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9/11 ATTACKS: KHALID SHEIKH MOHAMMED, OTHERS REACH PLEA DEAL

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Info Desk
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9/11 attacks

WASHINGTON – Khalid Sheikh Mohammed – the accused mastermind of 9/11 attacks – and two of his associates have agreed to plead guilty, the Pentagon said.

The major development, however, reportedly involves a plea deal – a move that has been immediately criticized by the Republicans. It comes just months before the US presidential election with a showdown between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

It means the prosecution will now not seek death penalty for the accused after reaching the plea deal.

Mohammed along with Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al-Hawsawi are among the persons imprisoned at the US Navy base at Guantanamo Bay for years. They have spent all these years without going to trial.

The US-educated Mohammed was captured along with Hawsawi in Pakistan in March 2003.

However, the US Defense Department says “the specific terms and conditions of the pretrial agreements are not available to the public at this time”.

THE CHARGES

Mohammed is accused of presenting the idea of hijacking and flying planes into the US buildings to al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden. He also helped recruit and train some of the hijackers, says the prosecution.

Thus, the deadliest attacks on the US soil were carried out on Sept 11, 2001 with hijacked passenger planes, which crashed them into the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington.

Meanwhile, the fourth plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania due to the resistance offered by passengers.

Among others, the charges include attacking civilians, murder in violation of the laws of war, hijacking and terrorism.

THE NO TRIAL

It is the “enhanced interrogation techniques” which have delayed the trial for such a long period.

There are fears that brutal interrogation techniques could have undermined the evidence against the detainees.

Reportedly, Mohammed went through “waterboarding” [stimulated drowning] and other measures for at least 183 times. The critics describes these as torture.

THE DETENTION FACILITY   

Mohammed is, perhaps, not only the most “famous” Guantanamo Bay inmate but also of any other prisoner around the world.

The notorious detention facility was established in 2002 by the then-US president George W Bush to house foreign militant suspects following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

Once housing around 800 prisoners, its population has now shrunk to 30, according to the BBC.

The reason behind setting up this detention facility was that habeas corpus laws could not applied to Guantanamo Bay because of being outside the US territory.

Hence, it helped the President Bush administration meeting the requirements for a presidential order that allowed an indefinite detention of foreign nationals without charge.

THE ABDICATION OF GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITY

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell condemned the move as “a revolting abdication of the government’s responsibility to defend America and provide justice”.

“The only thing worse than negotiating with terrorists is negotiating with them after they are in custody,” he said.

The War Chests of 2024: Who is Funding Whom?

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Info Desk
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US election 2024

With the 2024 presidential election fast approaching the campaigns of Kamala Harris, the sitting Vice President of the USA and the defeated President Donald Trump are in the spotlight concerning fundraising. The two candidates have mobilized fairly good amounts of money, which has shown strategic direction as well as support from their constituencies. These major campaigns are explored comprehensively by examining which donors fund them, where the money for these campaigns comes from, and what this information says about the next election.

Kamala Harris stands as the very first female on a presidential ticket and has proven not only active but extraordinarily effective at fundraising; the ticket has pulled in $200 million in one week (CBS News, 2024). Her campaign referred to large donations and many people donated amounts as small as five dollars, meaning the support base is spread wide. Significantly, a well-known liberal group, Act Blue, said that Harris donated $46. 7 million of the donation from small-dollar donations only according to the Wall Street Journal 2024.

Kamala Harris Raises $200 Million in One Week, Showcasing Extraordinary Fundraising Prowess.

The fact that Harris can bring together contributors increases her popularity due to the fact that she is going after a large market. These show that her strategies align well with the Democratic programs and the Biden presidency to achieve more influence among the voters, at the same time enhancing the campaign’s financial profile.

If Harris’s campaign finance reports are analyzed, it would be apparent that she has generated substantial funds from other sources apart from the small individual donors. Prominent high-tech industry givers and long-standing Democratic Party supporters have greatly enhanced her fundraiser (Yahoo Finance, 2024). Harris’s strategy would be to involve average people in donating small amounts of money online, alongside involving wealthy individuals donating large amounts of money (NPR, 2024). Thus, this double strategy guarantees continuous cash inflows and develops a tight bond with a vast number of voters.

Contrary to this, Donald Trump operates a camp of big-buck benefactors who still fund him a lot of money. His campaign is endorsed mostly by individuals with high net worth and famous businessmen and women (Reuters, 2024). Some of the prominent funders include Sheldon Adelson, Elon Musk, and Bill Ackman, who in this historical past been related to the conservatives (Axios, 2024). It also shows that Trump still has supporters within the GOP and also his ability to quickly amass significant funds. Nevertheless, legal and political challenges have pierced Trump’s fundraising activities, which are still vigorous to this day, thanks to his popularity among the conservative-affluent population.

Trump’s Campaign Backed by Big-Buck Donors Like Elon Musk and Bill Ackman, Reflecting Conservative Support.

Thus, contrasting the financial support provided to the campaigns of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump makes it possible to articulate the differences. This makes Harris’s campaign more diverse in terms of funding since aside from the small-dollar donors, her campaign receives sizable contributions from the Democratic elite. These broad spectrums of support can be useful in rallying a large voting base and keeping the campaign going (CBS News, 2024).

On the other hand, Trump’s heavy reliance on big-dollar donors can be concluded as pointing at the fact that he’s credible amongst business people and pulls a conservative demographic. But this is prudent in his approach as it gives him a huge source of financial revenue (Reuters, 2024), though limits his chances of mobilizing a large turnout of the population, especially at a period of political polarization.

Since funding is one of the major concerns of any candidate standing for elections, Harris and Trump’s financial plans and strategies, and the donor pool that they shall engage to finance their plans shall form the skeleton of their campaigns and ability to interface with the voters. The fact that Harris can appeal to so many types of donors means that the campaign can appeal to a wide variety of voters, meaning it can be flexible to address voters’ needs and worries for (Wall Street Journal, 2024).

Harris’s Fundraising Strategy Involves Both Small-Dollar and High-Tech Industry Donations, Ensuring Broad-Based Financial Support.

One needs to look at his sources of funding to see that he has several billionaires endorsing his campaign to fund it, thus pointing towards the fact that he is capable of facing major hardships. However, his reliance on heavyweight donors can also turn off voters who are wary of the influence of the powerful elites in the political process.

The financial support that a candidate receives whether individually or from parties will define his campaigns and chances of winning. The available data does not allow us to forecast the outcome of the 2024 election; however, the funds raised by Harris and Trump are informative in terms of assessing their political potential and their voter base.

Why the big businesses like Musk are backing Trump? Many rightly believed that the tendency is natural, as Trump believes in tax cuts and protecting the interests of Wall Street. Moreover, history shows again and again that affluent classes have always stood by dictators or those promoting authoritarianism which suits them by minimizing the role of legislature and other democratic players.

Trump’s Fundraising Hampered by Legal Challenges but Bolstered by Affluent Conservatives, Highlighting Divisive Political Landscape.

Who won’t love Trump who has a proven history of tax cuts and materializing limiting the dream of a limited government? At the same time, Musk and others also firmly believe in curtailing the freedom of speech in the name of freedom of speech. They see Trump as an ideal candidate for this purpose. Hence, they aren’t hesitating to pump money into the far right-led Republican machinery.

The contestation for the presidency in 2024 is, among other things, a battle of political philosophies fundraising models, and supporters. The amounts are Sabastian Vettel-style fundraising among other sources, and the strategies of raising funds in the case of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump may be classified as equally different. It is difficult to imagine that, as the election nears, the financial features of their campaigns will not affect the directions to the White House and the possibilities to attract the American people.

Middle East On Edge As Israel Targets Rivals In Iran And Lebanon

By
Arshad Mehmood
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ISLAMABAD – Amid ongoing the conflicts, recent high-profile attacks targeting Israel’s adversaries have heightened tensions in the Middle East, indicating potential escalations across the region.

In a dramatic turn of events, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran early Wednesday.

Iran and Hamas are blaming Israel for the killings, but Israel has yet to release a statement on the matter.

In a statement, Hamas’ armed wing said Haniyeh’s killing would “take the battle to new dimensions and have major repercussions”.

The assassination occurred just hours after a senior Hezbollah commander, Fuad Shukr, was targeted in Beirut.

Israel claimed responsibility for Shukr’s death, alleging he was responsible for a recent rocket attack on the Israeli-Druze village of Majdal Shams in Golan Heights.

GAZA CEASEFIRE EFFORTS 

The demise of Haniyeh comes at a critical time when Hamas and Israel have been negotiating a ceasefire agreement.

Mediation efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt aim to secure the gradual release of at least some Israeli hostages.

UN SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING REQUESTED

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei vowed on Wednesday to seek revenge against Israel for the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

In a statement, Khamenei accused “Israel of ‘paving the way for a merciless punishment against us.”

He declared, “We consider it our duty to avenge him (Ismail Haniyeh).”

Khamenei also described Haniyeh as a dear guest in his house.

On the other hand, Iran’s permanent mission to the UN has requested an urgent Security Council meeting following Haniyeh’s assassination.

The letter sent to the UN Security Council president condemns the killing as a “terrorist attack” and accuses Israel of aggression and genocide against Palestinians.

It also alleges that the US provided authorization and intelligence support for the act.

ISRAEL IS PREPARED

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu didn’t mention of Haniyeh’s assassination in a televised statement on Wednesday evening. He, however, said Israel had delivered crushing blows to Iran’s proxies of late, including Hamas and Hezbollah, and would respond forcefully to any attack.

“We are prepared for any scenario and we will stand united and determined against any threat. Israel will exact a heavy price for any aggression against us from any arena”.

NEITHER AWARE NOR INVOLVED

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said on Wednesday that the US was ‘neither aware nor involved’ in the assassination.

During a televised talk, Blinken said, “I can tell you that the need for a ceasefire remains important to everyone”.

SERIOUS PROVOCATION

Earlier on Wednesday, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the killing of Haniyeh as a ‘cowardly act’.

In a statement from his office, Abbas described “the assassination as a serious provocation and called on Palestinians to stay united, patient, and resist the Israeli occupation”.

Following Haniyeh’s death, Palestinian nationalist and Islamic factions had called for a general strike and mass protests across the territory.

ISRAELI ADVENTURISM

Pakistan also condemned the killing of Haniyeh.

In a statement, the Foreign Office extended condolences to Haniyeh’s family and the people of Palestine.

“We are deeply shocked by this irresponsible act, which occurred so close to the inauguration ceremony of the Iranian president,” the Foreign Office noted.

It added that many foreign leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, were there to attend the event”.

Pakistan also expressed deep concern over what it described as an increasing Israeli adventurism in the region. “These latest actions represent a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region and undermine peace efforts.”

FUNERAL PRAYERS

Meanwhile, Iran has declared three days of national mourning following the assassination of Haniyeh in Tehran.

According to the Iranian media, the funeral prayers for Haniyeh will be held in Tehran on Thursday morning. Later, his body will be transported to Doha, the capital of Qatar, where a second funeral prayers will be offered on Friday before his burial.

KHALED MESHAAL

It is expected that Khaled Meshaal will lead Hamas to fill the vacuum created by Haniyeh’s killing.

He survived an assassination attempt in 1997 when Israeli agents injected him with poison on a street outside his office in the Jordanian capital Amman.

The hit against a key senior figure of the Palestinian group, ordered by Netanyahu, so enraged Jordan’s then-King Hussein that he spoke of hanging the would-be killers and scrapping Jordan’s peace treaty with Israel unless the antidote was handed over.

Israel did so and also agreed to free Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, only to assassinate him seven years later in Gaza.

Meshaal, 68, became Hamas’ political leader in exile the year before Israel tried to eliminate him, a post that enabled him to represent the Palestinian group at meetings with foreign governments around the world, unhindered by tight Israeli travel restrictions that affected other Hamas officials.

Hezbollah sees emboldened ‘resistance fighters’

By
Info Desk
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BEIRUT – Hezbollah, Houthis and Islamic Jihad – the Iran-backed groups active in the Middle East – on Wednesday promised continue fighting against Israel, as the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh has shocked the entire world.

In a message shared through social media platform Telegram, Hezbollah said the killing will embolden the determination and stubbornness of “resistance fighters” and will make “their resolve stronger” in fighting against Israel.

PAIN, ANGER AND PRIDE

Hezbollah also mentioned the mutual feelings of pain, anger and pride.

“We in Hezbollah share with our dear brothers in the Hamas movement all the feelings of pain over the loss of this great leader, the feelings of anger at the enemy’s crimes, the feelings of pride that the leaders in our movements are leading their people and their mujahedeen to martyrdom.”

The statement comes as Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised harsh punishment for “the criminal and terrorist Zionist regime” of Israel.

Similarly, President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed to defend the country’s territorial integrity and dignity.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran will defend its territorial integrity, honor, dignity and pride, and make the terrorist occupiers regret their cowardly action,” Pezeshkian warned.

A TERRORIST CRIME

Separately, a member of Houthis’ political bureau termed the assassination of Haniyeh as “a heinous terrorist crime” and “a flagrant violation of laws and ideal values”

Mohammed Ali al-Houthi expressed these views, as the Houthis in Yemen have been targeting ships in the Red Sea – one of the busiest shipping routes in the world and the Gulf of Aden. The purpose of these attacks to disrupt movement of goods meant for Israel and its western allies, thus trying to force the Netanyahu government to stop its aggression against the Palestinians trapped in the Gaza Enclave.

DIRECTED AT IRAN

The Islamic Jihad – one of the Palestinian resistance groups – on Wednesday said the assassination of Haniyeh was also directed at Iran. Israel was facing the current level of resistance for the first time in its history, one of its top leaders noted.

Muhammad al-Hindi told Lebanese TV station Al Mayadeen that “this assassination is not only directed at the Palestinian resistance and Hamas, in particular, but it is also directed at Iran.”

“Israel is on the verge of collapse, and its reactions reflect confusion and inability to achieve any of its goals,” Al Jazeera reported him as saying.

Ismail Haniyeh: Abbas Calls For Unity, Iran to make Israel regret ‘cowardly action’

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Info Desk
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Mahmoud Abbas

RAMALLAH/TEHRAN/MOSCOW – Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday called for unity and patience, as Russia, China and others nations in their immediate reaction condemned the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh.

On the other hand, Iran said it would “make Israel regret” the cowardly action, as the oil-rich nation saw the Hamas leader killed on its soil in what is stated to be an attack carried out through a guided missile.

In a statement, Abbas strongly condemned the attack carried out on the Iranian soil, calling it resulting a cowardly act and a dangerous development.

At the same time, he urged the Palestinians to unite and be patient and remain steadfast in the face of Israeli occupation.

The latest addition to the killings of Palestinian leaders at the hands of Israel comes just days after Fatah, Hamad and factions signed the “Beijing Declaration”. The document, which is a product of months-long Chinese diplomacy, aims at ending differences among different Palestinian groups.

It was the Oslo Accords signed by the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and Israel which resulted in serious differences among the Palestinian groups. Both Hamas and Islamic Jihad as well as the Israeli far right opposed the move.

REVENGE IS IRAN’S DUTY

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised harsh punishment for “the criminal and terrorist Zionist regime” of Israel, as Iran announced a three-day mourning.

Referring to the different Iran-backed groups active in the region against Israel, he said “the great resistance front is in mourning.”

“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved, but it also prepared the ground for a harsh punishment for itself.”

Separately, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in a statement said Israel will face “a harsh and painful response” from Iran and its allies.

FASCIST NETANYAHU DRAGGING MIDDLE EAST INTO CONFLICT

A senior Palestinian politician Mustafa Barghouti said the fascist Israeli government was trying to push the whole region into a global confrontation, Al Jazeera reported.

“What Netanyahu did is a clear indication that he wants a regional war and he wants to drag to the United States into a confrontation with Iran, not only with Palestinians,” Barghouti said.

WILL PROTECT TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY AND DIGNITY

In a statement, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed that Tehran will defend its territorial integrity and dignity.

“Today, dear Iran is mourning its sharer of sorrows and joys, the constant and proud companion of the path of resistance, the brave leader of the Palestinian resistance, the martyr of al-Quds, Haj Ismail Haniyeh. Yesterday I raised his victorious hand and today I have to bury him on my shoulders.”

He said, “Martyrdom is the art of men of God. The bond between the two proud nations of Iran and Palestine will be stronger than before, and the path of resistance and defense of the oppressed will be followed stronger than ever.”

“The Islamic Republic of Iran will defend its territorial integrity, honor, dignity and pride, and make the terrorist occupiers regret their cowardly action,” Pezeshkian warned.

BLOOD WILL NEVER BE WASTED

Iranian media quoted a foreign ministry spokesman as saying that Haniyeh’s “blood will never be wasted”.

“Haniyeh’s martyrdom in Tehran will strengthen the deep and unbreakable bond between Tehran, Palestine, and the resistance,” Nasser Kanaani added.

On the other hand, a meeting of the country’s Supreme National Security Council and senior commanders from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have convened to discuss the possible response to Haniyeh’s assassination.

The development comes as some experts believe Iran would have to respond, which will have grave consequences for regional peace and security. They are arguing that the assassination has carried out on its soil, causing great embarrassment to Tehran. Israel had earlier also targeted its consulate in Damascus.

Moreover, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu doesn’t want peace in the region and the latest move is an attempt to drag Iran into a wider conflict.

UNACCEPTABLE POLITICAL MURDER

Russian president’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told media persons that the Kremlin “strongly condemned” the killing of the Hamas chief.

“We believe that such actions are directed against attempts to restore peace in the region and could significant destabilize an already tense situation.”

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov in his reaction earlier in the day described Haniyeh’s assassination as “an absolutely unacceptable political murder.

“This is an absolutely unacceptable political murder, and it will lead to further escalation of tensions,” he told state-run news agency RIA. The killing will also have a negative impact on ceasefire talks in Gaza, Bogdanov added.

REGIONAL INSTABILITY

China condemned the Haniyeh’s killing, as foreign ministry spokesperson warned of further instability in an already volatile Middle East region. Beijing “is deeply concerned that this incident may lead to further instability in the regional situation”, he added.

He also stressed the need for Gaza achieving a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire as soon as possible.

SLIPPING INTO CHAOS

In a statement, Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the killing “in the strongest terms”. It warned that “this assassination and the reckless Israeli behavior of continuously targeting civilians in Gaza will lead to the region slipping into chaos and undermine the chances of peace”.

Later, Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani questioned the chances for negotiations to succeed following the brazen attack.

“How can mediation succeed when one party assassinates the negotiator on the other side?” said in a statement posted on X.

He said “peace needs serious partners” and “a global stance against the disregard for human life.

HEINOUS ASSASSINATION

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said Haniyeh’s killing “once again demonstrates that Israel’s Netanyahu government has no intention of achieving peace”.

It also urged the international community to stop Israel for taking provocative actions, the absence of which will result in the region facing much larger conflicts.

Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh Assassinated In Tehran

By
Info Desk
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TEHRAN – Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in the Iranian capital, an alarming development first confirmed by the Palestinian group Hamas and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps on Wednesday.

According to Iranian media as reported by Al Jazeera, an “airborne guided projectile” resulted in the killing of Haniyeh. The attack took place at around 2am local time [22:30 GMT on Tuesday] at his residence in the north of the city.

Similarly, Saudi outlet Al Hadath says that a guided missile was used to target the Hamas leader in Tehran.

Haniyeh was killed in “a treacherous Zionist raid on his residence in Tehran”, Hamas had said earlier.

On the other hand, the IRGC said the Hamas leader was assassinated at his residence.

“Early this morning, the residence of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran was struck, resulting in his and one of his body guards’ martyrdom.”

“The cause is under investigation and will be announced soon,” the IRGC added in its immediate comments.

Haniyeh – the political chief of Hamas – was in Tehran where he attended the inauguration ceremony of Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday.

Israel had promised to kill Haniyeh and other Hamas leaders as it started bombing Gaza and targeting the Palestinians in the West Bank after the October 7 attack carried out by the group.

HEZBOLLAH COMMANDER KILLED

Earlier on Tuesday, Israel claimed killing Fuad Shukur – senior military commander of Hezbollah – in an airstrike in Beirut, in what it called a retaliatory action after a deadly rocket attack on Golan Heights.

The rocket attack had killed 12 Druze youngsters. Hezbollah denies any involvement in the incident and refutes the Israeli claims which are also backed by the United States.

However, Hezbollah says Shukur’s fate isn’t known yet. He was present in the building at the time of airstrike and the attack caused significant destruction to several floors” of the structure.

“Since the incident, civil defense teams have been diligently working to remove the rubble, albeit slowly due to the condition of the destroyed floors,” it said.

“We are still awaiting the outcome of this operation concerning the fate of the esteemed leader and other citizens in this location to act accordingly.”

Golan Heights is an Israeli-occupied territory since the Six Day War in 1967 which Tel Aviv formally annexed, albeit illegally in 1981. However, the world community does not recognize the move.

Meanwhile, Syria still controls around one-third of the region, which is located in the southwest corner of the country. It also borders Lebanon and Jordan in the north and the south respectively.

GRAVE ESCALATION

“This assassination by the Israeli occupation of Brother Haniyeh is a grave escalation that aims to break the will of Hamas,” senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters.

“We are confident of victory,” he vowed.

IT WON’T GO UNPUNISHED

On the other hand, another Hamas leader Moussa Abu Marzouk promised that they would respond to Haniyeh’s assassination.

Al-Aqsa television channel – a media outlet operated by the Palestinian group – called the raid a “cowardly act that will not go unpunished”.

SITUATION ASSESSMENT VS WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has so far neither issued any formally statement or commented to the grave development. However, an IDF spokesperson, Daniel Hagrai, said in a post shared through X [formally known as Twitter] that there were no changes in the defense policy.

“At this time, the IDF is conducting a situation assessment. If any changes are decided, we will update the public immediately.”

On the other hand, a cabinet member – Amichay Eliyahu who belongs to the Israeli far right – said the killing “makes the world a better place”.

In his comments posted on X, he said, “This is the right way to clean the world from this filth.”

He went on to say that there would be “no more imaginary peace/surrender agreements, no more mercy for these mortals”.

He added that “the iron hand that will strike them” and that such actions will “strengthen our ability to live in peace with those who desire peace”.

US Says Hezbollah-Israel Conflict Not Inevitable, Presses Ahead With Diplomacy

By
Info Desk
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Lloyd Austin

WASHINGTON/MANILA/BEIRUT (Info Desk) – US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday said a fight between Hezbollah and Israel wasn’t something inevitable, as Washington is reportedly leading a diplomatic dash to deter Tel Aviv from striking Lebanon’s capital or major civil infrastructure after a recent rocket attack on the Golan Heights, as more airlines cancelled their flights to Beirut.

“While we’ve seen a lot of activity on Israel’s northern border, we remain concerned about the potential of this escalating into a full-blown fight. And I don’t believe that a fight is inevitable,” Austin quoted by Reuters as saying.

“We’d like to see things resolved in a diplomatic fashion,” Austin said during a joint press conference in Manila.

On the other hand, oil prices fell by nearly 2 per cent with the Brent futures settling at $79.78 a barrel, falling $1.35, 1.7 per cent. US crude futures ended $1.35, or 1.8 per cent, lower at $75.81 a barrel.

The latest tensions are a result of a rocket attack that killed 12 children and teenagers at a football pitch in a Druze village. Israel has accused the Iran-backed Hezbollah for the incident and vowed a harsh response. Hezbollah has denied involvement.

Although both sides have previously indicated they do not seek a wider confrontation, the hostilities have prompted concerns about the risk of a slide towards a wider, more destructive conflict between the heavily armed adversaries.

The Israeli military said it struck around 10 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon overnight and killed one of the group’s fighters.

Hezbollah confirmed one of its fighters had been killed.

Two Israeli officials said on Monday that Israel wanted to hurt Hezbollah but not drag the Middle East into all-out war.

Since October, Israeli strikes have killed around 350 Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon and more than 100 civilians, according to security and medical sources and a Reuters tally of Hezbollah death notifications.

Israel says 23 civilians and at least 17 soldiers have been killed in Hezbollah attacks since October.

DON’T BOMB BEIRUT

Quoting sources, Reuters reported on Monday that Washington is racing to avert a full-blown war between Israel and the Iranian-backed Lebanese movement Hezbollah.

The focus has been to constrain Israel’s response by urging it against targeting densely populated Beirut.

It also includes avoiding the southern suburbs of the city that form Hezbollah’s heartland, or key infrastructure like airports and bridges.

Lebanon’s deputy parliament speaker Elias Bou Saab, who said he had been in contact with US mediator Amos Hochstein since Saturday’s Golan attack, told Reuters Israel could avert the threat of major escalation by sparing the capital and its environs.

“If they avoid civilians and they avoid Beirut and its suburbs, then their attack could be well calculated,” he said.

The US State Department said it wouldn’t comment on the specifics of diplomatic conversations, though it was seeking a “durable solution” to end all cross-border fire. “Our support for Israel’s security is ironclad and unwavering against all Iran-backed threats, including Hezbollah,” a spokesperson told Reuters.

White House spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that Israel had every right to respond to the Golan strike, but that nobody wanted a broader war. “As for conversations over the weekend, you bet we’ve had them and we had them at multiple levels,” he added. “But I’m not going to detail the guts of those conversations.”

The Israeli Prime Minister’s office didn’t respond to a request for comment, while Hezbollah declined to comment.

An Iranian official said the United States had also conveyed messages to Tehran at least three times since Saturday’s attack on the Golan Heights, “warning that escalating the situation would be detrimental to all parties.”

FRENCH WARNING

In a phone call on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron told his Iranian counterpart Massoud Pezeshkian that his nation had a role to play to avoid escalation in Lebanon-Israel tensions by halting support for destabilizing players.

Iran should also stop the worrying escalation of its nuclear program and comply with international organizations, Macron said.

He also warned the Iranian president against Iran’s continuing support for Russia’s war in Ukraine and said releasing three French hostages would be a must in order to improve Franco-Iranian relations.

A French diplomat told Reuters that Paris had also been involved in passing messages between Israel and Hezbollah to de-escalate the situation.

France has historic ties with Lebanon, which was under French mandate from 1920 till it gained independence in 1943. Paris has maintained close ties since then and has about 20,000 citizens in the country, many dual nationals.

AIR TRAFFIC

Greece’s Aegean Airlines and Germany’s Condor cancelled flights to Beirut on Tuesday, thus joining Air France and Lufthansa Group carriers – Swiss, Eurowings and Lufthansa – on Monday announced flight cancellations to the Lebanon capital.

Aegean said it would suspend flights until Thursday, while Condor cancelled Tuesday’s flight from Dusseldorf.

A number of other carriers have suspended, delayed or cancelled some flights, although Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport listed arrivals on Tuesday from airlines including Pegasus, Emirates, Royal Jordanian, EgyptAir, Iran Air, Qatar Airways and Etihad.

Afghan Woman Becomes First Convict Under Australian Forced Marriage Laws

By
Info Desk
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Forced Marriage

SHEPPARTON/MELBOURNE (Info Desk) –  Sakina Muhammad Jan – an Afghan Hazara refugee – has become the first person to be sentenced and serve a jail term under the forced marriage laws introduced by Australia after being found guilty of coercing her daughter contract marriage, who was later murdered by her husband.

Jan, in her late 40s, was facing the charges of forcing Ruqia Haideri, 21, in 2019 to marry 26-year-old Mohammad Ali Halimi, in exchange for a small payment, says BBC.

Now, the mother will spend at least 12 months in prison after her conviction, as she has been awarded a three-year jail term, but may be released earlier to serve the rest of her sentence in the community.

It was in 2013 when Australia introduced forced marriage laws which carry a maximum penalty of seven-year imprisonment.

Several cases are pending, but Jan is the first person to be sentenced for the offence.

The sentencing coincides with the latest incident of violence against women in Pakistan, as both legs of a woman Sobia Batool Shah were chopped off by her father and uncles in Naushahro Feroze district of Sindh after she filed for divorce to end an abusive marriage.

SOCIAL PRESSURE

Both BBC and the Guardian have shared more tragic accounts of Haideri’s life who experienced the barbaric custom of forced marriage twice in her life.

According to these details, Haidari wanted to marry for love. “Instead, she had an arranged marriage at the age of just 15, with the relationship ending in divorce just after two years. She didn’t want to marry again until she was 27 or 28, as she wanted to pursue studies and get a job.

Her episode shows the same element of social pressure experienced by many girls and women in Pakistan, as the Afghan Hazara community in Shepparton was listed as “bewa” – the stigma attached to divorced women in our society.

In various societies, the term “bewa” traditionally refers to a woman whose husband has died, rendering her a widow. However, cultural nuances and local vernaculars have expanded their usage in some communities to also encompass divorced women. This dual application highlights the evolving nature of language and social constructs surrounding marital status.

While the primary association of “bewa” remains tied to widowhood, recognizing divorced women under this term reflects a broader, albeit complex, socio-cultural understanding of women’s statuses post-marriage.

“In the eyes of Shepparton’s Afghan Hazara community – where Haidari’s family settled after fleeing the Taliban – she was deemed a “bewa”, meaning she had lost her value due to the divorce, a Victorian court heard last week,” says the newspaper.

Shepparton, which has the largest Afghan population in regional Victoria, is a town located around 181 kilometers north-northeast of Melbourne.

The prosecution argued that Jan wanted to restore Haideri’s reputation amid the social pressure and the desire to protect family honor, which led to forcing her daughter into a second marriage with Halimi – a resident of Perth.

HOUSEHOLD CHORES

Haideri’s ordeal turned violent as Halimi murdered her just six weeks after their wedding as he wanted her to focus on “household chores”. He is currently serving a life sentence for the crime.

Ironically, Jan had migrated to Australia in 2013 along with her five children to escape persecution from the Taliban. But the values cherished and social customs practiced by the community meant one of her own took her life.

SLAVERY-LIKE OFFENCE

On Monday, the judge, Fran Dalziel, sentenced Jan – who pleaded not guilty – for “intolerable pressure” she had placed on her daughter.

“While Jan may have believed she was acting in the best interests of her daughter, Dalziel said she had repeatedly ignored Haidari’s wishes and abused her power as a mother,” BBC reported.

“[Haidari] would have known that not taking part in the marriage would raise questions about you and the rest of the family.”

“She was concerned not only about your anger, but your standing in the community.”

Jan was sentenced to three years in jail but may be released after 12 months to serve the rest of her sentence in the community.

In a statement, Attorney General Mark Dreyfus described forced marriage as “the most reported slavery-like offence” in Australia, with 90 cases brought to the attention of federal police in 2022-23 alone.

LIVING IN THE PAST

The abovementioned example of Shah reveals the dark realities of our society, as Haidari isn’t alone in facing the consequences of obsolete social norms.

Forget about social mobility, even access to basic rights like education and economic independence are just a dream for a large majority of women in Pakistan too.

It is the concept of forced marriage which leads to honor killings if both or any one of two target individuals decides to refuse the family orders.

One has to shun repressive traditions to allow our society to move forward with the rest of the world. Saudi Arabia provides us with a roadmap where Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is pursuing vigorously his Vision 2030.

Pezeshkian’s Presidency: A Hopeful Yet Restrained Era for Iran

By
Arshad Mehmood
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Pezeshkian's Presidency

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei officially endorsed Massoud Pezeshkian as the country’s president during a live broadcast on state television. The ceremony took place on Sunday at the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah in Tehran and was attended by senior Iranian and foreign officials. During the ceremonial event, Pezeshkian received an official validation edict from the Leader, signifying his induction into the office for a term of four years.

While addressing the nation Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei reaffirmed Iran’s strong anti-Israel stance, labeling Israel a “criminal gang” and a “terrorist band” while commending Hamas for its actions in Gaza. He emphasized that “Iran’s opposition to Israel remains unwavering”.

Ayatollah Khamenei officially endorses Massoud Pezeshkian as Iran’s president.

Khamenei criticized European nations for “behaving badly to us” by imposing sanctions, implementing an oil embargo, and highlighting alleged human rights abuses. He condemned these actions as unjust and detrimental to Iran, arguing that they reflect a biased and adversarial stance against the country.

Speaking at the same ceremony, Pezeshkian reiterated his promise to pursue a “constructive and efficient” foreign policy, bolster the rule of law, offer equal opportunities to citizens, support families, and protect the environment. Recognized for his moderate stance, Pezeshkian is committed to implementing a sensible foreign policy and alleviating national tyranny. Pezeshkian took the presidency at a pivotal moment, amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly with the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and issues surrounding Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Pezeshkian vows constructive foreign policy and support for families and the environment.

Despite the change in presidency, significant shifts in Iran’s regional policies, particularly its support for several militia groups like Hezbollah, are not anticipated. Pezeshkian presidency kindles some hope for thawing relations with Western nations, potentially easing the nuclear standoff with global powers.

His moderate stance and pragmatic approach to foreign policy suggest a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and seek diplomatic solutions. This could lead to a reduction in tensions and open the door for renewed negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.

Such a shift might also improve economic conditions within Iran by paving the way for the lifting of some international sanctions, thereby fostering a more cooperative international environment. However, as Khamenei retains ultimate control over critical state policies, including foreign and nuclear policies, any significant policy changes remain uncertain.

Khamenei reaffirms Iran’s anti-Israel stance, labelling Israel a ‘criminal gang’.

Despite Pezeshkian moderate and pragmatic approach, the Supreme Leader’s authority over the Revolutionary Guards and key strategic decisions means that major policy shifts are not guaranteed. Khamenei’s longstanding hardline stance, especially regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its role in regional conflicts, may limit Pezeshkian’s ability to implement significant reforms.

Consequently, while the Pezeshkian presidency brings a potential for diplomatic engagement and improved international relations, the overarching influence of Khamenei may restrain any transformative changes in Iran’s approach to foreign policy and nuclear negotiations.

Pezeshkian presidency could signal a thaw in relations with the West and easing of the nuclear standoff.

Pakistan‘s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will visit Tehran on Tuesday to attend the inauguration ceremony of Massoud Pezeshkian. The visit underscores the commitment of the two countries to strengthen leadership engagement and bilateral relations.

The Beijing Declaration: A New Dawn for Palestinian Unity?

By
Prof. Nazir Hussain
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Beijing Declaration

In a historic landmark deal, 14 rival Palestinian factions including the Hamas and Al-Fatha signed the unity agreement brokered by China. The behind the scenes efforts were going on since April 2024 and finally, after three days of intense negotiations in Beijing, the rival factions agreed to join together for a united effort towards the Palestinian Statehood. The ‘Beijing Declaration’ was signed by Wang Yi, the Chinese Foreign Minister, Mahmoud al-Aloul, vice chairman of the Central Committee of Fatah, Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas member, and 12 other Palestinian factions on July 23, 2024, in Beijing.

The unity agreement has four main elements 1) the establishment of an interim national unity government, 2) the formation of unified Palestinian leadership ahead of future elections, 3) the free election of a new Palestinian National Council, and 4) a general declaration of unity in the face of ongoing Israeli attacks. (Aljazeera, July 23, 2024)

Historic Unity Agreement Signed by 14 Palestinian Factions in Beijing, marking a pivotal step towards unified Palestinian leadership.

The two rival Palestinian factions, Hamas and Al-Fatah, have different approaches towards the Palestinian cause. Al-Fatah started as a resistance movement since its creation in 1956 supported by the Egyptian Revolutionary leader, Gamal Abdul Nasir, but later adopted the peaceful-diplomatic stance and ultimately established the Palestinian National Authority in 1994 after a series of agreements with Israel. Whereas, since its creation in 1987, Hamas has believed in armed struggle against Israel for the establishment of a Palestinian Homeland.

The division between these rival groups was intensified after the Palestinian general elections in 2006, in which Hamas secured victory and formed the government in West Bank and Gaza. However, the Hamas government could not survive and it led to an intense civil war between Hamas and Al-Fatah. The internal war culminated in controlling of Palestinian lands; West Bank by Al-Fatah and Gaza by Hamas, which divided the Palestinians and weakened the Palestinian cause.

In the past two decades, there have been many attempts for reconciliation and reunification between Hamas and Al-Fatah such as “the Cairo Declaration (2005), the Prisoners’ Document (2006), the Mecca Agreement (2007), the Sana’a Declaration (2008), the Cairo Agreement (2011), the Doha Agreement (2012), the Gaza and Cairo Agreements (2014), the Doha talks (2016), the Cairo Agreement (2017), the Fatah-Hamas-PIJ agreement (2020), and the Algiers Agreement (2022), among other efforts.

China Brokers Landmark Deal to Strengthen Palestinian Statehood Efforts and facilitate peace in the Middle East.

Despite numerous commitments and handshakes, none of these ultimately succeeded.’ (USIP, July 25, 2024) Therefore, how the latest ‘Beijing Declaration’ would succeed is yet to be seen. The 4-tire unity agreement is heavily studded with severe challenges of implementation, outside influences/pressures and support of the Palestinians.

There was a strategic compulsion for both the rival factions for a semblance of unity as the post-war arrangements in Gaza were being discussed. After the October 7, 2023, Gaza war, the Palestinian Authority led by Mahmoud Abbas had become irrelevant. The PA/Al-Fatah did not launch any armed action against Israel, yet the West Bank was being constantly attacked by Israel; killing hundreds of Palestinians and thousands taken into custody.

Despite this, the majority of the Arab States, led by Saudi Arabia and Egypt, supported the PA but the Hamas leadership was most sought-after for negotiations and agreements. On the other hand, Hamas was supported only by Qatar and Turkey; the US, Israel and the majority of the Arab States were not in favour of giving control of Gaza to Hamas; and Israel was eager to retain the control of Gaza for the foreseeable future. Therefore, the unity agreement had become the ultimate choice of all the rival Palestinian factions to form a united stance against Israel.

Beijing Declaration Represents a New Chapter in Hamas-Fatah Relations, fostering collaboration for statehood.

Importantly, Israel has lost the Gaza war in the streets of Europe and against the unflinching resilience of Gazans. Israeli primer Benjamin Netanyahu could not provide the desired security to Israeli citizens and territories; thus, he is fighting for political survival and wants to expand the war to gain Western/US sympathies. On the other hand, the ICJ ruling, the outcry of the international public opinion and domestic opposition are putting intense pressure on the Israeli government to end the war or make a lasting ceasefire.

The ‘Free Palestine’ has become the popular slogan of the international community and the ‘Two State’ is the ultimate solution to lasting peace in the area. Therefore, in the light of the discussion of post-war arrangements and planning for future scenarios, governance in Gaza has assumed importance. Thus, the unity agreement is an important measure to keep the control of Gaza with the Palestinians.

In this regard, it is important to highlight the Chinese role as an honest and reliable power broker. After the historic peace agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, China offered to mediate between Israel and Palestine. (Financial Times, June 14, 2023) China despite having cordial relations with Israel, supports the Palestinian cause and works for the ‘Two State’ solution. “The recent reconciliation talks held in Beijing mark a significant milestone in the quest for Palestinian unity.

Palestinian Factions Unite in Beijing Amidst Ongoing Israeli-Gaza Conflict to present a unified front.

Under the auspices of the Chinese government, various Palestinian factions have agreed to form a unified front within the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), aiming to establish an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with United Nations resolutions. This monumental agreement not only holds promise for the Palestinian people but also underscores China’s growing influence and commitment to peace in the Middle East. China has positioned itself as a key player in the quest for Middle Eastern peace.” (The Diplomat, July 25, 2024)

However, how this unity accord is going to affect the war in Gaza is yet to be seen but the Gazans are sceptical about it. One Gazan lady while giving to her frustration said “Come here to Earth and look at the hospitals in which there is not a single drop of blood that can save people’s lives. Look at the people in the northern Gaza Strip who are dying of hunger. Look at how Israeli tanks are frolicking in the land of Gaza. These people do not represent me.

China’s Role in Brokering the Beijing Declaration Highlights Its Growing Influence in Middle East Peace Efforts.

They are just failed actors.” (The Washington Post, July 23, 2024) Not surprisingly, Israel has opposed this unity accord, ‘Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz reasserted his government’s stance that no one but Israel will control Gaza following the end of hostilities.’ (Aljazeera, July 23, 2024) The accord may not be able to stop the war in Gaza but it has established the united Palestinian resolve to own Gaza and its people and forestall any Israeli claim over this territory.

Therefore, the Unity Agreement marks a significant development by all the Palestinian factions to give a clear message to Israel that the governing of the Palestinian lands is the right of the Palestinians themselves and their unified leadership. The agreement also provides a united stance of the Gazans to the international community and the world for they ultimately belong to an independent Palestinian State.

However, for this accord to achieve the desired results, it is the responsibility of the international community, especially the Arab States, to support the Chinese initiative and to work for an independent Palestinian State to establish a lasting and endurable peace in the region.

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