In exclusive interview, President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov praises Egypt's vital role in region
The President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, sat down for an an exclusive interview where he stated that Egypt is a leading nation in the African continent and the Middle East, and added that his country fully supports in its endeavors to reach a ceasefire in Gaza.
He discussed how Russia liberated Europe from the Nazi occupation, and is facing attempts to threaten global security. He noted that the West is supporting 'neo-Nazis' while Russian soldiers, led by Russian President Vladimir Putin, are hard at work to prevent the outbreak of an international armed conflict.
The world is seeing radical changes, Minnikhanov added, and spoke of how Moscow will play a key role in shaping the new international order.
Interview:
■What are your views on bilateral relations between Egypt and Tatarstan?
First of all, I would like to thank you for the interest in Tatarstan as one of the regions of our vast multinational country – the Russian Federation. It is gratifying that the Arab Republic of Egypt today is among the leading countries of the African continent in terms of economic development.
For us, Egypt is one of the most attractive partners – both in trade, economic and investment areas.
We are always looking forward to seeing our Arab partners in Tatarstan, including representatives of the media.
Cooperation between Tatarstan and Egypt is developing in light of friendly Russian-Egyptian relations.
Today, Russia and Egypt share a unified position on a number of issues such as resolving global crises and conflicts, as well as a common approach to many international problems, including those as part of the BRICS agenda. At its level, Tatarstan is ready to promote the development of business and cultural ties. I highly appreciate the positive dynamics of our relations.
It is also gratifying to highlight the dynamic growth of Tatarstan-Egyptian trade turnover. According to the results of 2023, it increased more than eight times and amounted to US$217 million.
In 2024, growth continued, and trade turnover reached $260.2 million.
On behalf of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, I chair the Strategic Vision Group 'Russia – Islamic World'.
It's noteworthy that Egypt has been a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) since 1969, and is one of its founding states.
The Republic of Tatarstan is the venue for the annual International Economic Forum, 'Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum'. Nowadays, it is the main platform for interaction between the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and the states of the Islamic world.
From May 14-16, Kazan hosted the 16th edition of the Kazan Forum.
Representatives of Egypt annually take part in the forum's events, and this year was no exception.
■What are the most important areas for cooperation, in your opinion? Especially within the economic and cultural sectors.
Obviously, Tatarstan is interested in further expanding export deliveries to the Egyptian market.
First of all, we are talking about petrochemical and engineering products, including ships, tires, compressors.
We are also ready to increase the supply of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. Regarding counter-deliveries from your country, these are food products: fruits and vegetables, seafood, consumer goods, etc.
The implementation of joint investment projects is one of the priorities of our international activities.
Today, Tatarstan is one of the most attractive Russian regions in the investment field. We boast developed human capital, a favorable geographical location and modern transport infrastructure.
The region has robust scientific and industrial potential. We are ready to cooperate with Egyptian partners – to create joint ventures in Egypt, in particular, for the production of tires, oils and lubricants.
There is also interest in interactions within partner banking and the halal industry.
Admittedly, the development of cultural and humanitarian ties is also in our limelight.
Today, active work on intercultural exchange is carried out through embassies, at the level of public organizations, scientists, and researchers. Joint events are held regularly, encompassing cultural festivals and exhibitions. Egyptian universities cooperate with universities of Tatarstan, in particular, with Kazan Federal University.
As part of academic mobility initiative, we successfully implement student exchange programs. I believe that this work should be continued.
Here's an interesting fact – Tatarstan and Egypt are united by the figure of an outstanding philosopher and theologian,an Islamic scholar with a world-famous name – Musa Dzharulla Bigiev. An ethnic Tatar, he studied at Cairo University 'Al-Azhar'. The last years of his life he spent in the Egyptian capital, where he was eventually buried.
Several years ago, with the assistance of the Egyptian authorities, his grave was located within the 'City of the Dead'.
■You visited Egypt in 2018. What impressions did you have of the country and the President of Egypt Abdel Fattah al-Sisi?
I have visited Egypt many times and indeed the last time was in 2018. It was a very eventful, compelling and productive visit. The President of Egypt and its Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, received our delegation. We also met with the Minister of Industry and Trade and the Minister of Culture of the Arab Republic of Egypt, held a business forum, and visited the Cairo Museum as well as the Al-Azhar Mosque.
Sisi visited Tatarstan in October back in 2024 to participate in the BRICS Summit. It was a great honor for us to host him on our hospitable land. I personally also took part in the negotiations between the President of Russia Vladimir Putin and the Egyptian leader.
I believe that President Sisi is an outstanding politician and a man of gravitas.
Under his leadership, Egypt has achieved impressive success in economic growth, in the development of infrastructure, and he has greatly contributed to boosting the country's international profile.
His efforts in maintaining unity and promoting reforms deserve utmost respect, as they ensure continuous progress and sustain the well-being of his people.
■What are the most important goods (products) that your republic exports? What is the estimated volume (in dollars)?
Egypt is among the ten largest trading partners of Tatarstan in exports. According to results for 2024, Tatarstan exported goods worth $259 million to Egypt.
We supply rubber, elastomers, inorganic chemical products, fats, oils, sulfur, mechanical devices, etc.
■Does Tatarstan supply halal products from Russia to the Muslim world? If so, which ones?
Yes, we produce and supply halal products to the international market. Let me say right away – the volume of such products supplied to Muslim countries is growing every year.
These are mainly dairy, confectionery, meat products and other products of the agro-industrial complex. All the products are 'halal' certified, so they meet the highest standards. In total, there are more than 150 certified enterprises in Tatarstan, of which about 20 companies work in the international market in the field of halal products.
According to data from 2024, the export of halal products amounted to $14 million. During a four month period in 2025, that number was about eight million dollars.
The main consumers of halal products from our republic are the GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, as well as the countries of the Customs Union and North Africa.
We are actively looking for new markets for our republic's products. In particular, negotiations are under way with Oman, Malaysia, Jordan and Bahrain. Our Halal Standard Committee of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Tatarstan expanded the markets for export of the Russian halal products in 2024-2025.
As is known, Russian halal standards are not always identical to halal standards in Muslim countries, so the Committee worked on official recognition of its certificate abroad.
As a result, the Committee received accreditation in the Department of Islamic Development of Malaysia, in the Gulf countries, South Africa.
It also received international accreditation in accordance with SMIIC standards. Recognition of the Committee's standards abroad will allow manufacturers in Tatarstan to successfully export their products to new markets.
■What is special about life in Tatarstan? I would like to hear from you about the customs and traditions of the Tatar people. What is the population and what nationalities live in the republic? How many Muslims live in the republic and in Russia as a whole?
Tatarstan is a multi-ethnic and multi-confessional republic.
Good relations among representatives of different peoples and religions have been developing here for centuries. Today, Tatarstan with it population of more than four million people has become a common home for representatives of 175 nationalities.
A common history and cohabitation in one territory have determined the close interweaving of cultures and folk traditions.
They stem from the commitment and loyalty to faith, hard work, respect for elders, and mutual support and helpfulness.
I would like to emphasize that the highest value of Tatarstan society and the greatest achievement of the republic are inter-ethnic and inter-religious peace and harmony.
The Republic of Tatarstan is developing as the Muslim center of the Russian Federation. In Russia, more than 20 million people follow Islam, which makes our country a key participant in the international Islamic dialogue.
As for Tatarstan, half of its four million people are ethnic Muslims.
A quarter of all mosques in Russia are concentrated here, and the Spiritual Board of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan, one of the largest muftiates in Russia, works here.
Tatarstan is the successor to the Volga Bulgaria, where 1,100 years ago the ancestors of modern Tatars declared Islam their state religion.
The Tatar people have a rich history with many good customs. Tatars have always been famous for their achievements in agriculture, animal husbandry, arts and crafts, culture, science, and diplomacy.
We are also known for their hospitality. We invite everyone to visit us so that you can get an idea of what modern Tatarstan is like, not forgetting its roots and traditions.
I would like to emphasize that today, Tatarstan is among the ten most economically developed regions of the Russian Federation.
■How do you celebrate Eid al-Adha in Tatarstan ?
Eid al-Adha is a holiday that hails the glory of human devotion to Allah and His endless mercy towards His creations. Our brothers and sisters in faith strengthen friendly relations with neighbors and relatives, bring joy to families and help those in need.
Therefore an atmosphere of goodness, spiritual purity and love for the Almighty reigns in Tatarstan during Eid al-Adha.
The celebration of Eid al-Adha in Tatarstan is held on a large scale: in all mosques they read out sermons, and at special sites they perform the kurban sacrifice.
Our TNV TV channel, which broadcasts to the whole world, airs sermons live from the mosque, where the celebration is held by the Mufti of Tatarstan Kamil Hazrat Samigullin.
Thanks to this live broadcast, you can listen to the sermon in your native language and become part of the holiday together with your Tatar compatriots from anywhere in the world.
In addition, in honor of Eid al-Adha, citywide children's and family festive events are organized in the cities and districts of Tatarstan – in parks and near mosques.
We regularly organize colorful halal fairs where you can get a variety of goods at affordable prices.
Every year, we provide about 60 sites for the sacrifice ceremony in the Republic of Tatarstan, including 18 in Kazan. All sacrificial rams undergo sanitary control and veterinary treatment at the slaughter sites. The disposal of bio-waste is ensured and monitored on the days of sacrifice.
During Eid al-Adha, according to centuries-old tradition, large and low-income families, orphans and single mothers, the elderly, the disabled, the homeless – all of them receive sacrificial meat as a gift and food aid.
It is difficult to calculate the volumes of sacrificial meat, since many people perform the kurban in their personal farmsteads and households.
But, for example, the Muslim Charity Fund 'Zakat' of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan alone supplies sacrificial meat to families in need and to social institutions – the Kazan Hospice named after Angela Vavilova, the regional Tatarstan public organization of parents of disabled children 'Care', the charitable public organization 'Mothers of Kazan', and the Diabetology Center.
Eid al-Adha is also a holiday celebrating the completion of the Hajj. Every year, 1800 pilgrims go to Hajj from Tatarstan. Twenty doctors of different specialties always go with the Tatarstan pilgrims, and they accompany our Hajjis throughout the whole trip.
No other region provides such medical care for their Hajjis. In addition, each group of Tatarstan pilgrims is necessarily led by an experienced hazrat fluent in Arabic, with knowledge of the laws of the Saudi Arabia and fiqh, and masterfully knowledgeable about all the Hajj rites.
The 'Tatarstan Spiritual Board of Muslim Hajj' organization is the only operator in Russia that organizes the Hajj according to the Hanafi madhhab.
■Are the rights of Muslims protected by law? How many mosques and Muslim educational institutions are there?
The Constitution of the Russian Federation guarantees freedom of religion to citizens and it even specifically mentions faith in God.
Therefore, in the Republic of Tatarstan, leaders at all levels support the traditions of inter-religious harmony.
The principle of parity between the authorities and religions is especially evident during the construction of large religious facilities. Construction and restoration work is traditionally solidified in Tatarstan by symbolic decrees of the Rais of Tatarstan, which give orders regarding Muslim and Orthodox facilities.
Such, for example, was the decree: 'On the establishment of the Bolgar Islamic Academy and the reconstruction of the Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.'
In our republic we worked on the restoration of the ancient city of Bolgar, where Islam was officially adopted in 922, along with the revival of the island town of Sviyazhsk, which is of value to the Orthodox. Such decisions by the authorities certainly foster mutual respect among the residents of the republic, regardless of faith and nationality.
The Muslim infrastructure in Tatarstan is developing actively. New mosques in the republic are built through the efforts of philanthropists, muhtasibats and the local population.
We are actively reviving ancient mosques with the help of government agencies. For example, in Kazan we managed to restore half of the existing historical mosques.
Every year, about 14-16 new mosques are opened in Tatarstan. There are 1,606 of them in the republic altogether.
In addition, Tatarstan has created the strongest system of Islamic education in Russia, and it is a multi-stage system. Knowledge of Islam in the republic can be obtained from the basics to the academic level. There are free-of-charge courses on the basics of Islam at 700 mosques, and there are three private Muslim schools: Nur in Almetyevsk, Ihsan in Yelabuga, and Usmaniya in Kazan.
As I have already said, secondary vocational education can be obtained at eight madrassas, and higher education at the Russian Islamic University and the Kazan Islamic University.
In addition, the Bolgar Islamic Academy trains doctors of Sharia sciences.
■What is your relationship with President of Russia Vladimir Putin?
I have deep respect for our President, he is a strong leader and a professional of the highest possible level. I think that is exactly what a person should be with a huge country behind him.
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin does a lot for Russia, for the entire multi-national peoples who live here. He is a man of iron will who defends the interests and security of our country.
We first met when he was the head of the FSB (Russian Federal Security Service). He visited us and I was meeting him. A very interesting man, we talked, and he told us how the mosque was reconstructed in St. Petersburg
I must say that Vladimir Vladimirovich also pays special attention to the Republic of Tatarstan.
I would like to note that in 2024, with his personal support, Tatarstan successfully hosted the first multi-format 'Games of the Future', the sports games of the BRICS countries, where athletes from Egypt also took part in.
In October, Kazan hosted the BRICS summit and your President also came to visit us.
In May, we hosted the International economic forum 'Russia – the Islamic World: KazanForum'. By the way, since 2023, this forum shifted from the category of regional events to the status of a federal event.
The corresponding decree was signed by the Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In addition, I was directed by Vladimir Vladimirovich to head the 'Russia–Islamic World' Strategic Vision Group.
For my part, I shall say that I will continue to do everything to justify the high trust placed in me by our President and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.
■This May marked the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War. What does this victory mean for you and for the Republic? Do you think that the world is facing the threat of World War III?
Victory Day is the most important holiday in our country and the 80th anniversary of this victory is a grand historical date.
The Second World War was the bloodiest conflict in the history of all humankind. It was then that the world community realized the danger of spreading Nazi ideology.
Thus, the victory and the Soviet troops who liberated Europe from the Nazi occupation had a profound impact on the development of political, economic and cultural processes not only on the states involved in the war, but also on the whole world.
The Soviet people suffered the greatest losses in this war.
Seven hundred thousand people went to the front from Tatarstan alone and more than half of them did not return. Without exaggeration, the Great Patriotic War passed through every home, every family and the memory of it is dear to each of us.
We will never forget the stout-heartedness and courage of the victorious generation, and we will preserve the historical truth.
Today we see attempts to create a threat to world security from the neo-Nazis and the countries of the collective West supporting them. These are global challenges to the modern world order.
And our soldiers, during a special military operation led by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin are making heroic efforts to ensure peace and prevent a new large-scale international armed conflict.
■What are the goals of the 'Russia – Islamic World' Strategic Vision Group? How does it cooperate with the capitals of the Islamic world?
The Strategic Vision Group was established in 2006 to expand cooperation between Russia and Islamic countries in all areas.
The group's composition is formed by coordinating its members through the diplomatic channels of the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Foreign Ministries of the participating countries of the project. It is a platform for consultations involving public and political figures, business circles, representatives of the scientific community and the clergy who have authority and influence in their countries.
The first co–chairs of the Group were Evgeny Primakov and Mintimer Shaimiev (the first President of Tatarstan and now the State Councilor of Tatarstan).
In total, the Group held five meetings: in Moscow (March 2006), Kazan (August 2006), Istanbul (February 2007), Jeddah (October 2008) and Kuwait City (December 2009).
Due to the Arab Spring which swept the Middle East and North Africa, the Group's activities were suspended.
In June 2014, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin authorized me to head the Strategic Vision Group, 'Russia – the Islamic World'.
The Group resumed its work and its main task was to fully facilitate the process of further rapprochement between Russia and the Islamic world on a cultural basis, coordinate positions on major international issues and assist in establishing contacts, primarily through public relations.
The main focus is on expanding economic cooperation and cooperation between youth organizations.
The Group works to promote the traditional values of the Muslim peoples of Russia in order to counteract radical Islamist ideas in society.
The Russian and foreign parts of the Group have been formed jointly with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It currently consists of 42 Russian and 32 foreign participants from 24 countries.
The Strategic Vision Group has been granted consultative status within the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Cooperation is underway with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Islamic Development Bank and other international Muslim organizations. Documentaries about prominent political figures of the Islamic world are being created.
A lot of publishing and interaction with the mass media is also underway.
From 2014-2024, the Group held 10 meetings, including the ones in Saudi Arabia (2021) and Malaysia (2024), as well as in various regions of the Russian Federation.
The topic of the 2025 meeting is 'The experience of Russia and the countries of the Islamic world in the field of youth policy: common challenges and joint actions.'
The Group's events are taking place on the sidelines of the XVI International Economic Forum 'Russia – the Islamic World: KazanForum'.
On May 16, a plenary meeting of the Group was held with the participation of Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Marat Khusnullin, who is the Chairman of the organizing committee of the KazanForum.
The main foreign guest of honor at this year's meeting was the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim.
The Group's activities were highly appreciated by the country's leadership, as well as by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
We are confident that the Group will continue to make a tangible contribution to strengthening cooperation between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world.
■Kazan hosts the annual 'KazanForum'. What are the main topics of this year and what results do you expect?
The Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum is the main federal platform for economic cooperation between the Russian Federation and the countries of the Islamic world. For the first time, this International Economic Forum of Russia and the member Countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was held in 2009, attended by 250 people from 18 countries.
Over the past 15 years, the event has proven itself well and the number of forum participants has increased by 80 times (more than 20,000 participants participated in KazanForum in 2024), the number of participating countries has increased almost five times (87 countries in 2024).
As for 2025, without false modesty, up to 104 countries took part in KazanForum, many of which sent highly representative delegations to Kazan.
The main theme of KazanForum 2025 was 'Digitization: a new reality and additional opportunities for expanding cooperation'. The business program combined several areas: international cooperation, tourism, transport, medicine, economics, global challenges, science and technology, Islamic finance and investment, construction, education, culture, sports, halal industry, youth entrepreneurship and diplomacy.
One of the main topics of discussion at the XVI International Economic Forum 'Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum' is the expansion of the experiment on Islamic banking to other regions of the Russian Federation.
Today, the experiment is taking place in the territories of Bashkortostan, Tatarstan, the Chechen Republic and Dagestan.
The main financial products within the Islamic banking experiment were developed by domestic specialists certified by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI).
For the first time, Russia hosted the AAOIFI international conference 'Islamic Finance and Investments: Promoting Sustainable Development and Global Partnership', which became one of the most important events of the KazanForum 2025 business program.
Previously, it was traditionally held in Bahrain. This year is the anniversary for diplomatic relations between Russia and Bahrain, marking 35 years.
The forum hosted the 'Russia–Malaysia' and 'Russia–Kazakhstan' round tables, the 'Russia–Iran' industrial dialogue, the meeting of the co–chairs of the intergovernmental commission on Economic cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tajikistan, as well as meetings of the 'Russia-Islamic World' Strategic Vision Group.
It also held the Russian-Egyptian Intergovernmental Commission and the Caspian International Integration Club North–South (the North–South Club), the meeting of Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of foreign states in Russia, the Congress of Ministers of Culture of the OIC countries and other events.
The international exhibition 'Russia Halal Expo' was held within the KazanForum.
The 'Kazan Halal Market' International Trade Fair, which is Russia's largest halal marketplace, also opened, featuring products from leading manufacturing companies of the Islamic world.
■This is probably one of the most important issues for the entire Muslim world and humanity. How do you assess Israel's war in the Gaza Strip? How do you assess Egypt's efforts to end this war? Do you support Cairo's efforts to rebuild Gaza? Did Tatarstan provide assistance to the residents of Gaza?
The events happening in the Gaza Strip cannot arouse anything but empathy from any normal person. Our country's position on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is well known. The Russian Federation has always advocated the creation of an independent State of Palestine and the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
We are united with our Egyptian friends in the need to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible.
We know that Egypt, as a good neighbor of the Gaza Strip and one of the leaders of the Arab and Muslim world, provides large-scale assistance to ordinary Palestinians and is helping to rebuild the enclave's infrastructure.
These steps deserve the highest praise.
Tatarstan residents will always respond to calls for help. I think that mercy is inherent in all who are endowed with faith. Anyone who seeks to gain the grace of Allah should show mercy to his brothers. Our organization, the Spiritual Board of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan managed to send three planes with 60 tons of humanitarian cargo to the coreligionists who remained under fire in Gaza.
Muslims from all over Russia joined us to form this cargo. Collective prayers for the co-religionists of Palestine are held every day in mosques.
We really do hope that peace will come to the Gaza Strip.
■Do you believe that, thanks to Russia's role, the world will move towards multi-polarity?
I do not just believe in it, I am convinced of it. The world is definitely undergoing major changes, now. And our country, Russia, plays an important role in shaping the new world order.
We are in favor of a multi-polar model that opens up new horizons for economic growth.
We all see today that there are prerequisites for creating a more just and balanced multi-polar world order.
As an example, the BRICS nations represent the part of the world that is developing most dynamically and the peoples of these countries are united by common values.
And Russia is doing everything to ensure that BRICS strengthens its influence on the world arena.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
See - Sada Elbalad
4 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
China Opens Cultural Dialogue with Arab World at Cairo Civilizations Forum
H-Tayea The Nishan Forum on Classical Civilizations Between China and the Arab World was officially launched in Cairo, with prominent participation from scholars and intellectuals representing both regions. The announcement was made by Guo Qingyan, Deputy Director of the Nishan Center for Confucian Studies, during the opening of this high-level cultural forum held as a parallel session to the Nishan World Forum on Civilizations. This year's edition is hosted in the Egyptian capital under the theme of promoting dialogue between Chinese and Arab classical civilizations. In her address, Guo expressed gratitude to the Egyptian hosts and participants, praising Cairo as a city of profound historical and cultural legacy. She emphasized that selecting Egypt as the host reflects China's deep respect for Arab civilization and its commitment to building enduring bridges of intellectual and cultural understanding with the Arab world. Guo described the forum as a global platform for civilizational dialogue initiated by China out of a strong belief in the power of mutual understanding. She recalled the inaugural Nishan Forum held in September in Shandong Province, the birthplace of Confucius, which welcomed over 300 scholars from 51 countries. The first parallel forum was held in South Korea in May, and the second now takes place in Egypt—"the heart of the Arab world"—highlighting the deep historical ties between the two civilizations. She noted that Chinese-Arab cultural exchange spans over a thousand years, rooted in active knowledge-sharing, trade, and scientific collaboration along the Silk Road. This included contributions in medicine, astronomy, mathematics, and travel, as documented by historic figures such as Ibn Battuta. Guo stressed that both civilizations have significantly advanced humanity by upholding shared values such as ethics, knowledge, tolerance, and the dignity of the individual. Guo stated that one of the forum's primary goals is to counter the notion that civilizations must clash. Instead, she emphasized that dialogue and coexistence lead to integration and harmony, and that mutual respect is essential for building a peaceful and prosperous global future. She called for expanded institutional partnerships, including reciprocal translations of classical texts, joint research, and academic exchanges between Chinese and Arab institutions. These efforts, she said, would deepen mutual understanding and foster a new era of cross-cultural cooperation. She noted that the forum is supported by a broad alliance of Chinese and Arab institutions, including the Nishan Center for Confucian Studies, the Chinese Institute for Classical Civilization, Cairo University, the Supreme Council of Culture, and the Chinese Embassy in Egypt—enhancing its cultural and diplomatic impact. In his remarks, Professor Feng Jikang, President of Shandong Normal University, introduced the Confucian concept of 'shared beauty' as a vision for global harmony. He explored the ancient idea of Datong—"Great Unity"—as described by Confucius in the Book of Rites, where a just society is governed by virtue, honesty, and peaceful coexistence. Feng quoted Confucius's vision of a world without division or fear, where capable and ethical leaders are chosen, and neighbors live in trust and mutual respect. He noted that this concept has shaped Chinese thought for over two millennia and remains relevant today, forming part of China's modern vision for a shared future for humanity. He cited Chinese sociologist Fei Xiaotong's phrase: 'Each has its beauty, and by appreciating each other's beauty, we achieve harmony.' Feng stressed that such values are not abstract ideals but practical principles rooted in ancient wisdom, offering real solutions to today's divided world. He recalled President Xi Jinping's speech at the United Nations in 2015, where peace, justice, equality, democracy, and freedom were identified as shared human values. Feng concluded by urging the global community to adopt the philosophy of shared beauty, overcome isolationism, and work collectively to build a fairer, more ethical world grounded in respect and cooperation. The opening session was attended by leading academics, cultural figures, and Chinese experts in Arab studies, enriching the forum with intellectual diversity and depth. The event marked a significant step in promoting cultural diplomacy and reaffirming the historical friendship between the Chinese and Arab peoples. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand
Egypt Independent
10 hours ago
- Egypt Independent
Exclusive interview with AUC professor Bahgat Korany discusses Middle East crisis, ‘futility' of peace talks with Israel (Part 1)
As the world undergoes rapid political and economic transformations with escalating conflicts shaking the Middle East, the region has witnessed over a full year of genocide in Gaza – and no clear prospect for an end. The conflict has expanded to southern Lebanon, reverberated in Yemen and Iraq, and reached Iran. The Future of the Middle East series seeks to explore these challenges through interviewing prominent politicians, theorists, intellectuals, and current and former diplomats, providing various regional and international perspectives. Through these discussions and insights, lessons from the past are shared in order to chart a path forward. From the roots of the Arab-Israeli conflict to regional interventions and the rise of new non-state actors, this series engages in enlightened discussions regarding what can be learned from history and how it will impact the region's future. It aims to explore visions for the future and highlight the vital role that Arab nations can play if historical alliances are revived, pushing towards sustainable stability while safeguarding their interests. The structure of the series involves two parts – the first being a series of seven fixed questions based on requests from readers on the future of the region. The second part features questions tailored to the interviewees specific background, providing new insights into the overarching vision of the interview. Ultimately, this series aims to explore how the Arab region can craft its own unified independent project – one free of external influence. The Professor of International Relations and Political Economy at the American University in Cairo and Professor Emeritus at the University of Montreal, Canada, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Bahgat Korany, stated that he believes the term 'Middle East' has no scientific basis. He considers it a relative, vague, and ambiguous term that allows international parties to include any country within it. He also asserts that the Israeli occupying state now acts as a superpower in the region, having become an established and undeniable presence. It no longer needs the normalization it sought in past years, and can now act as it pleases, he warned. Korany, the founder and former director of the American University Forum, stated that Israel's brutal practices have made peace difficult at present. He emphasized the necessity of unifying Arab efforts to confront Israel's brutality, deeming it the only way to achieve peace and stability in the region. The professor also stressed the importance of strengthening the internal front of Arab countries, both materially (through education, health, and economy) and morally (through the relationship between the authorities and society). He sees this as the optimal means to prevent the region from slipping into the abyss. Interview: ■The term 'Middle East' is a colonial geographical expression, yet it has become the prevalent term for the region encompassing Arab nations, Iran, Turkey, and other countries. Throughout history, the region has suffered from conflicts rooted in colonial schemes, turning it into a perpetually volatile spot on the world map. In your opinion, how do you see the reality of the region and the impact of history on this matter? The 'Middle East' as a term is an imported expression with absolutely no scientific basis. It is 'middle' from whose perspective? Sometimes the French used the term 'Near East' to refer to the area close to Europe (including Turkey, the Fertile Crescent, and the Levant), and 'Far East' to refer to Asia. Thus, the term merely reflects the perspective of those who coined it, without any scientific foundation. Consequently, the division of the East into Near, Middle, and Far is relative and constrained by the viewpoint of whoever defined the framework. Even in its applications, we find that the French campaign had an influence in establishing the term, as military leaders organized operations in terms of Near, Middle, and Far. Despite this, ambiguity remains regarding the boundaries of the Middle East. Sometimes Pakistan was included within this so-called Middle East, and other times Cyprus and Greece, which makes the term both vague and ambiguous. I'd like to share a personal experience here. After completing my doctorate in Switzerland, the University of Montreal asked me to teach international relations theory and assigned me the task of developing and heading a department focused on 'Middle Eastern Studies.' This was in the 1970s. I rejected the proposed name and suggested the department be called 'Studies of the Arab Region.' This name initially met with opposition from the university administration, as it was considered unconventional and unfamiliar. I argued that the Middle East is an area with unclear boundaries, and it would be more appropriate to base the department on a clearly defined entity, namely the Arab Region. I debated with the University of Montreal on the grounds that there is a regional institution for Arab states, the League of Arab States, whereas no international organization exists for the Middle East. This solidified the scientific basis for the concept of the 'Arab Region' rather than the 'Middle East,' which is based on a relative and fluid division and perspective subject to constant change. They eventually accepted the naming, and subsequently established another program called 'Jewish Studies.' After that, I co-authored a book with Dr. Ali al Din Hilal on 'The Foreign Policies of Arab States' to document the Arab reality, given the scarcity of writings on the foreign policies of Middle Eastern countries, specifically Arab ones. The goal of these research endeavors was to scientifically assert the Arab reality on the region, stemming from our understanding of who is within and who is outside the Arab region. ■The term 'Middle East' emerged in American Alfred Mahan's writings in 1902 before Condoleezza Rice spoke of the 'New Middle East.' This concept is now strongly resurfacing amidst the Israeli war and the conflict with Iran. How do you view this plan, especially under the Trump administration and the rise of the right-wing in the US? There is nothing new here. The shift from the 'old' to the 'new' Middle East is fundamentally about integrating Israel into the region. In fact, Shimon Peres was the first to use the term 'New Middle East,' discussing it after the late President Anwar Sadat's visit to Israel and even publishing a book titled 'The New Middle East.' The term then gained widespread use. However, the crucial point here is that the word 'new' draws attention to the idea of 'change.' This prompted me and some colleagues to publish a book in 2008 titled 'The Changing Middle East,' which was later translated into Arabic. It refutes the static view that believes the region is unchanging. We finished writing the book in 2010, and right after publishing the Arab Spring wave emerged. Some American media outlets considered the book to have predicted the Arab Spring, but in my interviews, for example, with CNN, I clarified that the book wasn't a prediction but rather a diagnosis of the changes the region was undergoing. Our role was akin to that of a geologist who observes changes and disturbances in the Earth's layers without definitively predicting an earthquake. I believe the region is currently undergoing new transformations, especially after the signing of the Abraham Accords. ■In your opinion, what should the major regional powers in the region, specifically Egypt and Saudi Arabia, as the two largest countries, do regarding these plans? Arab coordination is fundamentally essential. In the era of the late leader Gamal Abdel Nasser and even now, some Nasserists still speak of Egypt as the great nation that should always lead the scene. However, the changes the region is experiencing make individual leadership illogical. The region has changed, and thus individual leadership has become difficult. Coordination with Saudi Arabia has become therefore become essential as Egypt and Saudi Arabia are the two main regional powers most knowledgeable about the area. However, this approach should be seen as a means for Arab mobilization, not for individual leadership. Meaning, Saudi Arabia and Egypt are two fundamental pillars for Arab mobilization and forming a united Arab front, without monopolizing the spotlight and leading a region that is still undergoing change. There's a noticeable absence of a unified Arab project to counter the plans for the region, especially Israel's expansionist goals clearly seen in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, and the talk of annexing more Arab territories. This direction was translated by Trump when he spoke of a 'small Israel that must expand.' How can Arabs formulate their project to confront these schemes? I believe in a scientific approach to analysis, and looking at the region, it's clear that Israel is the military superpower. It can now do as it pleases, entering any territory and launching strikes without any losses to its air force carrying out these attacks. The occupation forces entered Syria, reaching even the presidential palace and conducting strikes in its vicinity. They decided to seize Gaza and insist that most of the Strip will be part of Israel, despite initially claiming their war goal was to eliminate Hamas. Now, however, they want Gaza's land. So, the diagnosis of the problem is that we are facing a state acting as a military superpower. Based on this reality, we must seek the reasons that enabled Israel to reach this stage. When we were students after '67, while studying in Switzerland in 1968, we met a French person of Jewish origin who gave us the best description of the Israeli situation: he said it represents settler colonialism. I would now add the word 'expansionist' to this description. The Israeli occupation's primary concern is how to annex new territories, starting with the West Bank and Gaza, then requesting a portion of Sinai from Trump, and then turning its attention towards Saudi Arabia, trying to persuade Trump to pressure them to give Palestinians a part of their land, since they are interested in their cause. Therefore, the expansionist aspect is fundamental to current Israeli thinking. From this perspective, I believe the time is no longer appropriate for any peace with Israel under the current ruling elite in Tel Aviv. Peace will only happen with an internal change that brings calm and provides an opportunity for peace to prevail. The current government, its orientations, and its statements all indicate a desire to control the region. In the past, what concerned Israel was normalization with the Arab region, but now normalization no longer matters to them because they already have everything they want. The solution to this problem can only come through unifying Arab and non-Arab efforts to confront Israel's brutal military force. Only then can we talk about peace. Discussing it with the current ruling class is a form of wasting time. ■Throughout history, Egypt has played key roles in the region. How can it continue to exercise these roles despite the surrounding challenges and the constant targeting it faces? The reality is that the most prominent challenges we currently face are economic and our limited capabilities. However, from a purely scientific perspective, there are significant problems affecting the domestic situation, even if their cause is external, such as the water issue and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which Ethiopia has proceeded with building. Hence, Boutros Boutros-Ghali's view on this matter focused on the importance of the Arab region without neglecting relations with Africa, as Egypt's life is linked to openness towards the African continent. This leads us to the challenges of Egyptian foreign policy in Africa and the Arab world. I believe that Egypt's current approach of diversifying international relations is a very good direction, but it shouldn't be limited to a specific capital or region. This also doesn't mean excessive overstretch, where we become unable to control things, as challenges require setting priorities and dealing with them in a manner commensurate with capabilities. Egypt is distinguished by its geographical location, which makes it a focus of interest for everyone who views it as 'too expensive to fail,' meaning the failure of a country like Egypt cannot be accepted. This is what drives the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to deal with Egypt. The aid that comes to the country is not a 'favor,' but rather its purpose is to protect the borders of donor countries against illegal immigration. However, this does not negate the necessity of achieving economic reform and self-sufficiency, away from reliance on aid, which creates dependency and undermines the ability of recipient countries to play an independent role. Some ministers in past decades found it easy to incur debt, considering it a solution to the problem. The unfortunate reality is that these debts affect the budget, especially the interest on these debts. A portion of the money we repay is debt service funds, like interest, not the principal debt itself. Historically, the basis of British colonialism was debt; before 1882, before the British entered Egypt, there was a meeting of the Egyptian government's cabinet attended by experts from Egypt and England, with the aim of approving internal Egyptian policy because the country was indebted at the time. I tell my students that the IMF dictates the economic policies of debtor countries. It is the one that forces governments to adopt a market policy, where all goods and services are at market prices. The reality is that we are in a weak position, and the Fund is sometimes right about the importance of economic reform. But from our side, we must also focus on exports, not just real estate, despite its importance in attracting foreign currency. I have colleagues at the Fund whom I urge to abandon traditional theory, given the new challenges that must be considered, as well as the situation of individuals in debtor countries. Some populations cannot bear the high cost of education. If we don't support education, there will be an ignorant populace. Therefore, we should choose the ordinary Islamic theory which states that one should choose the lesser harm, and it is not always necessary to follow the traditional theory that states raising the cost of everything to reduce consumption. How can people abandon education? Thus, I offer recommendations to the Fund to adapt traditional theory according to the conditions of the people, and for their part, governments, to try to achieve some reforms. ■If you were to paint a picture of the future for this region, given the current conflicts and surrounding risks, how would you detail these scenarios? I'd like to point out something that many Arab colleagues don't often touch upon: external intervention is a significant problem, not to be underestimated. We suffered from colonialism for many years, and colonialism, or external control, still exists in some form. Now, Israel has become a state imposed from outside, existing as one that aids external powers. Tel Aviv justifies its existence to the US by claiming it's doing what Washington wants done on its behalf. One could say Israel is America's aircraft carrier in the region. So, there's no doubt that external factors influence the region, but we also shouldn't overlook internal factors. The region is fraught with problems, starting from population issues and water scarcity, leading up to political challenges. Some Arab regimes are still primarily concerned with tightening their grip on power while neglecting society. Syria is the prime example of this. In political science, there's an important theory called 'F-States,' short for 'Fragile Failed States.' Some Arab countries suffering from internal problems weaken the Arab world's ability to assert itself. In the 1967 war, Israel controlled the battle within the first hour and a half or two hours, primarily through its air force, by bombing Egyptian aircraft on the ground. Once air superiority was achieved, the battle was over. The truth is, the 1967 defeat wasn't just the problem; it was the level of the defeat, one of the reasons for which was the level of education. Some conscripts didn't even know how to operate tanks, so they would jump out of them. That's why after 1967, conscription focused on university graduates. Initially, they would serve for one year, but then they continued their service for six to seven years. Hence, when Moshe Dayan was asked after the 1973 war about the reasons for their losses compared to their gains in '67 and what had changed in Israel's forces, Dayan said that his forces hadn't changed, but what had changed were the Arabs. Therefore, the internal front is crucial: education, health, and the economic situation. Without supporting these factors, a state falls into the trap of becoming a 'fragile state.' Many, in reality, speak only of external factors, neglecting the internal factors which are of great importance. A state's openness to its society also gives it the strength to resist external factors. Authoritarian states might succeed for a period, but they eventually fade away. Syria, as an Arab power, is now paralyzed and will remain so for some time. Bashar resisted change and imposed himself, which negatively impacted society and led to its deterioration. Israel capitalized on this, dismantling the Syrian army's infrastructure and seizing the Golan Heights. Now, it's conducting strikes near the presidential palace – I believe there's no stronger message than that. I re-emphasize that strengthening the internal front materially (in terms of education, health, and economy) and morally (in terms of the relationship between the authorities and society) is of utmost importance.
Egypt Independent
10 hours ago
- Egypt Independent
AUC professor Bahgat Korany continues discussion on Suez Canal, GERD concerns, and global politics (Part 2)
As the world undergoes rapid political and economic transformations with escalating conflicts shaking the Middle East, the region has witnessed over a full year of genocide in Gaza – and no clear prospect for an end. The conflict has expanded to southern Lebanon, reverberated in Yemen and Iraq, and reached Iran. The Future of the Middle East series seeks to explore these challenges through interviewing prominent politicians, theorists, intellectuals, and current and former diplomats, providing various regional and international perspectives. Through these discussions and insights, lessons from the past are shared in order to chart a path forward. From the roots of the Arab-Israeli conflict to regional interventions and the rise of new non-state actors, this series engages in enlightened discussions regarding what can be learned from history and how it will impact the region's future. It aims to explore visions for the future and highlight the vital role that Arab nations can play if historical alliances are revived, pushing towards sustainable stability while safeguarding their interests. The structure of the series involves two parts – the first being a series of seven fixed questions based on requests from readers on the future of the region. The second part features questions tailored to the interviewees specific background, providing new insights into the overarching vision of the interview. Ultimately, this series aims to explore how the Arab region can craft its own unified independent project – one free of external influence. In the previous interview of our 'Middle East Dialogues' series, conducted with Professor of International Relations and Political Economy at the American University in Cairo and Professor Emeritus at the University of Montreal, Canada, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Bahgat Korany, asserted that the term 'Middle East' is an imported expression lacking in scientific basis. He argued that 'the Arab Region' is a more appropriate designation, as 'Middle East' is based on a relative, fluid, and constantly changing division and perspective. Korany noted that Israel operates in the region as a military superpower, now seemingly able to act as it pleases, presenting itself to Washington as America's aircraft carrier in the region. In this second interview, Korany stated that there should have been clearer signs of objection from Arab regional states, especially Gulf nations, to curb the excessive practices of the ruling class in Tel Aviv. He expressed his concern about further expansion of the occupation outside Palestinian territories, particularly in the absence of a unified Arab response. Interview: ■As a political science professor, do you believe that history is repeating itself? During the medieval period, there were attempts by the kings of Abyssinia and their European allies to divert the course of the Nile, aiming to undermine the Mamluk state. Also during the Mamluk era, the discovery of the Cape of Good Hope rerouted shipping away from Egyptian coasts. Do you see us facing a similar historical scenario today, as embodied by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the search for alternatives to the Suez Canal? Regarding the Cape of Good Hope, that's not the primary concern. The real threat now is the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), for which a memorandum of understanding has been signed. This route connects Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, bypassing the Suez Canal by running from India through Eilat and the Middle East to Europe. We must coordinate with the UAE to prevent their participation in this project, as it would weaken the Suez Canal's position. As for the Nile and the GERD, we first need to understand just how Ethiopia is presenting this project. Addis Ababa claims that the current water distribution is based on colonial-era agreements and that Egypt's share under these agreements is excessive, while Ethiopia needs the water for development. So, on the one hand, Ethiopia promotes a populist idea appealing to many African nations, asserting that the current situation is a product of colonial agreements that should be rejected. On the other hand, they claim a need for water for development, which is also a populist notion. This overall argument is flawed for two reasons: First, some colonial agreements, such as border treaties, cannot be approached or altered currently. The entire world adheres to these agreements, and we cannot simply reject every colonial agreement, as this would open the door to unforeseen disasters. Second, Ethiopia can certainly achieve development, but with enough water for both parties—Cairo and Addis Ababa. Ethiopia must consider that there are lost water flows and another portion that evaporates. Therefore, the water must be sufficient for both sides. This issue is existential for Egypt and non-negotiable, as Egypt relies on Nile water for 94 percent of its resources. Consequently, there is no intention to relinquish its right. In my opinion, Egypt should have acted preemptively and engaged with international bodies and parties. This would have involved convincing donors, including the World Bank, to condition their funding to Ethiopia on not impacting Egypt's share of the Nile or the Egyptian presence, since the lives of Egyptians are tied to the Nile River. We don't oppose development or funding, but it must be done in a way that preserves everyone's rights. Here, I believe, there was a shortcoming in Egyptian diplomacy. ■About 10 years ago, most of the region's conflicts were civil wars, not international ones. I highlighted this issue in an article where I noted that the number of civil wars increased from 62 in 2016 to 82 in 2017. Do you believe the use of this pattern of warfare was merely a precursor to the wars Israel wages, aimed at exhausting rival military capabilities before engaging them directly, as it does now? In my view, external conspiracies are a given. Every nation, especially one that's coveted, faces external plots designed to maximize gains. However, the crucial aspect is strengthening the internal front to prevent any vulnerabilities that would allow outside penetration. I emphasize the necessity of rejecting any internal conflicts, be they ethnic, tribal, or even economic. Inequality within a society makes external temptations strong and weakens national belonging. Therefore, the strength of the internal front is the greatest defense against external forces. A significant portion of the war in Syria was orchestrated by Israel, which was preparing for the collapse of the Syrian state and army. With the army virtually non-existent, Bashar al-Assad imposed himself by force, transforming protests into a civil war that outside powers—Iran and Russia on one side, Turkey and Israel on the other—then exploited. ■The Huthi group recently targeted Tel Aviv with a hypersonic missile. It's known that only a very limited number of countries, fewer than the fingers on one hand, possess this type of missile, and Iran is not among them. From your perspective, who supplied the Huthis with this kind of missile? And are we seeing a new backer for the Huthis, replacing Tehran, which has recently distanced itself from the Huthis for the sake of its negotiations with Washington? In international relations, there are Private Military Companies (PMCs). Americans sometimes rely on these companies instead of their military to limit casualties, just as the Russians relied on the Wagner Group in Africa. It's possible the Huthis have dealings with some of these companies, and they could be the ones who supplied them with this missile. ■In one of your articles published in 2012, you discussed Sadat's initiative to visit Tel Aviv and stated that we were facing a 'New Middle East' where Israel was an integral part of its cooperative and military interactions. Meanwhile, the conflict intensified between Morocco and Algeria. Given current events and Israel's forceful expansion in the region, how do you see the map of this 'New Middle East,' and how do you assess the relations of some Gulf states with Israel?' I wrote an article about two months ago that garnered significant reactions, both domestically and internationally, from prominent figures whom I won't name. The article was titled 'The Question from Foreign Friends I Couldn't Answer.' I was in a discussion with a number of foreigners, and we were talking about Israel's unprecedented genocide in Gaza, its brutality and war crimes. My foreign friends then posed a question that I couldn't answer: 'What are the stakeholders doing?' Here, I'm not referring to Egypt, but to the Gulf states and other Arab nations. Where is their role in this war? Within international relations, there's an option which involves recalling the ambassador for consultation, as a form of protest. This is a step before withdrawing the ambassador, which is then followed by severing diplomatic relations. We don't wish to reach the point of severing diplomatic relations, but at the very least, resorting to the simplest means of protest and suspending commercial deals. There are specific initiatives to demonstrate objection to a particular political behavior concerning the ruling class in Tel Aviv, especially after the International Criminal Court designated Netanyahu and his defense minister as war criminals, necessitating their arrest and extradition for trial. Furthermore, the Human Rights Council in Geneva condemned the unprecedented starvation of Gaza's population. Therefore, there should have been clearer signs of objection to curb the excesses of the ruling class in Tel Aviv, whose actions have even faced protests from within Israel itself. The reality is, I am very pessimistic about the group currently governing Israel. They are planning to annex the West Bank and Gaza, and I fear further expansion beyond the occupied Palestinian territories, especially given the absence of a unified response from Arab states. ■As a political science professor, you received a unique honor from the International Studies Association in the US, the first of its kind for a Middle Eastern political science scholar. The Director of the Governance Program presented your award as a welcome to 'the Other.' In your opinion, why does American hegemony extend even to intellectual and theoretical fields, causing international relations theories to revolve around the American perspective? First, let's start with a simple observation: despite some who oppose the US and speak of America's 'ugly side,' their main interests is often to send their children to American universities because of their excellence. However, I believe the Trump administration's handling of universities will harm the US. He began cutting funds for research teams conducting studies on cancer and other fields. This scientific dominance is one of America's greatest strengths, surpassing even Europe, China, and Russia. This educational and research aspect is one of the most prominent tools of American soft power, and what he's doing to Harvard and other universities will harm scientific research, including for cancer. The funds allocated by US administrations to scientific research and America's openness to the world in this regard have given the US a significant lead over other nations. From this perspective, I'd like to reference what Stanley Hoffmann, an Austrian-born professor at Harvard University, wrote in a 1977 article titled 'International Relations: An American Social Science.' This title reflects American intellectual dominance, which no one, not even England or France, can rival. From here, we as researchers from the Global South began to question: Does this serve the interest of international relations as a science and a practice? All sciences aim to be open and universal, especially international relations. I cannot establish a science of international relations with a perspective confined solely to American society. This, of course, is not in the best interest of the US itself, as the perspectives of its researchers are often limited to an American internal view, and most are not familiar with other regions outside the US borders, such as the Far East and Middle East. Therefore, we agreed on the necessity of collaborating with others from those regions to produce a universal science. However, there are some obstacles preventing this, such limited resources in third-world countries. American universities, for instance, provide opportunities for international travel to attend conferences and so forth, while local universities lack the financial means to offer such opportunities. These resources are also necessary to produce strong research that promotes the thinking of the Global South. This is why the International Studies Association resorted to organizing grants for researchers to overcome this obstacle. There's also the language barrier, which the association has tried to overcome so that research from the region can be published. ■What hinders the Global South from reaching this same level of development? Years ago, I was selected as a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, the first non-Canadian to be granted this membership. After that, I worked with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which publishes the Arab Human Development Report. This report is incredibly important for anyone interested in development issues. It's an outstanding report, and the team responsible for it began its publication in 2002. The head of that team was Nader Fergany, an Egyptian statistics professor, who always produced an exceptional version of the report that I frequently refer to. In 2009, the UNDP assigned me the task of preparing a new edition of the report. I tackled the issue of political empowerment and titled the report 'The Importance of Empowerment'. Through it, I highlighted the idea that while economic development is crucial, the political aspect is even more important. Resources matter, but it's the politician or policymaker who decides how those resources are used. For example, Japan has limited economic resources but is highly developed, whereas Congo has abundant minerals and pearls yet remains embroiled in continuous wars, leading to the absence of state authority. This underscores the importance of the political apparatus. I recall now the tragedy of Syria, which wasn't caused by the Arab Spring as much as by the incompetence in confronting political challenges. The difference between Mubarak's Egypt and Bashar's Syria is that the latter imposed himself on his people for about 11 years, during which Israel funded and fueled the civil war, while Mubarak chose to relinquish power. This demonstrates the critical importance of political decisions and how a state is directed. In reality, economic reform is important, but political reform is paramount and takes precedence, even if it takes time. I focus on three main pillars: transparency and data availability, openness to others (especially experts who provide modern scientific insights), and tolerance, which is also a crucial foundation. ■The American President, during his election campaign, claimed he could end wars with a single phone call, yet these wars have not ceased. Do you believe what he said was mere election propaganda, or has Israel become so influential that Washington can no longer affect it, or is the matter ultimately a calculation of profit and loss? Politics, in general, is a calculation of profit and loss. However, Trump arranges his political affairs in a crude, direct, and immediate manner, without considering the long-term nature of relationships. He is fundamentally a liar, whether this stems from ignorance, malice, or even limited thinking. When he participated in the debate with former President Joe Biden, American journalists found that 67 percent of his statements were falsehoods, and some journalists recorded nearly 17,000 lies during his first term. His pronouncements are sometimes pure propaganda, and sometimes they are the result of insufficient information. This, of course, poses a danger to the international community: for the president of the world's most powerful nation to have such a shortsighted perspective. When he cuts the Department of Education, curtails scientific research, and approaches matters based on immediate results without foresight, this naturally raises concerns. ■For a period, before the era of Richard Nixon, the US treated Taiwan as if it were China. While Biden has supported the island's independence, Trump, true to form, has used it as a bargaining chip, promising protection in exchange for specific demands, such as reclaiming the electronic chip industry currently dominated by Taiwan. How do you foresee the future of the China-Taiwan crisis, given China's insistence on annexing the island? Taiwan is one of the most prominent global issues right now. It could trigger a war far more difficult than the one in Ukraine, fundamentally because China views Taiwan as an integral part of its territory, just as we view Hala'ib and Shalateen as inseparable parts of Egyptian land. The relationship between US and China used to baffle us as political science researchers. How could the world's largest country not be represented in the United Nations? When communism triumphed in China, America took a stance, declaring that the true representative of China was not the mainland as we know it today, but rather the small island of Taiwan. This continued until 1972, with Taiwan holding a seat and veto power in the Security Council, a small island that separated from China after its defeat in the civil war, until Nixon visited China in 1972. What's striking is that throughout this period of non-recognition by Washington, China remained consistent with its 'One China' policy, which Washington eventually accepted. To this day, China considers Taiwan part of its territory, and if it decides to invade it at any point, it will. Thus, the reality confirms that the Taiwan crisis is not like the Russia-Ukraine situation; the latter are two independent states. Taiwan, however, is not represented in the United Nations, and therefore, the world does not view it as a state. I believe Trump will not intervene in this crisis, nor will he fight China for Taiwan. He might resort to sanctions, and perhaps some European countries might exert pressure to prevent an invasion, but the matter will not escalate to the point of armed conflict with China over Taiwan. Trump, as an individual, is unpredictable, save for one indicator that helps us discern his stances: he acts like a real estate magnate, adopting a transactional approach. His entire mindset is focused on deals, just as he did with Ukraine, when he demanded minerals in exchange for defense, even though Kyiv was his biggest ally in Europe and, along with the US, formed what was known as the Atlantic Front. Trump operates in a crude and direct quid pro quo manner. ■Setting aside Trump's unpredictability, does the Jewish lobby also influence American decision-making regarding Israel? The lobby indeed has significant influence, but I believe its impact is often exaggerated. External actors, in many instances, indirectly contribute to inflating the lobby's perceived power. Some mistakenly believe that reaching the US administration is solely achievable through the Jewish lobby, and they approach it as a means of gaining proximity to Washington. This, ironically, grants the lobby even greater power, even within the administration itself. The US Congress sometimes intimidates non-Jewish members or those not loyal to Israel, which ensures the lobby maintains a loyal bloc within Congress. Therefore, I believe it's crucial to focus studies on Congress as well, not just the White House.
