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Showing posts from April, 2023

Middle East Round-up: Civilians Flee Sudan

  The Middle East is currently witnessing one of the largest humanitarian crises in recent years, as civilians flee from Sudan to escape violence and persecution. The situation has left many wondering what exactly is happening in Sudan, who are the affected individuals, and where are they going. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of this crisis and explore how you can help make a difference. Join us as we uncover the heartbreaking reality of why so many innocent people are forced to leave their homes behind. Sudan has been in turmoil for years, but the situation escalated in April 2019 when peaceful protests led to a military coup that ousted President Omar al-Bashir. Since then, the country has been plunged into political uncertainty and instability. The current crisis is rooted in a power struggle between the Transitional Military Council (TMC) and civilian protesters who want democracy and an end to military rule. The TMC is made up of generals who took control after

Paramilitary forces struck a Turkish evacuation plane: Sudanese army

 The fuel system of a Turkish evacuation plane was damaged by gunfire from Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Friday as it was landing at Wadi Seyidna airfield outside of Khartoum, according to the Sudanese army. In two weeks of fighting between the army and its foe, tens of thousands of people have fled and hundreds of deaths have occurred. Fighting flared out in several areas of the capital Khartoum on Friday, according to eyewitnesses and live TV broadcasts, despite the two sides agreeing late on Thursday to extend a cease-fire by 72 hours to allow for humanitarian access. The defense ministry of Turkey confirmed that a Turkish evacuation plane had been shot upon, but said that no injuries had been reported. The RSF claimed that no shots were fired at the aircraft and accused the army of "spreading lies." It is untrue that we intentionally targeted any aircraft in the sky over Wadi Seyidna in Omdurman, the RSF stated in a statement. "Our forces hav

Why the US Military’s Messages Are Falling on Deaf Middle Eastern Ears

  The US military has been waging wars in the Middle East for decades, but despite their efforts to communicate with locals, their messages often fall on deaf ears. This is a major problem because effective communication is crucial for building trust and cooperation with local communities. So why are the US military's messages not getting through? In this blog post, we'll explore the background of how we got here and what needs to be done to find a solution that benefits everyone involved. Join us as we delve into this important topic and discover why it matters so much. The US military's messages are not resonating with Middle Eastern locals, and this has become a significant hurdle in the ongoing conflicts. The reasons behind this problem are multifaceted and complex, but some of them include cultural differences, language barriers, mistrust, and misunderstandings. For instance, many people in the region view the US military as an occupying force rather than a liberating

DeSantis asserts that Biden's estrangement of Riyadh makes the Israeli-Saudi agreement challenging

  Republican Governor Ron DeSantis said that US President Joe Biden's alienation of Riyadh makes a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia unlikely on Thursday at the Jerusalem Post and Museum of Tolerance Celebrate the Faces of Israel conference. “This administration has made a special effort to annoy the Saudis. I believe that Saudi Arabia might accept Israel's existence with the right approach and relationships,” according to DeSantis. Notably, he gave a speech during the conference, which The Museum of Tolerance also supported. He is currently in the third country on a multi-nation business trip that also covers Japan, South Korea, and the UK. However, there is a lot of talk that the trip is a lead-up to an announcement that he plans to challenge Biden for the presidency in 2024. However, he has yet to make an announcement, and during a news conference he similarly declined to confirm a 2024 presidential election. Interestingly, DeSantis has a long history of stan

Sudanese army says it is willing to extend the ceasefire

  Sudan’s army has expressed willingness to extend the three-day ceasefire for another 72 hours, which was due to expire late on Thursday. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the Sudanese army general, said on Wednesday that it gave initial approval to a plan to extend the truce for another 72 hours. Sudan’s army said that the leader also agreed to send an army envoy to South Sudan for talks. On Monday, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire. The three-day ceasefire came into effect on Tuesday. It is due to expire late on Thursday. The United States brokered the ceasefire between the two rivals.   Antony Blinken, United States Secretary of State, lauded the ceasefire. It came after 10 days of intense fighting between the two groups. The Sudanese military said that the presidents of South Sudan, Kenya and Djibouti were working on a proposal to extend the ceasefire and talks between the two groups in Sudan. The Intergovernmental

1 Saudi Move & Impact On West Asian Geopolitics

  As one of the most influential players in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia's actions have far-reaching consequences for West Asian geopolitics. In recent years, we've seen several moves from this powerful nation that are shaking up traditional power dynamics and creating new alliances. From its diplomatic spat with Qatar to its growing relationship with Israel, Saudi Arabia is making bold moves that could change the face of West Asia as we know it. Join us as we dive into the geopolitical implications of Saudi Arabia's latest actions and explore what they mean for the future of this critical region. Saudi Arabia has long been a dominant force in the Middle East, wielding its oil wealth and religious influence to shape regional politics. Its alliance with the United States has given it even greater sway on the global stage, making it a key player in shaping West Asian geopolitics. However, Saudi Arabia's role in the region is not without controversy. Its support for conse

The Assassination of Muhammad Osman Hussein and Its Impact on Sudan's Democratic Transition

  The recent assassination of Army Chief of Staff Muhammad Osman Hussein has sent shockwaves throughout Sudan and the wider international community. The incident is a critical event that could have lasting effects on Sudan's political stability and its democratic transition. The Sudanese transitional government, which was established in 2019 following the overthrow of longstanding ruler Omar al-Bashir, has been attempting to construct a democratic system and address the economic and social problems facing the nation. The assassination of Hussein, a prominent figure in the country's military, could threaten the progress made towards these goals. Hussein's murder is an alarming reminder of the fragility of the situation in Sudan. The transitional government has been struggling to maintain order and tackle the issues that led to the overthrow of the previous regime. The country is facing a severe economic crisis, and its citizens are suffering from high levels of inflation, un

EU restricts Syria's Assad relatives and others over alleged drug trafficking

  On Monday, the European Union imposed penalties on individuals and organizations connected to what it called the Syrian government's "large-scale drug trafficking operations," which also included one Russian corporation. A request for comment on the allegations or the penalties against officials and military personnel went unanswered from the Syrian government. Wasim and Samer al-Assad, two of President Bashar al-Assad's relatives, two Lebanese citizens, and almost a dozen other individuals were named by the EU for their alleged involvement in the trade of the amphetamine captagon. The president has previously been subject to sanctions. The EU claimed that while "enriching itself" and destabilizing the area, the Syrian government had emerged as a "central player" in the production and distribution of the narcotic as far away as Europe. In response to the charges surrounding the captagon trade, the United States imposed penalties last mont

Sudan’s War And The New Arab Diplomacy

  The Middle Eastern and North African ruling classes have been praising a new era of Arab diplomacy for the last three years.  This perspective, seen in American foreign policy circles, suggests that as the US has declined its presence and commitments to the region, local leaders are finding ways to form international agreements to resolve long-term issues. Recent regional initiatives have been held up as evidence of this newfound diplomatic deftness. The underlying message is that Arabs don't need Western solutions to their crises. The story conveniently ignores how many crises the actors, who are now assuming the role of statesmen, were responsible for.  Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, was responsible for the Yemeni quagmire, which he is now trying to escape by agreeing to terms with the Islamic Republic. Statesmanship is not being shown here, but rather a submission. In Washington, there is a bipartisan consensus that the US should reduce its diplomatic t

Iran's defence minister to visit India for SCO Meet

  Mohammad Reza Gharaei Ashtiani, the Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics of the Islamic Republic of Iran, is set to visit the Republic of India this week for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers' Meeting. Iraj Elahi, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of India, has confirmed the meeting. He also noted the importance of the growing defence relations between Iran and India. While attending the Iran Army Day celebrations in New Delhi, the capital of India, Elahi said, "The defence relations between Iran and India are going through a growing process in the framework of the comprehensive relations between the two countries. I also hope that with the visit of the Honorable Minister of Defense of the Islamic Republic of Iran to India...the defence relations between the two countries will be further developed and strengthened in a dynamic bilateral and multilateral format." Iran's defence minister is set t

Satellites will be provided to Azerbaijan by Israel Aerospace Industries

  According to Haaretz, Israel Aerospace Industries has been chosen to provide Azerbaijan with two satellites for $120 million. In an interview with Times of Israel, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, who just visited Baku, acknowledged that Azerbaijan "chose an Israeli company in a satellite procurement deal." Two communications satellites and one observation satellite are used by Azerbaijan. One year before the observation satellite was supposed to finish its mission, Azercosmos, the country's space agency, revealed last week that it had lost contact with the satellite. The issue, according to Azercosmos, was caused by a meteorite or space debris damaging the spacecraft. The agency and the satellite's maker, Airbus, tried to reestablish communication, but they were unable. The agency announced that the Azersky observation satellite's mission was complete after nine years. "The satellite transmitted more than 80,000 images in a volume of half a peta

Are We To Blame For The Violence In Sudan?

  Sudan has been in turmoil for many years due to political unrest, civil war, and ongoing violence. The country's complex history has been marked by ethnic divisions and economic conflicts that have led to frequent conflicts. As the world watches helplessly, we are left to wonder - are we partly responsible for this tragedy? In this blog post, we will explore the causes of violence in Sudan, examine the role of various actors, including the international community and the media, and finally explore whether we can be held accountable. Join us in solving this complex issue affecting millions of people around the world. The current situation in Sudan is dire, to say the least. The country has recently experienced a military coup that led to the ouster of longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir. However, instead of bringing stability and peace, this change led to more violence as citizens took to the streets demanding civilian-led governance. The Sudanese government responded with brutal fo

Middle East Might Be Entering A Period of Deconfliction

  The Yemeni civil war, one of the most brutal this century, appears to be nearing a stable conclusion thanks to the tireless efforts of American envoy Tim Lenderking and concessions from Saudi Arabia, a country that Americans (often with good reason) love to hate. Yemen could still erupt, but the Saudis should be commended for keeping things at least somewhat under control for a whole year. After speaking on the phone with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last week, national security adviser Jake Sullivan "welcomed Saudi Arabia's extraordinary efforts to pursue a more comprehensive roadmap for ending the war and offered full U.S. support. It's past due. The United Nations estimated that by the end of 2021, the war the Saudi ruler started with American support had killed or starved 377,000 people. If anything, the civil war in Syria is even more tragic. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, more than 500,000 people have died in the conflict since 2011, and

Sudan Experiences Temporary Ceasefire on First Day of Eid Al Fitr Amidst Devastating Conflict

 Sudan has been plunged into a week-long conflict, which has resulted in more than 400 deaths and thousands of injuries. The fighting has disrupted communities and caused immense suffering for civilians caught in the crossfire. However, there was a brief respite on the first day of Eid Al Fitr, as a temporary ceasefire was observed. The conflict began in the city of Al-Fashqa, located in the eastern part of Sudan, near the border with Ethiopia. The dispute over land ownership has been simmering for years, but it escalated into a full-blown conflict last week. The Sudanese army has been engaged in heavy fighting with Ethiopian forces and militias that are allegedly backed by the Ethiopian government. The situation in Al-Fashqa is highly complex, with multiple parties involved and competing interests at play. The conflict has also spilled over into other parts of Sudan, including the capital city of Khartoum, where there have been reports of violence and unrest. Despite the temporary cea

Chief of Lebanon's central bank accused of concealing fraud by French prosecutors

  The governor of Lebanon's central bank, Riad Salameh, has been informed by French prosecutors that they intend to bring preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering against him, according to court documents seen by Reuters. This is in part because of allegedly fabricated bank statements that were used to conceal his wealth, according to the documents. Documents provided to Salameh by French court authorities ahead of a hearing scheduled for May 16 in France contain the accusation of creating phony account statements, which had not previously been disclosed. At that meeting, French prosecutors aim to formally accuse him and deliver the first set of charges. Regarding his suspected use of phony documents, Salameh declined to comment. He has categorically refute charges of fraud and money laundering, claiming that he is being used as a scapegoat for Lebanon's economic woes. The lawyer for Salameh said earlier this month that his client had not decided if he would tr

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sudan have a long-standing history of bilateral relations.

  Over the years, the UAE has been a strong supporter of Sudan's development and prosperity. As Sudan faces challenging times, it is important that this support continues. The UAE has been a key player in Sudan's development, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, health, education, and renewable energy. In recent years, the UAE has also provided aid and support to Sudan in the aftermath of natural disasters, such as floods and droughts. This assistance has played a crucial role in mitigating the effects of these disasters on the people of Sudan. The current situation in Sudan is particularly challenging, with political instability and economic difficulties plaguing the country. The people of Sudan are facing a myriad of issues, including inflation, unemployment, and a lack of basic necessities like food and clean water. In addition, the ongoing conflict in the region has only exacerbated the situation, causing immense suffering to the people of Sudan. In light of these

Despite the Iran-Saudi agreement, Lebanon remains in a political deadlock

  While the recent Saudi-Iran deal, mediated by China, gave the Middle East some hope, it placed uncertainty on Lebanon, where a months-long presidential vacuum has aggravated the country's institutional stagnation and a long-standing economic catastrophe. Lebanon, a small Mediterranean nation whose governing elite has historically been associated with foreign powers to maintain influence and economic stability, has suffered as a result of the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The Lebanese pound lost more than 90% of its value in 2019 due to an economic catastrophe, and the ruling class—which has been widely held responsible for the financial collapse—failed to stop the currency's precipitous decline. Since last year, the nation has only had a caretaker administration and no president. The deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which is expected to result in the full restoration of diplomatic ties between the two nations after a seven-year break, has the power to alt

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince attends Eid Al-Fitr prayers

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud attended Eid Al-Fitr prayers on Friday to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. King Salman performed the prayers at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, a Saudi Arabian port city on the Red Sea. The Saudi Crown Prince performed the Eid prayers at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca. King Salman also sent a cable of Eid wishes to Arab and Muslim nations. He wrote on Twitter, “May Allah accept from all of us the fasting of Ramadan month, the prayers, and good deeds. May Allah return to all of us Eid, as our country, the Arab and Muslim nations, and all the countries of the world enjoy security, peace, and tranquility.” On Thursday, King Salman expressed happiness because Saudi Arabia had the honour of serving Umrah pilgrims during the holy month of Ramadan. King Salman said in a speech on the eve of Eid Al-Fitr on Thursday, “Millions of Umrah performers were able to perfo