorities. The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered in October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, Israeli tallies show. Gaza's health ministry says Israel's subsequent military assault has killed over 56,000 Palestinians. It has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza's entire population and prompted accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations. A previous two month ceasefire ended when Israeli strikes killed more than 400 Palestinians on March 18. Trump earlier this year proposed a U.S. takeover of Gaza, which was condemned globally by rights experts, the U.N. and Palestinians as a proposal of "ethnic cleansing."
ABRAHAM ACCORDS
Trump made the comments on the Abraham Accords when asked about U.S. media reporting late on Thursday that he had met Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman at the White House. "It's one of the things we talked about," Trump said. "I think a lot of people are going to be joining the Abraham accords," he added, citing the predicted expansion to the damage faced by Iran from recent U.S. and Israeli strikes. Axios reported that after the meeting with Trump, the Saudi official spoke on the phone with Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of Iran's General Staff of the Armed Forces.
Trump's meeting with the Saudi official came ahead of a visit to Washington next week by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Gaza’s Nasser Hospital operating as ‘one massive trauma ward’
Reuters/July 04, 2025
GENEVA: Nasser Hospital in Gaza is operating as “one massive trauma ward” due to an influx of patients wounded at non-UN food distribution sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the World Health Organization said on Friday. The US- and Israeli-backed GHF began distributing food packages in Gaza at the end of May, overseeing a new model of deliveries that the UN says is neither impartial nor neutral. It has repeatedly denied that incidents involving people killed or wounded at its sites have occurred. The GHF said on Friday that “the most deadly attacks on aid sites have been linked to UN convoys,” and said the UN and humanitarian groups should work “collaboratively” with the GHF to “maximize the amount of aid being securely delivered into Gaza.” The UN in Geneva was immediately available for comment.
FASTFACT
Hundreds of patients, mainly young boys, were being treated for traumatic injuries, including bullet wounds to the head, chest, and knees, according to the WHO. Referring to medical staff at the Nasser Hospital, Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the West Bank and Gaza, told reporters in Geneva: “They’ve seen already for weeks, daily injuries ... (the) majority coming from the so-called safe non-UN food distribution sites. The hospital is now operating as one massive trauma ward.” Israel lifted an 11-week aid blockade on Gaza on May 19. The UN human rights office said on Friday that it had recorded at least 613 killings, both at aid points run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and near humanitarian convoys. “We have recorded 613 killings, both at GHF points and near humanitarian convoys — this is a figure as of June 27. Since then ... there have been further incidents,” Ravina Shamdasani, the spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in Geneva. The OHCHR said 509 of the 613 were killed near GHF distribution points. The GHF dismissed these numbers as coming “directly from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry” and were being used to “falsely smear” its effort. The GHF has previously said it has delivered more than 60 million meals to hungry Palestinians in five weeks “safely and without interference,” while other humanitarian groups had “nearly all of their aid looted.” The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that there have been some instances of violent looting and attacks on aid truck drivers, which it described as unacceptable. Hundreds of patients, mainly young boys, were being treated for traumatic injuries, including bullet wounds to the head, chest, and knees, according to the WHO. Peeperkorn said health workers at Nasser Hospital and testimonies from family members and friends of those wounded confirmed that the victims had been trying to access aid at sites run by the GHF. Peeperkorn recounted the cases of a 13-year-old boy shot in the head, as well as a 21-year-old with a bullet lodged in his neck, which rendered him paraplegic. “There is no chance for any reversal or any proper treatment. Young lives are being destroyed forever,” Peeperkorn said, urging for the fighting to stop and for more food aid to be allowed into Gaza.

UN records 613 killings in Gaza near humanitarian convoys or aid distribution points run by US group
WAFAA SHURAFA and SAMYA KULLAB/Associated Press/July 4, 2025
DEIR al-BALAH, Gaza Strip — The U.N. human rights office said Friday it has recorded 613 killings in Gaza near humanitarian convoys and at aid distribution points run by an Israeli-backed American organization since it first began operations in late May. Spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said the rights office was not able to attribute responsibility for the killings. But she said “it is clear that the Israeli military has shelled and shot at Palestinians trying to reach the distribution points” operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. She said it was not immediately clear how many of those killings had taken place at GHF sites, and how many occurred near convoys. Speaking to reporters at a regular briefing, Shamdasani said the figures covered the period from May 27 through June 27, and “there have been further incidents” since then. She said she was basing the information on an internal situation report at the office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights. Shamdasani said the figures, compiled through its standard vetting processes, were not likely to tell a complete picture, and “we will perhaps never be able to grasp the full scale of what’s happening here because of the lack of access” for U.N. teams to the areas. Israeli airstrikes killed 15 Palestinians in Gaza early on Friday, while another 20 people died in shootings while waiting for aid, the hospital morgue that received their bodies told The Associated Press. Those killed in the strikes included eight women and one child. Nasser Hospital said the 20 who die who were killed near distribution sites in Rafah and 18 who were waiting for trucks to deliver supplies elsewhere in southern Gaza.
Israel’s military did not immediately provide comment on the strikes.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military said a soldier was killed in combat in the north of Gaza and it was investigating. Over 860 Israeli soldiers have been killed since the war began, including more than 400 during the fighting in Gaza. The recent killings took place as efforts to halt the 21-month war appeared to be moving forward. Hamas said Friday that it was holding discussions with leaders of other Palestinian factions to discuss a ceasefire proposal presented to it by Egyptian and Qatari mediators. Trump said Tuesday that Israel had agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept the deal before conditions worsen. Hamas will give its final response to mediators after the discussions have concluded, the statement said. The Health Ministry in Gaza said the number of Palestinians killed in the territory has passed 57,000. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count, but says more than half of the dead are women and children. The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking roughly 250 hostages. According to Palestinian witnesses and Gaza’s Health Ministry, several hundred people have been killed or wounded by Israeli troops when trying to reach the aid sites since they opened in May. The military has repeatedly said it’s fired only warning shots, denies deliberately firing towards civilians, and says it’s looking into reports of civilian harm.

British group Palestine Action seeks to pause government ban
Reuters/July 4, 2025
LONDON -A co-founder of pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action asked a London court on Friday to pause a British government decision to ban it under anti-terrorism laws, a move her lawyers said was an "authoritarian abuse" of the law. Huda Ammori, who helped found Palestine Action in 2020, asked London's High Court to stop the proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, before a full hearing of her case that banning Palestine Action is unlawful later this month. British lawmakers this week decided to ban the group in response to its activists breaking into a Royal Air Force base and damaging two planes, a protest against what it says is Britain's support for Israel. Proscription would make it a crime to be a member of Palestinian Action that carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison. Proscribed groups under British law include Islamic State and al Qaeda. Palestine Action has increasingly targeted Israel-linked companies in Britain with direct action. Critics of the government's decision, including some United Nations experts and civil liberties groups, say damaging property does not amount to terrorism. "This is the first time in our history that a direct action, civil disobedience group which does not advocate for violence has been sought to be proscribed as terrorists," Ammori's lawyer, Raza Husain, told the court. Husain described the government's decision as "an ill-considered, discriminatory, authoritarian abuse of statutory power that is alien to the basic tradition of the common law".Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Britain's interior minister, said this week that "violence and serious criminal damage has no place in legitimate protests". Husain said that "one may disagree with what Palestine Action do and think that criminal damage, trespass and burglary are wrong", but that designation the group as a terrorist organisation was "an abuse of language". A decision on whether to pause Palestine Action's impending proscription is expected later on Friday.

Efforts ongoing to halt Gaza war
Associated Press/July 4, 2025
"We'll see what happens. We're going to know over the next 24 hours," U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on Air Force One late Thursday when asked if Hamas had agreed to the latest framework for a ceasefire. Hamas said Friday that it was holding discussions with leaders of other Palestinian factions to discuss a ceasefire proposal presented to it by Egyptian and Qatari mediators. Hamas said it will give its final response to mediators after the discussions have concluded. Trump said Tuesday that Israel had agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept the deal before conditions worsen. The Health Ministry in Gaza said the number of Palestinians killed in the territory has passed 57,000. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count, but says more than half of the dead are women and children. The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking roughly 250 hostages. According to Palestinian witnesses and Gaza's Health Ministry, several hundred people have been killed or wounded by Israeli troops when trying to reach the aid sites since they opened in May.
The military has repeatedly said it's fired only warning shots, denies deliberately firing towards civilians, and says it's looking into reports of civilian harm.

Hamas responds to Gaza ceasefire proposal, it’s ‘positive,’ Palestinian official says
Reuters/AFP/July 04, 2025
CAIRO/TEL AVIV/GAZA CITY:
Hamas on Friday said it was ready to start talks “immediately” on a proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, where the civil defense agency said Israel’s ongoing offensive killed more than 50 people. The announcement came after it held consultations with other Palestinian factions and before a visit on Monday by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington, where President Donald Trump is pushing for an end to the war, now in its 21st month. “The movement is ready to engage immediately and seriously in a cycle of negotiations on the mechanism to put in place” the terms of a draft US-backed truce proposal received from mediators, the militant group said in a statement. Hamas ally Islamic Jihad said it supported ceasefire talks, but demanded “guarantees” that Israel “will not resume its aggression” once hostages held in Gaza are freed. The conflict in Gaza began with Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which sparked a massive Israeli offensive aimed at destroying Hamas and bringing home all the hostages seized by militants. Two previous ceasefires brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States have seen temporary halts in fighting, coupled with the return of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
STOP THIS WAR
Israeli attacks have killed at least 138 Palestinians in Gaza over the past 24 hours, local health officials said. Health officials at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, said the Israeli military had carried out an airstrike on a tent encampment west of the city around 2 a.m., killing 15 Palestinians displaced by nearly two years of war. The Israeli military said troops operating in the Khan Younis area had eliminated militants, confiscated weapons and dismantled Hamas outposts in the last 24 hours, while striking 100 targets across Gaza, including military structures, weapons storage facilities and launchers. Later on Friday, Palestinians gathered to perform funeral prayers before burying those killed overnight. “There should have been a ceasefire long ago before I lost my brother,” said 13-year-old Mayar Al Farr as she wept. Her brother, Mahmoud, was shot dead in another incident, she said. “He went to get aid, so he can get a bag of flour for us to eat. He got a bullet in his neck. It killed him on the spot,” she said. Adlar Mouamar said her nephew, Ashraf, was also killed in Gaza. “Our hearts are broken. We ask the world, we don’t want food...We want them to end the bloodshed. We want them to stop this war.”
MAKE THE DEAL
In Tel Aviv, families and friends of hostages held in Gaza were among demonstrators who gathered outside a US Embassy building on US Independence Day, calling on Trump to secure a deal for all of the captives. Demonstrators set up a symbolic Sabbath dinner table, placing 50 empty chairs to represent those who are still held in Gaza. Banners hung nearby displaying a post by Trump from his Truth Social platform that read, “MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!“The Sabbath, or Shabbat, observed from Friday evening to Saturday nightfall, is often marked by Jewish families with a traditional Friday night dinner. “Only you can make the deal. We want one beautiful deal. One beautiful hostage deal,” said Gideon Rosenberg, 48, from Tel Aviv. Rosenberg was wearing a shirt with the image of hostage Avinatan Or, one of his employees who was abducted by Palestinian militants from the Nova musical festival on October 7, 2023. He is among the 20 hostages who are believed to be alive after more than 600 days of captivity. Ruby Chen, 55, the father of 19-year-old American-Israeli Itay, who is believed to have been killed after being taken captive, urged Netanyahu to return from meeting with Trump in Washington on Monday with a deal that brings back all hostages. “Let this United States Independence Day mark the beginning of a lasting peace... one that secures the sacred value of human life and one that bestows dignity to the deceased hostages by ensuring their return to proper burial,” he said, also appealing to Trump. Itay Chen, also a German national, was serving as an Israeli soldier when Hamas carried out its surprise attack on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking another 251 hostage. Israel’s retaliatory war against Hamas has devastated Gaza, which the militant group has ruled for almost two decades but now only controls in parts, displacing most of the population of more than 2 million and triggering widespread hunger. More than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed in nearly two years of fighting, most of them civilians, according to local health officials.

Settlers and Palestinians clash in West Bank village
AFP/July 05, 2025
SINJIL, Palestinian Territories: Dozens of Israeli settlers and Palestinians clashed Friday in the occupied West Bank village of Sinjil, where a march against recent settler attacks on nearby farmland was due to take place.AFP journalists saw local residents and activists begin their march before locals reported that settlers had appeared on a hill belonging to the village. Palestinian youths marched toward the hill to drive away the settlers, setting a fire at its base while the settlers threw rocks from the high ground. Local Palestinians told AFP that settlers also started a fire. Several Israeli military jeeps arrived at the scene and soldiers fired a few shots in the air, causing Palestinians to withdraw back to the village. Anwar Al-Ghafri, a lawyer and member of Sinjil’s city council, told AFP that such incidents are not new, but have intensified in recent days in the area, just north of the West Bank city of Ramallah.“A group of settlers, with support and approval from the Israeli army, are carrying out organized attacks on citizens’ land,” he told AFP. “They assault farmers, destroy crops, and prevent people from reaching or trying to reach their land,” he said, describing the events that had prompted Friday’s march. The settlers involved in Friday’s clashes could not be reached for comment. Israeli authorities recently erected a high fence cutting off parts of Sinjil from Road 60, which runs through the entire West Bank from north to south, and which both settlers and Palestinians use. Mohammad Asfour, a 52-year-old resident, told AFP that the fence was isolating his community, like other Palestinian cities and towns that recently had gates erected by Israel to control access to the outside. “Sinjil is suffering greatly because of this wall. My house is near it, and so are my brothers’ homes. The settler has the right to come to Sinjil — but the sons of Sinjil aren’t allowed to climb up this hill,” Asfour said. Violence in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967, has soared since the Hamas attack of October 2023 triggered the Gaza war.Since then, Israeli troops or settlers have killed at least 947 Palestinians, including many militants, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Over the same period, at least 35 Israelis have been killed in Palestinian attacks or during Israeli military operations, according to Israeli figures.

Dozens of Palestinians killed while waiting for aid
Associated Press/July 4, 2025
Israeli airstrikes killed 15 Palestinians in Gaza early on Friday, while a hospital said another 20 people died in shootings while waiting for aid. Meanwhile, the U.N. human rights office says it has recorded 613 killings within the span of a month in Gaza near humanitarian convoys and as Palestinians try to reach aid at distribution points run by an Israeli-backed American organization since it first began operations in late May. Spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said the rights office was not able to attribute responsibility for the killings. But she said "it is clear that the Israeli military has shelled and shot at Palestinians trying to reach the distribution points" operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. In a message to The Associated Press, Shamdasani said that of the total tallied, 509 killings were "GHF-related," meaning at or near its distribution sites. "Information keeps coming in," she added. "This is ongoing and it is unacceptable."The GHF has denied any serious injuries or deaths on its sites and says shootings outside their immediate vicinity are under the purview of Israel's military. The Israeli military also issued new evacuation orders Friday in northeast Khan Younis and urged Palestinians to move west ahead of planned military operations against Hamas in the area. The new evacuation zones pushed Palestinians into increasingly smaller spaces by the coast.
20 killed Friday near aid distribution sites
More deaths reported near aid distribution sites occurred overnight Friday, according to officials in Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. At least three Palestinians were killed near aid sites in Rafah, which is close to two operated by GHF. Another 17 were killed waiting for trucks to pass by in eastern Khan Younis in the Tahliya area. Of the 15 Palestinians killed in Friday's strikes, eight were women and one was a child, the hospital said. The strikes hit the Muwasi area, where many displaced Palestinians are sheltering in tents. Israel's military said it was looking into Friday's reported strikes. The military, whose forces are deployed on the roads leading to the aid distribution sites, has previously said it fires warning shots to control crowds or at Palestinians who approach its troops.
U.N. investigates shootings near aid sites
Shamdasani originally told a U.N. briefing the recent spate of killings were recorded both at GHF sites and near humanitarian convoys. She later clarified to the AP that the killings in the vicinity of GHF distribution points were "at or near their distribution sites."
The count from the rights office, which used a strict methodology to verify such figures, was based in part on information from hospitals that receive dead bodies, she said. Also Friday, Israel's military said a soldier was killed in combat in the north of Gaza and it was investigating. Over 860 Israeli soldiers have been killed since the war began, including more than 400 during the fighting in Gaza.

Syria ready to work with US to return to 1974 disengagement deal with Israel
AFP/July 04, 2025
DAMASCUS: Syria said on Friday it was willing to cooperate with the United States to reimplement the 1974 disengagement agreement with Israel, which created a UN-patrolled buffer zone separating the two countries’ forces. In a statement following a phone call with his US counterpart Marco Rubio, Asaad Al-Shaibani expressed Syria’s “aspiration to cooperate with the United States to return to the 1974 disengagement agreement.”Washington has been pushing diplomatic efforts toward a normalization deal between Syria and Israel, with envoy Thomas Barrack saying last week that peace between the two was now needed. Speaking to The New York Times, Barrack confirmed this week that Syria and Israel were engaging in “meaningful” US-brokered talks to end their border conflict. Following the toppling of longtime Syrian ruler Bashar Assad in December, Israel deployed its troops into the UN-patrolled zone separating Syrian and Israeli forces. It has also launched hundreds of air strikes on military targets in Syria and carried out incursions deeper into the country’s south. Syria and Israel have technically been in a state of war since 1948. Israel conquered around two thirds of the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, before annexing it in 1981 in a move not recognized by much of the international community. A year after the 1973 war, the two reached an agreement on a disengagement line. As part of the deal, an 80 kilometer-long (50 mile) United Nations-patrolled buffer zone was created on the east of Israeli-occupied territory, separating it from the Syrian-controlled side. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Monday that his country had an “interest” in normalizing ties with Syria and neighboring Lebanon. He however added that the Golan Heights “will remain part of the State of Israel” under any future peace agreement. Syrian state media reported on Wednesday that “statements concerning signing a peace agreement with the Israeli occupation at this time are considered premature.”

Syria unveils new national emblem as part of sweeping identity overhaul
Arab News/July 04, 2025
DAMASCUS: The Syrian Arab Republic has launched a new national visual identity featuring a redesigned golden eagle emblem, in what officials described as a break from the legacy of authoritarianism and a step toward a state defined by service, unity and popular legitimacy. Unveiled during a ceremony in Damascus on Thursday, the new emblem reimagines the iconic Syrian golden eagle with symbolic elements representing the country’s history, geography and post-conflict aspirations, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported. The redesign forms the centerpiece of a wider national branding effort aimed at redefining Syria’s image at home and abroad. The eagle has long held significance in Syrian history, appearing in early Islamic military symbolism, notably in the 7th-century Battle of Thaniyat Al-Uqab, and later as part of the 1945 emblem of Syria. The new design retains this historic continuity but shifts its meaning, and the combative shield clutched by previous iterations of the eagle has been removed. Instead, the emblem now features the eagle topped by three stars representing the people symbolically placed above the state. The redesigned wings are outstretched, balanced rather than aggressive, with seven feathers each to represent Syria’s 14 governorates. The tail carries five feathers symbolizing the country’s major geographical regions: north, south, east, west, and central Syria — a nod to national unity and inclusivity, SANA reported. Officials described the design as a “visual political covenant,” aimed at linking the unity of land with the unity of national decision-making. “The people, whose ambitions embrace the stars of the sky, are now guarded by a state that protects and enables them,” said a statement accompanying the launch. “In return, their survival and participation ensure the renaissance of the state.”
The emblem is designed to signal historical continuity with the original post-independence design of 1945, while also representing the vision of a modern Syrian state born from the will of its people, SANA said.
Officials said the elevation of the stars above the eagle was intended to reflect the empowerment and liberation of the people, and the transition from a combative state to a more civic-minded one. The symbolism also reinforces Syria’s territorial integrity, with all regions and governorates represented equally. The design, they said, reflects a new national pact, one that defines the relationship between the state and its citizens based on mutual responsibility and shared aspirations. The new emblem is also intended as a symbolic end to Syria’s past as a security-driven state, replacing a legacy of repression with one of reconstruction and citizen empowerment. President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, who has positioned his administration as one of reform and renewal, described the change as emblematic of “a government emanating from the people and serving them.”The visual identity was developed entirely by Syrian artists and designers, including visual artist Khaled Al-Asali, in a deliberate effort to ground the new identity in local heritage and creativity. Officials said that the process was intended not only as a rebranding exercise but as a reflection of Syria’s cultural and civilizational legacy — and its future potential. Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, speaking at the event, framed the launch as part of a broader transformation in Syrian governance and diplomacy. “In every encounter, we carried a new face of Syria,” he said. “Our efforts brought Syria back to the international stage — not as a delayed hope, but as a present reality.” He said the country was now rejecting the “deteriorated reality” inherited from decades of authoritarian rule, and described the new emblem as a symbol of Syria’s emergence as a state that “guards” and empowers its people, rather than controlling them. Al-Shaibani concluded his remarks by calling the moment “a cultural death” for the former regime’s narrative. “What we need today is a national spirit that reclaims the scattered pieces of our Syrian identity, that is the starting point for building the future.”

Syrian authorities evacuate citizens amid major forest fires
AFP/July 05, 2025
DAMASCUS: Syrian rescuers evacuated residential areas in Latakia province because of major forest fires, authorities said on Friday. Fires have spreading across large parts of Syria, particularly on the coast, for several days, with firefighters struggling to control them due to strong winds and a drought.
Abdulkafi Kayyal, director of the Directorate of Disasters and Emergencies in Latakia province, told the state SANA news agency that fires in the Qastal Maaf area had moved close to several villages, prompting the evacuations. Syria’s civil defense warned residents of “the spread of rising smoke emissions to the northern section of the coastal mountains, the city of Hama, its countryside, and southern Idlib areas.”“Our teams recorded losses in the orchards due to the widespread spread of the forest fire in several areas of the Latakia countryside,” the civil defense added, calling on citizens to report anyone they suspect of starting fires. Syrian minister of emergency situations and disasters Raed Al-Saleh said on X that he was following events and “we will exert our utmost efforts to combat these fires.”With man-made climate change increasing the likelihood and intensity of droughts and wildfires worldwide, Syria has been battered by heatwaves, low rainfall and major forest fires. In June, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization told AFP that Syria had “not seen such bad climate conditions in 60 years,” noting that an unprecedented drought was on course to push more than 16 million people into food insecurity. The country is also reeling from more than a decade of civil war leading up to the end of the iron-fisted rule of Bashar Assad in December. Kayyal said the presence of mines and unexploded ordnance was hindering the work of rescuers, along with strong winds spreading the fires.

Turkish prosecutors add charges of forging diploma against jailed Istanbul mayor
Reuters/July 04, 2025
ANKARA: Turkish prosecutors charged Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on Friday with falsifying his university diploma, a new case threatening more years in prison for President Tayyip Erdogan’s main rival, already jailed pending corruption charges he denies.
Imamoglu, at the center of a sprawling legal crackdown on the main opposition party, has been jailed since March 23 pending trial. He denies the allegations against him, which his party says are orchestrated to protect Erdogan in power. His indictment over his diploma was reported by Milliyet newspaper, which said prosecutors were seeking eight years and nine months of prison time for the new charges. Reuters could not immediately obtain the document. On March 18, Istanbul University said it had annulled Imamoglu’s diploma. He was detained a day later on the corruption charges, triggering Turkiye’s largest protests in a decade, and later jailed pending trial. His detention has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and some foreign leaders, who call the case politically motivated and anti-democratic. The government denies the case is political. Imamoglu is the main opposition Republican People’s Party’s presidential candidate in any future election. He won re-election as mayor in March last year by a wide margin against a candidate from Erdogan’s ruling AK Party.

The Latest English LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources on July 04-05/2025
The Baha'i faith is small, far-flung, and faced with repression in parts of the Middle East
DAVID CRARY/Associated Press/July 4, 2025
The Baha’i faith — a small but global religion with an interfaith credo — fits comfortably into the religious spectrum of most countries. In several Middle East nations, however, Baha’i followers face repression that is drawing criticism from human rights groups. The abuse is most evident in Iran, which bans the faith and has been widely accused of persecuting its adherents, human rights advocates say. They also report systemic discrimination in Yemen, Qatar and Egypt. Iran has been a driving force in the spread of anti-Baha’i repression in countries where it holds influence, advocates say — a plan first made public in a leaked 1991 government document. These include Yemen, where Iran backs Houthi rebels who control much of the country, and Qatar, where links include co-ownership of the world’s largest natural gas field. “The sheer arsenal the Iranian government has expended to crush the Baha’is in every avenue of life has been astronomical,” said Nazila Ghanea, an Oxford University law professor and U.N. Special Rapporteur on religious freedom. ”It has also extended its reach, time and again, beyond the border of Iran,” she said. Anti-Baha’i discrimination includes forced deportations and family separations, as well as denial of marriage licenses, public school enrollment and access to burial grounds. In Qatar, the leader of the small Baha’i community has been detained since April. Remy Rowhani, 71, went on trial last month, charged with “promoting the ideology of a deviant sect” on the country’s Baha’i social media account.
A far-flung faith
The Baha’i faith was founded in the 1860s by Baha’u’llah, a Persian nobleman considered a prophet by his followers. He taught that all religions represent progressive stages in the revelation of God’s will, leading to the unity of all people and faiths. There are no Baha’i clergy. Communities are organized through elected local spiritual assemblies. From the faith’s earliest days, it was denounced by Shiite Muslim clerics in what is now Iran; they considered followers apostates. That repression continued after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, when many Baha’i followers were executed or went missing. There are less than 8 million believers worldwide, with the largest number in India. The faith is present in most countries.
Michael Page of Human Rights Watch described Iran as “a guiding animus against Baha’is because it perceived them as antithetical to the regime’s own interpretation of Shia Islam.”
“This is an authoritarian government that brutally cracks down on people who don’t agree with it,” Page told The Associated Press. “The hate speech directed at them is so at odds with the Baha’i faith tradition, it would feel laughable if the consequences weren’t so serious.”Not all Muslim countries are hostile. Saba Haddad, the Baha’i International Community’s representative to the U.N. in Geneva, cited Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Tunisia as welcoming.
“We are the measure of tolerance — for any government, any country,” she said. “We don’t have any political stance, we don’t interfere with politics, we don’t have a Baha’i country. It’s truly about ... tolerance and acceptance.”
Baha’i leader faces Qatar trial
Rowhani has been detained since April 28 in what Human Rights Watch denounces as a violation of religious freedom reflecting long-running discrimination against Baha’i believers. He faces up to three years in prison. His trial is recessed until Aug. 6.Rowhani’s daughter, Noora Rowhani, who lives in Australia with her husband and 9-year-old daughter, said she hasn’t been able to speak to her father since a brief call before his arrest. “As for why Qatar is doing this, I ask myself that every day,” she told AP. “A country that brands itself as a leader on the world stage, hosting global conferences and sporting events, cannot justify the quiet targeting of its citizens … just because they belong to a different faith.”Qatar’s International Media Office didn't respond to an AP email seeking comment about Rowhani’s case or accusations of systemic abuse of Baha’i followers. Rowhani — former head of Qatar's Chamber of Commerce — was jailed twice before, accused of offenses like routine fundraising related to his leadership of Qatar's Baha'i National Assembly. The latest charge involves the sect’s X account, which contains posts about Qatari holidays and Baha’i writings. “These new charges highlight the lengths to which the authorities in Qatar are prepared to go to erase the Baha’is from their country,” said lawyers Helena Kennedy and Steven Powles of Doughty Street Chambers law firm — founded by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer — which is assisting in Rowhani’s defense.
Bias in Egypt and Yemen
Since 1960, Egypt’s government has denied legal recognition to its small Baha’i community. This includes denying marriage licenses and birth certificates, barring children from public schools and restricting where Baha’i families can bury their dead. The Baha’i International Community issued a statement in November decrying “intensification of the persecution.”Egypt’s Foreign Ministry didn't respond to AP queries about the accusations. In Yemen, 100-plus Baha’i followers have been detained by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, according to Amnesty International. Keyvan Ghaderi, 52, was imprisoned for four years on charges including spying for the U.S. and Israel. He was released in 2020 and deported without being allowed to see his wife and children. Eventually, Ghaderi was granted a humanitarian visa to the U.S. He lives with his family in Salt Lake City. Ghaderi attributed the Houthis’ animosity to fear of change.
“They had this fear that we’d change ideas in Yemen, in the middle of civil war ... that we might change the narrative of young generations going to war,” he said.

Question: “What does the Bible say about Christian tithing? Should a Christian tithe?”
GotQuestions.org/July 4, 2025
Answer: Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. In some churches giving is over-emphasized; in others it is rarely mentioned, and believers may be unaware of the biblical exhortations about the joy of giving. The actual “tithe” is an Old Testament command to Israel, but giving to support the work of ministry, as well as giving to those in need, is generally part of the good stewardship that God expects of each of us.
Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe (or tenth) was a requirement of the law in which the Israelites were to give 10 percent of the crops they grew and the livestock they raised to the tabernacle/temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). The Old Testament law required Israelites to tithe at different times and for various purposes—to support the Levites (Numbers 18:21, 24), to celebrate the feasts (Deuteronomy 14:22–27), and to care for the poor of the land (Deuteronomy 14:28–29). Some understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites. Jesus Christ fulfilled the Mosaic Law. The shadow of the ceremonial system was completed in Him. The temple was no longer needed for worship. Instead, “the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth” (John 4:23). Collectively, all who put their faith in Christ make up the church, which was instituted after Jesus’ ascension. The church is both global and uniquely expressed in local gatherings of believers.
As part of the Mosaic Law, the tithe ended with the fulfilling of the law. New Testament believers are not mandated to give 10 percent, but we are still called to financially participate in the work of the church and to care for those who spiritually care for us. First Corinthians 9:13–14 explains, “Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” First Timothy 5:17–18 says, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.’” Our giving is also intended to support the work of missions (Philippians 4:10–19) and help those in need (2 Corinthians 8; 1 Timothy 5:3). The New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income a person should give. Christians are not obligated to give a 10-percent tithe. But Scripture does encourage believers to regularly set aside money to give “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2; cf. 2 Corinthians 8:12). God promises His blessing on the giver: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6–7). Some Christians consider the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe as a “recommended minimum” for their giving. Although the tithe is not obligatory for the Christian, the New Testament emphasizes the importance and benefits of freewill giving. We are to give as we are able. Sometimes that means giving more than 10 percent; sometimes that may mean giving less. It depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the body of Christ. Every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter of giving (see James 1:5). However much we give, we should offer it with pure motives, a cheerful heart, and an attitude of worship.

Pentagon has undermined Trump’s goal of Ukraine peace
Luke Coffey/Arab News/July 04, 2025
The US Department of Defense halted deliveries of Patriot air defense systems and other precision weapons to Ukraine last week following an internal assessment of its own stockpiles. Some of these weapons were already in Poland waiting for final transfer. The news came as a shock. While the Trump administration has taken a more nuanced approach to Ukraine and Russia than its predecessor, it had continued the flow of weapons to Kyiv as leverage in its effort to bring Moscow to the negotiating table. The timing could not be worse. Russia has launched some of the most intense aerial bombardments in the history of its invasion, including night-time barrages of more than 400 drones and ballistic missiles at a time. For Ukraine, already stretched thin on ammunition and air defense capabilities, this freeze in support threatens to make a difficult situation even more dire.The decision also undermines President Donald Trump’s stated goal of ending the war. On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly emphasized the need to bring Russia and Ukraine to a negotiated settlement and made it a cornerstone of his foreign policy. But six months after he returned to the Oval Office, the war appears no closer to resolution than it was on his first day. There is no doubt the president has been sincere in his desire to bring the two sides to the table. He has called for a ceasefire and for negotiations, and Ukraine has signaled its willingness to work with the White House. The Kremlin, however, has been far more reluctant. Trump has hinted at increasing pressure on Russia to engage more seriously in diplomacy. That’s precisely why the Pentagon’s decision to halt aid is so surprising — and damaging.Trump appeared to have geopolitical momentum on his side. His bold military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, an action many believed he would never take, restored a sense of American credibility abroad, especially after what many saw as the Biden administration’s appeasement of Tehran. Then, at the NATO summit in The Hague, Trump had a major win. He convinced European allies to commit to significantly increased defense spending, including a landmark pledge to reach 5 percent of GDP by 2035 — spending levels not seen even during the Cold War. At that same summit, a Ukrainian journalist asked Trump about the urgent need for air defense systems to protect civilians from Russian missile attacks. The president responded with genuine emotion. He said he would return to Washington and explore the possibility of sending more Patriot missile interceptors to Ukraine. Days later, however, his own Department of Defense contradicted both his words and apparent intent.
There is no doubt Trump has been sincere in his desire to bring the two sides to the table.
This is not the first time the Pentagon has acted out of sync with the president. In February, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered a temporary halt to military assistance to Ukraine without coordinating with the White House. That pause lasted only a few days, but it rattled allies and partners across Europe and sent shockwaves through Kyiv. At the time, the White House quietly aired its frustration. Now, it appears the Pentagon may be repeating the same mistake. This latest move underscores a deeper problem: an ideological struggle within the Trump administration over US foreign policy. On one side are the isolationists who believe America should retreat from global commitments and focus exclusively on domestic concerns. They see little value in supporting Ukraine or NATO, or even maintaining a robust defense budget, since their vision of America’s role in the world is minimal at best.
Opposing them are the so-called prioritizers, who believe the US should focus nearly all of its strategic energy and resources on Asia, and particularly on countering the growing threat from China. In this view, America must prepare for a potential conflict over Taiwan, even if doing so means deprioritizing Europe or the Middle East. Every dollar spent and every missile deployed must serve the Indo-Pacific theater first. Both factions, for different reasons, see Ukraine as a distraction, so when aid is withheld, both are satisfied. As long as this internal tug-of-war continues, behind closed doors and in public, the president will struggle to implement a coherent and effective foreign policy. Trump may be most comfortable dealing with issues such as trade, the economy, and border security, but the reality is that global leadership also requires strategic clarity on defense and diplomacy. To succeed, he needs a team aligned with his vision — not one that undermines it. Now is the time for Trump to reassert control and redouble efforts to end Russia’s war in a way that promotes lasting European stability and delivers a fair, just outcome for Ukraine. Achieving this will probably be one of the most difficult foreign policy challenges of his presidency. But he cannot meet that challenge with a divided administration. He needs a unified front — particularly from his Department of Defense. The sooner Trump reverses the Pentagon’s decision to halt military aid to Ukraine, the better the prospects for peace. Time is of the essence, and any further delay could cost lives — and squander the strategic gains he has worked hard to achieve.
**Luke Coffey is a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. X: @LukeDCoffey.

Ensuring water security through robust regulation
Mads Helge/Arab News/July 04, 2025
Saudi Arabia is rapidly advancing its water infrastructure in alignment with Vision 2030, taking bold steps to ensure the long-term sustainability, resilience, and efficiency of its water distribution networks. With water scarcity looming as a global crisis, the Kingdom is making water security a national priority — modernizing networks, investing in smart infrastructure, and tightening regulatory frameworks to set a new standard for sustainable water management. In recent years, these regulations have become more stringent, reinforcing the need for standardized, high-quality solutions that reduce inefficiencies and enhance system resilience. Yet, despite the progress, challenges persist. Aging infrastructure, high rates of non-revenue water, and inconsistent implementation of standards continue to undermine these efforts. Bridging the gap between regulation and real-world execution requires more than meeting minimum requirements. Industry players must take a proactive stance — going beyond compliance to integrate best practices and durable components that protect the integrity of Saudi Arabia’s water networks for decades to come. Unified standards ensure that water network components — such as valves, hydrants, and pipeline fittings — are designed to withstand the Kingdom’s demanding conditions, from high temperatures to corrosive soil environments.
Adherence to internationally recognized standards, like International Organization for Standardization and American Water Works Association, guarantees that these components are built for performance, even under pressure. Material compliance is especially critical. Poor material choices can lead to corrosion, leaks, and premature failure — issues that significantly increase long-term maintenance costs. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Global Risks Report, failure of critical infrastructure — including water systems — is one of the top risks facing governments in the coming decade due to inadequate investment and poor resilience strategies.By strengthening material specifications and standardizing design requirements across the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia can reinforce the backbone of its water infrastructure and reduce lifecycle costs over time. Globally, utilities lose an average of 25-30 percent of their water as non-revenue water — lost through leakage, theft, or metering inaccuracies. In some developing regions, that figure can exceed 40 percent. Non-compliant or substandard components are a major contributor to non-revenue water. When pipes, valves, and fittings are not installed or maintained properly — or are made from inferior materials — leakages occur more frequently, reducing pressure and disrupting supply. Enforcing compliance with best practices, particularly pressure management and valve quality can significantly reduce these losses.
According to a 2022 study by the International Water Association, utilities that adopted pressure regulation and high-quality components saw non-revenue water reductions of up to 15 percent within the first year of implementation. Additionally, digital monitoring systems paired with compliant infrastructure can detect leaks in real time, allowing operators to respond proactively rather than reactively conserving water, energy, and money. Regulation isn’t a burden — it’s a catalyst. It presents an opportunity to raise the bar for what’s possible in water sustainability. Saudi Arabia is undertaking large-scale water infrastructure projects as part of its Vision 2030 agenda, including smart water grids, desalination plant expansions, and wastewater reuse networks.
The Saline Water Conversion Corporation, for instance, has become the largest producer of desalinated water globally, with plans to increase daily capacity to 8.5 million cubic meters by 2030. As these investments scale, ensuring all components align with international and local standards will be crucial. Certified, regulation-compliant components not only reduce the risk of future disruptions but also deliver long-term operational savings.
For example, ductile iron valves designed to ISO 2531 standards — such as those manufactured by AVK — can have a lifespan of over 50 years when correctly installed and maintained. However, quality doesn’t end at certification. It’s critical to consider the total cost of ownership, including durability, maintenance needs, and warranty coverage. Short-term savings often result in higher long-term costs if components degrade quickly or require frequent replacement. Not all suppliers offer extended warranties, and municipalities should prioritise those that provide long-term guarantees such as 10-year warranties as a marker of component reliability and supplier accountability. These standards help future-proof infrastructure, ensuring it can adapt to changing demand, pressure conditions, and sustainability requirements over the coming decades.
Even the highest-quality components can underperform if installed incorrectly. Across the region, unskilled contracting, inconsistent commissioning, and lack of oversight continue to impact water network reliability. A 2023 McKinsey report on global water infrastructure identified poor installation and weak inspection protocols as key causes of early-stage failures and maintenance backlogs. To address this, regulatory bodies in the Kingdom should enforce mandatory training and certification programs for contractors. In countries like Denmark and the Netherlands, technician accreditation is mandatory for working on municipal water systems — ensuring consistent installation quality and safety standards.Third-party audits should also be a regulatory requirement. Independent inspections ensure accountability, catch flaws early, and verify that installation matches design intent. With improved oversight and qualified personnel on the ground, Saudi Arabia can maximize its return on infrastructure investments and extend the lifespan of critical assets. Water security is not just about increasing supply — it’s about protecting what’s already in circulation. Saudi Arabia’s regulatory frameworks have laid the foundation for resilient, future-ready infrastructure. But their true impact depends on execution. By prioritizing best practices, embracing international standards, and enforcing robust compliance across every link in the value chain — from manufacturing to installation — the Kingdom can drastically reduce inefficiencies, cut down on water loss, and build networks that serve its growing population for decades to come.Regulation isn’t a burden — it’s a catalyst. It presents an opportunity to raise the bar for what’s possible in water sustainability. At its core, this is not just about cost-efficiency or ticking boxes. It’s about protecting the very foundation of life — for the Kingdom today and for generations to come.
• Mads Helge is general manager at AVK Saudi Valves Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

Syria’s reintegration highlights deepening intra-Arab ties
Zaid M. Belbagi/Arab News/July 04, 2025
Morocco and Syria in May announced they would reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen their respective embassies in Damascus and Rabat — a symbolic but powerful signal of Syria’s reintegration into the Arab world. The move, which comes ahead of a potential visit to Morocco by Syrian leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa, represents a key step forward in Arab unity after years of fragmentation. Damascus’ isolation started with the outbreak of civil war in 2011 and was further deepened by Syria’s alignment with Tehran. These developments left the country diplomatically estranged from much of the Arab world. The Assad regime’s actions resulted in Syria’s exclusion from the Arab League, making it a regional outlier for years. That started to change with Syria’s readmission to the Arab League in 2023, an important, albeit largely symbolic, first step. The real shift came with the fall of Bashar Assad, which paved the way for a new era under Al-Sharaa’s leadership. Since taking power, Al-Sharaa has adopted a clear diplomatic strategy to restore Syria’s standing in the Arab region. This direction is not new for Syria, a country long regarded as a key champion of pan-Arabism. Arab nationalism and pan-Arabist ideology were born in Syria during the late Ottoman Empire, with influential figures such as Rashid Rida and Michel Aflaq, among many others, playing a foundational role in promoting Arab unity and independence from both Ottoman and European colonial power.
Today, that legacy continues under Al-Sharaa’s leadership. He has embraced a nationalist narrative built on unity and trust. “Syria will not be used to attack or destabilize any Arab or Gulf country,” he declared, calling on regional partners to help rebuild the country “as part of the Arab world.”Al-Sharaa’s first priority was clear: reestablish Syria’s legitimacy on the Arab stage. In February, he made his first official foreign visit to Riyadh, meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The agenda included the lifting of economic sanctions, the return of refugees and counterterrorism coordination. This was a strategic move, as Saudi Arabia’s engagement signaled to the other Gulf states that Syria was serious about distancing itself from past alliances and forging a new, Arab-centric direction.
Since taking power, Al-Sharaa has adopted a clear diplomatic strategy to restore Syria’s standing in the Arab region.
Al-Sharaa’s diplomacy extended quickly to Qatar and the UAE, where talks centered on reconstruction and long-term regional cooperation. The following month, Syria presented its reform agenda. In Jordan, agreements and talks focused on enhancing border security and joint efforts to combat the illicit captagon trade, which is a growing concern for both Amman and Riyadh. Syria also regained membership of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Kuwait announced the imminent reopening of its embassy in Damascus.
Beyond high-level visits and embassies reopening, deeper forms of collaboration are also emerging, particularly in reconstruction and infrastructure. In May, Syria and Jordan agreed to form a Higher Coordination Council, marking a significant new phase in their bilateral relations. The deal includes plans to review the 1987 Yarmouk River agreement, reinvigorate joint water committees and explore regional energy integration.
Jordan and Syria are also reviving electricity grid links and Qatar has confirmed the supply of 2 million cubic meters of natural gas per day through Jordan, boosting Syrian power generation by 400 megawatts with the aim of doubling its electricity supply. Added to this is the deal of the year for Damascus: a $7 billion agreement with a consortium of companies from the US, Qatar and Turkiye that aims to overhaul Syria’s shattered energy and electricity sector. Renewed cooperation and deepening engagement with countries across the region is producing tangible outcomes for Syria.
The economic impact is already visible. In the first quarter of 2025, 88 contracts were signed for the Syrian-Jordanian free zone at Jaber-Nasib, with more than 800 investors awaiting approval. Daily truck traffic at the border has tripled and Syria’s exports to Jordan hit $23.7 million in February alone, a notable increase from just $5.4 million the year before. The growing number of diplomatic visits and expanding trade relations between Syria and countries in the region reflect a broader consensus among Arab states: the time has come to reengage Syria. Al-Sharaa’s openness to strengthening ties with the Gulf states, particularly in terms of trade and energy, signals a shift toward deeper integration between the Levant and the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as more broadly across the Middle East. What began as cautious diplomatic overtures are now materializing into concrete outcomes, paving the way for a better future for Syria. The lifting of American and European sanctions has already enabled the financing of new projects, which are vital to enable the success of the country’s reconstruction plan. Besides, with the active support of key Arab states, international organizations are returning to Syria. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have stepped in to repay Syria’s $15.5 million debt to the World Bank and to help cover part of the salaries of Syrian civil servants. This renewed cooperation and deepening engagement with countries across the region is producing tangible outcomes for Syria. Al-Sharaa’s government is not only reopening embassies and conducting diplomatic visits, but also actively reopening Syria to the region, driven by shared interests in stability, trade and reconstruction. As such, Syria’s reintegration stands as a clear indicator of a deepening Arab rapprochement, one that is expected to result in more concrete returns, shaping promising geopolitical alignments and reinforcing ties among Arab states. Zaid M. Belbagi is a political commentator and an adviser to private clients between London and the Gulf Cooperation Council. X: @Moulay_Zaid

Regional tensions bring Turkiye and Armenia closer
Dr. Sinem Cengiz/Arab NewsJuly 04, 2025
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan last month paid a historic visit to Turkiye, marking the first official trip by an Armenian leader — aside from President Serzh Sargsyan’s 2009 attendance at a football match in Turkiye.
Pashinyan was received by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul. The visit sought to foster the normalization process between Ankara and Yerevan that formally began in 2022 with the appointment of special envoys by both sides. The diplomatic efforts are being strongly supported at the leadership level. Erdogan and Pashinyan have met at several international summits in recent years. Pashinyan also visited Turkiye in 2023 to attend Erdogan’s inauguration. As confirmed by Pashinyan, Ankara and Yerevan are now able to communicate directly, without relying on third-party intermediaries. Since assuming office in 2018, Pashinyan — who is seen as a pragmatic leader — has placed great importance on the normalization process with Turkiye. He has been trying to pursue a significant shift in Armenia’s foreign policy, with economic incentives playing a critical role. He has increasingly engaged in high-level discussions and strategic partnerships with Western institutions, some of which Turkiye is also a part. For Armenia, Turkiye’s membership of both the EU Customs Union and NATO is significant.
However, the steps taken toward normalization in Turkish-Armenian relations, and Pashinyan’s visit in particular, cannot be separated from the regional context, as the latter took place while Iran — a neighbor to both Turkiye and Armenia — was being hit by Israeli airstrikes. Like Turkiye, Armenia was deeply concerned about the escalating tensions unfolding on its doorstep.
Armenia has faced heightened security and economic challenges due to this tension. Iran and Georgia are Armenia’s only land gateways to international markets, given that the Turkish and Azerbaijani borders remain closed. More than 30 percent of Armenia’s trade passes through Iran. Following Israel’s strikes on Iran, Armenia’s economy minister stated that Armenian goods were stuck at the Iranian border and warned that the country might face shortages of certain items. Pashinyan — who is seen as a pragmatic leader — has placed great importance on the normalization process with Turkiye. Armenia has also been facing difficulties in the transit of its goods via Georgia. The situation with Tbilisi, combined with the Israel-Iran tensions, further raises the strategic importance and urgency of opening the border with Turkiye after decades of closure. Gaining access to new markets via Turkiye, which serves as an energy hub connecting Europe and Central Asia, could drastically reduce Armenia’s dependence on both Iran and Russia. A senior diplomat from Armenia’s Foreign Ministry recently shared Yerevan’s approach with me, saying: “Opening the border with Turkiye, a member of the EU Customs Union, is significant for Armenia’s regional connectivity and further engagement with Western institutions.”The Turkish side sees opening the border as an opportunity to increase economic integration with Armenia, while also viewing the country as a key route to the so-called Middle Corridor, which would directly connect Turkiye to Central Asia. Armenia and Turkiye also share a common concern over the potential influx of people from Iran due to the tensions with Israel. In January, for the first time since its independence in 1991, Armenia assumed full control of the Agarak border checkpoint along its border with Iran. Armenian border guards replaced Russia’s Border Service, which had managed the checkpoint for more than three decades. This transition reflected broader geopolitical shifts related to Armenia’s approach to Russia. Historically, Yerevan’s security was linked to its alliance with Moscow, whose credibility as Armenia’s security guarantor has suffered a significant blow in recent years.
Turkiye and Armenia also share common concerns about the Israel-Iran conflict spilling into the South Caucasus — a region in which several countries have significant stakes. Armenia, which is aligned with Iran, condemned the Israeli strikes, while Azerbaijan, a close Israeli ally, reassured Tehran it would not allow Tel Aviv to use its territory to launch operations against Iran. Turkiye and Armenia share common concerns about the Israel-Iran conflict spilling into the South Caucasus.
However, as Iranian influence wanes and Russia remains preoccupied with Ukraine, Turkiye’s influence in the South Caucasus is growing. Within this context, Ankara is working behind the scenes to prevent any renewed tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Ankara is also pushing Baku to sign a peace agreement with Yerevan, as the path to Turkiye’s normalization with Armenia goes through a peace agreement between Baku and Yerevan. It has been reported that Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev will meet in Dubai this month to negotiate this long-awaited peace deal — which is to be welcomed by Ankara. Within this context, Armenia is recalibrating its defense and foreign policy approach to achieve both economic relief and a sense of security. Turkiye fits squarely into this new approach. Armenia is effectively seeking to end its landlocked status by opening its border with Turkiye, breaking away from Russia’s sphere of influence by engaging in strategic partnerships with Western institutions, and preventing any negative repercussions of the Israel-Iran tensions on its security and economy.
Unlike previous moves toward normalization, this time, in addition to goodwill, the escalating tensions in the region serve as a significant driving force. Like Turkiye, Armenia has to navigate the volatile environment caused by the Israel-Iran tensions with a balanced policy — a task that may become difficult if regional tensions flare again. However, their shared concerns and mutual interest in the stability of the South Caucasus could help mitigate the repercussions and pave the way toward normalization.
**Dr. Sinem Cengiz is a Turkish political analyst who specializes in Turkiye’s relations with the Middle East. X: @SinemCngz

Selected Twitters For Today on July 04/2025
TheMaronite
https://x.com/i/status/1941039337409499365
And that’s exactly why the Sunnis, Shi’as, & Druze sit back and laugh at us Christians, the Free Patriotic Movement & the Lebanese Forces waste their time fighting each other on TV.

Hussain Abdul-Hussain

Under Obama Deal, Iran traded freezing its nukes for a while for $1 Trillion in sanction relief and a freehand for its militia to spread destruction across Middle East.
Under Trump's "Peace through Strength," Iran lost its nukes, did not get sanction relief, and lost its militias.

Maronite

Our Church made a grave mistake by allowing Christian schools of #Lebanon to teach Western and Arab cultures instead of our Maronite heritage. We should belong neither to the West nor the East under the false pretense of “openness.” Our children must be taught to know Qannoubine Valley- before it, after it -as the core of their identity and culture.
The result was tragic: Maronites lost their culture and, with it, their true faith, sacrificed on the altar of openness, which gave birth to a hybrid identity.
We, as Maronites, must reclaim our roots, revive our culture, and become once again bearers of Light, grounded in the strength of our own tradition-not diluted by others.

Zeina Mansour
Both are part of the broader phenomenon of political Islam, united in their goal of integrating faith and politics.
Both are seeking to apply Islamic principles in governance despite differing interpretations.
Both share commonalities in their ideological below ground level.

USA Department Of State

Sanctioning Senior Members of Longstanding Hizballah Financial Institution Al-Qard Al-Hassan (AQAH)
Press Statement
Tammy Bruce, Department Spokesperson
July 3, 2025
Today, the United States sanctioned seven senior officials and one entity linked to Al-Qard Al-Hassan (AQAH), a Hizballah-controlled financial institution. These officials, through their management roles, have facilitated Hizballah’s evasion of sanctions, enabling AQAH to conduct millions of dollars in transactions through “shadow” accounts.
In addition, the Department’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the disruption of Hizballah financial mechanisms. Individuals with useful information should contact RFJ via Signal, Telegram, or WhatsApp at +1-202-702-7843. They could be eligible for a reward and relocation.
The United States remains committed to supporting Lebanon by disrupting schemes that empower Hizballah’s destabilizing influence. We will continue to employ all available tools to ensure that this terrorist group no longer poses a threat to the Lebanese people and the region. Today’s action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended, which targets terrorist groups and their supporters. The Department of State previously designated Hizballah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. More information regarding today’s designations can be found in Treasury’s press release.

Hussain Abdul-Hussain

https://x.com/i/status/1940777191123702117
For the umpteenth time, #Israel takes out a terrorist on Lebanese territory.
#Lebanon continues to sit idly by and do nothing to restore its sovereignty and decide its future. Pity Lebanon.

Barack Obama
Independence Day is a reminder that America is not the project of any one person. The single most powerful word in our democracy is the word ‘We.’ ‘We The People.’ ‘We Shall Overcome.’ ‘Yes We Can.’ America is owned by no one. It belongs to all citizens. And at this moment in history—when core democratic principles seem to be continuously under attack, when too many people around the world have become cynical and disengaged—now is precisely the time to ask ourselves tough questions about how we can build our democracies and make them work in meaningful and practical ways for ordinary people.

Mike Pompeo

For years, UNRWA turned a blind eye as humanitarian aid was stolen by Hamas.
@GHFUpdates is being attacked by the UN for actually delivering food to the people of Gaza. The UN has zero credibility here.