Lebanese Politician Richard Riachi: Syria Has Been Hijacked by Turkey, Israel, America, Everybody; Some People Deserve Having Barrel Bombs Dropped on Them
When Mohamad Barakat, a Lebanese journalist also on the panel, remarked that flags are better than barrel bombs, Riachi responded that some people 'deserve' to have barrel bombs dropped on them, adding that these people aren't really Syrians but rather Uzbeks and Pakistanis.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
14 hours ago
- Shafaq News
War is possible again: Lebanon's ongoing negotiations on Hezbollah's arsenal
Shafaq News After months of political back-and-forth, the issue of Hezbollah's weapons has become increasingly central in both domestic Lebanese discourse and international positioning. With time running short and diplomatic options narrowing, the debate is intensifying, signaling the potential for renewed escalation. Limited Diplomatic Window Many observers note that the possibility of removing the Lebanon file from US Syria envoy Tom Barrack is unlikely to alter Washington's or Tel Aviv's longstanding demands regarding Hezbollah's disarmament. Speculation surrounding the possible reappointment of former envoy Morgan Ortagus—known for her vocal support of Israel—has further fueled concerns about a diminishing diplomatic posture by the US in handling Lebanon's complex political and security landscape. Meanwhile, Hezbollah remains adamant about retaining its arsenal for the foreseeable future. In contrast, key international actors, led by the United States, continue to demand concrete steps toward consolidating state control over all weapons. This outlook is reinforced by a series of high-profile public statements that suggest the window for political resolution is rapidly closing. Diverging Rhetoric: Aoun's Appeal Versus Hezbollah's Defiance The Lebanese President Joseph Aoun issued a direct appeal to Hezbollah, calling for the group to hand over its weapons 'today rather than tomorrow,' framing the issue in existential terms, 'to liberate occupied territories, rebuild the state, restore international trust in Lebanon, and prevent further national collapse.' Aoun emphasized that the sacrifices of Lebanon's martyrs must not be in vain. Hezbollah's leadership, however, is far from the President's appeal. The Secretary-General Naim Qassem reiterated that disarmament is not on the table. He warned against reducing Lebanon to 'an Israeli annex,' regardless of the cost, and instead emphasized other priorities—including reconstruction efforts following the Israeli war and halting Israeli attacks. 'End the aggression and free the prisoners; only then can we have a serious discussion,' Qassem declared, dismissing any calls—domestic or foreign—for disarmament as serving 'the Israeli project,' and argued that Israel's ambitions extended beyond disputed border points, warning that disarming the resistance would pave the way for Israeli expansionism inside Lebanon. Despite the apparent contradiction between Aoun and Hezbollah, political sources suggest that a quiet but constructive dialogue is ongoing between the two sides. This conversation is expected to culminate in a government session that will formally address the state's monopoly over arms. Negotiations, Not Disarmament—For Now Lebanese political analyst Qassem Qassir told Shafaq News that disarmament is not currently on the agenda. He confirmed that negotiations between Hezbollah and the presidency continue, but stressed that any meaningful discussion about Hezbollah's weapons hinges on several non-negotiable conditions: ending Israeli aggression, withdrawing from Lebanese territory, releasing prisoners, and initiating reconstruction. 'These are firm and clear positions,' Qassir said. 'Any consideration of limiting arms to the state can only follow the fulfillment of these demands.' Qassir also emphasized that Hezbollah's heavy missiles and drones constitute 'a point of strength for Lebanon,' forming a strategic deterrent against Israel. 'These capabilities cannot be relinquished without assurances for their protection.' He further warned that the US and Israel do not merely seek Hezbollah's disarmament, but rather its destruction—whether those weapons are held by the party or the Lebanese Army. 'Israel may use the pretext of disarmament to justify a new war on Lebanon,' he cautioned. While internal discussions have floated the idea of placing Hezbollah's arms under unofficial state authority, Qassir concluded that no concrete steps have been taken by the Lebanese state toward actual disarmament. What is unfolding, he said, remains confined to preliminary consultations and general understandings. Israel Rejects Lebanese Initiative, Heightening Risks of Escalation With diplomacy faltering, many in Lebanon fear that an escalation is inevitable—possibly resembling the recent conflict that ended with a ceasefire agreement on November 27. Two developments in particular are fueling these fears. First is the continued pattern of Israeli airstrikes and targeted assassinations, concentrated in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. Second is a report by Reuters, citing five diplomatic sources, stating that Israel rejected a proposal from Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. The proposal had sought a halt to Israeli airstrikes as a first step toward fully implementing the ceasefire agreement. Israel has issued neither confirmation nor denial of the report. Potential Political Fallout? Beyond the battlefield risks, internal political repercussions also loom. Despite Hezbollah's entrenched role in the Lebanese government, ongoing external pressure and internal divisions over its weapons could reshape the very structure of governance. This unresolved contradiction—between Hezbollah's strategic doctrine and growing international insistence on state sovereignty—has yet to reach a breaking point. But the signals from all sides suggest that the margin for ambiguity is rapidly narrowing.
Shafaq News
18 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Energy at full speed: Development Road redraws Iraq-Turkiye ties
Shafaq News – Ankara/Baghdad Iraq and Turkiye are set to expand cooperation through the Development Road Project, which has evolved into a platform for a broader energy partnership, according to regional analysts. Spanning 1,200 kilometers and linking the Gulf to Europe via Iraqi and Turkish territory, the project has 'significantly strengthened' bilateral energy ties, Sercan Caliskan, a researcher at the Middle East Research Center (ORSAM) told Anadolu. 'The Development Road has opened the door to future-focused cooperation, steering relations toward a long-term strategic framework,' Caliskan said, noting that the success of this effort depends on sustained, high-level diplomacy. Energy analyst Yesar Al-Maleki of the Middle East Economic Survey (MEES) pointed out that the Iraq–Turkiye Ceyhan pipeline in Kirkuk could be used to transport crude from additional producers, reinforcing Turkiye's position as a regional transit hub. 'It also enables Ankara to integrate oil extracted through hydraulic fracturing in southeastern Turkiye, in cooperation with US companies.' Natural gas collaboration is also gaining momentum, he added. Imports from Turkiye could help Iraq reduce its reliance on frequently disrupted Iranian gas supplies. In the longer term, rising domestic output may allow Baghdad to export gas to Europe. Al-Maleki also noted that Turkiye would benefit from broader gas transit capabilities, channeling supplies from Russia, Azerbaijan, and other sources into Iraq—further cementing its role as a regional energy hub. Meanwhile, talks are already underway to replace the 1973 oil transit agreement, which expires in July 2026. Turkish officials have signaled that a more comprehensive accord is being considered, aligned with the broader objectives of the Development Road framework.
Rudaw Net
19 hours ago
- Rudaw Net
Turkey's PKK peace commission will meet Tuesday
Also in Turkey Pro-Kurdish party demands guarantee for return of PKK fighters to Turkey Turkey's peace process commission to begin work in early August: Speaker Ocalan expects parliamentary commission will contribute to peace process Association calls on Zaza Kurds in Turkey to boost mother tongue A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The first meeting of Turkey's newly formed parliamentary commission established to provide legal and political frameworks for the disarmament of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) will take place on Tuesday, state media reported on Friday. Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus invited the 51 members of the commission to attend the inaugural meeting where they will make decisions about how the commission will operate, according to Anadolu Agency. The commission was established as part of peace negotiations between the Turkish government and the PKK. It includes members from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), the AKP's governing ally the ultranationalist Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) whose leader Devlet Bahceli last year launched the peace process by calling on jailed PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan to announce his group's dissolution, the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) that has been mediating the peace talks, and several other smaller parties, including Kurdish ones. As part of the peace process, the PKK held a disarmament ceremony in Sulaimani province on July 11, when 30 members and commanders burned their weapons. The group decided to lay down arms after Ocalan urged them to pursue a political solution to obtain rights for Kurds in Turkey instead of armed conflict. Some PKK fighters based in Duhok province told Rudaw in July that they fear reprisals if they return to Turkey. Many are opting to remain in the mountains. Cemil Bayik, co-chair of the executive council of PKK umbrella group the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), in July said they will not commit to further disarmament until Turkey makes legal reforms to address discrimination of its Kurdish population, and if Ankara fails to take action, then other groups will emerge and pick up the fight. A DEM Party delegation last week met with Ocalan, who said he hopes the parliamentary commission will make important contributions to the peace process. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has praised Ocalan, saying he 'has provided and continues to provide all kinds of support on this issue.'
