Latest news with #ToniMrad
LBCI
23-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
As tensions rise, fate of Syria's SDF hangs in the balance
Report by Toni Mrad, English adaptation by Mariella Succar Following the recent unrest in Sweida, questions have resurfaced about the future of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led militia based in northeastern Syria. Before the outbreak of violence in Suwayda, the SDF's path toward integration into the Syrian state had already faced major obstacles. The group has maintained several key demands: political recognition of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, preservation of its military structure, and its incorporation into state institutions without disarmament. However, the Syrian government's position remains firm. Damascus has repeatedly rejected any federal or autonomous governance model, viewing it as a step toward partitioning the country. The government also opposes the idea of the SDF retaining its weapons. That was the status quo before the Sweida clashes. Did the events there alter the trajectory of SDF's potential integration into the Syrian state? According to several analysts, the unrest in Sweida has not derailed the integration process but has further complicated it. The SDF reportedly sees the escalation as justification to double down on its demands for political and security guarantees, particularly concerning the preservation of its military forces. These concerns were echoed by SDF military spokesperson Abgar Daoud, who stated that in light of ongoing tensions, rising violence, and renewed threats from ISIS, disarming the group is not an option. In the end, and according to observers who spoke to LBCI, a military confrontation remains on the table if efforts to disarm the SDF fail—especially with Turkey now involved. Ankara views the SDF as a direct threat to its national security. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently warned, 'If you seek to divide and destabilize [the region], we will consider it a direct threat to our national security and we will intervene.' Despite the heightened tensions and mutual distrust, military action remains a last resort for both Turkey and Syria. For now, the door remains open for negotiations, which both sides may still view as the least costly path forward.
LBCI
05-05-2025
- Business
- LBCI
UAE says 'yes' to Lebanon again — can Beirut turn the page?
Report by Toni Mrad, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian The United Arab Emirates will lift its travel ban on Lebanon starting May 7, a move expected to revitalize the country's tourism sector and positively impact the broader economy. This places responsibility on the Lebanese state to strengthen security and stability by increasing security measures in areas frequented by visitors and deploying regular patrols. Beyond that, the decision could also pave the way for increased Emirati investment across several sectors in Lebanon, according to the country's ambassador to the UAE, Fouad Dandan. Dandan said Emirati investors are exploring opportunities in food security, including the purchase or lease of agricultural land in Lebanon, which offers a favorable climate and fertile soil — a more accessible alternative to distant markets. They are also considering industrial production through the establishment of factories that would export Emirati goods to European markets, taking advantage of Lebanon's strategic location on the Mediterranean. Other areas of interest include port management and operations, particularly at the Port of Tripoli, as well as renewable energy, a sector in which the UAE is already a regional leader. Emiratis are also looking into opportunities in artificial intelligence and data centers, drawing on Lebanese expertise in digital infrastructure. In addition, fashion and jewelry design remain attractive sectors, with Lebanese creatives long recognized as leaders in the field. Still, the full potential of these opportunities depends on Lebanon's ability to continue implementing essential judicial and financial reforms while preserving security — the cornerstone of any serious investor confidence.
LBCI
20-04-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Hope in Rome: US and Iran move closer through indirect talks
Report by Toni Mrad, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi A military strike on Iran appears increasingly unlikely as diplomatic momentum builds following the conclusion of the second round of indirect talks between the United States and Iran, held in Rome with Omani mediation. While the U.S. administration has yet to issue a formal statement, sources familiar with the discussions described the meeting as positive. The delay in an official U.S. position has sparked speculation among observers, some suggesting internal divisions within Washington. Some officials reportedly favor a complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear program, while others support limiting Tehran's ability to develop nuclear weapons without challenging its right to peaceful nuclear energy. On the Iranian side, optimism is rising. Tehran insists that negotiations remain focused solely on its nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions. The aftermath of the talks saw Iran's stock market surge and its national currency gain strength. State-affiliated media praised the direction of the discussions. The hardline "Kayhan" newspaper claimed Iran's military strength forced Washington to the table, suggesting the U.S. needs both Iran and the credibility that negotiations bring. The reformist "Ham Mihan" speculated that direct negotiations may soon be on the table. Amid this cautious optimism, Israel has moved to assert its influence. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer was reportedly in Rome during the latest round of talks on Saturday. While his visit went unexplained officially, Yedioth Ahronoth cited deep Israeli concern over any deal that stops short of fully dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities. All eyes now turn to a technical meeting between U.S. and Iranian experts set for Wednesday. According to LBCI sources, the session is expected to cover sanctions relief, uranium enrichment levels, and other core issues.
LBCI
14-04-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
US-Iran nuclear talks shift to Rome over logistics, diplomatic optics—the details
Report by Toni Mrad, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Stepping on the American flag at a Tehran university may once have been a routine act. However, after the start of U.S.-Iranian negotiations, that no longer seems to be the case, as the university administration chose to cover the flag. It was a symbolic gesture reflecting the positive atmosphere surrounding the U.S.-Iranian talks, which began last Saturday in Muscat and are set to resume on Saturday, April 19. However, the second round will not be held in Oman but in the Italian capital, Rome, even as Muscat continues to play the role of mediator, relaying indirect messages between the two sides— especially since the talks are expected to take place inside the Omani Embassy in Rome. The talks are also expected to coincide with U.S. Vice President JD Vance's visit to Italy, though his participation in the U.S.-Iranian negotiations remains unconfirmed. Rome was chosen as the new location for logistical reasons at Washington's request, given its relative proximity. Vienna was not selected—as in previous rounds—for two main reasons: First, Italy maintains good relations with both the United States and Iran; second, Tehran prefers to hold this round in a "neutral venue" far from the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which is based in the city and has been criticized by Iran, according to some observers. This second round will be indirect, as confirmed by the Iranian side, even though the first round included a few minutes of direct contact between the Iranian and American delegations. That brief meeting drew global attention, with the news site Axios reporting it lasted about 45 minutes—a claim denied by a source familiar with the talks, speaking to LBCI. In this round, both delegations are expected to sit in the same room, according to the same site, with the Omani delegation facilitating the exchange of messages between them. The talks will focus solely on the Iranian nuclear file in exchange for the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Tehran. In this context, IAEA head Rafael Grossi is expected to arrive in Tehran on Wednesday for talks with Iranian officials about monitoring and verifying the activities of nuclear facilities.
LBCI
10-03-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
US Envoy calls Hamas 'nice guys,' then backtracks after Israeli criticism
Report by Toni Mrad, English adaptation by Mariella Succar U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler referred to Hamas members as "nice guys" during the negotiations on the ceasefire in Qatar, despite Washington classifying the group as a terrorist organization. However, his stance quickly shifted following criticism from Israeli officials. "I want to be crystal clear as some have misinterpreted. Hamas is a terrorist organization that has murdered thousands of innocent people. They are definition bad people. And as President Biden has said, not a single Hamas member will be safe if Hamas doesn't release all hostages immediately," Boehler wrote on his X account. Boehler's conflicting statements came after direct talks with a Hamas delegation in Doha, where he reportedly discussed a long-term ceasefire proposal between Hamas and Israel. Hamas did not deny discussing the future of its weaponry with the U.S. envoy. The group officially stated that negotiations with Boehler focused on ending the war, Israeli withdrawal, and reconstruction efforts. According to the Qatari-based news outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, Hamas representatives presented a comprehensive proposal backed by other factions in Gaza. The plan extends beyond Gaza to the West Bank and Jerusalem, outlining a long-term ceasefire of over a decade in Gaza and the West Bank while maintaining the status quo in Jerusalem. The same report indicated that Hamas expressed willingness to discuss the fate of its offensive weapons, particularly its rocket arsenal, and the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for a long-term truce and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. An LBCI source close to Hamas stated that the discussions with the U.S. envoy were part of an ongoing dialogue. "It was a positive discussion, but no final agreement has been reached yet."
