LCCC ENGLISH DAILY NEWS
BULLETIN
April 27/2012
Bible Quotation for today/Do
Not Make Others Fall
Romans 14/13-23: "So then, let us stop judging one another. Instead, you should
decide never to do anything that would make others stumble or fall into sin. My
union with the Lord Jesus makes me certain that no food is of itself ritually
unclean; but if you believe that some food is unclean, then it becomes unclean
for you. If you hurt others because of something you eat, then you are no longer
acting from love. Do not let the food that you eat ruin the person for whom
Christ died! Do not let what you regard as good get a bad name. For God's
Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace,
and joy which the Holy Spirit gives. And when you serve Christ in this way, you
please God and are approved by others. So then, we must always aim at those
things that bring peace and that help strengthen one another. Do not, because of
food, destroy what God has done. All foods may be eaten, but it is wrong to eat
anything that will cause someone else to fall into sin. The right thing to do is
to keep from eating meat, drinking wine, or doing anything else that will make
other believers fall. Keep what you believe about this matter, then, between
yourself and God. Happy are those who do not feel guilty when they do something
they judge is right! But if they have doubts about what they eat, God condemns
them when they eat it, because their action is not based on faith. And anything
that is not based on faith is sin.
Latest analysis, editorials, studies,
reports, letters & Releases from miscellaneous sources
The Iranian President’s mistakes/By Emad El Din Adeeb/Asharq Alawsat/April
27/12
Saudi
Arabia: Rights activists defend alleged drug smuggler!/By Tariq Alhomayed/Asharq
Al-Awsat/April 27/12
Sunni” Turkey
and the containment policy failure/By Adel Al Toraifi/Asharq Alawsat/April
27/12
Latest News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for April
27/12
March 14 MP Marwan Hamadeh: Syria left Hezbollah as ‘alternative army’ before
withdrawal
Kataeb bloc MP Nadim Gemayel: Although the land was liberated, ‘some psyches’
are still occupied
Geagea discusses latest developments with Russian envoy, Hobeish
Lebanese Forces bloc MP Elie Keyrouz wants cabinet to address issue of Lebanese
prisoners in Syria
Sleiman hopes military intervention will not occur in Syria
Al-Manar: Jumblatt opposes proportionality because it ‘targets’ him
IDF chief: Other countries are prepared for possible Iran strike
Gantz: IDF and other armies ready to strike Iran’s nuclear capabilities
Iran braces for parliamentary vote, as Ahmadinejad grapples with economy
29 indicted in Estonians’ kidnapping case
Syria blames 'terrorist' bomb factory for Hama blast
Syria opposition: Assad's forces kill 102, despite ongoing UN mission
IDF chief to Haaretz: I do not believe Iran will decide to develop nuclear
weapons
Lebanon ministry websites down as hacker group strikes again
Woman lured Saudi kidnap victims to Iraqi gang: Charbel
March 14 coalition slams rivals for threatening a
new civil war
Hariri says hopes Assad will be brought to justice
Miqati from Belgium: Maintaining Stability Mustn’t Prevent us from Implementing
Reform
Report: Extremists Plotting to Target Foreign Interests in Lebanon
Lebanon’s Public Transport Strike Paralyzes Several Areas
Canada Welcomes Judgment of Special Court for Sierra Leone in Case of Charles
Taylor
Saudi religious police banned from pursuing individuals
Syrian Grand Mufti says Arab Spring western plot
France raises prospect of military action in Syria
RYV Hacks Lebanese Govt. Sites Again, Enables Facebook Users to Post Messages
Berri Warns against Strife in Region, Welcomes Pope’s Visit to Lebanon
Kuwait TV Fined $1.8 Million for 'Insulting' Ruling Family
Egyptian famous comedian Adel Imam vows to appeal conviction
Former Egyptian PM re-enters Egypt’s presidential race
Egypt Announces Final List of Presidential Candidates
New Syrian group claims legitimacy, rivals SNC
Majority to Seek Probe into 'Financial Scandals' of Past Governments
Man, Two Infants Cross from Lebanon to Israel
Report: Extremists Plotting to Target Foreign Interests in Lebanon
Explosives Found Near Ashrafiyeh Building
Hariri: 2013 Elections Will Change Current Govt. Situation
Kataeb bloc MP Nadim Gemayel: Although the land was
liberated, ‘some psyches’ are still occupied
April 26, 2012 /Kataeb bloc MP Nadim Gemayel said Thursday on the occasion of
the seventh anniversary of the withdrawal of Syrian forces from Lebanon that
although the “land was liberated some psyches are still occupied.” Syria
withdrew its troops from Lebanon at the end of April 2005 following the
assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who was killed by a massive
car bomb in Beirut.
During an interview with Voice of Lebanon radio station (100.5) Gemayel said the
current government was unable to make decisions on particular issues “before
consulting [Syrian authorities in] Damascus.”
“[The government] has turned into a Syrian product with all its [ministers] who
defend [the Syrian regime],” Gemayel told the radio station. The MP added that
the Change and Reform bloc ministers were at the forefront of “corruption.” Both
the Change and Reform bloc and the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) are led by
Christian leader MP Michel Aoun. The Kataeb party and the FPM are two Christian
rival parties on the Lebanese political scene. “We were hoping that the Free
Patriotic Movement would [stay committed to Lebanon’s independence], but it has
given up on freedom, sovereignty and independence for the sake of 10 or 11
ministers. Syria has secured for them the 11 ministers [and in return, it
requested] submissiveness.” Gemayel told VOL that from his own point of view
there was no difference between a Syrian or Hezbollah “tutelage” over Lebanon.
“There is no difference between [the two] since the objective is the same and
that is to change Lebanon’s identity.” “We have struggled to liberate Lebanon
and we will [maintain our mission].” Lebanon’s political scene is split between
supporters of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, led by Hezbollah, and
the pro-Western March 14 camp.-NOW Lebanon
March 14 MP Marwan Hamadeh: Syria left Hezbollah as
‘alternative army’ before withdrawal
March 14 MP Marwan Hamadeh told MTV television station on Thursday evening that
the “Syrian army withdrew only militarily from Lebanon in 2005 because it had
prepared an alternative army to replace it and that is Hezbollah… while
preserving its entire intelligence system.” Hamadeh was speaking on the occasion
of the seventh anniversary of the withdrawal of Syrian forces from Lebanon.
Syria withdrew its troops from Lebanon at the end of April 2005 following the
assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who was killed by a massive
car bomb in Beirut. Hezbollah is one of the Syrian regime’s strongest allies in
Lebanon. -NOW Lebanon
Geagea discusses latest developments with Russian envoy,
Hobeish
April 26, 2012 /Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea on Thursday received Russian
Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Zasypkin to discuss the Lebanese situation in
light of regional developments.
Following the meeting, the Russian envoy read a statement, saying: [During the
meeting we exchanged our views] regarding the many political issues, primarily
those related to the Lebanese situation… [and] the importance of preserving
civil peace in [Lebanon],” according to a statement issued by Geagea’s press
office. Zasypkin said that maintaining civil peace in Lebanon was one of
Russia’s “constant objectives on the Lebanese level, particularly in light of
the internal struggle [in Syria]." “We want to [see normalization taking place
there] in line with [international peace] envoy Kofi Anna’s plan, including the
organization of a national dialogue without priori conditions [which would pave
the way toward] establishing [a] democratic system based on political pluralism
- [a step which would help] cement stability and security in Lebanon,” the
ambassador added. Since mid-March 2011, Syria has witnessed a deadly revolt
against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian Observatory puts the
death toll at more than 11,100, while the UN says more than 9,000 have been
killed. Lebanon’s political scene is split between supporters of Assad’s regime,
led by Hezbollah, and the pro-Western March 14 camp.
Geagea later held a meeting at his Maarab residence with Future bloc MP Hadi
Hobeish. Following the meeting, Hobeish told reporters: “We discussed the latest
developments, particularly the latest plenary parliament session, [in addition
to] the electoral law. Hobeish said that embracing a system of proportional
representation in Lebanon “in light of the presence of [illegitimate] arms does
not offer a [precise] representation. [The] March 14 [alliance] is mulling over
all proposals in order to agree on one [electoral] law.” The Future bloc is
affiliated with the March 14 coalition.
Asked about a proposal that would consider Lebanon as one electoral district,
adopt the system of proportionality and form a senate before abolishing
sectarianism, Hobeish said: “Turning Lebanon into a one [electoral] district
goes against the Taif Accord,” which helped bring Lebanon’s civil war
(1975-1990) to an end. As for the senate issue, the MP told reporters that this
subject “requires a mechanism [for considering] the abolishment of political
sectarianism.” Regarding the March 14 coalition’s steps to overthrow the current
government, Hobeish said: “All options are on the table, including [holding] a
civil sit-in.” He also said that the group might boycott the upcoming 2013
parliamentary elections. Lebanese parties are debating the electoral law for the
upcoming 2013 parliamentary elections. After the parliament agreed on drafting a
law based on proportional representation, some parties rejected the proposed law
and called for adopting the 2009 electoral law, which is based on simple
majority representation. -NOW Lebanon
Lebanese Forces bloc MP Elie Keyrouz wants cabinet to address
issue of Lebanese prisoners in Syria
April 26, 2012 /Lebanese Forces bloc MP Elie Keyrouz issued a statement on the
occasion of the seventh anniversary of the Syrian army’s withdrawal from Lebanon
and called on the cabinet to address the issue of Lebanese prisoners in Syria.
“On this day, we [remember] the Lebanese people detained in Syrian prisons. The
Lebanese people have [suffered] from Syrian tutelage, which was full of crimes,
suppression and marginalized Christians,” Keyrouz said. Syria withdrew its
troops from Lebanon at the end of April 2005 following the February
assassination of former premier Rafik Hariri.-NOW Lebanon
Man, Two Infants Cross from Lebanon to Israel
Naharnet/A man and his two children crossed from Lebanon into Israel on
Wednesday and were immediately detained by Israeli troops, witnesses and
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported.
The incident took place at the Fatima Gate in southern Lebanon, facing the
Israeli town of Metulla, the agency said. Witnesses interviewed by an Agence
France Presse correspondent identified the man as a Palestinian in his 30s.They
said he threw two small infants over the fence separating both countries before
scaling the barrier himself. The three were immediately picked up by Israeli
troops, witnesses said.
One of the children got caught up in the barbed wire and was injured, one
witness said. Members of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)
and army troops immediately rushed to the site.
A UNIFIL spokesman had no immediate comment.SourceAgence France Presse
Report: Extremists Plotting to Target Foreign Interests
in Lebanon
Naharnet/Western security sources warned that the situation in Lebanon is “very
delicate” as they fear that it would turn into a conflict arena between
international and regional powers, al-Joumhouria newspaper reported on Thursday.
“Suspected extremist groups could be plotting attacks in Lebanon on foreign
interests that are playing a critical role in the Syrian crisis,” the report
said.
According to sources, an explosive expert known as “Dr. Meryam”, who has
reportedly arrived in Lebanon between March and April, held several meetings
with terrorists and visited Syria.
Lebanon has disassociated itself from the crisis in the neighboring country,
sparking controversy among the pro- and anti-regime supporters in the country.
Various Lebanese officials continuously voiced concern over the effect of the
Syrian crisis on the security and political situation in Lebanon. The report
said that the attempted assassination of Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea
that occurred on April 4, and the explosion that targeted a restaurant in the
southern coastal town of Tyre on April 23, are the beginning of “a greater and
wider security” breaches. The security sources warned that Lebanon would witness
security chaos amid the tension in Syria, as the Syrian regime would be forced
to ignite the situation locally once it reaches a dead end in its crisis. The
sources noted that the “sleeping cells” of Israel's intelligence service Mossad
are on standby in Lebanon and aim at confronting the extremist networks, which
will allegedly complicate the situation. The western sources urged Lebanese
authorities to boost their security measures to confront a “silent international
intelligence war” in the country.
Majority to Seek Probe into 'Financial Scandals' of Past Governments
Naharne/The parliamentary majority intends to demand a probe into the “financial
scandals” allegedly committed by previous governments, in a bid to hit back at
the opposition’s call for a parliamentary commission of inquiry into the issue
of power-generating vessels, al-Manar television reported on Wednesday. Al-Manar
said a meeting was held between Speaker Nabih Berri and MPs Mohammed Raad,
Ibrahim Kanaan and Ayyoub Hmayyed, during which they discussed the opposition’s
call for a commission of inquiry. MP Qassem Hashem told al-Manar that a group of
lawmakers were discussing possible scenarios for raising the demand during the
upcoming hours. Lebanese Forces bloc MP George Adwan had two days ago submitted
a request to the parliament speaker demanding the formation of a parliamentary
commission of inquiry into alleged law violations and illegal deals committed by
the government, as well as another commission of inquiry into public expenditure
during the last 22 years.
Back then Adwan quoted Berri as saying he was adhered to proper parliamentary
conduct and that he had promised to “refer the request to the parliament’s
Bureau Committee ahead of submitting it to parliament’s general assembly in
order to take the appropriate decision.” Last week’s parliamentary debate on the
government’s policies witnessed several verbal clashes between the two camps
over the controversial issues of leasing power-generating vessels and the
financial performance of the previous governments that were led by the current
opposition.
Miqati from Belgium: Maintaining Stability Mustn’t Prevent us from Implementing
Reform
Naharnet /Prime Minister Najib Miqati stated on Friday that Lebanon has long
stood as an example of tolerance and democracy in the region, adding that the
country is serious in implementing political, economic, and social reform. He
said: “Maintaining stability must not prevent us from implementing all forms of
necessary reform, regardless how painful they may be.” He made his remarks in a
joint press conference with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso in
Belgium. “The reform will be aimed at bolstering the growth of Lebanon’s civil
society,” added the premier. “We share with the European Union values of freedom
and democracy and respect for human rights and the rule of law. I am here today
to bolster the excellent ties that Lebanon has long enjoyed with the union,”
continued Miqati. “The level of commercial trade between Lebanon and the EU
demonstrates how important Europe is to us,” he said. On this note, he remarked
that the “values the EU’s commitment to helping Lebanon overcome the instability
in the region.”“I also appreciate Barroso’s awareness of the importance of
maintaining stability in Lebanon,” the premier noted. Addressing the situation
in Syria, Miqati defended the Lebanese government’s decision to dissociate
itself from the unrest, attributing the choice to the “historic, economic, and
social ties between the two countries.”“We don’t want to create further disputes
in Lebanon as it is already divided,” he continued. “We still would not have
been able to do anything even if the entire Lebanese population supported the
Syrian regime,” he remarked. “Why should we incur more problems on Lebanon?” he
asked. For his part, Barroso said that it is up to the head of the Lebanese
state to determine the country’s position on Syria. He also voiced the European
Commission’s readiness to assist Syrian refugees who have flooded Lebanon’s
northern border to escape the Syrian regime’s crackdown against protests. He
praised Miqati’s efforts in preserving peace and stability in Lebanon in light
of the difficult regional situation, voicing his support to the premier to
continue with the reform. The only way to guarantee long-term stability lies in
introducing reform, he said.
Earlier on Thursday, Miqati hailed the “excellent ties” between Lebanon and the
European countries especially Belgium, and considered that resolving the
Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the key for peace.
“We know that we are far from achieving the peace due to the Israeli policies,”
he said during a meeting with President of the Belgian Senate Sabine de Bethune.
The two discussed the bilateral ties and the cooperation between the two
countries through the Belgian-Lebanese Friendship Committee. Bethune expressed
satisfaction with the participation of her country with the United Nations
Interim Force in Lebanon. On the Syrian crisis, Miqati urged for an end to the
violence and bloodshed in the neighboring country, lauding U.N.-Arab countries
envoy Kofi Annan’s plan to end the turmoil in Damascus. He noted that Lebanon’s
decision to disassociate itself from the Syrian crisis is to preserve the
country from all the negative repercussions and to maintain stability.
“Lebanon is doing its humanitarian duties towards all the Syrian refugees who
have fled the (year-long crisis in) their country,” Miqati stated. The premier
also held talks with Belgian speaker André Flahaut.
Flahaut stressed his country’s commitment to UNIFIL and its contribution of a
demining contingent. For his part, Miqati thanked Brussels for its continuous
support to Lebanon.
“The international community, especially Belgium, should prioritize supporting
the Lebanese Armed Forces with equipment and skills to be able to fully carry
out its tasks,” the premier noted. Miqati arrived in Brussels on Wednesday on a
three-d
Gantz: IDF and other armies ready
to strike Iran’s nuclear capabilities
DEBKAfile Exclusive Report April 26, 2012/Israel Prime Minister Binyamin
Netanyahu acted Thursday, April 26, to correct the damaging impression of
divided and uncertain perceptions of the Iranian nuclear threat left by
statements delivered in the last two days by himself and Defense Minster Ehud
Barak.Israel’s chief of staff Gen. Benny Gantz rallied to the task with an
unambiguous comment that “other countries have readied their armed forces for a
potential strike against Iran’s nuclear sites to keep Tehran from acquiring
nuclear weapons. The military force is ready. Not only our forces but other
forces as well,” he said without elaborating.“We all hope it will not be
necessary to use this force, but we are absolutely sure of its
existence.”debkafile reports from Washington that Gen. Gantz’s words were seen
in US official circles as the strongest affirmation yet from Jerusalem that
Israel has partners for a direct attack on Iran’s nuclear sites.It was also an
attempt by the chief of staff to erase the question mark he placed in a previous
comment over Iran’s resolve to attain a nuclear weapon. Wednesday, April 25,
debkafile reported widespread criticism on the Israeli street and in military
circles of the mixed and conflicting messages coming from top officials with
regard to the Iranian peril. Netanyahu also responded to the criticism in person
by declaring in a TV interview, “Iran hasn’t stopped its program …the
centrifuges are spinning as we speak.”
RYV Hacks Lebanese Govt. Sites Again, Enables Facebook
Users to Post Messages
Naharnet/The hacktivist group Raise Your Voice hit again on Thursday, hacking
around 10 Lebanese government websites, the second such attack in nine days. “We
are RYV, short for Raise Your Voice, and we are simply a group of people who
could not bare (sic) sitting in silence, watching all the crimes and injustice
going on in Lebanon. We will not be silenced and brainwashed by your media. We
will not stop until the Lebanese people mobilize, demand their rights, and earn
them,” said the group’s message posted on the hacked websites. The same message
was posted during the previous attacks. However, the group added something new
this time, adding a plugin that enables facebook users to post their own
messages on the hacked websites. “Write your message to the dear Lebanese
government,” read a headline above the facebook messages. RYV also stressed that
it does not "belong to or support any political group." The group has recently
vowed to continue hacking government websites until the Lebanese people earn the
rights they are asking for and until living standards are improved. “We will not
stop until this government's self-made problems are solved, like the power
shortage, water shortage, rise in gas prices and rise in food product prices,”
the group has said. The activists once again posted a caricature on the home
page of the websites depicting a skinny man, representing the people, feeding a
fat man described as the government.The group previously hacked several
government sites in early March.
Canada Welcomes Judgment of Special Court
for Sierra Leone in Case of Charles Taylor
Modification: adds backgrounder
April 26, 2012 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following
statement:
“Canada welcomes this unanimous judgment. Nothing can undo what was done. This
ruling will hopefully be of some solace for those still grieving and still
healing.
“This is a man who abused his office and violated the basic dignity of the men,
women and children who were terrorized, oppressed and assaulted. May this be a
message to ruthless tyrants everywhere that no one is above the law. Those who
violate basic rights and the laws of war, use rape as a weapon and rob children
of their innocence, will be held to account.”
- 30 -
A backgrounder follows.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
Follow us on Twitter: @DFAIT_MAECI
Backgrounder - Canada and the Special Court for Sierra Leone
On April 26, 2012, the Special Court for Sierra Leone found Charles Taylor,
former president of Liberia, criminally responsible for aiding and abetting
atrocities committed by rebel groups in Sierra Leone during that country’s
decade-long civil war.
Canada, through the Global Peace and Security Fund, has been a strong supporter
of the Special Court and has contributed $18 million to it. Canada also chairs
the UN’s Special Court Management Committee, which oversees the non-judicial
aspects of the Court.
The Special Court is mandated to try those who bear the greatest responsibility
for serious violations of international humanitarian law and Sierra Leonean law
that occurred during the country’s civil war. Charles Taylor’s trial is expected
to be the last conducted by the Special Court. Of 13 persons indicted by the
court, 11 were arrested, nine found guilty, and two died in custody. One person
indicted died before being arrested, and another is presumed dead.
Adel Imam vows to appeal conviction
By Christine Ashraf and Saha al-Sharqawi
Cairo, Asharq Al-Awsat – An Egyptian court, presided over by Judge Mohamed
Abdul-Atty, yesterday upheld the conviction of Adel Imam, one of the Arab
world’s most famous comedic actors, on charges of insulting Islam, sentencing
him to three months imprisonment. Egyptian actor Adel Imam was accused of
portraying Islamic figures in his films negatively, particularly in films like
“Morgan Ahmed Morgan”, “The Terrorist”, “The Embassy in the Building” and
“Hassan and Marcous”.The Egyptian film star told Asharq Al-Awsat that he intends
to appeal the ruling against him, adding that he is “confident in the integrity
of the Egyptian judiciary.” Adel Imam also revealed that the judge – who
previously tried and convicted him in absentia – was the same judge who lately
upheld this conviction. Imam called on all media figures, writers and artists to
stand with him in defense of creative freedoms. Artistic and creative circles
within Egypt responded to this ruling with dismay and anger, fearing that this
conviction could create a state of fear and uncertainty within the Egyptian
creative and entertainment scene. Egyptian intellectuals have viewed this court
case as an indication that the state intends to clamp down on creative freedoms
and freedom of expression, particularly in light of the turbulent political
climate that exists in the country as well as recent statements issued by some
hardline Islamist trends.
This ruling was viewed as a harsh judgment against a man who remains, at
71-years of age, one of Egypt’s and the Arab world’s most popular stars. Many
have claimed that this ruling is irrational, particularly as the case focuses on
examples where Adel Imam lampooned Islamist terrorists, who themselves are
contravening the legitimate teachings of Islam, rather than the religion of
Islam itself.
Commenting on this decision, Lawyer Khalid Abu Bakr stressed that it is open to
appeal, and that it represents a brick wall in the face of creativity and
freedom, particularly as Adel Imam is an Egyptian and Arab symbol in this
regard. Abu Bakr expressed his disappointment in the Egyptian court’s ruling,
declaring his whole-hearted support for Adel Imam, adding that the state must
ensure that the current political climate is not used as a pretext to clamp down
on creative freedoms. The Egyptian lawyer also stressed that this case has been
blown completely out of proportion by certain hardline Islamist groups.
The case against Adel Imam was first raised in early February by Salafist lawyer
Asran Mansour who accused the Egyptian actor of insulting Islam and its symbols
in his films and plays. Imam was tried and convicted in absentia, being
sentenced to 3 months imprisonment and a fine of 1,000 EGP [Egyptian Pounds].
Imam was granted a retrial, since the first trial was conducted in absentia; his
lawyers argued that the films and plays cited in this case did not constitute an
insult to the religion of Islam, particularly as they had been licensed by the
Egyptian government and reviewed and passed by the Egyptian certification
board.This is not Adel Imam’s first brush with the law; he was previously
convicted of insulting the judiciary in 1982 and sentenced to one year
imprisonment for his film “The Avocado”, along with writer and director Raafat
Al Mihi. The ruling was later overturned on appeal after Adel Imam reconciled
with Judge Mortada Mansour, issuing a public apology which appeared on the
front-page of all national newspapers.
The Iranian President’s mistakes
By Emad El Din Adeeb/Asharq Alawsat
The Iranian regime continues to send demagogic political messages to the outside
world, although anyone who is aware of its inner dealings must know that "an
Iranian carpet merchant is the best at buying and selling behind closed doors
and in secret channels."
The reason why I’m bringing this issue up relates to Iranian President
Ahmadinejad’s recent statements in commemoration of Iranian Army Day.
In his zealous speech, the Iranian President focused on a set of issues, which
he presented to the public as indisputable axioms, whilst in fact they all are
based on fundamental mistakes.
The Iranian President’s first mistake was when he described his country's army
as "an army that has never been defeated."
The truth, as we know from military history, is that there has never been an
undefeated army. Even the military forces of the Security Council’s five great
superpowers have all suffered past and present defeats in battles and wars,
despite joining the nuclear club following World War II.
Ahmadinejad’s second mistake came when he said his country's army is the most
popular in the world. In fact, I do not know how the Iranian President came up
with such a result with no research, statistical reports or scientific theories
to support it.
As we know, the Iranian army gained no popularity when it entered into a fierce
war with Iraq, or when it fuelled a sectarian war in Iraq following the
overthrow of Saddam, and now it is certainly wining no popularity by supporting
the regime in Syria.
We have never seen the Iranian navy approaching the Israeli coast, but we have
seen it deployed near the Strait of Hormuz. We have never seen Iranian weaponry
in the hands of the Palestinian resistance, but we have seen it in the hands of
Afghani fighting factions. The third mistake in the Iranian President’s speech
can be summarized in his style of address, which invoked a sense of superiority,
arrogance and intimidation, when he spoke of Iran’s military force and
threatened to cut off the hands of whoever dares to target his country.
Ahmadinejad did not mention any possibility of reconciliation with the UAE, with
regards to the legal status of the disputable islands. He even added fuel to the
fire when he visited said islands on the 11th April 2012, in a most provocative
step to the sentiments of the Emirati people, and the Arabs in general. I do not
know whether this is the new Iranian style when it comes to negotiations, a
style based on the principle of "terror and intimidation before reaching a
settlement", or whether we are simply facing the traditional theory of
persistence, “to demolish the temple on everyone’s head”. I do not know what
cards exactly the Iranian regime is gambling with. Is it gambling on the
economic sanctions imposed on it, its international reputation, the deplorable
condition of its major ally in Damascus, its poor domestic economic performance,
or on the deep disagreements between the Supreme Guide and the President?
Saudi Arabia: Rights activists defend alleged drug
smuggler!
By Tariq Alhomayed/Asharq Al-Awsat
Last week I wrote an article entitled “Al-Qaeda’s rights” [18/04/2012] and the
whole world was turned upside down, especially those who consider themselves to
be human rights activists in Saud Arabia; they issued the most slanderous
insults against me, launching a campaign that went far beyond the pale. Yet
these so-called human rights activists have today hit another bump, which is no
greater than the previous bump they hit before. Last week I wrote an article
questioning the position of Saudi human rights activists after al-Qaeda admitted
kidnapping Deputy Saudi Consul Abdullah al-Khaledi in Yemen, and then demanded
the release of prisoners affiliated to al-Qaeda in Saudi Arabia in return for
letting him go. Among the names demanded by al-Qaeda were several female
prisoners, and it was ironic that these were the same names whose cases have
been adopted by those describing themselves as human rights activists, in
campaigns against the Saudi state. The activists claimed that these women had
been imprisoned because of their opinions, but al-Qaeda exposed itself, and
exposed the activists, when it announced, in a telephone conversation between
one of its members and the Saudi Ambassador to Yemen, that those being defended
by human rights activists in Saudi Arabia were none other than prisoners
affiliated to a terrorist organization, which now wants to secure their release
and transfer to Yemen!
Today the human rights activists – a false term they do not deserve – in Saudi
Arabia have been exposed again by another scandal, that of the arrest of the
accused Egyptian Ahmed al-Gizawi. It was rumoured that he had been arrested
immediately upon his arrival to Saudi Arabia solely for raising a lawsuit
against the Saudi King. Those claiming to be human rights activists rushed to
his defense, demanding his release, but they were soon exposed by another
scandal, this time by the Egyptian Ambassador to Riyadh, who confirmed the Saudi
story and revealed that the man was being held on charges of smuggling narcotic
pills into Saudi Arabia, and not because he filed a lawsuit against the Saudi
King! Is there anything more scandalous than this for those who claim they are
Saudi human rights activists? Of course they are very far from that in reality!
The truth is that no one can claim to be a human rights activist and then launch
a frenzied campaign against me because of an article I wrote last week. True,
the title of my article was worthy of debate, but these activists had no idea
how to do this and opted to insult me instead of putting forward an opinion
worthy of standing behind, or a vision that shows a degree of awareness. This
was a frenzied campaign of obscene words, not worthy of any attention, and
unfortunately some of those responsible for this were Saudi journalists, and
this demonstrates the magnitude of the flaws and chaos inherent in the Saudi
cultural and journalistic scene. However, the question that should be raised
today, further complimenting the question I posed last week - which went
unanswered – is: is there nobody among these so-called human rights activists
who is rational and aware of what is happening? If al-Qaeda exposed these
activists the first time, and the slanderous Egyptians exposed them the second
time, the question is: when will those advocating human rights in Saudi Arabia
do justice for themselves and come out and say that they have misunderstood the
concept of rights, and that – so far – they have been as far as possible from
real human rights advocacy?Why do they not, for once, admit that they are not
aware of what is going on around them, and that they are oversimplifying
matters? Why are they not aware that by issuing insults or being an instigator,
this in no ways means that they are human rights activists, although it does
mean that they are pseudo-litigators! I hope they have answers this time around.
Sunni” Turkey and the containment policy failure
By Adel Al Toraifi/Asharq Alawsat
When the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Tehran in May 2010,
to offer support for the Brazilian project regarding the Iranian nuclear file,
the conservative press in Iran described Erdoğan as an example of wise
leadership in the region. Some newspapers also devoted extensive column inches
to Erdoğan’s statements in support of Iran, particularly his critical stance
towards Israel and the Western world’s view of Muslim states. Some commentators
even considered Turkish-Iranian relations to be a model of stability and
cooperation, arguing that since the signing of the Treaty of Qasr-e Shirin – or
the Treaty of Zuhab as it is known in Turkey – in 1639 between the Ottoman and
Safavid empires, borders have continually been respected; this agreement remains
the basis for all border treaties between the two countries.
Over the past ten years, the government of the Turkish Justice and Development
Party [AKP] has been able to converge with Iran and Syria, to the extent that
Iran supported Turkey’s military campaign against the strongholds of the
Kurdistan Worker’s Party [PKK] in 2006, and to the extent that Syria retracted
its position regarding the Iskenderun region, and abolished the need for visas
to travel between the two countries. Furthermore, Turkey has strengthened its
economic ties with both Syria and Iran to exceed record figures in just a few
years; even obtaining Iranian concessions in the oil and gas sectors. Perhaps
this is what prompted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to preach of a
pro-resistance Iranian-Syrian axis including both Turkey and Iraq, in the face
of what he considered to be the counter forces of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the
Gulf States (al-Hayat newspaper, 26 October 2010).
In truth, Turkey let down the expectations of observers after the fall of Saddam
Hussein’s regime; it did not seek to fill the Sunni vacuum caused by the rise of
Shia political Islam to power in Iraq, nor did it show any desire to restore its
Ottoman heritage in old spheres of influence. On the contrary, Turkey’s
Islamists adopted a more conciliatory tone with the Syrian Baathist party, and
were less sensitive towards Iranian revolutionary activities in the region,
perhaps because the “containment policy” [towards Syria and Iran] that Erdoğan
and his party take pride in had reaped substantial benefits for Turkey. However,
in the last year, this policy has been exposed to a sizeable tremor, forcing
Turkey to significantly re-evaluate its relations.
When the popular uprisings began in some Arab capitals in early 2011, Turkey
tried to wait before declaring its support for the masses, but showed resistance
to foreign intervention in Libya, and Erdoğan himself issued strong criticism
towards NATO. Even when the uprising began in Syria, Turkey dispatched its
diplomats to Damascus in an attempt to contain the situation and convince
al-Assad to conduct reforms, but with the rising death toll on the Syrian
streets, Ankara issued a series of statements condemning the regime of President
Bashar al-Assad. Not long afterwards, Turkey was compelled to participate –
logistically at least – in NATO operations in Libya, and this damaged its
relations with Tehran significantly. Turkey’s stance seemed hesitant; while
Erdoğan was releasing statements threatening direct military intervention, and
threatening al-Assad with the same fate met by Gaddafi, Turkey’s diplomatic
apparatus appeared more cautious and less zealous than the speeches of the
Turkish leader. This prompted many observers to say that Turkey was witnessing a
divide, either in the military institution or in the foreign affairs department,
regarding the danger of intervention or regime change in Syria due to security
reasons, and because of dimensions of ethnicity and sectarianism, which could
extend into Turkey itself if Syria turned into a scene of sectarian warfare
between Turkey, Iran and other Arab parties.
In order to understand the shift in Turkish foreign policy, we need to review
some historical facts, and here I am alluding to three historical stages:
First: It is not true that the history of Turkish-Iranian relations has always
been stable, as claimed by the Turkish advocates of rapprochement with Iran,
because Turkish-Iranian relations remained troubled and unstable until the last
decade. In his book “Islam, Secularism and Nationalism in Modern Turkey” (2007),
Soner Cagaptay indicates that there is an illusion with regards to the Treaty of
Qasr-e Shirin, confirming that the tension inherent in Turkish-Iranian relations
is based on nationalist and sectarian reasons, which have remained constant even
after the emergence of a modern state in both countries. In fact, the
Turkish-Iranian clash goes far beyond the four major wars between the two
parties. It is true that Reza Shah was an admirer of Ataturk’s secular
nationalist project, but at the same time both countries fought a war in 1930
that led to the amendment of the border treaty between them. After that, Turkey
broke off contacts with Tehran, in order to orientate towards the West at the
expense of the region.
Second: The Turkish position was clear in its rejection of the Iranian
revolutionary model, and Turkey played a prominent role as a member of NATO in
addressing Iran’s aspirations to export its revolution. Perhaps for this reason
the Khomeini regime supported left-wing Kurdish, Armenian and Islamist armed
groups, such as the Turkish Hezbollah, against Ankara during the 1980s, and the
late Turkish Prime Minister Turgut Özal led a clear policy in support of
Pakistan during the Afghan war with the Soviet Union. Turkey remained skeptical
of the intentions of the Iranian regime. The 1990s witnessed the assassination
of several secular Turkish intellectuals and journalists, and Ankara accused
Tehran of being involved.
Third: The idea of rapprochement with Tehran was the initiative of Necmettin
Erbakan, leader of the Islamic Welfare Party, who is considered the godfather of
converging relations with the Islamic Republic. He paved the way for the visit
of President Mohammad Khatami, and the signing of oil and security agreements
between the two countries. This approach was opposed by some leaders of military
and secular institutions, who saw it as an attempt by the Islamists of Turkey to
repeat the Khomeinist model in their own country. Perhaps this explains
Erbakan’s visit to Tehran after his political ban was lifted in 2009, and also
explains Ali Velayati, Iran’s former Foreign Minister and adviser to the Supreme
Guide, saying that Erbakan has always been a friend of Iran.
Such historical milestones are important in order to explain the Turkish shift
from a policy of containment towards Iran and Syria between 2003 and 2010, and
the current state of verbal sparring between the two sides. In recent months,
Erdoğan has received several opponents of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki
such as President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region Massoud Barzani, [Iraqi Vice
President] Tariq al-Hashemi and Iyad Allawi. He has gone even further than this
and accused al-Maliki of adopting a dictatorial and sectarian trend, whereby he
excludes his opponents. In return, al-Maliki reacted to Erdoğan's move by
visiting Tehran, condemning what he termed the 'sectarian' - meaning Sunni -
interference in his government in Iraq, branding Turkey as a "hostile" state in
the region.
There can be no doubt that Turkey is re-evaluating its relations with Iraq and
Syria. Yet, at the same time, I must emphasize that there are two currents
within the Turkish policymaking sphere: one is eager to confront the
Syrian-Iranian axis, and the other current – which includes figures from within
Erdoğan’s own party – continues to warn against abandoning the containment
policy that has been adopted towards these two countries.
Recent events have proven that the historical differences between the two
parties still exist; no matter how Turkey has tried to use its containment
policy, it has eventually been forced to resort to its "Sunni" identity and
"Turkish" nationalism, even if indirectly. This is nothing new. When the
Nagorno-Karabakh War broke out in February 1988 between the Armenians and the
Azerbaijanis in the Southern Caucasus, Iran and Turkey adopted contrasting
positions towards the crisis, which sparked a diplomatic row between the two
countries. Iran had sought to embrace the Azerbaijanis with open arms, welcoming
them as Shiites and revolutionaries, whilst Turkey was wary of the expansion of
Khomeini's influence in the Southern Caucasus. This prompted Prime Minister
Turgut Özal to overtly declare, during his visit to the US in 1990, that "the
Azerbaijanis are Shia, unlike the Turks, and hence, of more concern to Iran,
since Turkey does not have pan-Turkic ambitions."
Today, Turkish-Iranian disagreements over Syria are being renewed. The Turks
have made no secret of their feeling that their interests will be jeopardized so
long as the Bashar al-Assad regime remains in power. As for Iran, it considers
the Turkish stance – especially Turkey's sponsorship of the Syrian Transitional
Council and the asylum it is granting to the displaced Syrian Sunnis – to
represent a hostile approach towards its strategic interest, namely the survival
of its Baathist ally. There is no doubt that, for the most part, politics is
governed by interests, which may explain Turkey reconsidering its containment
policy towards the Iranian-Syrian axis, for its interests are now at stake. The
Turks fear the danger of the Syrian Kurds rising to power after al-Assad is
overthrown, and they fear that relations with the Alawite minority in Turkey may
become strained, and they are therefore now seeking a Muslim Brotherhood
alternative to rule Syria. In 1985, Turgut Özal expressed his disappointment at
the future of Iran under the rule of the mullahs, and the Iranian press reacted
by saying "Turkey is nothing more than a pawn for US interests." 25 years later,
Erdoğan directed similar words of criticism towards Iran, and this prompted the
Iranian press to react by saying "Turkey is implementing an American agenda to
spread the Turkish model of political Islam."
Saudi religious police banned from pursuing individuals
Asharq Al-Awsat
Riyadh, Asharq al-Awsat- The president of the Commission for the Promotion of
Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (CPVPV) Sheikh Abdullatif Bin Abdulaziz Bin
Abdulrahman Al Al-Sheikh., in a meeting with the directors of different CPVPV
branches across the Kingdom, declared that the official authorities within these
branches are not allowed to pursue individuals, whether they are defendants or
offenders.
Stating the reasons behind his decision to ban pursuits, Sheikh Abdulrahman said
that such measures involve much risk and often have dire consequences to lives
and property, adding that they jeopardize both sides of the pursuit as well as
innocent people. The Head of the CPVPV, during his meeting with officials from
the commission's different branches, instructed that they must only take note of
the relevant information and ID number of those wanted by the police, and then
transfer the matter to the security authorities who would then proceed with the
measures [of arrest], in order to avoid an overlap in the powers conferred to
different government authorities. He warned that strict measures would be taken
against those who fail to abide by these instructions.
The new instructions are part of a set of wider measures taken by the president
of the CPVPV within the framework of a clear strategy to regulate performance on
the ground, in order to achieve the interests of the public, in accordance with
the interests and ambitions of the officials in charge, and in a manner that
maintains the rights of the members of society.
Issue number 114 of Al-Hisbah magazine recently cited Sheikh Saleh al-Sadlan
answering a query on the “Question and Answer” section of the CPVPV’s website,
about some people linking the CPVPV to violence. He said such a link is wrong
and has perhaps been created by ignorant or biased people, because this
particular commission handles vice according to the situation and requirements
of each case.
Sheikh al-Sadlan added that CPVPV employees never use violence or instigate it,
"but if vice can be avoided purely by means of being firm, then we have no
reservations about resorting to strict tactics in order to deter those who want
corruption to prevail on earth." He indicated that "everyone should remember
that there are various degrees of preventing vice, the final one being the use
of force. Those who condemn the use of force, being one degree of preventing
vice, are not aware of other methods such as defining the offence and then
giving the offender advice, guidance or a talking to."
The CPVPV had faced mounting public pressure in the past five years in the wake
of a series of pursuits and attacks that resulted in incidents claiming the
lives of individuals in Riyadh, Medina and Tabuk. Therefore, the CPVPV is now
seeking to improve its public image in the days to come by stressing that its
discourse will lay emphasis on "compassion" and "leniency" when dealing with the
people.
Syrian Grand Mufti says Arab Spring western plot
By Yousef Diab
Beirut, Asharq Al-Awsat – The Grand Mufti of Syria, Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun,
described the battle that is currently taking place in Syria as a “battle
against our roots”, adding that “if Syria collapses, this will lead to the
collapse of neighboring states, starting with Lebanon and ending with Saudi
Arabia, through Jordan and Iraq; this is because the plan for the Arab and
Islamic world is to ensure that no strong state remains, and for our people to
kill one another.” The Syrian Grand Mufti confirmed that “the West has authored
the term ‘Arab Spring’ to contain the popular resistance [against Israel], in
order to target the roots of the ummah and enslave us.”
Commenting on Syrian Grand Mufti Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun’s recent statements,
Syrian National Council [SNC] spokesman, Samir Nashar, told Asharq Al-Awsat that
“Mufti Hassoun has become a promoter of the logic of Bashar al-Assad, and he is
adopting these positions rather than standing with the Syrian people against the
massacres being committed by this regime.”
In an interview with the Hezbollah affiliated al-Nour radio station, the Syrian
Grand Mufti asserted that “what is happening in Syria today is not a process to
topple the regime, but rather an operation to push Syria towards religious,
cultural and ethnic fragmentation that will create centuries of chaos in the
Arab world” adding “this chaos will benefit the Zionist entity that has
impudently announced the establishment of the first religious state in the
entire region.”
Sheikh Hassoun called on the Syrian opposition “not to be taken in by the
Western project [the Arab Spring] and seize power [in Syria], thereby turning
Syria into a democratic state in the western model” adding “this is a pipe
dream.” The Syrian Grand Mufti also confirmed that “the West has authored the
term ‘Arab Spring’ to contain the popular resistance [against Israel] in order
to target the cultural and historic roots of the ummah, to strengthen its own
position and enslave us.”
Sheikh Hassoun also expressed his confidence that “Syrian President Bashar
al-Assad is prepared to step down from power in the event that the opposition is
prepared to enter dialogue and present a convincing [political] program to the
Syrian people.” He stressed that “we are not against the Syrian opposition…I
have contacted the Syrian opposition abroad and, more than four years ago,
called on them to return to Syrian and conduct dialogue [with the regime].”
Responding to the comments issued by Sheikh Hassoun, SNC spokesman Samir Nashar
expressed his regret that “the Grand Mufti of the country is adopting the
rhetoric of Bashar al-Assad and utilizing the same logic of conspiracy.” He also
told Asharq Al-Awsat that “the Arab Spring revolutions, including the Syrian
revolution, are revolutions for freedom and dignity, rejecting the
marginalization of Arab citizens.”
Nashar added “the attempt to incite division between Syrians at home and abroad
has been exposed, and this is part of an attempt to incite sedition between the
Syrian people, because the Syrian revolution did not take place overnight via
division and sectarianism, rather these are the allegations that are put forward
by Bashar al-Assad and his cronies, including Grand Mufti Hassoun, who is citing
the arguments of the regime at the expense of the demands of the Syrian people
for freedom and change.”