LCCC ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN

October 15/16

Compiled & Prepared by: Elias Bejjani

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Bible Quotations For Today

For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 13/06-09/:"Then Jesus told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, "See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?" He replied, "Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig round it and put manure on it.If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down." ’

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
Letter to the Ephesians 01/01-10/:"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the holy ones who are (in Ephesus) faithful in Christ Jesus: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
 
Titles For Latest LCCC Bulletin analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources published on October 14-15/16

The Tawhid ‘brigades’ and the dominance of militiasظNayla Tueni/Al Arabiya/October 14/16/I
Trump Has Played a Useful Role/Amir Taheri/Asharq Al Awsat/October 14/16
How Dictatorships Are Born/Roger Cohen/The New York Times/October 14/16
Brave French position in the times of conflict/Abdulrahman al-Rashed/Al Arabiya/October 14/16
On criminalizing sectarian conflicts/Mohammed Al Shaikh/Al Arabiya/October 14/16

Titles For Latest Lebanese Related News published on on October 14-15/16

Working meeting with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations
Jumblat: Let us Elect 'Anyone' for Presidency...Enough with Useless Packages
40 Arrested at Syrian Refugee Gathering in Koura
EU Ambassador Discusses Presidential Void with Aoun
Yazbek Says Some Parties Have Returned to 'Justifications of Paralysis, Ambiguity'
Would-Be Suicide Bombers Arrested, FlyCam Equipped with Explosives Confiscated
Pro-Govt. Gains in Aleppo ahead of Key Syria Talks
Franjieh Broadcasts Video on Twitter ...What Was the Message?
FPM Delegation Meets Gemayel, Says 'President Election Nearing'
Bou Saab: we support understanding with all factions
Family of Ashkout victims seeks death penalty for defendant
Salam, East West Foundation delegation hold talks
Harb: Internet Services Down because of Fire
Bassil: Hariri Spoke of Specific Deadline and We're Seeking Strategic Agreement with
The Tawhid ‘brigades’ and the dominance of militias

Titles For Latest LCCC Bulletin For Miscellaneous Reports And News published on on October 14-15/16
Militant attack kills 12 Egyptian soldiers in Sinai
Obama expected to weigh Syria military options
How an Al-Qaeda office in NY facilitated group
Russian FM Has No 'Special Expectations' for Weekend Syria Talks
Intense air strikes batter Syria’s Aleppo
Putin ratifies deal for Russia to use Syria base indefinitely
Aleppo’s Jabhat Fateh al-Sham fighters far fewer: sources
Russian Traveler Held Prisoner by Syrian Rebels Freed after 3 Years
Sources: Iraqi army receiving anti-drone weapons following ISIS attack
Raising Tensions, Turkey Prepares for Post-IS Mosul
Turkey could hold referendum on presidential system by spring
Erdogan Warns of 'Plan B' over Mosul Offensive
Saudi Soldier Dead in Firefight with Yemen Rebels
4 Dead in Blast at Funeral of Pro-Hadi Yemen Officer
UAE: Houthis attempting to ‘inflame’ situation in region with ship attacks
US officials say Iran supplied Houthis with missiles to target US ship
UK to Present U.N. Resolution Demanding Immediate Yemen Ceasefire
Grieving Thailand Salutes Late King
Obama Warns 'Democracy Itself' at Stake in U.S. Election
Obama Enshrines Cuba Normalization as Official U.S. Policy
Iran arrests 11 over suspected ISIS suicide bombing plot
Israel suspends UNESCO ties after Jerusalem vote
Indonesian Islamic hardliners protest Christian Governor

Links From Jihad Watch Site for on October 14-15/16
UK Catholic school gets message: “By Allah we will kill every single infidel student at this school”
Another fake hate crime: “No evidence” Muslim child was attacked on bus in NC
Canadian security screening: it’s “a joke, anyone can pass it”
How Italy deters jihad terrorism
UK: Judge allows two Muslim teachers who fed students “diet of Islam” at state school back in classrooms
UK: Muslim former Conservative Party candidate says “Those who insult Islam must die”
Boston: Muslim who had Islamic “rebirth” shoots two police officers
France: National Guard created to battle jihadists
UK: Muslim bus driver put children’s lives at risk by stopping on busy road for prayer

Links From Christian Today Site for on October 14-15/16
Aleppo Has Become A 'Living Hell' Warns Christian Leader In Syria
Church of England Could Soon Remove Legal Requirement For Regular Sunday Services
Poll Finds: Overwhelming Majority Of Muslims Expected To Vote Clinton
King Of Bahrain Donates Land For New Church
UN Criticised For Downplaying Jewish Links To Jerusalem's Temple Mount
God & The Presidency: Jimmy Carter On The Demands Of Faith
Fear Of Rise In Child Sex Abuse After Hurricane Matthew In Haiti
Controversial Anti-Islam Politician To Go On Trial For Allegedly Inciting Racial Hatred

Latest Lebanese Related News published on on October 14-15/16
Working meeting with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations
Chibli Mallat/PR- Beirut, 14 October 2016/Following on the activities of Humanist Lebanon and its friends this week, a delegation including Tarek Mitri, Lina Hamdan, Samar Howayek, Saoud al-Mawla, Diyala Yafi and Chibli Mallat, met on Wednesday 12 October with the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Ms. Sigrid Kaag. At the meeting, the urgency of presidential elections as well as proceeding with the legislative election within the set calendar year was discussed as an important step for the restoration of stability, and a return to active political life in the country. This was also stressed by the UN Security Council in their Presidential Statement of 22 July 2016. Humanist Lebanon briefed on its efforts to mobilize civil society on Lebanon’s constitutional principles, including the constitutional vigil every Tuesday evening in downtown Beirut, as well as its efforts to create a national coalition of federate civil society movements, with a view to reclaim the meaning of politics and the ethics of public action, focusing in particular on the role of youth, students and women. The Special Coordinator welcomed the role of Humanist Lebanon and other civil society organisations in their focus on adherence to the Constitution as well as the rule of law for the benefit of the country's citizens. As part of Humanist Lebanon’s advocacy efforts, the group has also met with EU Ambassador Ms. Christina Lassen, French Ambassador Mr. Emmanuel Bonne and other prominent figures, including Patriarch Beshara Rai, Presidents Michel Sleiman and Fouad Sinora.

Jumblat: Let us Elect 'Anyone' for Presidency...Enough with Useless Packages
Naharnet/October 14/16/Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat said on Friday that Lebanon's political forces should end the conflict over the presidency and elect a head of state away from “useless packages” and illusions that foreign countries might help Lebanon to a solution. “It is about time to end the byzantine controversy over the president and elect anyone. We have had enough of useless packages and illusions alleging that Lebanon is a priority for foreign countries,” said Jumblat via Twitter. “There is a global chaos prevailing. That's why an internal settlement, whatever the price may be, is less pricey that to keep on waiting,” added the MP. Referring to the risks facing Lebanon shall the vacuum at the presidential persist, he said: “Lebanon's interest is way more important that the interest of some individuals … I don't think that Hizbullah or any other powers can handle the risks of vacuum.” Lebanon has been without a president since the term of Michel Suleiman ended in May 2014 and Hizbullah, MP Michel Aoun's Change and Reform bloc and some of their allies have been boycotting the parliament's electoral sessions, stripping them of the needed quorum. Hariri's recent return to Lebanon has triggered a flurry of reports about a possible presidential settlement and the ex-PM is exploring the possibility of endorsing Aoun for the presidency in a bid to break the deadlock. Hariri, who is close to Saudi Arabia, launched an initiative in late 2015 to nominate Franjieh for the presidency but his proposal was met with reservations from the country's main Christian parties as well as Hizbullah. The supporters of Aoun's presidential bid argue that he is more eligible than Franjieh to become president due to the size of his parliamentary bloc and his bigger influence in the Christian community.

40 Arrested at Syrian Refugee Gathering in Koura
Naharnet/October 14/16/Around 40 people were arrested Friday at a Syrian refugee gathering in the Koura town of Deddeh, state-run National News Agency reported. “Army intelligence agents raided their place of residence at the al-Waha commercial project in Deddeh,” NNA said. They were arrested over violations related to residency laws and identification papers, the agency noted. “The detainees were referred to the relevant authorities as a number of violating motorbikes were also seized,” NNA said.

EU Ambassador Discusses Presidential Void with Aoun
Naharnet/October 14/16/The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon, Ambassador Christina Lassen, held talks Friday in Rabieh with the head of the Change and Reform bloc MP Michel Aoun. “Discussions focused on the political situation in the country, particularly the on-going efforts to elect a president,” Lassen's office said. Lassen stated after the meeting: "The presidential vacuum in Lebanon has now lasted almost two and half years. The EU has repeatedly called on the Lebanese political forces and stakeholders to put partisan and individual interests aside and find a viable compromise to elect a president."Al-Mustaqbal Movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri's recent return to Lebanon has triggered a flurry of reports about a possible presidential settlement and it has become known that the former premier is exploring the possibility of endorsing Aoun for the presidency in a bid to break the deadlock. Lebanon has been without a president since the term of Michel Suleiman ended in May 2014 and Hizbullah, Aoun's bloc and some of their allies have been boycotting the parliament's electoral sessions, stripping them of the needed quorum. Hariri, who is close to Saudi Arabia, launched an initiative in late 2015 to nominate Marada Movement chief MP Suleiman Franjieh for the presidency but his proposal was met with reservations from the country's main Christian parties as well as Hizbullah. The supporters of Aoun's presidential bid argue that he is more eligible than Franjieh to become president due to the size of his parliamentary bloc and his bigger influence in the Christian community.

Yazbek Says Some Parties Have Returned to 'Justifications of Paralysis, Ambiguity'
Naharnet/October 14/16/Senior Hizbullah official Sheikh Mohammed Yazbek lamented Friday that some parties have returned to what he called “the justifications of paralysis” and “ambiguity” regarding the stalled presidential vote. “We have returned to the justifications of paralysis and ambiguity shrouded in ambiguity regarding our painful political situation. Advices are not being accepted and calls for dialogue, understanding are not being heeded,” Yazbek, the head of Hizbullah's so-called Juristic Council, said.
“As if these people are not sensing the dangers and the scary economic and social situations that are awaiting Lebanon,” the Hizbullah official decried, warning that “there can be no cure through evading responsibility.”On Thursday, al-Mustaqbal parliamentary bloc noted that the latest stances of Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah have “once again” confirmed that Hizbullah and its regional backer Iran are “obstructing” the presidential election in Lebanon. Nasrallah had announced Tuesday that the FPM and al-Mustaqbal have reached “agreements” regarding the presidential election, calling for involving Speaker Nabih Berri and Marada Movement chief MP Suleiman Franjieh in the understandings. Reiterating Hizbullah's support for Aoun's nomination, Nasrallah said “Hizbullah's choice has always been clear.” “We are the people of honesty, loyalty and commitment to our stances. This is how we've always been and this is how we'll always remain,” he added. Al-Mustaqbal Movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri's recent return to Lebanon has triggered a flurry of reports about a possible presidential settlement and it has become known that the ex-PM is exploring the possibility of endorsing FPM founder MP Michel Aoun for the presidency in a bid to break the deadlock. Lebanon has been without a president since the term of Michel Suleiman ended in May 2014 and Hizbullah, Aoun's Change and Reform bloc and some of their allies have been boycotting the parliament's electoral sessions, stripping them of the needed quorum. Hariri, who is close to Saudi Arabia, launched an initiative in late 2015 to nominate Marada Movement chief MP Suleiman Franjieh for the presidency but his proposal was met with reservations from the country's main Christian parties as well as Hizbullah. The supporters of Aoun's presidential bid argue that he is more eligible than Franjieh to become president due to the size of his parliamentary bloc and his bigger influence in the Christian community.

Would-Be Suicide Bombers Arrested, FlyCam Equipped with Explosives Confiscated
Naharnet/October 14/16/The General Security and the Army Intelligence were able to arrest two would-be suicide bombers who had plans to blow themselves up at two religious locations in the southern suburbs of Beirut, As Safir daily reported on Friday. One of the bombers was arrested by the General Security on October 5 at the Cola area in Beirut. During investigation, he confessed that he had been preparing to blow himself up within two days (Friday, October 7) inside one of the biggest mosques in Dahiyeh during Friday prayers, according to the daily. The Army Intelligence arrested the second would-be suicide bomber. It was clear to the investigators that the handler of the two would-be suicide bombers was the same person -- an Islamic State "emir" in Syria's Raqa city -- and that he dispatched them at the same interval. However the would-be bombers had no contact with each other, although they received the orders from the same handler, added As Safir. At the same time, it was revealed that two groups provided the culprits with logistical support. They secured their transportation means and residence in Lebanon until the date of bombing. Moreover, on Thursday at dawn, the General Security arrested in the area of Bhamdoun a group of eight people inside a warehouse that contained explosives and ammunition. The warehouse belonged to a man who swore allegiance to the al-Nusra Front and who acted like a weapons trader. He opted for selling ammunition and weapons to relatively every terrorist organization, said As Safir. The patrol found explosives and a FlyCam capable of carrying a small bomb. The warehouse owner confessed during interrogation that he was selling explosives to several terrorist organizations, including the IS. “If only you came yesterday, you would have found six FlyCams equipped with explosive materials,” five of which were sold to al-Nusra, he said. Lebanon has been struck by several deadly bombings since the conflict in neighboring Syria erupted in 2011. In June, eight suicide bombers, some of them linked to the Islamic State jihadist group, attacked al-Qaa village near the Syrian border, killing five civilians.

Pro-Govt. Gains in Aleppo ahead of Key Syria Talks
Associated Press/Naharnet/October 14/16/Syrian pro-government forces used intense air strikes as cover for an advance in the battleground city of Aleppo on Friday, ahead of fresh diplomatic efforts to end the country's intractable conflict. The United States and Russia, which support opposite sides in the five-year war, will meet in Switzerland on Saturday to try to resurrect the peace process. Moscow has faced rising international criticism over its backing for President Bashar Assad's onslaught in divided Aleppo, including Western accusations of possible war crimes. Violence has continued unabated in the northern city, once Syria's commercial hub but now ravaged by Russian and regime air strikes in support of a major government offensive against rebels. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitor, said Russian and Syrian warplanes pounded opposition-controlled eastern districts again on Friday, though it did not have any immediate information on casualties. It said pro-government forces had used the air raids to advance southwards from positions in north Aleppo with the goal of "opening a route to the airport," east of the city. The intensified bombardment has put a severe strain on rescue workers and medical staff in east Aleppo, home to an estimated 250,000 residents under siege. "This recent escalation has been huge and we've had a lot of work," said Ibrahim Abu al-Leith, a spokesman for the White Helmets rescue force in Aleppo. He said rescuers were still working to dislodge people from under the rubble in the Tariq al-Bab eastern district.
Bleeding to death
AFP's correspondent in east Aleppo said some people had been stuck under the rubble for at least two days as rescuers scrambled between neighborhoods. Teams have been afraid to work at night, fearing that the large floodlights would attract warplanes circling overhead. Some people trapped under collapsed buildings bled to death after White Helmets teams were unable to reach them in time. Since the collapse last month of a truce brokered by Washington and Moscow, Aleppo has been engulfed by some of the worst violence of the conflict. More than 370 people, including nearly 70 children, have been killed in regime and Russian bombardment of east Aleppo since the regime's assault began on September 22, the Observatory said. Dozens of civilians, including children, have also died in rebel bombardment of regime-controlled western districts, according to the monitor, which compiles its information from sources on the ground. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are expected to hold fresh talks to try to revive the ceasefire deal in Lausanne on Saturday. U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura will attend, along with the chief diplomats from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar -- all backers of Syrian opposition forces. Then in London on Sunday, Kerry will likely meet up with his counterparts from Britain, France and Germany. Lavrov played down hopes of a breakthrough in Lausanne, telling reporters on Friday he had no "special expectations" for progress.
Aleppo as a 'springboard'
In an interview with Russia's Komsomolskaya Pravda tabloid published Friday, Assad said he would use a victory in Aleppo as a "springboard" to capture other rebel strongholds.
"It's going to be the springboard, as a big city, to move to another areas, to liberate another areas from the terrorists," the Syrian president said. He said his next target could be northwestern Idlib province. Idlib is held by an alliance of rebels and jihadists including the Fateh al-Sham Front, which changed its name from al-Nusra Front when it cut ties with al-Qaida. "You have to keep cleaning this area and to push the terrorists to Turkey to go back to where they come from, or to kill them. There's no other option," Assad said. Also on Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a law ratifying a deal with Syria -- first signed in August 2015 -- to establish Russia's Hmeimim airbase to launch pro-regime operations. Russia has long provided political and financial support to Syria and began its bombing campaign there in September 2015. Moscow offered on Thursday to "ensure the safe withdrawal" of rebel groups and civilians from eastern Aleppo. There was no immediate response from the rebels. Near Damascus, more than 1,200 people including rebel fighters and their families were bussed out of the towns of Qudsaya and al-Haamah on Thursday under a local deal with the government.

Franjieh Broadcasts Video on Twitter ...What Was the Message?
Naharnet/October 14/16/Marada Movement chief and a runner in the presidential elections MP Suleiman Franjieh, posted a video on Twitter that some interpreted as a message to his rival in the race MP Michel Aoun. Franjieh posted a video of a remote controlled toy car with orange wheels (the color of the Free Patriotic Movement's slogan) moving randomly and spinning around itself in a room with a closed door. Some have interpreted the video as mimicking the situation in Lebanon as being controlled by foreign powers. Others said the video was downloaded by mistake, while some said that the orange wheels of the car convey a message to founder of the Free Patriotic Movement of MP Michel Aoun as for the post of presidency. Franjieh's video comes after allegations that Aoun's chances to become a president have dimmed, following the speech of his ally Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah over the weekend that urged him to hold consultations with Franjieh, and Speaker Nabih Berri in order to end the deadlock. For his part, Franjieh has affirmed on more than one occasion that he will not withdraw his nomination for the post. Lebanon has been without a president since the term of Michel Suleiman ended in May 2014 and Hizbullah and MP Michel Aoun's Change and Reform bloc and some of their allies have been boycotting the parliament's electoral sessions, stripping them of the needed quorum. Al-Mustaqbal Movement chief Saad Hariri's recent return to Lebanon has triggered a flurry of reports about a possible presidential settlement that the ex-PM is exploring the possibility of endorsing Aoun for the presidency in a bid to break the deadlock. Hariri, who is close to Saudi Arabia, launched an initiative in late 2015 to nominate Franjieh for the presidency but his proposal was met with reservations from the country's main Christian parties as well as Hizbullah. The supporters of Aoun's presidential bid argue that he is more eligible than Franjieh to become president due to the size of his parliamentary bloc and his bigger influence in the Christian community.

FPM Delegation Meets Gemayel, Says 'President Election Nearing'
Naharnet/October 14/16/A Free Patriotic Movement delegation visited Kataeb Party chief MP Sami Gemayel in Bikfaya on Friday and announced that the election of a president “is nearing,” although “nothing is final yet.”“Kataeb have principles upon which they would base any decision regarding the presidency and these principles resemble a lot those of the FPM,” Education Minister Elias Bou Saab said after the meeting. In this regard he noted that “the election of a president is nearing but nothing is final yet.”Gemayel for his part announced that Kataeb's “political stance cannot be sold or bought.”“We will maintain communication because we have a relation of friendship with the FPM,” he added. Ex-PM Saad Hariri's recent return to Lebanon has triggered a flurry of reports about a possible presidential settlement and it has become known that the ex-PM is exploring the possibility of endorsing FPM founder MP Michel Aoun for the presidency in a bid to break the deadlock. Lebanon has been without a president since the term of Michel Suleiman ended in May 2014 and Hizbullah, Aoun's Change and Reform bloc and some of their allies have been boycotting the parliament's electoral sessions, stripping them of the needed quorum. Hariri, who is close to Saudi Arabia, launched an initiative in late 2015 to nominate Franjieh for the presidency but his proposal was met with reservations from the country's main Christian parties as well as Hizbullah. The supporters of Aoun's presidential bid argue that he is more eligible than Franjieh to become president due to the size of his parliamentary bloc and his bigger influence in the Christian community.

Bou Saab: we support understanding with all factions
Fri 14 Oct 2016/NNA - Education Minister, Elias Bou Saab confirmed on Friday that "we are with understanding with all the Lebanese factions. We are against bilateral understandings". Bou Saab's remarks came during a visit to Kataeb leader, Sami Gemayel at Bikfaya to congratulate Gemayel over his marriage. "We came as well to brief Gemayel on the ambiance which we have reached," he added. For his part, Gemayel said, "We believe that democracy is the main key in a bid to practice in the political life". He said that his party was open to hold discussions with Deputy Sleiman Franjieh and Deputy Michel Aoun to reach understanding regarding the election of a president. "Till this moment there is no understanding, we might put a white paper or we might nominate a third candidate," Gemayel concluded.

Family of Ashkout victims seeks death penalty for defendant
Fri 14 Oct 2016/NNA - The family of victims who got killed in Ashkout decided today to press charges against General officer Toni Abboud, and shall request death penalty for the defendant before the State Prosecution tomorrow, National News Agency correspondent reported on Friday.

Salam, East West Foundation delegation hold talks
Fri 14 Oct 2016/NNA - Prime Minister, Tammam Salam, received this afternoon (Friday) at the Grand Serail, a delegation from the "East West" American Foundation, an international group dealing with security issues around the world. Discussions touched on the developments in Lebanon and the Middle East.

Harb: Internet Services Down because of Fire
Naharnet/October 14/16/A huge fire broke out in Ghazir in the district of Keserwan causing serious damage to the fiber networks of the Telecoms Ministry, the press office of Telecommunications Minister Butros Harb said in a statement on Friday. “Following this incident, the Minister met with Ogero technical maintenance teams and tasked them to visit the place and repair the damage,” the statement read. The fire had caused a breakdown in internet and telephone services in North Lebanon and Keserwan regions. On Wednesday, the underwater Alexandros submarine cable which connects Lebanon to Cyprus, France and Egypt experienced breakdowns which caused an interruption in the internet services. “The services will gradually resume normal activity within the coming few hours,” the statement concluded.

Bassil: Hariri Spoke of Specific Deadline and We're Seeking Strategic Agreement with
Naharnet/October 14/16/Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil announced Thursday that ex-PM Saad Hariri spoke of a “specific deadline” for declaring his stance on the presidential nomination of FPM founder MP Michel Aoun during their latest meeting in Rabieh. “Our cause today is preserving the Lebanon of the National Pact, the Lebanon of equality and partnership and the Lebanon that has a State,” Bassil said in an interview on LBCI television. Confirming that “several” FPM-Mustaqbal meetings had preceded the Aoun-Hariri talks, Bassil stressed that no secret deals have been reached between the two parties and that they are not seeking agreements targeted against any political parties. “We did not agree on postponing the parliamentary election but rather on reciprocity and on a national unity government,” Bassil said. “I cannot confirm that Hariri has decided to endorse the General's nomination before he announces it,” he added. Bassil also noted that the FPM understood from the latest meetings that the political obstacles that were preventing Mustaqbal from backing Aoun have been resolved. As for the Saudi stance, Bassil said the FPM has no information about the so-called Saudi veto on Aoun's nomination and whether it still exists or not.
“The kingdom is saying that it is not concerned with the presidential file and that it is leaving the choice to the Lebanese, but some parties want to forcibly involve it in the issue,” the FPM chief added. “We have a strategic goal to reach an agreement with Mustaqbal because Lebanon cannot stabilize without an agreement with the main representative of the Sunni community,” Bassil went on to say. As for the stances of Speaker Nabih Berri and Marada Movement chief MP Suleiman Franjieh, Bassil admitted that there is a “problem” with them regarding Aoun's nomination, noting that it must be “addressed.”He also described Franjieh as “a patriotic person who has his popular base and the right to nominate himself like any other Lebanese Maronite.” Asked about Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah's latest stances against Saudi Arabia, Bassil stressed that they do not reflect the stances of “the Lebanese foreign ministry, the Lebanese government or even the FPM.”Hariri's recent return to Lebanon has triggered a flurry of reports about a possible presidential settlement and the ex-PM is exploring the possibility of endorsing Aoun for the presidency in a bid to break the deadlock. Lebanon has been without a president since the term of Michel Suleiman ended in May 2014 and Hizbullah, Aoun's Change and Reform bloc and some of their allies have been boycotting the parliament's electoral sessions, stripping them of the needed quorum.Hariri, who is close to Saudi Arabia, launched an initiative in late 2015 to nominate Franjieh for the presidency but his proposal was met with reservations from the country's main Christian parties as well as Hizbullah. The supporters of Aoun's presidential bid argue that he is more eligible than Franjieh to become president due to the size of his parliamentary bloc and his bigger influence in the Christian community.

The Tawhid ‘brigades’ and the dominance of militias
Nayla Tueni/Al Arabiya/October 14/16/In recent few months, a civil society organization called the Protectors of the Homeland has emerged in Lebanon. Its establishment, however, stirred uproar following reports it was an armed organization. Public prosecution has undertaken an investigation to establish whether the so-called Protectors of the Homeland formed an armed wing following directions from Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi. There have also been demands to annul this organization’s license as many politicians and analysts believe it was established to incite strife among the different sections of the Lebanese society. The organization’s members reiterated that the organization was established to support the Lebanese army in the Beqaa town of Arsal. They maintain that the base of the group later grew in number and its base quickly expanded so much so that it later opened offices in several Lebanese areas. On Sunday, Tawhid Party chief and former minister Wiam Wahhab announced that his party will soon form the Tawhid Brigades. “These brigades will expand in all Lebanese areas. Their role is to deter any potential threat against the country. They will stand by the army and security forces to confront any threat against Lebanon,” Wahhab is reported to have said. Let us be reminded of the Lebanese people’s suffering at the hands of the Brigades of the Resistance, which continues to cause problems in several cities, inciting sectarian strife by recruiting and training people to confront others.
Hezbollah has deviated from its aim of confronting the Israeli occupation and is now involved in fighting the Syrian people in defense of the Assad regime
Hezbollah’s structure
We all know that the aim of the Brigades has been to attract people from different sects to join the Islamic Resistance but without including Hezbollah’s structure as to avoid making them aware of the plans and hierarchy. This is in addition to our complaint of Hezbollah’s arms. Hezbollah has deviated from its aim of confronting the Israeli occupation and is now involved in fighting the Syrian people in defense of the Assad regime. It is also involved in the fighting in Yemen, Iraq and Bahrain. Let’s not forget how Hezbollah used its arms at the domestic front during the May 7, 2008 events. Moreover, the party is accused of several violations and has been involved in many legal cases. What we have suffered from due to availability of arms is enough. We take pride in the capabilities of our army and the security forces as they have accomplished a lot on various fronts. In order to maintain law and order, we must ban all brigades and other such groups or else we would go back to the time when militias dominated the scene. We’ve all experienced this and suffered from it and we continue to suffer from its repercussions till this day.
**This article was first published in Annahar on Oct. 10, 2016.

Latest LCCC Bulletin For Miscellaneous Reports And News published on on October 14-15/16

Militant attack kills 12 Egyptian soldiers in Sinai
The Associated Press, El-Arish, EgyptFriday, 14 October 2016/Suspected militants in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula attacked an army checkpoint on Friday, killing 12 soldiers and wounding eight, according to security and medical officials. The officials said the attack took place about 80 kilometers (50 miles) east of the Suez Canal, near the town of Bir el-Abd, where the wounded were taken for treatment before they were ferried to the city of el-Arish to the east. A military statement confirmed the death toll, but said six troops were wounded. The military said 15 of the attackers, who arrived at the checkpoint in all-terrain vehicles, were killed and an undetermined number of others were wounded in an ensuring gunbattle. According to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media, the militants opened fire on the checkpoint with light arms and heavy machine guns. The officials had no information on casualties among the militants.
No claim of responsibility
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack though it bore the hallmarks of the local affiliate of the ISIS ee group, which is based in Sinai. Calling itself the “Emirate of Sinai,” the group is leading the insurgency in the strategic region bordering Israel and the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. Friday’s attack is the latest in what appears to be a surge in the number of operations launched by the militants as well as a wave of ISIS kidnappings and subsequent killings of Sinai’s local residents suspected of collaborating with security forces battling the militants. However, there has been a dramatic fall in recent months in the number of attacks on mainland Egypt that have been claimed by the ISIS. A previously unheard of group, “Hasm,” or “Decisiveness,” seems to have taken the lead in those attacks. It claimed responsibility for the attempted assassination in recent weeks in Cairo of a top prosecutor and a former mufti, or chief theologian. Egypt has battled militants in Sinai for years, but the insurgency has grown deadlier since the 2013 ouster by the military of an elected Islamist president, Mohammed Mursi. Authorities have placed tight restrictions on travel to Sinai, denying access by independent and foreign media to the vast and arid region. The government also routinely claims the death of dozens of militants every month, and occasionally announces that troops are close to defeating the insurgency.

Obama expected to weigh Syria military options
By Arshad Mohammed and Jonathan Landay ReutersFriday, 14 October 2016/United States President Barack Obama and his top foreign policy advisers are expected to meet on Friday to consider their military and other options in Syria as Syrian and Russian aircraft continue to pummel Aleppo and other targets, US officials said. Some top officials argue the US must act more forcefully in Syria or risk losing what influence it still has over moderate rebels and its Arab, Kurdish and Turkish allies in the fight against ISIS, the officials told Reuters. One set of options includes direct US military action such as air strikes on Syrian military bases, munitions depots or radar and anti-aircraft bases, said one official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. This official said one danger of such action is that Russian and Syrian forces are often co-mingled, raising the possibility of a direct confrontation with Russia that Obama has been at pains to avoid. US officials said they consider it unlikely that Obama will order US air strikes on Syrian government targets, and they stressed that he may not make any decisions at the planned meeting of his National Security Council. One alternative, US officials said, is allowing allies to provide US-vetted rebels with more sophisticated weapons, although not shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles, which Washington fears could be used against Western airliners. Friday’s planned meeting is the latest in a long series of internal debates about what, if anything, to do to end more than five years of civil war that has killed at least 300,000 people and displaced half the country’s population.

How an Al-Qaeda office in NY facilitated group
By Huda Al-Salih, Alarabiya.net, Riyadh Friday, 14 October 2016/Al-Qaeda’s late leader Osama Bin Laden and another founding member of the militant group, Abdullah Azzam, established in the 1980s Maktab al-Khadamat or the Office of Services in Pakistan to recruit an Islamic army to fight the Soviets in Afghanistan. The Soviet-Afghan War started in late 1979 and ended in 1989. The insurgent groups known as “the Mujahideen” fought against the Soviet Army and allied Afghan forces. During this period, Al-Qaeda saw its formative period during this time, with many of its members, arrived to Afghanistan from different countries including those from the Arab world. With its main headquarters in Pakistan, the office, known later as Al-Kifah Refugees Center, became key for Al-Qaeda’s fundraising and recruitment. Many of its branches were later opened in US cities, reaching up to 33 branches. Al-Qaeda’s first US office opened in Tucson city in Arizona in 1984. In 1986, Khaled Abu Al-Thahab, one of Al-Qaeda’s members, opened the group’s main branch in the United States in New York’s Brooklyn. In late 1987, Al-Qaeda early members: Mustafa Shalabi, Fawaz Damara, Ali al-Shinawi, officially registered the office as “Al-Kifah Center, Farouq Mosque.”Shalabi, a US citizen of Egyptian heritage, was in charge of the office in addition to two other aides: Mohammed Abu Halima, who was later accused for being involved in bombing the World Trade Center in 1993 in New York, and Al-Sayid Nasir, accused of killing a Jewish rabbi in New York in 1990. One of Al-Qaeda’s letters - received by Alarabiya.net dating back to 2003 – stated that training was undertaken in Al-Kifah Center. Mac Williams, an FBI agent, said the US embassy in the Afghan capital Kabul was involved in the recruitment of Arab fighters to fight the Soviets. Azzam, who was in charge of the recruitment at the time, established an Office of Services in Afghanistan in 1984. In one of his letters, Azzam said that he had opened an account in a bank and appointed Shalabi as the manager of the office. The CIA was involved in the financing the Arab fighters in Afghanistan, according to one of the letters by Algerian Abdullah Anas. Anas, who was a scholar, was the nom de guerre of a man who helped the Afghanistan Mujahideen fight the Soviet invasion in the northern provinces from 1983-1992. Anas was worried about the conflict in Afghanistan and its repercussions on the Arab fighters, so he suggested the establishment of Office of Services in 1984. Azzam used to go to the United States every year to attend conferences and lecture American Muslims about fighting in Afghanistan. It is worth mentioning that Anas – Azzam’s brother-in-law – left the Pakistani city of Peshawar and sought political asylum in Britain. After Maktab al-Khadamat and the Kifah Refugees Center, Bin Laden established “Beit al-Ansar”. It was the main destination for those who wanted to get recruited and trained for fighting in Afghanistan. The US officials were concerned about the growing radicalism between Arab and Afghan fighters. According to former CIA director and defense secretary, Robert Gates, the agency was vigilant regarding the Arab fighters who started to flow to Afghanistan from all over the world. (This is an excerpt of translation of the article first published in the Arabic language website of Al Arabiya News Channel)

Russian FM Has No 'Special Expectations' for Weekend Syria Talks
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/October 14/16/Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday he had no "special expectations" for talks in Switzerland this weekend on the Syrian crisis, as violence continues to rage in Aleppo. Lavrov is set to meet with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and top diplomats from the U.N. and regional powers in Lausanne on Saturday for the first talks on Syria since Washington halted bilateral negotiations with Moscow on a truce earlier this month. "I do not have any kind of special expectations," Russian news agencies quoted Lavrov as saying. Russian airpower is currently backing up Syrian regime forces in a ferocious assault on rebel-held eastern Aleppo that has sparked accusations of potential war crimes from the West. The sides will look at how to revive a short-lived ceasefire that Moscow and Washington hammered out, but Lavrov insisted Russia does not plan to present new initiatives on ways to resolve the conflict, which has claimed more than 300,000 lives since it erupted in 2011. Instead he said Moscow would call for "concrete steps" to implement earlier U.N. resolutions and the now defunct U.S.-Russia ceasefire deal.
U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura will attend Saturday's talks, along with the top diplomats of Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar -- all backers of Syrian opposition forces.
Hopes are low that the talks with lead to a breakthrough in resolving the five-year conflict that has claimed some 300,000 lives.

Intense air strikes batter Syria’s Aleppo
AFP/Friday, 14 October 2016/Syrian and Russian warplanes carried out dozens of air strikes on rebel-held districts of Aleppo on Friday, a monitor said, as world powers prepared for new talks on a ceasefire. “Very intense air raids targeted several neighborhoods from dawn until mid-morning,” said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. He had no immediate word on casualties. Ibrahim Abu al-Leith, a spokesman for the White Helmets rescue force in Aleppo, said that air raids had battered the city and its outskirts overnight but had calmed by 11:00am (0800 GMT). “There are still people stuck under the rubble in (the opposition-held district of) Tariq al-Bab and the rescuers are working to get them out,” Abu al-Leith told AFP. Syria’s military had said earlier this month that it would reduce bombardment of eastern parts of the city to allow civilians to leave, but strikes have intensified again this week and left dozens dead. More than 370 people, including nearly 70 children, have been killed in regime and Russian bombardment of east Aleppo since government forces announced a landmark offensive to take the entire city on September 22. An estimated 250,000 people still live in eastern parts of Aleppo, under opposition control since mid-2012.

Putin ratifies deal for Russia to use Syria base indefinitely
Reuters, RussiaFriday, 14 October 2016/Russian President Vladimir Putin has ratified an agreement with the Syrian government that allows Russia to use the Hmeimim air base in Syria indefinitely, the Kremlin said on Friday. Russia's air force has launched air strikes in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from the Hmeimim base. Russia also this week announced plans to build a permanent naval base in the Syrian port of Tartus. The Kremlin said costs associated with the agreement ratified by Putin will fall within normal defense spending in each year's federal budget.

Aleppo’s Jabhat Fateh al-Sham fighters far fewer: sources
Tom Miles, Reuters, Geneva Friday, 14 October 2016/The number of Islamist rebels in eastern Aleppo who are not protected by any ceasefire deal, and can therefore be legitimately targeted, is far smaller than an estimate given by the United Nations, diplomatic sources have told Reuters. Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (JFS) is one of Syria’s most powerful rebel forces, and under its former name - Nusra Front - it was designated as a terrorist group because of links with al-Qaeda. Russia, Syria and Iran say JFS’s presence in besieged eastern Aleppo justifies their attacks, which began despite a US-Russian ceasefire, but the UN has urged them to stop using the group’s presence as an “easy alibi” to bomb the city. None of them have given estimates of JFS numbers in Aleppo. Last week UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said there were a maximum of 900 JFS members out of a total 8,000 rebel fighters within the besieged opposition-held area. Several sources independently told Reuters that de Mistura’s figure for JFS fighters was far too high, and the real number was no more than 200, perhaps below 100. One Western diplomat said it possibly had no more than a “symbolic” presence. “The Russians indicated they wanted to talk about de Mistura’s plan which is to get the rebel fighters out of Aleppo. We are a bit sceptical. De Mistura spoke about 900 fighters from Fateh al-Sham, we estimate (the number) at much less,” one senior French diplomatic source said. The issue will be discussed on Saturday when foreign ministers from countries including the United States and Russia, which back opposing sides in the war, gather in the Swiss city of Lausanne for talks aimed at halting the spiraling violence. De Mistura has offered to personally escort the fighters out of the city in return for a ceasefire observed by all parties. He has already scaled back his estimate.On Sept. 25, he said that he had information that more than half the fighters in eastern Aleppo were from JFS but gave no total figure. Last week he cited a “much more updated analysis,” and he said the 900 figure was “in my opinion, quite reliable.”His office declined to comment on where he had got the 900 figure from, but quoted remarks he made to a closed-door session of the UN Security Council last week: “If al-Nusra are 900 people, then 900 will have to leave. If they are less, then less will leave. We will be actually involved in that. The point is that every Nusra fighter will leave the city and the rest will stay if they want to.”A Jabhat Fateh al-Sham spokesman did not immediately comment on the number.

Russian Traveler Held Prisoner by Syrian Rebels Freed after 3 Years
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/October 14/16/A Russian traveler and photographer captured by Syrian rebels in the city of Aleppo in 2013 has been freed and returned home three years later, Russia's FSB security service said Friday. Konstantin Zhuravlev "has been returned to Russian soil" after being "abducted in northern Syria by an armed group and forcibly held for three years," the FSB said in a statement. The Islamist group Liwa al-Tawhid seized Zhuravlev on September 30, 2013, in Syria's second city Aleppo, Russian news agencies reported at the time. Liwa al-Tawhid was one of the most powerful factions in Aleppo province early in the uprising. It merged in 2013 with Ahrar al-Sham and Jaish al-Islam to form the Islamic Front, whose role in the conflict is now unclear. Russia has been flying a bombing campaign in Syria in support of the regime of Bashar Assad for the past year. Its airpower is currently backing up a fierce government assault on rebel-held eastern Aleppo that has sparked accusations from the West of potential war crimes. Zhuravlev, who was 32 when captured, had hitchhiked from Siberia and entered Syria via Turkey. He was thought to be traveling through Syria en route to the Sahara desert, where he planned to spend 21 days alone "face-to-face with the desert," according to TASS news agency. Zhuravlev is a photographer and experienced traveler, who toured the world for 777 days between June 2010 and August 2012.He was able to communicate with his mother via Skype in 2014 in footage aired on television, telling her that his captors had threatened to kill him unless the Russian government took action in his case.

Sources: Iraqi army receiving anti-drone weapons following ISIS attack
Staff writer, Al Arabiya News Channel Friday, 14 October 2016/Iraqi sources said that the Iraqi army is receiving anti-drone weapons after deadly attacks by ISIS using “booby-trapped drones” in the northern part of the country, Al Arabiya News Channel reported on Friday. A booby-trapped drone operated by ISIS killed two Kurdish fighters and injured two members of the French special forces in the Kurdish area of Iraq, two political sources said on Wednesday. The incident, in early October in Erbil in northern Iraq, has been reported by French media outlets but neither the army nor the defense ministry has confirmed it. One of the French sources confirmed the use of a “booby-trapped drones in Iraq” while another confirmed that two French soldiers were hurt in the incident. Le Monde newspaper reported that the soldiers were operating with Kurdish peshmerga fighters when the drone exploded. One of the French soldiers has life-threatening injuries. Both have been flown back to France for treatment.
New development
The use by ISIS of drones carrying explosives that are intended to blow up when they hit their target is a relatively new development. France is part of the international coalition fighting ISIS, which is preparing for a major offensive to dislodge the militants group from Mosul, which lies 85 kilometers (53 miles) from Erbil. Around 500 French soldiers are based in Iraq where they advise the peshmerga and train Iraqi elite forces in Baghdad. (With AFP)

Raising Tensions, Turkey Prepares for Post-IS Mosul
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/October 14/16/Raising tensions with Iraq ahead of the planned U.S.-backed operation by Iraqi troops to retake Mosul from Islamic State (IS) jihadists, Turkey is seeking to have its say over who controls and lives in the city once the extremists are ousted. Ruled for nearly half a millennium by the Ottoman Empire, Mosul is considered by mainly Sunni Muslim Turkey to be part of its natural sphere of influence in the Middle East. Ankara is watching uneasily the potential involvement of Shiite and Kurdish militia in the offensive, insisting that Mosul must keep its Sunni Arab Muslim majority as before IS took over the city from woefully unprepared Iraqi troops in 2014. Iraq's Shiite-dominated government has in turn reacted angrily to the presence of hundreds of Turkish troops on its territory, ostensibly with the aim of training Iraqi troops to retake the city. The tensions prompted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to launch an attack on Iraqi Premier Haider al-Abadi that was venomous even by his sharp standards, telling the Iraqi leader to "know your place" and even saying "you are not at my level."
Not to be outdone, Abadi hit back by mocking Erdogan's appearance on FaceTime to rouse supporters on the night of the failed July 15 coup.
'Say in the future'
Erdogan "is concerned about the future ethnic and sectarian composition of Mosul and its environs, and wants to make sure Kurds and Shiites don't get an upper hand," said Aykan Erdemir of the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Turkey has appeared hugely sensitive to any notion it has been left out of the decision-making process ahead of what is likely to be the biggest battle yet in the fight against IS. According to the United Nations, the city still has a population of one million. Aid groups have warned hundreds of thousands could flee at the start of the operation. Erdogan said on Friday that Turkey wanted to take part in the operation but would engage a "plan B or plan C" if it was turned down. He did not expand on the nature of the plans. "Ankara does not want to be left out of the equation in Iraq. Erdogan is trying to make sure that he has a say in the future of the affairs in Mosul as well as Iraq," said Erdemir.Erdemir said that after training Sunni militia to prepare for the liberation of Mosul, Ankara feared Baghdad would back Shiite militia as a key element in the planned offensive. - 'Day after Mosul' -Turkey is wary of seeing a similar picture emerging as in Syria, where the United States chose a Kurdish militia detested by Ankara as its prime ally on the ground in the fight against IS. Ankara sees the Syrian People's Protection Units (YPG) as the Syrian branch of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) which has fought the Turkish state for decades and has its rear bases in northern Iraq.
"Erdogan is preparing for the day after Mosul," said Soner Cagaptay, director of the Turkish Research Program at The Washington Institute. "Ankara realizes that Iraq will be a weak state and they want a zone of influence in northern Iraq to protect Turkey from instability coming from Iraq."
"Ankara wants to prevent the PKK from taking territory, taking advantage of a vacuum after ISIS," he added.
'Same mistakes'
Before the emergence of IS in Iraq, Turkey had major ambitions for Mosul, opening a vast consulate but then finding its entire 49 strong staff was taken hostage by the jihadists in June 2014. The hostages were later freed in September 2015 amid murky circumstances and, symbolically, the consulate building was destroyed in a U.S.-led coalition air strike in April 2016. But Burhanettin Duran of the Foundation for Political Economic and Social Research (SETA) said that the United States risked making the same mistakes of poor post-conflict planning that marked its occupation of Iraq. "The U.S. is on the brink of a new mistake," he said, saying that by siding with the Iraqi government the United States was effectively backing Baghdad's Shiite Iranian allies. "Omitting Turkey from the Iraqi agenda or placing the country into a secondary position due to the pressure from Iran will not create a new and peaceful Iraq."

Turkey could hold referendum on presidential system by spring
Reuters, TurkeyFriday, 14 October 2016/Turkey could hold a referendum on changing the constitution and introducing a presidential system before the spring, its justice minister said on Friday, days after the government revived plans that would hand incumbent Tayyip Erdogan greater powers. The stronger presidency long wanted by Erdogan is a deeply divisive issue in Turkey, with his supporters adamant it will give the nation of 78 million the strong leadership it needs, but opponents afraid of creeping authoritarianism. “If the parliament puts the issue on its agenda and makes a quick decision, the referendum will be brought to the people quickly, even before the spring,” Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag told the Kanal 24 television station. The two biggest opposition parties, the secularist Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), both oppose ending Turkey’s parliamentary system and some opinion polls in the past have shown a majority of Turks do not want the change. But Erdogan has ridden a wave of patriotism since an abortive coup failed to oust him on July 15, consolidating both his power and popularity. A poll two weeks after the attempted putsch showed him with two-thirds approval, his highest ever. Earlier this week, the nationalist MHP opposition appeared to signal it would back a presidential system, meaning the plan could win enough support in parliament to go to a referendum. “From (MHP leader Devlet) Bahceli’s comments, I had an understanding that he would back the presidential system proposal in its parliament process,” Bozdag said. He said the proposal would retain parliament in its current form, and protect Turkey’s unified structure.Worries about renewed uncertainty in the run-up to a referendum helped drive the lira to a record low this week. The currency was trading at 3.0945 to the dollar by 0835 GMT, compared to Thursday’s all-time low of 3.1130.

Erdogan Warns of 'Plan B' over Mosul Offensive
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/October 14/16/President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened on Friday to resort to a "plan B" if Turkey's forces do not take part in the planned major U.S.-backed offensive by the Iraqi army to free Mosul from jihadists. "We are determined to take our place among the coalition forces in Iraq for Iraq's unity. If the coalition forces do not want Turkey, we will engage a plan B. If that doesn't work, we will engage plan C," Erdogan said during a speech in the Anatolian city of Konya. He did not expand on what either plan "B" or plan "C" could entail. Erdogan has traded several barbs with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi over the presence of Turkish armed forces in northern Iraq. Ankara fears that the operation to retake Mosul could be spearheaded by Shiite militia and also include Kurdish militia vehemently opposed by Turkey. It has insisted that its concerns be taken into account. While Turkey says Baghdad asked for support to train fighters to retake Mosul, Iraq's second biggest city, Iraqi lawmakers said earlier this month the Turkish forces were an "occupying force" in Iraq. But Erdogan insisted that Baghdad invited Turkish forces to the Bashiqa camp to train fighters for what is likely to be the toughest and most complex battle in Iraq's fight against the Islamic State group. "You invited us to Bashiqa and now you're telling us to leave. Sorry (but) my compatriots are there. My Turkmen brothers are there, my Arab brothers are there, my Kurdish brothers are there. They say, 'come', they say, 'please help us'" Erdogan said.

Saudi Soldier Dead in Firefight with Yemen Rebels
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/October 14/16/Saudi Arabian troops and Yemeni rebels have exchanged fire along their border, leaving one Saudi soldier dead, the interior ministry said on Friday. The firefight came a week after Yemen's ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh, who is allied with Shiite Huthi rebels, called for "revenge" following air strikes on a funeral ceremony in Yemen's rebel-held capital killed more than 140 people. Rebels blamed the Saudi-led coalition for the October 8 strikes in Sanaa. The Saudi interior ministry said a border post in the kingdom's Jazan region came under fire from the Huthis on Thursday night, killing a member of the Border Guards force. At least 110 Saudi soldiers and civilians have been killed along the border, either in rebel rocket fire or armed clashes, since March last year when the coalition began an air war against the rebels.The coalition intervened to support Yemen's internationally-recognized government after the Huthis overran much of the country. Rebels twice this week fired ballistic missiles towards southwestern Saudi cities that host air force bases. The missiles were shot down, according to the coalition.In Yemen, the United Nations says 6,885 civilians have been killed, about half of them civilians.

4 Dead in Blast at Funeral of Pro-Hadi Yemen Officer
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/October 14/16/At least four people were killed Friday when a bomb exploded during the funeral of a pro-government army officer in Yemen's central Marib province, a security source said. The explosion struck a tent during the memorial ceremony for General Abdelrab Sheddadi, who himself died this week during clashes with Iran-backed rebels, according to the source. Ten people were also wounded in the attack, the source said. It was not immediately clear who carried out the bombing, which came nearly a week after more than 140 people were killed during Saudi-led air strikes on a funeral in the rebel-held capital Sanaa. That was among the deadliest incidents in Yemen's war since the coalition intervened in March 2015 on the side of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi after Shiite Huthi rebels seized Sanaa and swathes of the country. Following the Sanaa funeral strikes, ex-president and key rebel figure Ali Abdullah Saleh in a televised address called on supporters to take revenge on Saudi Arabia and its allies. The United Nations says Yemen's conflict has killed 6,885 people, around half of them civilians.

UAE: Houthis attempting to ‘inflame’ situation in region with ship attacks
Staff writer, Al Arabiya English, Friday, 14 October 2016/The United Arab Emirates condemned on Thursday Houthi attacks on ships in international waters and expressed concern over the repeated attacks, stating that it is an apparent attempt to inflame the situation in the region, state-own WAM news agency reported. "Targeting of the US Navy destroyer USS Mason is a recurring escalation which began with the attack on the UAE civilian ship, 'Swift'," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said in a statement. The ministry described the US Navy’s targeting of the Houthi radar sites as a legitimate response to repeated and unprovoked attacks backed by the militias. The statement stressed that the aggression by Houthis and allies of the deposed President Ali Abdullah Saleh reveals that they are not committed to reaching a political resolution to ending the crisis in Yemen.
Navigation safety
The ministry warned that these attacks threaten international navigation by targeting vessels crossing the Strait of Bab al-Mandeb of the coast of Yemen, and stressed the need to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of international navigation. The ministry ended the statement by highlighting the urgent need to push for a political solution backed by the United Nations to restore Yemen's security and stability. Yemen’s 19-month-long war has intensified since UN-sponsored peace talks in Kuwait ended in August without an agreement. The fighting has plunged the country into a serious humanitarian crisis, which the UN says has at least killed 10,000, compared to a previous estimate of 6,000, and warns that the actual figure would be much higher.In response to the humanitarian crisis, the UAE announced earlier this week that it has signed two co-operation agreements with the World Health Organisation worth $13.7 million, aimed at implementing new healthcare and humanitarian projects in Yemen.

US officials say Iran supplied Houthis with missiles to target US ship
Staff writer, Al Arabiya English Friday, 14 October 2016/US officials are pointing at Iran for supplying Yemeni militias with the missiles used to target an American Navy warship in three failed attacks this week. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain, who was briefed by the Pentagon on the failed missile attacks on the USS Mason destroyer, dubbed Iran on Thursday as the likely provider for the missiles. McCain said the US Navy “has delivered a strong message” after he backed the Pentagon’s move by launching cruise missiles that destroyed the Iran-backed Houthi militia’s mobile radar sites used. The mobile radar was used by the Houthis to launch their missiles, which were believed to be C-802 anti-ship weapons.
Fixing responsibility
Meanwhile, US State Department spokesman John Kirby also said this week that the missiles were “provided by Iran to the Houthi rebels.” Kirby said it was also possible the Houthis captured some missiles from the internationally-recognized Yemeni government army. Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis told reporters on Tuesday that Washington was “looking very hard right now” at who was responsible for the attack. He said it was obvious that Iran was delivering arms and artillery to the Houthis. Iran has sent two warships to the Gulf off the coast of Yemen after the United States struck back at the Houthi radar sites. To explain the maneuver, Iran said the move was to “protect trade vessels from piracy.”

UK to Present U.N. Resolution Demanding Immediate Yemen Ceasefire
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/October 14/16/Britain will present a draft resolution to the UN Security Council demanding an immediate ceasefire in Yemen following the deadly air strike on a funeral ceremony, the British ambassador said Friday. "We have decided to put forward a draft Security Council resolution on Yemen calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a resumption of the political process," British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft told reporters. The draft text was expected to be circulated to the council's 15 members later in the day, with a vote expected in the coming days. The decision to seek a formal resolution came after Russia blocked a statement drafted by Britain that condemned the air strike, apparently carried out by the Saudi-led coalition, that killed more than 140 people. Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said the statement was "wishy-washy" and called for "some very serious thinking" should take place on how to address the deteriorating situation. One of the poorest countries in the Arab world, Yemen slid deeper into chaos when the coalition launched an air campaign in March 2015 to push back the Iran-backed Huthi rebels who seized territory including the capital Sanaa. Russia, which has friendly relations with Iran, has criticized Western backing for the coalition. In response to the attack on the funeral, a U.S. warship in the Red Sea was targeted by a missile fired from territory held by the Huthi rebels. They have denied any involvement. The United States, which has said it will review its participation in the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, has launched cruise missiles at Huthi sites in retaliation. More than 6,700 people -- most of them civilians -- have been killed in Yemen since the coalition intervened, according to the United Nations. Yemen ranks as a level 3 emergency -- the highest on the U.N. scale -- with nearly 70 percent of the population of 21 million facing food shortages.

Grieving Thailand Salutes Late King
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/October 14/16/Massive crowds of weeping Thais and saluting soldiers lined the streets Friday as late King Bhumibol Adulyadej was borne through Bangkok, a day after his death left an apprehensive country facing an uncertain future. Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, passed away at 88 on Thursday after years of ill health, ending seven decades as a stabilizing figure in a nation of deep political divisions. The phenomenal reverence towards him in Thailand was on clear display as mourners sat for hours in Bangkok's urban heat awaiting the passage of his motorcade, in scenes reminiscent of religious devotees. Pensive-looking men and women dressed in black were jammed cheek by jowl along roadsides in the capital on the short route from the hospital where Bhumibol died to his royal palace. Some fainted and were carried away on stretchers, while others shouted "King of the people!" as the convoy of several vans bearing his body and the royal family slowly wheeled through hushed streets.The king ruled 70 years and was the only monarch most Thais knew. "We no longer have him," wept Phongsri Chompoonuch, 77, as she clutched the late monarch's portrait.
"I don't know whether I can accept that. I fear, because I don't know what will come next."
Mourning begins
At the palace, the crown prince was to preside over the bathing of the king's body, a traditional Buddhist funeral rite and the start of official mourning that will include at least 100 days of chanting by monks and months more of palace rituals. Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, 64, is the king's named successor but has made a surprise request to delay formally assuming the throne, according to Thailand's junta leader, who appealed for citizens to "not cause chaos." Bhumibol was seen as a pillar of stability during his politically turbulent reign, and uncertainty for the future rests largely on doubts over whether his son can exert the same calming moral authority. The crown prince spends much of his time overseas and does not command the reverence at home that his father did. There was no indication of a threat to the crown prince's eventual succession, however, and analysts said the pause could merely be out of respect for the deeply revered king. Strict lese majeste laws muffle detailed discussion of the sensitive succession issue.
Element of ambiguity
"We maybe shouldn't read too much into (the delay)," said David Streckfuss, an expert on the Thai monarchy. "But we have already departed from what should have been a normal succession process. An element of ambiguity has been injected into the situation." The current junta overthrew the democratically elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra in 2014, saying it wanted to end a decade of political strife. Yingluck's brother, exiled tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra, had previously been ousted in a 2006 coup. Since then, tensions have simmered between his throngs of supporters and a competing faction seen as aligned to the crown and military. Some analysts believe the 2014 takeover was prompted in part by concerns over an unstable succession in which Thaksin's faction could seek to exert influence. Bhumibol's reign saw decades of rapid economic development but also frequent military coups that set back democracy. Although the king approved most of the army's many successful coups, he also sometimes intervened to quell political violence, and his loss worries many Thais. "Now I am afraid of what may happen, about the administration of the country, the type of regime in the long term," said Arnon Sangwiman, a 54-year-old electricity company employee. Government offices and state-run enterprises were closed out of respect Friday, but commercial activity otherwise carried on. Stocks, pressured all week as the king's health worsened, rebounded Friday, with the benchmark index closing 4.59 percent higher. Authorities continued to interrupt all television programming in the country -- including international networks such as the BBC and CNN -- using their signals to broadcast non-stop hagiographic fare on the king's life. But color was restored, a day after all TV images were transmitted in black and white out of mourning.
Praise for Bhumibol's role as a ruler devoted to his subjects has poured in from across the globe including from U.S. President Barack Obama and U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Obama Warns 'Democracy Itself' at Stake in U.S. Election
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/October 14/16/U.S. President Barack Obama warned Friday that American "democracy itself" is on the ballot in November's presidential election, as White House concern grows about the lasting impact of Republican Donald Trump's scorched-earth campaign. At a fiery campaign event for Hillary Clinton in Cleveland, Ohio, Obama trashed Trump as a dictator-in-the-making, but also voiced concerns about how Trump's legion of supporters might react to a possible election defeat. Trump has in the last week declared himself free from the shackles of normal political etiquette and hurled a series of highly inflammatory accusations against Clinton and her husband. "Civility is on the ballot," on November 8 Obama told a group of largely young voters in the swing state of Ohio. "Tolerance is on the ballot," he continued. "Courtesy is on the ballot. Honesty is on the ballot. Equality is on the ballot. Kindness is on the ballot. All the progress we made in the last eight years is on the ballot," he said. "Democracy itself is on the ballot right now."As Trump has tanked in polls, his campaign in chaos over a damning video tape and allegations of sexual impropriety, thoughts have turned to whether the controversial real estate mogul would even acknowledge defeat should he lose. He has spent the last week claiming the media and a "global elite" is working against him. "Hillary Clinton meets in secret with international banks to plot the destruction of US sovereignty in order to enrich these global financial powers, her special interest friends and her donors," Trump told supporters in Florida. Obama gave that claim short shrift. "C'mon man!" he said. "This is a guy who spent all his time hanging around trying to convince everybody he was a global elite." "All he had time for was celebrities and now suddenly he's acting like he's a populist out there." "This is somebody who... is now suggesting that if the election doesn't go his way, it's not because all the stuff he's said, but it's because it's rigged and it's a fraud," Obama said. "He seems to be in the middle of the game making excuses all the time for why he might be losing," he said. "You don't start complaining about the refs before the game's even done. You just play the game, right?"
- 'Crazy talk' -
With an eye on winning back control of Congress, Obama also used the rally in Cleveland to lash Republicans tight to their sinking White House nominee. Clinton is now the favorite to win the presidency, but the balance of the Senate and the House of Representatives is much less clear. "A lot of Republican elected officials have just stood by," Obama said. "They've allowed a lot of crazy talk to just be pumped out again and again." "A lot of House members, a lot of Senators, they stood by and they didn't say anything because it was a way to rile up their base," Obama charged. "And that's what allowed Donald Trump suddenly to emerge."That Trump-supporting base appears more fired-up than ever. Obama on Friday became the latest in a wave of Democrats targeted by bounty-seeking agitators. A few minutes into Obama's campaign riff selling his record over the last eight years in the White House, the outgoing 44th president noticed a commotion in the crowd. "I notice this has been happening everywhere," Obama said. Right wing website Infowars has put up a $5,000 reward for anyone who is heard and seen on television repeating the explosive, and unproven allegation that Bill Clinton is a rapist. "If you're confident about the other guy, just go to his rallies. I feel confident about my candidate," Obama said.On Thursday Infowars boasted in a headline: "'Bill Clinton Rape' movement explodes."

Obama Enshrines Cuba Normalization as Official U.S. Policy
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/October 14/16/U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday announced a directive formalizing a policy of normalization with Cuba and unveiling a new round of loosened trade and travel rules. In a statement, Obama said the directive lays out an official framework for continuing normalization aimed at making it "irreversible.""This new directive consolidates and builds upon the changes we've already made, promotes transparency by being clear about our policy and intentions, and encourages further engagement between our countries and our people," Obama said. The move makes normalization now federal policy even though Congress has not lifted the fifty-year-old U.S. trade embargo on Cuba, according to senior administration officials who spoke to reporters in a conference call. The two countries announced the start of normalization in 2014. The changes could be reversed when a new administration takes office, they said, speaking on grounds of anonymity, but presidential directives generally remain in effect until further notice. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said in a statement that the changes sought to break down economic barriers, allowing more personal contact among Cubans and Americans and private sector growth. "These steps have the potential to accelerate constructive change and unlock greater economic opportunity for Cubans and Americans," Lew said. The U.S. Treasury and Commerce Departments on Friday announced regulatory changes due to take effect on Monday which would allow joint medical research and funding, civil aviation and safety services, payments for travel by foreign nationals to and from Cuba, and some online sales to Cubans. Foreign vessels will no longer be prohibited from loading or unloading cargo in U.S. ports for 180 days after calling on a Cuban port. And air cargo will now also be allowed to transit Cuba in addition to cargo carried by sea. Foreign travelers will now also be permitted to import Cuban liquor and tobacco in their luggage for personal use. "More commercial activity between the U.S. and Cuba benefits our people and our economies," Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker said in a statement.

Iran arrests 11 over suspected ISIS suicide bombing plot
AFP, Tehran Friday, 14 October 2016 /Iran has arrested 11 people on suspicion of planning suicide bombings on behalf of the ISIS group and seized large quantities of explosives, local media reported on Friday. It was the latest in a series of alleged plots by the extremists uncovered in the country which has been a major supporter of the campaign against them in neighboring Iraq. “Eleven people were arrested and the terrorist group dismantled,” General Ahmad-Ali Goudarzi, who heads the security forces in the southern province of Fars, was quoted as saying. “Dozens of cars and motorbikes, as well as 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of explosives, were seized.”The Mehr news agency quoted the province’s deputy governor as saying those arrested were believed to be members of ISIS.
Attempts foiled
Iran’s intelligence and security service have reported a marked increase in alleged plots in recent months. In June, the intelligence ministry said it had thwarted a plot to carry out dozens of bomb attacks across the capital Tehran. Several other arrests and clashes with militants were reported over the summer. On October 4, General Mohammad Pakpour, land forces commander for the Revolutionary Guards, said 12 “counter-revolutionary terrorists” had been killed trying to enter Iran’s western province of Kermanshah from neighboring Iraq.

Israel suspends UNESCO ties after Jerusalem vote
AFP/Friday, 14 October 2016 /Israel suspended cooperation with UNESCO on Friday after the UN cultural organization adopted two resolutions on annexed east Jerusalem ahead of a final vote next week. In a letter sent to UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova, Education Minister Naftali Bennett accused the body of ignoring “thousands of years of Jewish ties to Jerusalem” and aiding “Islamist terror.”“I have notified the Israel National Commission for UNESCO to suspend all professional activities with the international organization,” he said. The resolutions refer to “Occupied Palestine” and aim to “safeguard the Palestinian cultural heritage and the distinctive character of East Jerusalem”, according to a text seen by AFP.

Indonesian Islamic hardliners protest Christian Governor
AFP, JakartaFriday, 14 October 2016/Thousands of Muslim hardliners protested in Jakarta Friday demanding the Indonesian capital’s Christian governor be executed for allegedly insulting Islam, as he faces an increasingly tight election race. About 10,000 demonstrators wearing white Islamic robes and skullcaps rallied outside city hall in the capital of the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, waving banners that read: “The blasphemer must be prosecuted”. The protest was triggered by accusations Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, known by his nickname Ahok, insulted Islam by criticising opponents who used Koranic references to attack him ahead of the February polls. “Ahok must be executed. According to Islamic teaching, he must be killed,” Emed Muhammad, a hardline opponent of the governor, told the cheering protesters.
“Jakarta is now being governed by an infidel, but Indonesia has the biggest Muslim population.”Hundreds of police and soldiers were deployed around city hall to ensure the rally did not get out of hand. In his controversial remarks last month, Purnama told a crowd they had been “deceived” by his opponents who used a Quranic verse to try to put them off voting for a Christian. “You are being fooled,” he said. Purnama, Jakarta’s second Christian governor and the first from Indonesia’s ethnic Chinese community, has won huge popularity with his no-nonsense style and determination to clean up Jakarta, an overcrowded, disorganised and polluted metropolis.
Tough-talking style
But his tough-talking style, unusual for a politician in Indonesia, has alienated some and he has also faced constant opposition from hardline Islamic groups, who protested for weeks when he became governor two years ago. Purnama still remains the favourite to win the election but the race has heated up in recent weeks with two other candidates, the son of former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and a popular ex-education minister, declaring they will run. He became Jakarta governor in November, 2014, but was not elected to the post. He was deputy governor and automatically became governor after incumbent Joko Widodo was elected Indonesian president.

Latest LCCC Bulletin analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources published on on October 14-15/16
Trump Has Played a Useful Role
Amir Taheri/Asharq Al Awsat/October 14/16
Whether you like Donald Trump or not, one thing about him is undeniable: he has managed to upset the American political apple cart like no one else in recent memory.
It seems as if he has built his campaign for the US presidency on the basis of a vade mecum on “how to lose an American election.” First, he threw his hat into the ring without years of preparation, something no presidential candidate worth his salt would do without. His initial Republican rivals had all been working on their “project” for years; some had even tested the waters in previous presidential bids. Trump, however, joined the race at the last moment, almost as if on a whim. In the initial stages of the race he didn’t even have a proper campaign manager let alone an army of image-makers, rapid-response attack dogs and pathfinders who identify and woo potential allies.
Needless to say, Trump had not even bothered to procure the “seed money” that every American candidate needs, initially depending on a loan he himself gave the campaign.
Something else he didn’t bother about was policies or at least an outline of policies that every candidate needs to sound serious. That meant that he didn’t have any policy advisers either. Not for him any of those Ph. D holding bespectacled gurus from Harvard and Yale who offer a candidate gift-wrapped policy options on every subject under the sun. Policies? Trump would make them on the hoof.
An American candidate also needs something called gravitas, which means being utterly boring up to a point. To ensure gravitas, the candidate needs a haute-couture suit in sober shades of grey or blue with matching handcrafted silk ties. On that score, too, Trump couldn’t cast himself as a typical candidate. Although a billionaire, as he claims, or at least a millionaire as his accounts indicate, when it came to dressing up the best he could do was Brook Brothers.
Worse still, Trump ignored all classical models of a candidate’s behavior by making a point of provoking everyone with his demeanor and limited vocabulary best suited to a sailor rather than a putative “Father of the Nation”.
He also made a point of sticking a needle into several big media balloons who think that, because they are on television, they merit adulation as if they lived on Mount Olympus. The spectacle of Trump cutting TV divas and “personalities” down to size was delicious. And, all of that was before his erstwhile friends started selling old videos, showing him making a fool of himself, to pro-Democrat media.
Not surprisingly, maybe because they failed to gauge Trump, the US media wrote the real estate developer’s political obituary on a number of occasions. Each time, the consensus was that this time around he had really killed his campaign. But each time, like a mouse in Tom and Jerry, he bounced back to pursue his shenanigans with greater vigor.
In what might be the penultimate sequence in this strange saga, Trump has been all but divested of his position as the Republican nominee with the party establishment publicly renouncing him.
In other words, Trump heads for the November 8 poling day as an independent candidate, his own man, and in no way beholden to any party structure. And, that is an unprecedented situation in American presidential elections.
The surprise in all this is that the Democrat nominee, Hillary Clinton, has been unable to simply walk on her flawed Republican rival like a queen on a doormat. Not a single opinion poll has given Clinton anything close to 50 per cent of the votes, indicating that even if she ends up winning, as many pundits expect, she would be little more than the lesser of the two evils.
With less than a month to polling day, the American elector has a stark choice between the Democrat candidate representing the traditional ruling elite and its well-established norms and practices, and Donald Trump, casting himself as leader of an ill-defined but tempting insurgency.
In that context the demand by so many Republican candidates that Trump should “resign” as nominee and allow the party to field another standard-bearer is both naïve and potentially dangerous.
Democracy, as we have often noted, only sets the procedure and does not guarantee the result. An election is useful because it provides an instant “selfie” of the state of an electorate’s opinion. To ask Trump to bow out before the election is an attempt at photo-shopping that “selfie” even before it is taken. In the old days of the Soviet Union, Stalin used the trick to airbrush opponents out of “historic” photos and films.
Almost everyone would agree on at least two points regarding this election. The first is that Trump reflects the hopes and fears of a substantial segment of American society today. Mrs. Clinton has mocked such people as “deplorables.” President Barack Obama, campaigning for Clinton, has branded them the “7/11” crowd after a chain of utility stores frequented by the less well-to-do Americans.
In the hope of driving Trump out of the race, Democrats are also spreading rumors that Trump is in fact a Russian “tope” and that Vladimir Putin has mobilized his revived KGB to destroy the Clinton candidacy with the help of the WikiLeaks and, later, by hacking polling machines in the US to alter the results in favor of Trump.
The second point is that no one quite knows how strong or weak that “deplorable 7/11” constituency is. However, it is important to find out. The only way to find out is to allow Trump, who, rightly or wrongly, has emerged as the champion of the “deplorable 7/11” crowds to remain in the race as a candidate.
If Trump wins we would know that the US today contains a majority of angry people who feel unhappy, if not in a rebellious mood, for a variety of reasons that need to be identified and addressed. If he loses we would know that the US has a minority of dissatisfied citizens whose different, at times contradictory, demands can no longer be ignored by the ruling establishment of which Mrs. Clinton is the champion in this election. Trump is playing a useful role by puncturing the mushy consensus of decades that swept America’s many deep divisions under the carpet.
You hate Trump? OK. Rub his noise in the dust on election day.
**Amir Taheri was the executive editor-in-chief of the daily Kayhan in Iran from 1972 to 1979. He has worked at or written for innumerable publications, published eleven books, and has been a columnist for Asharq Al-Awsat since 1987. Mr. Taheri has won several prizes for his journalism, and in 2012 was named International Journalist of the Year by the British Society of Editors and the Foreign Press Association in the annual British Media Awards.

How Dictatorships Are Born
Roger Cohen/The New York Times/October 14/16
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/15/opinion/how-dictatorships-are-born.html?smprod=nytcore-ipad&smid=nytcore-ipad-share&_r=0
PALO ALTO, Calif. — “Something is happening here but you don’t know what it is, do you, Mister Jones?”
Of course Bob Dylan deserved the Nobel Prize for Literature. We’re all Mister Jones now. It’s the wildest political season in the history of the United States.
Just to make his pedigree clear, Donald Trump is now suggesting that Hillary Clinton “meets in secret with international banks to plot the destruction of U.S. sovereignty, in order to enrich these global financial powers, her special interest friends, and her donors.”
What was it the Nazis called the Jews? Oh, yes, “rootless parasites,” that’s it. For Stalin they were rootless cosmopolitans.
Just saying.
Societies slide into dictatorship more often than they lurch, one barrier falling at a time. “Just a buffoon,” people say, “and vulgar.” And then it’s too late.
I’ve been reminded in recent weeks of the passage in Fred Uhlman’s remarkable novella, “Reunion,” in which a proud German Jewish physician, twice wounded in World War I, and convinced the Nazis are a “temporary illness,” lambasts a Zionist for trying to raise funds for a Jewish homeland:
“Do you really believe the compatriots of Goethe and Schiller, Kant and Beethoven will fall for this rubbish? How dare you insult the memory of twelve thousand Jews who died for our country?”
Germans fell for the rubbish. The Republican Party fell for the garbage.
Today, millions of Americans who plan to vote for Trump are apparently countenancing violence against their neighbors, people who might be different from them, perhaps Muslim or Latino. It’s easy to inject the virus of hatred: just point a gun.
That Trump traffics in violence is irrefutable. His movement wants action — deportations, arrests, assassination and torture have been mooted. The most worrying thing is not that Trump likes Vladimir Putin, the butcher of Aleppo, but that he apes Vladimir Putin.
Speaking of Latinos, here’s what happened the other day to Veronica Zuleta, who was born in El Salvador and became an American citizen more than a decade ago. She was in the upscale Draeger’s Market in Menlo Park when the man next to her said:
“You should go to Safeway. This store is for white people.”
Zuleta was shocked. Never had she encountered a comment like that about her brown skin. But even the Democratic bastion of Silicon Valley is not immune to the Trump effect: Once unsayable things can now be said the world over. “Go back to where you came from” is the phrase du jour.
In the three months after the Brexit vote in Britain, homophobic attacks rose 147 percent compared to the same period a year earlier. It’s open season for bigots.
Financial and emotional pressures have been mounting on Zuleta. She lives in what the visionaries of Google, Facebook and the like consider the center of the universe. Where else, after all, are people thinking seriously about attaining immortality; or life on Mars; or new floating cities atop the oceans; or a universal basic income for everyone once the inevitable happens and artificial intelligence renders much of humanity redundant?
Y Combinator, a big start-up incubator, has announced it will conduct a basic income experiment with 100 families in Oakland, giving them between $1,000 and $2,000 a month for up to a year. Just to see what people do when they have nothing more to do. Oh, Brave New World.
Back in the present, prices for real estate have soared. Zuleta lives in a modest rented place on what used to be the wrong side of the tracks, in East Menlo Park, east of Route 101 that runs down the Valley. As it happens, her home is now a couple of blocks from Facebook’s sprawling headquarters designed by Frank Gehry that opened last year. She asked about a job in the kitchen, to no avail. She struggles to make ends meet.
Facebook, she told me, “is intimidating for people like me. It’s like, get out of here if you don’t know anything about technology.”
For its part, Facebook says it cares about and invests in the local community — $350,000 in grants donated to local nonprofits this year and last, new thermal imaging cameras for the local fire district, and so on. Its revenue in 2015 was $17.9 billion.
Zuleta works from 6:30 in the morning until midnight, cleaning homes, driving children to school and activities, running errands for wealthy families (like shopping for them at Draeger’s), and cleaning offices at night. In between she tries to care for her two young children. The other day, she was in the kitchen, collapsed and found herself in the hospital.
“The doctor said I need to sleep and relax,” she told me. “But I can’t!”
Life is like that these days for many Americans: implacable and disorienting. As a Latina, Zuleta said she would never vote for Trump, but she feels overwhelmed.
Something is happening here but you don’t know what it is, do you, Mister Jones?
You can follow me on Twitter or join me on Facebook.
A version of this op-ed appears in print on October 15, 2016, on page A10 of the New York edition with the headline: How dictatorships are born.

Brave French position in the times of conflict
Abdulrahman al-Rashed/Al Arabiya/October 14/16
A strong diplomatic standoff is on between France on one side and the Assad regime, Iran and Russia on the other. Despite all the threats it has faced, the French government continues to hold ground and expresses its solidarity with the Syrian people who have been abandoned by most international powers. Russia has criticized France’s opposition to the attack, siege and displacement of millions of Syrians, as part of the war on terrorism, and has questioned the reasons behind protests against their plans in Syria. Russians believe that France is not only standing against them but against entire Europe.
The French draft resolution that called for the cessation of bombing in Aleppo, and which was vetoed by the Russians, led to a verbal duel between ambassadors of member countries of the Security Council last week. It was not the only move made by the French government. France has been sponsoring resolutions on Syria since the conflict started and has been supporting reconciliation efforts being made by the coalition. Around the same time, France also became the biggest target of terrorist operations. Activities of ISIS demonstrate as if the group is looking to help Assad and the Iranians, since it is targeting countries that have stood against the crimes of the Syrian regime and its allies.France is playing a key role in the Syrian conflict at a time when most countries have preferred to avoid confrontation. However, despite the recurrence of bloody terrorist attacks on its soil, France hasn’t come under pressure and continues to vote against the brutal war waged against the Syrian people. France has also faced an internal crisis that is no less dangerous. There has been a rise in race crime against foreigners and French citizens of Islamic origins. This is being fueled by the crimes committed by terrorist organizations linked to the Syrian crisis and by the flood of immigrants to Western Europe from Syria and other countries.
Diplomatic campaign
On the political and diplomatic levels, the French government is leading a campaign to hold accountable the countries involved in the siege and destruction of Aleppo and other Syrian cities. France wants to prosecute the countries and forces committing war crimes and wants to push international institutions to act against them. These issued have been dragging on for years and we should appreciate what the French government is making these efforts. Their fair and equitable policy on the Syrian crisis is in addition to their position against the Assad regime in Lebanon. France supported late Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri and the French position became crucial when Hariri was assassinated reportedly by the Assad regime. All French presidents have generally adopted this approach, except Sarkozy, who tried to enhance Assad’s image with the cooperation of some regional powers, but eventually failed. Some may believe that the French approach is not enough to change the situation on the ground as they do not see France as important and powerful as the United States and Russia, the two main superpowers. However, despite all that, France is playing a key role in the Syrian conflict at a time when most countries have preferred to avoid confrontation. If we take into consideration the breach and violation of values and international laws by Assad’s allies, we will find that the French stance is important. We can only hope that such stances will get us to a reasonable political solution. The Iranian-Russian war in Syria has failed so far in ending the revolution of the Syrian people. It has failed to maintain the rule of Assad over Syria and not even in half of the Syrian territories that are now under his rule. They can only rely on a country like France, supporting a political solution to drive them out of this quagmire.
**This article was first published in Asharq al-Awsat on Oct. 14, 2016.

On criminalizing sectarian conflicts
Mohammed Al Shaikh/Al Arabiya/October 14/16
Sanctifying the concept of citizenship is mandatory to ensure that people co-exist within the confines of a country. It is also essential for the purpose of defining relations between different countries. Citizenship relies on the principle of coexistence despite all the differences that may exist in the society. Most countries are made up of people with different political, religious and sectarian backgrounds. It is not possible to end these differences, or to least put an end to its negative ramifications, unless the concept of citizenship is strengthened and sectarianism is rejected. Citizenship is a supreme value which citizens of the same country share despite the differences of faith, sects and origins. Political Islamists reject citizenship. Their late godfather Sayyid Qutb once famously said: “A homeland is nothing but a handful of filthy dust.” They believe that ideological affiliations distinguish citizens from people with different ideologies. Therefore, they work with all their might to achieve ideological dominance and to impose this ideology by force as a principle higher than that of citizenship. According to this dogma, a citizen is only someone who shares their belief. Perhaps, the primary reason behind the so-called Arab Spring and the brutal civil wars was that people’s affiliation to their sect became stronger than the affiliation to their countries. If we take a look at the countries which escaped civil wars and other conflicts, we realize that people’s positions there are based on supporting a certain group because it’s the same sect as theirs and they oppose another group because it belongs to a different sect. They limited brotherhood to sectarian brotherhood. Perhaps, the primary reason behind the so-called Arab Spring and the brutal civil wars was that people’s affiliation to their sect became stronger than the affiliation to their countries.
Personal affairs
Wars and conflicts will continue until individuals agree that religion and sects are personal affairs that have nothing to do with others. What’s more important is that the state must dissociate itself from supporting one category of people and excluding another. It is necessary for this idea to be executed on the ground so all citizens have the same rights and duties without any discrimination or eliminations based on sect. This is the essence of citizenship which we call for and we firmly believe that it’s the only solution to root out violence and terrorism. From an objective point of view, I must say that committing to the values of citizenship eliminates the inherited challenge of sectarianism and hatred and fortifies the country from strife. We need time and continuous and tireless efforts in the fields of education and the media. It is even more important to create rules and regulations that criminalize sectarian conflicts and hold anyone who incites strife accountable.