Confrontations in Middle East
Whosoever observes the Middle East and North Africa, particularly since the Ukraine war, notes that there are some sorts of conflicts going on. There are signs that these tensions are uninhibited. If they further escalate it may go out of control of the big powers which are known as the international community.
In regards to the Middle East, we have already warned of such dangers. The confrontations have become almost without “brakes” unless Washington tightens the nerves of its foreign policy and sends the signal abroad about its determination to confront terrorism, extremism, and chaos. It must show that it is internally united particularly when dealing with the outside world and with the region. But unfortunately, it is not strongly visible now due to the deep divisions which have surfaced since at least 2020. Some regional groups which are beneficiary of this situation want the US to remain divided as it is.
It is true that the drumbeat of wars has become louder than before. It is also true that Washington is different from what it was in the recent past. But this greatest deterrent to wars may lose control over them. The state of international relations is difficult and delicate. Those who have military confrontation on their agenda must be well calculated. But the calculations during Saddam (Hussain) were accurate. This may happen to those who think that they are smarter than the Iraqi leader who jumped beyond his capabilities and fell. If things go out of control, it will affect all. (ENDS)
(by Walid Phares in Independ Arabia)
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Hamas, Syria rapprochement?
Hamas recently took a unanimous decision regarding the return to normalization of relations with the Syrian regime, after a ten-year falling-out, during which the movement raised revolutionary slogans. We remember the speech of Ismail Haniyeh at Al-Azhar University in Cairo in February 2012, during which he saluted the Syrian people who aspired for freedom and democracy. It was Hamas’ official announcement of support to the Syrian revolutionaries after the situation at the time suggested that Al-Assad’s fall had become more imminent than ever. After those certain developments took place which resulted in Al-Assad’s supremacy. The movement surrendered to the fait accompli and started efforts for the return of its leaders to Damascus, the request which were rejected on many occasions. The Syrian official position, which was reported by the media close to the regime, was that Hamas was a resistance movement against the (Israeli) occupation, but the treacherous Brotherhood behaviour dominates its actions. Even when Hamas is announcing restoration of its relations with the Syrian regime, no official response was issued from Damascus. This shows that this move for reconciliation was one sided.
With an intention to heal the rift in its relations with Saudi Arabia and Jordan, it is moving towards Moscow, perhaps investing in the stalemate between Russia and Israel. But the absence of an official Syrian response on the issue shows that Syria does not want to be friendly with Hamas, nor Russia is looking for it. (ENDS)
(by Fadel Manasafa in Elaph)