LCCC ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
April 07/2019
Compiled & Prepared by: Elias Bejjani
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Bible Quotations For today
Healing Miracle Of The Blind Man
John/09/01-41/: And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his
birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or
his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man
sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in
him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night
cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of
the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the
spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto
him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went
his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. The neighbours therefore, and
they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat
and begged? Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I
am he. Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? He answered and
said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said
unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I
received sight. Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not. They
brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. And it was the sabbath
day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. Then again the Pharisees also
asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon
mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This
man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can
a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.
They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened
thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet. But the Jews did not believe concerning
him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the
parents of him that had received his sight. And they asked them, saying, Is this
your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see? His parents
answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born
blind: But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes,
we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. These words
spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed
already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of
the synagogue. Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him. Then again
called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we
know that this man is a sinner. He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or
no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. Then
said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? He
answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye
hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? Then they reviled him, and said,
Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses’ disciples. We know that God spake unto
Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is. The man answered and
said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence
he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not
sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he
heareth. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of
one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing. They
answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou
teach us? And they cast him out. Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and
when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He
answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? And Jesus said
unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.And he
said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him. And Jesus said, For judgment I am
come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see
might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these
words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were
blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin
remaineth.
’
Titles For The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News published on
April 06-07/19
Faith, Hope And Persistence Do Miracles
Hariri optimistic and expects growth
Berri meets with Qatari Prince, Head of Iranian Shoura Council: For unity of
Arab, Islamic position in international parliaments
Fenianos, Hawat launch joint transport project model in Byblos
Jumblatt says security and defense command solely belongs to Army
MP Alain Aoun to Radio Lebanon: Combating corruption is a gradual process, its
first reward is restoring state's authority
Bassil inaugurates new FPM office in Badaro: Differences in politics are
enriching, but the important thing is to avoid disagreement over constants,
principles
Lebanese Citizens burn tires along MarkabaHoula public highway to protest water
shortage
Bazzi says opportunity is available to save our country
Boustani: Electricity plan will be approved Monday
Serhan: Reform in Judiciary a Continuous Process
Report: Criticism of BDL Governor Reflect on Dollar Demand
U.S. Moves to Cut off Venezuela Oil, Cuba Trade
Titles For The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on
April 06-07/19
Iran Orders New Evacuations amid Fresh Flood Fears
UN Calls on Haftar's Forces to Halt Libya Advance
Venezuela's Guaido Calls Demo to Maintain Pressure on Maduro
For American Jews, Trump is Key Figure in Israeli Election
Trump Struggles with a Growing Problem on the Border
Haftar forces announce no-fly zone after being targeted by air strike
Russia warns against foreign meddling in Libya
Titles For The Latest LCCC English analysis & editorials from miscellaneous
sources published on April 06-07/19
Faith, Hope And Persistence Do Miracles/Elias Bejjani/April 07/2019
Libya's future is caught between diplomacy and a military solution/Raghida
Dergham/The National/April 06/19
Putin plays Syria card in Israeli and Turkish elections/Al Monitor/April 06/19
What Is Behind the Opposition to Peace with Israel/Bassam Tawil/Gatestone
Institute/April 06/19
The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese
Related News published on April 06-07/19
Faith, Hope And Persistence Do Miracles
Elias Bejjani/April 07/2019
http://eliasbejjaninews.com/archives/73575/elias-bejjani-faith-and-persistence-do-miracles/
John 09:39: “I came into this world for judgment, that those who don’t see may
see; and that those who see may become blind.”
On the sixth Lenten Sunday, our Maronite Catholic Church cites and recalls with
great piety Jesus’ healing miracle of the blind beggar, the son of Timaeus,
Bartimaeus. This amazing miracle that took place in Jericho near the Pool of
Siloam is documented in three gospels:
Mark 10/46-52.
John 9/1-41.
Matthew 20/:29-34.
Maronites in Lebanon and all over the world strongly believe that Jesus is the
holy and blessed light through which believers can see God’s paths of
righteousness. There is no doubt that without Jesus’ light, evil darkness will
prevail in peoples’ hearts, souls and minds. Without Jesus’ presence in our
lives we definitely will become preys to all kinds of evil temptations.
John 09:5: “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world”.
In every community, there are individuals from all walks of life who are
spiritually blind, lacking faith, have no hope, and live in dim darkness because
they have distanced themselves from Almighty God and from His Gospel, although
their eyes are physically perfectly functional and healthy.
Meanwhile the actual blindness is not in the eyes that can not see because of
physical ailments, but in the hearts that are hardened, in the consciences that
are numbed and in the spirits that are defiled with sin.
John’s Gospel gives important details about what has happened with Bartimaeus
after the healing miracle of his blindness. As we read in the below enclosed
Biblical verses that after his healing Bartimaeus and his parents were exposed
to intimidation, fear, threats, and terror. But he refused to succumb or to lie.
He held verbatim to all the course details of the miracle, bravely witnessed for
the truth and loudly proclaimed his strong belief that Jesus who cured him was
The Son Of God.
His faith made him strong, fearless and courageous. The Holy Spirit came to his
rescue and spoke through him.
Romans 8:26: “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not
know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through
wordless groans”
Sadly our contemporary world hails atheism, brags about secularism and
persecutes those who have faith in God and believe in Him.
Where ever we live, there are opportunists and hypocrites like some of the
conceited crowd members that initially rebuked Bartimaeus, and tried with
humiliation to keep him away from Jesus, but the moment Jesus called on him they
changed their attitude and let him go through.
Meanwhile, at the present time, Christian believers do suffer dire persecution
in many countries on the hands of ruthless oppressors, Jihadists and rulers who
refuse to witness for the truth.
But despite of all the dim spiritual darkness, thanks God, there are still too
many meek believers like Bartimaeus who hold to their faith no matters what the
obstacles or hurdles are.
Lord, enlighten our minds and hearts with your light and open our eyes to
realize that You are a loving and merciful father.
Lord Help us to take Bartimaeus as a faith role model in our life.
Lord help us to defeat all kinds of sins that take us away from Your light, and
deliver us all from evil temptations.
Hariri optimistic and expects growth
Sat 06 Apr 2019/NNA - Prime Minister Saad Hariri has expressed his optimism
about the upcoming phase in Lebanon and expected the country to witness growth
and recovery, especially in tourism after Saudi Arabia lifted the travel ban to
Lebanon, a press release by PM Hariri's media office indicated this evening. He
hoped that other Gulf countries would follow the Saudi example. Hariri was
addressing a delegation of the Higher Islamic Council who visited him at the
Center House, headed by its Vice-President Omar Meskaoui, who congratulated him
on his recovery after the heart procedure he underwent recently. Hariri said
that the budget to be approved by the Council of Ministers would be an austere
one, because of the difficult economic and social situation, stressing that the
government will work to stimulate the economy and the first reform steps will be
to stop squander.
He praised the role of the Higher Islamic Council in guiding Muslims in Lebanon
in a way that benefits their country, under the umbrella of Dar Al Fatwa, and
stressed the fundamental role of the Council in consecrating moderation, which
is the first pillar on which the country stands.
Hariri emphasized the importance of making the necessary reforms within the
institutions of the Sunni community, on the one hand, and supporting them on the
other, so they are able to carry out their national duty to promote the society
as a whole.For his part, Meskaoui congratulated Prime Minister Hariri on his
recovery, and stressed that the Council looks forward to working closely with
him and to coordinate permanently for the benefit of the Lebanese and Muslims.
Berri meets with Qatari Prince, Head of Iranian Shoura Council: For unity of
Arab, Islamic position in international parliaments
Sat 06 Apr 2019/NNA - House Speaker Nabih Berri met this evening with Qatar's
Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with talks centering on bilateral
relations and recent developments in the region. Following the meeting, Berri
said: "The encounter was more than good, during which the right to give
residency to the Lebanese in Qatar was discussed because the residency right has
not been accorded to the Lebanese so far...""I have called for a meeting by
Lebanese-Qatari permanent committee, for the last time it convened was in 2016
in Beirut," Berri added, confirming that the committee should convene every two
years and disclosing that the Qatari Emir has given orders for its meeting. "We
also discussed aids, whether related to the agricultural issue or the subject of
the World Cup, and coordination is underway in this regard between Lebanon and
Qatar," the Speaker went on. He noted that the worrisome regional situation also
featured high during their discussions. Furthermore, and during his presence in
Doha, Speaker Berri met with Head of the Iranian Shoura Council, Ali Larijani,
and his accompanying delegation, in the presence of Lebanon's Ambassador to
Qatar Hassan Najm. Talks touched on current developments and bilateral
cooperation between the two countries. Meanwhile, the Speaker had reiterated the
importance of unifying the Arab and Islamic position at the International
Parliaments Union Conference held in Doha on the proposed emergency item to
protect the Palestinian people and refuse to recognize the annexation of the
Syrian Arab Golan to Israel. Partaking in a meeting by the Islamic Parliamentary
Group this afternoon, Berri called for unifying the position of parliaments of
Arab and Islamic countries, and for merging the proposals submitted by Kuwait,
Morocco, Indonesia and Turkey to ensure the adoption of the unified proposal in
the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Heads of Councils and Arab and Islamic
delegations unanimously agreed that the international parliaments should take
positions and steps against Israel, its repressive practices and attacks on the
Palestinian people.
Fenianos, Hawat launch joint transport project model in
Byblos
Sat 06 Apr 2019/NNA - Minister of Public Works and Transport, Youssef Fenianos,
launched Saturday the joint transport project model for the Casa of Jbeil and
its surroundings, at the invitation of the "Strong Republic" Parliamentary Bloc
Member, Deputy Ziad Hawat, in cooperation with "TOGETHER We Go" Company.
Addressing the crowd of officials and prominent figures who attended the
launching ceremony, Minister Fenianos highlighted "the importance of this
project," declaring that "Lebanon needs a Ministry of Transport, not a Ministry
of Works, since the projects executed by the Council for Development and
Reconstruction are adequate and sufficient.""Transportation is the most
important issue in Lebanon today, and the initiative we are launching is
significant and its cost is between $6 and $8 million," Fenianos added. "The
villages of each district of Jbeil will be covered by this project," he noted.
"If we carry out another project in Keserwan and Metn at a cost of approximately
20 million Lebanese pounds due to the number of villages, in cooperation with
the Federation of Municipalities, then we will have completed a transfer plan in
these areas in a fraction less than 0.5% of the funds coming from Cedar, if the
intention to implement a transportation plan in Lebanon does exist," Fenianos
went on. "With the serious will of officials, we can transfer this sector from
being neglected to becoming an important sector, and thus, spare the State its
current annual loss of two billion dollars," he corroborated.
Over the Lebanese railway reconstruction and rehabilitation, Fenianos said: "We
will wait for the budget endorsement, and then we will have something else to
say...We will present all the facts to the people and brief them on the existing
studies pertaining to the operation of trains from the port to the borders, for
the Germans, French and Chinese have declared their readiness to restart this
vital harbor," Fenianos concluded. In turn, MP Hawat highlighted the importance
of decentralization in resolving many of Lebanon's problems, including the
dilemma of electricity, waste, education, health and social affairs,
infrastructure and others. "Our goal is to provide a solution for public
transport," Hawat emphasized. "Our gathering today comes at a time of darkness,
laden with crises and economic and daily life difficulties through which Lebanon
has reached the brink of collapse," he said. "Our gathering today comes to light
a candle of hope, and to launch a vital model project in the region of Byblos
that we aspire to be a model fit for application in all of Lebanon," he
asserted. "By implementing this project in cooperation with the private sector,
we look forward to stabilizing citizens in the country and to strengthening
their presence in the countryside, because we are convinced that the solution to
the majority problems suffered by the Lebanese lies in their survival and
deep-roots where they are," Hawat explained.
Jumblatt says security and defense command solely belongs
to Army
Sat 06 Apr 2019/NNA - Progressive Socialist Party Chief, Walid Jumblatt,
stressed Saturday that the unified security and defense command in the face of
enemies is a sole prerogative of the Lebanese Army alone.
Jumblatt's words came before a popular delegation from the town of Al-Mukhtara,
who came to thank him for the selection of its son, Major General Amine Al-Aram,
for the position of Army Chief-of-Staff. Jumblatt welcomed the delegation and
wished the newly appointed Chief-of-Staff all success in his new mission,
deeming him "one of the finest sons of Al-Mukhtara and the homeland." He
emphasized that this prominent Army post has always been occupied by the most
capable and efficient senior military officials.
MP Alain Aoun to Radio Lebanon: Combating corruption is a
gradual process, its first reward is restoring state's authority
Sat 06 Apr 2019/NNA - Member of the "Strong Lebanon" Parliamentary Bloc, MP
Alain Aoun, considered Saturday that combating corruption is a gradual process
whose first positive outcome lies in the restoration of the state's prominence
and superiority. "The fight against corruption is a gradual process that ought
not be limited to those who are currently affected, but must continue till the
end...and the first positive return is restoring the prestige of the state while
implanting fear in the hearts of the corrupt," said Aoun in an interview with
"Radio Lebanon Channel" this morning. "Today we are undergoing a preliminary
process of deterrence, freezing the situation and inciting public opinion,
whereby there is no longer any cover for any perpetrator," he added. Over the
electricity plan, Aoun disclosed that "it is about to be approved upcoming
Monday," adding that "its importance lies in the level of seriousness of various
parties to facilitate its execution and assume responsibility for its
implementation.""The time has come to stop the bleeding of the state at the
financial level and the burdens on citizens because of electricity," Aoun
corroborated, deeming that "political quarrels prevented the adoption of the
electricity plan in the past, and everyone is now assuming responsibility
because of the pressing situation on all."The MP went on to note that "following
the endorsement of the electricity plan on Monday, the next government priority
will be the annual budget." He expected that the state budget would be approved
during the current month, stressing the need for the government to act as a
"crisis cell" in this respect. On the subject of the displaced Syrians, Aoun
stressed that the Free Patriotic Movement's approach to this matter is
"radical". He considered that this issue "must be tackled more firmly, using all
means and channels available to ensure their return, including an understanding
with the Syrian side, especially since the reasons for their stay in Lebanon
have subsided."
Bassil inaugurates new FPM office in Badaro: Differences in
politics are enriching, but the important thing is to avoid disagreement over
constants, principles
Sat 06 Apr 2019/NNA - Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Minister, Free Patriotic
Movement Chief Gebran Bassil, deemed Saturday that political differences are
enriching to the country; however, he underlined the importance of maintaining
consensus over national constants, principles and unity. Bassil's words came
during his inauguration of FPM's new office in Badaro's Sami Solh Street during
his tour of the capital, Beirut, today. "Badaro is the second Beirut, and you
are portraying the beautiful image of the second Beirut, which is half of our
capital and which symbolizes coexistence and cooperation among the Lebanese, and
also represents a return to the roots," Bassil said, addressing the popular
crowd of supporters and FPM politicians who gathered to welcome his visit. "We
want the unity of this country, and we want to preserve it through our joint
efforts," added Bassil, stressing on Beirut's unity despite its rightful
division electorally and democratically. "The important thing is that it is the
capital of all the Lebanese," he underscored.
Lebanese Citizens burn tires along MarkabaHoula public
highway to protest water shortage
Sat 06 Apr 2019/NNA - A number of citizens from the southern town of Markaba set
fire to tires along a public road linking Markaba to Houla, in protest against
the "continuous interruption of drinking water supply in the town," NNA
correspondent in Marjayoun reported this evening.
The protest continued for approximately half an hour, as security forces
intervened to restore matters back to normal.
Bazzi says opportunity is available to save our country
Sat 06 Apr 2019/NNA - "We have the chance to rescue our country from its crises
and the challenges confronting it, "said MP Ali Bazzi on Saturday. He stressed
on "the national and moral partnership in assuming responsibility and sharing
the burden of actions to be taken," while noting that "measures ought not to
affect the underprivileged and those with limited income."Bazzi's words came
before a number of popular delegations who visited him at his Bint Jbeil office
this morning.
Boustani: Electricity plan will be approved Monday
Sat 06 Apr 2019/NNA - Minister of Energy and Water, Nada Boustani, visited
Saturday, accompanied by MPs Nehmat Frem and Roger Azar, the Zouk thermal power
plant where she confirmed that the electricity plan would be endorsed on Monday
during the cabinet session. "The atmosphere is optimistic and all political
parties are dealing with the plan in a positive way," Boustani said. She also
pointed out that there was no problem in the tendering department. "We are not
going to dwell on the few details submitted to the Cabinet because we are all
aware of the importance of reducing the electricity deficit," she went on.
"Through this tour, we wanted to inform MPs and municipal heads about the
conditions of the Zouk power plant built more than 35 years ago. They have
installed filters over the last ten years which helped reduce emissions by 80%,
but this is not enough for the residents of Zouk," she noted. Finally, Minister
Boustani thanked the President of the Republic for supporting the replacement of
the old thermal plant by a new eco-friendly gas-fired one.
Serhan: Reform in Judiciary a Continuous Process
Naharnet/April 06/19/After suspending earlier a judge for committing
“irregularities,” Justice Minister Albert Serhan assured on Saturday that he is
not on a mission to track judges but more to hold accountable all those who
commit irregularities where be it intentional or not. In remarks he made on
Twitter, Serhan said: “According to the Lebanese Constitution the judiciary is
an independent authority, there is no independent judicial authority without
independent judges and these are a majority in the judicial body.”“We are not in
the process of prosecuting the judges, but are in the process of holding
accountable those who committed irregularities whether it was intentional or
not,” added Serhan. He continued: "Corruption has no religion and accountability
will befall on everyone.”A statement released by Serhan’s office on Friday said:
“As part of the investigations being conducted by the Judicial Inspection
Commission, the Commission's council issued a resolution on April 4, 2019 to
refer a judge to the disciplinary council of judges.”However, the statement did
not mention the judge’s name nor the irregularities committed. “I will carry on
with this campaign and the results will have positive effects on the Lebanese,”
added Serhan.
Report: Criticism of BDL Governor Reflect on Dollar Demand
Naharnet/April 06/19/Although Banque du Liban Governor Riad Salameh refrained
from responding to Economy Minister Mansour Bteish’s “criticisms,” but his
remarks had a negative impact on Lebanon’s stock market yesterday, al-Joumhouria
daily reported on Saturday. The demand for the dollar rose against the Lebanese
lira, forcing Banque du Liban to cover for that, according to the daily. On
Thursday, Bteish who is part of the Free Patriotic Movement's bloc in
government, lashed out at Central Bank Governor Salameh's “financial
engineering” tactics. “So far we have not seen a comprehensive report that
clarifies the operations that the central bank has conducted under the
'financial engineering' label. What are these operations? Why are they being
conducted? What is the cost? Have they achieved their targets? And what is their
impact on the economy and the treasury?,” said Bteish.His positions were met
with great resentment, “in view of the worsening financial and economic crises,”
said the daily. Sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, denounced the
“fabricated campaign” against Salameh, “nothing justifies this rhetoric neither
in timing nor in substance,” they said. “The campaign would suspiciously send a
very negative message abroad, especially to the international donors or those
involved in the CEDRE Conference,” they said. Political sources said everyone is
waiting for President Michel Aoun to correct the position of a minister from his
own FPM Movement, mainly that Salameh had visited the presidential palace less
than 48 hours ago. According to al-Joumhouria, the Governor has expressed
reservation about two names proposed for the post of Vice-Governor since they
lack consent of the financial and international authorities, and their
appointment would affect the credibility of BDL towards the Arab and
international community.
U.S. Moves to Cut off Venezuela Oil, Cuba Trade
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/April 06/19/The United States on Friday announced
sanctions on ships of Venezuela's state oil company and companies that link it
to key ally Cuba, hoping to cut off vital lifelines for President Nicolas Maduro.
Vice President Mike Pence unveiled the latest measures in Washington's bid to
oust Maduro, a leftist firebrand who has nonetheless held on to power for more
than two months, and vowed further pressure on Cuba -- a bugbear of the United
States for a half-century. "Venezuela's oil belongs to the Venezuelan people,"
Pence said in a speech at Rice University in Houston. "Those looking on should
know this: All options are on the table. And Nicolas Maduro would do well not to
test the resolve of the United States of America," he said. "The United States
will continue to exert all diplomatic and economic pressure to bring about a
peaceful transition to democracy," he said.
The Treasury Department said it was designating 34 vessels of state oil company
PDVSA as blocked property, meaning that the United States will prohibit all
transactions with them. It also targeted a tanker that ships crude oil from
Venezuela to Cuba, the Despina Andrianna, as well as two shipping companies that
own or register the vessel. One is based in Liberia and the other in Greece, one
of the sole Western nations that backs Maduro. Pence also hinted that President
Donald Trump's administration will take further action against Cuba as it
considers allowing exiles to sue over property seized by the communist
authorities. "In the coming weeks, the United States will be taking even
stronger action against Cuba. In this administration, I promise you, it will
always be Que Viva Cuba Libre," he said, using the Spanish for "Long Live Free
Cuba." The push on Cuba is a sharp change from the previous administration of
Barack Obama, who said that the longtime US effort to isolate the island had
failed and re-established diplomatic relations. A Trump administration official,
speaking on condition of anonymity, said the United States estimated that
Venezuela delivered 50,000 barrels a day to Cuba -- a critical amount for the
island, which in turn provides security, intelligence and other services for
Maduro. "By severely impacting the shipment of that oil and the ability to get
that oil from Venezuela to Cuba, there is going to be a recalibration of that
relationship. This is the first step in the pressure," the official said. But
Maduro also still enjoys support from China, which has lent $60 billion over the
past decade to Venezuela, and Russia, which has sent military experts to Caracas
and says the United States is attempting a coup. The United States itself was a
key market for Venezuelan oil through Citgo, a subsidiary of PDVSA, but
Washington has forced the operator to place earnings in a blocked account.
Latest LCCC English Miscellaneous Reports & News published on April 06-07/19
Iran Orders New Evacuations amid Fresh Flood Fears
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/April 06/19/Iranian authorities
ordered the evacuation of six cities along the Karkheh river in southwestern
Khuzestan province on Saturday after more rain sparked fears of new flooding,
state news agency IRNA said. Six cities alongside Karkheh river in southwestern
Iran "must be evacuated as soon as possible," Khuzestan governor Gholamreza
Shariati told IRNA. The oil-rich province of Khuzestan has an extensive range of
dams, which have swelled upstream due to fresh downpours. The floodwater's
intensity has forced authorities to open emergency discharges at Karkheh dam,
one of the largest in the area, thus sparking fears of fresh flooding. The
situation appears to be "critical", he said. "We advise all women and children
to be evacuated to shelters and youngsters to remain and help," he added.
Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli warned that up to 400,000 people in
Khuzestan could be exposed to the floods, IRNA reported. Iran, a usually arid
country, has been hit by unprecedented flooding across most of the country since
mid-March with 70 people killed, according to the country's emergency services.
Heavy rain was forecast for Saturday in Khuzestan. The country's northeast was
swamped on March 19 before the west and southwest of the country were inundated
on March 25, killing a total of 45 people. On April 1 the west and southwest
were again swamped by floods when heavy rains returned to the area. The
government said the flooding had damaged nearly 12,000 kilometres (7,500 miles)
of roads, or 36 percent of the country's entire network. The worst hit in the
latest deluge was Lorestan Province where in some cities whole neighbourhoods
were washed away and many villages are still cut off. Fourteen deaths have been
reported from Lorestan so far.
UN Calls on Haftar's Forces to Halt Libya Advance
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/April 06/19/The UN Security Council on Friday
called on Libyan forces under Khalifa Haftar to halt their advance on Tripoli,
warning the military move was putting Libya's stability at risk. Haftar, the
commander of the self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA), launched an
offensive on Thursday to take the capital, held by a UN-backed unity government
and an array of militias. The council "called on LNA forces to halt all military
movements," German Ambassador Christoph Heusgen, who holds the council
presidency, told reporters following a closed-door meeting. "The members of the
Security Council expressed deep concern at the military activity near Tripoli
which risks Libyan stability and prospects for UN mediation and a comprehensive
political solution to the crisis," he said. The appeal for Haftar to halt his
offensive was unanimously backed by the council, including Russia, which has
supported the strongman. Armed clashes broke out earlier Friday south of Tripoli
between a pro-government alliance and forces loyal to Haftar, raising fears of
an assault on the city. The council expressed its intention "to hold those
responsible for further conflict accountable," said Heusgen. UN
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who met with Haftar in Benghazi earlier,
said he hoped that a "bloody confrontation" could be avoided. Guterres was in
Libya to push for a political deal on holding elections when Hafter gave the
order to his forces to advance on Tripoli. UN envoy Ghassan Salame told the
council that Haftar made clear to Guterres that he had no intention of halting
his campaign to take the capital, diplomats said. Libya descended into chaos
following the 2011 overthrow of Moamer Kadhafi that has seen a bitter rivalry
emerge between the Tripoli-based authorities and Haftar's supporters scrambling
for control in the oil-rich country.
Venezuela's Guaido Calls Demo to Maintain Pressure on Maduro
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/April 06/19/Venezuela's opposition leader Juan
Guaido urged his supporters to demonstrate in the streets Saturday to maintain
pressure on his rival President Nicolas Maduro, amid rising anger over the
collapse of public services. Thousands of opposition supporters are expected to
march through the capital Caracas from 11:00 am on Saturday as Venezuela's power
struggle is exacerbated by massive blackouts and the collapse of water supplies.
Guaido, recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries, said in a
Twitter message on Friday: "Let's remain firm in the streets, this fight is for
the lives of all Venezuelans."Maduro, who blames US-backed sabotage on recent
blackouts that deprived millions of power, has also called a pro-government
march in Caracas, urging his supporters onto the streets for a "March in defence
of peace." Guaido said earlier this week he feared abduction by government
agents after pro-Maduro lawmakers stripped him of his parliamentary immunity on
Tuesday and authorized the country's top court to prosecute him for proclaiming
himself president. The United States, among the first countries to recognize
Guaido when the National Assembly leader proclaimed himself interim president on
January 23, meanwhile kept up the international pressure on Maduro to step down.
Vice President Mike Pence announced fresh sanctions against 34 vessels belonging
to Venezuela's state oil company and two companies that ship crude to Cuba. "The
United States will continue to exert all diplomatic and economic pressure to
bring about a peaceful transition to democracy," Pence said in a speech in
Houston, Texas. "Venezuela's oil belongs to the Venezuelan people," he said.
"Those looking on should know this: All options are on the table. And Nicolas
Maduro would do well not to test the resolve of the United States of America,"
he said.
Crumbling economy
The action is the latest by the United States as it tries to choke off revenue
for the cash-strapped leftist government, which has nonetheless held onto power
and enjoys backing from China and Russia. It comes ahead of a meeting of the UN
Security Council next Wednesday, called by the US to discuss the worsening
humanitarian crisis in the Latin American country. "The United States will urge
the world to reject Maduro's failed regime, to stand with the Venezuelan people,
and to help us bring the humanitarian crisis to an end."Venezuela's oil economy
has crumbled under the collapse of crude exports and international sanctions
against Maduro. The socialist president is viewed by the US and its allies as
illegitimate since taking the oath of office in January for a second six-year
term, following elections last May seen as deeply flawed. Malnutrition and
disease are on the rise as living conditions plummet in Venezuela, which is
spiraling ever deeper into economic chaos during the protracted political
crisis.The blackouts have knocked out water supplies as well as transport and
communications. "We are tired but we have to go out on the street because it is
the only way to get these people out," said Verony Mendez, 48, adding that his
household has been without water for two months.
For American Jews, Trump is Key Figure in Israeli Election
Associated Press/Naharnet/April 06/19/Donald Trump isn't on the ballot for
Israel's national election, yet he's a dominant factor for many American Jews as
they assess the high stakes of Tuesday's balloting. At its core, the election is
a judgment on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has won the post four times
but now faces corruption charges. In his battle for political survival,
Netanyahu has aligned closely with Trump — a troubling tactic for the roughly
75% of American Jewish voters who lean Democratic. "The world has come to
understand that Netanyahu is essentially the political twin of Donald Trump,"
said Jeremy Ben-Ami, president of the liberal pro-Israel group J Street. "Unlike
his previous elections, there is a much deeper antagonism toward Netanyahu
because of that close affiliation between him and Trump and the Republican
Party."Netanyahu featured Trump in a recent campaign video, while Trump has made
a series of policy moves viewed as strengthening Netanyahu in the eyes of
Israeli voters, including relocating the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, withdrawing
from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and officially recognizing the Golan Heights as
Israeli territory. "It's troubling," said Halie Soifer, executive director of
the Jewish Democratic Council of America. "The U.S.-Israel relationship should
not be about any two leaders or any two parties. The American Jewish community
wants the relationship to remain on a bipartisan basis."Though it leans
Democratic overall, the American Jewish community — numbering 5.5 million to 6
million — is not monolithic. Most older Jews remain supportive of Israel's
current Middle East policies, as does the roughly 10% of the Jewish population
that is Orthodox. Jewish billionaire casino mogul Sheldon Adelson has been a
staunch financial supporter of Trump and the GOP. Divisions among U.S. Jews have
been exacerbated by recent allegations of anti-Semitism directed at the
Democrats' two Muslim American congresswomen — Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib.
Seizing on the controversy, Trump tweeted his support for a purported "Jexodus"
movement that would encourage Jews to leave the Democratic Party.
"Republicans are waiting with open arms," Trump tweeted on March 15.
Morton Klein, president of the conservative Zionist Organization of America,
predicts such an exodus will take place because of the Democrats' decision to
avoid explicit condemnation of the congresswomen. Ben-Ami scoffed at the notion,
suggesting that Jexodus was a fantasy of pro-Trump operatives. "I've yet to meet
an actual Obama/Clinton voter who's said publicly they're switching to vote for
Donald Trump," he said. "This is not real. It's completely made up."New
York-based journalist Jane Eisner, former editor of The Forward, a Jewish
newspaper, said many American Jews have "Netanyahu fatigue" — even some who
supported him in past. Among liberal Jews, Eisner said, there are strong worries
that Netanyahu will push Israel's government even further to the right if he
wins, perhaps moving to annex some land in the occupied West Bank with
confidence that the Trump administration will not object. Morton Klein conceded
that some Jews have grown weary of Netanyahu, but predicted he would prevail.
"People would be nervous if he's not there," Klein said. Jack Rosen, president
of the American Jewish Congress, said any surge in Netanyahu fatigue should not
be interpreted as a weakening of American Jews' support for Israeli. "There is a
sense of fatigue having one leader for 10 years," Rosen said. "Just as we've had
Clinton fatigue and Bush fatigue."Among liberal and centrist American Jews,
dismay with Netanyahu extends beyond his alliance with Trump. Some say he's been
too harsh in his treatment of migrants, and they bemoan his backtracking on a
promise to allow mixed-gender prayer at the Western Wall. Perhaps most
disturbing has been Netanyahu's alliance with an ultranationalist political
party linked to a movement previously banned for anti-Arab racism and
incitement. That political alliance was assailed as "repugnant" by Eric Yoffie,
a rabbi from Westfield, New Jersey, in a March 27 op-ed in the Israeli newspaper
Haaretz. Yoffie also decried Netanyahu's "excessive enthusiasm" for
Trump."Cordial relations are essential," wrote Yoffie, president emeritus of the
Union for Reform Judaism. "But the sycophantic buddy movie that Bibi has
produced with America's unbalanced and unpredictable president is something else
altogether ... Bibi's egregious and unnecessary embrace of everything Trump will
cost Israel dearly."
In Israel, a prevalent view, at least in pro-Netanyahu ranks, is that the prime
minister's friendship with Trump is paying unprecedented dividends. There is
widespread sentiment that liberal American Jews, as a constituency, are
dissipating due to intermarriage, and that the evangelical Christian community
in the U.S. is a more dependable ally for Israel. At last year's ceremony in
Jerusalem celebrating the relocation of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv,
evangelical Christian pastors allied with Trump delivered the opening and
closing blessings. Netanyahu's main challenger in the election is Benny Gantz, a
former military chief popular in Israel but with a relatively low profile in the
United States. American Jews who dislike Netanyahu view Gantz as preferable, due
in part to a less combative personality, but liberals note with frustration that
the platform of Gantz's Blue and White party makes no mention of Palestinian
statehood, and says that Israel will maintain control of parts of the West Bank.
Emily Mayer of IfNotNow, a group of youthful American Jewish activists opposed
to Israel's treatment of Palestinians, is dismayed at how that issue has been
marginalized in the Israeli election campaign. "Regardless of the winner, the
utter erasure of Palestinian humanity from this election cycle and the
normalization of an undemocratic and immoral military occupation should alarm
any Jew who cares about freedom and dignity of Israelis and Palestinians," Mayer
said in an email.
Trump Struggles with a Growing Problem on the Border
Associated Press/Naharnet/April 06/19/Tensions are rising, fingers are pointing
and the search for solutions is becoming increasingly fraught. Overwhelmed by an
influx of migrants at the border that is taxing the immigration system,
President Donald Trump is grasping for something — anything — to stem the tide.
Trump, who campaigned on a promise to secure the border, has thrown virtually
every option his aides have been able to think of at the problem, to little
avail. He's deployed the military, signed an emergency declaration to fund a
border wall and threatened to completely seal the southern border. On Thursday
he added a new threat, warning of hefty tariffs on cars made in Mexico if the
country doesn't abide by his demands. Now, with the encouragement of an
influential aide and his re-election campaign on the horizon, Trump is looking
at personnel changes as he tries to shift blame elsewhere. The first move was
made Thursday, when the White House unexpectedly pulled back the nomination of
Ron Vitiello to permanently lead the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency,
where he had been acting director. The abrupt reversal was encouraged by top
Trump policy adviser Stephen Miller and seen by some as part of a larger effort
to bring on aides who share Miller's hardline immigration views. The president
said he wanted to go in a "tougher direction."An empowered Miller is also eyeing
the removal of Lee Francis Cissna, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services, which runs the legal immigration system, according to two people who
spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss
internal staffing matters. The White House did not respond to questions Friday
about whether Trump was on board with that plan. Trump has become increasingly
exasperated at his inability to do more to halt the swelling numbers of migrants
entering the country. Aides, too, have complained they are stymied by regulatory
guardrails, legal limitations and a Congress that has scoffed at the president's
requests for legislative changes. "There is indeed an emergency on our southern
border," Trump said Friday during a visit to the southern border in Calexico,
California, where his frustration was evident. "It's a colossal surge and it's
overwhelming our immigration system, and we can't let that happen. So, as I say,
and this is our new statement: The system is full. Can't take you anymore."
He went on to flatly declare: "Our country is full."
Immigration experts say Trump's own immigration policies have caused so much
chaos along the border that they may be encouraging illegal crossings. The furor
over family separations last summer helped to highlight the fact that families
won't be detained for long in the U.S. if they're detained at all. And metering,
in which people are asked to return to a busy port of entry on another day to
seek asylum, may have encouraged asylum seekers to cross illegally, said Andrew
Selee, president of the Migration Policy Institute, a non-partisan think tank.
"This policy chaos, coupled with a sense that the U.S. government may at some
point really shut down the border, has generated an urgency to migrate now while
it is still possible," he said. Whatever the reasons for the migrant surge,
there is a growing consensus that federal border resources are overwhelmed.
While illegal border crossings are still down sharply from their peak in 2000,
they have nonetheless reached a 12-year high. And while most illegal border
crossers used to be single Mexican nationals coming to the U.S. in search of
work, more than half are now parents and children who have traveled from Central
America to seek refuge in the U.S.
Those families, along with unaccompanied children, are subject to specific laws
and court settlements that prevent them from being immediately sent back to
their home countries. Immigrant processing and holding centers have been
overwhelmed, forcing officials to dramatically expand a practice Trump has long
mocked as "catch and release." Indeed, ICE has set free more than 125,000 people
who came into the U.S. as families since late last year and is now busing people
hundreds of miles inland, releasing them at Greyhound stations and churches in
cities like Albuquerque, San Antonio and Phoenix because towns close to the
border already have more than they can handle. Homeland Security Secretary
Kirstjen Nielsen also has voiced increasing exasperation, equating the situation
to the aftermath of a Category 5 hurricane. "We have tried everything that we
can at DHS," she said Thursday on CNN. "We are out of the ability to manage this
flow and they need help."She recently called on Congress to consider changes to
the immigration system. But those efforts have so far landed with a thud. House
Democrats would almost certainly reject any plans to simply deport unaccompanied
minors or otherwise rewrite the law governing asylum or family detentions that
they see as protecting young migrants who are often fleeing difficult
conditions. In the Senate, where Republicans have the majority, there's little
interest in big legislative proposals this year, especially on a divisive issue
like immigration. Trump's ideas could be especially tough for senators facing
re-election in 2020 in Colorado, Arizona and North Carolina, swing states with
sizable Latino and immigrant populations. In the meantime, tensions between
agencies and at the White House have been bubbling up. At the Department of
Homeland Security, officials have expressed frustration with colleagues at the
department of Health and Human Services and at the Pentagon, accusing them of
doing too little to help. And there are complaints about the White House and
what some see as an effort by Miller to dismantle the leadership of the
department, in part to shift the blame away from the White House.
Haftar forces announce no-fly zone after being targeted by
air strike
Staff writer, Al Arabiya English/Saturday, 6 April 2019/Forces
loyal to Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar declared on Saturday a no-fly zone for
combat aircraft in the Western Libya military zone, where it is mounting an
offensive against Tripoli, the Al Arabiya TV channel reported citing the
military. Haftar’s self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA).said they had been
targeted by an air strike, as fresh fighting flared south of Tripoli. “We
strongly condemn the air raid... in the Al-Aziziya region” by a plane, which had
taken off from western Misrata, said the LNA media office. Forces in Misrata are
mostly loyal to Libya’s internationally-recognized Government of National Accord
(GNA), which has been battling Haftar for control of the war-torn north African
country. Forces loyal to Libya’s UN-backed unity government arrive in Tajura, a
coastal suburb of the Libyan capital Tripoli, on April 6, 2019, from their base
in Misrata. (AFP) Pro-government forces in the capital Tripoli confirmed they
had targeted Haftar’s men with “intensive strikes”. The air strikes came as
fresh fighting flared Saturday south of Tripoli between the pro-government
forces and Haftar’s troops despite calls from the international community to
halt the military offensive. Russia tells Haftar it favors political solution
Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov held a phone call on
Friday with Haftar and reiterated Moscow’s position that it supports a political
solution to the crisis in the country. The Russian foreign ministry said in a
statement on Saturday that Haftar told Bogdanov about what he described as
efforts to fight terrorists in Libya, including near its capital Tripoli in the
west of the country. Haftar’s forces are battling for control of an area some 30
kilometers (18 miles) south of the capital near Tripoli’s international airport,
which was destroyed in 2014.On Friday, they were pushed back from a key
checkpoint west of the capital, less than 24 hours after seizing it during a
lightning offensive towards Tripoli.Late Friday Haftar’s men also briefly seized
the airport, before being ousted.
Audio message
Haftar on Thursday ordered his troops to advance on the capital. “The time has
come” to take Tripoli, he said in an audio message, pledging to spare civilians
and “state institutions”. Dozens of militia have proliferated in Libya since the
NATO-backed 2011 overthrow of dictator Muamer Gaddafi and are variously aligned
with either the unity government or the rival administration in the east backed
by Haftar. Tripoli residents have expressed concern that large-scale fighting
could break out and began stocking up on food and petrol. On Saturday, large
queues formed at petrol stations and supermarkets, an AFP journalist said. “We
must store everything we need for the family, just in case, especially those
with young children,” said Farida, a mother pushing a full shopping cart. “You
never know how long it will last,” she added. Despite the flare-up, UN envoy
Ghassan Salame insisted Saturday that talks planned to be held next week in
Libya would go ahead. “We are determined” to hold the talks “as scheduled”
unless prevented by serious obstacles, Salame told a press conference. “We want
to reassure Libyans that we will stay alongside the Libyan people to make the
political process a success without resorting to escalation.” Since the toppling
of Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has been divided between an array of armed groups. And
the internationally-recognized unity government, born out of UN-backed talks,
has struggled to assert its control. (With AFP, Reuters)
Russia warns against foreign meddling in Libya
Reuters, Cairo/Saturday, 6 April 2019/Russia wants all the political forces in
Libya to find an agreement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on
Saturday during a visit to Cairo. In a news conference with his Egyptian
counterpart Sameh Shoukry, Lavrov warned against foreign meddling in Libya. For
his part, Egypt’s FM said that the Libyan crisis cannot be resolved through
military means, but added that the security situation in the country had long
been a source of worry. “Egypt has supported from the beginning a political
agreement as a tool to prevent any military solution” in Libya, Shoukry said. UN
to hold Libya’s national conference as planned. Meanwhile, the UN special envoy
to Libya said on Saturday that he was determined to hold Libya’s national
conference on time despite ongoing fighting in the North African country. The
United Nations is planning to hold a conference in the southwestern town of
Ghadames from April 14 to 16 to discuss elections as a way out of the country’s
eight-year-long conflict. Special envoy Ghassan Salame told reporters in Tripoli
that the United Nations has been working to prevent an escalation of the crisis
in Libya.
Latest LCCC English analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources published
on April 06-07/19
Libya's future is caught between diplomacy and a military solution
Raghida Dergham/The National/April 06/19
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warns against a bloody conflict in
Tripoli, but the truth is that the nation's people have little trust in the UN
or its processes
Today, the UN envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths is coming under scrutiny. Not long
ago, his efforts came close to fruition, amid international consensus and a
clear American roadmap launched by the former defence secretary James Mattis and
backed by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.But optimism soon faded, amid
accusations against Mr Griffiths of giving in to the intransigence of the
Iran-backed Houthis.
Nickolay Mladenov, the UN special co-ordinator for the Middle East peace
process, is almost absent from the scene. Meanwhile, the new UN envoy to Syria,
Geir Pedersen, has not yet left his mark on the issue, as he remains on a
learning curve. However, no one expects him to pursue a different style to that
of his predecessor, Staffan de Mistura. This will continue as long as the UN
envoy remains hostage to the equation governing relations between the major
powers, led by the US and Russia, and the regional factors, which often include
sympathy or fear of Iran.
The only new development in Syria’s regional horizons is Israel’s move in the
Golan. The UN envoy has to also bear in mind the geopolitical dynamics related
to Russia, Iran, and Turkey, the leaders of the Astana process.
In Libya, the UN envoy Ghassan Salame, will in the coming fortnight embark on a
quest that will either take Libya into a new phase, or fail and possibly prompt
his resignation.
A sudden escalation is taking place there after the Libyan National Army, led by
Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, announced that it will be marching on the western
regions governed by the UN-backed Government of National Accord to “purge them
of remaining terrorist groups”.
This major military development comes days before the start of the National
Forum peace conference, which is being prepared by Mr Salame, head of the United
Nations Support Mission in Libya, with the goal of reaching a political roadmap
for national reconciliation. It also came as UN Secretary-General Antonio
Guterres made a surprise visit to Libya – his first since he assumed his office.
A military solution is thus being pushed to pre-empt a civilian solution, amid a
growing conviction among Libyans that a military approach is needed as part of
any civilian settlement. However, there are also fears that the battle for
Tripoli could become a bloody conflict that destroys the Libyan capital.
The official international equation in Libya is that there can be no military
solution. Realistically, however, there can be no stability in Libya without
military action
Tripoli is currently under the control of militias and gangs that are looting
the nation’s wealth and, according to some estimates, could drive it to
bankruptcy within six months. Some accuse the Central Bank of colluding with
these militias. Libyans are rightly weary of the situation in Tripoli, and of
the rule of the Government of National Accord prime minister Fayez Al Sarraj’s.
Dr Hani Shennib, head of the National Council On US-Libya Relations, has
described Mr Al Sarraj as a “lame duck … unable to serve and perform effectively
because he is biding his time to become president of Libya”.
However, fear of a protracted conflict that destroys the capital has cooled the
desire by some to liberate Tripoli from rogue militias.
The official international equation in Libya is that there can be no military
solution there. Realistically, however, most parties know there can be no
stability in Libya without military action.
Some international parties say, although in whispers, that without Mr Haftar
taking over the western regions, there will be no peace. But Libyans and the
world appear to want the Libyan National Army chief to knock on Tripoli’s gates
until the militias collapse without a fight.
The equation for a solution that has been at play for years has simple terms: an
agreement with Mr Haftar to establish a small national council under his
leadership, and a transitional government consisting of five to six figures that
supplant the two existing governments in East and West Libya.
The basis of this plan is that there is no alternative to a military
establishment to guarantee the country’s stability. But the question that
remains is about the weight and authority of the civilian branch of government,
if and when Mr Haftar takes over. The idea is to unify executive, legislative
and military institutions once Libyans agree that a civilian solution is not
possible without a military component.
Mr Salame is a controversial figure in Libya. Some see him as arrogant and
condescending, drawing his authority from the governments, consultants and
institutions of the West.
The main grievance against Mr Salame today is that no one knows many of the 150
Libyan figures he invited to meet in the National Forum, even now, days before
it convenes. Moreover, no one knows the substance of the agreement Mr Salame is
bringing to the forum, and none of the invitees have been briefed on its
contents.
The Libyans have little trust in the UN and its processes, and are sensitive to
what they perceive as dictation or imposition. For this reason, Mr Salame’s
approach has invited doubts about his motives. As one source put it, some see
him as a theorist who lacks vision, rather than a seasoned politician.
Perhaps some of these attitudes are unfair to the UN envoy, but the only way to
calm their doubts is to build trust with them. The Libyans are victims of
international intervention that Mr Salame claims was for their own sake, but
appears to be for the sake of their natural resources. They are caught in the
grip of the giant oil companies of Italy and France, and the teeth of the
jihadists who have flocked from Syria and Iraq. No one has helped the Libyans
build up their institutions, which they need dearly today.
The lack of trust in UN envoys is a similar story in Yemen and Syria, albeit for
different reasons. Of course, there is unfairness there too, but the same
pattern of doubts suggests these envoys adopt similar approaches, working on
behalf of the UN secretary-general and the five permanent member states of the
Security Council, first and foremost, when the task of the UN envoy should
evolve to serve the interests and aspirations of people in the countries where
they operate.
Putin plays Syria card in Israeli and Turkish elections
Al Monitor/April 06/19
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with less than a week remaining in
the highest stakes election of his career, took one of his few remaining
precious campaign days to visit Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, and
it appeared to pay off for both leaders.
“After he milked the March 25 celebration with President Donald Trump in the
White House, Netanyahu is looking toward Putin, who is still venerated by many
former Soviet Union citizens who moved to Israel,” writes Ben Caspit. “In this
last-minute trip, Netanyahu is again trying to convey that no one can replace
him in terms of international status.”
“Netanyahu’s tete-a-tete with Putin,” adds Caspit, “his second one in less than
two months and only five days before the elections, is also designed to harm a
dangerous colleague of the prime minister, Avigdor Liberman. The former defense
minister and Yisrael Beitenu head has been hovering around the Knesset threshold
since the beginning of the campaign. Liberman will fight for every vote to earn
a position to make the next prime minister’s life miserable. Netanyahu is trying
to use Putin to attract the votes of immigrants from the former Soviet Union,
who share a birthplace with Liberman and make up a major constituency for him
and his party.”
For Netanyahu, the visit was a likely boost for his campaign, and not just in
wooing immigrants from the former Soviet Union. Putin also presented Netanyahu
with the remains of Zachary Baumel, who was killed in Lebanon in 1982. The
return of Baumel’s body carries emotional weight with Israelis, and the credit
goes to Bibi, who asked Putin to help with this case two years ago. Netanyahu,
for his part, could not have been more effusive, telling Putin, “Mr. President,
we are wholeheartedly grateful to you for your personal friendship, for your
position and for the position of Russia, which shares these values with Israel.”
Putin, in his remarks, said, “As you may know, our military personnel and their
Syrian partners helped find Zachary’s remains.”
Putin’s giving credit to Bashar al-Assad may have been a stunner in Damascus and
Tehran, and perhaps deliberately so. A source at the official Syrian Arab News
Agency (SANA) said that “Syria has no clue” about Baumel’s remains, and that the
incident confirms “cooperation between terrorist groups and Mossad.”
This column last month described the emerging complexity and maneuvering among
Assad and his creditors, Iran and Russia. There are those in the Syrian military
who prefer to curry favor with Moscow, and Putin could be showing that he can
and will play that card.
A senior Iranian official cautioned last month that Israel might have the
potential to create friction between Tehran and Moscow, if not managed
carefully.
Israel attacked Syrian and Iranian-backed forces near Aleppo March 28, well
outside of Israel’s usual zone of operations, signaling an expanded intent and
potential for escalation.
“As Syria slowly moves into a post-war stage,” writes Maxim Suchkov, Putin has
“outsourced the marshy process of political settlement, return of the refugees
and reconstruction to agencies within Foreign and Defense ministries to
personally focus on riskier yet more politically valuable assets: high-level
mediation of the Israeli-Iranian and Turkish-Syrian conundrums.”
Perhaps it is no coincidence that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrives
in Moscow on April 8.
Putin may be looking to advance his idea for a working group on the gradual
expulsion of foreign forces that had been discussed with Netanyahu when they met
in February. “But each party may see the outcome somewhat differently,” adds
Suchkov. “The idea of a comprehensive working group bringing together the
Russians, Israelis, Syrians and perhaps the Americans, Iranians and Turks seeks,
in the words of Putin, 'to settle Syria after the ultimate suppression of all
terrorist hotbeds and to have all foreign contingents depart Syria to fully
restore its statehood and sovereignty.'"
The emphasis on the expulsion of foreign forces merits comment, and may be
another concern of Iran, as well as a potential opening to Washington. For the
United States and Israel, foreign forces mean Iranian and Iranian-backed armed
units and groups. We covered Putin’s emphasis on the departure of foreign
fighters in May 2018, as a potential opening bid for engaging the United States
at the cusp of diplomacy addressing the post-conflict stage in Syria. For Putin,
it may also be part of a package to close the deal with Syria and Turkey on
Idlib, where most of the jihadist terrorist and armed groups remain.
“Although the Astana format showed even most incogitable compositions of actors
are not impossible, the modern reality suggests that all of the outside actors
getting on board is unlikely and probably unproductive at this stage,” concludes
Suchkov. “Until then, Moscow is likely to eye a separate working group for
Israel, Syria and Iran and will continue to forge leverage and brainstorm
incentives via bilateral dealings.”
Although Putin may have been set back by US recognition of Israeli sovereignty
over the Golan, as we wrote here last week, he appears to have regained his
footing following Bibi’s visit. No doubt there are risks and uncertainties and
limits to the Russian president’s influence and leverage in Tehran and
Jerusalem. But whether in the form of a three-way shuttle diplomacy among Iran,
Syria and Israel, or just between Israel and Syria, Putin has again repositioned
himself as a go-to broker on the Israel-Syria border.
With regard to the Turkish local elections, where Turkish President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) lost Ankara, Istanbul and all
major cities except Bursa, “Putin might have helped Erdogan duck a bigger
defeat,” writes Kadri Gursel. “The Sochi deal the two leaders reached in
September 2017 on Syria’s rebel-held province of Idlib has long proven to be a
failure, but a Russian-backed Syrian offensive on the al-Qaeda-linked Hayat
Tahrir al-Sham in the region has thus far been deferred, which cannot be
explained without factoring in Turkey’s political calendar. The launch of an
offensive prior to the March 31 polls and its potential side effects on Turkey
could have led to larger electoral losses for Erdogan’s government.”
“In light of these timing considerations, the likelihood of an offensive on
Idlib has now increased,” Gursel continues. “At the same time, Ankara is likely
to step up its pursuit of a military operation against the Syrian Kurdish
People’s Protection Units — which Turkey sees as an offshoot of the Kurdistan
Workers Party, a designated terrorist group — in a bid to push Erdogan's
election defeat out of focus. In a campaign speech a day before the elections,
Erdogan said, ‘The first thing after the elections will be to resolve the Syrian
issue — on the ground rather than at the [negotiating] table, if possible.’ This
was not for nothing — he was well aware he was up for a bad outcome from the
polls.”
What Is Behind the Opposition to Peace with Israel?
Bassam Tawil/Gatestone Institute/April 06/19
https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/14020/opposition-peace-israel
The anti-Israel campaign in the Arab and Islamic world sees peace with Israel --
and not failed leadership, bad economic policies and corruption -- as the
biggest threat to Arabs and Muslims. Recognizing Israel's right to exist is also
seen by many Arabs and Muslims as a humiliation to their values, their culture,
their political power and their economic traditions. They seem concerned that
Arabs and Muslims might wake up one morning and start demanding freedom of
expression and free and democratic elections like the ones held every few years
in Israel.
The anti-peace camp seems to want its people to continue living in misery and
under dictatorships, so that it is easier to recruit people to jihad against
Israel and the West. Also, if people are lifted from poverty and misery and
begin to enjoy the fruits of modern civilization, there is a chance that Arabs
and Muslims will move away from Islam and even start endorsing the inadmissible
values of the West.
The Trump administration will soon discover what every child in the Arab and
Islamic world already knows: that the Israeli-Arab conflict is not about a
settlement or a checkpoint or a security fence, but about Israel's very right to
exist in the Middle East. The Trump administration will also learn that peace
with Israel is seen by many Arabs and Muslims as nothing but an unacceptable
threat that must at all costs be stopped.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who is often described by Western
media and officials as "moderate" and "pragmatic," last year quoted Egyptian
intellectual Abdel-Wahab El-Messiri, saying Israel "constitutes a colonialist
enterprise that has nothing to do with Judaism," and adding that Europeans
wanted "to transfer the Jews" to the Middle East because "they wanted this
region to become an advanced post to protect the interests and the convoys
coming from Europe to the East."
Peace with Israel is purportedly a form of surrender and submission that will
harm the dignity of Arabs and Muslims.
This is the theme of a massive campaign being waged by Palestinians and other
Arabs in preparation for the announcement of the US administration's plan for
peace in the Middle East, also known as the "deal of the century." The plan,
according to US officials, is expected to be announced sometime after the
general elections in Israel, slated for April 9.
The latest campaign is designed to thwart the "deal of the century" and
terrorize Arabs and Muslims who may wish to accept the US administration's peace
plan.
As part of an effort to raise awareness to the dangers of the "deal of the
century," an increasing number of Palestinians and Arabs are now trying to
explain to their people why peace and normalization of ties with Israel is
totally unacceptable.
The latest effort came in the form of an online campaign called "The
International Anti-Normalization Campaign."
The organizers of the campaign say they are worried that some Arab states and
leaders may cooperate with the "deal of the century." They are concerned because
they see that some Arab states and leaders are already engaged in various forms
of normalization with Israel.
The campaign clearly aims to send a warning not only to ordinary Arabs and
Muslims, but also to their leaders, about the "dangerous repercussions" of
making peace with Israel.
According to the organizers of the anti-peace campaign, "normalization [with
Israel] is the miserable outcome of a culture of surrender and submission" --
and concessions and peace are only shameful and degrading.
For them, the words peace and compromise (with Israel) seem associated with
extremely negative connotations such as retreat, defeat and surrender.
Recognizing Israel's right to exist is also seen by many Arabs and Muslims as a
humiliation to their values, their culture, their political power and their
economic traditions. They have been educated to see Israel as an alien body and
a "colonial project" planted in the Middle East by Western powers. They
therefore cannot accept the presence of Jews -- in what they regard as their own
sovereign state -- on lands they believe belong solely to Muslims.
Even Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who is often described by
Western media outlets and officials as a "moderate" and "pragmatic" Arab leader,
shares the view that Israel is nothing but a "colonial project." In a speech
before PLO delegates in Ramallah last year, Abbas quoted Egyptian intellectual
Abdel-Wahab El-Messiri, saying:
"The functional nature of Israel means that it was evoked by colonialism in
order to fulfill a specific function, and thus it constitutes a colonialist
enterprise that has nothing to do with Judaism."
Abbas added: "[Oliver Cromwell] came up with the idea of transferring the Jews
from Europe to the Middle East... because they wanted this region to become an
advanced post to protect the interests and the convoys coming from Europe to the
East... He asked Holland, which owned the largest fleet in the world, to
transfer the Jews, but the project was unsuccessful. This was in 1653."
In the past year, Abbas has also repeatedly announced his rejection of the
unseen "deal of the century." He has referred to the plan as a "conspiracy" and
the "slap of the century." How then can he turn to his people and suddenly
accept it -- or any deal that might recognize Israel's right to exist?
"Normalization [with Israel] is tantamount to defeat," explained Mohammed al-Adloni,
secretary-general of an anti-Israel group, "The International Coalition for
Supporting Jerusalem and Palestine."
He went on to warn that making peace or normalizing ties with Israel would
constitute a threat to the "consciousness" of Arabs and Muslims. Making peace
with Israel, al-Adloni said, would be like "a complete occupation of the
consciousness [of Arabs and Muslims]."
Al-Adloni and other anti-Israel activists in the Arab and Islamic countries
appear worried that, should they make peace with the "Zionist entity," their
people might be exposed to democratic values and freedom of expression. They
seem concerned that Arabs and Muslims wake up one morning and start demanding
free and democratic elections like the ones held every few years in Israel. The
anti-peace camp in the Arab and Islamic world appears not to want its people
exposed to advanced Israeli technology, including medical care. This camp seems
to want its people to continue living in misery and under dictatorships, so that
it is easier to recruit people to jihad against Israel and the West. Also, if
people are lifted from poverty and misery, and their living conditions are
improved so they begin to enjoy the fruits of modern civilization, there is a
chance that Arabs and Muslims will move away from Islam and even start endorsing
the inadmissible values of the West.
This camp, extremists, seem not to care about lowering the high rate of
unemployment among Arabs and Muslims, improving the living conditions of its
people or offering young Arabs and Muslims hope for a better future. They seem
instead to want their people to continue living in misery so that their anger,
again, can be directed more easily towards Israel and the West.
The anti-Israel campaign in the Arab and Islamic world sees peace with Israel --
and not failed leadership, bad economic policies and corruption -- as the
biggest threat to Arabs and Muslims. The message that the anti-peace activists
are sending to their people says: "Peace with Israel is the worst thing that
could happen to us Arabs and Muslims because these Jews will invade our minds
and our culture."
Yasser Qadoura, who represents a Lebanon-based group called "The Popular
Committee for Palestinians in the Diaspora," says that his organization is now
making a big effort to educate Arabs and Muslims about the "dangers" of peace
and normalization with Israel. He said that his followers and he are planning to
publish a "list of shame" containing the names of Arabs and Muslims who are
caught promoting peace and normalization or trying to make peace with Israel.
Anyone whose name appears on the list will immediately be denounced by Arabs and
Muslims as a "traitor." Treason, in many of the Arab and Islamic countries, is a
charge punishable by death. The "list of shame" would therefore be seen by Arabs
and Muslims as a license to kill anyone who dared even to talk about peace with
Israel.
Last month, a large group of Arab and Islamic activists who met in the Lebanese
capital of Beirut ruled that "all forms of normalization with the Zionist entity
are an act of treachery." According to the group, an Arab or Muslim who even
engages in sports, cultural and artistic activities with the "Zionist entity"
would be considered a "traitor." In the eyes of the Arab and Islamic activists,
including Islamic religious leaders, anyone who plays soccer or attends a
cultural event with a Jew would be condemned as a "traitor."
If and when US President Donald J. Trump's administration finally publishes its
plan, it will discover that many Arabs and Muslims have already launched a
campaign of intimidation to stop their leaders from making peace with Israel. If
an Arab or Muslim child is prohibited from playing soccer with a Jew, how can
the Trump administration expect the Arabs and Muslims to recognize Israel's
right to exist?
The Trump administration will soon discover what every child in the Arab and
Islamic world already knows: that the Israeli-Arab conflict is not about a
settlement or a checkpoint or a security fence, but about Israel's very right to
exist in the Middle East. The Trump administration will also learn that peace
with Israel is seen by many Arabs and Muslims as nothing but an unacceptable
threat that must at all costs be stopped.
*Bassam Tawil is a Muslim Arab based in the Middle East.
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