Middle East Press on: Iran Gazans Lebanese Syria: New Age Islam's Selection, 3 January 2025
By New Age Islam Edit Desk
3 January 2025
Iran Is Reaping What It Sowed
Between Israeli Attacks And Winter Cold, Helpless Gazans Struggle To Survive
Lebanese Must Seize This Opportunity For Change
Ending Syria’s Captagon Trade Should Be A Priority
------
Iran Is Reaping What It Sowed
By Hilal Kaplan
Jan 03, 2025
After the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Iran, whose dream of a “neo-Persian empire” came to an end, is trying to recover from its disappointment. For this purpose, Iran sent Shiite volunteers from Afghanistan and Pakistan to Syria under the names of Fatimiyyun and Zaynabiyyun, added Hezbollah and the militias of the so-called Al-Quds brigades and began to occupy and assimilate the country step by step.
In 2015, Ali Yunousi, Iran's vice president, positioned his country, which he referred to as a “growing empire,” as follows: “Both the Ottoman generation and the remnants of Rome, who are competing with us in the region, object to our current support for Iraq. We will establish an Iranian Union against them in this region.”
However, after the fall of the Assad regime in Syria in 13 days, Iran threw all its plans in the trash and started to increase its hateful, threatening rhetoric against Türkiye after the anonymous criticism of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. On the anniversary of the Battle of Çaldıran, Iranian State Television broadcast a clip in which insults were hurled at Ottoman Sultan Yavuz Sultan Selim Khan and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev also received his share of these insults.
However, it was not enough for the Iranian media. Mahdi Khanalizade, the director of Press TV, one of Iran's public televisions, came out. In a recent television program, he declared that his country, Iran, could cooperate with the United States in Syria, just as it did in Iraq.
To the reporter's question, “Against whom?” he bluntly replied, “Against Türkiye.” He explained that Türkiye is against the PKK terrorist organization and its Syrian wing YPG and that they can make an alliance with the U.S., which protects the YPG, to support the terrorist organization. As if they haven't done enough.
Of course, what a member of the media says about Iran-U.S. cooperation does not mean much on its own. However, when we recall the statements of three figures who served as presidents of Iran for 24 of the 45 years since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, we realize that the issue is not something to be glossed over.
The first of these names, Mohammad Khatami, who served as Iran's minister of culture for 10 years and as the president for eight years, declared their support for the U.S. during the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who took over the presidency of Iran from Khatami and stayed in office for eight years, also declared that his country had helped the U.S. during the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan but that he had not been given the recognition he deserved.
Hassan Rouhani, who succeeded Ahmadinejad, went further and boasted at the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 that his country had helped promote democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan and could do the same in Syria and Yemen.
Iran did not hesitate to defend Armenia against Azerbaijan with the comfort of the progress it had made on the path opened to it by the Obama-era U.S.
At this point, Iran has become a country that can no longer sell the tales of the “Axis of Resistance” to anyone except a handful of its followers. It is a country that has been expelled from Syria, a country that is about to be expelled from Iraq, a country whose current president's biggest concern is to conserve electricity. Hopefully, they will learn a lesson.
https://www.dailysabah.com/opinion/columns/iran-is-reaping-what-it-sowed
---
Between Israeli Attacks And Winter Cold, Helpless Gazans Struggle To Survive
January 2, 2025
Surviving relentless Israeli attacks for the past 15 months, displaced Palestinian civilians are now struggling to stay alive amid freezing winter cold in the Gaza Strip.
“The humanitarian situation of the displaced is tragic,” Gaza Municipality spokesman Hosni Muhanna told Anadolu. “They have no means of heating, fuel, clothing or blankets, and no permanent solutions to improve their living conditions.”
Civilians have been under a brutal Israeli war since 7 October, 2023. Almost 45,600 people have been killed, mostly women and children, and at least 108,400 others have been wounded. Tel Aviv has also imposed a stifling blockade on the enclave, leaving the territory’s entire population on the verge of famine.
A cold wave and torrential rains have worsened conditions for the helpless civilians, leaving them struggling to live in their worn-out tents in displacement camps. According to the local health authorities, at least seven people, including six babies, have frozen to death over the past week in Gaza.
“The harsh winter weather exacerbates the suffering of the displaced, and rainwater soaks their belongings and exposes them to severe cold,” said Muhanna.
He added that the massive destruction of the sewage and rainwater drainage networks caused by Israel is making matters even worse for displaced civilians.
“The Israeli army destroyed about 175,000 linear metres of sewage networks and 15,000 linear metres of rainwater networks amid a blockade on fuel and electricity supplies,” Muhanna explained. “This has all caused sewage and rainwater to flood dozens of homes and shelters amid our limited capabilities to deal with the situation because of the lack of equipment and basic materials, and Israel’s refusal to allow access to the necessary equipment and machinery.”
The Palestinian spokesman warned of possible flooding from the Sheikh Radwan rainwater collection site in northern Gaza City. “This could constitute another humanitarian disaster unless supplies for the restoration of the destroyed pond facilities, including an electric generator, repair of its pumps and the water drainage line to the sea, are supplied immediately.”
He said that the municipal authorities are working with limited capabilities amid Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. “Gaza needs a real humanitarian stance. The crisis goes beyond temporary solutions and requires an urgent response that guarantees a decent life for the displaced and all residents.”
The local official called for an immediate halt to the Israeli war, the opening of Gaza’s border crossings, and access to relief and humanitarian aid as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s Civil Defence Service said yesterday that heavy rains have inundated 1,542 tents housing displaced civilians in the Gaza Strip in the past two days.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250102-between-israeli-attacks-and-winter-cold-helpless-gazans-struggle-to-survive/
-----
Lebanese Must Seize This Opportunity For Change
Khaled Abou Zahr
January 02, 2025
My first op-ed of last year was titled “Change in Syria could be the region's black swan event of 2024.” The year ended with this change happening and Bashar Assad being removed from power. My conclusion to that article of 12 months ago was that such an event “could change the face of the Middle East in a manner unseen since the time of decolonization and independence.”
There has indeed been a realignment of interests in the Middle East that might bring surprises and new alliances. Syria’s historical central role in the region will bring this forward. It is also a new page for Lebanon. During recent years, it has been very clear that the Lebanese file had been put aside while Syria was in turmoil. As various forces were battling on the ground in Syria toward an unknown outcome, Lebanon was not worth the investment. There was no point, beyond some international diplomatic patch-ups, in a strong commitment to Lebanon before Damascus became stable again. Lebanon was secondary.
Damascus is now on this new path. In short, Tehran will no longer be able to use Syria to extend its influence both militarily and politically to Lebanon and beyond. This is what the Assad regime had bargained with Iran since the early 1980s, by being its logistical Arabic extension. But today’s change comes with a new balance of power and influence. It still has a tough road ahead with its domestic issues and a new regional role to be determined.
We can nevertheless rightly start to ask how this will impact Lebanon. How will Beirut live through this change? Will it bring forward true change or will it be more of the same under a new banner? The answers will not only come from geopolitical deal-making, but they are also clearly in the hands of the Lebanese.
The early signs are not encouraging. With losses and wins, the Lebanese old guard of politicians are ready to reboot their political leverage through the road they know best, Damascus. Obviously, Hezbollah is on the defensive and cornered politically and militarily. It has a diminished, nonrenewable stock of weapons after being hit severely by Israel. Yet, it will not be an easy way forward.
It is time for a real and complete change, which today can only be brought forward with a new federal system. Most pundits loyal to the old guard (from all sides) have described federalism as the beginning of a new civil war or a plan for secession. It is, in reality, the opposite and one of the best options for keeping Lebanon united and safe. There is no better way to bring stability than by giving each community more freedom in what matters to them.
We need to reduce fear and mitigate greed. And federalism is the best way to achieve both. Fear and greed are what puts everything at risk. It is time to choose a political system that cancels both. Federalism, by giving power to each community, would break Lebanon free of this old dynamic.
Nothing on the ground must be left to threaten communities, so the surrender of Hezbollah’s arsenal should be a necessity. This is the only way to give the initial green light for the respect of the single most important institution today, the Lebanese Armed Forces. It urgently needs to assume its true role for the sake of the country. Subsequently, there is an urgent need to establish strong stability without dismantling existing institutions, despite their weaknesses, while simultaneously pursuing a complete overhaul.
We now know that history never ends. And in the Middle East, reversals can happen and what has been done can be undone, especially in volatile situations. This also applies to Syria. While leaving the Syrian people to decide their own future, it is high time to delink and de-risk both files. We now need to choose Lebanon and avoid inviting too much influence from Syria. We need positive and peaceful bilateral relations. However, we do not want the political fate of the country to be the result of a balancing act between regional influences.
I do not wish to be aligned with a politician just because we are from the same group. I want to align with a politician who brings a true vision for the country and is capable of executing it. By putting greed and fear aside, we give a new generation a chance to see this type of leadership, not simply a geopolitical balancing act that brings forward the good dealmaker versus the solid country-builder.
What we fail to understand is that change in the Levant is often out of the box; different from what analysts were expecting. Lebanon, because of its constant turmoil, seems adapted to this change. Yet, as we can all notice the beginnings of a new battle for extreme transformation, I do not know which way it will go. But I am certain that, short of a new political pact built on a new system such as federalism, the risks of slipping into even more chaos, such as the ones that we witnessed in the times of “decolonization and independence,” are real.
I nevertheless know that, to avoid the cycles of assassinations or worse that this phase could bring, the Lebanese people need to stick together across all religions and put forward a viable political solution before one is imposed on them.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2585069
------
Ending Syria’s Captagon Trade Should Be A Priority
Dr. Majid Rafizadeh
January 02, 2025
The Syrian conflict, marked by more than a decade of war and widespread displacement, not only devastated the lives of millions but also created an environment ripe for the proliferation of Captagon, an addictive amphetamine-like drug often called “poor man’s cocaine.” Captagon has emerged as a significant challenge in the Middle East, with Syria becoming its largest producer and exporter.
Captagon’s surge in Syria is deeply tied to the instability wreaked by years of conflict. The drug became a lucrative source of income for the Bashar Assad regime. As a result, Captagon production, with its low manufacturing costs and high profit margins, became an attractive option. Factories sprung up in areas controlled by the regime and its allies, often shielded by complicit officials. The drug’s production expanded from small-scale operations to industrial levels, turning Syria into a global hub for Captagon manufacturing.
The smuggling of Captagon from Syria has posed a significant challenge to neighboring countries and beyond. Smugglers exploit Syria’s porous borders and weak enforcement to transport the drug across the region, particularly to the Gulf states.
The drug’s proliferation has far-reaching consequences, particularly for the youth in the Middle East. Captagon’s stimulant effects make it appealing to young people. However, its addictive nature ensnares users, leading to long-term health issues, psychological disorders and social instability. Families are often left to deal with the devastating consequences of addiction, including financial strain, broken relationships and lost futures.
Captagon addiction also tears at the fabric of society. Families are the first to feel the impact, as addiction often leads to a neglect of responsibilities, domestic violence and financial ruin. In communities, the prevalence of drug abuse contributes to higher crime rates, a loss of productivity and a general decline in social cohesion. The youth, who should be the cornerstone of societal progress, are instead trapped in a cycle of addiction, making recovery and development even more challenging.
The new Syrian government, under the leadership of Ahmad Al-Sharaa, has inherited a nation grappling with the remnants of war and the scourge of Captagon. In his victory speech, Al-Sharaa acknowledged Syria’s role as the world’s leading producer of the drug and called for the country to be “purified.” This acknowledgment is a crucial first step, but eradicating the Captagon trade requires a comprehensive and sustained effort.
The new government must prioritize securing Syria’s borders to prevent the smuggling of Captagon. This involves deploying well-trained border patrols, utilizing advanced surveillance technologies and establishing cooperation with neighboring countries.
Joint operations and intelligence sharing can significantly enhance the effectiveness of anti-smuggling efforts.
Identifying and dismantling the Captagon production facilities within Syria is essential. This requires coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies, the military and international partners. Targeting the financial networks that fund these operations can also weaken their ability to produce and distribute the drug.
Public awareness campaigns are crucial in combating Captagon addiction. The government should invest in educational programs that highlight the dangers of drug use, targeting schools, universities and community centres. Collaborating with religious leaders, nongovernmental organizations and media outlets can amplify these efforts and foster a culture of prevention. Addressing addiction requires more than just punitive measures. The government must establish rehabilitation centres to provide medical and psychological support for those struggling with addiction. These centers should be accessible and adequately funded to ensure they meet the needs of the population.
Tackling Captagon production and trafficking is not a challenge Syria can face alone. The international community has a vested interest in supporting Syria’s efforts to combat this issue. Assistance can come in the form of technical expertise and capacity building for law enforcement agencies. Regional cooperation is particularly important, as neighbouring countries are directly affected by the Captagon trade.
Addressing the Captagon crisis is not just about combating a drug; it is about rebuilding a nation and safeguarding its future. Allowing the drug trade to persist undermines the rule of law, fuels corruption and perpetuates the cycles of poverty and instability that have plagued Syria for years. By making drug trafficking a top priority, the new government can send a strong message that it is committed to restoring order and protecting its citizens.
Effective measures against Captagon will also have a ripple effect on the region. Reducing the supply of the drug will alleviate the burden on neighbouring countries, fostering better relations and cooperation. Moreover, tackling the root causes of drug production and addiction can contribute to long-term stability and development.
In summary, the Captagon crisis is a reminder of the challenges that Syria faces in its path to recovery. Years of war and instability have turned the country into a hub for drug production and trafficking, with devastating consequences for its people and the region. By prioritizing the eradication of Captagon, the new Syrian government can take a significant step. Strengthening border security, dismantling production facilities, raising public awareness, providing rehabilitation services and fostering international cooperation are all essential components of this effort.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2585066
----
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/middle-east-press/iran-gazans-lebanese-syria/d/134229
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism