By DAN DIKER, HAROLD RHODE

05/28/2013 21:41

Kurdish suffering under Arab, Turkish and Iranian rule infuses them with a natural affinity for Jews and Israel. Syria’s fragmentation along religious and ethnic lines exposes the apparent rupture of what has been known as the Arab Muslim Middle East.

Sunni imperial rule – under the guise of what has been known as pan Arabism – may now be broken beyond repair. The Arab “sacred cow” – the so-called “Zionist invasion and occupation of Palestine” – has failed to unify the Arab world and may now have “two hoofs” in the slaughter house.

While regional realignments may result in a Middle East more amenable to Israel, dangers are still proliferating.

Dore Gold’s prescient analysis, “The Demise of the Middle East’s Borders” (Israel Hayom, May 25) illustrates the geographic and cartographic uncertainty toward which the region appears to be heading.

The often violent competition for power and control among Islamic groups in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq, among other states, that house Sunnis and Shi’ites, Alawites, Kurds, Druse, Christians and others continue to cut through and across the random boundaries’ that were established by the British and French empires as a result of the Sykes-Picot agreement of 1916.

Mashari al-Zaydi, of the London-based Saudi daily Al-Sharq Al-Awsat noted in his May 25 column that, “There is great danger in what is happening in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon and may soon also happen on Turkey’s southern border….Egypt and North Africa, in a different way – are about to enter a terrifying era of religious terrorism, sectarian war and civil strife that will harm everyone.”

What stands behind most of the violence in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and other areas is Arab Sunni fundamentalism in its various forms – whether Salafi, Wahhabi, or Muslim Brotherhood. All forms of radical Islam threaten the existence of the Alawites, Kurds, Lebanese Shi’ites, Christians, and other members of the non-Sunni ethnic and religious groups, including non-fundamentalist Sunnis.

This Arab Muslim “zero-sum game” culture defines their view of Kurds and other minorities, including Israel. Just as the Arab Sunni Muslims in general relentlessly “hunt” Israel, they would only accept a permanent solution in the Middle East by which they conquer and control the region, and – according to classical Islamic dogma – eventually the entire world.

But tectonic shifts triggered by the Islamic revolutions over the past few years may succeed in liberating the region from Sunni Arab imperialism and create a better future for the region’s minorities. The Kurds, while overwhelmingly Sunni, see the Muslim Brotherhood and the Wahhabis by and large as Arab imperialists trying to force them to abandon their Kurdish identity and become Arabs – probably the reason most Kurds loathe the Muslim Brotherhood.

For the Brotherhood, being Sunni is not enough. In their view, only Arabs can be true Muslims. Non-Arabs must abandon their languages and cultures and adopt an Arab identity – the same attitude which explains how most of the Middle East became Arab and Muslim during the first century of Islam.

The shifts are important to the Kurdish future. The Kurdish self-governing authority in Northern Iraq, Syria’s unraveling into geographical units comprised of Alawites, Kurds, Arab Sunnis and other ethnic groups, and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent outreach to Turkey’s Kurds could result in a more pluralistic governing structure for a new Middle East whose centers of power are more dispersed In this context, the legitimacy and success of the Kurdish national project across the region could blaze a new path for other minorities. It could also help Israel.

For example, Iraqi Kurdistan’s success as an autonomous area or a potentially independent state may influence a process of self-determination for other sects, tribes, ethnic and religious groups.

Shared challenges make Kurds and the Jewish state good potential allies. Like Jews, the Kurdish people have lived under foreign domination for millennia.

Kurdish suffering under Arab, Turkish and Iranian rule infuses them with a natural affinity for Jews and Israel.

There are an estimated 35 to 45 million Kurds in the Middle East, many of whom have been secretly sympathetic to Israel for years and have even been labeled “Zionist agents” in Iraq, Syria and Iran.

The addition of millions of potential Kurdish friends, for micro-sized Israel with a mere eight million inhabitants, could enhance the Jewish state’s security and regional position. While Jews were always considered politically and socially inferior in the Arab Middle East, Kurds generally did not discriminate against Jews, nor have they demonized Israel. In short, geography, history and destiny create natural affinities and interests between Kurds and Israelis.

Strategically, a large Kurdish state or autonomous area combining Northern Iraq and Syria and the millions of Turkish Kurds – who could be attracted to such independence in the heart of the Middle East could serve various important roles for Israel.

Syria’s disintegration, then, may have a silver lining. The northern part of the country could become a Kurdish federal autonomous area – either within a loosely federated national entity or possibly even as an independent Kurdish state, which appears to be the direction for Iraqi Kurdistan.

Iraqi Kurds, who have provided political counsel to their Syrian brethren, could also form an alliance with Syria’s Arabized Kurds and Alawites west of Aleppo, that lies close to the Mediterranean Sea, and is an important strategic asset. Alawites, as fellow non-Sunni Arabs, may well be open to new alliances as well.

These new alliances could be a major step towards the establishment of a physically strong and economically stable Syrian Kurdistan that together with Iraqi Kurdistan could become – at least quietly if not overtly – Israel’s first regional ally since the reestablishment of the Jewish state in 1948.

Dan Diker is a Foreign Policy Fellow of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, an Adjunct Fellow of the Washington DCbased Hudson Institute and served as Secretary General of the World Jewish Congress from 2010 to 2013.

Dr. Harold Rhode is a Middle East specialist who served in the US Department of Defense from 1982 to 2010. He is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Gatestone Institute in New York.

We present an interview of a young fighter from Jabhat al-Nusra, an extremist Sunni group in Syria affiliated with al-Qaeda in Iraq, with Economist.com. A former teacher and then tiler, he is dressed in well-ironed black trousers, a white shirt and a black turban. A gun rests on his lap. He is accompanied by an older man, who appears to be judging him on his answers. Both are Syrian and ask not to be named because they do not have permission to speak to the press.

– How has Jabhat al-Nusra become so powerful?

– The reason is the weakening of the other groups. Jabhat al-Nusra gets the advantage because of our ideology. We are not just rebels; we are doing something we believe in. We are not just fighting against tyranny; Bashar Assad is only part of our fight. The other groups are only a reaction to the regime, whereas we are fighting for a vision.

– What is that vision?

– We are fighting to apply what Allah said to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. We are fighting so people don’t look to other people but only to Allah. We don’t believe in complete freedom: it is restricted by Allah’s laws. Allah created us and he knows what is best for us.

– What future do you see for Syria—or do you even see a Syria in the future?

– We want the future that Islam commands. Not a country with borders but an umma [worldwide Islamic community of believers] of all the Muslim people. All Muslims should be united.

– Syria has long been known for its sectarian diversity. How do you view the other sects?

– The other sects are protected by the Islamic state. Muhammad, peace be upon him, had a Jewish neighbour, for example, and he was always good to him. But the power and authority must be with the believers [Sunnis], not the unbelievers.

– What about other Sunnis who are more moderate than you?

– We will apply sharia law to them.

– What about Alawites?

– Allah knows what will happen to them. There is a difference between the basic kuffar [infidels] and those who converted from Islam. If the latter, we must punish them. Alawites are included. Even Sunnis who want democracy are kuffar as are all Shia. It’s not about who is loyal and who isn’t to the regime; it’s about their religion. Sharia says there can be no punishment of the innocent and there must be punishment of the bad; that’s what we follow.

– Did you lose or gain fighters following the announcement that you are linked to al-Qaeda in Iraq?

– We’re with anything that represents real Islam, whether al-Qaeda or otherwise. If there is a better group, we’ll go with them instead. The effect of the announcement is that now we know our friends and our enemies. The good people will come to our side and the bad people will leave.

– Many, maybe most, Syrians do not share your views. Do you care?

– It would be great if the Syrians were with us but the kuffar are not important. Abraham and Sarah were facing all the infidels, for example, but they were doing the right thing. The number with us doesn’t matter.

– Which other rebel groups do you see as acceptable? Ahrar al-Sham, another Salafist group, criticised your links to al-Qaeda.

– I think only 5% of the battalions are against the Islamic vision. Ahrar al-Sham are a mixture of Islamists and people who like Allah so we are not sure about their vision. We are very clear as the Prophet, peace be upon him, made it very clear to us. Other groups have good beliefs but we are the only committed ones.

– Will the differences lead to clashes, as have happened in some places? And how would you react if Western powers decide to arm other rebel groups?

– If the arms reach people who will fight Assad and Hizbullah that’s okay. If they use them against us, then that’s a problem. We’ll avoid fighting [other groups] if we can. The West wants to ruin Syria.

– How hard is it to become a member of Jabhat al-Nusra?

– We examine those who want to join. First you must be loyal to the idea of Jabhat al-Nusra. Second, you must get a recommendation [from someone in the organisation]. Third, you go to a camp to be educated and practice, and take the oath of loyalty to the emir [the group’s leader].

– Do you plan to carry out operations against the West in the future?

– There is no permanent friendship and no permanent enemy. We’ll do whatever is in the interest of Muslims. The first duty on us is to fight the kuffar among us here in the occupied Muslim lands. The next duty will be decided later.

– Do you have contact with the Syrian regime?

– If it is in the interest of the Muslims, such as for gas or water, then we have no problem. These matters are in the hands of the emir.

– Your presence helps the regime which has long tried to portray the opposition as extremist. What do you think about that?

– The regime maybe benefits but in the end we’ll show all humans, Syrian and otherwise, the way, and true Islam.

– What are your views of women?

– The woman in Islam has a special role. She is respected as a wife, a sister, a mother, a daughter. She is a jewel we should preserve and look after. In the West they gave women freedom but they use them and don’t respect them. The woman is to use in adverts. We don’t have an issue with the woman working according to her mind and body. But not jobs that humiliate. Jewellery is okay on women, but not on men, and not too much. Make up should be just for your husband. You can wear coloured clothes and show your face. [The older man disagrees, saying women should cover their face and hands.]

– Shouldn’t men also cover up to avoid women looking at other people’s husbands?

– Our women ask the same question. Some men can’t control themselves and the woman is the source. It’s easier to prevent abuse. The men’s role is to go out and work. Man’s brain is bigger than the woman’s—that’s scientifically proven. Men’s brains have different areas for speaking and thinking, but women’s don’t which is why women they say what they think.

– What if your interpretation of the Koran is wrong?

– There are two types of verse. Firstly ones that are stable and unchanging, such as head-covering. Secondly ones on which people can differ, such as the rule demanding ablution after touching a woman. Does that mean touching her skin or intercourse? Opinions can differ.

– Do you consider any Islamists too radical, like the Taliban, for example?

– There are people committed to Islam and then those far from it. No one committed is too radical. We haven’t met anyone from the Taliban but they seem good Muslims because they defended their religion and the occupation, they kicked out the enemy and applied sharia.

– Did you study religion?

– I was poor but I read the Bible, and lots of Jewish and Islamic books. My head and heart told me to accept the Koran and the Sunna [accompanying religious texts]. Islam is different because it has a complete view of life, society, politics, economics—it is a complete system.

– We hear there is a split inside Jabhat al-Nusra about your links to al-Qaeda. Do you disagree about that or other matters?

– There are small differences, but when we give loyalty, we obey.

 

The prime minister and the main opposition leader of Turkey have hurled severe charges against each other over their approach and alleged possible role in twin-bomb attacks which have so far killed 52 people, Hurriyet Daily News reported.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan overtly accused the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) of provoking people, while remaining vague about a game being played with sectarianism initiated by forces outside Turkey.

CHP leader Kemal Kilichdaroglu harshly criticized the government for the alleged failure to act on time concerning the attacks in Reyhanli, the town on the Syrian border which was hit by two car bombings on May 11. This failure took place despite intelligence, Kilichdaroglu said, quoting the exact date of the intelligence submitted by the National Intelligence Organization (MİT).

Speaking at a parliamentary group meeting of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), Erdoğan argued that certain forces were attempting to play a dangerous game in Hatay.

“So much so that this game is being planned outside Turkey. With its extensions inside Turkey, it is being attempted by deceiving the citizens of the Republic of Turkey. Here, a political sectarianism is being created. This is a very dangerous game,” Erdoğan said.

He accused the opposition, primarily the CHP, of provoking Hatay and Turkey before anything was clear after the Reyhanlı incident. He noted that they knew that “very severe and very dangerous attempts for provocation” were taking place in the region and that they were closely monitoring it.

“Activities at the level of treason by some dark people in disguise as journalists, traders, and businessman have been detected in Hatay and they are being arrested and submitted to the judiciary. Unfortunately, contacts between these people and some deputies inside the CHP have been confirmed with evidence and documents. For example, the Hatay representative of a newspaper close to the CHP has been arrested with quite obvious evidence of espionage. In rallies, demonstrations in Hatay and its towns, the effects of these structures with roots on the outside [of Turkey] have been detected, especially in attempts of attacks against refugees,” Erdoğan said.

For his part, Kılıçdaroğlu questioned the details about the attack. “When was the last time that MİT warned the officials?” he asked, and continued by saying, “Should I give the date? May 9, 2013. I am saying the date as well. I am asking you questions you cannot overcome. When I tell you ‘You are the murderer of those 52 people’, there are things I know.”

Turkey blamed Syria for the bombings, with the government officials.

“The intelligence organization works to determine the vehicles, it has tracked them since April, it announces it to the concerned authorities; and they [government] are waiting. An explosion happens, 52 people lose their lives. Who is responsible: the CHP,” Kılıçdaroğlu said bitterly.

“MİT is not tied to any ministry. It is directly tied to you. It is giving you information. Now you get up [and say] ‘There is a lack of coordination among intelligence organizations,’” he said, adding that they knew that the intelligence organizations had made the last warning on the phone. Kılıçdaroğlu argued that the intelligence had done its part, yet the government failed to perform its duty.

Kilichdaroglu further accused the government of igniting the conflict in Syria, saying, “They are sending these militants to Syria saying ‘Go kill your brothers.’ They are handing them arms and putting money in their pockets.”

“I wonder, how did those vehicles come to Turkey from Syria?” Kılıçdaroğlu asked, arguing that the Syrian border had been left without surveillance. He further criticized the lack of border control saying “How come there are no security cameras? Because they are training the militants of the terrorist organization.”

He said if there were security cameras, such training would be detected and the removal of cameras was a form of logistic support.

May 29, 2013 – 12:37 AMT

An alley of plane trees named after Charles, His Royal Highness (HRH) The Prince of Wales, will be planted in Armenia’s City of Dilijan.

A certificate commemorating the opening of the Prince Charles Alley was awarded to HRH by Veronika Zonabend and Ruben Vardanyan, the founders of Dilijan International School (DIS).

The certificate was awarded during Prince Charles’ private visit to Armenia as guest of Armen Sarkissian’s Yerevan My Love Charitable Foundation, at an event held at capital city Yerevan’s Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts (Matenadaran).

After getting acquainted with the Institute’s collection, Prince Charles was given a presentation about DIS, which will be opening its doors in September 2014.

Sixty-five plane trees will be planted in Dilijan. The plane tree is a symbol of DilijanInternationalSchool.

By Anna Ghazaryan

YEREVAN. – Not everyone is able to learn from someone who photographed presidents, especially the U.S. president. However, the students of TUMO center were provided with an opportunity to attend the class of American photojournalist of Armenian origin Scout Tufankjian. Here, in Armenia, she is known as a photographer who shot Obama’s presidential campaign as well as “The Armenian Diaspora Project.”

“My friend Sara Anjargolian runs the photography program here and I have heard about TUMO. It is an amazing organization and when she asked me if I would come over to teach a workshop class I immediately said yes,” Scout tells us in the center prior to her lesson.

She believes the most important thing for a photographer is to be interested in what he/she is doing.

“I am interested in people, their lives and stories,” Scout says.

Listening how enthusiastically Scout talks about working with children, you can see that she is really interested in teaching.

“The most difficult thing is having different levels in the class. Some of the kids have been photographing for a long time and some are new to it. The most difficult thing is making sure that the more experienced kids are not bored, while the less experienced kids are not left behind,” she says.

It may seem that making photos of politicians is not that interesting: serious people wearing ties, they hardly can express a lot of emotions. However, Scout notes that she was not shooting a politician, but presidential campaign – people surrounding the president and supporting him.

“The supporters are what interest me about political campaign, the people who seem to give up their lives in order to try to get someone elected. I do not really consider myself to be a real political photographer. I photographed Obama for 3 years, but the whole time I was photographing him, this story to me was as much if not more about his supporters than it was about him and his family,” she says.

President is a public figure but nowadays not only politicians are in the limelight. With the advent of social networks and Instagram, millions of people turned into nonprofessional photographers. Some are posting the photos of a party, while others are taking photos of food and even dress they bought minutes ago. Being a professional photographer, Scout is not concerned about it. The more people are paying attention to photography the better it is, she believes.

Talking to her, I could not but ask a piece of advice. “I shoot with Nikon and Leica. I shoot with two different cameras. Now I shoot with Leica, it is quieter, smaller and easier,” she says pointing at her camera which is next to her event during the interview. “My first camera was a kind of a plastic camera. I also used to shoot with my father’s old Voigtländer.”

Scout has positive attitude towards modern devices and Photoshop, too. She believes it is just a matter of trying to match up the subject matter with the right tool.

“For example when I was in Anatolia photographing all old Armenian villages, I shot a lot with an iPhone because I’ve seen the pictures of people who fled the genocide. They were all kind of square. The stories that these people were told and retold many times and they are almost like fairy tales. So I shot with an iPhone to get the sense of the past and story-telling, kind of fantasy versus reality. But I would not shoot an Egyptian revolution with an iPhone because it is not about their relationship with past and the present,” the photographer says, adding she would like to visit  North Africa, West Africa, India, Yemen and many other places.

For all those who want to take photos she has two secrets of photography: first of all you must take a lot of pictures. Secondly, you must shoot the things you are interested in, the things you are curious about, something you do not know but want to know.

“Famous photojournalist Robert Capa once said the most important thing about the photography is to like the people you shoot and let them know it,” she says.