Al Mayadeen - September 13, 2024
Israeli bombardment kills 60 people in Gaza overnight
On the 343rd day of genocide, Israeli occupation forces bombard numerous areas in Gaza, mostly central Gaza and the South.
Israeli occupation forces have continued their relentless war on Gaza for the 343rd consecutive day, launching intensive airstrikes on various parts of the besieged Palestinian territory.
These attacks targeted central Gaza, Gaza City, and areas in the southern part of the Strip, resulting in dozens of casualties. The death toll has reached 60 since last night, with many others wounded in the strikes, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported.
In the Jabalia refugee camp, located in northern Gaza, at least one person was killed when Israeli forces bombed a house in the al-Faluja area. Moreover, several hospitals in the northern part of the Gaza Strip have warned that they are on the brink of shutting down due to a severe fuel shortage.
In the al-Zaytoun neighborhood, southeast of Gaza City, a number of civilians, mostly women and children, were killed when a house was bombed. Rescue teams continue to search for survivors trapped under the rubble.
Al-Zaytoun neighborhood also witnessed heavy air bombardment. An Israeli airstrike targeted the area around Salah al-Din Mosque, according to local reports.
In central Gaza, Civil Defense teams recovered the body of a martyr and several wounded individuals after an Israeli airstrike hit a home on 20th Street in the Nuseirat refugee camp. At the same time, three other people were killed and several others were wounded, when a strike hit a house sheltering displaced civilians in the camp.
Further south in Rafah, five people were killed by Israeli tank shelling that targeted a house in the Mawasi Rafah area.
These recent casualties are part of a much larger death toll. Since October 7, the Ministry of Health in Gaza has reported more than 41,118 martyrs and 95,125 injuries as of September 12.
As the bombardment continues, many victims remain trapped under debris, and ambulances and civil defense teams face difficulties reaching them due to the ongoing strikes and the accumulation of rubble across the roads.
https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/israeli-bombardment-kills-60-people-in-gaza-overnight
Al Mayadeen - September 13, 2024
Hamas to tread path of defeating 'Israel': Sinwar to Sayyed Nasrallah
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah had congratulated Sinwar on the assumption of his post and offered his condolences over the martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh.
Hamas Political Bureau Leader Yahya Sinwar sent a telegram to Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah thanking him for his letter in which he congratulated him on his assumption of the Resistance movement's leadership and offering his and Hezbollah's condolences over the martyrdom of former political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh.
Haniyeh was assassinated by the Israeli occupation during a visit to Iran to attend the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian. One week later, Hamas elected Sinwar as leader.
"We, in the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas, received with great appreciation and pride your kind letter of congratulations and condolences for our martyrs and our fellow fighter in Jihad and Resistance, the late leader and freedom fighter Mr. Ismail Haniyeh, head of the Political Bureau of the movement, and his companion, brother Wasim Abu Shaaban," the letter read.
"We thank you for your solidarity interwoven with your sincere and noble sentiments, which have been expressed through your blessed actions on the fronts of the Axis of Resistance in terms of support and engagement in the battle. We pray to Allah to bless your efforts and protect you and your country from all harm," the letter added.
Haniyeh, Sinwar said, rose as a martyr amid Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, "one of the most honorable battles fought by our Palestinian people" to "join the ranks of the martyred leaders, unite with his children and grandchildren, and meet the great sacrifices made by our people in Gaza, the West Bank, al-Quds, and the occupied Palestinian territories."
"This affirms that the blood of our leaders and freedom fighters is not more precious than the blood of our people and that this precious blood and these honorable convoys of martyrs will increase our strength and resilience in confronting the Zionist Nazi occupation," the Hamas leader stressed.
The Resistance faction, he underlined, will "remain steadfast as it always has on the path of loyalty to the blood of the martyrs."
"The lofty principles advocated by Haniyeh will remain steadfast, guiding our Movement and our Resistance fighters," the letter added, explaining that the said principles include the choice of Resistance in the face of the Israeli occupation and the unity of the Islamic World with the Axis of Resistance in defense of occupied Palestine and the Islamic holy sites, such as the al-Aqsa Mosque "until the occupation is defeated and eradicated from our land and our independent state with full sovereignty and al-Quds as its capital is established."
Sinwar, a mastermind behind October 7
A leader of Hamas in Gaza, Sinwar was a mastermind player in Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7.
A report written by Reuters in December recalls a speech made by Sinwar back in 2022 uncannily foreshadowing the events of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood in his choice of wording.
In a speech addressing the Israeli security establishment on December 14 last year, during a popular ceremony in Gaza celebrating the 35th anniversary of Hamas' establishment, Sinwar specifically threatened the Israelis with an impending "flood".
Deputy chief of the movement's Political Bureau, Khalil al-Hayya, said during a memorial held for the martyred leader Ismail Haniyeh on Sunday that Hamas will remain loyal to the Palestinian people, martyrs, and the Islamic Ummah, by "continuing on the path of struggle, jihad, and resistance," until the liberation of Palestine is achieved.
The Hamas official praised martyr Haniyeh's life-long work, saying that his martyrdom has "given new spirit, determination, and strength to [the region's people] and their Resistance."
"He was a great leader and a devoted servant, a true ascetic, for whom the doors of martyrdom and paradise open if Allah wills," al-Hayya underlined.
Daily Sabah – September 12, 2024
Is Islamic alliance proposed by Türkiye against Israel possible?
by Dilara Aslan
Questions arose after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan last week called for the creation of an Islamic alliance for Gazaﾠagainst Israel's "expansionism," with critics wondering what such an alliance’s framework could be and whether it is possible in the first place.
"The only step that will stop Israeli arrogance, Israeli banditry and Israeli state terrorism is the alliance of Islamic countries," Erdoğan said at a vocational school association event near Istanbul. He also said that the recent steps that Türkiye has taken to improve ties with Egypt and Syria are aimed at "forming a line of solidarity against the growing threat of expansionism," which he also warned Lebanon and Syria about.
To answer why, there are actually two major developments concerning Ankara. The first is the ongoing threat of regional escalation, which would affect regional stability and trade. The other one is the killing of a Turkish American woman by Israeli troopsﾠin the Israeli-occupied West Bank. In fact, the call for this alliance must be read as a continuation of the policy that Türkiye has been pursuing since the start of the war. Within this period, Ankara has undertaken and proposed several initiatives, such as a guarantorship model for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or leading a Gaza contact group, which visited diverse capitals around the globe to raise awareness and discuss the situation. Most recently, Erdoğan also called for a summit of Muslim country leaders to discuss the Gaza war, and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan addressed the issue during his participation in the Arab League meeting.
Moreover, Erdoğan, mentioning normalization with Syria and Egypt within the context of the Gaza war, points to Türkiye attaching strategic importance to these two countries. Fifty-one years ago, Egypt and Syria attacked Israel, leading to the Yom Kippur War. At that time, the Muslim world was united. Today, both Cairo and Damascus preserve their geostrategic significance, bordering Israel in terms of preventing escalation and Israel pushing Palestinians across borders to clear the territories for its own purposes.
Although Erdoğan did not mention the scope of how such an alliance's structure and what its mission would be, there are diverse ways to coordinate policies. A range of sanctions or countrywide boycotts could be an effective answer rather than the individual boycotts pursued by some part of the populations of Muslim countries right now. Let us not forget the influence of the oil embargo decades ago. Another potential area is to make coordinated diplomatic moves to aim for Israel’s isolation. It surely would be influential as Tel Aviv was just on track to normalize its ties with regional Arab countries before the war. For example, Jordan, Türkiye and Bahrain withdrew their ambassadors from Israel in November.
Yet, is an Islamic alliance possible? Muslim countries around the world are far from united – besides their condemning of Israeli attacks on Palestinians and calling for a cease-fire. Since the start of the escalation in Gaza, Ankara has frequently voiced that Israel’s biggest advantage is a disunited Muslim world and has called within this scope to close ranks.
The lack of coordinated policies among Islamic countries is rooted in the fact that all these states have their own specific interests and policies. Egypt and Jordan have peace deals with Israel dating far back and areas of cooperation. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Morocco have signed the Abraham Accords brokered by the U.S. to normalize ties. And just before the Oct. 7 attacks, Washington was mediating a similar accord between Saudi Arabia and Israel – which is sometimes mentioned as one of the potential reasons for the Hamas attack. Meanwhile, other Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) members, such as Iran and Yemen, are pursuing their own agenda, answering Israel by military means. Qatar, which hosts Hamas, has positioned itself as a mediator. On the other side, these Muslim countries have been trying to deal with two major problems: the issue of trade and internal public anger. Since the start of the war, populations of Muslim countries have rallied and criticized their governments and monarchies for not doing enough in the face of Israeli atrocities. Explaining ongoing and even growing trade with Israel has been another challenge. According to the Arabian Gulf Business Insight, Israel’s trade with Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt, Morocco and Bahrain, grew until May.
Looking at this picture, it is only natural to see varied responses to the ongoing conflict. However, with the biased stance of the West, inaction of the United States and their continued support for Israel despite tens of thousands of civilian Palestinian deaths, it is a must that the Islamic world steps up their action beyond rhetoric. With the different relations of Muslim countries with Tel Aviv, if looked at from the positive side, it means that each one has its own leverage and tools to pressure Israel toward a cease-fire and fair terms.
TRT World – September 13, 2024
Aysenur Ezgi Eygi's body arrives in Türkiye for burial
The body of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a Turkish American activist killed by Israeli soldiers in the occupied West Bank last week, arrived in Istanbul via Azerbaijan.
A Turkish Airlines plane brought Eygi's body to the Istanbul Airport, where a ceremony was held on Friday.
Ambassador Ayse Sozen Usluer, Istanbul representative of the Turkish Foreign Ministry, and other Turkish officials attended the event. Her body, wrapped in the Turkish flag, was received by a military squad at the airport.
Following the ceremony, Eygi's body was flown to Izmir for burial in Aydin on Saturday, southwestern Türkiye.
Eygi, 26, was killed on September 6 during a peaceful protest against illegal Israeli settlements near Nablus. Turkish diplomatic missions in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem coordinated the transfer of Eygi's body from Tel Aviv to Baku before the final journey to Türkiye.
Türkiye also launched investigation into the killing under domestic law on Thursday.
https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/aysenur-ezgi-eygis-body-arrives-in-turkiye-for-burial-18207301
Informed comment – September 13, 2024
Woman, Life, Freedom: Rachel, Shireen, Mahsa and Ayşenur
By Fariba Amin
Newark, Del. (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) – A few days before the invasion of Iraq by American forces under G.W. Bush, on March 16, 2003, a young woman from Seattle, Washington, who had gone to Rafah, in Gaza to help Palestinians halt the demolition of homes died under the bulldozer of the Israeli army.
Her name was Rachel Corrie.
She was 23 years old. She was a member of the pro-Palestinian International Solidarity Movement (ISM) 
Her parents fought the judiciary system in Israel for two decades to no avail. The court rejected their appeals, and no one was prosecuted. It is the usual case in Israel, the only “democracy” in the Middle East.
On May 11, 2022, the renowned Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, while reporting at the Jenin refugee camp and having reported from the occupied territories for nearly 25 years, was shot in the neck by IDF while reporting for Al Jazeera. It took more than a year for the Israeli officials to admit that their army was responsible for her death. Was anyone put on trial for her murder? No.
She was wearing a blue vest with the word Press on it. An Israeli solider shot her just below her helmet. While her funeral was being held, all kinds of barriers were set to prolong the procession. She was finally laid to rest in the Mount Zion cemetery in Jerusalem where she was buried next to her parents. She was a Roman Catholic.
On September 7, 2024, a young woman also from Seattle, this time a Turkish American aged 26 had gone to the West Bank for the very same reasons. She was shot in the head by the Israeli Army.
Her name was Ayşenur Eygi.
She was also a volunteer with the ISM and had recently graduated from the University of Washington. She and others including many Jewish activists had been demonstrating against an illegal outpost called Evyatar, an offshoot of the settlement of Beita.
She had arrived there only two days before her untimely death by a gunfire of an Israeli soldier. Jonathan Pollack, an Israeli peace activist, participating in Friday’s protest was an eyewitness. He held her bleeding head before the ambulance arrived. She died at the hospital.
She, like Rachel, had a full life ahead of her.
Not only did these women want a better world but they also put their aspirations into action. They could have had a career like so many others but instead they took a different route: To be instrumental in making a change in this very unjust world of ours.
Rachel had been born into a middle class, peace-loving family.
Ayşenur was born into a Turkish American family. She resisted and struggled for the right of a people whose livelihood and land were being stolen by settlers, guarded by the most immoral army in the world.
She was shot to death like countless others since and before October 7.
The Americans and the Israelis did nothing to secure justice for any of these women.
In another part of the Middle East, on 16 September 16, 2022, a young woman named Mahsa Amini, also known by her Kurdish name Jina, went to Tehran with her brother and friends to have a good time. She was twenty-two. She was stopped by the morality police and taken to a van by force. She was interrogated viciously for not having the right hijab and was hit hard on her head. She was taken to the hospital and a few days later, after going into a coma, she was pronounced dead. She was not political. Her only sin was that her attire was not to the liking of the authorities. What followed later after her shocking death was the largest uprising in Iran called Woman Life Freedom, perhaps the largest feminist movement in our time.
In the Middle East and elsewhere, women have proven that they will take to the streets and encounter the oppressors to fight for freedom whether for others or themselves.
It will not be the last time nor the only time.
Just like a century ago, Mary Harris Jones—aka “ﾠMother Jones ” who was also called “the most dangerous woman in America”, walked miles to fight for freedom and the rights of workers, these young women also took their fight to the streets of Jerusalem, Rafah, the West Bank, Tehran and elsewhere to prove that women will not be stopped — not by guns, by bulldozers nor intimidation.
Fariba Amini is a freelance writer and journalist. She has interviewed many scholars of Iran and former U.S. diplomats throughout the years. Her research on The Most Successful Iranian-Americans was published by the U.S. Department of State. She is the editor of Letters from Ahmad Abad (in Persian). Her father was the mayor of Tehran and personal attorney to Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh.
https://www.juancole.com/2024/09/freedom-shireen-aysenur.html
Middle East Monitor – September 12, 2024
The Life and Legacy of Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi:
A Beacon of Hope for Palestine
By Elif Selin Calik | –
The world of activism was shaken by the tragic news of Aysenur Ezgi Eygiﾒs death at the hands of Israeli forces in the West Bank. Her demise has sparked a renewed conversation about the Occupation of Palestine, the struggles of the Palestinian people, and the role of international activists who stand with them. Eygi, a committed Turkish-American activist, was more than just a participant in protests; she embodied the global solidarity that has long fuelled the resistance against oppression in the region. Her life, words, and ultimate sacrifice bring to light the harrowing reality of the conflict and the urgent need for international intervention.
Aysenur Ezgi Eygi: A voice for the voiceless
Born in Turkiye, Eygi was deeply rooted in her faith, and her activism was a reflection of her commitment to the principles of justice, equality and submission to Allah. In her writings, she emphasized the importance of the ummah, the global Muslim community, as a collective entity that transcends national borders and personal struggles. “The ummah is important, I need to support my journey in full submission to Allah,” she once wrote, revealing the spiritual foundation of her activism. Her unwavering belief in the power of the Muslim community to effect change, coupled with her determination to stand against oppression, made her a prominent figure in the pro-Palestinian movement in Turkiye.
Her commitment took her to the frontlines of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where she witnessed the daily horrors faced by Palestinians under Occupation. It was in the West Bank where she met her tragic end, killed by Israeli forces while peacefully advocating for human rights. Her death has now become a rallying cry for activists around the world, highlighting the grave dangers faced by those who dare to challenge the Israeli Occupation.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict: A brief historical overview
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the longest and most contentious in modern history. Its roots can be traced back to the early 20th century when the region, then part of the Ottoman Empire, became the focal point of competing nationalist movements. The establishment of Israel in 1948 led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, an event known as the Nakba, or “catastrophe”. Since then, the conflict has been marked by wars, Intifadas and ongoing military Occupation.
The West Bank, where Eygi was killed, has been under Israeli military Occupation since the Six-Day War in 1967. Despite numerous international resolutions calling for Israel to withdraw and end its Occupation, the situation has only worsened over the years. The construction of illegal Israeli settlements, the fragmentation of Palestinian Territories, and the severe restrictions on movement have turned life in the West Bank into a daily struggle for survival.
Human Rights violations in the Occupied Territories
The human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (oPt) are well-documented. According to a 2021 report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 5,300 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces in the West Bank that year alone. The UN Human Rights Council has repeatedly condemned Israel’s actions, particularly the excessive use of force against civilians and the systematic expansion of illegal settlements. The situation has been described by many as a form of apartheid, with Israel implementing a system of segregation that denies Palestinians basic rights and freedoms.
The killing of activists like Aysenur Ezgi Eygi further exposes the dangers faced by those who seek to shed light on these injustices. Human rights defenders, both Palestinian and international, are often targeted by Israeli forces. The UN has reported numerous cases of activists being detained, harassed and even killed while documenting human rights abuses in the region. The targeting of activists is a clear violation of international law, yet accountability remains elusive.
UN facts and numbers on the conflict
The United Nations has consistently called for an end to the Israeli Occupation and the establishment of a two-state solution, but progress has been slow. According to UN data:
- As of 2022, there are approximately 475,000 Israeli settlers living in over 250 illegal settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
- More than 5.7 million Palestinian refugees are registered with the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), most of whom are descendants of those displaced in 1948.
- In 2023 alone, over 200 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, including women and children.
- Despite international calls for restraint, the cycle of violence continues, with civilians on both sides paying the highest price. The UN’s repeated condemnations of Israeli actions, including the expansion of settlements and the use of excessive force, have largely been ignored, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The global response and Eygi’s enduring legacy
The death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi is a stark reminder of the cost of standing up for justice in the face of overwhelming force. Her life’s work, however, has not been in vain. In Turkiye and beyond, her legacy as a passionate advocate for the Palestinian cause continues to inspire new generations of activists. She is remembered not only for her bravery but also for her deep sense of responsibility toward the ummah and her unwavering commitment to the principles of Islam.
Internationally, Eygi’s death has sparked renewed calls for accountability. Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned her killing and urged the global community to take stronger action to protect activists in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. There is also growing pressure on the United Nations to take more decisive action, with some calling for sanctions against Israel for its continued violations of international law.
Aysenur Ezgi Eygi’s tragic death in the West Bank has left a void in the global activist community, but her legacy lives on. Her words, “Ummah is important, I need to support my journey in full submission to Allah”, resonate with the countless individuals who continue to stand against oppression and injustice. Her life serves as a reminder that the fight for Palestinian liberation is not just a local struggle but a global one, requiring the solidarity and support of people from all walks of life.
In her memory, the world must redouble its efforts to bring peace and justice to Palestine, ensuring that the sacrifices of activists like Eygi are not in vain. The international community must act swiftly and decisively to hold Israel accountable for its actions and to protect those who risk their lives in the pursuit of justice.
The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor or Informed Comment.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240910-the-life-and-legacy-of-turkish-activist-aysenur-ezgi-eygi-a-beacon-of-hope-for-palestine/
Anadolu Agency – September 13, 2024
Gaza war to influence 2024 US presidential election
Ahead of November elections, both major political parties face increasing pressure to address concerns of Muslim-American votersHalil İbrahim Ciğer |
As the 2024 US presidential election draws near, the war in Gaza and American support for Israel have emerged as pivotal issues, especially in swing states where the Muslim vote could prove decisive.
In the first part of Anadolu's “Gaza Effect on the US Elections” series, the impact of the new Gaza movements on the US elections and the effect of undecided votes are analyzed.
Discontent with current US foreign policy has led to increased political mobilization among Muslim American voters, many of whom are dissatisfied with both major political parties. According to a report by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), 78% of Democrats support a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, while 91% of Muslim voters in swing states say a lasting cease-fire would make them more likely to vote for a candidate in the November 2024 election.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in April 2024 revealed widespread dissatisfaction with US foreign policy, with 55% of Americans believing it is on the wrong track. Given the centrality of support for Israel in US foreign policy, Gaza is emerging as one of the decisive factors in the electoral process.
Among Muslim American voters, who make up a substantial portion of the electorate in several battleground states, Gaza has become a defining issue, driving them toward third-party candidates or, in some cases, toward abstaining from voting altogether.
Potential Impact on Swing States
With their significant presence in swing states, where the difference between the top two candidates is often minimal, Muslim voters can impact the outcome of the 2024 election. States such as Wisconsin, Arizona, Michigan, Georgia, and Minnesota, where Muslim populations have been growing, are seen as potential tipping points in the race for the White House.
Hassan Abdel Salam, founder of the "Abandon Biden" movement, emphasized that winning a few swing states is key to securing the presidency and noted that it is in these states where Muslim voters can make a difference. Robert McCaw, government affairs director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), echoed these sentiments, highlighting that more Muslims are supporting third-party candidates this election cycle than ever before. He said Muslim voters in these swing states have the potential to tip the balance.
Despite this potential, many Muslim voters remain undecided or are considering abstaining from voting altogether. Abdul Basith Basheer, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of North Carolina, said many Muslim voters are so frustrated with both parties' stances on Gaza that they are contemplating sitting out the election as a form of protest.
Third-Party Candidates Gain Support
Frustration with both major political parties has led to increased support for third-party candidates, particularly those who have taken strong stances on the Gaza issue. Jill Stein, the Green Party's presidential candidate, and Cornel West, running for the People's Party, have both spoken out against US military aid to Israel and called for accountability in the Gaza conflict.
Omar Suleiman, president of the Dallas-based Yaqeen Institute, noted that many Muslim Americans are disillusioned with Biden and the Democrats and are looking to third-party candidates as an alternative. Stating that many Muslim voters feel let down by both major parties, Suleiman said third-party candidates addressing Gaza and Palestine head-on are more appealing to Muslim voters.
Mobilization Among Muslim Voters
Muslim voters are increasingly organizing to express their frustration with US policy on Gaza. The "Abandon Biden" movement, which opposes incumbent President Joe Biden's handling of the conflict, has gained traction. Activists argue that both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have not done enough to secure a cease-fire or push back against Israel's military actions in Gaza.
Holding Biden and Harris accountable, the movement aims to ensure they can no longer ignore the conflict, said Abdel Salam. He and other activists hope their efforts will lead to a re-evaluation of US policy in the region and influence both Democratic and Republican parties by demonstrating the electoral power of the Muslim American community.
The movement recently changed its name to "Abandon Harris" following her candidacy. Beyond the ballot box, Muslim American activists have been organizing protests and lobbying efforts around the Gaza issue. In the weeks following the latest escalation in the Gaza conflict, activists gathered outside the US Capitol, calling for a permanent cease-fire and an embargo on arms sales to Israel. The protests, which lasted four days, featured prominent lawmakers such as Representatives Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Summer Lee of Pennsylvania, who voiced their support for a cease-fire.
Chanting "No more bombs," the protesters urged Congress to take immediate action to stop the violence in Gaza. Their demands include an end to US military aid to Israel and greater accountability for human rights violations in the region.
With the election nearing, both major political parties face increasing pressure to address the concerns of Muslim American voters, particularly on the issue of Gaza, as they seek to secure votes in the nation’s most contested states.
*Writing by Yasin Gungor
CAIR-NY Announces Release of ‘Feeling the Hate in Our Schools’ Report
Today, the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) announced the release of its new report, “Feeling the Hate in Our Schools.” As a result of the increase in Islamophobia in New York, CAIR-NY conducted comprehensive surveys to better understand Muslim students’ experiences with Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate within the school settings.
SEE:ﾠFeeling the Hate In Our Schools Report
Afaf Nasher, Esq. CAIR-NY Executive Director Stated:
“Focusing on religious-based bullying, Feeling the Hate in Our Schools conveys the results of a comprehensive survey and confirms the prevalence of bias Muslim students experience in public schools. Over half of Muslim students have experienced a bullying incident, and almost 45% of our young sisters wearing hijab have had their headscarf pulled. This report also shows the high extent of adult-to-student issues of concern, with almost 30% of respondents reporting that an adult at their school has acted in an offensive manner toward Muslims or Islam.
“Change is possible, and it starts with acknowledging the presence of hate and bias in our schools. Along with sharing data on religious-based bullying of Muslim students, we have included recommendations for school administrators, educators, and parents. CAIR-NY will continue to work with policymakers, school districts, and allies dedicated to creating a safe, positive learning environment free of discrimination. Our goal is to push for systemic change through all channels available, including educational programming, policy advocacy, and when necessary, legal challenges.”
Earlier this year, CAIR-NY, with NYCLU and AALDEF, sent a letter demanding that NYCPS Chancellor Banks remedy policies and practices that have led to routine censorship and punishment of pro-Palestine voices in schools.
Countercurrent – September 13, 2024
The Killings of Bangladeshis in India-Bangladesh Border
by Rakibul Hasan Khan
According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Imperialism is the state policy, practice, or advocacy of extending power and dominion, especially by direct territorial acquisition or by gaining political and economic control of other territories and peoples.” This is a very simple and succinct definition of imperialism that captures the essential characteristics of the concept. While the notion or practice of imperialism is perhaps as old as human civilization, it gained prominence during the last four centuries because of European colonization. Although European colonization mostly came to an end after the second half of the twentieth century, it was replaced by American imperialism or neo-colonialism, i.e., economic colonization. Present-day imperialism is not reliant on territorial control; rather, a powerful and imperialist country exerts its control over a relatively less powerful one in a wide range of ways, including economic and cultural domination. This fluidity and flexibility of imperialism has ended Western monopoly in the global imperial marketplace, opening up “opportunities” for countries outside of the West, such as China, Russia, and India, to enter the race of imperialism, especially with the advent of neoliberalism. Against this backdrop, India, a former colonial country, while battling its own battles to overcome the colonial aftermath, has emerged as a regional imperial power, especially for its neighbouring countries. India’s rise as a new imperial power has entangled Bangladesh with a new form of imperial control, affecting the country’s sovereignty and peace, where killings of Bangladeshis in India-Bangladesh border indicate India’s treatment of Bangladesh as a colonial (imperial) subject.
Although Bangladesh had historical debts to India for its invaluable role in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, including accommodating millions of Bangladeshi refugees, it would not be an overstatement to assert that Bangladesh has overpaid those debts over the period of more than half a century, especially in the last fifteen years. While India’s imperial enterprise in Bangladesh is mostly economic, the recurring border killings of Bangladeshis by the Border Security Force (BSF) of India demonstrates the military power that the country exercises over its neighbour. Although the two countries have a historical relationship of many years, which is often described as a friendly one, there can hardly be seen any signs of friendship in the Indian Government’s treatment of Bangladesh, especially in the 4,096 kilometres border that the two countries share. While this hostility and the imperialist attitude from the government’s side may not reflect the overall attitude of general Indians to Bangladeshis, for there is still friendship between the people of these two neighbouring countries, now there is a growing anti-Indian sentiment in Bangladesh to protest India’s imperialist treatment. Even during the reign of India’s favourite Sheikh Hasina, the former dictatorial Prime Minister of Bangladesh, who was deposed of her office on 5 August 2024 through a student-led mass movement, killings in the India-Bangladesh border by BSF has been a regular incident. After the fall of their pet government in Bangladesh, who is alleged to have entertained all of India’s interests to stay in power, India seems to have become very cautious about the situation in Bangladesh and more active than ever before to maintain its dominance over the country.
Recent killings of two teenager Bangladeshis, Shwarna Das and Jayanta Kumar Shing, by BSF in India-Bangladesh border and blaming Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) for the killings in Indian media indicate India’s desperation to maintain its imperial control over Bangladesh after the fall of Hasina, whom they are sheltering at the moment, probably with an evil intention of reinstating her in Bangladeshi politics. Being fully aware of the rise of political consciousness among Bangladeshis through the recent mass-uprising, who are holding India responsible for lots of ongoing crises in Bangladesh, including the latest floods, India seems to have decided to deploy negative or Machiavellianstrategies to face the challenges of the changed reality. For this reason, rather than restraining themselves from using lethal weapons in the border, which the present circumstances demand, they are deliberately continuing the killings to show utter disregard to the rightful and logical expectations of Bangladeshis, as well as to display their muscle power. India’s despicable stand on such killings is reflected on their post-killing reactions, evincing their imperialist attitude, while a more rational and humane course of action would be to initiate proper probing into each killing and bring the culprits to justice, adopting adequate measures to stop such killings permanently.
Whereas the present situation could be a great opportunity for India to rebuild their relationship with Bangladesh based on mutual interests and respects, leaving behind the exploitative past, they are spoiling that opportunity by attempting to encroach into the internal affairs of Bangladesh on the pretext of protecting Hindus by inflating as well as falsifying the attacks on them after the fall of Hasina. While it is undeniable that Hindus have been attacked, and it is the responsibility of Bangladesh Government, as well as of its people, to protect each individual, including Hindus, India has no right to exploit the present volatile situation of Bangladesh for their, as well as for Awami League’s, political gains. Despite being such a big country, India is playing very mean political and diplomatic games. It is evident that the present Indian Government does not care about how the recent border killings have enraged Bangladeshis, but they can no longer overlook the fact that their imperialism in Bangladesh is coming to an end. The earlier they realize that, and act accordingly, is better for the people of the two countries, as well as for regional peace.
Rakibul Hasan Khan is a Bangladeshi academic, poet, and writer based in New Zealand, where he works as a tutor in English at the University of Otago. He can be reached at rakib.hasan82@gmail.com.
The Conversation – September 13, 2024
Sudan is Burning and Foreign Powers are Benefiting –
what’s in it for the United Arab Emirates?
By May Darwich, University of Birmingham | –
(The Conversation) – The United Nations has accused foreign players of prolonging the war in Sudan, making it harder for the country to find peace. The fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces started in April 2023. It was sparked by two generals competing for power after a failed political transition.
Since then, the conflict has taken on a regional and international dimension. Several external actors are supporting the two warring parties with arms, ammunition and money. The United Arab Emirates is emerging as one of the foreign players most invested in the war.
We asked May Darwich, who has studied the alliances that countries in the Middle East form in the Horn of Africa, for insights into this evolving situation.
Why is peace proving elusive in Sudan?
In a little over a year of civil war, Sudan has become the site of one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. The country – the largest agricultural producer in Africa and seen as a potential breadbasket for the region – is now on the brink of the worst famine in the world.
According to the UN refugee agency, more than 7 million people are internally displaced, nearly 2 million have fled to neighbouring countries and 25 million (half of the population) are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Estimates suggest that over 20,000 people have been killed since the war began in April 2023.
Yet, prospects for peace are dim.
Fighting shows no signs of abating, efforts to hold peace talks have failed and the involvement of foreign actors is prolonging the violence.
Regional powers and neighbours have lined up behind either of the two generals at the centre of the conflict: Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the Sudanese Armed Forces and Mohamed “Hemedti” Dagalo of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Both warring parties have since been accused by the UN of committing war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.
Sudan is surrounded by major arms-trafficking hubs. Weapons and ammunition are smuggled in through countries like Libya, Chad and the Central African Republic. Countries like the United Arab Emirates and Iran are supplying the war through these countries. This violates a UN arms embargo against Sudan.
Which are the biggest foreign players?
Several regional and international actors have a stake in the outcome of the conflict.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia, for instance, support the Sudanese army. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Libya and Russia (through the Wagner Group) support the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
The UAE has emerged as the foreign player most invested in the war. It views resource-rich, strategically located Sudan as an opportunity to expand its influence and control in the Middle East and east Africa.
Since 2018, the UAE has invested over US$6 billion in the country. This includes foreign reserves in the Sudanese central bank, agriculture projects and a Red Sea port. The UAE has also recruited and paid fighters from Sudan, drawn mostly from the Rapid Support Forces, to join its conflict in Yemen.
Since 2019, the UAE has undermined Sudanﾒs democratic transition following the ouster of long-serving president Omar al-Bashir. Abu Dhabi empowered both the army and the paramilitary force against the civilian wing of the government. With the outbreak of the civil war, the UAE has focused on the Rapid Support Forces.
Abu Dhabi has repeatedly denied its involvement in arming the paramilitary force or supporting its leader Hemedti. However, the evidence suggests otherwise and the UAE’s dark role in the war has become an “open secret”.
The announcement by US rapper Macklemore cancelling an October 2024 concert in Dubai over the UAE’s role “in the ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis” reignited international attention on Abu Dhabi’s role in the war.
The UAE’s involvement in Sudan highlights a broader pattern in this sheikhdom’s foreign policy in the last decade: aligning with local forces to secure geopolitical and economic interests across the Middle East and east Africa.
In Sudan, the UAE has joined forces with Russia to support the Rapid Support Forces through the Wagner Group. The Wagner Group has been active in Sudan since 2017, primarily in connection with resource extraction projects in regions like Darfur, where Hemedti’s forces were active and became a central ally in these endeavours.
According to UN experts, the UAE established logistical operations to send weapons to the Rapid Support Forces through its networks in Libya, Chad, Central African Republic, South Sudan and Uganda. Armaments and supplies were disguised as humanitarian aid.
What’s in it for the UAE?
The interactions and alliances involving the UAE and the Rapid Support Forces reflect the complex and often opaque nature of modern geopolitical manoeuvring in Sudan.
Reports suggest that Hemedti acts as a custodian of Emirati interests in Sudan. These interests include gold and agriculture products.
Gold has been one of the main drivers of the Sudan conflict. It allows both parties to fuel their war machines. The UAE is the main beneficiary of this trade. It receives nearly all the gold smuggled from Sudan and has become a hub for laundering trafficked gold into the global market. The latest available statistics show that, officially, the UAE imported precious metals from Sudan valued at about US$2.3 billion in 2022.
Additionally, the UAE imports 90% of its food supply. Since the global food crisis in 2007, the UAE has made food security one of its highest priorities and started investing in farmlands abroad.
In Sudan, two Emirati firms are farming over 50,000 hectares in the north, with plans for expansion. Agricultural produce is then shipped through the Red Sea. To bypass the port of Sudan, which was run by the Sudanese government, the UAE signed a new deal in 2022 to build a new port on the coast of Sudan to be operated by the Abu Dhabi Ports Group.
The UAE has used the Rapid Support Forces to secure its interests and ambitions in achieving food security.
Who, and what, could break the Sudan deadlock?
The humanitarian situation in Sudan is worsening, but the international community has done little to address it.
In addition to its inability to raise sufficient aid for Sudan, the international community has applied no pressure on the UAE. The UN security council has failed to address the credible allegations by its own panel of experts on Sudan over Abu Dhabi’s involvement.
Human Rights Watch has accused the Rapid Support Forces of committing genocide, crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing in the ongoing war. However, so far, there are no prospects for holding the UAE accountable for its role with the paramilitary force. The country continues to leverage its alliances with the west.
Unless the international community is willing to stop foreign actors from fuelling the conflict, Sudan risks descending into a catastrophic humanitarian crisis that will haunt the world for decades to come.
May Darwich, Associate Professor of International Relations of the Middle East, University of Birmingham
https://theconversation.com/sudan-is-burning-and-foreign-powers-are-benefiting-whats-in-it-for-the-uae-238695
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