Greater Middle East

РАДЫЁ СВАБОДНАЯ ЕЎРОПА / РАДЫЁ СВАБОДА (РСЕ/РС)
RADIO FREE EUROPE / RADIO LIBERTY (RFE/RL)
03/03/2021
Minsk, Byeloruthenia
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Byeloruthenia Protests Update

Welcome to Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty's online coverage of the ongoing protests in Byeloruthenia against President Alyaksandr Lukashenka. Almost three months ago the Byleoruthenian Central Election Commission (CEC) or «ЦВК» announced the official results of the presidential election - ~80% for incumbent President Lukashenka (who has ruled for 26 consecutive years) and only ~10% for popular opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. With the opposition's own poling showing an almost inverse situation, large protests sprung up all across the country.

Large strikes have swelled the numbers of the protesters, and Tsikhanouskaya, the main opposition candidate, has fled to Poland and created a Coordination Council to organize the transfer of power from Lukashenka. Lukashenka's security apparatus has targeted members of the Coordination Council and arrested a number of them. Internet access continues to be occasionally blocked by Byeltelecom. Journalists, old members of the government, athletes, some businessmen, and some police officers have joined the protests and called on Lukashenka to step down. The latest large scale protests saw tens of thousands of people take to the streets across the country after 31-year-old teacher, Roman Bondarenko, was beaten to death by the police.

But these large protests are a thing in the past, for now. It has been over two weeks since any organized protests on a large scale have happened. «Lukashenka's iron fist tactic has worked to some extent - protesters are choosing to remain inside and take part in passive resistance, fearing that going out with flags or pickets or what-have-you will get them arrested or worse, beaten up», says Mikalaj Khrapko, a member of the Byeloruthenian Democratic Movement. «We've slowly been gathering support from around the world and while the European Union hasn't placed complete sanctions on Lukashenka's regime, the targeted ones have still been very helpful. Once winter ends and spring rolls around, I'm certain we'll be seeing a return to large scale street protests. I think a lot of people overestimate his popular support - Byeloruthenians won't rest until he's gone».

From Lukashenka's point-of-view, the situation might look stable in the short-term, but resignations and defections in the security forces are stretching his forces thin. In addition, the economic situation and the sanctions are causing him to lose goodwill with his financial backers, Russia and the large oligarchs. We spoke to Ludwika Słowińska, a senior analyst at the Warsaw Institute of Poland:

«Lukashenka's done the one thing you should never do: poke the bear. The sanctions are hurting not only him, but also inadvertently Russia -many Russian companies do business in Byeloruthenia or evade sanctions through Byeloruthenia. Furthermore, backing Lukashenka costs Putin political capital and if the security forces cannot contain the situation, Russia will have to send in the National Guard to assist the regime - which will draw the ire of the western world and inevitably bring comparisons of Ukraine and Crimea to the table. Add into that rumours that Lukashenka didn't follow through on a plan to amend the constitution that he and Putin agreed to, and you've got a scenario where Putin might be looking for an alternative».

Whatever the case may be, it seems that while the people of Byeloruthenia are resolute in their opposition to Lukashenka, all of the cards are currently being held by Russia - the main backer of Lukashenka's regime, and the European Union - the main backer of Tsikhanouskaya and the Byeloruthenian Democratic Movement.

The Future of Sahuria
3/5/2021

The Iraqi and Turkish governments along with their proxies in Sahuria have reached an agreement regarding the future of Sahuria. Three zones have been established. The first of these zones, which lies in the north of the country, is to be administered for now by the Free Sahuri Authority. In the south, which includes Damascus, the former Euphrates Provisional Authority, which will now be called the Southern Sahurian Provisional Authority (SSPA), shall administer the area. In between these two zones is a sizable area, which is to be administered jointly by the SSPA and FSA.

It is expected by many that the zones will eventually be reunited into one entity, securing what many wish to be a democratic future for the war-torn country.

Al Hashemiya TV
March 6, 2021 - 2:00 PM
Jeddah, KHA

As-salaamu 'alaikum and welcome to this special news broadcast on the finalisation of His Majesty's Government formation, exclusively here on Al Hashemiya TV.

Just minutes ago, Dr. Omar al-Razzaz from the Union of Progressive Islamists and Bisher al-Khasawneh from the National Rally of Independents have reached a coalition agreement. The following persons will be appointed for the respective ministrial positions:

Prime Minister: Dr. Omar al-Razzaz [UPI]
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence: Bisher al-Khasawneh [NRI]
Minister of Foreign Affairs: Ayman Safadi [NRI]
Minister of the Interior, Justice and Security: Bassam Talhouni [UPI]
Minister of the Treasury: Mahmud Daari [UPI]
Minister of Education: Prof. Dr. Haydar al-Jeddi [UPI]
Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs: Sheikh Abdulrahman al-Sudeis [NRI]
Minister of Hajj and Umrah: Muhammad Saleh Benten [NRI]
Minister of the Royal House, Protocol and Chancellery: Hashem ibn Nayef [NRI]
Minister of Digital Affairs and Culture: Nour al-Kharji [UPI]
Minister of Economy and Trade: Bandar al-Khorayef [NRI]
Minister of Resources, Environment and Climate: Fares al-Jizani [UPI]
Minister of Health: Alia al-Tamimi [UPI]

The only ministrial positions that have changed where those previously headed by AUP and IAF members, and have been replaced by NRI members. Policy wise, the Prime Ministry has issued a statement announcing the following major points that the Razzaz administration will focus on in the coming four years:

• An Equity and Reconciliation Commission will investigate past human rights abuses committed by the Kingdom against its civilians. It will assess which compensations are necessary and make recommendations for judicial indictments;

• The reform of the Hashemi Armed Forces (HAF) will be continued after succesful expansion of the Navy and positive results of the implementation of compulsory military service. The Kingdom will organise frequent military drills with allied powers and participate more often in humanitarian operations and peacekeeping missions.

• Further rapprochement with Yemen and the Gulf States, including Afsharid Persia. Increasing cooperation with the UIC and work with member state to include a military alliance as well. The Kingdom takes a firm stance against extremist and terrorist organisations, like the HKO in Turkey and Hamas in Gaza, and believes it only possible to counter terrorism with other regional powers.

• Re-negotiating the presence of foreign military infrastructure and personnel in the Kingdom. In the future, permissions to foreign entities to open a military base in Arabia will be critically analysed case-by-case. It will be put forward to Parliament and the Grand Assembly of Islamic Scholars for debate.

• In light of the Vision2030, the Razzaz administration will be looking into possible downgrading of oil production, in coordination with the Ministry of Economy and Trade as well as international organisations like OPEC and the WTO. This to stimulate the search for alternative, cleaner energy sources like wind, solar and nuclear energy.

• The Kingdom will invest in major infrastructural and construction projects in order to create employment for its citizens. Labour taxes will be abolished in order to further motivate citizens to find employment.

• Continuation of the Kingdom's efforts to curb Islamophobia in non-Muslims countries. This will happen in first instance by means of dialogue and negotiation, and subsequently through boycott and sanctions.

Nusantara Times
_{^{March 6th, 2021}}

Around the world and back; the Navy's Operation Gallivant shows off blue-water capability

| Since it's founding in 1942, the Indonesian Navy has been Southeast Asia's principal naval power. Practically carrying the bulk of Indonesia's forward defense, it's been responsible for the defense and maintenance of the nation, and have seen victories over the past century. When taking to accounts for it's power-projection capability, it has been classified as a blue-water navy, and is able to project them within regions adjacent to the archipelago.

Admiral Siwi Sukma Adji had wanted to test said capabilities, and starting in 2019, gathered his top planners to initiate an "Indonesian Great White Fleet". When his position was replaced with upcoming Yudo Margono, the plan continued on, but remained a secret from the public during those hours.

When the plan became public in January 2021, there was huge, and huge is an understatement in itself, of the navy's ability to conduct such a journey. But despite public skepticism and opposition from conservative politicians, the plan went ahead, and a bucket list of ship to be deployed was announced. Taking a variety of new and old ships, the Board of Staffs had planned to include these ships to see which one lasts the most, especially in non-equatorial waters.

With all things set, the plan went into motion, and there was a sweeping wave of euphoria upon it's departure. Skepticism was almost forgotten when it departs, showing just how much the navy has cemented their influence within the general public. Eight ships in total departed, which would've included Sriwijaya, but she was barred from departing to maintain defence.

As of this article publishing, the fleet, under Task Force Garuda had already finished it's first leg from Jakarta to Singapore, and is already en route to it's second destination in Colombo. Correspondent Budi Marhahati will be following the story on board the destroyer Balikpapan.

BBC News, London, United Kingdom
7:00 GMT, 06/03/2021

Charlie Stayt: Good morning and welcome to BBC News. Our latest headlines from the United Kingdom and her colonies today are...

BRITAIN COMMITS ITSELF TO ANTI-NARCOTICS OPERATIONS IN THE CARIBBEAN

Following the devastating attacks in Kingston, Jamaica, the United Kingdom unilaterally declared itself at war with the narcotics trade in the Caribbean. The battle between gangsters and security forces took the lives of 100 people and injured nearly 400 more, many being civilians and some being British citizens. The attack has proven to the government and people of the United Kingdom that their complacency and inaction against the narcotics trade has not gone unnoticed. Even on the home isles, the affects of the trade are known, with many drug dealers arrested sourcing their produce from major drug-producers such as Colombia, Jamaica and Central America. The Ministry of Defence has described the issue as being of paramount importance to the peace and security of Britain's Caribbean colonies and to the livelihoods of all those who live their.

Announcements from the MoD of two new operations heralded in the largest troop movement of British personnel since the Iraq War. The Royal Navy Caribbean Fleet has begun regular and extensive patrols of territorial and international waters, and are reportedly co-operating with the Central American Navy on the matter. The RN has also deemed it necessary to increase fleet size and capabilities, primarily focusing on minor surface combatants, in the enduring effort of Operation Poseidon. Operation Abaddon, the ground forces and air force sector, has seen troop movements increase across the Caribbean. The British Foreign Legion numbers just 3,500 in Jamaica, and is expected to be increase by the arrival of at least 1,000 Royal Marines from Britain. The current objectives as they stand will be to secure the island of Jamaica, which is still unstable following the attacks.

INDUSTRY AND AGRICULTURE REFORMS PROMISE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY

Parliament announced today that the Agriculture and Fisheries Act 2021 will take Royal Assent in the coming days, heralding a bright future for British businesses following Brexit. The new regulations will seek to support British farmers in greater depth than before and alleviate the pressures from the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union, which has been deemed a major proponent of the downfall of British agriculture. The agriculture bill will seek to rectify the imbalances and allow for development of farmers across the Empire. British waters will also be strongly protected against foreign fishermen, with the new bill mandating 80% of all catches must be from British fishermen. The bill will not entirely exclude EU fishermen, on whom British waters are a major source for their livelihoods, but will require licensing and permission to be sought and acquired via the British Trade Ministry.

British Leyland are leading the way in the new Industrial age of the United Kingdom, marking themselves as one of the largest and most profilic automotive manufacturers worldwide at the end of 2020. The company, which has engaged in major acquisitions of brands worldwide, will be seeking to challenge major companies such as General Motors and Ford in their dominion over the UK market, as well as expanding operations to include Commonwealth members and trade partners of the United Kingdom. Major investments are due to take place in other industrial areas. British Petroleum has seen a strong rise in the last year, as well as Vodafone and British Steel.

SHOULD THE EMPIRE ADOPT A SINGLE CURRENCY?

Across the Empire, many colonies of Britain have adopted their own currencies, an after-effect of decolonisation and the granting of autonomy. However, economists now predict that unifying Britain and it's territories under a single currency may work in favour of stabilising trade and economic growth. Similar to the Eurozone, the Ministry of Economics have stated that by unifying all territories and colonies under the Pound Sterling (£) will not only assist in improving living standards both home and abroad, but also increase the value and power of the Pound, so that it may challenge the supremacy enjoyed by the Dollar and Euro. There are however claims that this move may signal to some a return of imperialist attitudes, and that separate currencies are part and parcel to the reason Britain has maintained dominion over many territories in the post-colonial period.

The Azanian - Africa's Best Read

6 March 2021

Government announces plans for 'green' COVID-19 recovery

Building sustainability into the Azanian COVID-19 recovery strategy from the pandemic is a win-win-win for the climate, public health and the economy.

Voices across the world from the head of the United Nations (UN) through to Azania's president and leading economists have called for a "green recovery" that "builds back better", by cutting CO2 emissions as well as boosting the economy. But what does a "green recovery" actually entail?

In short, a green recovery is one that will benefit all of us and our planet for years to come.

Cleaner air quality, healthier water, effective waste management, and enhanced biodiversity protection not only reduce the vulnerability of communities to pandemics and improve resilience, but have the potential to boost economic activity, generate income, create jobs, and reduce inequalities.

There’s been a lot of talk around the seven percent reduction in global CO2 emissions since COVID-19 took hold and stole our ability to travel.

This has been the biggest reduction in emissions of any economic breakdown in history, including after the Second World War and the 2008 financial crash.

However, in reality, as with the financial crash in 2008, COVID-19 is likely just a delay in the continual rise of greenhouse gas emissions.

If we think of emissions like a bathtub filling up with water then in 2020, the taps were just turned down, not off. The water, or CO2 in this case, is flowing more slowly, but the bath is still filling up to the brim.

CO2 emitted today will remain in the atmosphere for hundreds of years, and absorbance of it by land and sea takes time, so short term dips in emissions aren’t enough for a sustainable future.

The current recovery plan from the pandemic incorporates two phases - 'rescue' and 'recovery'. Whilst the initial 'rescue' phase of COVID-19 focuses on keeping people employed and businesses afloat, it’s the recovery phase that we can choose to make 'green' or not.

Of the world's 20 biggest economies, only Azania as an individual country, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as a whole, are planning for a green recovery in Africa in which the benefits to the climate and nature outweigh the negative impacts, according to a recent analysis.

In Azania, the government has announced more than R8.3 billion (US$7 billion) to support a green recovery, and as the largest economic power in the SADC region, is keen to both develop and contribute to an integrated, multilateral, regionwide green recovery plan.

The country has therefore pulled together a green industrial revolution plan which includes:

• quadrupling both solar and offshore wind potential over the next 10 years

• advancing nuclear power, both large and small scale

• incentivising and subsidising the proliferation of green technology and nuclear energy in the SADC region

• increasing investment in next-generation green technology

• using hydrogen and carbon capture in industry

• advancing electric vehicles

• making public transport, cycling and walking more accessible

• making homes more energy efficient e.g. converting gas boilers to heat pumps

The government also plans to revamp the subsidy system for energy and food industries and set new rules and incentives for farming, deforestation and waste management.

In December 2020, President Mandla Zakaza committed to ending taxpayer support for fossil fuel projects - meaning that no new coal-fired power stations will be built in Azania, with government planning an increase in nuclear energy production.

Renewable energy increased to a record 57 percent of total energy use in Azania in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 46 percent in 2019. This is set to increase to 80 percent by 2050. Nuclear energy accounted for the largest share of this increase.

This means that the use of fossil fuels is falling, which is good news. However, the problem with renewables at present is intermittency and storage.

Wind power is only generated when it's windy, and solar power is only generated when it's sunny. We need some level of predictability with our energy generation, or we risk mass blackouts or wasting energy when we create more power than we need.

The solution is a clean alternative to fossil fuels, which, unlike solar and wind renewables, can be used at any moment of the day or night, whatever the weather conditions. With this fact in mind, government has hinged its current efforts on increasing nuclear power production.

Green hydrogen has the potential to be a very clean and predictable alternative. It would work by taking excess energy from wind and solar, and using it to electrolyse water, separating the hydrogen from the oxygen.

The benefits are many, from powering household appliances to electric cars, to transporting renewable energy.

The catch has always been the cost of making green hydrogen because, even if it is carbon-free, it is energy-intensive. However, that is changing, because for the past two years, improvements in renewable energy technology have seen renewable electricity costs plummet.

While efforts in the renewable sector are commendable, Azania is unlikely to meet its legally binding goal of cutting overall emissions to net-zero by 2050, unless progress in the electricity sector is matched by reductions in other parts of the economy, such as heating and transport.

Electric cars have been on the scene for a while now, and with the ban of new petrol and diesel cars in to take effect by 2030, sales are expected to surge. Plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles accounted for more than one in thirty vehicle registrations in 2020, up from one in fifty in 2019.

However, it is important to address the huge implications for our natural resources not only to produce green technologies like electric cars, but to keep them charged.

The government aims for almost every automobile on the road to be zero emission by 2050. This would require just under double the current total annual world cobalt production, nearly the entire world production of neodymium, 75 percent of the world’s lithium production and at least 50 percent of the world’s copper production.

Currently, electric cars rely on lithium and cobalt batteries to run, which, whilst undoubtedly better for the environment than carbon, aren’t entirely clean.

At least 60 percent of cobalt comes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo where children as young as seven years old are forced to mine it.

The agricultural and food sector, which is among the most vulnerable to climate change, is an important contributor of greenhouse gas emissions, a major water user, and source of pollution.

The green recovery provides an opportunity to improve long-term productivity, sustainability, and resilience of global food systems by removing price-inflating and trade-distorting measures that discourage production changes and encourage an overuse of natural resources.

Financial support to farmers should be introduced on the success of multiple services rather than one.

For example, a system that is good at producing food but bad at water management with high pollution output would score poorly; and a system that scores well for water storage, flood mitigation, wildlife, carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, pollination and pollution amelioration would receive most support.

It is essential that governments work on a green recovery that eases the social divide, and increases job opportunities.

Various green sectors and activities offer significant prospects for job creation. For example, renewable energy such as solar, employs more people per unit of investment and energy than fossil-fuel generation.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that renewable energy could employ more than 40 million people by 2050.

Energy efficiency also offers significant opportunities for rapid job creation, with the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimating potential of up to 2.5 million new jobs per year as part of recovery efforts.

The transition to a greener economy undoubtedly requires new skills, both for newly emerging jobs and for existing jobs that are evolving. Without a suitably trained workforce, the transition will be impossible.

Skills gaps and shortages are already recognised as a major bottleneck in a number of sectors, such as renewable energy, energy and resource efficiency, renovation of buildings, construction, environmental services and manufacturing. Investment in skills and education should be an integral part of recovery plans.

The Azanian committee on climate change emphasised the role of people in the recovery journey ahead, with a large percent of emission reduction requiring consumer choices.

The key is to take the risk and purchase green energy and transport alternatives where you can, and keep talking about climate change and not let this subject fade on the political agenda post COVID-19.

Despite causing suffering, inequality and unemployment, COVID-19 has also created a strange window of opportunity to think about how we manage our daily lives.

We need to take what the pandemic has hit us with and set in stone new, better developments to make more rapid progress towards a sustainable future.