World Peace “Lennon Ivan Style” – Part 436
In summary, I refer to “World Peace Lennon Ivan Style – Part 436” as the belief that IRAQ and SYRIA victories are critical to ISIS decimation, while SYRIAN negotiations must result in peace, while focusing on the new geopolitical realities, whereby tensions between ISRAEL and IRAN represent the biggest concern, as the trigger for a potential Third and Final World War, such that all leaders across the globe must increase their efforts to identify creative diplomatic options to reduce tensions, by considering the appointment of THE ROCK as special envoy to the MIDDLE EAST, as the current situation between ISRAEL and IRAN depicts the new geopolitical realities in the region, whereby former U.S. President Donald Trump seems to have realized that he needs an ally in the MIDDLE EAST, and hence the U.S. turned its attention to SAUDI ARABIA, who has been grappling with the KHASHOGGI scandal, whereby there has been an international uproar over the alleged killing of a SAUDI journalist inside the SAUDI ARABIAN consulate in the capital of ISTANBUL, TURKEY, with former U.S. President, Donald Trump, initially playing public relations frontman and spin-doctor for the royal SAUDI ARABIAN family by speculating about rogue killers, while insisting that the royal SAUDI ARABIAN family must be presumed innocent until proven guilty, while now being forced to qualify his initial unconditional support with a WOW, as TURKEY death toll due to COVID-19 outbreak increased to over 68,500, with total over 7,772,600 cases, as over 243.2 million people fallen ill globally, & more than 4,942,600 people dead, while TURKEY’s central bank, delivered bigger than expected interest rate cut, move that saw TURKISH Lira hit new all-time low, as latest in string of policy moves, have seen investors punish TURKISH Lira, while economists warn of even more inflation pain for TURKISH consumers, as prices in TURKEY have been soaring, with TURKEY’s annual inflation rate running at 20%, while SAUDI ARABIA may be trying to reduce its dependency on oil, with plans to convert an oil rig into a 150,000 square meter extreme park & resort, located in Arabian Gulf, comprised of three hotels & 11 restaurants, spread over number of connected platforms, as well as roller coaster rides & adrenaline-rush activities, like bungee jumping and skydiving, while all IRANIAN neighbours nervous after COVID-19 killed over 125,050 people in IRAN, with over 5,851,700 confirmed cases, while RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin hosted new ISRAELI Prime Minister Naftali Bennett for pair’s first in-person meeting, with talks focused on IRAN and situation in SYRIA.
TURKEY News – THE ROCK’s Opinions
In regards to the leaders of RUSSIA and TURKEY stating that they shared deep concerns over fighting in north-western SYRIA, with TURKEY warning that it would take the steps necessary to protect its troops there, RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin hit the nail on the head by clearly stating that he hoped to work together with TURKEY to ease tensions in IDLIB province. Thus, in my opinion, I was surprised to see RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin adopt a sympathetic tone with TURKEY by stating that RUSSIA understands TURKEY’s concerns regarding the security of its southern border, while RUSSIA believes that TURKEY has legitimate interests. Hence, in my opinion, troops from TURKEY, that have backed some rebel groups against President Bashar Al-Assad, are stationed in IDLIB as part of a buffer zone deal reached with RUSSIA but the situation in IDLIB has become so complicated, that at this moment TURKISH troops are in danger. Thus, in my opinion, the dominant force in IDLIB consisting of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a jihadist alliance formerly known as the NUSRA FRONT, which cut ties to AL-QAEDA in 2016, seems to be thorn in everybody’s sides. Thus, in my opinion, all parties seem to realize that there cannot be peace in IDLIB by force as the HTS rebels refuse to concede defeat.
However, in my opinion, it was shocking to see more than 70,000 people being forced to leave their homes in SYRIA, as TURKISH forces pushed further into the northeast of SYRIA against KURDISH YPG forces. Thus, in my opinion, the fighting that had been raging, as TURKISH forces had pounded KURDSH YPG forces relentlessly with air raids and artillery fire amid heavy fighting cannot be justified. In my opinion, the TURKISH government considering the KURDISH YPG as terrorists, by association to the KURDISH PKK, although the KURDISH YPG was the primary U.S. ally in the war against ISIS is absurd. Hence, in my opinion, it is obvious that over thirty years of bad blood between TURKEY and the KURDISH PKK has clouded TURKEY’s judgement to the point that they are unable to remain objective and impartial as concerns the KURDS such that their personal animosities have taken control and thus all KURDS are now seen as part of the terrorist mole. In my opinion, the KURDISH YPG see the barrage of attacks by TURKEY as a U.S. betrayal and a knife in the back given that the KURDISH YPG fought alongside the U.S. against ISIS. Thus, in my opinion, TURKEY took advantage of opening to pursue its goal of 20 miles deep “safe zone” along SYRIAN side of border being cleared of all KURDISH YPG fighters, where TURKEY wants to resettle up to two million SYRIAN refugees currently living in TURKEY. However, in my opinion, given that the TURKISH government fears KURDISH YPG forces in SYRIA will link up with Kurdish PKK rebels in TURKEY, who have been fighting for a breakaway KURDISH state for decades, TURKEY has become in substance paranoid, anxious and delusional schizophrenics as concerns the KURDS.
Nonetheless, in my opinion, TURKEY reached an agreement with the U.S. to pause its military offensive against KURDISH YPG forces because TURKEY believes that it is closer to formally designating a safe zone along its border with SYRIA. However, in my opinion, the KURDISH fighters anticipated retaining parts of safe zone territories after having defeated ISIS with U.S. military support. Nonetheless, in my opinion, U.S. President Donald Trump stood by TURKEY’s ultimatum by stating that TURKEY has done what the U.S. has asked TURKEY to do. Thus, in my opinion, it was not surprising to see KURDISH YPG fighters completing their withdrawal from areas along the SYRIAN border. However, in my opinion, RUSSIAN and SYRIAN troops have moved into the border zone following the KURDISH YPG withdrawal, as the KURDISH YPG forces have now turned to RUSSIA and SAA government forces for protection. In my opinion, TURKISH President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressing frustration that the world did not offer what he saw as sufficient support for TURKEY’s invasion of northern SYRIA, a measure he argued was designed to resettle refugees fleeing SYRIA’s eight-year conflict, is not surprising. In my opinion, the TURKISH leader played the victim card to Hollywood perfection by accusing foreign powers of prioritizing an oil grab in SYRIA over humanitarian causes, by stating that none of the efforts to protect oil wells has been spent on children fleeing barrels bombs, while arguing that when TURKEY did not see the support TURKEY wanted from the international community in the face of this sad picture, TURKEY had to take care of itself. In my opinion, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s comments were a discreet jab at U.S. President Donald Trump, who refused to back TURKEY’s operation against KURDISH forces but instead withdrew U.S. troops further east to maintain control of oil fields. Thus, TURKEY has entered into a trilateral peace process with top SYRIAN international supporters consisting of RUSSIA and IRAN, while the U.S. has focused its efforts on ISIS while essentially avoiding the SAA under the command of SYRIAN President Bashar al-Assad.
In regard to TURKEY making it clear that TURKEY cannot absorb any more refugees, either from SYRIA or beyond, in my opinion, this is not surprising, as TURKEY has already absorbed over 4 million refugees. However, in my opinion, TURKEY cautioning the E.U. not to be complacent about the challenges the E.U. faces, including the rise of extremism, xenophobia, Islamophobia and anti-Semitism is valid, albeit most of EUROPE is currently unable to absorb more refugees. Therefore, in my opinion, TURKEY calling for a revamped international system to manage the huge displacement of people fleeing conflicts, such as SYRIA, while trying to convince the E.U. to help TURKEY resolve such conflicts and address the geopolitical issues that currently surround EUROPE, is a priority, as the refugees fleeing war torn countries will not disappear on its own. In my opinion, the entire region needs peace now more than ever, to allow refugees to once again become active members of their respective countries of origin, as the only viable long-term solution to the huge refugee crisis. Hence, in my opinion, COVID-19 could result in the imminent path towards peace in the MIDDLE EAST as all countries in the region now have a unified enemy to combat. Thus, in my opinion, TURKEY has also been forced to extend its measures against the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, from suspending flights and limiting work hours to more stringent disinfection works, as the death toll increased to over 68,500 with a total of over 7,772,600 cases.
Meanwhile, in my opinion, it is not surprising that TURKISH authorities have imposed new measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), as the number of infections continues to rise sharply. In my opinion, TURKEY took necessary measures with mandatory facemasks on public transport, in markets and other communal spaces, along with 31 cities now being closed to all but essential traffic. Furthermore, in my opinion, TURKEY needs to remain vigilant as TURKEY has now become the sixth highest number of cases worldwide as over 243.2 million people have fallen ill globally, and more than 4,942,600 people have died.
In my opinion, it was not surprising that FRANCE’s growing disagreement with TURKEY over the LIBYAN civil war has exposed cracks in the NATO military alliance and raised questions over what FRANCE is seeking to achieve in the region. That is, in my opinion, FRANCE was the only European country considered to be a supporter of renegade General Khalifa Haftar, who launched a more than yearlong offensive on TRIPOLI to replace the UN-backed government. Thus, in my opinion, the dispute with TURKEY has escalated as TURKEY’s military intervention backing LIBYA’s Government of National Accord (GNA) shifted the dynamics of the LIBYAN conflict, with General Khalifa Haftar’s forces suffering a string of defeats. However, in my opinion, FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron insists FRANCE has now adopted a neutral stance and that it fully supports the U.N. supported peace process in LIBYA agreed by international powers in January. Nonetheless, in my opinion, TURKISH President Recep Tayyip Erdogan denounced EGYPT and UAE for supporting forces based in eastern LIBYA, after EGYPT’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met LIBYAN tribesmen who urged EGYPT to intervene in the war. In my opinion, TURKEY has been providing military aid to the U.N. recognised government in the LIBYA conflict, while EGYPT, UAE and RUSSIA have backed its rivals based in the east.
Meanwhile, in my opinion, this week, TURKEY’s central bank delivered a bigger than expected interest rate cut, a move that saw the TURKISH Lira hit a new all-time low, as the latest in a string of policy moves have seen investors punish the TURKISH Lira while economists warn of even more inflation pain for TURKISH consumers. That is, central bank policymakers led by Governor Sahap Kavcioglu, slashed TURKEY’s benchmark interest rate by two percentage points to 16%, a massive cut that exceeded most forecasts. In my opinion, the announcement followed last week’s midnight firing of three central bank policymakers by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has regularly blamed high interest rates for inflation in the country, a view that is contrary to that of most economists. Prices in TURKEY have been soaring, with TURKEY’s annual inflation rate running at 20% in September. In my opinion, three central bank governors have been fired by the government during the last two and a half years, prompting questions by opposition leaders and some of the country’s most important trade groups over the independence of the central bank. In my opinion, the recent rate cut was roundly condemned by opposition leaders on social media stating that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the bureaucrats following him were leading the country towards hunger and that their actions were either signs of a betrayal of the nation or a health problem. The TURKISH Lira has lost more than 20% of its value against the U.S. dollar this year alone, a rapid erosion that has had a domino effect on the rest of the economy, and stirred disturbing memories of an inflationary cycle that gripped TURKEY in the 1990s. In my opinion, there are signs that TURKEY’s economic troubles are already stretching TURKS to the breaking point. People are buying things, but they are mostly buying the things they need, and they are buying larger quantities because they know it will be more expensive the next time they shop. The central bank’s power to control inflation is its interest rate policy. In my opinion, despite calls from economists to keep that rate high, policymakers are lowering borrowing costs, missing their own targets for inflation, which have been around 5%, and producing distrust that is predicated on the real inflation rate, which is at least 20%. In my opinion, in an economy where the central bank appears to accurately gauge inflation, lower policy rates would prompt lower rates in the market as well but what we see in Turkey is the opposite. The central bank is cutting interest rates but it backfires, and it actually increases long term interest rates, as it is building up risk and it’s not consistent with TURKEY’s macroeconomic fundamentals, because when you see your actual inflation rate is about four times higher than your target, you don’t have any room for interest rate cuts.
SAUDI ARABIA News – THE ROCK’s Opinions
In my opinion, the international uproar over the alleged killing of a SAUDI journalist inside the SAUDI ARABIAN consulate in the capital of ISTANBUL, TURKEY persists, as anyone found responsible for the assassination, should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. That is, the audio recordings of Jamal Khashoggi being assaulted, tortured, killed and dismembered inside the SAUDI ARABIAN consulate, are disturbing and downright psychopathic in nature. Thus, in my opinion, TURKEY led a relentless campaign to hold SAUDI ARABIA accountable, as TURKISH authorities have allowed media leaks to the international press. Thus, in my opinion, CIA Director Gina Haspel was able to garner extensive support for her conclusion, to officially blame Crown Prince MBS for the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, as the entire Senate Committee voted unanimously to overrule U.S. President Donald Trump. Nonetheless, in my opinion U.S. President Donald Trump has made the right decision to stick with Crown Price MBS on the basis that there is no substantive evidence to link him to the crime.
Nonetheless, in my opinion, the final official SAUDI ARABIAN version remaining that the SAUDI ARABIAN assassins killed Jamal Khashoggi with an injection of sedatives, and then immediately set to work dismembering him and hiding his remains, clearly answers the question of who, what, when, where and how but the remaining question of why still remains unclear. In my opinion, the 11 Jamal Khashoggi murder suspects put on trial, demanding the death penalty for 5, is expected. However, in my opinion, 5 death sentence decisions will in substance result in SAUDI ARABIA preventing those people responsible from speaking publicly. Thus, in my opinion, it is to the benefit of SAUDI ARABIA for the truth about Jamal Khashoggi to disappear with the 5 planned executions, such that at this stage it appears that SAUDI ARABIA will execute a 5 to 1 exchange.
Therefore, in my opinion, at this stage it would seem more constructive to focus on changing the authoritarian mind sets in the MIDDLE EAST as opposed to overanalyzing the evidence behind the Jamal Khashoggi killing to the point of paralysis, as at the end of the day the elite class rules, such that Crown Prince MBS and the royal SAUDI ARABIAN family are under armour and bullet proof. Hence, in my opinion, there is no substantive evidence to pin Crown Prince MBS or the royal SAUDI ARABIAN family. Thus, in my opinion, focusing on punishing SAUDI ARABIA for its sins of the past will have very little impact, such that the U.S. Democratic Senators should focus on obtaining prospective concessions from SAUDI ARABIA consisting of: (1) Negotiate directly with representatives of the HOUTHI rebels to end the war in YEMEN; (2) End a blockade imposed by SAUDI ARABIA and three other ARAB states on QATAR, in June of last year seeking a political solution, in one of the worst diplomatic rifts with QATAR throughout its entire history; and (3) Release blogger Raif Badawi, women’s rights activists and other political prisoners held in SAUDI ARABIA.
In my opinion, U.S. President Donald Trump obviously supported SAUDI ARABIA and Crown Prince MBS, while some members of the ruling family and business elite expressed their frustrations with Crown Prince MBS’s leadership, that have increased after recent largest-ever attack on SAUDI ARABIA’s oil infrastructure. In my opinion, the recent oil attack has fuelled discontent among some in elite circles who believe that Crown Prince MBS has sought too tight a grip on power while pursuing an overly aggressive stance towards IRAN.
Nonetheless, in my opinion, SAUDI ARABIA being ranked as the world’s top ease of doing business improver by the World Bank Group’s Doing Business 2020 Report is not surprising, as it is important to note that the report indicates that SAUDI ARABIA has jumped 72 global positions in “Trading Across Borders”, an indicator which compares the time and cost of exporting and importing goods. Thus, in my opinion, critical reforms have facilitated SAUDI ARABIA’s drive to be positioned as one of the world’s most dynamic logistics hubs. However, in my opinion, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s most consistent foreign policy of defending SAUDI ARABIA has helped elevate SAUDI ARABIA on the international stage, as when former U.S. President Donald Trump is not axing legislation, he deems hostile to SAUDI ARABIAN concerns, he is speaking on SAUDI ARABIA’s behalf. Thus, in my opinion, former U.S. President Donald Trump who places a high priority on the U.S. and SAUDI ARABIAN relationship, while seeing SAUDI ARABIA as an eager customer for U.S. arms, and a useful proxy in U.S. confrontations with IRAN, made SAUDI ARABIA first official foreign destination of his presidency, where he helped unveil a counterterrorism center run by SAUDI ARABIA. Furthermore, in my opinion, his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has built up an alliance of personal and political contacts with prominent SAUDI ARABIAN royals and, in particular, Crown Prince MBS. In my opinion, former U.S. President Donald Trump decided some time ago that he would be in SAUDI ARABIA’s corner, such that there is not any circumstance under which he would feel the need to rethink that strategy.
However, in my opinion, this week SAUDI ARABIA appears to be coping with rising number of cases as well with SAUDI ARABIA reporting over 8,775 deaths from the coronavirus (COVID-19) while bringing the total number of cases to over 548,200. Thus, in my opinion, oil prices fell to the lowest levels in more than 17 years as demand plunged as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Hence, after a SAUDI ARABIAN and RUSSIAN truce to stabilise oil markets with a record output cut, it was not surprising to see the two production heavyweights still trading blows in the physical market. That is, in my opinion, as demand is falling, and the competition is getting even tougher, SAUDI ARABIA does not seem to mind enticing buyers with special offers. That is, it was not surprising to see SAUDI ARABIAN Aramco offer refiners in ASIA and EUROPE the option to defer payments for crude cargo deliveries by up to 90 days. However, in my opinion, RUSSIA’s main advantage in the physical market fight with SAUDI ARABIA is its extensive pipeline network, helping RUSSIA to place oil at cheaper rates compared to its rival SAUDI ARABIA that has to find tankers and pay for transportation.
Furthermore, in my opinion, RUSSIAN oil fields are connected to refineries in EUROPE and ASIA such that oil companies have long-term contracts with RUSSIA. Meanwhile, in my opinion, Saudi Arabia is subject to freight rates and vessel availability for transportation of its oil. Therefore, in my opinion, although the rivals stated that they were ready to take measures to balance the market by cutting combined output with other OPEC members from May to reduce global supply by 10%, the battle for clients is still going on the ground. Thus, it is not surprising to see the battle raging on the day-to-day current market, rather than in the world of futures prices, as a long-standing battle for market share carries on, particularly in ASIA.
Furthermore, in my opinion, SAUDI ARABIA lifted a direct entry ban on expats from 20 countries, a decision taken in February to curb the spread of COVID-19. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ agency for consular affairs said the decision only applied to expats who were fully vaccinated in SAUDI ARABIA before they departed for their home country. The ban exempted SAUDI ARABIAN citizens, foreign diplomats, health practitioners, and their families. In my opinion, expats wanting to return to SAUDI ARABIA should undergo all health measures to ensure they were free from infection, the agency added. The direct entry ban was imposed due to a global surge in cases linked to variants detected in ENGLAND, SOUTH AFRICA and BRAZIL and fears that vaccines being rolled out worldwide might be less effective against them. It covered the UAE, Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, India, Indonesia, Pakistan and Japan. In my opinion, it also applied to travelers who had transited through any of the 20 countries in the 14 days before a planned visit to SAUDI ARABIA. Many passengers had been using DUBAI as a transit hub from countries where there were no direct flights to SAUDI ARABIA, an option that was no longer available after the ban came into effect. In my opinion, in addition to the February ban, SAUDI ARABIA health officials warned that stricter measures would be necessary to curb the spread of the virus if the public continued to flout regulations on social distancing and the ban on large gatherings. Over 34.46 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in SAUDI ARABIA to date through 587 centers. The ministry renewed its call on the public to register with the Sehhaty app to receive the vaccine, and adhere to the measures and abide by instructions. In my opinion, meanwhile, some 40 people were arrested in HAIL for violating preventive measures that stipulate no more than 20 people can gather at one point. Legal measures have been taken against them and penalties were applied against the host, the person in charge of the facility, and everyone who attended the gathering.
Meanwhile, this week, in my opinion SAUDI ARABIA may be trying to reduce its dependency on oil, but that has not stopped SAUDI ARABIA from using its petroleum industry as inspiration for a brand new tourist attraction. SAUDI ARABIA has announced plans to convert an oil rig into a 150,000 square meter extreme park and resort located in the Arabian Gulf. Funded by SAUDI ARABIA’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Rig will be comprised of three hotels and 11 restaurants spread over a number of connected platforms, as well as roller coaster rides and adrenaline-rush activities like bungee jumping and skydiving. In my opinion, upcoming attractions, which aim to provide a multitude of hospitality offerings, adventures, and aquatic sporting experiences, along with a promotional video, were released. In my opinion, this project is a unique tourism attraction, expected to attract tourists from around the world and is expected to be particularly popular with visitors from the Arabian Gulf region. However, a completion date for the venture has not been stipulated. In my opinion, described as the world’s first tourism destination inspired by offshore oil platforms, the upcoming attraction is being devised in line with the long-term SAUDI ARABIAN Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to reposition SAUDI ARABIA as a top international tourism destination and diversify its economy. However, in my opinion, while millions of religious visitors make the pilgrimage to the SAUDI ARABIAN holy city of Mecca every year, SAUDI ARABIA’s conservative laws restricting women’s freedoms, along with its troubling human rights history have made it a less than favorable destination for many international visitors.
Thus, in my opinion, all of SAUDI ARABIA’s faults and excesses seem to be excused as long as former U.S. President Donald Trump remains focused on pressuring IRAN. That is, tensions over the killing of Washington Post columnist and Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and alleged hacking of Amazon president Jeff Bezos’s phone by Crown Prince MBS all appear to be overlooked, as the U.S. focus remains steadfast upon IRAN. However, in my opinion, SAUDI ARABIA now finds itself with a conundrum, as SAUDI ARABIA wants IRAN beaten up but not broken, while SAUDI ARABIA relies on others, mostly the U.S., to do the job. Furthermore, in my opinion, SAUDI ARABIA does not have the skills and abilities to confront IRAN directly in terms of military expertise and strategic planning. However, in my opinion, SAUDI ARABIA has found that U.S. may be changing its mind frequently when it comes to defending SAUDI ARABIA from an IRANIAN attack, as transpired in September of 2019, when a suspected IRANIAN drone struck SAUDI ARABIA oil facilities. Furthermore, in my opinion, the U.S. responded with a lot of heat but little fire, as there was no direct U.S. retaliation on behalf of SAUDI ARABIA.
Nonetheless, in my opinion, although former U.S. President Donald Trump has since deployed thousands of additional troops to SAUDI ARABIA, the SAUDIS still feel vulnerable, such that after the attack on SAUDI Aramco oil processing facilities, the SAUDIS were exploring indirect talks with IRAN, with help of IRAQ and PAKISTAN, to try to reduce tensions. Therefore, in my opinion, IRAN Senior General, Qassem Suleimani was Crown Prince MBS nemesis, who inspired some jealousy and admiration for having achieved what Crown Prince MBS felt SAUDI ARABIA never quite mastered, a regional MIDDLE EAST strategy that inspires both fear and respect, with a solid network of loyal proxies and allies. Therefore, in my opinion, as protests continue in IRAN and U.S. ramps up pressure on IRAN, choking IRAN economically, talk of IRAN regime change or collapse is in air once again, while Saudi ARABIA watches with fear and agitation, as although Saudi ARABIAN forces are not welcome in IRAN, SAUDI ARABIA actually needs current IRANIAN regime to survive, as U.S. special friend status in MIDDLE EAST has become tied to continuation of IRANIAN regime.
In regards to HOUTHI rebels continuing to violate the HODEIDA agreement, SAUDI ARABIA seems to have mastered the art of war with the HOUTHI rebels by consistently intercepting drones fired from SANAA, as HOUTHI rebels have fired dozens of missiles and drones into SAUDI ARABIA, but most of them have been successfully intercepted by SAUDI ARABIA, preventing them from reaching their targets. In my opinion, SAUDI ARABIA led effort to crush the rebellion by IRAN-aligned HOUTHI rebels in YEMEN appears to be in a stalemate, as neither party ready nor willing to relinquish control. Furthermore, in my opinion, SAUDI ARABIA and UAE coalition have succeeded in preventing a strategic control disaster by preventing HOUTHI rebels from capturing BAB AL-MANDEB, a critical transportation point between the RED SEA and the GULF OF ADEN.
Nonetheless, in my opinion, HOUTHI rebels remain in control of YEMEN capital, SANAA, a considerable part of YEMEN coast and main urban centers of YEMEN due to their sheer resilience to concede defeat, while being supported by IRAN. However, in my opinion, anti-HOUTHI rebel forces, have now turned on one another, with the UAE-backed SOUTHERN TRANSITIONAL COUNCIL (STC) challenging SAUDI ARABIA supported forces aligned with official YEMENI government led by Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, such that STC fighters now control port of ADEN, with potential for further clashes between sides escalating over time. Thus, in my opinion, SAUDI ARABIA would like to see total defeat of HOUTHI rebels but have proved unable to accomplish this military objective, while UAE now seems to be focused on securing Red Sea shipping lines and restricting influence of SUNNI Islamist forces in areas under YEMEN government control. In my opinion, on-going series of attacks by YEMEN rebels is testimony to military confidence of HOUTHI rebels, who are no longer facing an existential threat to their existence, but rather have now built firm foundations in their area of control, forming a key force along the broader IRAN-led regional block.
Thus, in my opinion, advances by YEMENI Houthi rebels who took control of the city of AL-HAZM, the capital of AL-JAWF governorate, bordering SAUDI ARABIA by storming the city and seizing it after battles with government forces backed by SAUDI ARABIA and UAE was not surprising. In my opinion, YEMENI ambassador to UNESCO, Muhammad Jumeh, hit the nail on the head when blaming AL-HAZM fall on military and political leaders staying outside of YEMEN and being engaged with side battles instead of defeating YEMEN’s Houthis “Coup D’État”. Furthermore, in my opinion, YEMEN’s Houthis capture of AL-HAZM could be a game-changer, as control of the capital of AL-JAWF could totally change the course of the war, as YEMEN’s Houthis have made an exceptional advance and are thus slowly changing the balance of the war in their favour. That is, AL-JAWF is the third YEMENI governorate adjacent to SAUDI ARABIA to be under the control of YEMEN’s Houthi forces along with the provinces of SAADA and HAJJAH, representing the slow but steady increase in the balance of war in favour of YEMEN’s Houthis. Therefore, in my opinion, it was not surprising to see the SAUDI ARABIAN and UAE led coalition launching 25 air strikes on JAWF and MARIB literally overnight in a desperate attempt to reverse the tide of the war in favour of YEMEN’s Houthis.
However, in my opinion, an enduring settlement in YEMEN will require de-escalation of tensions across MIDDLE EAST, which in turn, can only arise if U.S and IRAN reach some kind of binding geopolitical agreement. Nonetheless, in my opinion, former U.S. President Donald Trump appears determined on continuing his maximum pressure campaign against IRAN, while supplying SAUDI ARABIA with additional weapons, albeit a war with IRAN does not appear to be an option at this stage. Thus, in my opinion, those behind SAUDI ARABIA and UAE will argue that their interventions have been aimed at fighting off ISLAMIST extremism and promoting regional stability, while those behind IRAN will argue that SAUDI ARABIA and the UAE are in substance driven by their own fears that should a major ARAB country transition to democracy, it would lead to upheavals at home in SAUDI ARABIA and UAE. Nonetheless, in my opinion, since the YEMENI war commenced, tens of thousands of civilians and combatants have been killed and as many as 85,000 children appear to have literally starved to death, while each respective side holds on in what appears to be a never ending conflict for power and control, that does not seem resolvable with heavy artillery.
Thus, in my opinion, despite the atmosphere of fear and intimidation that the counter-revolutionary forces may have created with the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, the waves of protests sweeping across ALGERIA and SUDAN suggest that a second manifestation of the ARAB SPRING may very well be underway in the MIDDLE EAST, that bears a similar resemblance to the first wave witnessed in 2011. However, in my opinion, the second manifestation of the ARAB SPRING feels more peaceful in its approach and realistic in its aspirations, as everybody seems to have learned from their mistakes of the past, as everyone is now well aware of the dangers that the militarization of protests poses to the effectiveness of the movement, consisting of prolonged civil wars with significant human casualties and horrendous refugee crises. However, in my opinion, the same underlying motive that drove the first wave of the ARAB SPRING in 2010-2011 now drives the second, consisting of social, political and economic conditions deteriorating, while showing no signs of relief in the foreseeable future. Nonetheless, instead of addressing this social and political collapse, many MIDDLE EASTERN countries choose to silence dissident voices that raise these concerns while not only limiting the freedom of speech, but also by now criminalizing the freedom to be silent. Thus, in my opinion, when the freedom to be silent is seen as a form of passive opposition, leading to intellectuals and journalists across the MIDDLE EAST being imprisoned and tortured for refusing to publicly and unconditionally support the existing regime in place, this is a sure sign of existing regimes fearing uprisings through dialogue and free thought within these dictatorial regimes.
IRAN News – THE ROCK’s Opinions
In regard to escalation of tensions between ISRAEL and IRAN, not surprising to see ISRAEL continuing to look to RUSSIA for help to protect ISRAEL from IRAN presence in SYRIA, to prevent IRAN from gaining permanent foothold in SYRIA. In my opinion, ISRAEL will not back down from its position that IRANIANS want to stay in SYRIA, and ultimately take over control of SYRIA, that will be a threat not only to ISRAEL, but also for other countries in region, such that IRAN should not be allowed to remain in SYRIA. However, IRANIAN forces have pulled back from Golan Heights that should be welcomed as positive development, although ISRAEL clearly stated that such pull back is insufficient, with no compromises or concessions from ISRAEL’s position of complete withdrawal being necessary. In my opinion, tensions have obviously risen once again since IRAN fuming at the re-imposition of U.S. sanctions to an IRANIAN economy already suffering from high unemployment and an IRANIAN Rial currency that has lost around half of its value since April of 2018. That is, in my opinion, recent sanctions that target IRAN sales of oil, IRAN purchases of U.S. dollars, metals trading, coal, industrial software and IRAN auto sector reflect U.S. belief that IRAN will eventually surrender via pressure tactics of sanctions. However, in my opinion IRAN’s pride runs through veins of majority of IRANIANS who would prefer to eat sand and drink sewage water before conceding to U.S. pressure tactics via sanctions.
In my opinion, U.S. withdrawal from 2015 IRAN Nuclear Deal has already badly shaken IRAN’s economy, crashing its currency, the IRANAN Rial, such that IRAN will have to choose to either come back to negotiating table with U.S. or watch its IRANIAN economy suffer from re-imposed U.S. sanctions. Thus, not surprising to see former U.S. President, Donald Trump warning that U.S. developing new strategy for war in SYRIA that would focus more heavily on pushing IRAN’s military and its proxy forces out of SYRIA. In my opinion, new U.S. strategy would probably not involve U.S. military directly targeting and killing IRANIAN soldiers or IRANIAN proxies, given that U.S. military only has right of self-defence authorization in SYRIA, and thus should only strike IRANIAN targets, if U.S. feels threatened. Thus, in my opinion, U.S. plan focuses on political and diplomatic efforts to force IRAN out of SYRIA by squeezing IRAN & SYRIA financially. That is, U.S. will likely withhold reconstruction aid from areas where IRANIAN and RUSSIAN forces are present and also impose sanctions on RUSSIAN and IRANIAN companies working on reconstruction in SYRIA. Ironically, in my opinion, IRAN heading in direction of weathering storm created by crippling U.S. sanctions on IRAN, as IRAN strategy of maintaining status-quo arrangement until fate of U.S. President Donald Trump becomes clearer in terms of fact that he will not be serving a second term in 2020.
In regard to statement by former IRANIAN President Hassan Rouhani that IRAN would exceed enrichment levels set out under 2015 Nuclear Deal in response to failure by other parties to keep their promises, including providing IRAN with relief from U.S. imposed sanctions, not surprising to see IRAN essentially fighting fire with fire. In my opinion, 3.67% enrichment levels set in 2015 Nuclear Deal is only sufficient for commercial power generation, while far below more than 90% level required for nuclear warhead, such that still room for further negotiations before IRAN hits 90%. It is important to note that the enrichment maximum set in 2015 Nuclear Deal is sufficient for commercial power generation, but far below more than 90% level required for a nuclear warhead. In my opinion, it is not surprising that IRAN enriched uranium to 4.5%, representing enough enrichment for IRAN to power its peaceful, already-active BUSHEHR nuclear reactor, but far short of the 90% threshold for weapons-grade uranium. Thus, in my opinion, IRAN does not currently represent a significant risk for enriching uranium to 90%, as this is an enormous technical challenge that requires building and operating very advanced centrifuges. Furthermore, in my opinion, IRAN will likely once again be subject to international attempts to sabotage any significant escalation of IRANIAN nuclear efforts, with computer viruses like STUXNET that previously successfully attacked IRANIAN centrifuges.
In my opinion, decision by IRAN to offer deal to U.S. in which IRAN would formally and permanently accept enhanced inspections of its nuclear program, in exchange for permanent lifting of U.S. sanctions, not surprising. However, in my opinion, former U.S. President, Donald Trump, demanding that IRAN make a range of sweeping concessions, including cessation of uranium enrichment and support of proxies and allies in the region, obviously rejected offer made by IRAN foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, on a visit to NEW YORK. Hence, I believe that in IRAN’s best interests to bring back same IRANIAN Team to renegotiate 2015 IRAN Nuclear Deal with new U.S. Administration because they were exceptional in skills last time, while they will now be matched in skills, to renegotiate the sticking points of an end to IRAN’s ballistic missile program and an end to IRAN’s interference in MIDDLE EAST. Therefore, only time will tell where gridlock will lead, as former U.S. President, Donald Trump will likely abstain from striking IRAN knowing full well that Jimmy Carter’s attempt for second term as President was destroyed by IRAN hostage crisis in 1980, that essentially unseated an American President. However, in my opinion, former U.S. President, Donald Trump seems to be first U.S. President since 1980, who is willing to allow IRAN to flourish, to extent IRAN focuses on promoting business and prosperity in MIDDLE EAST, as opposed to conflicts and further civil wars.
Thus, in my opinion, the U.S. imposed sanctions and maximum pressure campaign are forcing IRAN to focus on its own problems, as for years, IRAN was one of chief enablers and financiers of NORTH KOREAN nuclear and ballistic threat. However, in my opinion, with 50% inflation and food prices that have risen 85%, IRAN does not have excess cash IRAN once had to engage in disruption. Thus, in my opinion, U.S. has made right moves with regards to IRAN but what IRAN will do next will be absolutely critical, as imminent threat comes from IRAN Defense Ministry that warned that any ISRAELI involvement in U.S. led naval operation into Strait of Hormuz, would have disastrous consequences for MIDDLE EAST. Nonetheless, in my opinion, IRAN President Hassan Rouhani kept door open to diplomacy, by backing EUROPEAN efforts to salvage 2015 Nuclear Deal. Thus, in my opinion, IRAN agreed to a four-point plan for talks with U.S. during U.N. General Assembly because FRANCE, who is considered by IRAN to be a neutral party, brokered the plan. Thus, in my opinion, it was not surprising to see former IRANIAN President Hassan Rouhani confirm that the four-point program stipulated that IRAN should not seek nuclear weapons, should abide by regional peace, help to contribute to peace, and, in exchange, the U.S. would lift all sanctions against IRAN and allow IRANIAN exports immediately, as the lifting of sanctions immediately forms the backbone of the plan. Unfortunately, in my opinion, IRAN further distanced itself from 2015 Nuclear Deal, as IRAN stepped up its activity, at its underground FORDOW nuclear plant, a move that FRANCE stated clearly demonstrated for first time, that IRAN explicitly planned to quit a deal with world powers that curbed its disputed nuclear work.
In my opinion, obvious that IRAN operates in grey zone as concerns decisions towards U.S., as IRAN takes decisions between peace and open military conflict, by denying use of force to minimize consequences and future escalations. Thus, in my opinion, given that IRAN has been able to survive U.S. imposed sanctions that have now reached a climax, with limited possibilities for additional future sanctions, the U.S. should contest IRAN in gray zone. That is, in my opinion, to restore deterrence while minimizing risks of escalations, U.S. should consider using limited U.S. military actions that fly under radar screen like IRAN, but which IRAN still recognizes as executed by U.S. In my opinion, U.S. should adopt a similar military policy like IRAN to operate in grey zone with covert military strikes on strategic assets, without accepting any formal responsibilities, in order to minimize risk of a full-blown military conflict. Furthermore, in my opinion, IRAN and RUSSIA obviously condemned former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to maintain a military presence near oil fields in northeastern SYRIA, with Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov stating that any exploitation of oil resources by the U.S. would be deemed illegal. In my opinion, the U.S. obviously stated that the return of U.S. forces to SYRIA, after their transfer to IRAQ, was under the pretext of protecting oil deposits from ISIS.
However, in my opinion, U.S. imposed sanctions on additional senior IRANIAN officials for human rights abuses, as former U.S. President Donald Trump increased its maximum pressure campaign on IRAN by imposing sanctions on judges, was not surprising. In my opinion, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was forced to denounce the recent violent crackdown by IRANIAN authorities against widespread protests, as the U.S. targeted two top IRANIAN judges with penalties, as former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo assailed IRANIAN officials for hypocrisy, by depriving citizens, particularly ethnic and religious minorities of their constitutional rights. However, in my opinion, it was not surprising to see former IRANIAN President Hassan Rouhani warning that his nuclear experts are testing advanced centrifuges while claiming that the IRANIAN economy is rebounding despite crippling U.S. imposed sanctions. Thus, in my opinion, rising tensions between IRAN and U.S. are not a signal that diplomacy will fail but rather represent a warning that negotiations are a must and soon.
In my opinion, protests in IRAN came at delicate time, in tense standoff, between the U.S. and IRAN. Thus, in my opinion, with IRANIAN elections, and without any U.S. agreement to desist from U.S. imposed sanctions, the current IRANIAN government might well lose all of its influence, in favour of far more confrontational hard-liners. Thus, in my opinion, it appears that U.S. and IRAN have drawn diametrically opposed interpretations of upheaval’s causes and consequences, rendering any effort at de-escalation unlikely. Hence, in my opinion, the unrest, triggered by an abrupt hike in fuel prices, quickly evolved into a violent nationwide revolt against ruling IRANIAN order. Thus, in my opinion, former U.S. President Donald Trump saw austerity measure as a direct result of its maximum pressure policy, and cried success, as in U.S. minds, the stifling impact of U.S. imposed sanctions had prompted public ire, and could soon persuade IRAN’s leaders to alter their domestic and foreign policies in order to retain power.
In regards to airstrikes that hit Baghdad International Airport, whereby IRANIAN PMF group leaders were killed by U.S. including Senior General, Qassem Soleimani; Deputy Commander, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis; and Protocol Officer and Head of Public Relations, Mohammed Reza al-Jaberi, in my opinion, tensions are obviously at an all-time high in the MIDDLE EAST. In my opinion, former U.S. President Donald Trump took responsibility for the assassination on the basis that the U.S. military took decisive defensive action to protect U.S. personnel by killing Senior General, Qassem Soleimani. In my opinion, former U.S. President Donald Trump justified U.S. actions on the basis that Senior General, Qassem Soleimani killed or badly wounded thousands of Americans over an extended period of time, and was plotting to kill many more while blaming Senior General Qassem Soleimani for being directly and indirectly responsible for the death of millions of people. However, in my opinion, the U.S. was now forced to send 3,000 additional troops to the MIDDLE EAST amid rising tensions in the region following this assassination of Senior General Qassem Soleimani. In my opinion, IRAN’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif obviously condemned the assassination by stating that the U.S. bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism. Thus, in my opinion, the Strait of Hormuz, which is a vital point for American destroyers and warships, now represent 35 vital U.S. targets in the region for IRAN as well as TEL AVIV, ISRAEL.
In regard to this week’s efforts to stop the potential spread of coronavirus, after IRAN reported over 5,851,700 cases of the disease, it is quite normal for neighbour countries to be in fear of the virus spreading across borders. In my opinion, IRAN is desperately trying to limit the propagation of the virus by locking down parts of IRAN as part of attempts to control the spread of COVID-19, which has killed over 125,050 people in IRAN. Furthermore, in my opinion, IRAN has not made it secret that if the situation gets any worse, many IRANIANS will be expected to convert to teleworkers. As a friendly reminder, COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a virus closely related to the SARS virus, responsible for the 2019 to 2020 coronavirus outbreak. Furthermore, it is primarily spread between people via respiratory droplets from infected individuals when they cough or sneeze such that the time from exposure to onset of symptoms is generally between 2 to 14 days, such that the spread can be limited by hand washing and other hygiene measures. Thus, in my opinion, the focus was on COVID-19 as all IRANIAN neighbours are nervous after the virus has so far killed over 125,050 people in IRAN, with over 5,851,700 confirmed cases.
Thus, in my opinion, even if the official IRANIAN estimates are off by a lot, they still reveal an outbreak completely out of control, beyond the capacity of IRAN or perhaps any other country to manage. In my opinion, the messages coming out of IRAN on social media, especially from health-care workers indicates that the confirmed cases are in fact in excess of the official 5,851,700 tallies. In my opinion, social media posts notes that the coronavirus (COVID-19) reportedly spread after panicked residents of QOM and TEHRAN fled to smaller cities, thereby sowing COVID-19 all over IRAN, while other reports circulating on social media report that some provinces, such as MAZANDARAN, have set up roadblocks to keep more people with COVID-19 from spilling into their territory. Furthermore, in my opinion, the situation the doctors describe is desperate, with nurses wrapping themselves in tablecloths because they have long since run through their supply of proper gear. In addition, medical professionals on social media appear to swear that the official numbers are wrong advising that just have to stay overnight in the hospital to find out what medical professionals are experiencing.
Furthermore, in my opinion, with ARMENIA and AZERBAIJAN locked in a fresh conflict over the contested region of NAGORNO-KARABAKH, neighbouring IRAN finds itself in a delicate balancing act, with political, historical and ethnic considerations. IRAN’s official stance, after having tried to resolve the long-running conflict in previous decades through diplomatic means, remains one of mediation, calling for an immediate ceasefire and dialogue. In my opinion, IRAN also recognises several United Nations resolutions that stipulate NAGORNO-KARABAKH, which is controlled by ethnic ARMENIANS backed by ARMENIA, is part of AZERBAIJAN and that occupied AZERI lands must be returned. In my opinion, the region broke away from AZERBAIJAN in a war during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s but is not recognised by any country as an independent country, including ARMENIA. IRAN, which shares borders with both ARMENIA and AZERBAIJAN, reassured AZERBAIJAN that it recognises its territorial integrity and that it holds an important place in IRANIAN foreign policy. In my opinion, former IRANIAN President Hassan Rouhani also had a phone call with ARMENIAN Prime Minister Nikol Pashynian to call for conflict resolution through political discourse and international laws. However, there have been allegations that IRAN supports ARMENIA, which in turn is supported by RUSSIA. In my opinion, videos circulating on social media purportedly showed military equipment being transferred to ARMENIA via trucks passing through an IRANIAN border pass. However, IRAN quickly denied the allegations, saying they were baseless rumours aimed at smearing relations with AZERBAIJAN. In my opinion, IRANIAN state television broadcast footage from the NORDOOZ border terminal where the vehicles in question were. They were shown to be Russian Kamaz trucks, which a local official said had been purchased by ARMENIA before the conflict and were being transported through IRAN. The trucks were shown to be carrying vehicle parts. Meanwhile, in my opinion, several rockets and shelling from the NAGORNO-KARABAKH fighting have landed on IRANIAN soil, with several shells hitting a residential area close to the border for the first time, injuring a six-year-old. In my opinion, IRANIAN foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh reacted to the incident, saying the country will not tolerate the conflict spilling into its borders. Mahmoud Ahmadi Bighash, a current member of the parliamentary national security and foreign policy commission, also believes the conflict cannot be resolved through anything but negotiations. According to Mahmoud Ahmadi Bighash, the two countries must put an end to fighting through peaceful means and negotiations that do not include other countries, like the U.S. and ISRAEL, that don’t want the region to be peaceful. Fighting in the region will certainly be to the detriment of IRAN as well, such that IRAN must work toward ending the conflict.
Meanwhile, this week, RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin has hosted new ISRAELI Prime Minister Naftali Bennett for the pair’s first in-person meeting, with talks focused on IRAN and the situation in SYRIA. In my opinion, welcoming ISRAELI Prime Minister Naftali Bennett at the start of their meeting in RUSSIA’s Black Sea resort of SOCHI, RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin hailed RUSSIAN-ISRAELI ties as unique and praised the very deep connection between peoples. RUSSIA and ISRAEL have developed close political, economic and cultural bonds. In my opinion, they have cooperated over the war in SYRIA, during which RUSSIA teamed up with IRAN to shore up SYRIAN President Bashar al-Assad’s rule. ISRAELI Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated that ISRAEL will talk about the situation in SYRIA, and the efforts to halt the IRANIAN military nuclear programme. In my opinion, RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin said that RUSSIA, which launched its military campaign in SYRIA in 2015, has been making efforts to restore SYRIA’s statehood and to strengthen it, such that there was common ground and opportunities for cooperation with ISRAEL concerning the situation there, especially in terms of the fight against terrorism. ISRAEL views IRANIAN entrenchment on its northern frontier as a red line and has repeatedly struck what it says are IRAN-linked facilities and weapons convoys destined for LEBANESE HEZBOLLAH. The IRAN-backed group has fought alongside SYRIAN government forces in the SYRIA’s civil war. In my opinion, RUSSIA and ISRAEL established a military hotline to coordinate air force operations over SYRIA to avoid clashes, but in 2018, their ties were tested by the downing of a RUSSIAN warplane by SYRIAN forces following an ISRAELI air raid. The forces mistook a RUSSIAN reconnaissance plane for ISRAELI jets such that all 15 members of the RUSSIAN crew died. Meanwhile, in my opinion, RUSSIA has attempted to maintain friendly ties with IRAN, ISRAEL’s regional rival. ISRAELI Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin that ISRAEL viewed him as a true friend of the Jewish people and emphasised the deep connection between their two countries. In my opinion, ISRAELI Prime Minister Naftali Bennett extolled the contribution made by ISRAEL’s one million Russian speakers and praised RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin for bringing ISRAEL and RUSSIA closer during his 20-year rule. ISRAELI Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also hailed the RUSSIAN role in defeating the NAZIS in World War II and talked about a new museum in ISRAEL that honours Jewish soldiers who fought in allied armies, primarily the Red Army as RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin cherishes RUSSIA’s decisive contribution to victory in that war.
However, in my opinion, it is impossible to claim that the IRANIAN government is solely responsible for the devastation COVID-19 has caused in IRAN. That is, in my opinion, the U.S. maximum pressure strategy against IRAN that commenced two years ago has placed IRAN under strict economic sanctions that limit its ability to trade with other nations. Furthermore, in my opinion, these sanctions, which choked off IRAN’s oil exports, crippled its economy and practically pushed it out of the international banking system, made it impossible for IRAN to swiftly take the necessary medical, economic and social measures to protect its citizens from COVID-19. In my opinion, the role U.S. sanctions have played, and continue to play, in the devastation caused by COVID-19 in IRAN led to renewed discussions on the effectiveness, legality and legitimacy of sanctions not only in IRAN and the U.S., but also across the world. Thus, in my opinion, in IRAN, the IRANIAN government admitted that the sanctions make it difficult to obtain vital medical supplies and equipment to treat COVID-19 patients and called for their immediate lifting. Furthermore, in my opinion, IRAN frustrations were evident as IRAN’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted that the U.S. has moved from economic terrorism to medical terror by declining to lift the sanctions after the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in IRAN and thus urging the international community to stop aiding war crimes by obeying illegal and immoral sanctions.
Summary
In summary, I refer to “World Peace Lennon Ivan Style – Part 436” as the belief that IRAQ and SYRIA victories are critical to ISIS decimation, while SYRIAN negotiations must result in peace, while focusing on the new geopolitical realities, whereby tensions between ISRAEL and IRAN represent the biggest concern, as the trigger for a potential Third and Final World War, such that all leaders across the globe must increase their efforts to identify creative diplomatic options to reduce tensions, by considering the appointment of THE ROCK as special envoy to the MIDDLE EAST, as the current situation between ISRAEL and IRAN depicts the new geopolitical realities in the region, whereby former U.S. President Donald Trump seems to have realized that he needs an ally in the MIDDLE EAST, and hence the U.S. turned its attention to SAUDI ARABIA, who has been grappling with the KHASHOGGI scandal, whereby there has been an international uproar over the alleged killing of a SAUDI journalist inside the SAUDI ARABIAN consulate in the capital of ISTANBUL, TURKEY, with former U.S. President, Donald Trump, initially playing public relations frontman and spin-doctor for the royal SAUDI ARABIAN family by speculating about rogue killers, while insisting that the royal SAUDI ARABIAN family must be presumed innocent until proven guilty, while now being forced to qualify his initial unconditional support with a WOW, as TURKEY death toll due to COVID-19 outbreak increased to over 68,500, with total over 7,772,600 cases, as over 243.2 million people fallen ill globally, & more than 4,942,600 people dead, while TURKEY’s central bank, delivered bigger than expected interest rate cut, move that saw TURKISH Lira hit new all-time low, as latest in string of policy moves, have seen investors punish TURKISH Lira, while economists warn of even more inflation pain for TURKISH consumers, as prices in TURKEY have been soaring, with TURKEY’s annual inflation rate running at 20%, while SAUDI ARABIA may be trying to reduce its dependency on oil, with plans to convert an oil rig into a 150,000 square meter extreme park & resort, located in Arabian Gulf, comprised of three hotels & 11 restaurants, spread over number of connected platforms, as well as roller coaster rides & adrenaline-rush activities, like bungee jumping and skydiving, while all IRANIAN neighbours nervous after COVID-19 killed over 125,050 people in IRAN, with over 5,851,700 confirmed cases, while RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin hosted new ISRAELI Prime Minister Naftali Bennett for pair’s first in-person meeting, with talks focused on IRAN and situation in SYRIA.
Spirit of John Lennon – THE ROCK’s News:
October 31, 2021
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