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Bible Quotation For Today/Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today
Luke 19/01-10: "He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax-collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycomore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.’So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, ‘He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.’Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, ‘Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.’Then Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.’"

Bible Quotation For Today/ Christ Jesus himself is the cornerstone and you are no longer strangers and aliens.
Letter to the Ephesians 02/17-22: "Jesus came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God."

LCCC Latest analysis, editorials from miscellaneous sources published on August 01-02/15
Is the Gulf’s Relationship with Washington a Mistake/Abdulrahman Al-Rashed/Asharq Al Awsat/August 01/15
A nuclear bargain and a bleaker Middle East/Hisham Melhem/Al Arabiya/August 01/15
How Egypt lost its soft power edge/Mohammed Nosseir/Al Arabiya/August 01/15
Anti-violence rallies throughout Israel after acts of nationalist, homophobic terrorism/Noam 'Dabul' Dvir, Roi Yanovsky, Ahiya Raved, Gilad Morag/Ynetnews/August 01/15
Potential Regional Implications of the Iran Deal/Michael Singh/Washington Institute/August 01/15
Dispatch from Iraq: the Stealth Iranian Takeover Becomes Clear/Jonathan Spyer/PJ Media/August 01/15

LCCC Bulletin titles for the Lebanese Related News published on August 01-02/15
Lebanon Awaits International Deals to Export Wastes
Army Destroys Vehicle Transporting Jihadists on Arsal Outskirts
ONE LEBANON, Lebanese Army Solidarity Concert
Geagea: Sad to Celebrate Army Day without President
Syrian Businessman Slams Reports of Hiding Fugitive Daou
Iran Ambassador Says Nuclear Deal Could Reflect Positively on Lebanon
Three-Year-Old Child Goes Missing on Sidon Beach
Aoun challenges Hariri to live debate
Hariri Urges Lebanese to Overcome Disputes, Elect President

LCCC Bulletin Miscellaneous Reports And News published on August 01-02/15
New Taliban Leader Calls for Unity in Ranks in First Audio Message
Palestinian Teen Killed in Clash with Israel Army
Egypt Prolongs Role in Saudi-led Yemen Coalition
Kerry in Egypt on First Leg of Mideast Tour
Qaida-Led Court Executes 10 in Syria's Aleppo
Egypt Court Postpones Verdict on Qaida Chief's Brother
U.N. Says at Least 1,332 Iraqis Killed by Violence in July
Slain Palestinian Toddler's Parents, Brother Fighting for Lives
Kerry lands in Egypt on first leg of Mideast tour
ISIS detains four journalism students in Iraq
Britain, Saudi investigate Bin Laden family crash
Syrian army advances after rebel offensive
Iraqi Kurdistan leadership: PKK should leave
Iran's parliament has no authority over nuclear deal, Iran's top negotiator says

Lebanon Awaits International Deals to Export Wastes
Naharnet/August 01/15/The ministerial committee tasked with finding a solution for the over two-week waste management crisis in Beirut and Mount Lebanon has failed so far to find an alternative for the Naameh landfill that reached its maximum capacity and was closed on July 17, pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat reported on Saturday. The crisis is aggravating and the Lebanese regions refuse to receive wastes from outside their areas. In the absence of solutions, citizens and some municipalities are either burning or throwing the trash in forests threatening an explosion of a major environmental crisis, the daily added. Sources to Prime Minister Tammam Salam told al-Joumhouria daily: “the three options that were put forward were thwarted. Landfilling the waste in Naameh, Bourj Hammud or Sibline were turned down. Similarly they were rejected in stone crushing sites that lie at an altitude above 1,000 meters because that would contaminate the groundwater. “Efforts to create waste incinerators is time consuming because it needs no less than three month to build while the crisis needs a quick solution.”Meanwhile Lebanon awaits international offer that allow it to export the waste abroad in light of a German offer that welcomed the idea. Reports have said that Germany has welcomed the idea of exporting and that a meeting between Economy Minister Alain Hakim and the German ambassador could be promising. After talks with German ambassador on Friday Hakim said that the Ambassador welcomed the idea and that they agreed on preparing a study to put the solution on track. Germany has welcomed the idea expecting each ton of exported trash to cost Beirut. between $70 and $100. Later during the day, Hakim held a meeting with Salam and discussions focused on the possibility of exporting trash to a European country like Germany or Sweden. They also discussed the offers put forward by relevant companies in that regard. The collection restarted early this week after a temporary deal was found to begin taking trash to several landfills in undisclosed locations. But the deal led to protests in several areas, where residents refused to accept the waste of Beirut and Mount Lebanon. Protesters have blocked roads in Jiyeh to stop trucks from transporting garbage to Iqlim al-Kharroub and in Dahr al-Baydar, where the residents of Ain Dara have warned against dumping waste in the area's old stone crushing plants.

Army Destroys Vehicle Transporting Jihadists on Arsal Outskirts
Naharnet/August 01/15/The Lebanese army destroyed on Saturday a vehicle transporting gunmen on the outskirts of the northeastern border town of Arsal, the state-run National News Agency reported. NNA said in the army's operation took place in Khirbet Daoud. The threat of jihadists, deployed on the porous Lebanese-Syrian border, rose a year ago when al-Nusra Front and Islamic State group fighters overran Arsal and engaged in heavy battles with the army. The gunmen took with them hostages from the military and police and later executed four of them. Since then, the jihadists are carrying out several infiltration attempts but troops, which are heavily deployed in the area, are confronting them.

ONE LEBANON, Lebanese Army Solidarity Concert
Naharnet/August 01/15/For the second consecutive year, more than 30 Lebanese celebrities sang and performed for ONE LEBANON-United for Tomorrow concert but this year in solidarity with the Lebanese army marking the 70th anniversary. The concert was held at the Forum de Beirut where Lebanese celebrities from different artistic styles and backgrounds sang and performed raising funds in contribution to the children of the martyred Lebanese soldiers. Following last year's concert which attracted an audience of 7000 and over 20 celebrities, this year's stage added new celebrities including Aline Lahoud, Anthony Touma, Brigitte Yaghi, Bruno Tabbal, Carlos Azar, Charbel Ragy, Elias Rahbani, Elie Rustom, Fadi el Khatib, Ghassan Rahbani, Grace Ayanian, Joseph Attieh, Joseph Hoayek, Maritta Hallani, Melhem Zein, Michel Abou Sleiman, Michel Fadel, Mike Massy, Mn el Ekher, Nada Abou Farhat, Nicolas Mouawad, Nicolas el Osta, Nizar Francis, Omar Dean (Lebanese X-Factor finalist in Australia), Rahaf Abdallah, Saad Ramadan, Silvio Chiha, Tania Kassis, Tony Abou Jaoude, Tony Issa, Zeina Daccache. ONE LEBANON is an annual solidarity concert and a volunteer movement supported by Lebanese who wish to be united through music, comedy, arts, and sports. The event united the Lebanese channels and was broadcast on MTV, LBC, Future, OTV, Al- Jadeed and Tele Liban.

Geagea: Sad to Celebrate Army Day without President
Naharnet/August 01/15/Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea hailed the Lebanese Army saying it is the only “legitimate institution to ward off any imminent danger,” and expressed sadness that the day is marked in the absence of a president. Marking the 70th anniversary of the military institution, Geagea extended his well wishes to the Army Commander Jean Qahwaji. He hailed the army's efforts to preserve Lebanon's stability in light of the current situation in the country “they are the heroes who protect the people and land,” he said in a statement on Saturday. He concluded stressing the necessity to “elect a head of state as soon as possible. It is a pity that the 70th army anniversary is celebrated in the absence of a president to graduate a new batch of soldiers.” He called on the Lebanese to unite behind the military institution in light of the institutional vacuum and the paralysis that Lebanon is witnessing. Lebanon has been living without a president since the term of President Michel Suleiman ended in May 2014. The 70th anniversary of the Lebanese army's founding comes a year after the attack of terrorists on military bases in the northeastern border town of Arsal. Al-Qaida-linked al-Nusra Front and Islamic State group extremists overran the town in August last year and engaged in heavy gunbattles with the military. They also took with them hostages from the army and police and later executed four of them.

Syrian Businessman Slams Reports of Hiding Fugitive Daou
Naharnet/August 01/15/Syrian businessman Wahib Merhi slammed media reports that fugitive Hisham Daou, accused of killing Major Rabih Kahil, is under his protection, MTV said on Saturday. On Friday, MTV reported that Daou has fled Lebanon to the Syrian province of Latakia and is in the custody of Merhi. The army has raided the house of the fugitive Hisham Daou, who is accused of killing Kahil, seizing a large quantity of arms and ammunition. “Eighteen assault rifles, 17 pistols, a quantity of light ammunition and various military equipment were seized in Daou's house in the Bdadoun area in Aley,” the army said. Several TV networks said the officer was shot during a quarrel with two men after he parked his car on the side of the road in Bdadoun to make a phone call. The dispute erupted after the two men arrived in a car and asked Kahil to leave the area, although he identified himself as an army officer. A fistfight ensued before one of the men, Hisham Daou, opened fire at Kahil from a weapon equipped with a silencer.

Iran Ambassador Says Nuclear Deal Could Reflect Positively on Lebanon
Naharnet/August 01/15/Iran's Ambassador to Beirut Mohammed Fathali stressed that his country's nuclear deal will reflect positively on Lebanon and the region, the state-run National News Agency reported on Saturday. “The nuclear deal will affect Lebanon and the region positively. We believe that this agreement will pave way for positive atmospheres,” said Fathali after a meeting with Marada leader Suleiman Franjieh on head of a delegation. “We believe that the nuclear deal will open a new leaf in the region, and it can even make a historic transition if the intentions were clear and genuine to strengthen cooperation and solidarity,” added the ambassador. A deal was signed in July between Iran and six world powers — the U.S., Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany — to curb Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for billions of dollars in sanctions relief. “We have to unite our efforts to confront the Zionist threats and takfiri terrorism. Hopefully we will be able to see several achievements in the region.” The agreement would help improve economic ties between Iran and Lebanon, reports have said mainly after an earlier statement by the ambassador where he praised Lebanon's banking sector stating: “Lebanon enjoys a wide banking sector and Iran also enjoys diverse economic capabilities.”

Three-Year-Old Child Goes Missing on Sidon Beach
Naharnet/August 01/15/A three-year-old child went missing on Sidon's public beach, the state-run National News Agency reported on Saturday. Hadi Ahmed Salameh, was with his family on Friday when they discovered that he suddenly disappeared. They have no knowledge so far if the child had drowned or was lost. Civil Defense rescue teams and the Lebanese army naval boats kicked off search operations.

Aoun challenges Hariri to live debate
The Daily Star/August 01, 2015/BEIRUT: Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun Saturday challenged his rival Future Movement chief Saad Hariri to a live, on-air debate. “I represent the right movement and I am ready to engage in a televised debate with any rival party leader,” Aoun said in an interview with Sawt al-Mada radio station. The FPM leader said that his ties with the Future Movement are "semi-broken.”Aoun recently criticized the Future Movement for "breaking its promise" over the appointments of top security and military officers, saying they agreed on a deal but Hariri later refused to honor it. Aoun has been at odds with Speaker Nabih Berri and the March 14 alliance over the issue of extending the terms of top security chiefs in Lebanon. They favor the extension of existing mandates over a vacuum in the top military and security posts. A series of senior Army officers are scheduled to retire in the coming months. Army Chief of Staff Maj. Walid Salman retires on Sept. 7. On Sept. 20, Brig. Edmond Fadel, director general of the Army Intelligence, is due to retire. Army commander Gen. Jean Kahwagi retires on Sept. 22. Finally, Brig. Shamel Roukoz, head of the Army Commando Unit, is set to retire on Oct. 15. "No one discussed with me the appointment of Roukoz as Army commander in return for giving up my presidential ambitions," Aoun said. "I will not allow anyone to tackle that with me. I refuse to be blackmailed." Roukoz is Aoun's son-in-law. Backed by Hezbollah, the FPM insists that the government must make the security appointments, arguing that Defense Minister Samir Moqbel’s postponement of their retirement is illegal. "The army command is one thing and the presidency is something else," the FPM leader said. Aoun also lashed out at rival parties, accusing them of "swimming against the current and behaving like mobs... They don't even have legitimacy from the people." "I am walking in the right direction and they are violating the Constitution and laws." "We will continue to oppose the extension" of the terms of high-ranking security and military officials, Aoun vowed. "The extension of terms is a political dispute and we are keen to preserve the Army which we built." The FPM leader added: “Those who support the Cabinet are failures and support dictatorship

Hariri Urges Lebanese to Overcome Disputes, Elect President
Naharnet/August 01/15/Al-Mustaqbal movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri on Friday hoped the army's sacrifices will push all Lebanese to “overcome their differences and disputes” and seek an end to the political crisis. “It saddens us that we are marking Army Day this year without a president,” said Hariri in a statement marking the 70th anniversary of the creation of the Lebanese army. “Lebanon is facing a storm of challenges and risks … and the army has shown a remarkable ability to maintain its coherence and rise above the acute political divides and disputes,” the ex-PM added. He also hailed the military for “preserving security and stability and fighting terror” and for the “hefty sacrifices it has offered to achieve this goal.”Hariri hoped the army's sacrifices will inspire all Lebanese to “overcome their differences and disputes, revive the project of building the state, and elect a new president as soon as possible.”“The state is the only guarantee and sanctuary for all Lebanese without any exception,” the former premier added. The country has been without a president since Michel Suleiman's term ended on May 25, 2014. The presidential vacuum has started to have a negative impact on the work of the cabinet, parliament and security and military institutions.

New Taliban Leader Calls for Unity in Ranks in First Audio Message
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/August 01/15/New Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansoor called for unity in the movement in his first audio message released Saturday amid reports of rifts in their ranks following the announcement of the death of former chief Mullah Omar. "We should all work to preserve unity, division in our ranks will only please our enemies, and cause further problems for us," he said in the recording released by the group. In the 33-minute message, the new Taliban chief also says the insurgency will continue and advises his followers not to pay attention to rumours spread about the Taliban campaign. Mansoor replaced Taliban founder Mullah Mohammed Omar, whose death was confirmed by the militants on Thursday, although the timing of his death is unclear. "Our goal and slogan is to implement sharia and an Islamic system, and our jihad will continue until this is done," he said in the message. The audio message from Mansoor also mentioned peace talks with the Afghan government, though it was not clear whether he supported them. Kabul held talks last month with the Taliban in an attempt to work towards a peace process for the war-ravaged nation, though the second round of talks that had been expected in Pakistan on Friday was postponed following the announcement of the death of Mullah Omar.

Palestinian Teen Killed in Clash with Israel Army
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/August 01/15/A Palestinian teen shot during clashes with the Israeli army in the West Bank died of his wounds early Saturday, Palestinian medical and security sources said. The sources said 14-year-old Laith Khaldi of the Jalazon refugee camp was shot in the chest during clashes with Israeli forces near the Atara checkpoint on Friday evening and died hours later in hospital. A spokeswoman for the Israeli army told Agence France Presse that "a Palestinian suspect hurled a Molotov cocktail at an army post in Bir Zeit. In response to the immediate danger, the soldiers fired toward the assailant, identifying a hit". Clashes had erupted in the West Bank on Friday after a Palestinian toddler was burnt to death as the result of an arson attack by suspected Israeli settlers. Also on Friday, a Palestinian man was killed and another wounded by Israeli fire when they approached a security fence separating the Gaza Strip from Israel, medical officials said.

Egypt Prolongs Role in Saudi-led Yemen Coalition
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/August 01/15/Egypt extended Saturday its participation in the Saudi-led Arab coalition carrying out air strikes on Iran-backed Shiite rebels in Yemen for another six months, the presidency said. "The National Defense Council agreed to prolong the participation of (Egyptian) troops engaged in a combat mission" in the Gulf, the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a statement said. At the beginning of May, the authorities renewed the mandate by three months, and Saturday's statement said the current one will "last for six months, or until the end of the combat mission" if that happens first. It said the purpose of the mission was to "defend Egyptian and Arab national security". President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has previously said that Cairo's objective is to secure navigation in the Red Sea and through the strategic strait, which gives access to the Suez Canal, a key source of revenue. Egyptian air forces have been involved in the coalition since the first strikes were launched on March 26 against the Huthi rebels who have seized much of Yemen's territory.

Kerry in Egypt on First Leg of Mideast Tour
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/August 01/15/U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry flew to Egypt on Saturday to relaunch a strategic partnership with Washington's longtime ally, at the start of a regional mini-tour, a correspondent said. He is also due in Qatar on Monday to meet his Arab counterparts in the Gulf to try to ease their concerns over the Iran nuclear deal. Kerry's trip, which ends on August 8, will not include Israel, one of Washington's closest allies and a fierce critic of the July 14 deal between the Islamic republic and world powers. During his stop in Cairo, Kerry will meet his counterpart Sameh Shoukri for a "strategic dialogue" between the allies, which have had a tumultuous relationship since Egypt's 2011 revolution. In late March, the United States lifted its freeze on annual military aid of $1.3 billion to Cairo. But Washington kept up public condemnation of the brutal repression by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's regime of supporters of his ousted Islamist predecessor, Mohamed Morsi. The "dialogue" between the two officials is the first since 2009, and comes in the wake of an announcement this week that Washington began the delivery of eight F-16 fighter jets to Egypt. In addition to military cooperation, Kerry and Shukri are to discuss Washington's human rights "concerns". "We'll certainly be discussing the issue of the political environment, human rights issues while the Secretary is in Cairo. That is an important part of our regular dialogue," a US State Department official said. Kerry will travel on to Doha to meet his counterparts from the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. The main purpose of that meeting will be to allay fears the Arab monarchies of the Gulf have about Shiite Iran, following the nuclear deal signed in Vienna. "This is an opportunity, really, for the secretary to do a deep dive with the GCC foreign ministers to try to respond to any remaining questions that they might have and hopefully to satisfy them and ensure that they're supporting our effort going forward," the State Department official said. Many Gulf states have said they are concerned about Iran's ambitions in the region following the pact with the U.S. and five other world powers -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia. An official in Washington said Kerry and GCC foreign ministers will also discuss the conflicts in Syria and Yemen. On the sidelines of the GCC meetings, Kerry is set to meet Russian Foreign Minster Sergei Lavrov on a number of issues, including the crisis in Syria, the State Department said. After Doha, Kerry will leave for southeast Asia, where he will visit Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Qaida-Led Court Executes 10 in Syria's Aleppo
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/August 01/15/At least 10 people were executed on Saturday in Syria's Aleppo city on the orders of a religious court dominated by al-Qaida affiliate Al-Nusra Front, a monitor said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said two of the executed were accused of adultery, with the rest accused of collaboration with the Syrian government. The executions, in the eastern Aleppo neighbourhood of Shaar, were ordered by a religious court that includes several conservative rebel groups but is dominated by Al-Nusra Front. All 10 men were shot dead, the Observatory said. Islamic courts have been set up in many towns and villages in Syria taken from government forces by Islamist militants or jihadist groups. Al-Nusra has also carried out summary executions of government troops in areas it has captured. More than 230,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict started in March 2011 with anti-government protests.

Egypt Court Postpones Verdict on Qaida Chief's Brother
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/August 01/15/An Egyptian court postponed its verdict expected on Saturday in the trial of Al-Qaida chief Ayman al-Zawahiri's brother and 66 others accused of forming a "terrorist group" to carry out attacks. State news agency MENA said the court in Cairo would announce its verdict on August 10 to allow for "further deliberations". Mohamed al-Zawahiri was arrested in August 2013 at the height of a campaign of repression of Islamists in the wake of the army's overthrow of the country's Islamist president Mohammed Morsi. Zawahiri and his co-defendants are accused of having formed "a terrorist group linked to al-Qaida" and plotting attacks on government installations, security forces and Egypt's Christian minority, all charges which his lawyer has denied.
The al-Qaida leader's brother is specifically charged with having formed the group, arming its members and arranging training in the manufacture and use of explosives. Group members allegedly trained at secret camps in districts of Cairo and in the Nile Delta, north of the capital.

U.N. Says at Least 1,332 Iraqis Killed by Violence in July
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/August 01/15/The United Nations says at least 1,332 Iraqis were killed by violence in July amid the war against the Islamic State group, a slight drop from June. The U.N. mission to Iraq said Saturday that at least 844 civilians were among the dead, while 488 members of Iraqi security forces and pro-government militias fighting the Islamic State group were killed. It put the number of the wounded at 2,108. Baghdad was the worst affected province with 335 people killed. In June, at least 1,466 people were killed and 1,687 were wounded. Violence has escalated in Iraq after the Islamic State offensive began last year. Iraqi forces have been struggling to regain control of the areas lost to the militants.

Slain Palestinian Toddler's Parents, Brother Fighting for Lives
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/August 01/15/The parents and brother of a Palestinian toddler burned to death by suspected Jewish extremists were fighting for their lives on Saturday, as protests over the arson attack entered a second day. The firebombing of the family's home in the occupied West Bank, which killed 18-month-old Ali Saad Dawabsha, sparked an international outcry over Israel's failure to get to grips with violence by hardline Jewish settlers. His father Saad was being treated for third-degree burns at the Soroka hospital in southern Israel, where a spokeswoman described his condition as "critical". Mother Riham and four-year-old brother Ahmed were being treated at Tel Hashomer hospital near Tel Aviv, where a spokeswoman described their condition as life-threatening. The family's small brick and cement home in the village of Duma was gutted by fire, and a Jewish Star of David spray-painted on a wall along with the words "revenge" and "long live the Messiah". That was indicative of so-called "price tag" violence -- a euphemism for nationalist-motivated hate crimes by Jewish extremists. Palestinian protesters took to the streets across the West Bank, including Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, triggering clashes with the Israeli army. North of Ramallah, troops shot Laith Khaldi, 17. He was pronounced dead early on Saturday. The army said he had thrown a fire bomb. On Saturday morning, Palestinians and Jewish settlers clashed near Kusra in the northern West Bank, trading volleys of stones until the Israeli army declared the area a closed military zone. In east Jerusalem, some 10 Palestinians were wounded in overnight clashes with Israeli police, Palestinian sources said. On Saturday, two officers were lightly wounded dispersing a riot, police said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the attack on the Dawabsha family as "terrorism in every respect" and vowed to spare no effort in bringing the perpetrators to justice. But Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said he doubted Israel would provide "true justice" and ordered his foreign minister to file a complaint at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Kerry lands in Egypt on first leg of Mideast tour
Agence France Presse/Daily Star/August 01, 2015/CAIRO: US Secretary of State John Kerry flew to Egypt on Saturday to relaunch a strategic partnership with Washington's longtime ally, at the start of a regional mini-tour, a correspondent said. He is also due in Qatar on Monday to meet his Arab counterparts in the Gulf to try to ease their concerns over the Iran nuclear deal. Kerry's trip, which ends on August 8, will not include Israel, one of Washington's closest allies and a fierce critic of the July 14 deal between the Islamic republic and world powers. During his stop in Cairo, Kerry is to meet with his counterpart Sameh Shoukri for a "strategic dialogue" between the allies, which have had a tumultuous relationship since Egypt's 2011 revolution. In late March, the United States lifted its freeze on annual military aid of $1.3 billion to Cairo. But Washington kept up public condemnation of the brutal repression by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's regime of supporters of his ousted Islamist predecessor, Mohamed Morsi. The "dialogue" between the two officials is the first since 2009, and comes in the wake of an announcement this week that Washington began the delivery of eight F-16 fighter jets to Egypt. In addition to military cooperation, Kerry and Shukri are to discuss Washington's human rights "concerns". "We'll certainly be discussing the issue of the political environment, human rights issues while the Secretary is in Cairo. That is an important part of our regular dialogue," a US State Department official said. Kerry will travel on to Doha to meet his counterparts from the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. The main purpose of that meeting will be to allay fears the Arab monarchies of the Gulf have about Shiite Iran, following the nuclear deal signed in Vienna. Many Gulf states have said they are concerned about Iran's ambitions in the region following the pact with the US and five other world powers -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia. An official in Washington said Kerry and GCC foreign ministers will also discuss the conflicts in Syria and Yemen. On the sidelines of the GCC meetings, Kerry is set to meet Russian Foreign Minster Sergei Lavrov on a number of issues, including the crisis in Syria, the State Department said. After Doha, Kerry will leave for southeast Asia, where he will visit Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam.

ISIS detains four journalism students in Iraq
By AFP | Baghdad/Saturday, 1 August 2015/The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has detained four journalism students in Mosul on charges of leaking information from the jihadist bastion to Iraqi and media organisations, a media watchdog said Saturday.
The four were taken from their homes in different parts of the northern city late Friday, the Journalistic Freedoms Observatory (JFO), an Iraqi organisation, said in a statement. Mosul activists and a former security official confirmed to AFP that four Mosul University students had been detained and taken to an unknown location. A journalist who was arrested for similar reasons in June, Jala al-Abadi, was executed in mid-July. According to JFO, ISIS holds at least eight journalists from the province of Nineveh, of which Mosul is the capital.

Britain, Saudi investigate Bin Laden family crash
By Staff writer | Al Arabiya News/Saturday, 1 August 2015/A Saudi private jet carrying three passengers and a pilot crashed in southern England on Friday, reportedly including members of the family of al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, who died in Pakistan in 2011.
The plane crashed killing all onboard. A spokesman for Britain's Hampshire police service said an investigation into the causes of the incident had been launched. British media reports said the plane was carrying Osama bin Laden's half-sister and stepmother. The Saudi ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdul Aziz, offered his condolences to the Bin Laden family on his Twitter page, but did not confirm the identities of the victims. The embassy said it is collaborating with British authorities to investigate the incident and ensure the speedy handover of bodies to the kingdom. The Embraer Phenom 300 jet crashed into a car auction center near Blackbushe airport in Hampshire on Friday, killing the three passengers and a Jordanian pilot. The plane was flying into Hampshire from Milan, where the Bin Ladens are understood to have business interests in northern Italy. The Phenom 300 jet was registered to a Bin Laden-owned firm called Salem Aviation, named after the former al-Qaeda leader’s eldest brother, who himself died in a plane crash in 1988. The terrorist leader’s father was also killed in a plane crash in 1967 in Saudi Arabia when his helicopter crashed into a mountain in Taif. Osama Bin Laden (AP)

Syrian army advances after rebel offensive
By Reuters | Beirut/Saturday, 1 August 2015/The Syrian army and allied militia have regained control over several northwestern villages from insurgents on a plain crucial for defending costal areas that Damascus holds, a group monitoring the war said on Saturday.
The military is battling insurgents including al-Qaeda's Syria wing Nusra Front and the Islamist group Ahrar al-Sham for control of Sahl al-Ghab, a plain that runs alongside the western coastal mountains as well as lying close to Hama city. The insurgents launched an attack this week in the area but the government has fought back using aerial bombardments, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The Syrian air force pounded the area more than 270 times in four days, the Observatory said, and by Saturday government forces had retaken several villages and areas located inside the plain. These included Khirbat al-Naqus and Mansoura as well as surrounding areas, it said. The army had also won back Ziyadia village and Zezoun power station, one of the country's major thermal power plants, which Nusra Front said it had captured earlier in the week.A total of 39 combatants had been killed in the recent violence, the Observatory said. State news agency SANA reported late on Friday that the army had taken control of Ziyadia and Zezoun as well as other locations and had "eliminated many terrorists". Insurgents have made advances against the military in several parts of Syria in recent months, including capturing most of Idlib province to the northeast of Sahl al-Ghab plain. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad alluded to military setbacks last Sunday when he said the army had been forced to give up some areas in order to hold onto more important ones during the four-year conflict. Syria's western flank, which runs in part along the Mediterranean coast and Lebanese border, is home to major cities including Damascus and is seen as crucial for Assad's hold on power.

Iraqi Kurdistan leadership: PKK should leave
AFP, Arbil/Saturday, 1 August 2015/“The PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party) must keep the battlefield away from the Kurdistan region in order for civilians not to become victims of this war,” the office of the region's president Massud Barzani said in a statement. He also condemned Turkey’s bombardment of Zargala village which he said had left a number of civilians dead a day earlier, and called for all sides to return to the peace process. “We condemn this bombardment that led to the martyrdom of people from the Kurdistan region and call on Turkey not to bombard civilians again,” he said. Turkey has repeatedly attacked PKK camps in northern Iraq in the past week in what it says is a response to a series of targeted killings of police officers and soldiers that it has blamed on the Kurdish militant group. However, the strikes were the first since a peace process with the Kurds was launched in 2012.
Six homes destroyed
Sedar Sitar, an Iraq-based PKK activist, told The Associated Press that Turkish strikes destroyed at least six homes in the town of Zargel early Saturday, killing at least eight civilians and wounding 12.
On Friday, the Kurdish regional government accused the PKK of attacking an oil pipeline in northern Iraq. The Kurdish government had been selling oil directly to Turkey in a move that sparked tensions between the regional government in Irbil and the federal government in Baghdad. Those sales were stopped as part of a deal with Baghdad earlier this year, though the Kurdish government has threatened to resume sales to the international market in recent weeks. Tensions between Barzani’s Kurdish Democratic Party and the PKK of Abdullah Ocalan in Turkey date back decades. The two groups were opponents in a 1990s civil war, which ended in an accord that allowed PKK fighters to remain in Iraqi Kurdish territory. The U.S. State Department regards the PKK as a terrorist organization because of its history of violence in Turkey. (With agencies)

Iran's parliament has no authority over nuclear deal, Iran's top negotiator says
REUTERS/J.Post/08/01/2015/Iran's parliament does not have authority over the nuclear agreement signed with world powers last month, the Islamic Republic's top nuclear negotiator was quoted as saying on Saturday. The comments from Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran's atomic energy agency, are the latest volley in a lengthy battle between Iranian officials supportive of the deal, and hardliners who are skeptical of it. The conservative-dominated parliament in June passed a bill imposing strict conditions on any nuclear deal, such as barring international inspectors from Iran's military sites. Under the terms of the final deal, however, Iran must provide access to suspect sites including at its military facilities within 24 days, or risk sanctions being reimposed. "It is absolutely not the case that the government must bring before parliament any agreement it wants to sign with a foreign country," Salehi was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA. "The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is not a treaty or a convention, and I don't know under what definition it would go to parliament." The Iran nuclear deal, reached with six world powers on July 14, imposes strict limits on its nuclear program in exchange for relief from international sanctions, breaking decades of mounting hostility with the West. Hardliners in parliament and the security establishment began sniping at the deal within days but have been unable to persuade Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country's highest authority, to withdraw his cautious support for it. The deal is also under threat from US lawmakers, who have until Sept. 17 to accept or reject the agreement. Some members of Congress have objected to the deal as not tough enough, and rejection would prevent President Barack Obama from waiving most US-imposed sanctions on Iran. The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog, Yukiya Amano, will meet US Senators this week to discuss his agency's monitoring role of Iran's nuclear program.

Is the Gulf’s Relationship with Washington a Mistake?
Abdulrahman Al-Rashed/Asharq Al Awsat/Saturday, 1 Aug, 2015
The US administration’s deal with Iran on its nuclear program, which ends sanctions and paves the way for rapprochement with Tehran, was viewed by some as a rather low move by Washington against its longtime allies in the Gulf, who were loyal for over five decades. As a result, some in the region believe the deal requires the Gulf states reconsider their relationship with the US. The relationship between Saudi Arabia and other Arab Gulf countries with the US is not an ordinary one and is a prime example of what diplomacy can achieve in our region. Those who aren’t aware of what it has achieved do not value it and do not have a deep understanding of politics. Relations are usually established within the context of mutual interests and are based on respecting charters and agreements, including non-written ones; they must not be viewed on the basis of mythical conspiracy theories nor endowed with more interpretation than can be tolerated or supported in terms of prior commitments. The relationship with Washington is thus not based on nationalist, religious, or emotional ties. Its pillars are oil, commerce, and political consensus over several issues—though not all; there are some major issues on which the Gulf states and Washington differ, and those differences will continue to exist. Sure, Gulf–US ties are not as strong as those between Washington and, say, Britain, but they still much more solid than the relationship the US has with some other Arab and Islamic countries.
The Americans have found in the Gulf states a set of stable regional allies—allies who honor their agreements, unlike other countries in the Middle such as Libya and Iran, which are much more unstable, and hostile. Washington has found consensus with the Gulf states on most issues and there is a long list of examples on which we can find agreement between them. Even when the Saudis have disagreed with the US over strategic issues, such as ending the authority of American companies over Saudi oil company Aramco, the dispute was resolved in a cordial manner that suited both parties. Compare this with Iranian, Libyan, and Iraqi oil-related disputes, which have remained controversial, and sometimes unresolved, for decades.
If we put the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Washington—which was formulated in 1945 by Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Al Saud and President Franklin D. Roosevelt—within its correct context, we will fully appreciate its benefits by making note of all the crises we have faced in the region since then. Note, however, that the relationship between the Gulf and Washington actually dates back to World War I. However, at that time, the Americans refrained from getting involved in political and military endeavors outside their continent and left the arena open for European powers. Gulf countries, in cooperation with the US, overcame dangerous ordeals since the 1950s, confronting the Nasserist tide and the Ba’athists in Iraq in the 1960s, the communists in South Yemen in the 1970s, the Khomeinists in Iran during the 1980s, and the Iraqi invasion in the 1990s—and they have also addressed Iranian threats since 2000. Without major alliances, it is difficult for countries to overcome such threats, which were also linked to major international alliances during the Cold War. It is no coincidence that regional countries still standing on their feet actually have similar policies and alliances—this includes the Gulf states, Jordan, and Morocco. Aside from Algeria, all other regimes in the region have collapsed or totally morphed.
The economic situation is similar to the political one. It is no coincidence that Gulf countries produce 15 million barrels of oil per day (bpd) while Iran has been incapable of producing no more than 3 million bpd despite its best efforts and the help it has received from Russia and China during the last 30 years. Iran failed because the US refused to grant it the technology and expertise to develop its production, and it failed even though the Iranian topography is similar to that of its Gulf neighbors. Iran is home to the second-largest oil reserves in the Middle East, right after Saudi Arabia. Iraq comes third, some even say first, but due to its struggles with the West and its alliances in the region, it has failed to develop a viable domestic oil industry.
This is the result of political relations and not specific business deals.
Of course, there have always been disagreements between the Gulf and Washington, over several issues, most notably Palestine. This issue remains highly problematic but it has not been allowed to sabotage the entire relationship because the Gulf states are aware that Arabs who allied themselves with the Soviet Union did not succeed in achieving any victories, nor did they gain any rights, or retrieve land, for the Palestinians. There have, of course, been other disputes between the Gulf and the US, but most of them have been temporary blips. For example in 2001 Saudi Arabia refused to grant Washington the right to use its territory to attack Afghanistan (while Iran accepted). At the same time, however, over the past decade Saudi Arabia has provided the Americans with ample information and intelligence to aid in Washington’s war against Al-Qaeda. At the current stage of the relationship, there is a heated dispute between the Gulf countries and the US—on the nuclear agreement with Iran. This represents lowest point in the history of the Gulf–US relationship. However, it will most likely not lead to a rupture between them, nor even a reevaluation of the relationship from either side—at least that is what I think. Those who recently wrote articles gloating about what happened or condemning the relationship altogether do not see beyond this crisis. Of course it will require serious diplomatic efforts in order to be resolved. But this is not the first time the US government has taken decisions in the region which have stood squarely against Riyadh’s own positions. After all, this should be par for the course considering that each country has its own unique interests.

A nuclear bargain and a bleaker Middle East
Hisham Melhem/Al Arabiya/Saturday, 1 August 2015
Most people in the Levant, Mesopotamia and the Arabian Peninsula will not read the full text of the Iran nuclear deal, technically known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). And even if it is implemented without major violations it will not alter in any meaningful ways the fact that already millions of them, in the words of Henry David Thoreau ‘lead lives of quiet desperation’. Long before the deal was signed and sealed, some of these brittle societies were being brutalized by their governments and the modern equivalent of marauding barbarians, waving flags claiming divine mandates and calling themselves inter alia ‘Islamic State’ (ISIS), Jabhat al-Nusra, Hezbollah and The Badr Organization. Iran and its proxies are at the heart of these bloody upheavals. And long before the nuclear deal, and long before the ill winds of the Arab uprisings, the Levant Arabs have long chafed under their status of living in the shadows of their more assertive neighbors; the Israelis, the Turks and the Iranians. In recent years however, Iran’s shadow loomed largest.
A bleaker landscape
The nuclear deal coming six and a half years after President Obama extended his hand to the Ayatollah’s clenched fist and loosening it a bit, is seen by many Arabs as signifying the beginning of an American strategic shift towards Iran as the regional influential, at a time when they are locked in what they and the Iranians see as an epochal geo-political struggle with its attendant ugly sectarian overtones. To say that Arab-Iranian relations are complex is to state the obvious. Suffice to say that contradictory political and economic interests, with devastating proxy wars in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, cultural and historical rivalries masked in sectarian demonization and claims of leadership of the Muslim Ummah, all combine to make some of these tensions immune to solutions in the foreseeable future. The nuclear deal with Iran did not create the nightmarish agonies of Syrians, Iraqis and Yemenis, and even if one agrees with its supporters that it will severely limits Iran’s nuclear ambitions, still the political and symbolic meaning of the deal, as thrusting this theocratic Iran on the road of normalizing relations with the rest of the world, is very likely to make an already bleak region even bleaker.
A resurgent Iran?
In a region where perception usually trumps reality, the nuclear deal comes at a time when many people in the region believe that America’s influence in the Middle East and beyond is declining, and that Iran despite its economic woes and overextended security burdens, is a rising power. The nuclear deal, as touted by Iranian officials and their allies in Syrian, and Iraq and their hired media outlets is seen as a validation of Iran’s narrative of its indispensable regional role, even for the United States as has been demonstrated in bold relief in the tacit alliance between Iran and the U.S. against ISIS in Iraq. Not only did the United States refuse to condition the nuclear talks on Iran stopping its malign activities in the region, The Obama administration refused to alienate its interlocutors by seriously attempting to undermine these activities particularly in Syria, in part because it was concerned that Iran might retaliate against American personnel in Iraq, and because it did not want the negotiations to be derailed. The great power was intimidated by the regional power.
President Obama himself reinforced this Iranian narrative, by his talk of Iran becoming ‘a very successful regional power’ without conditioning his recognition of this status on a shift in Iran’s behavior. Obama spoke implicitly and approvingly of ‘a practical streak to the Iranian regime’, how Iranian leaders are ’responsive, to some degree, to their publics’. The President is betting also on ‘ those forces within Iran that want to break out of the rigid framework that they have been in for a long time to move in a different direction’. By contrast, President Obama spoke about the ‘alienated youth’ in Arab societies in the Gulf, and ‘an ideology that is destructive and nihilistic, and in some cases, just a belief that there are no legitimate political outlets for grievances’. Some of these observations are undeniably correct, but their real impact was to heighten the perception that the United States is paving the way for a new relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Add to that, the impact of the ‘pivot’ to Asia (an inevitable shift that was exaggerated by Arabs) and the fracking revolution that made the United States a colossal energy producer, and one can understand the sense of Arab concern, again exaggerated, that the U.S. is gradually lowering its profile in the Middle East/Gulf region, and pushing it further under Iran’s shadow.
On the road to Tehran
Regardless of whether sanctions relief will give Iran about $60 billion of its frozen assets as the Obama administration stresses, or more than $100 billion as its critics claim, Iran’s depleted coffers will be boosted by new funds. The Obama administration and many outside experts say the new monies will be spent on domestic needs, but the fact remains that some of these funds will be given to the security structures including the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to fund its operations and influence in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and beyond. Many countries and international corporations will see in these funds and new revenues from oil sales when sanctions on this sector are removed, as a big treasure to be tapped into. Already, we are seeing the beginning of a long caravan of eager diplomats, from Europe, Russia, and China and even from some Arab countries moving on the road to Tehran to do business. (Appropriately, the origin of caravan is the Persian kārwān). During the negotiations, the French staked a hard line position. But after the deal was signed, French foreign minister Laurent Fabius was the second senior European official to visit Tehran (after the German minister of the economy Sigmar Gabriel), to talk business and invite President Hassan Rouhani to visit Paris in November. When the nuclear sanctions are lifted, re-imposing them- the so-called snapback option- if Iran engaged in some cheating, will be very difficult and unrealistic, unless Iran decides to totally scuttle the deal, which is very unlikely.
Circling the wagons
Given that anti-Americanism is a central tenet in the ideology of the Iranian regime, a deal with the U.S. widely seen as a victory for the moderates, requires compensating the hardliners and the Revolutionary Guards with funds and more leeway to re-assert their anti-American credentials. Iran will continue to exert its political and military influence in Iraq, not only to confront ISIS, but also to secure that Iraq will remain in the future in its orbit to prevent forever the emergence of another Saddam Hussein to challenge its regional writ, and to make sure that Iraq’s oil production will not be at its expense.
Iran will continue to deploy Arab Shiite militias and affiliated groups in its proxy wars in the region. Tehran’s ability to fight Arabs with Arabs gives it tremendous power and flexibility, and allows it to deploy its elite forces only sparingly. It is true that the Syrian regime is fraying and it represents a huge financial burden on Iran which, according to some estimates spends $6 billion a year to prop up the Assad regime, but there is no solid evidence that Tehran is likely to drop Assad any time soon, although one could see this happening if it becomes clear that saving Iran’s influence and huge interests in Syria requires ditching Assad for an acceptable alternative to Tehran that is less ideal than Assad, who gave Iran all the levers of power in Syria. Iran could live with a disintegrating Syria in the sparsely inhabited center and the East, and will help Assad, directly and through the Lebanese Hezbollah maintain tenuous control over Damascus and a strip of land adjacent to the Lebanese border all the way to coastal Syria, where most Alawites, Assad’s co-religionists live. Defending a rump Syrian state will surely be hard but having more funds will help Iran maintain its supply lines to its most important regional and original proxy, the Lebanese franchise of Hezbollah.
Like Syria, Yemen is suffering from a ‘perfect storm’; political and social fragmentations; regional and international states and groups are engaged in multiple fights, a secessionist movement in the South, the powerful Houthis of the north striking an alliance with Iran, the most active and dangerous Al-Qaeda branch and a diminishing water table. One cannot see Saudi Arabia co-existing with a regime in Sana’a that is not friendly to Riyadh. For all of these reasons Iran and the Arab states of the Gulf will do their version of circling the wagons for a protracted ugly shoot out.
The escalating human toll
Finally, the Iran nuclear deal as a new source of tension between Iran and its Arab neighbors, will inevitably contribute to tightening the repression in Arab societies in the name of galvanizing and uniting the people to fight Iran and its Arab proxies From Yemen on the Indian Ocean to Lebanon and Syria on the Mediterranean. Many Arab societies have been hollowed out and militarized long before the Iran nuclear deal and the Arab uprisings. But the historic collapse of the very foundations of the political order that prevailed for a century in the Levant and Mesopotamia in the last five years is irrevocably transforming and fragmenting the region’s social, cultural and political fabric, leaving behind tattered identities. The dangers of the unprecedented Sunni-Shiite bloodletting, and the rise of the fanaticism of the non-state actors, will be magnified in the wake of the nuclear deal. The immediate future of the region will be millions of children deprived of structured schooling, to be added to the 21 million children already out of schools. In a region that has less than 5% of the world’s population, the number of peoples who were forced to become refugees is almost half of the refugee population of the world. Syria’s refugees, close to five millions, constitute the worst humanitarian crisis in the new century. In Yemen, people are dying of hunger; with one third of the population suffer from malnutrition. If one engages in the grizzly ritual of counting the daily harvest of blood in the majority Arab states in the region, one would be horrified, at the ability of the reaper to cut lives. Is anyone keeping up with the number of people who have disappeared in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Libya or even in Egypt? The misery index for the Arabs has given us new categories of Arab victims such as, migrant Arabs, and children warriors. The nuclear deal with Iran, may have capped temporarily the nuclear storm inside Iran’s reactors, but the political fallouts of the deal will likely leave a long trail of human wreckage in its wake.

How Egypt lost its soft power edge
Mohammed Nosseir/Al Arabiya/Saturday, 1 August 2015
Egypt has always been widely renowned for its soft power, which used to shape and influence millions of Arabs - those living in the Middle East region as well as Arab emigrants abroad. Unfortunately, we have been steadily losing our clear superiority in this area over the last few decades due to hindrances created by the flailing Egyptian state. The socioeconomic and cultural edge that we used to enjoy has been diminishing - not because of advances made by other Arab countries, but as a direct result of the manipulations of Egyptian rulers.
Egypt used to be a culturally driven country where scholars, artists, authors and intellectuals in general played an essential role in shaping society and determining Egyptians’ behavior, attitudes and values. Regrettably, our rulers’ manipulations and interference have - intentionally - led to a shrinking of the role played by the ‘cultivated segments’ of our society. Egypt has never been a wealthy country, but it used to be a relatively modern one, deeply influenced by the knowledge of the well-educated segment of its society. Wealth was a privilege, but it was not a deal-breaker.
The situation described above established the foundation for Egypt’s soft power and gave us a tremendous advantage, not only across the Arab World but also in many western countries that recognized our relative weight in the region and the constructive and instrumental role we fulfilled in engaging with the rest of the world. This, in essence, was Egypt’s hidden leverage. Consecutive rulers were able to capitalize on this soft power platform to enhance Egypt’s status and reinforce its international role.
Soft power is a blessed cultural trait that cannot be created by any ruler
Capitalizing on its soft power, Egypt used to lead Arab citizens from a distance by setting examples. Sometimes, Arab citizens even supported the Egyptian perspective on issues that could conflict with the policies of their own governments. The vast majority of Arabs was aware of our nitty-gritty political and socioeconomic developments - some were more knowledgeable about these issues than Egyptians themselves. Citizens of other Arab countries were eager to do business in Egypt; not only driven by profit, but also wishing to expand their presence in the region’s leading and largest country.
The richness of Egyptian intellectuals’ works (widely available in the schools and bookstores of all Arab countries) and the presence of a great number of Egyptian professionals working in almost all of the Arab countries, supported by our huge entertainment media productions, are all factors that succeeded in making millions of Arabs highly passionate about Egypt.
Unfortunately however, authoritarians and intellectuals were not able to coexist harmoniously for long! At a certain point, the rigidity of authoritarian leaders must, naturally, clash with the broad-mindedness of intellectuals. Hence, consecutive Egyptian governments have worked on manipulating intellectuals and artists with the aim of ensuring their blind support and unquestioning loyalty to the country’s rulers.
A cultural trait
A number of deliberate actions were taken to minimize the role of Egyptian intellectuals in our society. Less qualified, mediocre citizens (who can hardly be labeled as intellectuals) have consistently been appointed to replace genuine, renowned intellectuals in various governmental positions. Obviously, these positions come with advantageous financial rewards, and they are also accompanied by efforts to heavily promote the works of their occupants. This has ended in the creation of a class of unqualified opportunistic citizens who praise the ruler, along with the marginalization, and exclusion from all influential positions, of genuine intellectuals who differ with the ruler. As a result, the media only heeds ideas that praise the ruler; artistic performances that express admiration for the ruler receive continuous media exposure. This corrupt policy has concluded in shrinking the role of our soft power, distancing and alienating many Egyptians and Arabs who are only eager to attend, or view, genuine, authentic cultural activities and performances.
Soft power is a blessed cultural trait that cannot be created by any ruler. However, rulers can easily expand or shrink the role played by intellectuals in society. Sadly, efforts expended by the State to dry out our intellectual resources have resulted in the loss of Egypt’s soft power edge. Previously, our soft power advantage was capable of resolving most of the conflicts between Arab governments and even many of society’s internal disputes. Neglecting this advantage and offering, instead, our hard power resources in exchange for financial reward has put us on an even keel with other Arab countries. I am convinced that the wealth of Egyptian talent and intellectual productivity that we used to have in the mid- 19th and 20th century (the work of Egyptian writers, musicians, singers, artists and many others) continues to exist on a large (but hidden) scale. Unblocking our cultural channels to permit the emergence of genuinely talented intellectuals and artists will allow us to regain our soft power edge.

Anti-violence rallies throughout Israel after acts of nationalist, homophobic terrorism
Noam 'Dabul' Dvir, Roi Yanovsky, Ahiya Raved, Gilad Morag/Ynetnews
Latest Update: 08.01.15/Israel News
Following two blood-soaked days, in which a Palestinian infant was killed and his parents and sibling were critically wounded in a fire and six people were hurt in a stabbing at Jerusalem's gay pride parade, thousands are expected to protest in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa; President Rivlin, party chairpersons, and religious leaders to condemn violence. Several anti-violence demonstrations were being held throughout Israel on Saturday night, with Israelis crying out for justice in the wake of two shocking incidents of violence over the past few days. LGBTQ rights groups and youth activists were holding demonstrations in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa following the terror attack at the gay pride parade in the capital on Thursday, in which six people were wounded. Demonstrations were also being held in response to the Jewish terror attack late Thursday night that killed a Palestinian infant and critically wounded the other three members of his immediate family.
The Peace Now organization held a demonstration against the deadly arson attack at Tel Aviv's Rabin Square, in which opposition chief Isaac Herzog (Zionist Union), MK Amir Peretz (Zionist Union), and Meretz Chairwoman Zehava Galon participated.
"I have come here today, like you, with a heavy and pained heart," Herzog said at the rally. The Zionist Union chairman said he prayed for the wounded to recover. "Terrorists are terrorists, period. Whether Jewish terrorists or Muslim. The Jewish people are ashamed of the deeds committed by members of our people and we ask for forgiveness in Israel and in the world… At this difficult moment, I extend my hand to the Palestinian people and its leaders."
"What we have seen in recent days, both the stabbing of the marchers at the pride parade and the arson terror attack in Duma, can be called by its name – it's Jewish terrorism, it's Jewish ISIS," said Galon. Nasser Dawabsheh, the brother of the infant's father, gave an emotional speech. "They burned a family that slept peacefully, that doesn’t' believe in violence," he said.
"Netanyahu extends his condolences, but we want security for Duma and for all the Palestinian villages. I want to ask Netanyahu one
question: My mother asks – when is Sa'ad comng back? I say to Netanyahu – when is Sa'ad coming back? When is Riham coming back? When is Ahmad coming back? Why was Ali murdered? Eighteen months old, what did he do? What did he do to the IDF? What did he do to settlers? We ask that this be the end of our people's suffering. Before Ali there was also Mohammed Abu Khdeir, and now Ali, and we don't know who is next in line."
"Every morning I discover new horrors committed by vile people, and all in the name of God, in the name of their people, in the name of their country," said Peretz. "I saw that their people are not my people, their country is not my country, and their God is not my God." Peretz hinted that leaders on the right bear a certain responsibility for the violence: "That's how extremists interpret the call to bulldoze the Supreme Court; that's how nationalists interpret statements by ministers who undermine the rule of law."
After the speeches ended at Rabin Square, the demonstrators started marching towards the LGBT solidarity rally in Meir Park.
Thousands attended the rally in Meir Park in Tel Aviv in solidarity with the LGBT community, which also marks six years since the killing spree at the Barnoar community center. Among those participating were Isaac Herzog and fellow Zionist Union MK Tzipi Livni, Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai, and former president Shimon Peres. "I cannot believe we have reached such an abyss," said Peres. "I took before this stage six years ago, mere days after the murders at Barnoar. I am finding it difficult to believe that we are standing on that same stage, once again before the same phenomenon. We have gathered this evening for a war of independence – Israel's independence from insanity and insane people. This is not a disagreement between right and left. This is a profound clash between those with a conscience and those who lack a conscience.""It is appropriate on this evening to remove the masks," continued the former president. "Anyone who calls the pride parade a 'beast parade' should not be surprised when a knife is raised at a 16-year-old old girl. Anyone who incites against Israel's Arab citizens should not be surprised that churches and mosques are set on fire, and that ultimately a baby is burned alive in the middle of the night. We can compromise politically in a democratic country, but we must not compromise morally."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech in a prerecorded video, saying that the teen who was critically wounded at the pride parade is a student at the high school attended by himself and his children. "This was an attack on all of our children," said Netanyahu, "and two days ago, possessed by an insane and murderous zeal, a criminal came to murder her and others. And no less horrible – there are those who hope she dies. We reject this hatred out of hand. We will also do what is required to learn the lessons, but the most important lesson is acceptance of the other, even when he is not like you… What happened in Jerusalem goes against the spirit of our people."
Zionist Union Chairman Isaac Herzog also spoke to the crowd. "The gay community's struggle is among the most just, worthy, and right of all, because it is a struggle over fights for the human beings living in Israel," said Herzog. "Don't let murderers and lowly terrorists defeat you. We are with you, marching with you in this long journey to recognition, equality, and full rights."Some 200 people gathered in Be'er Sheva as well for a protest rally.
Calls on Netanyahu to resign in Haifa
In Haifa, some 500 people were participating in a protest "against the crimes of the occupation" at Ben Gurion Boulvard.
Among the signs at the Haifa rally were: "Legislate against hate crimes," "State-funded terrorism," "Homophobia and racism is the same kind of violence." Some protesters arrived with Palestinian flags and signs calling: "End the occupation."
Protesters called out: "Bibi, resign, because our blood matters," "Gays and lesbians want to live in Haifa and the Krayot," "The homophobia begins in the government's halls."Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav, who attended the rally, said: "I came to show my solidarity. Like everyone, I too was shocked by the attack. I believe in Haifa, there is tolerance for everyone and this kind of attack can't happen, but we need to uproot the hate all over the country."
Jerusalem: 'Hate kills, love wins'
Thousands of people attended the LGBTQ solidarity rally Jerusalem's Zion Square under heightened security following the stabbing attack at the Jerusalem Pride Parade on Thursday.
"The flames are spreading in our land, flames of violence, flames of hatred, flames of false, distorted and twisted beliefs. Flames which permit the shedding of blood, in the name of the Torah, in the name of the law, in the name of morality, in the name of a love for the land of Israel," President Reuven Rivlin said at the rally.
"Citizens of Israel, a Jewish and democratic Israel, democratic and Jewish Israel, needs a wake-up call today. We will not be zealots. We will not be bullies. We will not become a state of anarchy," he added. "On the eve of the 15th of the month of Av, the Jewish festival of love, six Israeli citizens were cruelly stabbed, in the heart of Jerusalem," the president said. "To my great horror and shame, the letting of blood, the path of hatred and murder, did not stop there. Over the course of the same night, Jewish terrorists burned down the house of the Dawabsheh family in the village of Duma, killing their baby son Ali."
"On Friday, I visited the family in Tel Hashomer hospital, I visited, silently, ashamed, ridden with dread for the power of hatred. Ashamed that in a country which has known the murder of Shalhevet Pass, of the Fogel family, of Adele Biton, of Eyal, Gil-ad, Naftali and Muhammad Abu Khdeir, there are still those who do not hesitate to ignite the flames, to burn the flesh of a baby, to increase the hatred and terror," Rivlin went on to say.
"These flames, which are consuming all of us, cannot be extinguished with weak condemnations. These flames cannot be extinguished with solidarity rallies. Not even with this rally," he said. "These flames cannot be extinguished with posts on Facebook and statements in the media. These flames cannot be extinguished with repression, denial and disregard. Incitement, ridicule, frivolity, laxity and arrogance of the heart, cannot extinguish the fire, but only allow it to burn stronger, with fervor, to spread in all directions, and permeate all walks of life.
"In order to put out the flames, we need be a much more determined and decisive. We must be thorough and clear; from the educational system, to those who enforce the law, through to the leadership of the people and the country. We must put out the flames, the incitement, before they destroy us all."
Among the protesters in attended were political activists from across the spectrum, including from Meretz, Zionist Union, Yesh Atid and the Likud.
Protesters waved signs saying "Homophobia and racism is the same kind of violence," "Hate kills," and "Love wins," and called out "stop condemning, start changing" and "The answer to Lehava - pride."
Jerusalem will also be the site of a rally by the Open House organization. Some of the wounded in Thursday's attack were members of the organization. The New Spirit organization will hold a rally in support of the LGBT community nearby.
First Published: 08.01.15, 19:23

Potential Regional Implications of the Iran Deal
Michael Singh/Washington Institute/July 31/15
House Armed Services Committee
The agreement does not clearly achieve its main objective of preventing a nuclear-armed Iran, nor does it complement America's broader strategies regarding the Middle East and global nonproliferation.
The following is an excerpt from Singh's prepared remarks; to read his full testimony, download the PDF.
One of the chief defenses offered for the nuclear agreement is that, whatever its shortcomings, it is preferable to the alternatives. It is one thing to say, however, that a negotiated agreement of some sort was preferable to alternatives such as military conflict or acquiescence, and another entirely to claim that this is the best accord that could have been negotiated. I have little doubt that different tactics could have produced a stronger agreement. Indeed, it is the very denigration of our alternatives and failure to credibly project consequences -- whether sanctions or military force -- for Iran of failing to accept strict limitations on its nuclear activities that in my view most contributed to the weakness of this accord. The notion that Iran would have marched inexorably toward a nuclear weapon were it not for this deal ignores the considerable deterrent effect that further sanctions and the credible threat of military force would likely have had on Iranian decisionmaking.
Such assertions on both sides, however, are now largely a matter for historical debate. The more immediately relevant question is whether to implement the accord. If the deal cannot muster sufficient domestic support, it should like any rejected agreement be renegotiated. There is no particular reason it cannot be, though the other parties are likely to resist. Ordinarily they would nevertheless require U.S. participation for the termination of international sanctions, but the recent passage of a UN Security Council resolution endorsing the accord and setting a schedule for lifting sanctions gives rise to the possibility -- the text of the deal is not clear on this point -- that the deal's implementation could proceed even without the United States fulfilling our obligations.
It is also possible that Iran would refuse to implement its obligations were the deal rejected by the United States, and that it would find sympathy from partners such as Russia and China. Because, however, our allies would remain committed to preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, Iranian noncompliance would not be met with resignation but would likely lead to a resumption of previous efforts to resolve the crisis through diplomacy and pressure. None of these scenarios is by any means an easy one; our policy to date will not be without consequences. If the nuclear accord is implemented, U.S. policymakers will need to contend with the new reality it creates. The next president will need to contemplate how to strengthen the U.S. position in the Middle East and our regional alliances, to restore the credibility of U.S. military deterrence, to counter Iranian regional actions, and to respond quickly to violations of Iran's nuclear obligations as well as activities such as provocative missile tests not covered by the agreement. Frankly these are objectives we should have been pursuing now for years -- not merely considering as a consequence of a nuclear accord -- but have neglected. Most difficult of all, the next president is almost certain to find the nuclear constraints imposed on Iran by this accord to be unsatisfactory -- if for no other reason than they will begin to expire by the end of his or her tenure in office if he or she is reelected for a second term -- and will need to rebuild international support for strengthening those constraints with fewer tools at his or her disposal and in a less favorable international context than in the past.
As I noted at the outset, sensible foreign policy must clearly advance American interests at a cost that is outweighed by the policy's projected benefits. It is not clear that the nuclear agreement with Iran meets these criteria. It does not clearly achieve the objective it sets out to -- the prevention of a nuclear-armed Iran -- nor does it complement our broader strategy in the Middle East or our global nonproliferation strategy. Instead, it entails significant costs that are justified primarily by conjuring the specter of an even more costly war no analyst believed was imminent.

Dispatch from Iraq: the Stealth Iranian Takeover Becomes Clear
by Jonathan Spyer/PJ Media/July 31, 2015
Originally published under the title, "On the Ground in Iraq, the Stealth Iranian Takeover Becomes Clear."
In late June, I traveled to Iraq with the purpose of investigating the role being played by the Iranian-supported Shia militias in that country. Close observation of the militias, their activities, and their links to Tehran is invaluable in understanding what is likely to happen in the Middle East following the conclusion of the nuclear agreement between the P5 + 1 powers and Tehran. An Iranian stealth takeover of Iraq is currently under way. Tehran's actions in Iraq lay bare the nature of Iranian regional strategy. They show that Iran has no peers at present in the promotion of a very 21st century way of war, which combines the recruitment and manipulation of sectarian loyalties; the establishment and patient sponsoring of political and paramilitary front groups; and the engagement of these groups in irregular and clandestine warfare, all in tune with an Iran-led agenda.
Power in Baghdad today is effectively held by a gathering of Shia militias. With the conclusion of the nuclear deal, and thanks to the cash about to flow into Iranian coffers, the stage is now set for an exponential increase in the scale and effect of these activities across the region. So what is going on in Iraq, and what may be learned from it? Shia militias are essentially the sole force standing between ISIS and Baghdad. Power in Baghdad today is effectively held by a gathering of Shia militias known as the Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization). This initiative brings together tens of armed groups, including some very small and newly formed ones. However, its main components ought to be familiar to Americans who remember the Iraqi Shia insurgency against the U.S. in the middle of the last decade. They are: the Badr Organization, the Asaib Ahl al-Haq, the Kataeb Hizballah, and the Sarayat al-Salam (which is the new name for the Mahdi Army of Muqtada al-Sadr). All of these are militias of long-standing. All of them are openly pro-Iranian in nature. All of them have their own well-documented links to the Iranian government and to the Revolutionary Guards Corps. Shia militiamen are becoming a fixture of daily life in the Iraqi capital. The Hashed al-Shaabi was founded on June 15, 2014, following a fatwa by venerated Iraqi Shia cleric Ali al-Sistani a day earlier. Sistani called for a limited jihad at a time when the forces of ISIS were juggernauting toward Baghdad. The militias came together, under the auspices of Quds Force kingpin Qassem Suleimani and his Iraqi right-hand man Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.
Because of the parlous performance of the Iraqi Army, the Shia militias have become in effect the sole force standing between ISIS and the Iraqi capital.
Therein lies the source of their strength. Political power grows, as another master strategist of irregular warfare taught, from the barrel of a gun. In the case of Iraq, no instrument exists in the hands of the elected government to oppose the will of the militias. The militias, meanwhile, in their political iteration, are also part of the government. In the course of my visit, I travelled deep into Anbar Province with fighters of the Kataeb Hizballah, reaching just eight miles from Ramadi City. I also went to Baiji, the key front to the capital's north, accompanying fighters from the Badr Corps.
Asaib Ahl al-Haq fighters operating in Baiji in June
In all areas, I observed close cooperation between the militias, the army, and the federal police. The latter are essentially under the control of the militias. Mohammed Ghabban, of Badr, is the interior minister. The Interior Ministry controls the police. Badr's leader, Hadi al-Ameri, serves as the transport minister. In theory, the Hashd al-Shaabi committee answers to Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al Abadi. In practice, no one views the committee as playing anything other than a liaison role. The real decision-making structure for the militias' alliance goes through Abu Mahdi al Muhandis and Hadi al-Ameri, to Qassem Suleimani, and directly on to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. No one in Iraq imagines that any of these men are taking orders from Abadi, who has no armed force of his own, whose political party (Dawa) remains dominated by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and his associates, and whose government is dependent on the military protection of the Shia militias and their political support. When I interviewed al-Muhandis in Baiji, he was quite open regarding the source of the militias' strength: "We rely on capacity and capabilities provided by the Islamic Republic of Iran."
Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis (right) with Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Suleimani
The genius of the Iranian method is that it is not possible to locate a precise point where the Iranian influence ends and the "government" begins. Everything is entwined. This pro-Iranian military and political activity depends at ground level on the successful employment and manipulation of religious fervor. This is what makes the Hashed fighters able to stand against the rival jihadis of ISIS. Says Major General Juma'a Enad, operational commander in Salah al-Din Province: "The Hashed strong point is the spiritual side, the jihad fatwa. Like ISIS." So this is Tehran's formula. The possession of a powerful state body (the IRGC's Quds Force) whose sole raison d'etre is the creation and sponsorship of local political-military organizations to serve the Iranian interest. The existence of a population in a given country available for indoctrination and mobilization. The creation of proxy bodies and the subsequent shepherding of them to both political and military influence, with each element complementing the other. And finally, the reaping of the benefit of all this in terms of power and influence. This formula has at the present time brought Iran domination of Lebanon and large parts of Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. Current events in Iraq form a perfect study of the application of this method, and the results it can bring. Is Iran likely to change this winning formula as a result of the sudden provision of increased monies resulting from the nuclear deal? This is certainly the hope of the authors of the agreement. It is hard to see on what it is based. The deal itself proves that Iran can continue to push down this road while paying only a minor price, so why change? Expect further manifestations of the Tehran formula in the Middle East in the period ahead.
**Jonathan Spyer, a fellow at the Middle East Forum, is director of the Rubin Center for Research in International Affairs and author of The Transforming Fire: The Rise of the Israel-Islamist Conflict (Continuum, 2011).

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