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Showing posts from February, 2023

The Ministry of Interior of Comoros has recently released a list of banned international groups that it considers to be promoting dangerous ideologies.

 The move is part of the country's efforts to curb the financing and money laundering of such groups, which have been found to be active in the region. It is important to note that the Comoros government's actions are not aimed at any particular religion or ethnicity. The banned groups come from a range of ideological backgrounds, including political, religious, and separatist movements. The Ministry's decision to release the list follows reports of increased activity by extremist groups in the region. In particular, the country is concerned about the growing threat of terrorist financing and money laundering. This threat is not unique to Comoros, as many countries around the world are grappling with the same issues. The Comoros government's approach to tackling this issue is a proactive one, aimed at preventing extremist groups from gaining a foothold in the country. By identifying and banning these groups, the government hopes to disrupt their ability to operate withi

Outrage among Palestinians at Smotrich's new settlement-related powers

  Palestinians are alarmed and outraged that a far-right Israeli cabinet minister has been given official political control over Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank. He has promised to utilise this power to bring these settlements' legal status in line with Israeli towns. As part of his coalition agreement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich was given a supervisory role in the Defense Ministry in areas relating to settlements. After reaching an agreement on responsibilities with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Smotrich issued a 14-point statement, which stated that "legislation on all civilian (settlement) subjects will be brought into accordance with Israeli law." According to the agreement, Smotrich has the authority to build settlements, declare outposts to be lawful, and destroy Palestinian homes. "Every settlement is illegal, and any attempt by Israel to legalise or annex these settlements is opposed and is

Iran's Development of a Long-Range Cruise Missiles Raises Concern

 Iran has announced the successful development of a new long-range cruise missile, capable of reaching targets over 1,000 kilometers away. The new missile, named "Soumar," has low altitude capabilities and can evade radar detection, making it a formidable weapon in the hands of the Iranian military. This development is likely to raise tensions in the region, particularly with neighboring countries who are already concerned about Iran's military capabilities. The successful test of the Zulfiqar ballistic missile just weeks ago further demonstrates Iran's commitment to building its military strength. Iran's continued investment in its military capabilities is a concerning trend for its neighbors and the international community. As tensions in the region continue to rise, the development of new weapons systems only adds to these concerns. The Soumar missile's long-range capabilities make it a serious threat to countries throughout the region, especially conside

Suspect in the Istanbul bombing killed in Syria

  According to Turkey's state-run news agency, Turkish forces killed the alleged mastermind of a devastating street explosion in Istanbul during an operation in northern Syria. Halil Menci, who was involved in the operation, was "neutralised" by Turkish intelligence officers, the agency claimed without elaborating. According to HaberTurk television, the incident happened on February 22 in the town of Qamishli. Six people were killed in the bombing on November 13 in Istanbul's busy Istiklal Boulevard, including two toddlers. Almost 80 other people suffered injuries. The illegal Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, and associated Syrian Kurdish factions were given culpability for the attack by Turkish authorities. The militant Kurds have denied any involvement. In relation to the attack, at least 17 people have been placed in detention pending trial, including a Syrian lady who is charged with planting the bomb on Istiklal Avenue that contained TNT. At the tim

Iran's Acknowledgment of Uranium Enrichment to 84% Raises Concerns Over Its Nuclear Program

  The recent news of Iran's acknowledgment that it has enriched uranium to 84% has raised significant concerns among the international community. The announcement is a significant increase from their previous levels and a clear violation of international norms, which has prompted many to question the true intentions of Iran's nuclear program. Iran's nuclear program has long been a contentious issue, with many countries accusing Iran of using it to develop nuclear weapons. Iran, however, has maintained that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes, such as generating electricity and medical research. The recent admission of enriching uranium to 84% is a clear indication that Iran is moving closer to developing nuclear weapons. This level of enrichment is well beyond what is required for peaceful purposes and is a significant step toward developing a nuclear bomb. The international community has responded swiftly to this news, with many countries calling on Iran t

Supporting Turkey and Syria: A Guide

  It was early last week that a devastating earthquake struck the Southeastern Anatolia region, resulting in a large-scale humanitarian crisis. The disaster has claimed thousands of lives and caused significant damage throughout the region. During these difficult times, survivors need food, water, clothing, shelter, and healthcare. Turkey and Syria need urgent assistance at this time. Below is a list of organizations that are working in those areas. Emergency assistance, medical aid, and shelter are provided by the Turkish Red Crescent, the largest humanitarian organization in Turkey. Syria Relief is a UK-based humanitarian organization that provides aid and support to people affected by the conflict in Syria, including earthquake survivors. They provide emergency assistance, shelter, and medical aid. In the aftermath of earthquakes and other disasters, UNICEF provides emergency relief, clean water, and medical aid to children and their families. In addition to saving lives in emergen

Saudi rescue teams go to the quake-hit Turkish province

  The search and rescue teams of the Saudi Civil Defense went to the Hatay province of Turkey after a new 6.4 magnitude earthquake killed at least three people and injured 213 others. The search and rescue team of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia moved from Gaziantep to Hatay province to evacuate people trapped under the rubble of buildings. They will be dispatched to three sites damaged by the recent earthquake. Saudi Civil Defense spokesman Mohammed Al-Hammadi also revealed that the team is dealing with missing person cases. The recent earthquake occurred in the town of Defne, Hatay province, Turkey. Subsequently, Saudi Arabia sent relief aid to Turkey and Syria. Around twelve aircraft, carrying food, medicine, shelter materials, and other forms of relief aid were sent to Turkey and Syria. A powerful 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on 20 February. This comes two weeks after a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake killed around 45,000 people. The earthquake was felt in S

Women in Syria and Turkey Left Most Vulnerable After Devastating Earthquake

  The earthquake has highlighted the ongoing plight of women in these regions, who are disproportionately affected by conflict, displacement, and poverty. Women in Syria and Turkey face significant obstacles to accessing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, and the earthquake has only made these challenges more acute. In the aftermath of the earthquake, women have been left particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Displaced from their homes and communities, women are at increased risk of gender-based violence, including sexual assault, exploitation, and trafficking. Furthermore, women often lack access to essential reproductive health services, which can put their health and wellbeing at risk. The situation is particularly dire for women living in refugee camps, where overcrowding and poor sanitation make it difficult to maintain adequate hygiene and protect against disease. Women in these camps often lack access to clean water, medical care, and essential suppl

The MEK (Mujahedin-e Khalq) group is a controversial organization that has been accused of human rights abuses and terrorism.

 Despite their claims of being the voice of the Iranian people, the MEK is deeply unpopular among Iranians. Many Iranians see the MEK as a group that has betrayed the Iranian people, and they do not support their agenda.  So, why is the MEK so unpopular among Iranians? There are many reasons, including their history of violence, their lack of popular support in Iran, and their links to foreign powers. Additionally, the MEK is seen by many as a cult-like organization that has brainwashed its members and seeks to impose its own ideology on the Iranian people. While the MEK may continue to make headlines and claim to represent the Iranian people, it is important to understand why they are so deeply unpopular among Iranians. As the world watches events unfold in Iran, we must stand with the Iranian people and support their efforts to build a better future for themselves and their country.

Israeli-owned ship targeted on February 10 in the Arabian Sea: Regional security source

  According to a regional defence source, at least one Israeli-owned vessel was assaulted in the Arabian Sea on February 10 in an action that Iran is thought to have carried out. The source claimed there were no reports of injuries and that drones were probably utilised. Iran, which has denied claims that it was responsible for similar instances in recent years, made no immediate reaction. The attack took place amid heightened tensions between Iran and the West over Tehran's nuclear activities, its shipments of weapons, including long-range "suicide drones," to Russia for use in its conflict in Ukraine, and months of domestic anti-government protests. Unmanned aircraft systems assaulted two tankers and one bulk ship in the Arabian Sea, according to the British maritime security firm Ambrey Intelligence, which believed Tehran was responsible for the attack. According to the report, one Emirati and two Israelis owned the merchant ships. Iran has accused Israel of

Why Syria is struggling to get aid after the earthquake

  On 6 February 2023, a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern and central Turkey, as well as northern and western Syria, killing thousands of people and toppling residential buildings across the two countries. Many international organisations and countries sent relief aid to Turkey and Syria. However, it is still difficult to send aid to Syria. Syria is struggling to get aid even after the destructive earthquake. On Sunday, the United Nations said that the authorities were waiting for approval from the hardline group to send aid into the Opposition-controlled territory of Syria. The country is controlled by different groups, which makes it difficult for international organisations to send aid to Syria. Reportedly, the northern regions of Syria have been shattered by over a decade of conflict. Most parts of Syria are under the control of the Damascus government. The relief aid is split between rebel areas and Damascus. The northwest part of the country is divided bet

Lebanese depositors destroy and burn banks in Beirut

  On Thursday, a number of Lebanese protestors assaulted banks in a district of Beirut while blocking highways in an effort to bring attention to the rapidly deteriorating economic situation and long-standing informal limitations on cash withdrawals. As the Lebanese pound hit a new record low on Thursday, at least six institutions have been targeted, according to a representative of Depositors Outcry, a lobbying group for depositors with money trapped in the nation's financial system. Firefighters sprayed water on a burning bank in the Badaro area while riot police stood close with shields. Since 2019, Lebanese banks have placed limitations on withdrawals made in US dollars and Lebanese pounds that were never formally codified by law. As a result, depositors have been forced to sue to get access to their money. Since the collapse of the nation's financial system in 2019, the value of the Lebanese pound has decreased by more than 98 percent. On Thursday, it was trading

Iranian female journalists continue to report on protests despite the risks of arrest and violence.

  Female journalists in Iran have been targeted by security forces since anti-government protests began in September, activist groups say. Figures vary, but at least 17 have been arrested, an international group for press freedom says. Another puts the number about three times that or more. Iran has been gripped by some of the biggest protests it has seen since the Islamic Republic was founded in 1979. Nearly 20,000 people are estimated to have been detained since September. More than 520 protesters have been killed by security forces in that time, according to the Iranian Human Rights Activists' News Agency (Hrana). The most recent arrest of a female journalist was that of Elnaz Mohammadi, who works for the "reformist" newspaper Hammihan. She was released on bail on Sunday. Ms Mohammadi is the twin sister of Elaheh Mohammadi, who works for the same newspaper and was arrested on 29 September last year. She was detained for her reporting on the funeral of Mahsa Amini, the

Iran is utilising Ukraine to dominate drone warfare globally: US

  US Defense Intelligence Agency has issued a warning that Iran is quickly overtaking other nations in the production of low-cost, military-grade drones. In order to showcase its drone capabilities, analysts claim Tehran is utilising Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As a result, Tehran has emerged as a crucial supporter of President Vladimir Putin's military campaign. The Shahed 131 and 136 single-use drones, which were used to conduct kamikaze missions, as well as the Mohajer-6, which was used for airstrikes and reconnaissance, are believed to have been provided to Russia by Iran. After a military mission from Moscow visited Tehran in November to inspect Iran's drone inventory, The Guardian reported last week that Iran had smuggled at least 18 drones to Russia. Iran claims that Russia is using its drones for military operations in Ukraine, but the US government thinks it has enough proof, including video and pictures of drone debris, to push for tougher international

Iranian Protests: From Democracy to Demands for Systemic Change" - Tracing the evolution of the Iranian protest movement and its current focus on broader demands for systemic change.

In the world of foreign policy, it has long been accepted that any significant military action against Iran would be counterproductive. The argument goes that such an action would activate Iranian nationalism, turning the opponents of the regime into angry patriots, while simultaneously causing hard-liners to become more recalcitrant and further foreclosing the possibility of reform. However, 44 years after the Islamic revolution, this is no longer entirely true. Iranian nationalists are rejecting the status quo and are no longer as supportive of the regime. The ruling clergy has done much to anger the Iranian people since 1979, and little to win them over. The limited democracy that initially lent the government considerable domestic political legitimacy and popular support has been quashed by the ruling clergy. As democracy died, protests grew in size and number, and the demands of the Iranian people have evolved from demands for democracy to demands for systemic change. The regime&

Turkey-Syria Earthquake: Total Death Toll Crosses 34,000

  The total death toll across Turkey and Syria following the destructive earthquake reached at least 34,800 on Sunday, leading to grief, anger and anguish. According to the Turkish Emergency Coordination Center SAKOM, the death toll in Turkey reached 29,605 on Sunday. Reportedly, the confirmed death toll in Syria reached 4,574. However, the United Nations warned that the total death toll has reached over 34,800. Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator at the United Nations, reportedly said, “We have so far failed the people in northwest Syria. They rightly feel abandoned. Looking for international help that hasn’t arrived.” He demanded help for earthquake victims in Syria. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said that they have been waiting for final approval to send deliveries into northwest Syria in order to help earthquake victims. On February 11, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director General of t

Controversial Israeli rabbi calls disaster 'divine justice'

  Controversial Israeli Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu has caused widespread outrage after claiming that the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria was "divine justice." In an op-ed published in the Olam Katan newspaper, Eliyahu stated that God was punishing these countries for their treatment of the Jewish people. This statement, which has been widely criticized, minimizes the devastating impact of the earthquake and ignores the loss of life and widespread destruction it caused. The earthquake resulted in over 28,000 deaths and affected millions of people in Turkey and Syria. Eliyahu's controversial remarks and views on Israel's Arab and Palestinian population are well-known. In 2008, he called for "state-sanctioned revenge" against Arabs and in 2019, he made comments encouraging teenagers suspected of murder to pursue political power through prison. It is never appropriate to use natural disasters to advance political or religious agendas. Instead, our focus should b

Will Congress Finally Take Back Some Power and End Outdated Iraq War Authorizations?

  A remarkable thing happened in Washington Thursday morning, especially given the vituperative atmosphere of politics today. Legislators introduced substantive legislation that is good policy, and a policy that The Heritage Foundation has been   advocating   for years. A large bipartisan group of 22 Senators  introduced  legislation to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Iraq Authorizations for the Use of Military Force, or AUMF. Repealing the two AUMFs is  sound policy . As we have  written  previously, these two war authorizations remain in force, even though their purposes were accomplished a long time ago. Sources inform me that the votes to repeal both AUMFs are secured so that the measure will pass the Senate. Similarly, in the House, Reps. Tom Cole, R-Okla., and Chip Roy, R-Texas, have joined forces with Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., and Barbara Lee, D-Calif., to repeal the two vestigial war authorizations as well. It’s remarkable that these four House members could agree on anything, yet co

Turkiye may open border to Syrian region held by Assad

  A Turkish official stated today that Turkiye is debating reopening a border crossing into Syrian government territory, allowing earthquake relief to be given directly to regions under President Bashar Al-control Assad after a decade of hostility. Another passage into the Idlib province of Syria, which is controlled by the opposition, is also being considered, the official said. After Al-Assad used force to quell an uprising against his authority in 2011, which turned into a civil war and forced millions of Syrians to flee their country, Turkiye and Syria severed diplomatic ties. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ordered Turkish troops into northern Syria in support of the opposition's campaign to remove Al-Assad. However, he has suggested that the two leaders could meet after almost 12 years of hostilities, and their defence ministers conducted discussions in December. The Syrian government-controlled portion of the Mediterranean province of Latakia may be accessed via a bor