Latest news with #Shobaki
Middle East
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Middle East
OPEN// Egypt continues historical role as pillar of regional stability and balance, Arab experts tell MENA
CAIRO, June 17 (MENA) – Egypt continues to play its historical role as a cornerstone of stability and a pillar of balance in the region, relying on calm and effective diplomacy aimed at defusing crises and containing conflicts before they erupt, Arab experts said. Cairo is increasingly emerging as a trusted mediator for all parties; drawing upon its long-standing experience and well-balanced international relations, the experts told MENA. In recent years, Egyptian diplomacy has adopted an approach of direct engagement, intensifying mediation efforts and launching real settlement initiatives that take into account the sensitivities of conflicting parties without bias or recklessness, they said. Mohsen Al-Shobaki, a Jordanian political and strategic expert, said the joint statement by Arab and Islamic countries regarding Israeli attacks on Iran, which was initiated by Egypt, reflects a decline in regional trust in Israel's unilateral actions and highlights the extent of unconditional Western support for Israel—often at the expense of other regional allies. Shobaki emphasized that President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Egypt's leadership fully understand the seriousness of the current stage in the Middle East, as escalating tensions are being driven by extremist Israeli policies—not limited to Gaza, but extending to military and civilian targets in Iran. Dr. Ola Shahoud, professor of international relations at the Institute of Oriental Studies in Moscow, said that amid the rising tensions between Iran and Israel, Egypt stands out as a responsible regional actor seeking to avert catastrophe in the Middle East. Cairo's actions are guided by a strategic vision grounded in a long history of active regional engagement and balanced diplomacy, she added. She praised Egypt's efforts, which culminated in the joint statement that underscored the need to rid the Middle East of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, in line with relevant international resolutions, and the immediate accession of all regional states to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Dr. Areej Jaber, a professor of political science in Jordan, said the latest developments in the Middle East point to a rapid slide into unprecedented regional escalation, with Israel expanding its military reach into confrontations with sovereign states, primarily Iran—seeking what it views as a 'historic opportunity' to reshape the Middle East. Egypt has emerged as a rational and stabilizing regional actor, reasserting its leading role in shaping balanced responses to growing threats and preventing the crisis from escalating, she noted. Dr. Monica William, an expert in international relations, said the joint statement spearheaded by Egypt was a diplomatic signal of critical timing and significance in an increasingly volatile regional landscape. The statement's call for restraint and the cessation of hostilities represents a revival of preventive diplomacy in a region often prone to rapid escalation, she noted. The Egyptian initiative was more than a symbolic gesture—it was a serious effort to reset the regional dynamics, particularly as Western mediation efforts have largely failed to prevent further deterioration, she pointed out. (MENA) I S N/S R E
Ammon
18-02-2025
- Politics
- Ammon
King reaffirms Jordan's firm stance on Palestinian cause, rejection of displacement, resettlement, alternative homeland
Ammon News - His Majesty King Abdullah II on Monday reaffirmed Jordan's firm stance on the Palestinian cause, in rejection of displacement, resettlement, and an alternative homeland. During a meeting with military retirees at the Royal Hashemite Court, on the occasion of Veterans Day, attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, His Majesty stressed that his position has not and will not change. 'For 25 years, I have been saying no to displacement, no to resettlement, no to the alternative homeland,' the King said, denouncing those who question these firm positions. The King expressed optimism despite all the challenges, stressing that he draws strength and courage from Jordanians, the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) and security agencies, as well as retired military personnel. His Majesty said he knows military retirees are ready to don their military fatigues once again and stand by his side against all challenges. Speaking about his recent visit to Washington, DC, the King reaffirmed that preserving Jordan's interest and stability and protecting Jordan and Jordanians are above all considerations, stressing the importance of working to rebuild Gaza without displacing Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. His Majesty reiterated the importance of de-escalation in the West Bank, highlighting that achieving just peace on the basis of the two-state solution is the only way to guarantee stability in the region. The King expressed pride in the JAF and security agencies, and their sacrifices to protect Jordan and safeguard its resources, noting the importance of the role of military retirees and their expertise in enhancing Jordan's achievements and institutions. His Majesty also thanked Jordanians for the warm welcome he received upon his return from the United States. Speaking on behalf of military retirees, retired Maj. Gen. Ismail Al Shobaki spoke of His Majesty's continued support for brothers in arms and veterans, who have full confidence in the King's leadership and wisdom in dealing with various challenges. Shobaki praised His Majesty's keenness on protecting Jordanian interests and standing by Arab brethren, especially Palestinians, by rejecting their displacement and supporting the establishment of their own independent state. Shobaki also highlighted the importance of the Hashemite Custodianship of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi, General Intelligence Department Director Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni, Public Security Directorate Director Maj. Gen. Obaidallah Maaytah, Acting Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Assistant for Operations and Training Brig. Gen. Naji Manaseer, and Economic and Social Association of Retired Servicemen and Veterans Director retired Maj. Gen. Adnan Al Raqqad attended the meeting.
