Qatar Top Player in Afghanistan
Saudi Arabia was among first three countries of the world which have recognised the rule of the Taliban (which ended in 2001). On the contrary, Iran’s relationship with the Taliban was extremely tense.
Now the situation has changed. It seems that Saudi Arabia is nowhere in the scene in the current developments in Afghanistan. After it severed its relationship with Taliban after the 9/11 attack, it is never mentioned that Riyadh maintained a relationship or even a presence in Afghanistan. While Iran is showing a cautious rapprochement with the Taliban, following its recent takeover of the country. Tehran is trying to regain its influence in Afghanistan.
New actors appear on the scene, most notably the State of Qatar. Although Qatar did not recognise the Taliban movement before the US invasion, it is now emerging as one of the most prominent players in the Afghan to the extent that many Western capitals see that the road to Kabul leads through Doha. There are reports that Qatar along with Turkey will run Kabul airport.
There is no doubt that the US withdrawal will create a power vacuum which all (regional) powers will try to fill, but it seems that there is a conviction among these forces that there is the need to avoid confrontation in this arena.
The US withdrawal may provide an opportunity for a repositioning which ultimately serves the region as a whole, if all these regional powers prove their ability of working together.
(TRT Arabi)
Tunisia Awaiting Its President to Deliver
More than a month has passed when (Tunisian president) Kais Saied used extraordinary provisions to suspend the constitution of the country and relieve the Prime Minister of his duties. Since then, the features of his rule have begun to appear. But his future plans remain unknown.
It is clear that Saied prefers to gather all powers in his hands. He has created all the appropriate conditions for this. He has suspended the activities of Parliament until further notice and has not yet appointed a new prime minister. This is despite his promise some time ago that he would soon announce the name of the person he would choose for this position.
There is no indication that Saied intends to relinquish his powers or any part of them in the near future. How he would exercise his powers would depend on his future plans, which he has not yet revealed.
At present, it does not appear that there is an alternative to the system of government established by Saied. It also appears that he does not have any competitor.
Saeed’s ability to maintain his popularity will depend on the tangible changes he will bring to the situation in the country while ensuring liberties. In the end, he would realise that he must accept compromises and involve political parties and civil society organisations, or at least some of them, while taking any decisions. So far, he is ruling out all this.
Tunisians are generally ready to wait for Saied to make progress in achievements. But now they have limited patience as they wait for better future.
(by Osama Ramadhani in Al Arab, London)
Compiled and Translated by Faizul Haque