Hot off the Arab press 453727

The regional repercussion of Aleppo’s destruction Al-Sharq al-Awsat,

London, May 4

The situation in Aleppo has become so bad that even those on the ground, who have seen the worst of the Syrian war, cannot believe the intensity and level of violence inflicted upon the civilian population. Hundreds have been killed and thousands have been displaced.

Sadly, the international community has done little to help. Turning a blind eye to what is happening in Syria – reporting on these events as if they are merely another evolution in the “Syrian Civil War” – is not only immoral, but also dangerous: It gives a cart blanche to the Assad regime, and to Iran, to continue doing whatever it wants.

What is most ironic about this situation is that despite exacerbating the attacks, Assad can still not gain control over Aleppo. The Russians’ dominance over Syrian airspace, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ presence on the ground, and the assistance of hundreds of Hezbollah militants has still not been enough to take over the city. Assad continues to hide in his Damascus palace, instructing his forces to inflict as much damage as possible.

With the United Nations observing idly from the side, the United States turning its back on the Syrian people and the international community focusing on terror in Europe, not much is likely to change on the ground. The killing and displacement will continue, and no one will be held accountable.

What is most dangerous, however, is that Iran is quickly understanding that it can do whatever it wants in the region. After seeing the world’s complacency in Syria, it is now setting its eyes on Baghdad. It began by wreaking havoc in the Iraqi political system, and soon enough it will mobilize its forces into the country as well. – Abd al-Rahman al-Rashed

The question of the Golan Heights

Al-Ayaam, Ramallah, May 4

In 1981, almost 14 years after it captured the territory from Syria, the Israeli government officially annexed the Golan Heights and made it part of Israeli territory.

This meant that Israeli law became effective on anyone living in the area, including its Syrian residents.

While occupied territories like the Sinai Peninsula, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip were brought to the center of international attention, the Golan Heights, interestingly enough, have remained somewhat off the radar. Today, however, the issue of the Golan Heights has reemerged.

According to the French peace initiative, which Israeli officials have already turned down, Israel would agree to withdraw from the West Bank and form a Palestinian state in return for international recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights. In the wake of this proposal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been conducting secret negotiations with Labor leader Isaac Herzog over the possibility of expanding his narrow coalition.

There is no doubt, however, that such a move would come at the expense of current coalition partners, such as Bayit Yehudi. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that [Justice Minister] Ayelet Shaked of Bayit Yehudi decided to announce in recent weeks her plan to annex the West Bank and apply Israeli law on all Jewish settlers there.

Fearing a departure of her party from the government, she reached out to the extreme Right settler constituency in order to weaken the Likud. So far, it seems like Netanyahu’s government will stay intact and no portfolio changes will be made. But a dangerous precedent has been set wherein Israeli officials can propose extremely dangerous policies without any pushback from the international community.

It seems at least one player is benefiting from the ongoing turmoil in the region: Israel. – Hani Habib

From the son of a Pakistani bus driver to the mayor of London

Al-Okaz, Saudi Arabia,

May 8

Sadiq Khan’s victory in the London mayoral election is a great achievement not only for the Labor Party, but also for Britain and Europe as a whole.

The son of a Pakistani bus driver and a seamstress mother, Khan was born in London to a working class immigrant family.

He grew up alongside seven siblings, sharing a three-bedroom house on the outskirts of London.

After school, Khan and his siblings helped their parents at home in order to send money to their relatives abroad.

Khan was elected not because of his religion or his ethnicity, but because of his qualification. In the eyes of the British electorate, Khan is neither Pakistani nor Muslim. He is simply a successful Labor politician who is suitable for the job.

This election campaign was a real test for Europe’s everlasting attempt to foster a sense of collective identity among its population. At a time when the continent is once again being flooded with refugees, Khan’s election sends an important message to immigrants throughout Europe: Integration is possible.

European countries must continue protecting their tradition of egalitarianism and inclusiveness, and continue providing every citizen with a fair chance.

Khan’s story is truly inspirational. If his family made it, so can any other refugee families arriving in Europe today.

By continuing to welcome new refugees, and by committing to integrate them into society, Europe can set the stage for a new generation of loyal European citizens contributing to society and taking part in their civic identity. – Turki al-Dakhil

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