English LCCC Newsbulletin For Lebanese, Lebanese Related, Global News & Editorials
For  September 29/2025
Compiled & Prepared by: Elias Bejjani
#elias_bejjani_news

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Bible Quotations For today
I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 10/16-25:”‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. ‘A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!”

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on September 28-29/2025
Hassan Nasrallah Was a Gang Leader Serving a Foreign Agenda — Not a Lebanese Martyr/Elias Bejjani/September 28/ 2025
The Assassination of the terrorist Hassan Nasrallah was a gift to the patriotic Lebanese/Elias Bejjani/September 27/2025
A link to a video interview from Fox News with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu,
Aoun and Salam to address the damage caused by Hezbollah
Iran's Larijani holds talks with Hezbollah's Qassem
Israel Army Says Struck Hezbollah Weapons Depots in South Lebanon
Israeli Army Announces Bombing of Hezbollah Weapons Depots in Southern Lebanon
Larijani Meets with Nasrallah, Reiterates Iran's Readiness to Support Lebanon and its "Resistance"
Salam determined to pursue the "Roché Rock" issue to the end... Political concern over Lebanon's regional marginalization
Lebanon could be the key to a mutually beneficial Syrian recovery/Hafed Al-Ghwell/Arab News/September 28/2025
Hassan Nasrallah: Between the Illusion of Leadership and the Reality of Failure/Shibl Al-Zghabi/September 28, 2025
Lebanon Under Siege: Direct Negotiations or Military Escalation?
Joseph Aoun: Get Out! Resign/Hisham Bou Nassif/Nidaa Al-Watan/September 29, 2025
Nawaf Salam: A Headache for Hezbollah/Jean El-Fakhri/Nidaa Al-Watan / September 29, 2025
The clash is inevitable and cannot be avoided./Amjad Iskandar/Nidaa Al-Watan/September 29, 2025
Crucial Days for the Authority of the State: Will it Recover or Not?/Alan Sarkis/Voice of the Nation/September 29, 2025
The Assassination of the State: A Lebanese and Global Danger/Dr. Antoine Massarha/Nidaa Al-Watan/September 29, 2025

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on September 28-29/2025
Netanyahu: Israel knows location of Iran's uranium stockpile
“Israel Today”: A second round of war with Iran could begin at any moment!
Trump Shifts Course, Pressures Netanyahu to End Gaza War
US envoy to Israel’s rare trip to Egypt postponed: US official
Netanyahu to meet Trump as Israel faces isolation over Gaza war
Trump Says ‘We Will Get It Done’ in the Middle East
Hamas Says It Lost Contact with Two Hostages as Tanks Thrust Deeper into Gaza City
Hamas urges Israel to halt strikes as it searchs for two hostages
Tanks thrust deeper into Gaza, medics say many injured trapped
Gaza Flotilla Sails Again; Italy’s Tajani Warns of Danger
Israel Hails UN Sanctions on Iran as ‘Major Development’
Iran denounces 'unjustifiable' return of UN sanctions
Iran’s Clerical Leaders Face Existential Crisis amid Nuclear Deadlock
Return of Nuclear Sanctions ‘Must Not Be the End of Diplomacy with Iran’, Says EU’s Kallas
Iran Rial Hits Record Low Against US Dollar After Sanctions Reimposed
Iran Weighs Confrontation or Diplomacy After UN Sanctions Reimposed over Its Nuclear Program
Arrest Warrant Issued for Assad Ahead of Sharaa’s Visit to Moscow
US Police: One dead, 9 injured in shooting at Michigan church

Titles For The Latest English LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources on September 28-29/2025
Palestinian Leaders, Gulf States Such as Qatar, Have No Interest in Real Peace with Israel/Con Coughlin/Gatestone Institute/September 28/2025
Ignore the Distortion/Tariq Al-Homayed/Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper/September 28/2025
An open letter to the people of Pakistan/Dr. Ali Awadh Asseri/Arab News/September 28/2025
Israel and another party reject a Palestinian state/Khaled Al-Barri/Asharq Al Awsat/September 28/2025
Trump, Netanyahu, and the Window of Opportunity for Peace/Sam Mansi/Asharq Al Awsat/September 28/2025
Selected X tweets For September 28/2024

The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on September 28-29/2025
Hassan Nasrallah Was a Gang Leader Serving a Foreign Agenda — Not a Lebanese Martyr
Elias Bejjani/September 28/ 2025
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2025/09/147724/
The rally held yesterday in Beirut to mark the first anniversary of Hassan Nasrallah’s death turned truth upside down. It attempted to transform a man responsible for wars, assassinations, and foreign subservience into a “martyr of Lebanon.” Such a description is not only propaganda — it is a distortion of national memory and a violation of both Lebanese law and political reality.
The Meaning of National Martyrdom
In Lebanon, national martyrdom has a clear definition: it is the sacrifice of one’s life in defense of the homeland under the authority of its legitimate state institutions. It implies loyalty to the constitution, sovereignty, and the people of Lebanon. Anything outside this framework — no matter how loudly glorified — cannot truthfully be called Lebanese martyrdom.
Nasrallah Never Fought Under Lebanon’s Flag
Hassan Nasrallah never acted on behalf of the Lebanese state. He commanded Hezbollah, an illegal militia directly tied to Iran’s Supreme Leader and the project of Wilayat al-Faqih. His loyalty was to Tehran, not to Beirut.
A Regional Project, Not a National Mission
All of Nasrallah’s decisions and operations served Iran’s expansionist strategy: from Syria to Iraq, from Yemen to Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. His wars were never for Lebanon’s sovereignty — they were for Iran’s geopolitical reach.
Crimes Against His Own People
Within Lebanon, he oversaw campaigns of assassinations and intimidation targeting political leaders who opposed Iran’s occupation project. The blood of fellow Lebanese stains his record.
Responsible for Atrocities Abroad
Hezbollah’s intervention in Syria under Nasrallah’s command propped up Bashar al-Assad’s criminal regime and contributed to the mass killing of innocent civilians. His organization’s fingerprints are visible across regional conflicts.
A Record Steeped in International Terrorism
Under his leadership, Hezbollah carried out deadly attacks that killed hundreds of American and French soldiers in Lebanon, conspired against Saudi Arabia, attempted to overthrow the government in Bahrain, plotted to assassinate the Emir of Kuwait, and orchestrated terrorist operations across the globe. This is not the legacy of a national martyr, but of an international criminal.
Why the Title “Martyr” Is a Fraud
To equate Nasrallah with Lebanon’s true martyrs — those who died defending the nation within its lawful institutions — is both a moral betrayal and a legal distortion. Martyrdom cannot be claimed by those who died carrying out foreign orders, serving sectarian projects, and violating the sovereignty of their own country.
Conclusion
Hassan Nasrallah was never a martyr of Lebanon. He was the leader of a gang serving a foreign theocracy, a man whose choices destroyed Lebanon’s sovereignty and brought untold suffering to its people. His assassination does not elevate him; it exposes the hollowness of the false titles his party tries to impose. To honor him as a martyr is to insult Lebanon’s true martyrs — and to surrender truth itself to the machinery of propaganda.

The Assassination of the terrorist Hassan Nasrallah was a gift to the patriotic Lebanese
Elias Bejjani/September 27/2025
Hassan Nasrallah is a terrorist who headed a criminal network that dragged Lebanon into the jihadist project of Iran’s clerical regime. His assassination and the dismantling of his organization would be a divine blessing and the start of the country’s deliverance.

A link to a video interview from Fox News with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu,
Explaining the details of Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza and addressing many of the points he made in his UN speech. They are scheduled to meet tomorrow.
EXCLUSIVE: Netanyahu addresses Trump’s Gaza peace plan/Israel knows location of Iran’s uranium stockpile
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2025/09/147735/
Asharq Al Awsat/September 28/2025
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2025/09/147735/
The Israeli government said on Sunday that it knows where Iran is storing nearly 400 kilograms of enriched uranium at levels close to weapons-grade. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News: “We certainly know where it is. We have a very good idea of ​​where it is,” adding that Israel had shared this intelligence with the United States. According to a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran possessed more than 400 kilograms of 60 percent enriched uranium in early summer, before the war that Israel waged against it. To produce nuclear weapons, further enrichment to over 90 percent is required. However, it remains unclear how much of this material Iran still possesses, and whether its enrichment capabilities remain intact after the US and Israeli attacks in June. Iran denies seeking to develop nuclear weapons. When asked whether Israel, which is widely believed to possess a secret nuclear arsenal, plans to seize the uranium, Netanyahu did not give a direct answer. He said: “We must maintain diplomatic and economic pressure on Iran to make it clear that we will not tolerate its resumption of efforts to build nuclear bombs aimed at destroying my country and your country.” Approximately 10 years after the historic nuclear deal with Iran, the UN sanctions imposed on Tehran were reinstated today. The deadline for reaching an agreement between Tehran and its negotiating partners – Germany, the United Kingdom, and France – has now passed. The three European countries have moved to reimpose sanctions, accusing Iran of violating the 2015 Vienna nuclear agreement by enriching uranium to levels far beyond what is required for civilian purposes.

Aoun and Salam to address the damage caused by Hezbollah
Nidaa Al-Watan/September 29, 2025  (Translated From Arabic)
If the "Roché Rock incident" marked the starting point and trigger for the coup against the state, then Hezbollah, for the fourth consecutive day, continues its coup attempt, exploiting every statement made to use as an excuse and as justification for refusing to disarm. Most dangerously, Hezbollah is reneging on the November 27 ceasefire agreement, stating, "We accepted what the government agreed to," even though it was a member of that government.
Hezbollah's Rejections and Attacks on Salam
Hezbollah, through MP Hassan Fadlallah, continued its attacks on the Prime Minister, stating: "The state is not run based on personal emotions and clashes with the people. Is it reasonable that in a country like Lebanon, where the army makes sacrifices, those in official positions would accuse the army and incite against it and the security forces because the army did not clash with the people? Haven't some learned from past experiences? And is there anyone who wants to plunge the country into problems, strife, and chaos?" MP Fadlallah contradicted what Hezbollah had previously agreed to, saying: "After the ceasefire, and due to the circumstances that arose and the developments in our region, we accepted what the government agreed to, regarding the commitment to the ceasefire based on ending the attacks and withdrawing." What Fadlallah didn't say, MP Hussein Al-Hajj Hassan, head of the Baalbek-Hermel Bloc, stated outright: "There will be no disarmament or surrender of weapons."
Hassan Fadlallah's "Bomb" and the Lack of Response
What does Hezbollah want from the President? Why did it deliberately embarrass him? And why at this particular time?
In an interview with an Arab satellite channel, MP Hassan Fadlallah spoke about an "agreement" reached with General Michel Aoun (before he became President of the Republic). He revealed what happened, saying: "An agreement was reached between us (a delegation from Hezbollah and Amal) and General Aoun between the two presidential election sessions, agreeing on basic principles: First, the nature of representation in the government. Second, Resolution 1701 applies exclusively to the area south of the Litani River. Third, a dialogue on the national security strategy." Fadlallah continued: "The agreement was reached, and then the election took place." It is noteworthy that MP Fadlallah's statements were circulated while President Michel Aoun was in New York. Was this intentional, to embarrass the president while he was away? If so, will there be a response to Fadlallah's statements, especially since what he said contains constitutional inaccuracies? The President of the Republic cannot make such promises, even after being elected, because decisions are made by the Cabinet. Furthermore, the President does not form the government; that is the responsibility of the Prime Minister-designate, after consultations with parliamentarians and with the approval of the President. How could the President, even before being elected, promise anything about the nature of representation? Hezbollah undoubtedly intended to embarrass the President and perhaps even insult him. Will this insult be answered? Larijani and Support for the Resistance: The Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, Dr. Ali Larijani, in his meeting with Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, reiterated his organization's support for Hezbollah. He was quoted as saying that "Iran stands with Lebanon and its resistance, based on the directives of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and that Iran is ready to provide all levels of support to Lebanon and its resistance." Larijani's escalation in Beirut coincided with the reinstatement of sanctions against Iran. Diplomatic sources believe that the Islamic Republic is taking a tougher stance in Beirut as a reaction to the sanctions. These sources add that the Islamic Republic still holds the Lebanese card in its hand through Hezbollah.
Communication between Aoun and Salam
Nidaa Al-Watan learned that there was communication between President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam after the Roché incident. Aoun was following developments from New York, and it was agreed to handle the situation wisely and calmly, without escalating tensions. On another note, Aoun will resume his activities today and will focus on addressing the internal situation, but what is most important to him is the situation in the south, as he considers this file crucial for resolving other issues. Through his communication with American officials, Aoun observed understanding for Lebanon's position, and Washington will speak with the Israeli side to try to resolve matters.
Aftermath of the Roché incident: Salam meets with General Abdullah
Prime Minister Nofal Salam met with the Director General of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Raed Abdullah, at his residence in Qraytim. The circumstances of what happened last Thursday in the Roché area were discussed.
Raids on the south
On the anniversary of the assassination of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the Israeli Air Force launched a series of raids yesterday afternoon, targeting the area between the plains of Maidanah, Kfarrmane, and Jarmaq.
The attacking aircraft dropped several air-to-surface missiles, the explosions of which were heard throughout the region.
Ra'i's visit to the south
Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Ra'i toured the south, visiting the villages and towns of Jarmaq, Aishiyeh, Ibl al-Saqi, Kokba, Jadidah Marjayoun, Qulay'a, Nabatieh, Kfour, Kfarouh, Hujeh, and Adousiyeh. Raad stressed that "the continued strength and resilience of the South is a guarantee for Lebanon's survival, and strengthening the resolve of its people is a national and moral duty. It is our collective responsibility—as citizens, officials, politicians, and institutions—to work together to rebuild Lebanon on solid foundations: unwavering sovereignty, a strong rule of law, a productive economy that keeps people on their land and ensures their well-being, and a spiritual and patriotic education that will raise new generations who love Lebanon and serve it faithfully. Therefore, the people of the beloved South are called upon today to be champions of peace, sacrificing for it as they did during the war, defending their dignity and their beloved land, which is dear to the heart of every Lebanese."

Iran's Larijani holds talks with Hezbollah's Qassem
Naharnet/September 27/2025
Hezbollah chief Sheikh Naim Qassem has met with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council chief Ali Larijani, in the presence of Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Mojtaba Amani, Hezbollah said on Sunday. Larijani had attended a ceremony marking the first anniversary of the assassination of Hezbollah’s historic leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Saturday and also met with Speaker Nabih Berri and PM Nawaf Salam. Larijani “stressed Iran’s support for Lebanon and its resistance” and said that “Iran is ready to offer all levels of assistance to Lebanon and its resistance,” Hezbollah said in a statement. Qassem for his part told the Iranian visitor that “Lebanon is resilient in the face of challenges and U.S.-Israeli threats” and that “the resistant people are on a high level of pride and supporting liberation and independence.” “Hezbollah is open to everyone and ready for all forms of cooperation with those who stand in the face of the Israeli enemy, which represents a threat to everyone without exception,” Qassem added.

Israel Army Says Struck Hezbollah Weapons Depots in South Lebanon
Asharq Al Awsat/September 28/2025
The Israeli military said it struck weapons depots belonging to the armed group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon on Sunday. "A short while ago, the Israeli military struck Hezbollah weapon storage facilities in southern Lebanon. These weapon depots were used by the terrorist organization to advance and carry out terror attacks against the State of Israel," the military said in a statement. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported "a series" of Israeli air strikes near the towns of Kfar Rumman and Jarmak, and a drone strike on a home in Humin, all in the country's south. Despite a November ceasefire that ended over a year of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, the latter has kept up regular strikes on Lebanon and still has troops positioned at five border points inside Lebanon. Hezbollah, meanwhile, is under intense pressure to hand over its weapons, with the Lebanese army having drawn up a plan to disarm it, beginning in the south. Lebanon itself is facing pressure to act from the United States, as well as from the ongoing Israeli strikes. But on Saturday, Hezbollah chief Sheikh Naim Qassem said the Iran-backed party would not allow itself to be disarmed as he addressed supporters while marking one year since Israel's killing of his predecessor Hassan Nasrallah. Hezbollah was the only major armed group allowed to keep its weapons following Lebanon's civil war, because it was fighting continued Israeli occupation of the south. The group's strongholds are in mainly Shiite southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as the southern suburb of Beirut. In October 2023, it began launching rockets at Israel in support of Hamas in Gaza. Months of exchanges escalated into all-out war in September 2024, before a ceasefire was agreed two months later.

Israeli Army Announces Bombing of Hezbollah Weapons Depots in Southern Lebanon
Asharq Al Awsat/September 28/2025
The Israeli army stated on Sunday that it had attacked Hezbollah weapons depots in southern Lebanon. Army spokesperson, Captain Ella, said: "Shortly before, the Israeli army, under the command of the Northern Command, attacked, using air force aircraft, weapons depots belonging to the Hezbollah organization in southern Lebanon, which were used by the organization to carry out terrorist plots against the State of Israel." She added that the presence of these facilities constitutes a violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon. The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported earlier today that Israeli aircraft launched a series of airstrikes on several areas in the south of the country. Israel continues to carry out airstrikes on areas in Lebanon, despite the ceasefire agreement reached with Hezbollah in November of last year.

Larijani Meets with Nasrallah, Reiterates Iran's Readiness to Support Lebanon and its "Resistance"
Asharq Al Awsat/September 28/2025
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, met on Sunday with the Secretary-General of the Lebanese Hezbollah movement, and affirmed that his country is "ready to support Lebanon and its resistance at all levels." The Iranian state-run news agency ISNA quoted Nasrallah as saying during the meeting that "Hezbollah is ready to cooperate with everyone who stands against the Israeli enemy." He added: "Lebanon is standing firm in the face of American and Israeli challenges and threats, and we believe that Israel's hegemony will end in a humiliating and ignominious defeat." Ali Larijani is visiting Beirut to participate in the annual commemoration of the assassination of the former Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah. During his visit, he met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Tammam Salam, to whom he reiterated Lebanon's desire for "relations based on mutual respect."

Salam determined to pursue the "Roché Rock" issue to the end... Political concern over Lebanon's regional marginalization
Janoubia/September 28, 2025
Political sources told Al-Jadeed that Prime Minister Tammam Salam is determined to pursue the investigation into the events that occurred at Roché Rock, emphasizing that he "will not accept anything less than the implementation of the court decisions, whether regarding the revocation of permits or conducting the necessary investigations." The sources indicated that "things, to put it mildly, are not going well," referring to Lebanon's exclusion from regional and international meetings and the way it is being treated as if it has no stake in regional issues. The Roché Rock issue erupted two days ago after Hezbollah illuminated the rock with images of its two former secretaries-general, Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safi al-Din, on the anniversary of their assassination, sparking widespread debate on both the political and public levels. Some Lebanese parties viewed the move as a challenge to the authority of the state and a violation of the law, while the party considered it part of "popular expression." Read also: Video: "Your finger broke my head!"... Al-Manar correspondent uses abusive language against Prime Minister Tammam Salam

Lebanon could be the key to a mutually beneficial Syrian recovery
Hafed Al-Ghwell/Arab News/September 28/2025
The scale of the devastation in Syria after more than a decade of civil war is almost incomprehensible. The cost of reconstruction is estimated at between $250 and $400 billion. Meanwhile, neighboring Lebanon is contending with its own profound crisis; it requires $11 billion for recovery after recent conflict and a long-running financial meltdown that has plunged more than 80 percent of its population into poverty. At first glance, pairing one fractured state with another might seem counterintuitive. Yet, a deeper examination reveals that their fates are inextricably linked. The international community therefore faces a critical choice: pursue a coordinated strategy that recognizes this connection, or risk a siloed approach that could perpetuate regional instability.
The potential role of Lebanon in the reconstruction of Syria is anchored in a deeply embedded, if often fraught, economic symbiosis that has persisted for decades. Lebanon served as Syria’s indispensable financial and commercial conduit during periods when the latter faced international isolation, particularly under the Assad regime. Until its own collapse in 2019, Beirut’s banking sector facilitated foreign currency transactions and remittance flows for Syrian elites, circumventing a sanctioned financial system. Lebanese seaports and airports evolved into vital arteries for Syrian trade, with more than 250 trucks crossing into Syria each day before the civil war, transporting goods ultimately destined for other regional markets via routes such as the Nassib border crossing into Jordan.
Such commercial interdependence thrived even amid Syria’s 29-year military presence in Lebanon, with Lebanese entrepreneurs, engineers and service providers establishing strong footholds in Damascus, Aleppo and Homs.
These historical relationships forged a complementary economic structure. Syrian migrant labor became the backbone of entire sectors within Lebanon, dominating agriculture in the Bekaa and Akkar regions, and constituting much of the construction workforce.
In return, Lebanese financial and professional services offered Syrian businesses access to hard currency, international imports and diaspora remittances, functions its own state-controlled economy could not reliably serve.
The cost of severing this functional connectivity is quantifiable and would be severe. The current economic paralysis in Lebanon creates destabilizing spillovers that undermine regional recovery. Ignoring this integrated history risks foreclosing a viable channel for the reconstruction of Syria, a country that has accrued billions of dollars of infrastructural and economic losses, according to UN Development Programme estimates, while also jeopardizing a potential engine for Lebanon’s own revival.
Critics would say otherwise but the mechanics of joint recovery are tangible. Geographic proximity provides a tangible logistical advantage; the port of Tripoli is only 30 kilometers from the Syrian border, offering a direct supply route into northern regions, including Aleppo and Homs, where the scale of the devastation requires an estimated $35-40 billion for residential rebuilding alone. While Syria is working to advance the development of its own port infrastructure, including a DP World-operated terminal at Tartus and French company CMA CGM’s $260 million investment in the expansion of facilities at Latakia, there are systemic impediments: failures of governance, entrenched networks of corruption, and investor apprehension as a result of ongoing foreign military influence.
Tripoli, in comparison, represents a more viable entry point, particularly as the institutional weaknesses in Syria elevate the risks of diversion of funds and inefficiency. International donors, who have already pledged billions for Syrian recovery, including a $6.3 billion EU commitment, might understandably hesitate to route funds directly through the country’s own institutions. Lebanon, however, despite its own governance challenges, can offer a more transparent intermediary platform with established, albeit damaged, financial and logistical frameworks.
Moreover, the vast Lebanese diaspora, which has historically channeled remittances, investment and professional expertise into the country, represents a ready network that could be mobilized to complement international reconstruction aid, offering a layer of trusted capital and skills that Syria’s fragile institutions currently lack. However, this potential is entirely contingent upon the ability of Lebanese authorities to execute radical domestic reforms. The collapse of the country’s financial system in 2019 rendered the currency worthless and trapped depositors’ savings, creating a fundamental obstacle.
While recent legislative steps, including an amendment to banking secrecy laws in April this year, and banking sector restructuring legislation in July, represent technical progress on this front, they have yet to result in the restoration of basic functionality; depositors remain frozen out of their accounts and systemic corruption endures.
A stable Syria requires a functioning Lebanon, and a recovering Lebanon needs a Syria that is rebuilding. Compounding this, the failure of the state to assert its sovereignty, through the disarmament of Hezbollah, continues to erode international confidence, casting doubt on Lebanon’s capacity to serve as a reliable conduit for the hundreds of billions of dollars required for Syria’s recovery. Without credible and transparent governance, Lebanon’s own $11 billion reconstruction needs will further divert focus, ensuring that both nations remain trapped in a cycle of instability.
Failure to establish independent regulatory oversight and ensure adherence to anti-money laundering standards will result in Lebanon being bypassed and missing out on this great opportunity to become a critical pillar of Syria’s recovery.
Therefore the reconstruction of Beirut’s port, destroyed by a massive explosion in 2020, is no longer merely an infrastructure project, it will be the ultimate litmus test of whether or not Lebanon can manage itself responsibly. The efficient and transparent rebuilding of the port would signal a break from the past, while restoring not only a critical transit point for goods destined for Damascus and central Syria, but also some much-needed confidence and trust in Lebanese institutions.
If calibrated and executed well, it would also help ease the very woes that justify the urgency of a joint approach to recovery. The poverty rate in Syria stands at 90 percent, with 16.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s gross domestic product has contracted by a cumulative 40 percent since 2019. If reconstruction in Syria ends up dominated solely by external powers, such as Turkiye, or captured by the same economic networks that profited under the former regime, it will reproduce the social inequities and ills that sparked the initial uprising in 2011. Similarly, if Lebanon pursues its recovery in isolation it will fail to address the cross-border economic dynamics essential for its revival.
Ultimately, the question is not whether Lebanon is currently the key to recovery, but whether it can become the key through concerted international pressure and internal transformation. The international community must recognize that investment in Lebanon’s recovery is also a direct investment in the stabilization of Syria. Channeling reconstruction financing and technical assistance through a reformed Lebanese framework would accelerate the rebuilding of Syria, while providing Lebanon with the economic lifeline it so desperately needs.
More importantly, a joint approach also creates mutual incentives for good governance in both countries. To treat their recoveries as separate endeavors is to ignore the fundamental lesson of the past decade: instability knows no borders. A stable Syria requires a functioning Lebanon, and a recovering Lebanon needs a Syria that is rebuilding.The alternative is a continuing cycle of collapse that benefits only the agents of chaos.
• Hafed Al-Ghwell is senior fellow and program director at the Stimson Center in Washington and senior fellow at the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies. X: @HafedAlGhwell

Hassan Nasrallah: Between the Illusion of Leadership and the Reality of Failure
Shibl Al-Zghabi/September 28, 2025 (Translated From Arabic)
A true leader is measured by his ability to protect his people, secure their future, and provide them with stability, not by his ability to drag them into futile battles that only result in more destruction and suffering. A successful leader does not underestimate his enemy nor does he expose his army and people to open, unpredictable confrontations. Rather, he strives to avoid war whenever possible and, if he can, wins the battle without even fighting it, because the greatest victory is one that protects the land and people without shedding blood.
On the other hand, what has Hassan Nasrallah done?
He led his group into wars that had nothing to do with Lebanon, from Syria to Yemen and Iraq, and turned Lebanon into a platform for regional conflicts that serve neither the country's sovereignty nor its interests, but only the interests of Iran and its expansionist agenda. The Lebanese people were the fuel for these adventures, paying the price of sanctions, isolation, and economic and political devastation. Blind loyalty to external powers turned the "resistance" into a mere tool in the hands of others and plunged Lebanon into unprecedented isolation. Instead of weapons serving the state, they became tools serving a project that supersedes the nation. And instead of the leader being a protector of his people, he became their ruler in the name of slogans that now only appeal to those who have lost their sense of reason.
Even worse, in the propaganda lexicon, defeat has become victory. The more the party loses men, territory, and international standing, the louder the chants that "the leader is supreme" become. Isn't this the epitome of collective stupidity? How can a people cheer for someone who multiplies their tragedies and leads them from one disaster to another? A successful leader is one who leaves their people a legacy of stability and prosperity, while those who leave behind only graves, poverty, and destruction are not leaders, but rather adventurers. History is unforgiving towards adventurers who prioritize the interests of outsiders over the interests of their own nation.

Lebanon Under Siege: Direct Negotiations or Military Escalation?
Al Modoon/September 28, 2025 (Translated From Arabic)
Lebanon is divided between two scenarios, reflecting the broader regional divisions. Iran supports Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem's initiative for negotiations and dialogue with Saudi Arabia, which it considers a friendly state. Meanwhile, Israel is calling for direct negotiations with Lebanon, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that there is a possibility of a peace agreement. Iran's call has a regional context, stemming from what Tehran perceives as changes occurring in the region, particularly in light of the ongoing Israeli war and efforts to forge regional consensus among states to counter this project. Iran believes that following the crisis with Qatar, the Gulf states have become more aware of the significant Israeli threat, and this presents an opportunity to solidify and enhance regional understandings. Netanyahu also calls for direct negotiations with Lebanon, framing it within what he terms "the transformations Israel is bringing about in the region." Facing these two calls, Lebanon remains a battleground and a site of confusion, vulnerable to further attacks due to the lack of a clear vision for addressing future challenges, and with Israel continuing its strikes and incursions, aiming to impose a new reality that will result in political changes across the entire region. Lebanon is bogged down in its internal divisions and disagreements, while the realities surrounding it are changing dramatically. Reports suggest that Israel has given Lebanon a deadline to decide on the weapons issue and enter into direct negotiations; if there is no response, it will focus on intensifying and expanding its military operations, and possibly launching a ground invasion, to impose a new equation: control of territory as a means to achieve peace, instead of the previous "land for peace" formula that was prevalent in previous decades. Netanyahu's public call for direct negotiations with Lebanon was something Lebanese officials had previously heard privately, through various channels. Invitations and suggestions were made to the Lebanese to move forward with direct negotiations at the political level in Naqoura, and a framework for establishing negotiating committees was proposed. However, Lebanon rejected this, while Israel is now presenting it with a choice: either accept what is offered, or face continued attacks and assassinations. In their statements, the Israelis made it clear that they would monitor the government's plan to restrict weapons to state control, and if this fails, Tel Aviv will escalate its attacks to destroy Hezbollah's military infrastructure, as it claims. What Tel Aviv wants is clear: to demarcate the border with Lebanon according to its own terms, following the same approach it took with Syria after violating the 1974 agreement, refusing to return to it, and insisting on controlling the Mount Hermon observation post, Tel Hajar, in addition to demanding demilitarized zones and unrestricted Israeli airspace for reaching and attacking Iran. This is precisely what Netanyahu wants to repeat with Lebanon, but he wants direct negotiations at the political level, with a senior political figure, at the ministerial level, to negotiate directly with Ron Dermer. Therefore, Israel is demanding a buffer zone in the south and another demilitarized zone extending to the Litani River, seemingly an attempt to establish a permanent Israeli influence on Lebanese affairs. Israel is trying to put Lebanon in a position where it has only two options: either accept direct negotiations under Israel's terms and demands, or face continued attacks and assassinations, which could be accompanied by attempts to exacerbate internal problems and increase international economic and financial pressure, ultimately aiming to cripple Lebanon.

Joseph Aoun: Get Out! Resign
Hisham Bou Nassif/Nidaa Al-Watan/September 29, 2025 (Translated From Arabic)
The statement issued by the Lebanese Ministry of Defense following the Raouche incident is pivotal in the current political moment and in the history of civil-military relations in Lebanon. The statement declared that the army's mission is "to prevent sectarian strife, avert a slide into conflict, deter those who undermine public order, and consolidate the pillars of national unity." While expressing regret for "ingratitude," "prejudice," and "blaming the army for the problems on the streets," the statement asserted that the army has "a president who supports it, a commander who oversees it, and a people who love it and see in it the last hope after God and Lebanon." It is difficult to pack more nonsense into fewer words. No, "the people" do not see the army as their last hope after God and Lebanon, but rather as the institution whose commander signed the shameful agreement in Cairo in 1969, hoping to become president, or to return to power as a former army commander (he wasn't yet satiated with power at that time). Furthermore, the army participated in the annihilation war in eastern Lebanon; its leadership adapted without difficulty to the subsequent Syrian occupation, and its intelligence service ruthlessly repressed pro-sovereignty students in the 1990s who refused to accept the occupation; and the army has since adapted, and continues to do so, to the Shia militia's control of the country, always without any difficulty or friction. The arrogance of the military establishment, which imagines that Lebanese people place the army "after God and Lebanon," is an intellectual absurdity typical of the armies of Third World countries.
However, that is not the issue. The issue is that the Ministry of Defense statement is a coup against legitimacy and the constitution. However, coups don't always involve columns of tanks rolling towards a presidential palace. There are "velvet coups" that occur without a single shot fired, when the military decides to circumvent constitutional provisions. Furthermore, coups don't necessarily mean that an opposition figure from outside the ruling establishment seizes power. There is what's called an "autogolpe" (self-coup), which essentially involves an entity within the government, which came to power legitimately, using its own mechanisms to undermine legitimacy. In essence, this is what the Lebanese Ministry of Defense did with its recent statement. Why? First, because it assigned the army a political mission: protecting "national unity." This is typical of coup-plotting militaries in developing countries. For example, the Turkish military previously assigned itself the task of protecting secularism. Latin American armies used to assign themselves the task of suppressing the left, even if the citizens voted for them. In contrast, in democratic countries, the army has no political role; its function is solely to carry out the orders of the executive branch. Period. If the military doesn't like the orders, it has the right to resign, but the military, as an institution, has no right to have an opinion on its country's politics. The Lebanese Ministry of Defense's statement clearly demonstrates that it is granting itself the right to decide which orders to implement and which to reject, based on whether they conflict with its self-defined political mission of protecting "national unity"—a mission it has imposed upon itself outside of the constitution. This is a velvet coup. Secondly, the Ministry of Defense's statement makes it clear that it believes the army's orders come from the Presidency and its command structure. The conspicuous absence of any mention of the Cabinet in the statement was very striking, especially given that it is the source of executive power according to the Taif Agreement constitution. Quite clearly: the Cabinet, through its Prime Minister, issued instructions that fall squarely within its constitutional powers, yet the leaders of the security forces, who attained their positions according to constitutional procedures, decided that the constitution meant nothing to them, and consequently, neither did the Prime Minister's instructions. This is a self-inflicted coup. Joseph Aoun is directly responsible for all of the above, as he personally selected the Minister of Defense and the Army Commander. The criticism leveled against both of them in recent days following the Rachi events is justified, provided that no one forgets that the Minister of Defense and the Army Commander are allies of Joseph Aoun. He is therefore responsible for their political actions. Their involvement with Nabih Berri and the Shia militia against the Prime Minister, and against the Lebanese people's hope that their state will not remain a failed state, subservient to a fundamentalist militia, politically means that Joseph Aoun himself is implicated. The Defense Ministry's narrative that it is acting to prevent sectarian strife is a lie perpetrated by Joseph Aoun, Michel Mansour, and Rudolph Haikal. Hassan Nasrallah is accused by the public of killing Rafik Hariri, the leader of the Sunni community in Beirut; and now Nasrallah's "party" is commemorating him in Beirut, not far from the site of Hariri's assassination. What greater provocation could there be for the Sunnis? Indeed, what greater provocation for any Lebanese who is not complicit with the Shia militia? The army's withdrawal from the scene is not protecting the country from sectarian strife, but rather paving the way for it. And the fact is, the Lebanese people's experience with Joseph Aoun has become bitter. Emile Lahoud did what he did during his presidency, but he didn't squander any international opportunity for Lebanon because none existed. Joseph Aoun, on the other hand, is squandering an opportunity for international attention to Lebanon that may not come again for decades. If Joseph Aoun thinks that Lebanese people didn't notice that Donald Trump met with Ahmad al-Arian in New York, but not him, he is mistaken. Joseph Aoun's failure to disarm the Shia militia guarantees his name a place on a list that also includes the signatories of the Cairo Agreement and the Tripartite Agreement, not to mention those who refused to sign the May 17 Agreement. If he hasn't acted appropriately in his first year of presidency, with all the momentum, hope, and international support behind him, he won't act any better in the remaining years of his term. He should resign. If he doesn't, everyone who opposes the Shia militia's control of Lebanon must understand that confronting the militia means inevitably confronting its political backers. And it has become clear that Joseph Aoun is one of them.

Nawaf Salam: A Headache for Hezbollah
Jean El-Fakhri/Nidaa Al-Watan / September 29, 2025 (Translated From Arabic)
In record time, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam surpassed all previous prime ministers in terms of boldness and decisiveness, making him the number one target for Hezbollah. He is a prime minister who does not compromise or back down. He was greeted with chants of "Nawaf Salam is a Zionist" when he entered a sports stadium. While Hezbollah disavowed those who chanted, the message was clear: there was widespread discontent with Prime Minister Salam's performance. From being labeled a Zionist to being subjected to the most vulgar insults, Hezbollah supporters even chanted in front of the Roché Rock: "Nawaf, go away! We want to light up the Roché Rock!" These chants were uttered in the presence of the head of the Liaison and Coordination Unit, Wafiq Safa, who arrived at the event unconcerned by security threats! The source of his confidence that nothing would happen to him remains unknown. The important point is that the "powerless" prime minister was alone in confronting the "show of strength" that Hezbollah displayed in its most ugly form. On the surface, Prime Minister Salam appeared to be the weakest link, but in reality, he proved to be the strongest. He confounded Hezbollah, which had bet on his withdrawal, at the very least, and his resignation, at most. He did neither, and Hezbollah realized that the "Nawaf headache" would persist. Hezbollah failed to realize that its confrontation with the Prime Minister was doomed from the start. Legitimacy lies with Prime Minister Salam, not in the streets. Salam governs according to the constitution and existing laws, while Hezbollah disregards the constitution and flouts the laws. Where will this lead? How will things unfold? The ball is in Hezbollah's court, not in Prime Minister Nuhayf Salam's. The Prime Minister acts according to the constitution and the ministerial statement; any other talk is irrelevant. But, on the other hand, according to what law will Hezbollah act? Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Sheikh Naem Qassem, says: "We will not allow disarmament, and we will wage a decisive battle, because this is a war of survival, and we can achieve victory, God willing." Sheikh Qassem didn't specify who Hezbollah would face in this "decisive battle." Is it those who demand the surrender of its weapons—the Lebanese government and army? Or Israel? And if the answer is yes, how will it confront them? In this sense, Hezbollah faces two confrontations: the first with the Lebanese state, because it has defied it and continues to act as if its own entity is the state. The second, and more severe, confrontation is with Israel, which began on October 8, 2023. Despite all the agreements, this war, it seems, continues. Ironically, both sides, Israel and Hezbollah, want it to continue. In this ongoing war, does Hezbollah believe that anyone in Lebanon can be on its side? If the answer is yes, then it is suffering from a severe case of political delusion.

The clash is inevitable and cannot be avoided.
Amjad Iskandar/Nidaa Al-Watan/September 29, 2025 (Translated From Arabic)
All the ideologies that opposed the idea of ​​"Lebanon as an independent entity," since 1920, were man-made. Arab nationalist and Ba'athist projects have offered the worst experiences in governance. And because they are human ideas, even their proponents, many of whom later regretted their positions, have acknowledged their flaws and dared to reconsider them in many respects. For over a century, the "Lebanese idea" has endured, nurtured by knowledge, sweat, blood, and tears. What Lebanon faces today is more dangerous and worse. This ideology is divine and does not allow for any revision. Sheikh Naeem Qassem proudly repeats a phrase uttered by his predecessor, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah: "Whether we live or die, we will have won." What fate has brought us into the orbit of a group waging a global religious war under the banner of the Islamic nation? A conflict that is 1400 years old and will not end until the return of the awaited Mahdi. Hezbollah has the right to believe what it believes in these matters and to live in the 7th century mentality of the 21st century. But it lives with us on the same land and in the same state. Their project is an international Islamic republic, and their martyrs are "martyrs of the nation," and their martyrdom, in this sense, is of higher status than that of martyrs like Kamal Jumblatt, Bashir Gemayel, and Rafik Hariri, who were killed for a small piece of land not exceeding 10,452 square kilometers. Nationalist and leftist ideologies can be approached with criticism, but here, if you criticize, you may commit a religious transgression. And the problem is that discussing politics with this group is futile. Surrendering weapons, abandoning the "Islamic Republic" project, and the inherent folly in managing the conflict with Israel are topics that are pointless to discuss. If we recall the outcomes of the religious tradition on which Hezbollah is based, the results are always bloody. The tragedy of Karbala begets more tragedies. Sheikh Naem insisted on more than one occasion on giving a "Karbala-esque" aura to the battle he was preparing to wage in opposition to surrendering weapons. Nawaf Salam's firmness is correct because it doesn't send the wrong message. Flexibility has led to repeated statements, made by several Hezbollah officials, to the effect that President Aoun committed, two hours before his election, that Resolution 1701 only applies south of the Litani River. This flexibility persists to the point of failing to clarify this issue. Why did Hezbollah issue a fatwa declaring the government's decision to surrender weapons a "sin"? Normally, people sin before God, not before other people, even if they call themselves "Hezbollah." This "party" that wants to abolish political sectarianism adopts a religious guise that doesn't hesitate to declare others infidels. There are elements who heard Sheikh Qassem condemn ministers as enemies of the nation and religion for committing this "sin." Who can be blamed if these elements decide to purge society of such people and hasten their journey to hellfire? The logical arguments used to convince this group to surrender weapons and the benefits this decision would bring to them and to the Lebanese people in general have become a waste of time. There are three options, and the third is unavoidable. The first option, continued attrition, will continue during Aoun's presidency to the point of a return to the decline that began during Michel Aoun's presidency. The second option is to leave Lebanon's fate in Netanyahu's hands, allowing him to either escalate or appease, which would ultimately lead to another form of decline. The third option is to swiftly move towards a "you have your Lebanon, we have our Lebanon" approach. Those who dismiss this option should wait until events inevitably accelerate towards an inevitable clash. Even a basic understanding of historical patterns suggests that such a clash is unavoidable. Time will tell.

Crucial Days for the Authority of the State: Will it Recover or Not?
Alan Sarkis/Voice of the Nation/September 29, 2025 (Translated From Arabic)
The authority of the state suffered a severe and painful blow after Hezbollah's defiance of state decisions and its lighting up of the iconic Roché Rock. Swift action is necessary to restore order. The image of the state presented to the public was extremely negative; people are saying, "The state is weak against the powerful," and "The lawless can take whatever they want." While this may be true, many, including key figures in the government, have overlooked the fact that Hezbollah is currently at its weakest point. It has lost 70 percent of its military capacity and most of its fighters and cadres, and most importantly, it has lost its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and his successor, Hashem Safi al-Din. Despite all this, some in the government still fear the illusory myth of Hezbollah's power. Others still give it undue respect or even work for its interests. Therefore, the state must be purged of Hezbollah's agents and a new spirit and mindset instilled. If the image the state presented domestically was shameful, what about its image in the Arab and international community? This community is preparing for the Lebanese Army Support Conference in Riyadh next November, and after this display of state weakness, the conference could be negatively affected. The United States is closely monitoring developments in Lebanon, and the American envoy, Morgan Ortagus, is expected to return soon. She follows every detail of the internal and military situation, particularly regarding the border issue, the south, and the state's control over its entire territory. It has become clear that the United States is dissatisfied with everything the Lebanese authorities are doing and with the slow pace of implementation. According to the Americans, the Lebanese state has made good decisions, but has stopped short of implementing them on the ground, as Hezbollah continues to act as it pleases without any accountability or oversight. Hezbollah's lack of commitment is evident in its activities in southern and northern Lebanon, and its attempts to rebuild its destroyed military and security infrastructure—this is no secret. So how can we explain the statements of Hezbollah officials, and even those of Iran, which speak of rebuilding and strengthening Hezbollah's forces, and of sending money and all types of weapons to Lebanon to bolster its military arsenal and its ability to confront Israel? This is a direct admission that Hezbollah is not abiding by the ceasefire and truce of November 27, 2006, thus giving Israel a pretext to continue its war to eliminate one of Iran's most dangerous proxies in the region. Hezbollah has lost most of its strength, and it is trying to give the impression that it has returned stronger than ever, and that it can confront and defeat Israel in the south and strike deep into Israeli territory. But the real purpose of all this rhetoric is to direct threats internally, not towards Tel Aviv. Hezbollah is incapable of responding to Israeli attacks, and the Israeli army changes tactics almost daily, yet the Hezbollah leadership does not dare to respond with even a single missile. Therefore, the claim that Hezbollah's weapons are meant to stand against Israel has been debunked. The situation in Lebanon has reached its current critical state, and everyone is waiting for concrete actions and decisive measures. Issuing more decrees without the ability to implement them will only further weaken the state and empower the militias, leading to a complete loss of public trust in the authorities. The only way for the state to regain control is to issue clear political directives to the security forces to neutralize Hezbollah's military capabilities, halt its operations, and move on to the crucial next step: initiating a comprehensive disarmament process across all of Lebanon, not just in the south. The government must be transparent with the Lebanese people, explaining the situation fully, and address the Arab and international community to restore its image, credibility, and authority. Any measures less than this will only weaken the state, opening the door to chaos and civil war.

The Assassination of the State: A Lebanese and Global Danger
Dr. Antoine Massarha/Nidaa Al-Watan/September 29, 2025 (Translated From Arabic)
The trivialization of evil, coupled with ideological rhetoric, clientelist Lebanese political positioning, and polished discourse about armed groups that are no longer considered political parties according to the legal and political standards of the concept of a party, but rather proxy states, is extremely dangerous in the context of the assassination of the state (Etacide). This danger is not limited to Lebanon, but extends to a global reality within the context of the negative impacts and transformations of globalization and technological development. Lebanon, as described in this article, has become a disaster for itself, for its Arab surroundings, and for the world! Calls for vague dialogue and compromises, along the lines of "Lebanese behaviors" as described by Anthony Samrani (L’Orient-Le Jour, “Libanaiseries” 6/1/2025) in historical and clinical Lebanese psychology, are a distraction from the assassination of the state. Lebanese people suffer from a complex of dependence on external powers which, since the declaration of Greater Lebanon, has not been addressed through a realistic and scientific historical narrative, the promotion of citizenship, the building of a shared memory, and a deterrent national repentance. All the militias during the multi-ethnic wars in Lebanon between 1975 and 1990, including the armed Palestinian groups, maintained the state and its centrality, with realism, wisdom, and pragmatic rationality. But since the renewed Cairo Agreement on February 6, 2006, the assassination of the state and the development of a proxy state with its own proxy diplomacy, the paralysis of institutions, the suspension of the constitution (not merely its violation), and a vacuum in governance have begun! This is a barbaric and pre-tribal endeavor, contrary to the global trajectory in the anthropology of history and law regarding the emergence of the state. This assassination is carried out in coordination with a pre-historic system, contrary to all international standards of political science. A regional regime attempted to assassinate the state by planting proxy states in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Sudan... This approach transcends all concepts of hegemony in international relations and all traditional analyses of international relations! It is the assassination of the state! In the case of Zionism, it is an impossible quest to establish a religiously pure space-identity, not the assassination of the state and the establishment of a proxy state! The state differs from the political regime in its four core functions: the monopoly of organized force (i.e., having only one army, not two), the monopoly of diplomatic relations within the framework of the Arab League, the management of public finances through taxation, and the management of public policies. The assassination of the state, coupled with the exploitation of religion in political conflict (the politicization of religion), threatens the world today, with the decline of authority and legitimacy in many countries. This means that the Lebanese tragedy is not solely a Lebanese issue. Metternich (1773-1859) understood Lebanon's strategic location and its risks when he said: "This small but very important country!" Academics and experts in a world without a compass keep repeating market-oriented rhetoric, while Lebanon, a microcosm of the United Nations, is undergoing a structural earthquake. The UN Secretary-General lives the tragedy of his isolation in a world of state assassination and chaos in international relations. Based on the Lebanese reality, there is a need for Arab, European, American, and global vigilance, as an antidote to a barbaric system, in order to put an end to proxy states supported and financed by regimes that are outside the bounds of international legitimacy and all principles of democracy and the foundations of international relations! But despite the test and the disaster, Lebanese people continue to engage in power struggles, deceit, manipulation, and bargaining regarding state affairs. There is a need for national and international vigilance, as witnessed after the terrorist assassination of Rafik Hariri and his entourage. The overwhelming awakening in Lebanon in 2005 can only be explained through historical psychology, where the Lebanese people realized: we are all insignificant players in the game of nations! The historical and legal anthropology of the emergence of the state, which is distinct from the political system (régime), required several centuries in the West: Norbert Elias, The Dynamics of the West, 1969, Pocket edition, no. 80, 1975, 320 p. There is no end to the state, nor can there be a society without a state; the alternative to the state is pre-tribal barbarism, because tribes, contrary to popular belief, operate according to governing principles. A conference was recently held entitled: Good Governance for State Building! No! The title should be corrected: State Building for Good Governance! This reflects the extent of the confusion in the Lebanese mindset regarding the state and the concept of citizenship within a state. *Member of the Constitutional Council, 2009-2019

The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on September 28-29/2025
Netanyahu: Israel knows location of Iran's uranium stockpile
Asharq Al Awsat/September 28/2025
The Israeli government said on Sunday that it knows where Iran is storing nearly 400 kilograms of enriched uranium at levels close to weapons-grade. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News: "We certainly know where it is. We have a very good idea of ​​where it is," adding that Israel had shared this intelligence with the United States. According to a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran possessed more than 400 kilograms of 60 percent enriched uranium in early summer, before the war that Israel waged against it. To produce nuclear weapons, further enrichment to over 90 percent is required. However, it remains unclear how much of this material Iran still possesses, and whether its enrichment capabilities remain intact after the US and Israeli attacks in June. Iran denies seeking to develop nuclear weapons. When asked whether Israel, which is widely believed to possess a secret nuclear arsenal, plans to seize the uranium, Netanyahu did not give a direct answer. He said: "We must maintain diplomatic and economic pressure on Iran to make it clear that we will not tolerate its resumption of efforts to build nuclear bombs aimed at destroying my country and your country." Approximately 10 years after the historic nuclear deal with Iran, the UN sanctions imposed on Tehran were reinstated today. The deadline for reaching an agreement between Tehran and its negotiating partners – Germany, the United Kingdom, and France – has now passed. The three European countries have moved to reimpose sanctions, accusing Iran of violating the 2015 Vienna nuclear agreement by enriching uranium to levels far beyond what is required for civilian purposes.

“Israel Today”: A second round of war with Iran could begin at any moment!
Janoubia/September 28, 2025
The “Israel Today” newspaper stated that the twelve-day war between Israel and Iran did not end the conflict, but rather opened the door wide for a new confrontation that is closer than many in the region expect. While Tel Aviv considered it a clear military victory, Tehran sees its regime's resilience and the swift reorganization of its leadership within just 24 hours of the Israeli-American strike as an equally significant achievement. According to the newspaper, the Iranian leadership does not seem afraid of a new war, but rather is seeking to prepare for it by developing its missile and defense systems, and by leveraging the support of Moscow and Beijing after the collapse of its air defense system during the previous round. Reports indicate daily missile tests and frequent statements by senior regime officials regarding readiness to launch a preemptive strike if Tehran senses that Israel is preparing to attack. The newspaper adds that Iran now sees itself as more capable of confrontation, considering that it emerged from the last war with military and political experience that qualifies it to remain on equal footing with Israel and the United States, despite the heavy losses it suffered. “Israel Today” believes that the Israeli army's success in the previous round was linked to the element of surprise and direct American support, including the use of advanced defense systems such as the “THAAD” missiles, which cost Washington some $800 million. However, the newspaper warns that these conditions may not be repeated in the next round, especially with the administration of US President Donald Trump preoccupied with other fronts, from Venezuela to Ukraine. In this climate of uncertainty, Israeli concerns are growing about the prospect of the next war escalating into a protracted conflict of attrition, which could impose far greater costs on Tel Aviv than on Tehran, given Israel's smaller size and vulnerability to sustained missile attacks. The newspaper concluded that the most important lesson from the recent conflict is that the Iranian regime has proven to be stronger and more resilient than previously thought, and that the lack of any "moderate" alternative to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei means any expectation of its imminent collapse is merely wishful thinking. With diplomatic deadlock persisting and mutual threats continuing, a second round of confrontation seems very likely, especially as Iran insists on rebuilding its nuclear and missile capabilities, while Israel continues to threaten further military action that could erupt at any moment.

Trump Shifts Course, Pressures Netanyahu to End Gaza War
Ramallah: Kifah Zboun/Asharq Al Awsat/September 28/2025
The administration of US President Donald Trump has shifted course and started pressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to bring an end to the war on Gaza. Well-informed Israeli sources confirmed that Trump has decided to push for a ceasefire and is now urging Netanyahu to secure approval for a proposal that Hamas has already reviewed. Israel’s public broadcaster Kan revealed parts of discussions between Netanyahu and Trump’s envoys ahead of the two leaders’ planned meeting at the White House on Monday. According to the report, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner told Netanyahu that the US president is determined to end the Gaza war. During their meeting in New York, they told him that the president believes the time has come to seek an end to the war, and that for Netanyahu the time is now.
The channel reported that Witkoff and Kushner pressed Netanyahu to move toward an agreement before his upcoming meeting with Trump, after the prime minister expressed opposition to several elements of the American plan. Netanyahu, along with Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, voiced these objections in talks with Trump’s aides. Israel’s Channel 13 corroborated the report, quoting senior Israeli officials as saying that US patience with Gaza is wearing thin. The officials added that in recent days, the Trump administration has intensified pressure for a deal with Hamas that would secure the release of hostages and significantly wind down the war. The pressure has mounted around a 21-point American proposal to end the conflict in Gaza. The plan, shared with several Arab and Muslim countries on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly earlier this week, envisions Gaza as a region free of extremism and terrorism, posing no threat to its neighbors, and redeveloped for the benefit of its people. It calls for an immediate ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and the return of both living and deceased hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences. Under the plan, Gaza would be administered by a temporary technocratic Palestinian government, supported by an international stabilization force that would train a Palestinian police body to serve as a long-term internal security apparatus. Despite American optimism, senior Israeli officials told Channel 13 that disputes remain over the conditions for ending the war. Israeli media noted that while the plan guarantees Hamas’ removal from power in Gaza, Netanyahu’s definition of defeating the group remains far from realized.
A senior Israeli official told Haaretz that the plan leaves very slim chances of resuming fighting once a ceasefire takes hold. Netanyahu’s circle, however, stressed that any plan must include the complete dismantling of Hamas and that Israel would not compromise on this. Trump, meanwhile, struck an upbeat tone. On his Truth Social platform, he wrote that constructive talks were underway, touting a deal that would end the war and return hostages. He said negotiations had been intensive for four days and would continue as long as necessary to reach a full and successful agreement, noting that all regional players are involved. He confirmed that both Israel and Hamas are aware of the discussions and insisted talks would continue until an agreement is reached. Trump also met with leaders and officials from several Muslim-majority countries this week to discuss Gaza, where Israeli strikes have escalated.
Witkoff said Trump presented these leaders with the 21-point peace proposal. Trump later wrote that Hamas is well aware of these discussions and that Israel has been briefed at all levels. While withholding details, he described the talks as inspiring and productive. According to Trump administration officials, a breakthrough on Gaza may be imminent despite ongoing Israeli bombardment. Haaretz reported that Hamas has given its initial approval to Trump’s plan, with Qatar playing a key role in swaying the group. Trump is now focused on securing Netanyahu’s consent. In a telling development, Witkoff reportedly assured families of Israeli hostages in recent days that a breakthrough is near and that good news can be expected within days. An Israeli political source echoed this sentiment to the families, saying positive developments were expected following Netanyahu’s US visit. Channel 12 reported that several hostage families have recently received encouraging messages from multiple sources linked to the negotiations.

US envoy to Israel’s rare trip to Egypt postponed: US official
AFP/September 28, 2025
JERUSALEM: A visit to Egypt by Washington’s top envoy to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has been postponed, a US official told AFP on Sunday. Earlier, a US embassy spokesperson had said that Huckabee would be visiting Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials, making what media reports said would have been a rare trip by a sitting US envoy. “The trip has been postponed,” the official said, without providing further details. Media reports said the talks had been expected to focus on the Gaza war, which has strained relations between Israel and Cairo. Egypt, along with the United States and Qatar, has been mediating between Israel and Hamas in efforts to end the war. Cairo has criticized Israel’s ongoing air and ground assault in Gaza City, where the United Nations estimated a million people resided before the offensive began. Since the war broke out in October 2023, Egypt has repeatedly warned that the fighting risks driving hundreds of thousands of Palestinians across its border into the Sinai Peninsula. Israeli media have also reported Israeli concerns over an Egyptian military buildup in Sinai, though Cairo insists its forces are stationed there solely to defend its borders. Huckabee was appointed ambassador to Israel by Trump shortly after his re-election in November. US President Donald Trump unveiled a new plan to end the Gaza war in talks with Arab and Muslim leaders earlier this week.

Netanyahu to meet Trump as Israel faces isolation over Gaza war
AFP/September 28, 2025
JERUSALEM: Facing increasing isolation abroad and mounting pressure at home, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will defend his intention to “finish the job” in Gaza when he meets US President Donald Trump on Monday.
The meeting comes days after Trump unveiled a 21-point plan aimed at ending the war in the Palestinian territory during discussions with Arab and Muslim leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. On Sunday, Trump hinted at “something special” to come in Middle East talks, adding in a post on his Truth Social platform: “WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!“
On Friday, Trump had told reporters in Washington “I think we have a deal” on Gaza, even as Netanyahu, speaking at the UN, vowed to “finish the job” in Israel’s war against Hamas. But experts told AFP that Netanyahu appeared to be cornered, facing growing international and domestic calls to end the war. “He has no other choice but to accept” Trump’s plan for a ceasefire, said Eytan Gilboa, an expert on US-Israel relations at Israel’s Bar-Ilan University. “Simply because the United States and Trump have remained almost his only ally in the international community.”
“Comprehensive agreement”
In Israel, tens of thousands of protesters have pressured Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire, and on Saturday they urged Trump to use his influence. “The only thing that can stop the slide into the abyss is a full, comprehensive agreement that ends the war and brings all the hostages and the soldiers home,” said Lishay Miran-Lavi, wife of Omri Miran, who remains captive in Gaza. Directly addressing Trump, she urged: “Use your influence with Prime Minister Netanyahu.”Israel’s international isolation has deepened in recent days, with countries including the UK, France, Canada and Australia officially recognizing Palestinian statehood, breaking with longstanding US-led diplomatic protocols. Trump’s 21-point plan, according to a diplomatic source, envisions a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a major influx of humanitarian aid. Hamas political bureau member Hossam Badran said Sunday evening that the group “had not received any official proposal from Qatari or Egyptian mediators.”Arab and Muslim leaders have welcomed the proposal, but have also called for an immediate halt to Israel’s military operations and any occupation of Gaza. Some elements of the plan will prove hard for Netanyahu to swallow, and could even lead to the collapse of his right-wing government coalition. Among the most controversial is the involvement of the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority (PA) in the future governance of Gaza. The PA ruled the territory until Hamas seized control in 2007, and its potential restoration represents a red line for Netanyahu’s hard-line coalition partners. While the US proposal conditions the PA’s return on implementing reform programs, these changes “could take years” to materialize, Gilboa warned.
“Broad consensus”
Several far-right ministers in Netanyahu’s coalition have threatened to collapse the government if he agrees to the PA’s return, or if he ends the war without defeating Hamas. However, opposition leader Yair Lapid has offered a parliamentary “safety net,” promising his centrist Yesh Atid party would support a ceasefire and hostage-release deal — but it is not clear whether other opposition parties would follow suit. “This kind of broad plan would need a broad consensus,” said Ksenia Svetlova, a former Knesset member who now heads the regional cooperation NGO ROPES. Svetlova predicted Netanyahu would only accept parts of the deal, while trying to negotiate or postpone decisions on other elements “seem difficult in this moment.”Another contentious point in the US proposal is who would guarantee security in the Gaza Strip once the Israeli army pulls out and Hamas is disarmed. The proposal envisions an international security force comprising Palestinian personnel alongside troops from Arab and Muslim nations. However, critical details about command structure and operational control remain unclear. “This plan is internationalizing the Gaza conflict in an unprecedented way,” Svetlova said, “but without a clear plan on who will be the guiding star, what the end goals are, who will see it through.”“The unpredictability factor runs wild here, really.”

Trump Says ‘We Will Get It Done’ in the Middle East
Asharq Al Awsat/September 28/2025
US President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Sunday about reaching a deal to end the war in Gaza, saying there is “a real chance for greatness in the Middle East,” ahead of talks on Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump did not provide specific details of a prospective ceasefire-for-hostages agreement in Gaza, but Vice President JD Vance told “Fox News Sunday” that top US officials are immersed in "very complicated" negotiations with Israeli and Arab leaders. "We have a real chance for Greatness in the Middle East. All are on board for something special, first time ever. We will get it done," Trump said in a Truth Social post that was issued as he rode in his motorcade to his suburban Virginia golf club. Trump will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday at the White House with the aim of reaching a framework for a deal, according to administration officials. Trump said on Friday talks on Gaza with Middle Eastern nations were intense and that Israel and the Palestinian Hamas group were aware of the discussions, which he said would continue as long as required. Vance described himself as “cautiously hopeful” about reaching a deal. "I feel more optimistic about where we are right now than where we have been at any point in the last few months, but let's be realistic, these things can get derailed at the very last minute," he said.
He said the plan has three main components: Returning all hostages, ending the Hamas threat to Israel, and escalating humanitarian aid in Gaza.
"So I think we're close to accomplishing all three of those objectives," Vance said.
When international leaders gathered at the United Nations in New York this week, the US unveiled a 21-point Middle East peace plan to end the nearly two-year-long war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. That plan calls for the return of all hostages, living and dead, no further Israeli attacks on Qatar and a new dialogue between Israel and Palestinians for “peaceful coexistence,” a White House official said. Israel angered Qataris by launching an airstrike against Hamas targets in their capital Doha on September 9. A Hamas representative said on Saturday that the group had not seen the US plan.

Hamas Says It Lost Contact with Two Hostages as Tanks Thrust Deeper into Gaza City
Asharq Al Awsat/September 28/2025
The military wing of Hamas said on Sunday it had lost contact with two Israeli hostages held in Gaza City, and called on Israel to pull troops back and suspend air strikes for 24 hours so fighters could retrieve the captives. The fate of the two hostages, which has strong domestic resonance in Israel, could cast a shadow over a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump on Monday. Israel has launched a massive ground assault on Gaza City, flattening whole districts and ordering hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to flee to tented camps, in what Netanyahu says is a bid to destroy Hamas once and for all in its final bastion. Nevertheless, the past few days have seen increasing talk of steps towards a diplomatic resolution to the nearly two-year-old war. Trump said on Friday that a deal on Gaza seemed likely.
HAMAS SAYS IT HAS NOT RECEIVED NEW PEACE PROPOSAL
Hamas said earlier on Sunday that it had not yet received a new proposal to end the war. Netanyahu says Hamas must lay down its arms or be defeated. The group has so far said it will never give up its weapons as long as Palestinians are struggling for a state. The Hamas military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, called on the Israeli military to pull troops back from the Sabra and Tel Al-Hawa districts southeast of Gaza City's center, and suspend flights over the area for 24 hours from 1500 GMT so it could reach the two trapped hostages. The Israeli military did not directly comment on the request but made clear it had no plans to halt its advances, issuing a statement ordering all residents of parts of Gaza City including the Sabra district to leave. It said it was about to attack Hamas targets and raze buildings in the area. Gaza residents and medics said Israeli tanks pushed deeper into Sabra, Tel Al-Hawa and nearby Sheikh Radwan and Al-Naser neighborhoods, closing in on the heart of the city and western areas where hundreds of thousands of people are sheltering.
RESCUERS UNABLE TO REACH TRAPPED RESIDENTS
The Gaza health ministry said in a statement that at least 77 people had been killed by Israeli fire in the past 24 hours. Local health authorities said they had been unable to respond to dozens of desperate calls from trapped residents.  Gaza's Civil Emergency Service said late on Saturday that Israel had denied 73 requests, sent via international organizations, to let it rescue injured Palestinians in Gaza City. The Israeli military had no immediate comment. The families of the two hostages identified by Hamas have requested that their names not be published by the media. Hamas precipitated the war when it attacked Israeli territory in October, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Forty-eight hostages are still in Gaza, of whom Netanyahu says 20 are still alive. Israel's assault has killed more than 66,000 people according to medical authorities in the territory. Most homes have been damaged or destroyed and 2.3 million residents are living under a severe humanitarian crisis. The Israeli military says that Hamas, which ruled Gaza for nearly two decades, no longer has governing capacity and that its military force has been reduced to a guerrilla movement. The Israeli military launched its long-threatened ground offensive on Gaza City on September 16 after weeks of intensifying strikes on the urban center. Over the past 24 hours, the air force had struck 140 military targets across Gaza, including gunmen and what it described as military infrastructure, the military said. The World Food Program estimates that between 350,000 and 400,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza City since last month, although hundreds of thousands remain. The Israeli military estimates that around a million Palestinians were in Gaza City in August.

Hamas urges Israel to halt strikes as it searchs for two hostages
AFP/September 28, 2025
GAZA CITY: Hamas’s armed wing urged the Israeli military to temporarily halt air strikes and withdraw from part of Gaza City on Sunday as it tried to locate two Israeli hostages it said it had lost contact with. “The lives of the two prisoners are in real danger, and (Israeli) forces must immediately withdraw to the south of Street 8 and halt aerial operations for 24 hours starting from 18:00 today to allow attempts to rescue the prisoners,” the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades said in a statement. In an earlier announcement, the armed group said the loss of contact was due to Israeli military operations over the previous 48 hours in two southern Gaza City neighborhoods where Israeli forces have stepped up air and ground assaults. In the past, the Islamist movement announced that it had lost contact with an Israeli-American hostage, who was released a few days after that announcement. Since launching its offensive on Gaza City, the Israeli military has repeatedly ordered Palestinians to move south. On Sunday, Gaza’s civil defense agency, a rescue force operating under Hamas authority, said 38 people had been killed by Israeli fire, including 14 in Gaza City.

Tanks thrust deeper into Gaza, medics say many injured trapped
Reuters/September 28, 2025
CAIRO: Israeli tanks moved deeper into Gaza City’s residential districts on Sunday, as local health authorities said they have been unable to respond to dozens of desperate calls, expressing concern about the fate of residents in the targeted areas.
Witnesses and medics said Israeli tanks had deepened their incursions in the Sabra, Tel Al-Hawa, Sheikh Radwan and Al-Naser neighborhoods, closing in on the heart and the western areas of Gaza City, where hundreds of thousands of people are sheltering. The Israeli military launched its long-threatended ground offensive on Gaza City on September 16 after weeks of intensifying strikes on the urban center, forcing hundreds of Palestinians to flee although many still remain.
Trump scheduled to meet Netanyahu
Hamas, which Israel has demanded surrender, said Sunday it had not received a new proposal from mediators, after US President Donald Trump said Friday that “a deal on Gaza” seemed likely. Trump is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday. A spokesperson for the US Embassy in Israel separately said that Ambassador Mike Huckabee would travel to Egypt to meet with Egyptian officials “as part of regular diplomatic consultations conducted between US embassies in the region.”Egypt is among those mediating between Israel and Hamas. The Civil Emergency Service in Gaza said late on Saturday that Israel had denied 73 requests, sent via international organizations, to rescue injured Palestinians in Gaza City. Israeli authorities had no immediate comment. The military earlier said forces were expanding operations in the city and that five militants firing an anti-tank missile toward Israeli troops had been killed by the Israeli air force.
At least five killed in air strike
Over the past 24 hours, the air force had struck 140 military targets across Gaza, including militants and what it described as military infrastructure, the military said. At least five people were killed in an air strike in Gaza’s Al Naser area, local health authorities said. Medics reported 16 more deaths in strikes on houses in central Gaza, bringing Sunday’s death toll to at least 21. Israel’s military siege has caused a humanitarian catastrophe across Gaza. Four health facilities in Gaza City have shut down this month, the World Health Organization has said. Some malnutrition centers have also closed, the UN says.
Thousands remain in Gaza City
The World Food Programme estimates that between 350,000 and 400,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza City since last month, although hundreds of thousands remain. The Israeli military estimates that around a million Palestinians were in Gaza City in August. Israel began its assault on Gaza nearly two years ago after an attack led by the Hamas killed about 1,200 people, with 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israeli forces have killed more than 65,000 Palestinians in the enclave, according to Gaza’s health authorities, displaced the entire population, and crippled the territory’s health system.

Gaza Flotilla Sails Again; Italy’s Tajani Warns of Danger
Asharq Al Awsat/September 28/2025
An international aid flotilla that paused for several days in Greek waters for repairs has set sail again for Gaza, where activists aim to challenge Israel's naval blockade and deliver aid to the Palestinian territory. Organizers said on Sunday that Greek vessels had now joined their enterprise, meaning that the flotilla, which counts some 47 civilian boats, was "complete". "Brothers and sisters in Gaza, we sail with hope in our hearts. Your resilience is our compass, your struggle is our struggle. Together, we will break the silence of the siege," the Global Sumud Flotilla wrote on social media.
Around 40 Italians are aboard the flotilla alongside activists from dozens of other countries, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. They hope to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza in the coming week. Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Sunday repeated a proposal made last week for the flotilla to take the aid to Cyprus for eventual distribution in Gaza by the Roman Catholic Church. The flotilla rejected the suggestion. "We have always said ... that it is dangerous to approach Israeli waters. We don't know what might happen. Forcing the blockade is dangerous," Tajani told reporters. The flotilla was struck on Wednesday in international waters off Crete by drones armed with stun grenades and irritants, which caused damage but no injuries. Israel did not comment on the incident. It has previously said it will use any means to prevent the boats from reaching Gaza, arguing that its naval blockade is legal as it battles Hamas in the coastal enclave. Italy and Spain have deployed navy ships close to the flotilla for rescue and humanitarian tasks. Israel began its Gaza offensive after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel in which some 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken as hostages back to Gaza. The offensive has killed over 65,000 people in Gaza, Gaza health authorities say.

Israel Hails UN Sanctions on Iran as ‘Major Development’
Asharq Al Awsat/September 28/2025
Israel, which bombed Iran's nuclear sites in a brief war in June, considers the United Nations’ re-imposition of sanctions on Tehran a "major development," its foreign ministry said in a post on X on Sunday. The UN reinstated an arms embargo and other sanctions on Iran on Saturday following a process triggered by key European powers that Tehran has warned will be met with a harsh response. Britain, France and Germany triggered the return of sanctions on Iran at the UN Security Council over accusations the country has violated a 2015 deal that aimed to stop it developing a nuclear bomb. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons. The end of the decade-long nuclear deal originally agreed by Iran, Britain, Germany, France, the United States, Russia and China is likely to exacerbate tensions in the Middle East, just months after Israel and the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites.
UN sanctions imposed by the Security Council in resolutions adopted between 2006 and 2010 were reinstated at 8 p.m. EDT Saturday (0000 GMT).

Iran denounces 'unjustifiable' return of UN sanctions
Agence France Presse/September 28/2025
Iran on Sunday condemned as "unjustifiable" the reinstatement of United Nations sanctions over its nuclear program, after the collapse of talks with Western powers and Israeli and U.S. strikes on its nuclear sites. The measures, which bar dealings linked to the Islamic republic's nuclear and ballistic missile activities, took effect overnight after Western powers triggered the so-called "snapback" mechanism under the 2015 nuclear accord."The reactivation of annulled resolutions is legally baseless and unjustifiable... all countries must refrain from recognizing this illegal situation," the Iranian foreign ministry said in a statement. "The Islamic Republic of Iran will firmly defend its national rights and interests, and any action aimed at undermining the rights and interests of its people will face a firm and appropriate response," it added.
The return of the sanctions ends months of tense diplomacy aimed at reviving nuclear talks derailed since June, when Israeli and U.S. forces bombed Iranian nuclear facilities. Despite the reimposition, Western leaders stressed channels for dialogue remained open. Kaja Kallas, the European Union's top diplomat, on Sunday said the reimposition of sanctions "must not be the end of diplomacy", adding that "a sustainable solution to the Iranian nuclear issue can only be achieved through negotiations".U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Iran to "accept direct talks, held in good faith". He also called on U.N. member states to "immediately" implement sanctions to "pressure Iran's leaders to do what is right for their nation, and best for the safety of the world".The British, French and German foreign ministers said in a joint statement they would continue to seek "a new diplomatic solution to ensure Iran never gets a nuclear weapon".They also called on Tehran "to refrain from any escalatory action".
'No choice' -
Iran had allowed U.N. inspectors to return to its nuclear sites, but President Masoud Pezeshkian said the United States had offered only a short reprieve in return for handing over its whole stockpile of enriched uranium, a proposal he described as unacceptable. An 11th-hour effort by Iran allies Russia and China to postpone the sanctions until April failed to win enough votes in the Security Council on Friday, leading to the measures taking effect at 3:30 am in Tehran (0000 GMT) on Sunday. Germany, which triggered the return of sanctions alongside Britain and France, had "no choice" as Iran was not complying with its obligations, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said."For us, it is imperative: Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon," he told the U.N. General Assembly. "But let me emphasize: we remain open to negotiations on a new agreement. Diplomacy can and should continue."Russia made clear it would not enforce the sanctions, considering them invalid. The sanctions "finally exposed the West's policy of sabotaging the pursuit of constructive solutions in the U.N. Security Council, as well as its desire to extract unilateral concessions from Tehran through blackmail and pressure," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. Iran has long contended that it is not seeking nuclear weapons. Newspapers in the Islamic republic gave contrasting reactions to the reimposition of the sanctions. The ultraconservative newspaper Kayhan, which opposes any dialogue with the United States, suggested the sanctions would likely have been imposed even if Iran had engaged in negotiations. The reformist daily Ham Mihan wrote: "The big question is whether Russia and China will maintain their position".
Economic impact -
The sanctions are a "snapback" of measures frozen in 2015 when Iran agreed to major restrictions on its nuclear program under a deal negotiated by former president Barack Obama. The United States already imposed massive sanctions when President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in his first term. Iran and the United States had held several rounds of Omani-brokered talks earlier this year before they collapsed in June when first Israel and then the United States attacked Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran recalled its envoys from Britain, France and Germany for consultations on Saturday, state television reported. On the ground, Iranians lamented the likely impact of the new sanctions on an already squeezed economy. "The current (economic) situation was already very difficult, but it's going to get worse," said an Iranian engineer who asked to be identified only by his first name Dariush. "The impact of the renewed sanctions is already evident: the exchange rate is increasing, and this is leading to higher prices," the 50-year-old said, complaining that the standard of living is "much lower" than it was two or three years ago. The economic strain was underscored on Sunday when the Iranian rial plunged to a record low against the US dollar on the black market, trading at around 1.12 million per dollar, according to the currency-tracking websites Bonbast and AlanChand.

Iran’s Clerical Leaders Face Existential Crisis amid Nuclear Deadlock
Asharq Al Awsat/September 28/2025
Iran’s clerical rulers face one of their gravest crises since the 1979 revolution, caught between growing discontent at home and a stalled nuclear deal that together have left the country more isolated and divided. The United Nations reimposed sanctions on Iran on Saturday after last-ditch talks between Tehran and European powers Britain, France and Germany failed to resolve the latest of decades of standoffs over Iran's nuclear program. Without a breakthrough in talks with the West, four Iranian officials and two insiders predicted Iran's economic isolation would further intensify, stoking public fury. Yet accepting the West's demands risks fracturing the ruling elite and sidelining the Islamic Republic’s revolutionary beliefs in "not succumbing to Western pressure" that define Tehran’s unbowed stance, they said.
CONCERNS MOUNT IN TEHRAN OVER POTENTIAL ISRAELI STRIKES
"The clerical establishment is trapped between a rock and a hard place. The existence of the republic is in peril," one official said, adding that "Our people cannot handle more economic pressure or another war." Adding to these strains are mounting concerns in Tehran over potential renewed Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites if nuclear diplomacy with the West fails, a second official said. A 12-day war in June that began with Israeli airstrikes, followed by US strikes on three Iranian nuclear installations, shocked Tehran, kicking off just a day before a planned sixth round of talks with Washington over Tehran's nuclear program. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have warned they will not hesitate to hit Iran again if it resumes enrichment of uranium, a possible pathway to developing nuclear weapons. "I think the chances of war breaking out are significant, given Israel’s aggressive posture and the strong support it currently receives from the United States," former lawmaker Gholamali Jafarzade Imenabadi told Iranian media on Thursday. Britain, France and Germany triggered the snapback of UN sanctions on August 28, accusing Iran of violating its 2015 nuclear pact with world powers. The measures took effect on Saturday after failed negotiating efforts to delay it this week during the UN General Assembly. The United States, its European allies and Israel accuse Tehran of using its nuclear program as a veil for efforts to try to develop the capability to produce weapons. Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
TEHRAN SAYS RENEWED SANCTIONS WILL FORCE HARDER NUCLEAR LINE
Iranian authorities have said renewed sanctions will push them toward a tougher nuclear stance, but the threat of Israeli attacks has left them with scant room to maneuver. A former moderate senior Iranian official doubted Tehran would take drastic steps as the leadership understands the risks amid its weakened regional position, mounting domestic pressures and the potential cost of further escalation. Rifts are widening within Iran’s ruling elite over how to navigate the crisis — some push for a tougher line while others resist, fearing it could trigger the regime’s collapse. With Trump's speedy revival of a "maximum pressure" campaign on Tehran since February with new sanctions and threats of further military action, a second official said some decision-makers in Tehran believe "maintaining the status quo — no war, no deal and continued talks — is the best option without offering further concessions."The new measures could significantly increase pressure on Iran's economy, further restricting its trade with countries that have previously disregarded unilateral US sanctions. The UN sanctions include limitations on Iran's oil, banking and finance sectors, an arms embargo, a ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing, a ban on activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, a global asset freeze and travel bans on Iranian individuals and entities.
POPULAR ANGER MOUNTS OVER DEEPENING ECONOMIC WOES
Compounding Tehran's challenges, Iran's clerical establishment is grappling with mounting popular anger over deepening economic woes. Many Iranians, like primary school teacher Shima, fear that revival of UN sanctions will further cripple the economy, already under worsening strain because of years of sanctions and mismanagement. "We already struggle to make ends meet. More sanctions means more economic pressure. How are we going to survive?" Shima, 36, a mother of two, told Reuters from Tehran by telephone. The clerical leadership is increasingly concerned that mounting public anger over economic hardships could erupt into mass protests that would "further harm its position on the international stage," the second official said. Iran’s official inflation rate is around 40%, and some estimate it is over 50%. Iranian media in recent months have reported a significant rise in food prices and costs of housing and utilities, driven by the rial currency's steep fall and soaring raw material costs. Iran has staved off economic collapse largely thanks to China, the main buyer of its oil and one of the few nations still trading with Tehran despite sanctions reimposed since 2018 when then-president Trump ditched Tehran's 2015 nuclear pact. Yet uncertainty looms over the sustainability of the exports with the revived UN sanctions.

Return of Nuclear Sanctions ‘Must Not Be the End of Diplomacy with Iran’, Says EU’s Kallas
Asharq Al Awsat/September 28/2025
The return of widespread sanctions against Iran's nuclear program "must not be the end of diplomacy" with Tehran, the European Union's top diplomat said on Sunday. While the bloc will follow the United Nations in reimposing sanctions, "a sustainable solution to the Iranian nuclear issue can only be achieved through negotiations", Kaja Kallas said in a statement. The UN reinstated an arms embargo and other sanctions on Iran on Saturday following a process triggered by key European powers that Tehran has warned will be met with a harsh response. Britain, France and Germany triggered the return of sanctions on Iran at the UN Security Council over accusations the country has violated a 2015 deal that aimed to stop it developing a nuclear bomb. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons. The end of the decade-long nuclear deal originally agreed by Iran, Britain, Germany, France, the United States, Russia and China is likely to exacerbate tensions in the Middle East, just months after Israel and the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites. UN sanctions imposed by the Security Council in resolutions adopted between 2006 and 2010 were reinstated at 8 p.m. EDT Saturday (0000 GMT).

Iran Rial Hits Record Low Against US Dollar After Sanctions Reimposed
Asharq Al Awsat/September 28/2025
The Iranian rial plummeted to a record low against the US dollar on Sunday after the reinstatement of United Nations sanctions, according to currency-tracking websites. On the black market, the rial was trading at around 1.12 million rials against the dollar, the Bonbast and AlanChand websites reported, about a month after it had been slightly above one million rials to the greenback. The UN reinstated an arms embargo and other sanctions on Iran on Saturday following a process triggered by key European powers that Tehran has warned will be met with a harsh response. Britain, France and Germany triggered the return of sanctions on Iran at the UN Security Council over accusations the country has violated a 2015 deal that aimed to stop it developing a nuclear bomb. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons. The end of the decade-long nuclear deal originally agreed by Iran, Britain, Germany, France, the United States, Russia and China is likely to exacerbate tensions in the Middle East, just months after Israel and the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites. UN sanctions imposed by the Security Council in resolutions adopted between 2006 and 2010 were reinstated at 8 p.m. EDT Saturday (0000 GMT).

Iran Weighs Confrontation or Diplomacy After UN Sanctions Reimposed over Its Nuclear Program
Asharq Al Awsat/September 28/2025
Iran's theocracy prepared Sunday for a possible confrontation with the West after the United Nations reimposed sanctions over its nuclear program, even as some pushed for continued negotiations to ease the economic pain squeezing the country.  The sanctions imposed before dawn Sunday again freeze Iranian assets abroad, halt arms deals with Tehran and penalize any development of Iran’s ballistic missile program, among other measures. It came via a mechanism known as "snapback," included in Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.  Iran's Parliament briefly denounced the sanctions before going into a closed-door session likely to discuss the country's response, which could include abandoning the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and rushing for the bomb. People worry about a new round of fighting between Iran and Israel, as well as potentially the United States, as missile sites struck during the 12-day war in June now appear to be being rebuilt. Meanwhile, Iran's rial currency fell to a new record low of 1.1 million to $1, sending food prices even higher and making daily life that much more challenging. "The government must negotiate. This is a world of business," said Mohsen Rahaei, a 49-year-old Tehran resident. "One must get along with everyone, with all countries. Until when we want to fight? We won’t gain anything."  Iran considers withdrawing from treaty Iran tried a last-ditch diplomatic push at the UN General Assembly in New York this week, but efforts by its officials, as well as China and Russia, failed to stop the sanctions. Speaking to the Young Journalists Club, which is affiliated with Iranian state television, lawmaker Ismail Kowsari said Parliament would discuss withdrawing from the nuclear treaty. Nonproliferation experts fear such a move could see Iran follow a path first laid down by North Korea, which said it abandoned the treaty before obtaining nuclear weapons. Kowsari however said it wouldn't mean Iran would go for the bomb. Such a move would need the approval of Iran's 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iranian diplomats have long pointed to Khamenei’s preachings as a binding fatwa, or religious edict, that Iran won’t build an atomic bomb.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf issued his own warning to those who would honor the UN sanctions as the chamber began meeting Sunday. "We announce that if any country wants to take action against Iran based on these illegal resolutions, it will face serious reciprocal action from Iran, and the three European countries that are the initiators of this illegal action will also face our reaction," Qalibaf said without elaborating, according to a report by the state-run IRNA news agency. Parliament soon after entered a closed session, without any formal announcement on what, if anything, was decided. Iran warns against any military attack  Leaders in both Iran's regular military and its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard both issued statements Sunday, warning that their forces were ready for any possible attack. Concerns have grown among the public that Israel could launch a new attack in the wake of the sanctions. Israel's Foreign Ministry applauded the sanctions being reimposed. "The goal is clear: prevent a nuclear-armed Iran," the ministry said. "The world must use every tool to achieve this goal." France, Germany and the United Kingdom triggered "snapback" over Iran 30 days ago, citing Tehran's restrictions of monitoring its nuclear program and the deadlock over its negotiations with the US.  Iran further withdrew from the International Atomic Energy Agency monitoring after Israel’s war in June, which also saw the US strike nuclear sites in the Islamic Republic. Meanwhile, Iran still maintains a stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60% purity — a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90% — that is largely enough to make several atomic bombs, should Tehran choose to rush toward weaponization. Iran has long insisted its nuclear program is peaceful, though the West and IAEA say Tehran had an organized weapons program up until 2003.
The three European nations on Sunday said they "continuously made every effort to avoid triggering snapback." But Iran "has not authorized IAEA inspectors to regain access to Iran’s nuclear sites, nor has it produced and transmitted to the IAEA a report accounting for its stockpile of high-enriched uranium." The nations also noted Iran enriches uranium at a level that no other peaceful program does. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the three European nations for "an act of decisive global leadership" for imposing the sanctions on Iran and said "diplomacy is still an option." "For that to happen, Iran must accept direct talks," Rubio said. Tehran maintains ‘snapback’ shouldn't have happened Tehran has argued the three European nations shouldn’t be allowed to implement snapback, pointing in part to America’s unilateral withdrawal from the accord in 2018, during the first term of President Donald Trump’s administration. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking to Iranian state TV before the sanctions were imposed, sought to downplay the effect UN sanctions would have on the country. "It will have some damages, some losses for us," Araghchi said Saturday night. "However, they have presented it in their own media as something far greater and much bigger than it actually is, and they have tried to create a monster to frighten the Iranian people and then force our government and our foreign policy to give concessions and pay tribute in this regard."
However, the Iranian public already say they feel the pinch of sanctions with the rial's fall and other economic pressures. One Tehran resident, who gave only his first name Najjari for fear of reprisal, warned against abandoning negotiations.
"If we continue to get into a fight with the outside world and become isolated like North Korea, good things won’t happen at all," he said. "We’re already seeing the impact of this, the dollar rate is going up."

Arrest Warrant Issued for Assad Ahead of Sharaa’s Visit to Moscow
Asharq Al Awsat/September 28/2025
As anticipation grows over Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Moscow next month to attend the Arab-Russian summit, Damascus has officially launched legal proceedings against ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, who has been living in Russia since the fall of his regime last December.
Tawfiq al-Ali, the seventh investigative judge in Damascus, issued an arrest warrant in absentia against Assad in connection with events that took place in Daraa in November 2011 during the civil war. The decision allows the warrant to be circulated through Interpol and pursued internationally.
In remarks to the state-run news agency SANA on Saturday, al-Ali said the warrant includes charges of premeditated murder, torture resulting in death, and unlawful deprivation of liberty. He explained that the move stems from lawsuits filed by families of victims in Daraa, stressing that legal proceedings will continue “to hold accountable those responsible for crimes committed under the ousted regime.”Sharaa is expected to attend the Arab-Russian Summit in mid-October at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Deputy
Prime Minister Alexander Novak, who visited Damascus two weeks ago at the head of a large delegation, said Moscow attaches “great importance to the president’s visit,” describing it as the opening of a “new chapter in relations with Syria.”So far, Russia has not responded positively to Damascus’s request for Assad’s extradition, a matter that was raised during Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov’s visit to the Syrian capital earlier this year. Moscow-based researcher Mahmoud Hamza downplayed the likelihood that Assad’s prosecution would disrupt the new stage in bilateral relations. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, he described Assad’s extradition as a Syrian demand essential for justice, noting that the arrest warrant “came at the right time.”He predicted that Moscow would refrain from issuing a negative reaction, saying Putin “will not hand over Bashar al-Assad,” but will nonetheless take the matter into account. Hamza added that the case “will not die; it may simply be postponed, or unconventional solutions may emerge later.”The warrant was “crucial for establishing the rights of Syrians in court, as well as for its political significance,” he added. He urged Damascus to extend the case to relevant international organizations, arguing that Assad “committed crimes against Syria and its people.”He also revealed that Russian officials, in private conversations, “do not defend Assad but insist that they accepted him and his family on humanitarian grounds.”Political analyst Bassam Suleiman, who is close to the Syrian government, told Asharq Al-Awsat that Damascus remains determined to “advance the path of transitional justice and prosecute criminals, foremost among them Assad.”Russia bears a “historic responsibility” in repairing ties between the two peoples, he said, acknowledging the importance of cultural, social, and economic bonds.“This positive history was tarnished,” Suleiman said. “Russia must now correct this, and realize that the man it is sheltering is the greatest criminal sought by Syrians.”

US Police: One dead, 9 injured in shooting at Michigan church
Asharq Al Awsat/September 28/2025
One person was killed and nine others were injured on Sunday after a man opened fire at a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, which also caught fire. Police shot and killed the 40-year-old suspect, who was from a neighboring town, but did not immediately disclose his motive. Footage from the scene, according to AFP, showed emergency services personnel carrying people on stretchers, and smoke billowing from the church. US President Donald Trump called the attack "horrific" and wrote on his Truth Social platform: "This appears to be another attack on Christians in the United States." Local police chief William Reaney told reporters that the suspect drove his car through the church's front doors and then opened fire on people with an automatic weapon. He said "hundreds of people were in the church" for a service. Authorities said the shooter deliberately set fire to the church before being shot by police. Ten people were taken to the hospital, and one died of his injuries, the official said. He added that the fire had been extinguished, but stressed that "there is a possibility of finding more victims." A woman who lives near the church told AFP: "My husband heard people screaming and a woman calling for help." FBI agents were deployed to assist in the investigation, FBI Director Kash Patel said on X.

The Latest English LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources on September 28-29/2025
Palestinian Leaders, Gulf States Such as Qatar, Have No Interest in Real Peace with Israel
Con Coughlin/Gatestone Institute/September 28/2025
The main stumbling block to Trump's repeated efforts to end the conflict in Gaza, though, remains the fact that Palestinian leaders, and Qatar, have no genuine interest in negotiating a permanent peace deal with Israel.
Qatar, as well as other Gulf States, which reportedly are expected to pay for the reconstruction of Gaza, will doubtless demand a role in its future governance. Such a concession, even if Israel were to monitor security, would be a monumental recipe for disaster.
Qatar has a history of funding effectively all radical Islamic terrorist groups -- from ISIS to Al-Qaeda to Hamas to the Taliban --and appears solidly committed to furthering the policies of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Even if Hamas is not included in a future Gaza, there is always room theoretically for a clone of Hamas with a different name. As Egypt and Islamist groups continue smuggling weapons into the "new" Gaza, there will undoubtedly be endless friction with Israel, not to mention the Palestinians whom the current negotiators insist stay in place. With sufficient incentives, many countries might be glad to spare them years of living in rubble.
The best idea, and in the long run far less expensive militarily and diplomatically, would be if Trump would return to his original idea of Gaza as a kind of US-Israeli "Riviera" protectorate, preferably with a US military base. Then one would not even need any further Abraham Accords: a US military presence should be sufficient to deter aggression and keep peace -- as it has done so successfully in Qatar.
Not all Arab states might like this approach. It certainly would deprive them of the opportunity, should the winds change, of trying again to destroy Israel.
So even if, as Trump insists, Hamas is excluded from any future negotiations on the future of Gaza and the Palestinians, the likelihood of his administration having any positive talks with so-called "moderate" Palestinian leaders, such as Abbas -- or any prospects of a true, long-term peace if Arab countries are allowed to run Gaza -- sadly, the end to decades of hostility will continue to be non-existent.
The main stumbling block to President Donald Trump's repeated efforts to end the conflict in Gaza, though, remains the fact that Palestinian leaders, and Qatar, have no genuine interest in negotiating a permanent peace deal with Israel. Pictured: Qatar's then Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani holds hands with then Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh during their visit to the Islamic University in the Gaza Strip on October 23, 2012.There is one major drawback to US President Donald Trump's latest effort to end the Gaza conflict: Palestinian leaders and some Gulf Arab states -- in particular Qatar (such as here, here, here, here and here) -- have absolutely no intention of agreeing to, or implementing, a lasting peace deal with Israel.
For nearly eight decades, Palestinian leaders have consistently rejected offers to end hostilities with Israel.
While Mahmoud Abbas, the so-called "moderate" leader of the Palestinian Authority, has said he is willing to work with the Trump administration on a peace plan for Gaza, the chances of any negotiations with the Palestinians reaching a successful conclusion are remote if their track record is anything to go by.
In his speech to the UN General Assembly in New York, Trump renewed his calls for an end to the violence, insisting that "we have to stop the war in Gaza immediately." At the same time, he revealed that his administration remained "deeply engaged" in efforts to secure a ceasefire.
As if to emphasise the point, details of the Trump administration's latest 21-point plan for ending the Gaza conflict have been published by the Times of Israel. It reports that the main objective is for Palestinians to remain in Gaza while efforts are undertaken for the creation of a pathway to a future Palestinian state.
The document, which was reportedly shared by the US with a handful of Arab and Muslim countries earlier this week on the sidelines of the UN summit, also contains clauses that have been the basis of previous ceasefire attempts by the Trump administration, such as linking the ceasefire to the release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza and to Hamas's removal from power.
The suggestion, though, that the estimated two million Palestinians currently occupying the Gaza Strip should remain there would mark a significant shift in White House policy. Trump has previously encouraged the notion of relocating Gaza's entire population.
The proposals outlined in the document, which have been drawn up under the auspices of Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, certainly indicate a marked shift in Trump's position on the issue, raising fears that the US leader is moving in a different direction to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who remains committed to achieving the complete destruction of Hamas to prevent further attacks on Israel in the future.
Signs of deepening tensions between Trump and Netanyahu on the Gaza issue also emerged during the US summit, following reports that the US leader personally promised Arab and Muslim leaders that he would not allow Israel to annex the West Bank, a move that ostensibly would be an obstacle to advancing the Abraham Accords.
Of course, other excuses might surface, if "needed."
Trump's approach is certainly at odds with the position of the Israeli prime minister, who used his own speech to the UN to insist that Israel must "finish the job" in Gaza, a request also made by Trump. Netanyahu denounced moves by a number of countries, including the UK, France, Canada and Australia, to recognise a Palestinian state, telling them, "You didn't do something right. You did something wrong, horribly wrong."
Despite Netanyahu's determination to maintain Israel's military offensive against Hamas, Trump continues to insist that the negotiations to end the conflict have been intense and productive, posting on Truth Social that, "Intense negotiations have been going on for four days, and will continue for as long as necessary in order to get a Successfully Completed Agreement."
The main stumbling block to Trump's repeated efforts to end the conflict in Gaza, though, remains the fact that Palestinian leaders, and Qatar, have no genuine interest in negotiating a permanent peace deal with Israel. It is an attitude that has underpinned their attitude to all previous diplomatic efforts to achieve peace.
While both Trump and Netanyahu are insistent that Hamas's leadership can play no role in future negotiations on resolving the Gaza conflict, it is equally clear that the so-called moderate Palestinian politicians, such as Abbas, head of the Palestinian Authority, have no genuine interest in agreeing to any kind of lasting settlement with Israel.
Qatar, as well as other Gulf States, which reportedly are expected to pay for the reconstruction of Gaza, will doubtless demand a role in its future governance. Such a concession, even if Israel were to monitor security, would be a monumental recipe for disaster. Qatar has a history of funding effectively all radical Islamic terrorist groups -- from ISIS to Al-Qaeda to Hamas to the Taliban --and appears solidly committed to furthering the policies of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Even if Hamas is not included in a future Gaza, there is always room theoretically for a clone of Hamas with a different name. As Egypt and Islamist groups continue smuggling weapons into the "new" Gaza, there will undoubtedly be endless friction with Israel, not to mention the Palestinians whom the current negotiators insist stay in place. With sufficient incentives, many countries might be glad to spare them years of living in rubble.
The best idea, and in the long run far less expensive militarily and diplomatically, would be if Trump would return to his original idea of Gaza as a kind of US-Israeli "Riviera" protectorate, preferably with a US military base. Then one would not even need any further Abraham Accords: a US military presence should be sufficient to deter aggression and keep peace -- as it has done so successfully in Qatar.
Not all Arab states might like this approach. It certainly would deprive them of the opportunity, should the winds change, of trying again to destroy Israel.
In addition, the rejectionism of successive generations of Palestinian leaders is well-documented, dating back to when the Nazi-collaborating Palestinian leader, Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Hajj Amin Husseini, rejected the UN's 1947 partition plan that included a two-state solution.
Palestinian leaders have maintained this rejectionist attitude ever since. Yasser Arafat, the head of the Palestine Liberation Organization, summarily rejected far-reaching concessions offered by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak at the Camp David summit organised by US President Bill Clinton in 2000, without even bothering to offer a counterproposal. Abbas proved to be equally intransigent when then Israeli premier Ehud Olmert offered the Palestinians even greater sweeping concessions.
Nor is there any likelihood that Abbas and other members of the Palestinian leadership will be prepared actually to engage positively, apart from elusive promises, with the Trump administration's latest peace proposals.
Abbas's refusal to engage with Trump during the latter's first term was the main reason that the Palestinians were overlooked during the groundbreaking negotiations that resulted in the Abraham Accords in 2020, which resulted in a number of Arab states normalising relations with Israel.
So even if, as Trump insists, Hamas is excluded from any future negotiations on the future of Gaza and the Palestinians, the likelihood of his administration having any positive talks with so-called "moderate" Palestinian leaders, such as Abbas -- or any prospects of a true, long-term peace if Arab countries are allowed to run Gaza -- sadly, the end to decades of hostility will continue to be non-existent.
https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/21926/palestinians-qatar-israel-peace
**Con Coughlin is the Telegraph's Defence and Foreign Affairs Editor and a Distinguished Senior Fellow at Gatestone Institute.
© 2025 Gatestone Institute. All rights reserved. The articles printed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editors or of Gatestone Institute. No part of the Gatestone website or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied or modified, without the prior written consent of Gatestone Institute.

Ignore the Distortion
Tariq Al-Homayed/Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper/September 28/2025
On January 26, 2025, I wrote here an article titled “Forget the Noise,” reminding readers of news that deserves attention. The campaigns of distortion and disinformation are intense and relentless. I am returning to this idea now because it seems the theme should be addressed regularly so long as the noise continues.We must focus on several important developments in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, and the region as a whole, instead of getting distracted by the noise. Let us begin with Gaza: its land, its people, and the situation as a whole, from the Palestinian Authority to the long-sought Palestinian state.
Since the October 7, 2023 operation, the moderate Arab states have been the one actually defending Gaza, foremost among them Saudi Arabia. The merchants of slogans and empty rhetoric, as well as those who confined themselves to media posturing, have done nothing to help. Saudi Arabia has pursued shuttle diplomacy and conferences at all levels, achieving results.
While the main goal of October 7 was to derail the peace process, Saudi Arabia and its Arab partners succeeded in generating global momentum that culminated in the Two-State Solution Conference, a Saudi-French initiative overwhelmingly endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly.
Nearly 160 countries have now recognized the State of Palestine, among them Britain, France, Australia, Portugal, and Canada, meaning that Palestine has now secured recognition from four of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. Thanks to Saudi-led international efforts, we are drawing closer to an end to the war in Gaza. The outlines of the “day after,” are taking shape: the framework of governance in Gaza, building global consensus against any role for Hamas, envisioning reconstruction, and reforming the Palestinian Authority.
Saudi Arabia also announced the launch of the Emergency Coalition for the Financial Sustainability of the Palestinian Authority, which includes Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain. Such a coalition had been unimaginable in the wake of October 7 and the worn-out slogans of “victory.”
As for Syria, President Ahmed al-Sharaa was right to say that his country is “no longer isolated from the world.” Sharaa was a star at the United Nations - a bulwark against the campaigns of distortion. In a key development at New York, foreign ministers of Syria and Egypt met and stressed their support for Syrian institutions. In New York, President al-Sharaa met with President Trump, held talks with his former adversary General David Petraeus, and deliberated with European and other international leaders. He presented an important image of a new Syria that the region has been seeking for over decades.
Turning to Iran, what must be followed closely, ignoring the noise, is the reimposition of UN sanctions. Moreover, Israel and the United States have broken the taboo militarily targeting Tehran. President Trump, the man behind the “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran, is back. In Lebanon, the real news, again without the distortion and now, is the effort to revive the old game of “squaring circles” to undermine the prime minister’s authority and breathe life back into Hezbollah. Success would mean no reconstruction and the specter of the ceasefire with Israel collapsing. Regarding Iraq, Netanyahu’s pledge at the United Nations to target militias was noteworthy. It helps explain the recent timidity of the militias in Baghdad whose silence contrasts with noise of the Houthis, who have brought their inevitable and predictable end upon themselves. These are the facts. The rest is nothing more than distortion and disinformation.

An open letter to the people of Pakistan
Dr. Ali Awadh Asseri/Arab News/September 28/2025
I write to you today not in any official capacity, but as one who spent nine years among you as the Kingdom’s envoy, and who carries enduring gratitude for the love and respect shown to me and my leadership.
The recent signing of the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan marks a turning point in our already extraordinary journey together. For me, this moment is more than a diplomatic milestone — it is a deeply personal affirmation of a bond that is unshakable, enduring, and sacred.
It has been almost a decade and a half since I left Islamabad, my second home, but my memories of Pakistan are as vivid as ever. I recall the warmth of your hospitality, the depth of your friendship, and the courage with which your nation faced adversity during some of its darkest hours. With the direction and guidance of my leadership, I was proud to stand with you in the aftermath of the 2005 earthquake, and I witnessed your resilience during the trials and of terrorism and war.
That resilience is what makes Pakistan eternal.
As I noted in my recent Arab News column, the pact is a natural progression of our long-standing cooperation. Here, I wish to speak more personally to the people of Pakistan about the depth of history and the human bonds behind it.
The new defense pact is not simply about armies, weapons, or deterrence. It is about reaffirming our shared destiny. It is the culmination of decades of solidarity, sacrifice, and shared vision between our nations. It states in the clearest terms that aggression against one will be considered aggression against both, and that together, we will preserve peace and stability in our region. For the people of Pakistan, this agreement is a reassurance that your brothers in Saudi Arabia will never leave you alone. For the people of the Kingdom, it is a reminder that we have in Pakistan not only an ally but also a family.
This moment is more than a diplomatic milestone
This mutual affection between leaders and peoples has always been consistent. When Pakistan emerged as a sovereign state in 1947, King Abdulaziz sent his heartfelt congratulations to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, praying that Pakistan become a strong pillar of Muslim brotherhood. Jinnah’s reply, pledging unity on the solid rock of Islam, laid the cornerstone of our friendship. King Faisal then transformed these words into deeds, calling Pakistan our “second line of defense” and ensuring that Saudi Arabia would stand by you in every trial. King Fahd, King Abdullah, and King Salman each, in their time, extended this unwavering support to Pakistan in moments of difficulty and triumph alike. And then, in 2019, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, speaking in Islamabad, touched every Pakistani heart when he declared: “Consider me Pakistan’s ambassador in Saudi Arabia.”
Few words have ever captured the soul of our relationship so perfectly.
Since the beginning, Saudi Arabia has stood by Pakistan in every storm — whether in times of devastating floods and earthquake, or when you endured crippling sanctions after the nuclear tests. And in turn, Pakistan has always stood by the Kingdom, whether advancing our shared interests, standing ready to defend the Two Holy Mosques and cities of Makkah and Madinah, or sharing the burdens of war and peace. The new pact signed in Riyadh is not the start of something new; it is the culmination of more than half a century of such steadfast solidarity.
What makes our relationship exceptional is that it transcends politics. Governments change, leaders change, but the bond between the people of Saudi Arabia and the people of Pakistan never wavers. Each year, millions of Pakistanis travel to Makkah and Madinah for Hajj and Umrah, fulfilling a sacred duty that links our souls across centuries. Millions more have lived and worked in the Kingdom over the decades, building our cities and contributing to our prosperity. Their hard work and loyalty form a bridge of trust between our nations that no challenge can break.
This agreement, therefore, is not only the work of our leaders — it is the voice of the people. In Riyadh, I have seen the joy of Saudi citizens waving Pakistani flags as the pact was signed, just as I have heard of the jubilation in Islamabad and Lahore. Social media lit up with prayers and messages of love and happiness from both sides. This public embrace is proof that the agreement reflects the true will of our peoples.
At this historic moment, it is fitting to salute the leadership of Pakistan, past and present, for safeguarding this partnership. Successive prime ministers, presidents, and army chiefs have nurtured it with care, and today Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Gen. Asim Munir have raised it to a new peak. Their pragmatic leadership has restored Pakistan’s rightful place in global and regional diplomacy, crowned by this landmark security agreement with Saudi Arabia. I also welcome the support shown across party lines, including by Imran Khan, while paying special tribute to Nawaz Sharif, under whose tenure Pakistan became the first Islamic nuclear power. This spirit of unity is our greatest strength and must be preserved.
For Saudi Arabia, the security and stability of Pakistan are not matters of policy alone — they are matters of faith. We know that when Pakistan is strong, the Muslim world is stronger. We also know that your economy, your stability, and your political unity are vital not only for you but for us all. The Qur’an reminds us: “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” Pakistan’s destiny lies in its unity. Political stability, policy continuity, and economic progress are essential for Pakistan to realize its full potential, and it is my heartfelt prayer that your great nation continues to advance, contributing to the prosperity of both our countries and the wider region.
The pact is defensive in nature. It does not threaten anyone; rather, it guarantees peace. It builds upon decades of defense cooperation: from the 1960s, when Pakistani officers trained the Royal Saudi Air Force, to the 1980s, when thousands of Pakistani troops stood guard on Saudi soil, to the joint counterterrorism efforts of recent decades. It reflects not a sudden shift, but the natural progression of a trust forged over generations. Today, it takes this history to the next level, institutionalizing a security partnership that has grown steadily for more than half a century.
The conclusion of this agreement is a testament to the visionary leadership of the crown prince, whose foresight has transformed the Kingdom and elevated its partnership with Pakistan to new heights. It reflects his deep affection for Pakistan and his far-sighted vision of bringing our two nations closer than ever, establishing him as a messenger of peace, progress, and moderation for Saudi Arabia and the wider region. This milestone embodies the unshakable trust, brotherhood, and shared destiny of our two nations, united in the service and well-being of our peoples and the greater Muslim Ummah.
Our bond is not written in treaties; it is engraved in hearts
But beyond defense, this pact creates a shield under which our nations can build prosperity. Vision 2030 is transforming the Kingdom, opening new horizons of opportunity in industry, technology, and culture. Pakistan, with its youthful population, talented professionals, and entrepreneurial spirit, is a natural partner in this transformation. Already, we see growing investment ties, cooperation in energy, and new prospects for skilled Pakistani workers in our mega-projects. Defense gives us security and peace, but economic partnership will give us strength and prosperity.
Our bond is not written in treaties; it is engraved in hearts.
Together, we can create a future where Riyadh and Islamabad are not only protectors of peace but also engines of growth.
Above all, let us remember where the essence of our relationship lies: in the hearts of our people. Ordinary Pakistanis carry Saudi Arabia in their hearts as the land of Islam’s holiest sites. Ordinary Saudis feel pride and gratitude for Pakistan as the shield of the Muslim world. These sentiments are not orchestrated; they are genuine, passed down from generation to generation. They explain why, even when governments face challenges, the bond never weakens. They explain why this agreement was welcomed not with hesitation but with joy. These themes, which I explore in depth in my forthcoming book, are at the heart of why our relationship has endured across generations.
My beloved brothers and sisters, the signing of this pact is not the end of a journey — it is the beginning of a new chapter. It is a chapter in which Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, bound by faith and fortified by strategy, stand together as a beacon of unity in the Muslim world and as a pillar of peace in our region.
I share these reflections as a retired diplomat and independent scholar, guided only by my deep affection for Pakistan and its people. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you, the people of Pakistan, for your unwavering love, your loyalty, and your prayers. You have given me memories I will cherish forever, and a bond I will never relinquish. Our past binds us, our present unites us, and our future calls us to even greater triumphs — together.
• Dr. Ali Awadh Asseri has served as the ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Pakistan (2001-2009) and Lebanon (2009-2017). He is currently the Deputy Chair of the Board of Trustees at Rasanah, the International Institute for Iranian Studies, based in Riyadh. He received the highest state honors for his distinctive diplomatic service, including the Hilal-e-Pakistan, the State Order of Lebanon, and the Order of King Abdulaziz and the Order of King Faisal. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Beirut Arab University, and is the author of “Combating Terrorism: Saudi Arabia’s Role in the War on Terror” (Oxford University Press, 2009).

Israel and another party reject a Palestinian state
Khaled Al-Barri/Asharq Al Awsat/September 28/2025 (translated from Arabic)
When Mahmoud Al-Zahar described Palestine as a "toothpick," he meant that it was a small tool for a larger cause, which he described as "the cause of the nation." Here lies the crisis of Hamas's approach to the Palestinian issue: its leaders consider it insignificant compared to a higher goal. This is not how a nation is viewed by its people. The contradiction between Gaza in the eyes of Hamas leaders and Gaza in the eyes of the "nation" is not accidental or spontaneous, but rather deliberate and inevitable. The Palestinian-Jewish issue emerged simultaneously with the defeat of the Ottomans in World War I and the collapse of their empire. Pro-Ottoman groups presented it as proof of the evils resulting from the collapse of the Caliphate. Then, nationalist leaders went further, trying to establish themselves as legitimate successors. Palestine thus became synonymous with the nation, and a test of its strength. Everyone promoted the idea that sacrifices, no matter how great, were insignificant in the cause of Palestine. In other words: What's the problem if states collapse and nations are destroyed for the sake of the cause of the nation? In this context, Lebanon plunged into chaos, Jordan's stability was undermined, and parts of Egypt and Syria were occupied. We still hear echoes of this rhetoric in a saying circulated by some Hamas supporters: "If Gaza burns, let the world burn." The world won't burn; what is meant is that the region should burn, that the nation in its current state should burn, so that a more virtuous nation can be built. The definition of the cause has secretly changed since Hamas came to power. The goal is no longer a Palestinian state, the return of refugees, or any form of political demands that include recognition and negotiations. The cause has become the nation itself, the establishment of the nation, and Palestine has become a mere price to pay for this vague cause, which aims to return to the era of the Caliphate. Hamas is not alone in promoting this. Many groups across the region promote this idea, all agreeing on their hostility to the modern nation-state and their desire to restore this defunct imperial entity. However, Hamas is unique in that it possesses the means to ignite the conflict, located at the intersection of fuel and fire. Therefore, the continuation of the conflict in Palestine has become more important than its resolution, and is seen as a more effective means of achieving the ultimate goal, the cause of the nation, as Mahmoud al-Zahar put it. The Caliphate restoration movement views modern nation-states as obstacles that must be dismantled, not as additional states, even ones as small as a toothpick. In a video statement, one of the Muslim Brotherhood's ideologues stated that, if it were up to him, he would direct Hamas to fight an Arab army, not Israel. This statement succinctly reveals the true objective of the international organization, which political considerations prevent it from openly declaring. Anyone familiar with the ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood and its offshoots knows this. From this perspective, the optimal options for Hamas and the international Muslim Brotherhood after the loss of Gaza can be identified: the best outcome would be for everyone to become embroiled in a conflict with Israel, or for the Palestinians to be forcibly relocated to Sinai, thus opening a new front, or for Israel to occupy Gaza, thus maintaining the justification for the conflict. Anything else does not serve the ultimate goal. The establishment of a Palestinian state does not serve the ultimate goal. One friend cleverly commented on the recent recognition of the Palestinian state by major powers, saying: "Let's hope Hamas recognizes Palestine soon." The greatest tragedy is that the Palestinians are the ones who pay the price. What Hamas and the international community consider trivial, is of immense importance to the Palestinians—their lives, their children, their dreams, and their lifelong struggle. What further complicates the situation is that the rhetoric of "national unity" and "sacrifice" finds fertile ground in public opinion, and is embraced and promoted by official media, even in countries targeted by these inflammatory tactics. Regarding the two-state solution, Hamas's objectives converge with those of Netanyahu's government, despite their mutual antagonism. Both sides agree on rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state, each for its own reasons.

Trump, Netanyahu, and the Window of Opportunity for Peace
Sam Mansi/Asharq Al Awsat/September 28/2025 (translated from Arabic)
The Palestinian issue overshadowed all other matters during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, focusing on two main axes: the Gaza tragedy and the Saudi-French-sponsored international conference on the two-state solution, preceded by the recognition of the Palestinian state by Britain, Canada, and Australia. Does this recognition and the international diplomatic move represent a real turning point in the course of the conflict, or is it undermined by Washington's continued support for Israeli behavior?
US President Donald Trump, who sought to be the star of the session and grab all the headlines, only succeeded in highlighting the deep rifts between the US and Israel on the one hand, and between them and their allies and friends on the other. His speech placed the United States in a position that started with criticism and ended with alienating the entire world on political, economic, and environmental issues, only to then present himself as a mediator and peacemaker, claiming to have ended seven wars and intending to end the rest in the world.
It has become undeniably clear that there are two contrasting approaches to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to international affairs in general: one that focuses on power and security, and the other that bets on politics and dialogue. This picture was evident through the near-unanimous international criticism and discontent with US policy, which largely aligns with that of Benjamin Netanyahu's government, particularly in its continued support for the security-military approach to managing the conflict and its prioritization of the logic of force over any political option. What comes next for our regional issues after this international demonstration? Israel and its skeptical allies claim that the New York declaration, which called for a comprehensive settlement based on a two-state solution, and the subsequent conference, reward Hamas without addressing the plight of the hostages. They argue that recognizing a Palestinian state exacerbates Israel's existential fears, which have deepened since the October 7 attacks. Observers believe that while the recognition of a Palestinian state is symbolically important, it needs to be accompanied by an actual ceasefire in Gaza and a fundamental resolution of the underlying causes of the conflict. The results of the New York declaration and the subsequent conference may not be immediately apparent, but they have placed Israel in a position of international isolation, after it had relied on global recognition and support for 75 years, successfully portraying itself as a "victim." This image has been shaken by the war in Gaza and its excessive violence, which has eroded part of Israel's traditional network of international relations. In response to this shift, the United States, its main ally and a major international power, has attempted to break this isolation, through various initiatives, most recently Trump's proposal for a ceasefire, which, according to leaks, received generally positive reactions. The success of this initiative hinges on Netanyahu's response. After this international gathering concludes, the leaders will return to their respective countries, while our region remains confronted with a complex dilemma: how to reconcile Israel's transformation into a destabilizing force in multiple regional arenas—some even argue that it has replaced Iran after its defeat—with its alliance and friendship with the United States, which Trump reaffirmed in his speech at the UN? How will regional countries respond to Israel's disruptive tactics, which have gone beyond targeting Iran, Lebanon, and Syria – countries that are seeking to reach agreements with Israel – and now extend to Qatar, a close ally of Washington and a mediator between Israel and Hamas?
For his part, how can Trump reconcile his administration's main objectives in the region—promoting peace and stability, preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, curbing Tehran's regional proxies, and expanding US peace agreements and trade opportunities—most of which are necessarily focused on the Gulf region, but also linked to the Arab countries of the Levant and its surroundings—with his support for Netanyahu and his government, given that he knows that instability in the Levant can destabilize the entire region? Symbolism remains important and crucial in consolidating the Palestinian statehood identity. The two-state solution conference and the New York declaration were a calculated attempt to strengthen the Palestinian Authority, the only remaining Palestinian partner for Israel in the peace process. The conference and the declaration do not serve Hamas, nor do they threaten Israel, as claimed, but rather they emphasize that Hamas must be disarmed and excluded from any role in Gaza. The Saudi and French initiative represents a realistic and necessary attempt to salvage the two-state solution before it collapses completely, and to open a window of hope for the desired peace.

Selected X tweets For September 28/2024
Pope Leo XIV
When we too are tempted by greed and indifference, the many “Lazaruses” of today remind us of Jesus’ words. They serve as an effective catechesis for us, especially during this Jubilee, which is a time of conversion and forgiveness, commitment to justice, and sincere search for peace.

Pope Leo XIV
I am close to everyone, especially the poorest, affected by the exceptionally strong typhoon that has struck various parts of Asia. I pray for the victims, those who are missing, the many displaced families, and countless people who have suffered hardship, as well as for rescue personnel and civil authorities. I invite everyone to trust in God and to show solidarity.

U.S. Embassy Beirut
As my tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon comes to an end, I want to express my profound gratitude to the Lebanese people for your warmth, hospitality, and unwavering determination. Serving in Lebanon, a beautiful country I hold close to my heart, is among the highlights of my career. I hope you continue embracing the historic moment Lebanon finds itself in and realize the stable, secure, peaceful, and prosperous future that you so rightfully deserve.
With heartfelt thanks and best wishes,
Ambassador Lisa A. Johnson

Dany A. Khalek
https://x.com/i/status/1972254904296357988
They use children to deceive the world.
All the videos and photos coming from Gaza are lies and fabrications. Look at the staged scene in this video.
The Israeli army is a moral and humane army."

Dr Walid Phares
If jihadist forces in #Syria attack #Rojava, #Kurds, Christians, and anti‑jihadist Arabs will have the right under international law to request Israeli intervention to protect an endangered population — just as the U.S. and its partners intervened in 2014 to protect Yazidis, Assyrians, and Kurds from #ISIS. Backers of jihadist groups must understand that they cannot eliminate Syria’s minority communities with impunity

Dr Walid Phares
https://x.com/i/status/1972131020355821722
Segment of my interview with @RaymondArroyo on @EWTN
: media ignores massacres of Christians and minorities in the world and particularly in the Middle East, and most recently in Syria. A majority of American Christians wants @POTUS to protect the persecuted Christians and Alawis under the regime of Damascus.

Dr Walid Phares
https://x.com/i/status/1972331834282508772
Assessed the equation between Israel, Hamas, US and Arab states on @NEWSMAX
. The new Israeli position of Israel PM, no Hamas, but a possible local moderate authority in Gaza, may become the new mainstream position to isolate the Jihadists.

Gad Saad
Christian Lebanese: The PLO killed my entire family. They killed everyone in my Christian village. They destroyed Lebanon. Proponent of Socratic dialogue: Did Israel help the Lebanese Christians defend themselves against the massacres of the PLO?Christian Lebanese: Yes, absolutely. Proponent of Socratic dialogue: So, are you supporting Israel these days? Christian Lebanese: No, no. The Zionists are evil. I hate them. The Palestinians including Fatah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad are purveyors of peace. Proponent of Socratic dialogue: So you hate the ones who defended you from death, and you love the ones who killed your family.
Christian Lebanese: Yes, Yes. Are you a Jew?

Hussain Abdul-Hussain
If you’re a Global Intifadist, you probably think that the word has finally turned against Israel and that only America is shielding it and standing between its collapse and replacement with Palestine. But of course that’s because you’re loud and noisy and unwilling to read or listen.
That theater of nations walking out on Netanyahu’s UNGA speech did not include G7 countries, China, India and Russia. That’s over 3/4 of the global economy.
Also, of the 22 Arab League members, UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan and Mauritania attended. Egypt and Jordan maintain ties with Israel (but were too populist, so boycotted, just like Turkey).
So really, don’t fall for what Al-Jazeera is telling you and look closer.

Hussain Abdul-Hussain
https://www.facebook.com/61553631413159/videos/1973396900163344
The Lebanese were born to live, love, dance and be happy. If your ideology tells you to war and die, then you don’t belong in Lebanon, but probably in Islamist Iran, Turkey, or Qatar. Let the Lebanese people live in peace with all nations on earth, especially Israel.

Hussain Abdul-Hussain
What entertains me most about Western useful idiots is their belief they've discovered something original by supporting the Palestinian drive to annihilate Israel. In my 20s, I was a useful idiot too, enraged while watching Muhammad al-Durra shot dead in the Second Intifada while Western delegations visited a seemingly helpless Arafat in his besieged Ramallah bedroom. The world pushed for PA reform, replacing Arafat with Abbas, and pursuing a two-state solution. Hamas never cooperated, sabotaging peace then and now, while the corrupt PA fails to control or criticize Hamas, blaming Israel instead.
I've seen this movie before and know how it ends: With Palestinians adding to their losses since 1936—their first violent revolt against Jews.
And here's some history bonus:
In 1936, Israelis were called Palestinians while those who call themselves Palestinian today called themselves Arabs, whose flag then, which they use today, was the Hashemite flag of the 1916 Arab Revolt against Turkish occupation.
The violent anti-Jewish wave in 1936 was called the Arab -- not the Palestinian -- Revolt, while the Nakba was known as the Nakba of the Arabs to describe the military defeat of seven armies that tried to wipe out Israel after it declared its independence. All of these terms were eventually redefined to describe a national project that Egypt's Abdul-Nasser started in 1964 to get back at his Arab rivals Saudi Arabia and Jordan for beating him in Yemen.

Hussain Abdul-Hussain
For those unaware that Turkey gets way with murder and occupation of Arab territory: Turkey maintains permanent bases, outposts, and infrastructure that occupy areas up to 40 km deep (Gaza is 41 km from north to south) into Iraq, along the border. The scale and permanence of the Turkish operations have led to widespread condemnation as a violation of Iraqi sovereignty.

Rania Hamzeh
The American news channel CNN recently allocated a 30-minute segment of its broadcast to cover the recent massacres committed against civilians in Syria by the transitional authorities. This came as a result of tireless efforts by Syrian journalists in the diaspora, including members of our community. Although the channel did not air all the reports we provided, the coverage it did broadcast is of significant importance. Watch it.