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Mideast Wire - Daily Briefing - June 3, 2011
Released on 2012-10-10 17:00 GMT
Email-ID | 1157151 |
Date | 2011-06-03 21:28:31 |
From | email@example.com |
To | firstname.lastname@example.com |
News From The Source(TM)
Hello Kamran Bokhari
- "...Ending the state of emergency today paves the way for a fresh
stage..." (Asharq al-Awsat)
- "A little bit of patience" (Al-Ahram)
- "Abdul Monem Shahat to Jarida: Egypt Islamists will not reach power"
- "MB in Egypt trying to improve its image..." (Asharq al-Awsat)
- "...Muslim Brotherhood Recognition that Coptic Christians, Women can..."
(Asharq al-Awsat)
- "Rough filter" - by Shari'atmadari (Keyhan)
- "Sheikh in first interview: Suspension of negotiations not pressure
card..." (Az-Zaman)
- "Jordan: Bakhit maintains "amendment" card to extend term of gov..."
(Al-Quds al-Arabi)
- "American veto on the process of the Lebanese cabinet formation"
Middle East
- "Ofer Gate: reasons of the Iranian silence?!" (An-Nahar)
- "First death in Morocco protests" (Al-Jazeera.net)
- "Hamas' internal disputes float to the surface for the first time..."
- "Hamas command "extensively" meets in Syria & signals stay in Damascus"
(Al-Quds al-Arabi)
- "Hamas politburo takes unanimous position against Al-Zahhar ..."
- "Al-Nakhaleh: Abbas might disband authority if peace efforts fail"
- Syrian prisoners not pleased with presidential pardon (Elaph)
- "The regime's last winter and Syria's long spring" (Al-Quds al-Arabi)
- Jazeera new report on Syria unrest (Al-Jazeera)
- On the Turkish-Syrian relations (As-Safir)
- A Letter to Muhammad al-Durrah (Al-Hayat English)
- Yemen Needs a Saudi Initiative (Al-Hayat English)
- "...Ending the state of emergency today paves the way for a fresh
On June 1, the Saudi owned Asharq al-Awsat reported: "With the break of
dawn today Wednesday, the people of Bahrain look forward to a fresh surge
towards security and economic stability as well as the consolidation of
society to bridge the gap caused by the 14 February events that almost
ruined the country and caused a deep rift in the social fabric. Today
marks the start of implementation of King Hamad Bin-Isa Al-Khalifah's
decision to lift the state of national safety (the emergency law) and
build for a new era in Bahrain's future so it would proceed with its
development march as part of the Gulf community. In an interview with
Asharq al-Awsat, Staff Field Marshal Shaykh Khalifah Bin-Ahmad Al
Khalifah, the commander-in-chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (the army),
affirmed that lifting the state of emergency confirms the soundness of the
approach taken by King Hamad Bin-Isa Al-Khalifah in dealing "with the
recent regrettable incidents in th e country, paves the way for the
restoration of normalcy, and spreads peace of mind, serenity, and
stability. All this is the inevitable result of the rational planning and
firm strategies".
"Field Marshal Al-Khalifah urged compliance with the laws and regulations
in order to safeguard the security and personal safety of citizens,
residents, and visitors. He cautioned that lifting the state of national
safety does not mean that the Bahraini armed forces will give up their
role to deter anyone that tries to undermine security in Bahrain. Shaykh
Khalifah Bin-Ahmad Al-Khalifah reassured citizens and visitors that
Bahrain enjoys security and stability. He stressed that the government is
proceeding with reforms to serve the interests of the country and the
people. He discussed many issues related to Bahrain's affairs in the
following interview:
"[Al-Say'ari] In light of King Hamad Bin-Isa Al-Khalifah's decision ending
the state of national safety in the land as of today, how do you assess
the security situation?
"[Al-Khalifah] King Hamad's order ending the state of national safety
throughout Bahrain as of today demonstrates the return of safety and
security in Bahrain. It confirms the soundness of King Hamad Bin-Isa
Al-Khalifah's sound approach in dealing with the recent regrettable events
in the country. It also paves the way for the restoration of normalcy and
spreads peace of mind, serenity and stability. No doubt, all this was the
inevitable result of the rational planning and the firm strategies.
Moreover, ending the state of national safety indicates the return of the
required political stability in order to support economic activities. The
recent crisis in Bahrain was a lesson from which we learned a lot. We have
to be patient and vigilant to deter anyone that wants to undermine our
security and stability. The public security forces and the National Guard
with all their personnel and resources are fully prepared and ready to
achieve the safety and security of th! e homeland an d the citizenry. The
armed forces of the Kingdom of Bahrain continue to shoulder the banner of
defending the homeland and performing their missions to protect the
country's accomplishments and development process.
"They are ready to provide security to the citizens and residents and
provide the necessary support for the economic march by deterring any
danger to the country. We also value the constant cooperation of the loyal
citizens and residents during the national safety period until security
was restored, the deviant clouds disappeared, and the voice of right and
goodness rose against the forces of falsehood and the champions of
division, sabotage, and incitement. Joy and smiles have returned, peace of
mind has reappeared, and emotions have calmed. The armed forces are also
ready to prevent more systematic acts of sabotage that the radical groups
used as a pretext to remain in the streets and obstruct public life.
"[Al-Say'ari] Do you believe that the need for the state of emergency has
indeed ended?
"[Al-Khalifah] Ending the state of national safety indicates the return of
the required political stability in order to s upport economic activities.
The recent crisis in Bahrain was a lesson from which we learned a lot. We
have to be patient and vigilant to deter anyone that wants to undermine
our security and stability. All the efforts exerted indicate that with
their loyal nature, the people of Bahrain are capable of defeating all the
circumstances and hardships. King Hamad Bin-Isa Al-Khalifah emphasized
this on several occasions. Bahrain has returned to its previous character
and will always be the land of co-existence and peace. The decision to end
the state of national safety is a benevolent initiative by the king to
those who had been misled to return to their senses and review the
misleading ideas whose venom was spread by the leaders of the sedition and
the deviant group.
"[Al-Say'ari] What will be the outcome of ending the state of national
safety regarding the checkpoints and so on?
"[Al-Khalifah] The armed forces will not and have not let down the sons of
Bahrain and they have succeeded in implementing the national safety law.
These checkpoints will gradually be removed based on circumstances. I can
say that the men of the public security and the National Guard are fully
ready round the clock in all their positions in the field and in all the
provinces of Bahrain to carry out their tasks at the control and
inspection points. They will be on patrol within the parameters of their
responsibilities to ensure the security and personal safety of the
citizens, residents, and visitors. Needless to say, this requires the
security institutions to work with more determination to confront any
circumstances that may lead to public disorder. They will confront the
deviants wherever they may be. They will draw programmes with specific
priorities in accordance to the requirements of security action in dealing
with anyone that disrupts the serenity of civ! ilized public life in the
Bahraini society. We should not forget that safeguarding public order and
protecting the security of the homeland is one of the noble goals of the
security forces. There is joint strategic cooperation among the various
armed forces as they rally their efforts and unite their goals to reach an
ideal situation to preserve the security of the citizens and the residents
of Bahrain. Our security organs are upholding security in a responsible
manner that proceeds from the democratic and constitutional transformation
and the sovereignty of the law that boosts the building of a state of
institutions where security is the principal pillar for the development of
such a state.
"[Al-Say'ari] Have security conditions in public places and inside the
neighbourhoods returned to normal?
"[Al-Khalifah] The security conditions in the public places and the
neighbourhoods have absolutely returned to normal. Life has returned to
what it was prior to the events. All the citizens and residents are
practicing their normal life in a very normal manner. I reassure the
citizens and urge them to trust King Hamad Bin-Isa Al-Khalifah's
decisions. I also tell those that want to destabilize the security and
stability of Bahrain that they should abide by the laws. All the positive
facts and indications throughout the kingdom strengthen trust and the
spirit of peace of mind among the citizens and residents. This allows the
ship of the homeland to sail forward in safety and security. It
facilitates the process of interaction of the homeland and in dealing with
all developments on the local, Arab, and international levels.
"[Al-Say'ari] Many visitors and tourists are still reluctant to travel to
Bahrain. What is your advice to them?
"[Al-Khalifah] Political stability contributes to boosting the national
economy. The distorted image and the false reports that the opposition
propagated about Bahrain via human rights organizations are all fabricated
lies. Of course, their motive is to spread news that does not serve the
Bahraini economy. Therefore, the local media outlets and the honest
foreign news channels should convey the truth. They should reassure local
and foreign investors that the situation in Bahrain is safe. Ending the
state of national safety reflects the political stability that is
necessary to support any economic activity.
"[Al-Say'ari] What about the Peninsula Shield Force and the role it will
play after lifting the state of national safety?
"[Al-Khalifah] We gratefully and proudly salute and praise the men of the
joint Peninsula Shield Force. They demonstrated the most magnificent model
of brotherhood in their support. They exerted arduous efforts in all the
sensitive positions. They contributed to and remained loyal to the banner
of glory and loftiness. The joint Peninsula Shield Force came to Bahrain
following the wise decision of the leadership to forestall events and as a
precautionary measure so that the conflict would not expand and in order
to be ready with the presence of the Peninsula Shield Force in case the
events expanded. This is Bahrain's legitimate right in accordance with the
military and security joint agreements among the Arab Gulf countries. The
Bahraini forces participated in more than seven occasions in Gulf crises,
most of which were in Kuwait. Our latest contribution was prior to the
fall of the Iraqi regime and it was a precautionary measure. The joint
Peninsula Shield Forc! e entered Bah rain because its security and
stability were threatened. That is why we requested for a regional
political, security, military, and information cover.
"The Peninsula Shield Force will remain in Bahrain until their presence is
no longer required. They will be redeployed gradually. Some members of
these forces will remain in Bahrain and others will go to other places.
The presence and numbers of these forces will be determined by the
circumstances. The Peninsula Shield Force were welcomed by the rejoicing
people of Bahrain after they held their breath for 30 days as a result of
the terrorism and the external escalations as well as the potential
escalation of the internal sedition that are manipulated by foreign
fingers. This force came for the specific task of deterring external
attacks and protecting the vital installations. They have not and will not
undertake any internal tasks because the Bahraini army, police, and other
security organs are capable of imposing! law and order without help from
"[Al-Say'ari] What is the damage that the events have caused to the
security, economic, and social aspects? How will this be dealt with after
the return to normalcy?
"[Al-Khalifah] Thanks to the efforts that the government is exerting the
national economy is recuperating from the repercussions of the crisis in
the wake of the recession that hit the various commercial, industrial, and
investment sectors. All this led to economic stagnation from which a large
number of Bahraini merchants and businessmen and foreign investors
suffered equally. The international organizations ignored the damage done.
Bahrain has achieved advanced stages in human development despite the weak
natural resources and modest economic capabilities. However, Bahrain
succeeded in its ability to optimize the available resources and
capabilities so that the two torches of economic and human development
would remain bright and shining. I proudly say that Bahrain was classified
in the human development reports issued by the United Nations among the
countries with high human development. Bahrain succeeded in resolving many
crises that beset it and it always ! emerged stron ger than before. All
the economic and social sectors in the kingdom are actively working to
heal the rifts. These activities are constantly progressing in harmony
with the national strategic project to achieve the ambitious plans to
encourage and attract investments in Bahrain and facilitate the measures
of establishing companies and implementing the programmes of comprehensive
economic reforms. The kingdom is being promoted on the international level
by entrenching security and stability and clarifying investment
incentives. Bahrain's stature in the Middle East region and its integrated
infrastructure guarantee its position on top of the list of countries with
a healthy investment environment.
"[Al-Say'ari] External hands have been accused of being behind the events
in Bahrain. There were also reports about schemes targeting Bahrain and
its leadership. Has new evidence surfaced in this regard?
"[Al-Khalifah] Schemes targeting Bahrain are not something new and they
did not surface as a result of the recent events. These schemes began in
the 1980s in the sinful coup attempt that tried to seize power in 1981.
Based on confessions made, this attempt was supported by Iran. The schemes
continued in the issue of the so-called Bahraini Hezbollah and the Iranian
plot in the events of the 1990s. In 2008, the case of military training of
groups in the region of Al-Hujayrah was exposed. More recently, the case
of the terrorist network of saboteur ringleaders and groups that aimed at
destabilizing the security and stability of Bahrain was exposed in 2010.
The Kingdom of Bahrain foiled plots against it that have been going on for
20 or 30 years. Bahrain was targeted to be the spearhead of such plots.
Had these schemes succeeded in a Gulf country they might have spread to
other neighbouring countries. The recent events complement the series of
conspiratorial interv! ention and fo reign connections. The stands and
statements of the Iranian officials, the remarks of the secretary general
of the Lebanese Hezbollah, the meddling in Bahrain's affairs by their
satellite channels, the instigation to sedition, the rumour mongering and
lies, the incidents that took place in the Pearl Square, the modus
operandi, the experience and tactics followed in Bahrain, the erection of
tents and checkpoints, the occupation of hospitals, the encirclement of
the television station building and government departments and vital
installations, the way the citizens were assaulted, the distribution of
roles of various cells - the field action cell, the funding cell, the
media cell, and the human rights cell - expose the training techniques of
Hezbollah. The investigation is continuing because the issue of contacts
and exchange of information exists. The result of the investigation will
expose all these matters.
"[Al-Say'ari] Did the government err in assessing the events before they
"[Al-Khalifah] Some tried to wreak havoc in Bahrain and resorted to
illegal ways to overthrow the regime and establish the Islamic Republic of
Iran's velayat-e faqih system despite the will of the valiant people of
Bahrain. I assert that the system of the velayat-e-faqih republic that
some tried to install with the help and support of external sides and
impose on the people of Bahrain is a dangerous attempt to overthrow the
regime. The very few that embraced this approach are the cause of the
problems that Bahrain has recently endured. These problems are represented
in the regrettable terrorist incidents that erupted in the country and led
to the fragmentation of nationalist sentiments with excess and odious
sectarianism. They insisted on the sovereignty of the sect at the expense
of the homeland. The majority of those that were behind the events believe
in the velayat-e-faqih system. Religious zeal dominated them and they
dragged the homeland to a dangerous cr! ossroads. Rel igion is part of our
lives. However, division will prevail in the homeland when religion is
mixed with politics and when this trend dominates those who work in
politics. Those that embraced the velayat-e faqih and the Islamic Republic
forgot their nationalism and patriotism and gave prominence to the sect.
They confused political thinking with sectarian thinking. The incidents
erupted on a sectarian basis and with clear Iranian intervention and by
local unpatriotic elements that support Iran. We should not forget that
proceeding from the all-inclusive national rule that the government of
Bahrain embraces, the overwhelming majority of the sons of Bahrain is
proud of the depth of their affiliation and belongingness to the united
Bahraini family that encompasses all sons without discrimi nation. There
is no discrimination between one citizen and another and no attention is
given except to loyal affiliation and good deeds to this cherished
"[Al-Say'ari] The joint Gulf stand on Iran was not firm despite the
Iranian threats and obvious interference in Gulf affairs. Only hints were
made to sever relations with Iran.
"[Al-Khalifah] The dangerous circumstances and threats to Bahrain and the
threat to security and stability in the region constituted a test for the
strength and firmness of the Gulf Cooperation Council and its ability to
contain any threats to its components. Security in Bahrain was boosted
with the arrival of the Peninsula Shield Force to protect the vital
installations and facilities and to enable the order keeping forces to
carry out their role in spreading security and guaranteeing the return to
normal life. They ensured the resumption of operations in the public and
private establishments, the return of students to their schools, and the
resumption of economic activities that were affected by the events. We
call for a review of the interests of the GCC member states on the
economic, political, and military levels. Changes have to be made on the
various Gulf strategies in order to strengthen the GCC member states to
confront the political, security, a! nd economic challen ges. At this
time, the Arab Gulf countries need precise strategic efforts that respond
to the current stage and draw a new picture for the future of the region
in light of current regional, Arab, and international developments. It is
necessary to be vigilant and alert to the terrorist machinations against
Bahrain and the Gulf countries.
"These machinations constitute a strategy and objectives of Iranian
designs even if individuals and programmes change. A lot of what happened
complements the series of plots of interference and external association.
Everyone stands witness to the positions of the Iranian officials, their
aggressive statements, and their instigation to sedition in Bahrain.
Everyone stands witness to the lies of the television stations that are
transmitted from Iran. Bahrain was targeted with this frenzied attack that
portrayed the country as collapsing or that it is on the verge of a
massacre. Bahrain's ambassador to Iran was summoned for co! nsultations.
An investigation is going on and the issue of contacts an d association is
clear. The result of the investigation will expose all these matters. In
the history of sisterly countries, grave events are viewed in a special
fraternal nature and a distinct patriotic colour. This requires frank and
firm stands and fast and effective roles. Such sta nds remain firm in the
memory of nations.
"[Al-Say'ari] The recent events highlighted the deep relationship between
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. What is your opinion on the Saudi role in
supporting the Bahraini government during the events and restoring the
security and stability of the Bahraini people?
"[Al-Khalifah] The distinctive historic fraternal relationship of
cooperation between sisterly Saudi Arabia and Bahrain was entrenched by
the leaders of the two fraternal countries. This relationship was
established a long time ago and it continues as the legacy of our fathers
and forefathers. This relationship confirms the inevitability of the
fraternal bonds and the common goal and destiny. Saudi Arabia's fraternal
stand alongside Bahrain tops the list of priorities and concerns for joint
defence and to protect against anything that may undermine the sovereignty
and security of Bahrain.
"[Al-Say'ari] Some believe that Saudi diplomacy and Gulf diplomacy in
general played a prominent role during the Gulf events more important than
the military role. What is your comment?
"[Al-Khalifah] Saudi Arabia always stands behind Bahrain proceeding from
the warm and ancient relations and the firm bases that were established by
our leaders. All this embodies the spirit of Gulf unity that is the
strongest weapon against anyone that tires to harm the security, safety,
and stability of the Ara b Gulf countries. We appreciate the Saudi and
Gulf diplomatic efforts as well as the economic and information efforts
that sisterly Saudi Arabia exerted in support of Bahrain on the various
local, regional, and international levels in order to restore security and
stability, deter hostile designs, stand alongside and bolster what is
right, and exert all means to bring about stability through the just
resolutions of the Gulf or Arab summit conferences or international
organizations. They all stand alongside Bahrain to safeguard the security
and personal safety of its citizens and all its residents.
"....[Al-Say'ari] The Bahraini government has proclaimed that Hezbollah
aims at overthrowing the Bahraini government. What are the measures that
you are taking against this party?
"[Al Khalifah] The Kingdom of Bahrain strongly condemned the statements of
the secretary general of the so-called Lebanese Hezbollah that represents
a terrorist organization. Everything that the secretary-general claimed
about the terrorist events in the kingdom are lies that serve external
goals and calculated schemes that exposed him. In his speech, he affirmed
his commitment to supporting the Bahraini opposition. This is the most
glaring proof that the security of the country is under threat. Bahrain
held the Lebanese government responsible for the ramifications of these
statements that will affect the bilateral relations between the two
countries. The people of Bahrain stand alongside and rally behind their
national leadership. They care about the glory of their country and their
prosperous livelihood in their country that will always remain with God's
help an oasis of security and stability. The people of Bahrain do not pay
any attention to the terrorist s! tatements tha t such people make and
that represent a violation of the sovereignty of Bahrain that is a member
of the United Nations, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic
Conference, and the Arab GCC. We have evidence that the so-called
Hezbollah is involved in backing and training some opposition elements.
The speech of the secretary-general of this party in which he confirms his
commitment to supporting the Bahraini opposition is glaring proof. A
leader of the sedition that is in custody had come from London and he
stopped in Lebanon for two days for a purpose that is clear to everyone.
We know where he went and where he came from." - Asharq al-Awsat, United
Return to index of Bahrain Return to top of index
- "A little bit of patience"
On June 2, the Al-Ahram daily carried the following editorial: "We must
not be concerned about the severe disputes and the loud debates that have
recently taken place concerning the political reforms and the future of
power in Egypt. This phenomenon is a natural one all over the world when
dictator regimes are changed and following the popular revolutions that
thrust the countries in a completely different atmosphere.
"Everyone want to express their opinion and they want their opinion to be
heard. They are trying to blow off the steam that they have kept in their
chests for so long under the security oppression and the dictator regime.
In many countries, disputes reach the extent of hitting, kicking, tearing
clothes, and perhaps even uttering the worst insults inside the
parliaments of the democratic countries. The rule here is to implement the
law in order to punish the law violators rather than to ban the other
opinion or to imprison or defamate those persons who have an opposing
point of view.
"Let us have a little bit of patience. Then, the concealed steam will
gradually filter out and the dialogue will go back to its desired and
natural level. Then, there will be a focus on the ideas and their contents
rather than the people and the sects. At the end, ideas and suggestions
will crystallize in the image of a draft guidance document that can be
followed in making laws or in running for elections, or in running the
facilities of the state and the media outlets.
"The media must not rush to judge the national dialogue and to say that it
has failed since day one just because there have been verbal altercations
between some of the participants. Let us wait and see how the dialogue
will end and what the results will be. Each one of us must commit to the
ethics of dialogue and to the famous concept: my freedom ends when that of
the others begins. People must listen to each others' points of view and
they must not disregard the others' opinions and they must listen to them
seriously and with respect. If this does take place, then I believe that
there will be good consequences and all the nation will benefit. [We just
need] a liitle bit of patience and mutual respect." - Al-Ahram, Egypt
Click here for source
Return to index of Egypt Return to top of index
- "Abdul Monem Shahat to Jarida: Egypt Islamists will not reach power"
On June 3, the independent Al-Jarida newspaper carried the following
interview with the official spokesman for the Salafi Calling group, Abdul
Monem al-Shahat:
"...Q: "How would you explain the intensive media attack recently launched
against the Salafis?
A: "It is no secret that the regime of ousted President Hosni Mubarak used
to exploit everyone to frighten everyone else. He therefore fueled the
Christians' fears of the Salafis and the citizens' fears of the Islamists.
True, the revolution contributed to a decrease of these concerns, but the
remnants of the regime are trying to rekindle these fears with the help of
many liberals, through the dissemination of rumors and the exaggeration of
some individual acts while falsely attributing them to the Salafis.
Q: "But what about the reports related to the imposition of Houdoud
[sanctions in accordance with the Shari'a] and the destruction of the
shrines which some of you were said to have carried out following the
A: "We in the Salafi Calling reject the sanctioning of vice physically,
because this would corrupt society. If we were to follow the events
attributed to the Salafis, they are either false reports or ones which
were blown out of proportion. The incident which saw the imposition of the
Houdoud in Qana was actually a settlement of scores between ordinary
people. Moreover, there is no sanction in Islam stipulating the cutting of
someone's ear. As for the destruction of one of the shrines, it is a
completely fabricated story because the shrine was being repaired. As you
see, everything is being blown out of proportion, recognizing that we do
not have an authority over anyone who grows a beard and are consequently
not responsible for his behavior.
Q: "But your actions frightened many powers such as the Christians. Do you
not think that these fears are justified?
A: "I am surprised to see the Egyptian Christians afraid although they
have lived with us throughout fifteen centuries, during which they enjoyed
freedom and dignity. They went through great suffering for five centuries
at the hands of Roman governors who shared their same religion but were
from a different sect, and it is historically known that they only earned
their rights and freedoms under Islamic rule.
Q: "Some perceived the outcome of the referendum over the constitutional
amendments as being a rehearsal for the arrival of the Islamists to power
in the next parliamentary elections.
A: "The Islamists will not reach power in the next elections for two
reasons. First of all, the constitution is still placing the authorities
in the hands of the president, and second of all, the elections are not
like the referendum. They involve the factors of money and expertise which
play greater roles than in the referendum...
Q: "What about Al-Nour Party [Light Party] which was recently founded and
which was said to be linked to you?
A: "We addressed an open call to all those involved in political work
among the Salafis to found political parties adopting this method in their
political practice. Many brothers undertook several attempts for that
purpose, but the only one that succeeded was Al-Nour Party. In regard to
the accession of the Salafi bases to this party, no official instructions
were issued to approve or prohibit it so far. Consequently, we will
support any candidate based on three standards and regardless of the party
to which he belongs. They are: The candidate's conviction in the higher
reference of the Islamic Shari'a, his competence and integrity."" -
Al-Jarida, Kuwait
Click here for source
Return to index of Egypt Return to top of index
- "MB in Egypt trying to improve its image..."
On June 3, the Saudi-owned London-based Asharq al-Awsat daily carried the
following report by its correspondent in Cairo Mohammad Hassan Shaaban:
"The slogan "I am a Muslim, and I am against the Ikhwan" is haunting the
Muslim Brotherhood organization after it has been repeated on the Egyptian
street in response to the decision taken by the movement not to
participate in the protests organized on Friday. The gathering was called
for by a number of political parties in order to put the revolution back
on track. This decision taken by the MB affected its image and the fact
that a number of provocative statements were made by some of its officials
did not help its position.
"In this respect, one should note that MB Guide Mohammad Badih said in his
weekly message to the MB members: "Do not be afraid if you are attacked by
some media outlets that only have one goal, i.e. to criticize and question
your decisions ..." Badih tried to appease the anger of the other
political forces by saying: "We will not go against you, walk and we will
walk with you..." But according to Doctor Mohammad Habib, the former MB
deputy guide, these statements are not enough to dissipate the
misunderstanding. He was quoted by Asharq al-Awsat in this regard as
saying: "The MB, must present a clear apology. What has taken place last
Friday constitutes a huge political mistake that will surely affect the
organization on the long and short terms."
"The former deputy guide who had presented his resignation last year in
protest against the way the guide and Guidance Bureau elections were
conducted inside the movement, added saying: "The MB leaders should be
more careful with the statements they make. Please have mercy on your
people." Habib said that he was hurt and sad to see the MB leadership
following the wrong path, continuing that the Guidance Bureau should not
punish the youth who took part in the protests staged last Friday... Abdul
Jalil al-Sharnoubi, in charge of the Ikhwan website, said that the
organization was clearly facing confusion. Al-Sharnoubi who resigned from
his position after he was criticized by the Guidance Bureau for the way he
covered the gathering held on Friday said: "There is a state of confusion
within the Ikhwan and also within the other political forces."
"Al-Sharnoubi who took part in the protests despite the decision taken by
the MB leadership not to, added saying: "I did not go to the square
because I wanted to oppose the position taken by the Ikwhan but because my
absence would have generated a great misunderstanding with our brothers
present on the square. We had to show that we were still loyal to them and
to the revolution..."" - Asharq al-Awsat, United Kingdom
Click here for source
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- "...Muslim Brotherhood Recognition that Coptic Christians, Women
On May 18, the Saudi owned Asharq al-Awsat reported: "After 23 years
outside Egypt, Dr Kamal al-Halabawi, popular Muslim Brotherhood member,
returns to his country to stay. He hopes that some of the centres he
established in Britain will be transferred to Cairo...[ellipsis as
published] He hopes that democracy can be achieved in Egypt following the
success of the 25 January Revolution, which brought down the regime of
former President Husni Mubarak. Al-Halabawi's roots go back to the
Al-Munufiyah Governorate, which is the same governorate to which Mubarak
belongs. Al-Halabawi studied at the same secondary school as Mubarak,
which is known as "Al-Masa'i al-Mashkurah." Al-Halabawi said in an
interview with Asharq al-Awsat: "There is no animosity between us and
Mubarak. In fact, as a man from Al-Munufiyah, we should be on good terms."
"Al-Halabawi, who worked for a long time as the spokesman of the Muslim
Brotherhood Group in the West, spoke about the reality of the
international organization of the "Muslim Brotherhood" and said that there
is no similar organization. However, there is "international coordination"
between the "Brotherhood" because of the security restrictions on the
"Brotherhood" leaders in many countries. He pointed out that forming an
international organization for the Brotherhood is the group's dream
whereby they all follow the commands and orders of one amir or one
official. Al-Halabawi said that this dream could be realized following the
revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Syria, and other countries. He
expressed hope for the existence of a strong global Brotherhood
organization similar to "world socialism" or the "Zionist Movement."
"As for the reasons he went to Iran a few days after his return to Egypt,
Al-Halabawi denied that the reason is linked to the Brotherhood, Egypt, or
the 25 January Revolution. He said the reason for his trip to Iran was to
participate in a conference since he is the secretary of the Islamic Unity
Forum, which calls for rapprochement between the Sunni and Shia. He
pointed out that the Brotherhood ideology does not seek a collision with
the regimes in power whether in Iran, Syria, or any other country and that
the movement of the Brotherhood elements in those countries is in
accordance with their circumstances and calculations. Al-Halabawi stressed
that the Muslim Brotherhood needs to review its programmes and positions
vis-a-vis the Copts and women once it announces its establishment of a
party and the way must be open for Copts and women all the way up even to
the position of president of the republic and for the people to be free to
choose through the election! s. He pointed out that there is no
contradiction between a Coptic president and the issue of "Greater
Custodianship" in Islam. He said: "In my opinion...no single Arab country,
by itself, has Greater Custodianship."
"Dr Al-Halabawi said that Egypt can absorb a Brotherhood Party with an
Islamic reference and another party with a Christian reference provided
that all citizens can participate whether they are Muslims, Christians, or
otherwise. He pointed to similar examples such as the Christian Democratic
Party in Germany and Shas in Israel. He expressed his belief that the army
that took over temporary power after Mubarak is carrying out its promises
and is protecting the revolution so far. Following is the text of the
"[Hatitah] Why did you return to Egypt at this time?
"[Al-Halabawi] I never intended to stay away from Egypt for one moment
except when it was necessary. When the opportunity occurred and I realized
that matters have changed; the state security had disappeared; that a new
era had begun with this revolution, and the criminals who had oppressed us
and oppressed the people, stole their money, and restricted their freedom
are now being made accountable, then I saw no reason for remaining outside
Egypt. In fact, Egypt was more in need of care and I had to return the
favour to it.
"[Hatitah] How many years have you been outside Egypt?
"[Al-Halabawi] I have been abroad for 23 years.
"[Hatitah] Were you in contact with those inside Egypt?
"[Al-Halabawi] Of course, there was contact every day...with the
family...with the Brotherhood, and politicians. The contact is continuous
because a man does not forget his country, his environment, his family,
and his people...those are not forgotten.
"[Hatitah] We can say that five or 10 years after you left Egypt, you
expected the regime to change, but 23 years later did it occur to you
before the 25 January Revolution in 2011 that this regime could change?
"[Al-Halabawi] Not a moment went by without me wishing of course that this
regime would fall, not only for me, but for the people of Egypt and for
the sake of Egypt's leadership of the Arab and Muslim world and for the
sake of its own advancement. We were expecting this and were working
towards it. We have been working on this for years; we established in
London, the "Egypt Salvation Front," the "Muslim Brotherhood Media
Centre," the "Islamic Society of Britain," and other research
institutions. There is no personal battle or animosity between myself and
Husni Mubarak. As a man from Al-Munufiyah Governorate we should have been
on good terms.
"[Hatitah] You mean you are from the Al-Munufiyah Governorate from where
Mubarak comes?
"[Al-Halabawi] Yes, and I studied at the same school as he (Mubarak) did.
It was a school called the "Al-Masa'i al-Mashkurah" secondary school in
Shabin al-Kum. We had a problem with (the former president's regime) in
the way he administered great Egypt, which had become a dwarf. It became a
little village that lacked the value it deserved in the Arab and Muslim
world in particular and the world in general. This was inappropriate for
Egypt. Therefore, we were expecting the regime to fall and we were working
towards it.
"[Hatitah] Regarding the institutes that are currently in Britain, do they
belong to the Muslim Brotherhood or do they belong to you?
"[Al-Halabawi] Some of them work in the name of the Brotherhood such as
the "Media Centre" and some have no link to the Brotherhood. The "Egypt
Salvation Front" for example is a large project and includes members of
the "Brotherhood" and members from outside the Brotherhood. The research
centres too have no relation to the Brotherhood, although they do serve
the Egyptian people.
"[Hatitah] When a leader of the "Brotherhood abroad" talks about the
Muslim Brotherhood, does he mean the "Egyptian Brotherhood," the
"Brotherhood as an international organization," or the "Brotherhood in
"[Al-Halabwai] We must separate a number of issues. First, he who talks as
a member of the "Brotherhood," he who talks as an official spokesman of
the "Brotherhood" or he who talks about a general matter that concerns the
"Brotherhood" and is concerned about the entire Egyptian people. At one
point, I was the official spokesman for the entire "Brotherhood" in the
West, this was because of the security restrictions in Egypt. However,
many of the interviews, lectures, opinions, or articles I write are my own
personal opinion. Some people may see things differently...my background
is that of the "Brotherhood" but I do not speak in the name of the
"Brotherhood" as I do now...this interview is not in the name of the
Muslim Brotherhood, it is an interview with Kamal al-Halabawi, who is a
member of the Muslim Brotherhood Group.
"[Hatitah] Okay. However, we have not reached the junctures as to when the
term "Brotherhood" means the "Egyptian Brotherhood" alone, when the term
means the "international organization of the Brotherhood," and when the
term "Brotherhood" expresses the opinion of he who says it?
"[Al-Halabawi] There is no international organization whatsoever.
(However), there is international coordination that has not reached an
international organization because of the security pressures in Egypt and
elsewhere. Egypt (used to) ban people (the Brotherhood) from travelling.
Syria also bans people from travelling, Libya prevents people from
travelling and at the same time it kills people. Therefore, you were
facing a problem that was a somewhat general problem. The Muslim
Brotherhood was not recognized openly anywhere in the entire Arab world
except for Jordan. Other countries would pursue anyone who belongs to the
Muslim Brotherhood in different ways. It is true that sometimes there is
no clear and concrete difference because the idea is one idea and the
project we are talking about is also one. Therefore, my articles, ideas,
and opinions are my own unless I am an official spokesman, a member of the
Guidance Office, or a member of the World Shura Counc! il, or have b een
tasked to do so. This is a personal matter and is related to me personally
and my opinions. If I am talking about Iraq in the name of the Iraq
Organization and I have been tasked with doing so then I can be talking on
behalf of the Iraq Organization. But the general talk expresses general
opinions pertaining to the view of the Muslim Brotherhood in general and
not of a certain organization.
"[Hatitah] Does this include the international organization?
"[Al-Halabawi] As I said, there is no international organization. This is
a "Brotherhood" dream, but after the revolution in Egypt, the revolutions
in Libya, Tunisia, Syria, and Bahrain maybe matters could improve and the
call would come with the emergence of a strong organization similar to
"world socialism" or other organizations or (for example) the "Zionist
Movement" in the world. They all listen and obey one amir or one official
despite the particularities of each of the different countries, according
to their laws and so on.
"[Hatitah] So if the movement of the Muslim Brotherhood Group becomes
easier in the new phase in many Arab countries, what shape will the
organization take since you just compared it to the "World Socialist"
Movement or the "Zionist Movement?"
"[Al-Halabawi] I mean the existence of a nucleus for moderate Islamic
action worldwide. This is one of the steps that Imam Al-Banna, may God
rest his soul, aspired to. Why not if it is possible? However, there are
great obstacles and countries that will not allow for something called the
Muslim Brotherhood to be established. They will not allow such freedom.
Some countries view themselves as representatives of Islam and some
countries believe that they are more advanced than the "Brotherhood"
ideology. This means that the grounds are not completely there for the
establishment of such an organization. However, it is a hope and a dream
that every brother in the "Brotherhood" has, so that links and relations
are established and maybe this will be a nucleus in the future for Arab
and Islamic unity.
"[Hatitah] How about political calculations with ruling regimes...some
believe that the group did not protect the "Iranian Brotherhood" for
example, or the "Syrian Brotherhood?"
"[Al-Halabawi] First of all, the concept of confrontation does not exist
among the "Brotherhood" and the "Brotherhood" does not seek confrontation
with any regime. However, if a regime pushes it towards confrontation,
then there is no way but to work on the issue and exit with the least
sacrifices and least cost. However, the "Brotherhood" prefers and always
seeks to avoid confrontation with any regime, regardless of which regime
it is. Second, the "Brotherhood" in Egypt does not interfere in the
domestic affairs of other countries. In Syria, there is a law in place
that says all those who belong to the Muslim Brotherhood must be executed.
This is criticized by the "Brotherhood" and those who do not belong to the
"Brotherhood" because it goes against freedom. However, the "Brotherhood"
in every country has the right to discuss with the authorities and talk to
them about anything that concerns the people. The other point is that the
position of the ! Brotherhood is different a nd varies according to its
domestic views.
"[Hatitah] Different to what degree...can you explain this point?
"[Al-Halabawi] I mean the "Brotherhood" in Iraq, for example, adopted a
position vis-a-vis the occupation that I did not like and I would not
adopt myself. I believe the majority of the "Brotherhood" around the world
would not accept it - i.e. when Saddam Husayn was defeated and Baghdad
fell, it was very regrettable that the "Iraqi Brotherhood" linked its
hands with those of Bremer. I do not accept this and no free person would
accept this. The "Brotherhood" should not have accepted this whatsoever.
The "Brotherhood" in Syria at one point reached some conclusions and
reached an agreement with Khaddam, who split from the regime. This
conclusion was welcomed by some members of the "Brotherhood," saying that
it was a good political deal, describing it as good as it could cause a
split within the Syrian Administration; meanwhile, some members of the
"Brotherhood" did not agree with it, and did not see it as a good deal
because it was a deal with someone who was a m! ember of the same regime.
I say there is a great degree of freedom available in every country where
the "Brotherhood" group moves. Some may do the correct thing and some may
make mistakes. This is the same with the rest of the people.
"[Hatitah] Let us return to Egypt after the fall of Mubarak. The
"Brotherhood" is now recognized as a group and it will have a political
party as well, is this not a double gain?
"[Al-Halabawi] This is a good analysis, first because the "Brotherhood" as
a preaching believes that efforts and reforms are necessary in all fields,
that this is a duty and necessity. It believes that Islam is a
comprehensive system that organizes the entire life. The "Brotherhood"
believes that Islam is a religion, a country, a holy book, and a sword; a
sword in the sense of power...and that governance is one of the
foundations of Islam, i.e. that a country must be governed by justice,
freedom, and correctness; this is a necessary matter and not a side
matter. It is also an order from God Almighty. The "Brotherhood" has been
denied political action for years, even during the days of Imam Al-Banna,
may God rest his soul, when he wanted to run for election, the government
and king put pressure on him to stand or otherwise its wealth and assets
would be confiscated. Action for Islam is comprehensive. The "Brotherhood"
does not agree with the saying: "What belongs to Caesar bel ongs to Caesar
and what belongs to God belongs to God." It believes that everything
belongs to God. Therefore, Al-Sadat's saying that "there is no religion in
politics and there is no politics in religion" is ridiculous. The
"Brotherhood" does not believe this. The call must continue because it is
an order from God. There is also a need to participate in political
action. The advantage that the "Brotherhood" sees in political action is
that the members have been raised in a certain way and they have built a
cultural, ideological, and jurisprudential structure that makes them
different from those who have not received this education or training in
the political field. This is something that is an asset to the people and
the nation, and it rectifies the path. I believe this is something good of
the "Brotherhood," which is to have a party and to also continue the call.
"[Hatitah] Some fear that the presence of a "Brotherhood party which has a
religious reference, will give justification for other groups such as the
Christians to form a party based on their own religious reference. What is
your opinion on this?
"[Al-Halabawi] If you want your opinion to be accepted then you must
accept the opinion of the other . If you want your opinion to be respected
then you must accept the opinion of the other person. We have learned that
the Coptic Christian citizen has the same rights and responsibilities as
we have. We refer to our religion and they have the same right to refer to
their religion and faith. We must not impose anything on them just because
we are the majority, even though the majority rules in democratic systems.
Therefore, you respect the opinion of others and give others the same
freedom you have. This is not a gift from you it is an obligation; "Let
him who will believe, and let him who will, reject (it)". In Germany there
is a Christian Democratic Party formula and in Israel there is the Shas
Party that is based on religion. It is true this is an extremist party. So
if there is a party that has an Islamic reference for the "Brot! herhood"
and another party that has a Christ ian reference that allows all citizens
to participate whether they are Muslims or not, so what is the problem?
Give people the freedom...
"[Hatitah] But some Salafist movements started following the 25 January
Revolution and frighten the Egyptians because of sectarian incidents, most
prominent among them was the cutting off the ear of a Christian as a
punishment. What is your comment on this?
"[Al-Halabawi] Let us distinguish between a number of issues: the first
issue is that the Salafists are not the Islamic Group neither are they the
Al-Jihad Group, the "Brotherhood," nor the Sufis. Second, the current
Salafists in Egypt belong to a number of groups and are not one group.
They have very different views regarding political action. As you know,
during the revolution some of them banned their members from demonstrating
and some supported the demonstrations; some permitted the killing of
Elbaradei and Al-Qaradawi, on the other hand there are some Salafists and
preachers that are very level headed and balanced, therefore, we cannot
make one judgment for all these groups, this is not fair. The second point
is that there is no punishment in Islam called "cutting one's
ear"...unless it is a punishment for a person cutting someone else's ear
first. There is no such punishment in Islam. The background to this story
as I read it has nothing to do with religion or Salafist s. Therefore,
linking these issues to the Salafists indicates that religion is being
placed in the circle of accusation.
"[Hatitah] Is the current Salafist trend in Egypt capable of integrating
into the political life or does it need to be reviewed?
"[Al-Halabawi] Why not? Of course the moderate Salafists and those
moderates from any direction can participate in political life. However,
those extremists whether religious or ideologically extremist people
cannot participate in political life. People must have a methodology and a
programme to build Egypt and not to kill people, cut off ears, or demolish
"[Hatitah] Some people call on the "Brotherhood" group to carry out
ideological reviews similar to those carried out by Islamic and jihadist
groups in the past?
"[Al-Halabawi] The Islamic Group and Al-Jihad Group carried out reviews
because they were on the wrong path and they were not on a moderate path.
They returned to what the Muslim Brotherhood was saying. So what ideas are
the Muslim Brotherhood asked to review? As for reviewing the Muslim
Brotherhood's programme and position vis-a-vis the Copts and women then
this is very important. However, the "Brotherhood's" methodology, mode of
action, and gradual approach on which they were raised cannot be
"[Hatitah] The issue of the participation of women and Copts in the
"Brotherhood" continues to worry people.
"[Al-Halabawi] The "Brotherhood's" political party must change its ideas
that were placed by the "Brotherhood" programme that was drafted in 2007
otherwise the "Brotherhood" party will have no place in the country. The
way must be open for women and the Copts even the post of president of the
republic. If the people choose a woman to lead the country, do we kill
her? If the elect a bishop, do we kill him? No, we must refer to the
people. The people choose who they want through elections even if he were
a Copt, provided that they adhere to the Constitution and meet all the
requirements of the Constitution.
"[Hatitah] Does this not bring about a dispute over the custodianship of
"[Al-Halabawi] The issue of the Greater Custodianship is something that is
disputed in jurisprudence. The nation is divided. Is Bahrain a "Greater
Custodianship?" Is Qatar a "Greater Custodianship?" The Greater
Custodianship comes when the nation unites and becomes one nation.
However, there is no greater custodianship by any country. I believe that
each country alone is not a greater custodianship.
"[Hatitah] The "Brotherhood" participated in the revolution. Some are
asking why it did not cooperate with other political trends to form a
revolution command council to achieve the hopes of the people?
"[Al-Halabawi] A revolution command council was not established by the
people because the effective element that would help the revolution in
succeeding was the army. Had it not been for the army's interference and
for General Sami Anan and his wisdom in dealing with the matter and his
insistence that Mubarak must step down, then the revolution would have
been similar to the one we are seeing in Libya or Yemen. There is no need
for a revolution command council in order to achieve the democratic dream
in Egypt. The referendum that took place after Mubarak left over the
amendment of a number of constitutional articles and parliamentary
elections scheduled for September 2011 -if these elections are fair, then
they will be a step towards democracy, this will be followed by
presidential elections. Egypt needs an honest man who will protect Egypt's
national security.
"[Hatitah] In your opinion is there an organized political power that is
capable of protecting the revolution and achieving democracy in Egypt?
"[Al-Halabawi] I believe that the army has so far kept to its promise. So
far it continues to protect the revolution, even though I do not agree
with transferring some accused people to military courts following the
Imbabah incidents. I do not agree with that. There must be swift trials
for sectarian sedition matters. I do not agree with handing people over to
military or extraordinary courts.
"[Hatitah] You will be traveling from Egypt to Iran within days, why?
"[Al-Halabawi] To attend a conference in Tehran about alliance against
global terrorism for the world peace that will last three days since I am
the head of the Terrorism Research Centre in Britain, and to represent a
different perspective from London as the secretary general of the Islamic
Unity Forum which calls for rapprochement between Sunnis and Shia and
calls for unity of the Muslim nation. My visit has nothing to do with the
"Brotherhood," my being an Egyptian, or the "25 January" Revolution.
"[Hatitah] If you decide to reside in Egypt on a permanent basis, what
will happen to your centres in Britain?
"[Al-Halabawi] I will hand the centres over to others to take care of, and
some I will work on as projects from Egypt such as the research centres
and so on, especially because of the new free atmosphere in Egypt. I have
decided to remain in Egypt and I will give everything I can to the
people." - Asharq al-Awsat, United Kingdom
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- "Rough filter" - by Shari'atmadari
On May 25, the conservative Keyhan daily carried a commentary by Hoseyn
Shari'atmadari that said: "Amid the ongoing events in the country and the
region and while the public opinion and dedicated experts' glance was
focused on the latest local events and the region's Islamic uprisings,
some esteemed Majlis representatives passed a bill disregarding its
consequences. However, as we are aware of their commitment, it can be
certainly said that they cannot approve of its adverse consequences.
According to this bill which was previously rejected by the Guardian
Council and unfortunately it has not become clear that with what
explanation or rationale the respected council gave approval to the bill,
candidates of the Majlis should at least have postgraduate degrees and
people like Shahid Raja'i who did not have postgraduate degrees and many
others, are not eligible to become candidates for Majlis! Based on
this.... [as published] with regard to this bill, it is worth mentioning
"1. Based on which logic and explanation and acceptable conventional and
scientific criteria have our esteemed MPs denied Majlis candidacy to a
large number of respected and committed citizens of our country for the
sole reason of not having postgraduate degrees? Fundamentally, do they
have such a right or option? For participation in Majlis, what
extraordinary advantages or merits do those with postgraduate degrees
have, which for example, those who have only graduate degrees do not
"2. Where did the "postgraduate degree" requirement come from? Using which
criterion or assumption was it approved? If education levels are the
qualification criteria for becoming an MP, with respect to academic
qualifications, why was a "doctorate" degree not considered instead of a
postgraduate degree?
"3. Is competency summarised in academic certificates? Evidently, the
answer is negative and most competent people have lower academic degrees
like "bachelors" degree. The "postgraduate degree" requirement on one hand
will prevent many competent individuals from the Majlis and on the other
hand it will limit and restrict the voter's choice around those who have
postgraduate degrees and this contravenes Section 8 of Article 3 of the
constitution which emphasizes "the participation of the entire people in
determining their political, economic, social, and cultural destiny" and
also contravenes Section 9 of the same article which asserts on "the
abolition of all forms of undesirable discrimination and the provision of
equitable opportunities for all, in both the material and the intellectual
spheres" and...
"4. It might be said that the intention behind the "postgraduate" degree
requirement is to have learned people in the Majlis but it should be
mentioned that if by learned we mean political, religious and social
understanding... First, such "understanding" and "comprehension" cannot be
evaluated with academic degrees and many are those who for good reasons do
not have postgraduate degrees but their political and social understanding
and awareness is higher than those who have postgraduate degrees.
Respected ladies and gentlemen of the Majlis, judge yourselves, is it not
like this? Secondly, in all parts of the world, an academic certificate
means going through a related educational process and the people who do
not go through this process are considered to be without that degree,
therefore, with which scientific and logical criteria have you considered
each term of representation in the Majlis as an "academic qualification"?
In which part of t! he world is this principle preva lent or approved so
that you respected have invented it? Thirdly, it might be said that after
four years in Majlis, an MP acquires special political and social skills
which can be counted as an academic degree. It should be mentioned that in
all parts of the world, the outcome of this cycle is known as "acquiring
experience" and not "academic degree"! and if contrary to all scientific
and logical criteria "acquiring experience" is considered as an academic
degree, why is the same not considered for people who have at least four
years experience in management jobs and Clause 2 of Article 28 is not
"How can these double standards be justified? Especially because some
management responsibilities have much more complex terms and learning
experience compared to representation in the Majlis, through which we
"5. Pertaining to Majlis elections, Article 63 of the constitution
stipulates that "The qualifications of voters and candidates, as well as
the nature of election, will be specified by law". According to this
article, the respected MPs reserve the right to determine the candidates'
qualification and on the other hand, according to Article 72 of the
constitution "Majlis cannot enact laws contrary to the official religion
of the country or to the Constitution. It is the duty of the Guardian
Council to determine whether a violation has occurred, in accordance with
Article 96", however, thousand details that are finer than the hair are
mentioned below:
"a. The law-maker believes that the respected MPs will consider the
people's and the regime's interests in determining candidates'
qualifications and that they will not ignore the people's rights as
stipulated in the constitution and thus bestowed upon them the right to
determine the representatives' qualifications.
"b. Meanwhile, the postgraduate degree constraint for Majlis candidacy
contravenes Sections 8 and 9 of Article 3 and Articles 19 and 20 of the
constitution and it is surprising how the respected Guardian Council
approved the aforementioned bill. This obvious point should also be noted
that although Majlis bills should not contravene the law and constitution,
but not all bills which do not contravene the law or constitution are
legible for approval, for example and with apologies please read the
"6. Does de-shelling of a seed contravene Islamic religious laws and the
constitution? It is obvious that the answer to this question is negative.
Now, once again with apologies, if a new requirement is added to the
Majlis candidacy requirements that during registration each candidate
should carry 100 grams of de-shelled sunflower seeds and eat them in the
presence of Guardian Council observers, Interior Ministry inspectors and
local trustees! Can it be claimed that this requirement contravenes
Islamic fundamentals and constitution principles? And can it be said that
since Article 63 of the constitution bestows upon the Majlis the option of
determining the candidates' requirements thus the respected MPs have the
right to add this requirement onto candidates' requirements and since the
"sunflower seed" bill does not contravene religious teachings and the
constitution, the respected Guardian Council is also duty-bound to approve
"7. Pay attention to this point: The latest bill requires candidates to
have "postgraduate" degrees and on the other hand, each term is the Majlis
is counted as an academic degree and thus all current MPs are counted as
postgraduates! With these calculations, should we not be worried? Will the
public opinion not think that the MPs who have passed the aforementioned
bill have actually removed their rivals and competitors from the election
field? Since each Majlis term is counted as an academic degree, is it not
feared that these same MPs after easily going through to the 9th Majlis
term, will claim to have "doctorate" degrees and in the next cycle, put in
place a law based on which the candidacy requirement will be changed from
"postgraduate" to "doctorate" degree?
"8. Lastly, it is expected that the group of respected MPs who voted in
favour of this bill and with respect to their acknowledged commitment will
amend this damaging fault and it is also expected that the respected
Guardian Council which, prior to this, had rejected the aforementioned
bill citing Article 19 and 20 of the constitution, that now with respect
to the negative outcomes of this bill and its contravention to the
stipulation of Articles 19 and 20 and Sections 8 and 9 of Article 3 of the
constitution, will prevent the violation of people's rights." - Keyhan,
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- "Sheikh in first interview: Suspension of negotiations not pressure
On June 1, the independent Az-Zaman daily carried the following report by
Sari al-Rawi: "Member of the Iraqi List Fattah al-Sheikh said in his first
interview following his candidacy to occupy the parliamentary seat of
Deputy Prime Minister Tareq al-Hashimi, confirmed the "existence of a plan
inside the list to nominate me to replace Al-Hashimi." He said to Az-Zaman
yesterday: "This is a call for the rejection of sectarianism and the
accomplishment of the national project on the ground. It is a pleasure for
Fattah al-Sheikh to replace Tareq al-Hashimi, as this reveals that the
Iraqi List has embodied the slogans it raised before its supporters." He
therefore hoped that "the political process will go from being a process
between components to one of citizenship. It is consequently an honor to
assume Al-Hashimi's post, because there are members who reached the dome
of parliament through votes, while I reached it though a national
"On the other hand, Al-Sheikh indicated: "The suspension of the
negotiations with the State of Law Coalition is better than a withdrawal.
I believe that the other partner is starting to head in the right
direction, and we are awaiting a response from the brothers in the State
of Law Coalition in regard to having the Council for Strategic Policies be
one which is the object of voting inside parliament." He added: "Following
the staging of the first parliamentary session, the situation will be led
in a positive direction to build a government of national partnership and
activate the Irbil agreement." In the meantime, Al-Sheikh believed it was
likely that "the suspension of the negotiations is a pressure card used
against the other blocs. The biggest proof for that are the meetings that
took place between the two blocs following a severance of relations which
lasted more than three months."
"He continued: "The Iraqi List does not need to exert pressures. It needs
to build a national partnership government and I believe that the 100-day
deadline will be enough to mobilize the blocs to reconstruct the
government..."" - Az-Zaman, Iraq
Click here for source
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- "Jordan: Bakhit maintains "amendment" card to extend term of gov..."
On June 3, the Palestinian-owned Al-Quds al-Arabi daily carried the
following report by Bassam al-Bdareen: "The remarks over the weak
performance of the economic team in the Jordanian government are
justified, and require the presence of former Minister of Industry and
Commerce Amer al-Hadidi as the advisor over the economic file in the royal
palace. However, these remarks actually reflect the divisions and
divergences within the government of Prime Minister Maaruf al-Bakhit, as
active Minister of Finance Muhammad Abu Hammour has enough concerns and
does not wish to become involved in economic planning, while the minister
of planning is said to be inexperienced and is targeted by the bureaucrats
and the Old Guard just for trouble-making purposes and not to engage in
discussions. In the meantime, it is clear that the head of the economic
file committee on the team, experienced diplomat Dr. Hani al-Malki, is
facing problems of a special kind.
"These due to the fact that his colleague, Minister of Agriculture Samir
al-Habashna - who was named a member of the committee - is refusing to
attend its meetings under the chairmanship of Al-Malki for protocol
reasons, considering he could not attend meetings headed by ministers who
recently assumed their positions. Consequently, the situation inside the
economic sphere in the Cabinet seems confused, especially in light of the
increase of the talk regarding economic affairs by official spokesman
Minister Taher al-Adwan, which could justify Al-Hadidi's action as the
representative of the Royal Court, and before that the King's focus in
person on the difficult economic situation during his last two meetings.
But far away from the economy and its complicated problems, Al-Bakhit does
not seem comfortable managing his relations, even with his deputy,
Minister of Interior Sa'id Hayel al-Srour, as the latter is not consulted
over the main issues as it is imposed by his post.
"Some leaks are even saying that Al-Bakhit tried to get rid of Srour but
was not allowed to do so, while Srour has presented an open resignation.
At this level, it is no longer a secret that the dispute between Al-Bakhit
and his Deputy Srour revolves around the management of the file of
businessman Khaled Chahin, and the handling of two senior ministers who
were ousted by Al-Bakhit a few days ago in an unusual way, and they are
former Minister of Justice Hussein Majali and former Minister of Health
Yassin al-Hasban. And while Al-Bakhit is encountering technical
difficulties in providing an influential political action space for
Minister of Agriculture Samir al-Habashna, he was able to do so for an
important and politicized minister, i.e. Mazen al-Saket, when he made the
entire Cabinet adopt his plan to restructure the public sector
institutions in a way annulling - once again - all the structural
frameworks that evolved and matured during the last ten years...
"On the other hand, there does not seem to be very strong chemistry
between Al-Bakhit and experienced Minister of Culture Tarek al-Masarwa,
who took it upon himself to revive the deceased and deceived Jarash
festival, while the same goes for Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Riad
Abu Karaki who is not given any specific tasks, is being targeted by some
in the executive body and is not getting enough support from the
premiership. These divisions that have started appearing in the
ministerial team early on will force Al-Bakhit to play the "ministerial
amendment" card as soon as possible, not only to renew the blood, but also
to remain in power since the ministerial amendments have become recipes
for the extension of the terms of governments in Jordan. It is most likely
at this level that Al-Bakhit will maintain this card in his pocket until
he a green light is issued for that purpose from the Royal Palace..." -
Al-Quds al-Arabi, United Kingdom
Click here for source
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- "American veto on the process of the Lebanese cabinet formation"
On June 3, the independent Al-Khaleej daily carried the following report:
"While the compass of optimism had went back to being revived in light of
the talk about the presence of new attempts at forming the Lebanese
cabinet, highly informed sources revealed that the sides concerned with
the cabinet formation have been informed that the Americans have placed a
veto on four portfolios. These include the ministries of interior,
defense, justice, and communications. They [i.e. the Americans] demanded
that these portfolios should not be given to figures from the new majority
or to figures affiliated to it.
"In addition, there has been information about a positivity expressed by
the President of the Change and Reform Bloc, General Michel Aoun as he
expressed his readiness to give up a fifth Maronite minister in return of
designating this minister in a joint manner with the President Michel
Suleiman. This would be similar to the formula that was adopted in order
to solve the problem of the ministry of interior where an agreement was
reached to appoint Maj. Gen. Marwan Charbel to this portfolio.
"Meanwhile, the appointed Prime Minister, Najib Mikati told his visitors
that several formulas have been suggested in order to step out of the
deadlock. He also insisted that the formula of a technocratic or a de
facto cabinet is out of the question. He also considered that the cabinet
formation has been delayed due to the presence of many conditions and
demands. He denied the presence of external reasons and he indicated that
he did not obtain the list of the names that he requested... Mikati also
asserted that he is ready to discuss any suggestion that he might obtain
in response to his own suggestions and that he is ready to make all the
possible modifications by holding a dialogue with the sides concerned with
the formation especially in light of the more positive atmosphere
"The Political Assistant of the Speaker Nabih Birri, Ali Hassan Khalil,
said that the cabinet file is being stirred again through the enhancing of
the communications between all the different parties. He denied the
possibility that the new majority might ask Mikati to step down in case he
fails to form the cabinet. The member of the Change and Reform bloc, MP
Alain Aoun revealed that there are new initiatives and positive
developments. He hoped that the new efforts will yield a result in the
next couple of days.
"On a different note, the hearing that brought together Speaker Nabih
Birri and the parliament's committee on the day before yesterday failed to
yield a minimal level of consensus on holding the legislative hearing that
Birri had called for holding on the 8th of the current month... This
implies that the fate of this hearing is connected to the result of the
open controversies and interpretations although Birri had distributed the
agenda [of the hearing] despite of the objection of some members of the
bureau of the parliamentary presidency." - Al-Khaleej, United Arab
Click here for source
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Middle East
- "Ofer Gate: reasons of the Iranian silence?!"
On May 3, Rajeh al-Khouri wrote the below opinion piece in the pro
parliamentary minority daily An-Nahar: "Two days following the so-called
"Ofer Gate" scandal, Iran was drowned in silence and perhaps confusion.
Meanwhile, the Israeli economic committee at the Knesset started to
discuss the background of this scandal. However, orders were quickly
issued that led to halting the discussion!
"The Ofer Gate scandal was revealed when America blacklisted the group of
the Israeli Ofer brothers for having sold, in September 2010, a tank ship
for eight million dollars to the company of Iran Shipping Lines, thus
violating the ban. But this scandal now seems to be the apparent tip of
the Israeli-Iranian iceberg if we were to believe what the Israeli press
had published concerning the 13 sea trips carried by the Tanker Pacific
carriers to the Iranian ports.
"The interesting part is that these trips revealed that prominent figures
in Israel are connected to this case. [This was revealed] first when
Benjamin Netanyahu and Ehud Barak tried to disclaim their responsibility
in the scandal, and second when the investigation in the Knesset was
quickly halted, and third when the Israeli press quoted a spokesperson for
the Ofer group as saying: "The state of Israel benefitted from the Ofer
brothers when it needed them; and today, it is giving up on them!"
"The Israeli analyses concluded that the Israeli ships that anchored in
Iran included a number of spies who were able to carry out spy actions to
serve the Israeli enemy, which had always been considered as the enemy
number one in Tehran. Thus, we may understand the reasons why the former
Mossad Head, Maer Dagan, had quickly stated: "the dealings with this issue
are being exaggerated." This proves that Israel aspires to contain this
"It is surprising and strange that this noise should explode in Israel
while Iran is drowning in silence especially that the Iranian regime has
built all its strategy in the Middle East on the animosity against Israel
and on brandishing slogans in support of the Palestinian cause... It is
enough for us to imagine - if these ships had anchored in some Arab port -
the statements of Iran and its accusations of treason.
"Moreover, Yehoshua Miri, the Chairman of the Arab-Israeli Friendship
Society, said: "Regardless of what we are currently witnessing on the
ground, the secret commercial relations with Iran are estimated at tens of
millions annually... [ellipses as published]. Both sides are exchanging
harsh statements but the commercial business between them is growing" to
the extent that the President of the Contractors Association in Israel
Eran Saif is praising the Iranian marble "that is reaching us via
Turkey!"" - An-Nahar, Lebanon
Click here for source
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- "First death in Morocco protests"
On June 3, the Qatari-owned Al-Jazeera.net news website carried the
following report: "Human rights activists condemned the attack on a
demonstrator from the February 20 Movement in the city of Safi south of
Casablanca, and who passed away on Thursday from wounds sustained last
Sunday during the oppression operation launched by the Moroccan security
forces against demonstrators who were demanding democracy. The human
rights sources mentioned to Al-Jazeera.net that a young man called Kamal
Aamari (30 years old) passed away from wounds in his head and spine after
he was violently assaulted by seven security elements who clubbed and
kicked him. And in its first response to the death of a demonstrator, the
Moroccan Coalition of Human Rights Associations condemned what it dubbed
the barbaric attacks that led to Aamari's martyrdom and the injuring of
many activists and citizens.
"The coalition which includes 17 human rights organizations and
associations called in a statement, a copy of which was delivered to
Al-Jazeera.net, for the "opening of an urgent investigation into the
repeated murders and attacks witnessed during the demonstrations, in order
to define the responsibilities and the sanctions, so that the violators of
human rights are not spared from accountability and punishment..." The
organizations constituting the coalition also confirmed their
determination to partake in the march which was called for by the National
Council to support the February 20 movement next Sunday, in order to
express solidarity with it, to defend the right to stage peaceful
demonstrations and ensure the respect of the rights and freedoms. For
their part, the youth of the Islamic Justice and Charity group held the
Moroccan authorities "fully responsible" for Aamari's death, and did not
exclude the possibility of "pursuing all those responsible for this
"In a statement, they called for crowded, peaceful and popular
demonstrations on Sunday, to protest against the oppression practiced
against the demonstrators. In the meantime, activist in the February 20
movement Najib Shawki, condemned Al-Aamari's murder and called for the
trying in court of the security bodies involved in the crime. He added to
Al-Jazeera.net: "The oppression and intimidation exercised by the Moroccan
authorities will not stop the protests demanding change and reform. These
practices will rather fuel the protesters' determination to move forward
in their struggle for a better Morocco." On the other hand, the local
authorities in the city of Safi denied that the demonstrator passed away
from the injuries he sustained during last Sunday's protests, saying that
the activist had a heart attack and stopped breathing due a lung disease
he had before his death.
"It is worth mentioning that King Muhammad VI had announced in his address
to the nation on March 9 the launching of constitutional reforms which he
said will guarantee the separation of powers and the enhancement of the
prerogatives of the prime minister, a thing which was deemed insufficient
by the protesters." - Al-Jazeera.net, Qatar
Click here for source
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- "Hamas' internal disputes float to the surface for the first time..."
On May 27, Najib Farraj wrote the following report in the pro Fatah daily
Al-Quds: "The Hamas movement will not need a reconciliation agreement
between its different members in order to solve the disputes between them.
However, it will definitely need additional dialogue hearings in order to
contain these disputes as they have surfaced in a clear and obvious
manner. And although these disputes are not new, this is the first time
where they reach the media. They will have clear effects on the future of
the already stumbling reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas.
"One of the aspects of the inter Hamas disputes is the fact that, a few
hours following the assassination of the Al-Qa'idah leader Osama Bin Laden
in Pakistan by the American services, Hamas' Prime Minister, Ismail
Haniyeh quickly summoned a number of the media outlets representatives and
he made statements concerning several issues, the most prominent of which
was the statement where he condemned the assassination of Bin Laden and
where he described him as a Muslim Arab Jihadist... [Then] the Vice
President of Hamas' politburo, Moussa Abou Marzouk, had to make another
statement from Cairo where he said that Haniyeh's statement does not
reflect the movement's position but rather his own personal view...
"The recent debates, the heroes of which were Hamas' politburo president,
Khaled Mesh'al and Dr. Mahmoud al-Zahar and Ezzat al-Rashk, led to the
deepening of the dispute that floated to the surface and that might expand
and reach additional dimensions if the leadership of the movement fails to
contain it...
"As for the latest dispute, which consisted of debates here and there
between the prominent members of the [Hamas] movement, this is indeed an
important issue as it stresses on the depth of the crisis... The observers
believe that the dispute is a major one as Al-Zahar has criticized
Meshaal's position through his speech in Cairo...when he said: "we were
unaware of the position of Khaled Meshaal and no one consulted with us
concerning this issue. Therefore, this position is erroneous..."
"The member of Hamas' politburo, Ezzal al-Rashk who is considered to be
close to Mesh'al responded to Al-Zahar's statements by saying: "They are
wrong and they do not reflect the position of the movement and its
institutions. They represent a violation of the structural norms that the
movement abides by..." He added that "Al-Zahar is not entitled to comment
on the speech of the movement's head or to correct it. The political
bureau is the only side that may issue any clarifications or corrections,
if need be, on the statements of the leadership."
"...The disputes between the leaders of Hamas remain open to several
possibilities. They could either end - and this is unlikely in the near
future - or they might shrink and regress below the surface. However, if
the disputes expand, this will lead to dire consequences, not only for the
movement but for the reconciliation as well." - Al-Quds, Palestine
Click here for source
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- "Hamas command "extensively" meets in Syria & signals stay in Damascus"
On June 3, the Palestinian-owned Al-Quds al-Arabi daily carried the
following report by Kamel Sakr: "In its meeting in Damascus on Tuesday and
Wednesday, the politburo of the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas
discussed a number of political issues, namely Palestinian reconciliation
and the implementation of its steps on the ground in coordination with
Fatah and the other Palestinian factions. This was revealed in the
statement distributed by Hamas's media office to the media outlets, adding
that the meeting also tackled what was carried in the media regarding
statements and comments on the speech of Politburo Chief Khalid Mish'al
during the reconciliation ceremony in Cairo. The politburo therefore
assured that Khalid Mish'al's speech expressed the positions, policies and
principles of the movement, and that any opposing statements, regardless
of their source, did not represent the movement or its institutions...
"According to observers, this statement aimed at pointing out the mistake
of leader Mahmoud al-Zahhar and his previous statements in which he
criticized the content of Mish'al speech during the signing of
reconciliation with Fatah in Cairo. On the other hand, Al-Quds al-Arabi
learned from Palestinian sources that the meetings of Hamas's politburo in
Damascus witnessed - this time around - wide participation from Hamas's
leaders in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank under the chairmanship of
Khalid Mish'al. This, according to observers in Syria, undermined the
claims talking about division at the level of the positions inside the
movement, and confirmed the internal unity in Hamas's ranks. Al-Quds
al-Arabi also learned that a prominent and leading delegation from Hamas
in Gaza arrived to Damascus a few days ago to participate in the politburo
meetings, including Khalil al-Hayya and Nizar al-Awadallah.
"Moreover, these meetings which were organized by Hamas's command in
Damascus undermined the claims talking about the movement's intention to
transfer the headquarters of this command outside of Damascus, in light of
the events witnessed in Syria. It is worth mentioning at this level that
during the last few days, leader Mahmoud al-Zahhar said that the content
of Mish'al's speech during the signing of Palestinian reconciliation did
not represent the movement, in a first of its kind step which was
countered by leader Ezzat al-Rashaq who corroborated the fact that the
movement's command resided in Damascus and that Mish'al was Hamas's
leader." - Al-Quds al-Arabi, United Kingdom
Click here for source
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- "Hamas politburo takes unanimous position against Al-Zahhar ..."
On June 3, the Saudi-owned London-based Al-Hayat daily carried in its
paper edition the following report by its correspondent in Damascus
Ibrahim Hamidi: "Hamas's politburo which is headed by Khalid Mish'al took
a unanimous position after a meeting it held in Damascus. The meeting
aimed at sending signals to show that no divisions existed inside the
politburo following the statements that were made by both Mahmud al-Zahhar
and Izzat al-Rashak... In this respect, Palestinian sources were quoted by
Al-Hayat as saying: "Hamas's politburo met on Tuesday and Wednesday with
the participation of most of its members, even those living in Gaza and
the West Bank. The representatives of Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya and Nizar
Awadallah took part in the meeting but Doctor Mahmud al-Zahhar who is
presently in Cairo did not. The fact that all the members were present
clearly shows that contrary to what was said after Al-Zahhar's statements,
no divisions exist inside Hamas."
"The sources added: "The media commotion that recently erupted over the
statements delivered by Mish'al following the signing of the Palestinian
reconciliation agreement was discussed, in addition to the media
statements made by Al-Zahhar and in which he said that Hamas might move
its offices from Damascus. This clearly created confusion and affected the
image of Hamas in general. The Hamas leadership was also aware of the
anger created by Al-Zahhar's statements among its supporters and
especially among the leaders of the movement in Gaza. Some leaders from
Gaza said that they did not understand his statements vis-a-vis Syria,
especially since Syria had always been a true ally. They also considered
that it was not possible or acceptable to compare Syria to any other
country and that this necessitated a clear decision from the politburo in
regard to Al-Zahhar's statements..."
"The sources continued: "The movement wanted to show that its headquarters
were still in Damascus and that the politburo was still operating normally
from the Syrian capital..." Other Palestinian sources told Al-Hayat that
Hamas informed Switzerland that the meeting held between its envoy to the
Middle East Jean-Daniel Ruch and Mahmud Al-Zahhar did not concern Hamas.
The sources added: "Zahhar decided to take part in this meeting without
getting the approval of the movement's command and this is why he was not
representing Hamas during that meeting, only himself." It must be noted
that two years ago, Geneva hosted meetings between Hamas representatives
and current and former European officials and researchers from the United
States..." - Al-Hayat, United Kingdom
Click here for source
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- "Al-Nakhaleh: Abbas might disband authority if peace efforts fail"
On June 3, the Saudi-owned London-based Al-Hayat daily carried the
following report by its correspondent in Cairo Jihane al-Husseini: "Deputy
Secretary General of the Islamic Jihad movement Ziad al-Nakhaleh said to
Al-Hayat that in case the Palestinian authority's efforts to earn the
recognition of the Palestinian state at the United Nations were to fail,
President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) will find himself forced to disband
the authority as the final solution to hold the international community
responsible for the deadlock and the absence of any hope in the
establishment of a state on the June 4, 1967 border, but also to force the
international community to impose a reasonable solution that would be
acceptable and would meet the minimum level of Palestinian rights...
"Al-Nakhaleh therefore believed it was likely that the Palestinian
president will threaten to disband the authority, but that this will come
as a shock. He indicated that the authority was an entity established
based on a European-Israeli-Arab decision and will, adding: "The authority
is supported on the international level and its disbandment is
unacceptable on the international and Arab levels." He said however, that
the disbandment "might be necessary if the Palestinian command does not
earn the recognition of the Palestinian state at the United Nations, since
this would mean that the settlement has reached a dead end, which does not
justify the continuation of this entity..."
"Asked whether or not the Palestinian president might recant the demand to
see the recognition of the Palestinian state at the United Nations,
especially in light of the speech of President Barack Obama who warned the
Palestinian command against such a step, he said: "Abu Mazen is not very
optimistic about securing this accomplishment. But at the same time I
doubt he will recant his position. I even think he will fight to earn this
recognition..." On the other hand, he indicated that the Prime Minister of
the Ramallah government was Abu Mazen's favorite but not final candidate
to head the new Cabinet, excluding any possible problems at the level of
reconciliation and saying in this regard: "I do not think that
reconciliation will fail. The two sides (Fatah and Hamas) cannot tolerate
the failure of this reconciliation in light of the Palestinian popular
action which is supporting it..."" - Al-Hayat, United Kingdom
Click here for source
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- Syrian prisoners not pleased with presidential pardon
On June 2, the Saudi owned Elaph website carried the following report: "In
a phone call he made with Elaph, the board member of the National
Organization for Human Rights, Ibrahim Issa, announced that sit-ins and
cases of civil disobedience have been staged in some Syrian prisons." He
added: "Following the issuing of the presidential pardon that relates to
releasing the political prisoners, and when the prisoners learned that the
pardon does not involve all the prisoners, many of those staged a sit-in
the the Adra prison for two days in a row."
"He asserted that "many activists will not be included in the presidential
pardon such as activist Hassan Saleh..." He also indicated that "the
decree only targets those persons who are accused of starting a secret
association and that it did not cover other charges in a way that would
allow a large number of political prisoners to benefit from the decree."
"For its part, the Rawanka organization, which is concerned with defending
the prisoners of public opinion in Syria, asserted that all the prisoners
held in the Aleppo Central Prison - their number amounts to more than
7,000 detainees - have staged a disobedience movement as a way to express
their solidarity with the Syrian people. In a statement received by Elaph,
the organization said that "the prisoners broke all the internal prison
doors and they were able to access the officers' rooms, and they captured
some hostages including the prison's Director, Maj. Gen. Bassam Ghazi
Aloulou. As a result, thousands of troops and men flooded the prison and
its surroundings and they encircled the prison.
"An eye witness from within the prison said, via his cell phone, that
"heavy gunfire is being heard along with the sound of bombs. However,
there is no certain information on whether there have been dead or injured
victims." The army and security members were able to control the prison
after using tear gas bombs in addition to beating and torturing the
prisoners. In addition, hundreds of army and security members are still
present within the prison, and the prison is still being held under siege
by the troops and the security men according to the statement [of
"On a different note, the Soueida Coordination Committee called for
peaceful protests today in support of the demands of the Syrian people in
the square of Torshan and the Thakla roundabout, according to the
political activist, Tamer Awwam. The latter made a statement to Elaph
where he said: "Through my participation in the Syrian conference for
change that is held in Antalia and that reflects the unity of the Syrian
people including all its different groups and that supports all the right
and just demands of the Syrian people, I believe that the conference has
placed a major importance on the youths within and outside Syria." He also
indicated that this is the first time where all these numbers of youths
from within Syria are taking part in a conference that includes national
figures and a clear national agenda." - Elaph, United Kingdom
Click here for source
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- "The regime's last winter and Syria's long spring"
On June 3, the Palestinian-owned Al-Quds al-Arabi daily carried the
following opinion piece by Sobhi Hadidi: "A few hours after the Syrian
television had announced the issuance of legislative decree number 61 that
was said to have granted a general pardon for the "crimes committed before
31/5/2011," the number of martyrs in the town of Rastan had surpassed 60,
including the little girl Marwa Hassan Chakhdo (four years old) who was
martyred when her family's home was raided. Moreover, martyr Wa'el Khattab
was shot on his motorcycle while his child was with him (five years old),
and his body remained on the ground with the child next to him for a long
time, because the intensive shooting prevented anyone from approaching
them. In that same town, the regime's officers used heavy artillery and
tanks to bombard specific targets that were carefully chosen, namely the
city's bakery, the sports city, Al-Tawila neighborhood, a number of
mosques... and qu ite surprisingly the house of General Ziad al-Madani!
"Throughout the bombing operation, the military and security checkpoints
were preventing the entry of any food or medical aid to the population,
while security teams handled the kidnapping of the wounded from the
streets and the gathering of the corpses in bags. It is not odd or new for
the Syrian regime to combine pardon and war crimes, to make "donations" -
as the mouthpieces of the pardon decrees are describing them - while
committing massacres. This reveals the commotion prevailing day by day
over the regime's choices in the face of an uprising that keeps growing
and widening... The regime is not only becoming more isolated from his
allies before his rivals, but is also concealing contradictions within its
narrow circle and mounting divisions in the military-security-financial
body whose components are maintaining their cohesion despite their
discrepancies. This is not a state of the law, as we and they know it. But
it is also no longer a regime committed to the laws it per sonally
drafted, in order to improve its image at times, mislead the people at
others or temporarily bend before a passing storm.
"Law 61 is the most recent example for that, considering that it was
ratified amid celebrations and cheering while described as being a
"general pardon" for all the "crimes" committed before its issuance.
However, article 2 of the law excluded more than 50 articles in the Penal
Code among other codes, including article 306 on which the judges of the
arbitrary courts based their sentences against the civil society activists
and the prisoners of opinion... On the other hand, one can only welcome
the release of Tahama Maruf and the detainees of the Communist Party such
as Abbas Abbas, Toufik Omran, Ghassan Hassan and Ahmad al-Nihawi, who were
arrested in May 2009 and were sentenced to four years in prison... The
great paradox at this level is related to the actual value of the laws
ratified or relied on by the authority, considering that the latter were
tried and sentenced based on article 306, and were released by Law 61
which excludes article 306!
"In other words, the security bodies arrested them without sound legal
grounds, released them without sound legal grounds and could arrest them
again whenever they want without sound legal grounds!... In 2000, and
during the oath speech which followed his inheritance of power, Al-Assad
Jr. announced he will proceed (and he did indeed throughout the last 11
years) based on his father's method in regard to political and partisan
life in Syria... The son also reproduced his father's rhetoric in regard
to democracy, with the only difference being the philosophical language he
- or the person who writes his speeches - uses and which is not similar to
the dry and arrogant language that was used by the person who wrote
Al-Assad Sr.'s speeches. The son will thus say: "Democracy is a duty
toward others before being truly ours." This means that the practicing of
democracy is not the primary right of the citizen, and rather follows his
duties toward the "others," which is naturally the st ate.
"In the 2007 oath speech, he also readopted that "young" presidential
philosophy... by saying: "We must have our own democratic experience which
stems from our history, culture and civilization, from the needs of our
society and the requirements of our reality." And a few weeks following
the annihilation of the forums' experience and what was known as the
"Damascus Spring...," Al-Assad said the following to describe this action
with clear sarcasm: "The word spring does not concern us as a terminology.
Spring is a temporary season. Some like it while others like winter." By
proceeding with the violence and misleading option, the regime has settled
in for the winters it loves... But what Syria is witnessing today in terms
of the regime's oscillation between pardon and slaughter and the formation
of a national dialogue committee amid the bombardment and besieging of the
cities, is bringing the authority closer to its last imminent winter and
the people closer to the long spring of fre edom that is undoubtedly
coming." - Al-Quds al-Arabi, United Kingdom
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- Jazeera new report on Syria unrest
On June 2, the Qatari-funded Al-Jazeera TV reported: "Thousands of Syrians
staged demonstrations in several cities and villages, including the
capital Damascus, yesterday evening. The demonstrators took to the streets
to demand the regime's ouster and reiterate their rejection of the reform
steps announced by Syrian President Bashar al-Asad. In another
development, Syrian human rights activists revealed that around 50 people
were shot dead over the last two days by security forces conducting
military operations in the city of Al-Rastan and the town of Al-Hirak in
the Dar'a Governorate
"The killing machine chasing freedom-seeking Syrians strikes again in
Al-Rastan and Al-Hirak. The speed at which it harvests the souls of
demonstrators was not slowed down by President Al-Asad's decisions to form
a dialogue committee and issue a general pardon for criminals. Barely
after the presidential decrees were signed, the chapters of a new massacre
in the city of Al-Rastan were revealed - according to human rights
activists, security forces killed 41 people in the city. Meanwhile, the
Syrian Human Rights Organization revealed that another nine civilians were
killed in the town of Al-Hirak last Tuesday. A general pardon and a
dialogue committee were decreed, and before that, the state of emergency
was lifted, but nevertheless, death overshadows any calls for dialogue.
For these reasons, the demonstrators did not retreat; on the contrary,
they took to the streets late in the evening in some neighbourhoods in
Damascus, Hims, Hamah, Latakia, Idlib, Harasta, and Qabun, chan ting
slogans in favour of toppling the regime. A step forward that disguises
steps in the opposite direction - this is how Syrian activists interpreted
President Al-Asad's decisions, which they considered a message to sides
outside Syria, particularly the Western counties pressuring the regime to
adopt reform steps that affect its structure.
"The opposition says that it does not count on the president's decisions
given its previous experiences with his reform promises. It cites as proof
the chain of events that followed the decision to end the state of
emergency on 19 April, soon after which Syrian Army tanks stormed several
towns and villages in an attempt to stop the protest movement under the
guise of destroying armed gangs. The Army's deployment in the face of
demonstrators raised the number of victims from 200 dead at the time the
state of emergency was lifted, to around 1,100 people. The opposition
makes sure that these incidents are remembered; incidents that compel it
to question the seriousness of the call for national dialogue, for how can
dialogue be possible when acts of murder, torture, and arrests are taking
place on the one hand, and when a Ba'thist official dismisses calls for
amending the constitutional article that grants the Ba'th Party sole
control of authority on the other.
"Based on these variants, the opposition believes that the regime still
counts on the security option even though excessive force has not been
successful in obliterating the protest movement. In the face of the
opposition's insistence on change, moving forward seems painful to the
regime, especially since the pluralism the masses are calling for
practically means that the regime cancel itself. The vanguard party motto,
which is an extension of the soviet heritage that was destroyed by the
Perestroika, goes against the opposition's demands for pluralism. While
calling for reform, the opposition remains worried that it might be too
late for Syria's Perestroika, keeping in mind the high price the country
may pay if the authorities do not quickly launch a serious dialogue that
takes Syria from the one-party regime to a civil, pluralist, democratic
state." - Al-Jazeera, Qatar
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- On the Turkish-Syrian relations
On May 3, the independent leftist As-Safir daily carried the following
piece by Mohammad Noureddine: "It is really a strange thing for most of
the Turkish media outlets, namely the Islamic ones, to focus on the
conference of the Syrian opposition in Antalia and to ignore the general
pardon to all the political prisoners that was issued by the Syrian
President Bashar al-Assad.
"More interestingly, when these newspapers did allude to the pardon, they
focused on the fact that it will include prisoners of the Kurdistani
Workers Party. At the same time, these newspapers highlighted the
positions of the Syrian opposition, their rejection of the pardon law and
their call to oust the regime. The positions of these newspapers indicate
that these [newspapers] do not want Damascus to implement any step that
might help Syria to end the crisis under the national constants.
"However, we cannot but assume that the Turkish Foreign Minister, Ahmet
Davitoglu, is reassured by Al-Assad's step considering that it represents
a translation of what the Turkish officials had been asking the Syrian
president for: to make a step similar to "shock therapy." And although
reform is an ongoing march, Davitoglu cannot but consider the step of the
general pardon as a "shocking" one and one that must push Turkey into
developing its approach to the solution of the Syrian situation...
"Thus, the Turkish responsibility at this point seems to be a major and
crucial one as it must work with the Syrian leadership on completing the
features of the solution for this crisis, in a way that preserves the
unity of the Syrian lands and the stability of the security, in addition
to aborting the sectarian strife that the Turkish officials are focusing
on. Thus, the worst scenario for Ankara will be avoided. This consists of
the scenario of chaos that will primarily harm Turkey especially in light
of the growing escalation in the Kurdish issue within Turkey.
"Regardless of the interpretations of the general pardon step, this step
represents a direct translation of the Turkish "nagging" of Al-Assad to
make a quality step. Turkey is currently under a serious test on whether
it will be a factor that facilitates the national dialogue in Syria by
influencing the Syrian opposition that convened in Antalia, mainly the
Muslim Brothers who can only find a breathing space in Turkey.
"...Turkey has an obligation, now more than ever, to play a constructive
role in aborting the "high threat" scenarios as described by Davitoglu
himself. Turkey cannot possibly disregard the step of the general pardon
and it cannot possibly consider that the ball is still in Al-Assad's
court. There must be a "shocking step" from the part of Ankara vis-`a-vis
the Syrian opposition in order to reach common grounds and to build a new
formula with Syria that brings together the nationalistic direction and
the acknowledgement of democracy and freedoms. As the Turks were asking
the Syrian regime for a quick step, the attention is now focused on Turley
as the latter must also implement a quick shocking step." - As-Safir,
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- A Letter to Muhammad al-Durrah
On June 2 the Saudi owed Al-Hayat English carried the following piece by
Zuheir Kseibati:"From Antalya - following Istanbul - Turkey is
broadcasting the details of the discussions of the activists and
oppositionists of the Syrian regime, although it was the patron of the
West's openness to this regime's doors, windows and lungs. Times have
changed and the Turkey of the Justice and Development Party with which
Damascus forgot the difficult and even bitter stages of relationships of
dubiousness, has now become the patron of a "roadmap" drawn up by the
Syrian opposition, albeit some Turks do not deem it possible to see reform
from inside the regime.
"The presidential general pardon was issued in Damascus a few hours before
the oppositionists' meeting that was hosted by the Turkish godfather which
has not yet relinquished the wager on the possible changing of the
"security" winds, and upon the insistence of the side which considers
itself as being the "big brother" due to the advantage of enjoying the
longest border with Syria. Some among those who sat around the Antalya
table - with underlying sponsorship from this godfather - gave enough
signals pointing to the fact that times have change and could no longer be
tuned based on the clock of the governmental "national dialogue" in
"Moreover, some who were unaffected by the "suspicions" over the motives
of Turkey's hosting of the oppositionists of the Syrian regime and its
security solution, have not yet relinquished the unaltered major question:
Is the regime capable of changing its skin - even if under Ankara's
"Obviously, the tragic situation in Syria does not conceal the fact that
the West, which assigned Europe to act as the spearhead in the
internationalization of the Arabs' human rights, has not yet reached the
point of completely giving up on the legitimacy of the regime in Damascus,
seeing how it is still adopting the possibility that President Bashar
al-Assad might be able to lead the change toward democracy.
"But will the regime change its skin and control the time difference
between the era of the one-party and the disregarding of the citizens
right, and the era of transformation toward the recognition of the
humanity and freedom of its people? Did the security solution settle for
the victims and martyrs who have fallen to launch a dialogue tarnished
with the blood of Hamza al-Khatib among other civilians and military
"Would it not have been more effective and less costly to enhance the
transformation process with an early dialogue, so that it does not appear
to be an act of charity by the apparatuses of the ruling party, following
the "disciplining" of all those who took to the streets, even among
children and women?
"Times have changed but all around the Arab region, the populations and
countries of change are still caught between two scenarios, i.e. regimes
that change course, save everyone and offer concessions in recognition of
the fact that the impossible which stood fast and buried Arab history for
long decades has become impossible, and regimes of "legends" whose only
victories lie in the destruction of their countries and the slaughtering
of their populations in the face of the "imperialists" and the "sabotaging
"So far, the first scenario is still rare, modest and confused, fearful of
what will happen following the concessions. As for the regimes of
"legends," their story with the "supernatural" is similar to that of the
Colonel whose patriotism is preventing him from leaving the Jamahiriya,
even if there is only one Libyan child left in it. He is the hero and the
leader of corpses, which is why NATO is preparing for a long summer.
"As for the Yemeni Colonel, he wagered on the time factor in the hope that
"reason" will prevail over the oppositionists who are all envious "gangs."
And when time ran out, his supporters' artillery sent a message to those
concerned, talking about the only red line which is the Colonel's
"legitimacy," thus turning the residents of Change Square in Taiz into
martyrs, but for the "gangs" of instigators!
"The "courage" of the Yemeni regime resides in the fact that it does not
shy away from the duel based on the saying "either I or my enemies." True,
the discrepancies are major between Bab al-Aziziyah's defiance of the NATO
planes and the defiance by the Revolutionary Guard in Sana'a of the house
of the Hashed tribe leader Sadek Abdullah Ahmar or the tents of the youth
and children who were martyred in the Taiz massacre. However, what is also
true is that the regime that has become addicted to "paternity" is leading
the opposition, the army and the tribe toward the tunnel of infighting
which will not spare the country, the elderly or the children.
"In the times of Arab uprisings and revolutions, Jasmine does not burgeon
alone and history can testify for that. And while the opinion of the
rulers in regard to the opposition is blemished by the fever of power and
instinctive retaliation, the false witnesses - just like the blind - are
the only ones who do not see that the martyrs among the Arab children have
become the heroes on all the squares of change and hope.
"Will an Arab regime change its skin? Do our consciences merely deserve
lashing following the martyrdom of Hamza al-Khatib, or do they deserve
much worse than what they did upon the martyrdom of Muhammad al-Durrah?" -
Al-Hayat English, United Kingdom
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- Yemen Needs a Saudi Initiative
On June 2 the Saudi owed Al-Hayat English carried the following piece by
Hassan Haidar:"The Yemeni President, who refused to sign the GCC
initiative, and the opposition, which considered this initiative to be
over, both know that the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC),
and especially Saudi Arabia, will not abandon their efforts to put a stop
to the security and political deterioration taking place in this country
contiguous to them, and perhaps also to the excess indulged in by both
sides in laying down conditions and counter-conditions in order to approve
and sign the initiative.
"Circles close to President Ali Abdullah Saleh say that the initiative was
set down on the basis of Qatari efforts to topple his regime, and accuse
Doha of trying to exact revenge because of the failure of its efforts to
turn the issue of the Houthis into a regional issue in which Iran would
have a role to play. The President even introduced a personal element to
the issue and blamed the Secretary-General of the GCC in public statement
for not addressing him as a head of state. As for the opposition in the
Joint Meeting Parties (JMP), it considered the initiative to have been
much too "lenient" on the President, as it does not stipulate his
immediate resignation but in fact provides him with guarantees that he
will not be held to account.
"And between these two stances, one must say that the balance of power on
the ground still leans so far in favor of the regime, as evidenced by the
fact that Ali Abdullah Saleh remains in control of most of the army,
despite the defection of General Ali Mohsen Al-Ahmar. He also controls,
through his son, the heavily-armed Republican Guard, and is still able to
gather hundreds of thousands of his supporters in Sanaa every Friday, in
addition to enjoying tribal support that should not be taken lightly. As
for the fighting against Sheikh Sadeq Al-Ahmar's men, it reflects a
struggle within the tribal Hashid Confederation over its leadership, after
the President was able during his long period of rule to move it into what
are in effect his hands, by marginalizing the traditional leadership and
taking his share of loyalties trough the distribution of funds, weapons
and positions of influence.
"Saleh is so far benefiting from the reality that those who oppose him
have nothing in common except for the goal of overthrowing him, because
the opposition consists of an assortment of elements that usually do not
mix: from the Leftists of the Socialist Party to the fundamentalists of
the Congregation for Reform, and in between them various formations that
disagree over almost everything. Moreover, it is noteworthy that protests
demanding that the President leave have recently receded in Aden and the
areas around it.
"Saleh had reached the conclusion that the opposition was afraid of
elections, which could reveal its weaknesses, when he proposed that they
be held before the end of the year, asserting that he would not run as
candidate and would not bequeath power to any of his sons.
"And even if the opposition succeeds at removing the President and taking
power, conflicts would erupt between its constituents that would be far
worse than what is taking place now, and this could mean the establishment
of an unstable state for a period of time that would not be short. And
Yemenis have a long history of proving that loyalty to tribe, region and
leader is much stronger that all political theories and regimes of rule.
"And whatever the truth of the pretexts which were and continue to be used
to not implement the clauses of the GCC initiative, the situation in Yemen
deserves every possible effort to prevent the security relapse from
spreading and turning into chaos. And Riyadh, which maintains good
relations with different Yemeni parties in power and in the opposition,
cannot, by virtue of the factors of history and geography, stand by idly
while civil war is being sparked, warning of a tremendous fire erupting,
the flames of which would spread beyond the border, as took place in the
war against the Houthis. This is why it will most likely not hesitate, in
spite of taking great care to ensure the success of the work of the GCC
institution and greatly supporting the efforts of its Secretary-General,
to take the initiative of exerting direct efforts to activate the GCC
initiative and to find a peaceful and gradual solution to the crisis. " -
Al-Hayat English, United Kingdom
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