Latest news with #Al-Arab
Memri
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Memri
Article In UAE Daily: The Gulf States' Silence On The Iran-Israel Conflict Stems From Fear Of Its Possible Ramifications
Against the backdrop of the escalating Israel-Iran military conflict, Yemeni journalist Hani Salem Mashour explained in his June 16, 2025 column in the UAE daily Al-Arab that the UAE is working to stop the escalation because of its profound fear that the situation's deterioration into a broad regional war would threaten its own existence and that of all the Gulf states. Stating that "the deliberate silence of the Gulf states today does not mean neutrality, but is [the result of their] careful calculations," he added that while they cannot allow Iran to go nuclear and cannot forget Iran's consistent support for militias that destabilize the region, at the same time they cannot risk an expansion of the war which would undermine the stability of the region. Risking an expanded war is also not an option for them, he wrote, as it is they who will suffer for it. Noting in this context that the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war "tore the entire Arab Gulf to shreds," he recalled how these countries had "paid a heavy price in stability, security, and economy" for a war in which they had no part. He added that the Gulf states now want to prevent this from happening again, and thus the UAE strives to stop the region from igniting and is seeking a diplomatic solution. He also wrote that the waging of this battle must not be left in the hands of "actors obsessed with a bloody [military] win," and called on "rational Arabs – headed by the UAE – to continue to play a balancing, responsible role, not just due to fear of the fire, but also due to the awareness that the entire region will not survive if one of its elements burns up." The following is a translation of excerpts from Mashour's June 16, 2025 article: "From the heart of the deep strikes that shake Iran from within, and from among the echoes of the explosions in the nuclear basements and nuclear warehouses, a new map of regional deterrence is being drawn: Israel strikes and Iran is silent or finds it difficult to respond. At the same time, eyes are raised to the Arab Gulf – not because it is a side in the conflict, but because it is the arena that is at risk and is expected to explode. Amid this historic collision between two axes that are armed with both ideology and technology, the UAE emerges as a different voice, that is trying to tell the world that not all countries are lining up behind the fire. "For decades, the UAE has believed that stability is not an accident of circumstance but a strategic identity, and in the current scene that is in flames, it is again presenting itself as a responsible state that is attempting, using diplomacy, to hold open the door of reason. While not denying that Israel and Iran have entered a stage of open conflict, and not ignoring the multi-sided nature of the [Iran-Israel] conflict [indirectly involving arenas] from Gaza to Sana'a, from Lebanon to the heart of Tehran. But at the same time, it understands very well that this great conflagration [of the direct Iran-Israel conflict] will sweep everyone away.. "With every explosion in Iran, [Arabs] must ask: Who will pay if this clash crosses the gray lines and becomes an all-out regional war? "The UAE, and with it the Arab Gulf states, know the answer to this question all too well. They lived an entire decade in this region under the shadow of others' clashes. The Iran-Iraq war was not only at Iran's borders; it also tore the entire Arab Gulf to shreds... The Arab Gulf states paid a heavy price in stability, security, and economy for a war in which they had no part. As far as the political consciousness of the Gulf [states] and of the UAE in particular is concerned, the drums of war are a warning sign... "The UAE leadership realizes that the region cannot endure a major war; when wars break out, they don't care about geography [i.e. they spill over and expand] ... The UAE experienced this when the fire of the Houthis spread from Sa'ada [in Yemen] across the entire Arabian Peninsula... "In light of this clash, it has become clear that the entire Arab Gulf, led by the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is carefully considering its options. True, no one [in the Gulf] will trust a nuclear Iran, and true, no one will forget Iran's bankrolling of the [Shi'ite] militias and destruction of [Arab] countries. But [for the Gulf states,] standing on the threshold of a mini-world war between Israel and Iran is not an acceptable option... "The deliberate silence of the Gulf [states] today does not mean neutrality, but is [the result of their] careful calculations. As the Israelis wage their security campaign [against the Iranian nuclear project] and the Iranians are getting slapped again and again, the responsible Arabs are working to put out the fire, not pour oil on it. That is the fundamental difference between a country that believes that hegemony is [achieved] through destruction and one that believes that genuine influence is built only through development, openness, and stable partnerships. "The truth is that the world should listen more to the voice of the UAE... It is unfortunate that this voice is sometimes sidelined amid the clamor of guns and speeches about the 'holy' wars, even though it is the only balanced voice warning against a recurrence of past catastrophes. "The current Israel-Iran campaign, which is likely to expand to Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq, must not be left in the hands of actors obsessed with a bloody [military] win. The rational Arabs – headed by the UAE – must continue to play a balancing, responsible role, not just out of fear of the fire, but also out of an understanding that [if the situation develops into war], the entire region will not survive if one of its elements burns up." "It is true that the UAE is not a superpower – but it is a country with a vision. It is true that its diplomacy does not work miracles, but it prevents disasters. In moments of great madness, what we need is not more missiles, but more courage to say no to war... "The UAE, which over the past five decades has gained top-quality mediation experience, understands that the window [of opportunity for] negotiations is closing rapidly, and that the last chance for containing the Iranian nuclear crisis and mutual Tel Aviv-Tehran deterrence is only through quiet diplomatic channels... "The UAE's position today... is to aspire to build a rational Arab position to strengthen the region [and protect it] from spilling over into open [battle]fronts, to lay the foundation for viable understandings that will transcend this emotional moment, and to re-establish a regional balance of interests based on shared security, respect for sovereignty, and a halt to foreign interference [in each other's domestic affairs]. "Today, every diplomatic move by the UAE, and all the quiet contacts [conducted] behind the scenes, are a genuine attempt to salvage what can be salvaged... What the UAE is doing today is exactly what any wise country must do: stand on the brink of [an abyss] – not to jump, but to keep others from falling."[1]
Global News
22-05-2025
- Global News
You did it, baby: New grad dad chased by cops after bringing infant son onstage
A University of Buffalo student who was chased by police onto the stage at his graduation ceremony for accepting his diploma while carrying a prohibited item, his baby, says it was the result of a misunderstanding. Video from the ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences shows Jean-Paul Al-Arab running hastily from the backstage area to the front of the line of graduates, all while clutching his baby, who was draped in matching cap and gown garb. Al-Arab was followed onto the stage by at least two police officers and two others, who appeared to be faculty staff, but none were able to stop his pursuit. A gleeful Al-Arab paused momentarily on stage before accepting his diploma and waving to a rapturous crowd — baby firmly in tow — before being removed from the stage by a police officer. Story continues below advertisement The new dad and new grad had, according to the university, disobeyed multiple directives from the school instructing him not to bring his infant onstage. 'During Sunday's commencement ceremony for University at Buffalo's College of Arts and Sciences, a graduating senior ignored multiple directives from university event staff and UB Police, ran away from officers, and broke commencement rules by bringing an infant onto the commencement stage at Alumni Arena,' the school said in a statement on Wednesday. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'While the situation created a light-hearted moment for the thousands in attendance who cheered on as the graduate took to the stage with the infant in his arms, the graduate's actions were a violation of commencement rules which clearly state that 'only graduating students may participate in the graduation ceremony, including walking in the processional and crossing the stage.'' Story continues below advertisement Additionally, despite appearing in formal graduation attire, the university said the baby has not yet completed enough courses to be awarded a degree. 'The infant, despite crossing the stage in a cap and gown, has not yet earned enough credits to receive a diploma. We hope to see him back on stage in about 20 years so he can follow in his dad's footsteps,' the school said. According to a TikTok video shared by Al-Arab, he was told during his commencement preparation class that it was 'fine' to bring his baby onstage with him, but when the time came for him to walk, officials informed him he could not do so with his child. @jeanpaul_alarab I'm a full-time student, working two jobs—one of them overnight—and taking care of my son during the day until his mom gets home from work. And here I am, graduating, with my boy by my side. WE DID IT! #ub #comencement #baby #graduation ♬ original sound – NFL 'They tried to escort me out, but honestly, the only reason they let me go was because of all of you who cheered and supported me — so thank you,' Al-Arab wrote on the TikTok post. Al-Arab graduated while working two jobs, one of them overnight, and studying as a full-time student, writing in his caption that he was proud to bring his son along. 'Here I am, graduating, with my boy by my side. WE DID IT!' he wrote. Al-Arab apologized after the fact in an email to commencement officials. The school confirmed that he will not be punished for his actions, and explained that the baby ban is in place as a safety precaution.
Memri
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Emirati Daily On Arab Summit And Egyptian Plan For Gaza: Arab Leaders Were Afraid To Address Hamas And Its Weapons; Everybody Is Evading Responsibility
In its March 5, 2025 front-page article, the Emirati London-based daily Al-Arab harshly criticizes the closing statement of the March 4 Arab League summit in Cairo. The summit convened to discuss a plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip as an alternative to the plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump that involves the exile of the Gazans. Headed "The Cairo Summit: A Flawed Conclusion to an Anomalous Situation in Which Everyone Is Evading Responsibility," the article states that the summit took no decisions regarding Gaza's future, the source of the funds required for its reconstruction, and the way to deal with the issue of Hamas' weapons, which this organization has defined as a "red line." It claims that the Arab states in fact deliberately refrained from explicitly mentioning Hamas and its weapons, and preferred to take a vague stance out of fear of provoking the Arab street. It warns that leaving the weapons in Hamas' hands will enable it to torpedo the Egyptian plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, and to produce a new leader who will launch another war against Israel, so that the billions invested in the Gaza Strip will be lost and the Gulf states will be required to provide new funds for reconstruction. Al-Arab's front-page article The following are translated excerpts from the article: [1] "The emergency Arab Summit yielded no clear decisions regarding the future of Gaza in light of the reconstruction plan proposed by Egypt, nor about how to deal with Hamas. The summit also failed to sufficiently address the sources of funding, and no country clearly committed to paying part of the reconstruction costs. In addition, there was a notable absence of leaders from the Gulf states. "The summit's conclusion, which offered no solution for the pending problems, is a flawed conclusion to an anomalous situation in which everyone is evading responsibility. Even the Palestinians have shrugged off their responsibility for what happened: the PA proposed half-solutions and Hamas set out red lines, as though the Al-Aqsa Flood [i.e., Hamas' October 7 attack, in which 1,200 Israelis were murdered and 251 were abducted] never happened and as though the [Gaza] Strip and its people are in excellent condition and do not need courageous decisions that will prevent the tragedy from recurring. "This time the situation is different, and the Arab Summit cannot issue a general statement. It needs precise positions, because U.S. President Donald Trump is following its outcomes [to see] whether they comply with his demands regarding Hamas, or whether he will have to press for implementing his plan to exile [the people of Gaza]. This places the Arab stance in a doubly embarrassing position that could have been avoided if the summit had only taken a stand regarding Hamas and its weapons, and clearly specified the scope of funds that will be provided for rebuilding the Strip and the elements that would guarantee [their provision]. "The Egyptian plan, which has been approved by the Arab leaders and officials, removes Hamas as the administrator of the Strip, in compliance with one of Israel's main demands. But it refrains from explicitly mentioning the disarming of Hamas and the other factions and the dismantling of their military infrastructures. The leaders who attended [the summit] clearly preferred to take a vague position in order to avoid confronting the Arab street, and in order to maintain the image they assumed during the war. They presented themselves as being close to the street and to the resistance, and [now] they find it difficult to take decisions that contradict this image. "Ignoring Hamas' weapons will create problems for the Egyptian plan in the future, because Hamas will be able to thwart every stage of this plan or oppose the participation of certain countries. Furthermore, the presence [of these weapons] will facilitate the emergence of a new Sinwar, who will undertake to launch a war against Israel. Consequently, the billions invested in rebuilding [the Strip] will be lost in another ostentatious war between Hamas and Israel, and several months later another plan will be proposed requiring the Gulf states to provide new funds for reconstruction. This is an issue of contention that the summit should have resolved in an explicit manner. "In addition, leaving the weapons in Hamas' hands can lead to an internal war if the Palestinian Authority eventually assumes responsibility for the Strip, as the Egyptian plan proposes. Hamas, [for its part], has prevented any option of interpretations or unclear Arab positions when it said that its weapons are a red line that nobody must [even] approach…" [1] Al-Arab (UAE), March 5, 2025.
Memri
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Emirati Columnist: Khamenei's Boasting About A Hamas Victory Over Israel Is A Distortion Of The Facts; Iran Is The One That Should Rebuild Gaza
In his January 30, 2025 column in the Emirati daily Al-Arab , which is based in London, Yemeni journalist Hani Salem Mashour mocks Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for boasting about the "victory" of the resistance axis over Israel and the "steadfastness" of the Palestinian people when the images from the devastated Gaza Strip reflect a completely different reality. He writes that Khamenei exploited the Palestinian cause to strengthen Iran's regional status, and therefore he is the one that should be primarily responsible for rebuilding Gaza and aiding its residents, who paid a high price for the disastrous war waged in their name. Mashour also castigates Hamas' officials, who did not consider the likely consequences of the October 7, 2023 attack and did not provide the people of Gaza with the minimal protection, but instead used them as human shields while they themselves stayed far away from the war zone. [1] Hani Salem Mashour (Source: Al-Arab , London) The following are translated excerpts from his column: [2] "On his account on the American [social media] platform X, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei keeps posting messages that underscore the victory of his Iranian axis in the 'Al-Aqsa Flood,' as they call it [i.e., in the war against Israel that began with the Hamas attack on October 7]. Khamenei is not the only one repeating these slogans of victory over Israel; all the political Islam organizations [namely groups affiliated with the Sunni Muslim Brotherhood movement] and their members are echoing his statements. This is another instance of consensus among the rival extremist religious schools [i.e., the Shiite and the Sunni ones], with everyone agreeing that the Israelis have been taught a painful lesson unlike anything they had experienced before. "But the humiliating sights of the Palestinian people returning [to the northern Gaza Strip] after being displaced to the south and after Hamas surrendered and agreed to a lull and a ceasefire are the only ones that reflect the truth and cannot be refuted. Hundreds of thousands of hungry and frightened [Gazans] are returning to the ruins of their homes. That is the picture Khamenei must be honest about when he sees it and follows it, as the entire world is doing. "What Khamenei called 'the steadfastness of the Palestinian people' is actually hunger, fear and pain without end. There is no such thing as steadfastness amid this Israeli attack. The Hamas officials who carried out the October 7, 2023 attack didn't bother to consider the fate of hundreds of thousands of unarmed civilians. They did not build them shelters or provide them with the minimal [amount of] food or [water to] drink. They did not even provide them with secure routes to flee from the war zones. On the contrary. Hamas' officials turned the civilians into human shields, as usual, in accordance with the fatwas of Ibn Taymiyyah, his disciples and his followers… [3] "The Al-Jazeera news channel, which always claims that Hamas won, aired a detailed report titled 'The Immense Challenge of Rebuilding the Gaza Strip – Facts and Figures,' which claimed that 'clearing over 50 million tons of rubble left behind by the Israeli bombardment could take 21 years and cost $1.2 billion.' According to UN estimates, the overall cost of rebuilding what the war has destroyed comes to $40 billion, and it will take 80 years to rebuild all the housing units that have been destroyed. A report issued by the UN and the World Bank noted that [the cost of] damage to infrastructure [as of] January 2024 was estimated at around $18.5 billion, and that homes, commercial and industrial buildings and basic services like education, health and energy had been destroyed. "That is [only] part of the reality in the Gaza Strip, and that is what takes us back to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, who is the first and last [figure] responsible for repairing [the damage] caused by the October 7 attack, which he welcomed and supported… There is no denying that the Palestinian people is paying a very heavy price for the conflicts waged in its name and in the name of its cause, while [Hamas'] political and military leaders remain far away from the weight of the daily suffering borne by the civilians [in Gaza]. "It seems that Khamenei, who espouses a religious and political discourse that is based on exploiting the Palestinian cause to increase Iran's regional influence, is [also] very far removed from the reality in Gaza. He brandishes slogans of victory while ignoring the immense devastation caused to infrastructure and to the daily lives of the Palestinians. Talking about 'steadfastness' and 'victory' in these circumstances seems like an attempt to beautify the grim picture of thousands of [Gazans] still suffering from a shortage of food, water and medicines and living in tragic humanitarian conditions. "Clearly, the Iranian discourse represented by Khamenei is based on a long-standing strategy of exploiting the Palestinian cause as a means to strengthen Iran's standing as a regional power, but it appears that this strategy totally ignores the tremendous human price paid by the Palestinian people. Because, while declaring its support for Hamas and adopting the discourse of resistance, Iran does not present real solutions for the suffering of the Palestinians and doesn't appear to be prepared to assume responsibility for the reconstruction of what was destroyed in the war. "What is happening in Gaza is a human tragedy in the full sense of the word. The discourse about empty victories does not alter the fact that the Palestinian people suffer on a daily basis from the implications of a conflict whose conclusion is not visible on the horizon. Khamenei, and anyone who pretends to support the Palestinian cause, is obliged to perceive reality clearly and take action to assume responsibility for the rehabilitation of Gaza. As for the Arab capitals, cities and villages that were pulverized on what Hassan Nasrallah referred to as "the road to Jerusalem" – they will be rebuilt by their people, [first of all by] Beirut, which has begun to throw off the dust of illusion and to strengthen its homeland anew after it was usurped by rotten religious ideologies… "Khamenei must also rehabilitate Gaza in order to thwart the plan of American President Donald Trump to exile its residents. This begs the question: Will Khamenei dare to declare overall responsibility for the rehabilitation of Gaza, as he declared his support for Hamas and for the October 7 attack? Or will Iran suffice, as it always does, with disseminating slogans of resistance and leave the Palestinians to cope alone with the catastrophic consequences that can only be described as a 'victory' by people who are accustomed to falsifying facts [?] "The time has come to redefine the concept of 'victory' – not from the perspective of hollow political slogans, but based on the reality of the peoples that have paid the price. Gaza's fate will not be determined by Khamenei's slogans or by his posts on X, but by the will of its residents, who must ask themselves: how many [more] times will they pay the price for the 'flood' that drowned, starved, and humiliated them [?]" [1] Mashour has attacked Hamas in previous columns as well. See MEMRI Special Dispatch No. 10919, Columnist In UAE Daily: Hamas, A Muslim Brotherhood Faction, Seeks To Topple Arab Countries And Revive The Caliphate; It Does Not Represent The Palestinians And Has No Right To Embroil Them In Wars, October 31, 2023; and MEMRI Special Dispatch No. 11492, Columnist For Emirati Daily: Hamas, Like Other Terror Organizations, Commits Crimes Against Humanity; Yahya Sinwar Should Be Prosecuted, August 8, 2024. [2] Al-Arab (London), January 30, 2025. [3] Taqi Al-Din Ahmad Ibn Taymiyyah, a 14th century Sunni religious scholar, is a major source of authority for the jihadi-Salafist current of Islam.
