Day: July 3, 2024

Supreme Court rules ex-presidents have broad immunity, dimming chance of a pre-election Trump trial  The Associated Press

Cybersecurity Expert Shares Tips for Dublin-Based Patelco Credit Union Customers After Ransomware Attack  KQED

FBI investigating after ‘ransomware event’ hits City of Cedar Falls  KGAN TV

Tensions between enraged Turkish groups and Syrian refugees living in Turkey have reached a boiling point this week, forcing Turkey to close its main border crossing into northwest Syria.

The Bab al Hawa border crossing—the main trade and passenger channel for over 3 million people—as well as the Bab al Salam and other smaller crossings are closed until further notice. 

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Since Sunday, Reuters reported that at least 474 people have been arrested by Turkish police for targeted attacks that saw Turkish men vandalizing and torching cars and properties belonging to Syrians in Turkey. Seven people are believed to have died as a result of the attacks, per figures cited by Reuters. Skirmishes began Sunday in the city of Kayseri, after allegations that a Syrian man had sexually assaulted a young girl began circulating online. Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya has said that the incident is under investigation. 

The border closure was enacted Tuesday, after Syrians confronted the Turkish soldiers in their midst across the border in northern Syria, spurred on by the violence against their community in Turkey.  

Violence spread to a number of other provinces including Hatay, Gaziantep, Konya, and Bursa.  

“We won’t get anywhere by fueling xenophobia and hatred against refugees in the society,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told mayors from his incumbent Justice and Development Party. He also accused opposition forces for stoking the violence, which is exacerbating bilateral tensions between the neighboring nations.   

Here’s what to know about the current relationship between Turkey and Syria.

How have the attacks shaped Turkish and Syrian relations?

“The relationship between Turks and Syrians is deteriorating. Syrian refugees are living in fear and uncertainty,” Ömer Özkizilcik, a nonresident fellow for the Syria Project in the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Programs tells TIME.

“There is a well-organized group of people with criminal records who have formed a lynch mob using WhatsApp and Telegram,” Özkizilcik says of the Turkish citizens who were arrested. “Many of the arrested individuals have a history of crimes including sexual assault and illegal migrant smuggling.”

The growing instances of violence has exposed the turning of public solidarity with Syrian refugees in Turkey. The nation is home to some 3.6 million Syrian refugees, pushed across the border as a result of the Syrian civil war which began in 2011. At the time, Turkey opened its borders to those fleeing the Syrian military, and backed rebels whose aim was to oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

How does Turkish society view its refugee crisis?

Turkey currently holds a military presence along the border in northern Syria, where Turkish soldiers and Syrian rebels have carved out so-called safe-zones for refugees wishing to repatriate to Syria. But few have, instead integrating into everyday life in Turkey. This has, in turn, given rise to resentment from some Turks who have had to deal with soaring inflation rates since the economic crisis that began in 2018. 

“Since the refugee deal with the EU, public sentiment in Turkey has turned against Syrian refugees. Many Turks feel burdened by hosting refugees and see Turkey as the refugee dumping ground for Europe,” says Özkizilcik. He says that the Turkish opposition party, Republican People’s Party (CHP), has led the public to believe that Syrian refugees would return to Syria but Erdogan is the obstacle to this. 

“Consequently, most Turks believe that Syrians are in Turkey by choice, not necessity. This has created a perception of burden, especially given the rampant inflation in Turkey,” Özkizilcik adds.

How will anti-Syrian attacks shape relations between Turkey and Syria?

Last Wednesday, President Assad indicated that he was open to talks with Ankara, marking a change within Syria’s government, which often stresses preconditions to any talks with Turkey. Assad did not stipulate the usual preconditions this time, chief among them the full withdrawal of Turkish forces from northern Syria. Erdogan has also said that, after 13 years of strained relations, he did not see any reason to prevent renewed diplomatic ties with Syria. But this week’s violent outbreaks could hinder the resumption of relations between Turkey and Syria.  

On Wednesday, Turkey’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs issued a statement on its policy regarding Syria, following criticism that recent incidents suggest a collapse in Turkey’s Middle East policy. 

“Since the beginning of the crisis in Syria, which has turned into a humanitarian tragedy, Türkiye has adopted a principled stance. While revising its foreign policy in line with the requirements of national interests, Türkiye does not hesitate to take necessary measures to counter the threats to its national security,” the statement said. 

Ultimately, Özkizilcik says that if Turkey’s government does not address rising xenophobic rhetoric, while adopting “a coordinated strategy” for the return of some Syrian refugees and the integration of others in Turkey, “we can expect more unrest.”  

Ghazouani’s victory in Mauritania is largely due to his ability to gather the screws of part of the opposition, which as a whole showed up divided at the electoral appointment. 

The electoral commission has announced incumbent President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani as the winner of the weekend’s poll, having garnered 56% of the vote. Mauritanians elected a new president with seven candidates vying to lead the nation which has largely withstood the tide of jihadism in the sahel region.  The country faces a multitude of issues including a legacy of military coups, migration, jihadism in neighbouring countries and a harrowing legacy of slavery. Slavery remains a sensitive issue in Mauritania, which was the last country in the world to outlaw slavery, in 1981. An estimated 149,000 people are enslaved in Mauritania – about 3% of the population, according to the Global Slavery Index (GSI) in 2023.Mauritania is a key transit point for migrants trying to reach Europe from West Africa, with thousands of boats departing from the country last year.

 This election is a litmus test of Mauritania’s burgeoning democracy and an indicator of how well it is progressing on its path to greater political openness.

The main opposition leader Biram Dah Abeid has however said he would not recognise the results of the commission. He admitted that he will take to the streets. Some of his supporters have demonstrated in the capital Nouakchott, burning tires and disrupting traffic.

Violence has not been a major issue in past elections because there was never a real belief that opposition members could have any real chance at winning the ballot. 

Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has secured re-election with a comfortable margin, garnering 56.12 percent of the vote. 

After all votes were counted, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) had said that former general Ghazouani would win the election with more than 56 percent of the vote.

That puts El Ghazouani well ahead of the country’s main opposition leader, human rights campaigner Biram Dah Abeid, the CENI predicting 22 percent of the vote in his favour. He did not recognise official results.

Biram Dah Abeid insisted his response would be “peaceful”, calling on the army and the security forces “not to follow the orders of the regime”. Mr Abeid’s grandparents were slaves and he has spent much of his life campaigning against the practice.

Some of his supporters demonstrated in the capital Nouakchott, burning tires and disrupting traffic.

The opposition had however contested the legislative elections a year ago, which were won by Ghazouani’s party.They say the Mauritanian government has set up the national election monitoring body (CENI), which the opposition has denounced as a tool for manipulating the ballot. Irregularities such as voting without identity cards, voting by proxy and the expulsion of representatives of opposition candidates were reported by opposition.

In second place, the opponent and human rights activist Biram Dah Abeid had already in the last presidential election, and according to him, the result could be “false and manipulated” by the Electoral Commission, which he accuses of being used by those in power and of having committed fraud, as our correspondent in Nouackchott.

Ghazouani’s other main rival, Hamadi Ould Sid’ El Moctar, who heads the Islamist Tewassoul party, came third with 12.76 percent of the vote, according to CENI.

He said he would “remain attentive” to any breach of voting regulations.

Abeid’s campaign headquarters were surrounded by security forces, according to an AFP journalist. His campaign manager was arrested.

According to eyewitnesses, the internet services of mobile phones were cut off in certain Mauritanian cities, while remaining functional on the landline services.

The situation in the country is under control and citizens can go about their businepeace.

The ministry “hereby reaffirms that it will not tolerate any action likely to disturb the peace and tranquillity of citizens and residents living in country.

A 2019 election brought Ghazouani to power, marking the first transition between two elected presidents since independence from France in 1960 and a series of coups from 1978 to 2008.

President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani – Representing the ruling El Insaf or Equity Party. The 67-year-old incumbent president was the favourite to win the elections. The president was a former military man. He served as former army chief under his predecessor, Aziz, who hand-picked him for the top job. 

Ghazouani’s supporters claim he has significantly distanced the government from the military, and has built a more inclusive government than his predecessors. Ghazouani appointed Prime Minister Mohamed Ould Bilal, who is Black, and a few other top cabinet members from historically disadvantaged non-Arab communities like Afro-Mauritanians. Although his opponents accused him of corruption and mismanagement, he remains popular among Mauritanians who see him as a beacon of stability.

Afro-Mauritanians who mostly speak Fula, Soninke and Wolof, have also criticised the president for a 2022 policy that mandated the use of the Arabic language in primary schools. The policy introduced local languages at the primary level for the first time, but it also specified that Arabic be taught to non-Arab children, a move many saw as an imposition. 

However, the president has also faced a backlash over mounting rights abuses, especially targeted at government critics and opposition politicians. His ties to the military have also meant that the institution is still influential in policymaking.

While the Sahel has in recent years seen a string of military coups and escalating jihadism, particularly in Mali, Mauritania has not seen an attack since 2011. Mauritania has the strongest democratic credentials in the Sahel at present.

President Ghazouani has developed a close alliance with Western partners like France and the US, but has also been careful to keep ties with its military-run neighbours like Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, who have shunned Western influence recently. 

 As an important player in regional security, Mauritania’s ability to continue this leadership role depends to a significant extent on an effective and peaceful transfer of power that leads to a stable government.

Other opponents in the presidential race:

• Outouma Antoine Souleimane Soumare – An independent candidate, the neurosurgeon has campaigned on social justice, promising to change the constitution so it can more equally represent all social backgrounds, and pledging to provide basic amenities, especially to communities outside the capital, Nouakchott. Soumare is seen as a more moderate alternative to Abeid by many.
• Mamadou Bocar Ba of the Alliance for Justice and Democracy movement that represents mostly Black Mauritanians.
• El Id Mohameden M’Bareck of the Republican Front for Unity and Democracy (FRUD) or Hope Mauritania coalition.
• Mohamed Lemine El Mourteji El Wafi, who is running for the second time as an independent candidate.

Россия не рассматривает президента Турции Реджепа Тайипа Эрдогана в качестве посредника на мирных переговорах с Украиной, заявил пресс-секретарь президента РФ Дмитрий Песков, передает ТАСС. На вопрос о том, возможно ли, что Кремль привлечет турецкого лидера в этом качестве, спикер ответил: «Нет, невозможно».

— НЬЮ-ДЕЛИ: В преддверии предстоящего визита премьер-министра Нарендры Моди в Москву в Кремле во вторник заявили, что во время его встречи с президентом России Владимиром Путина ни одна тема “не будет запретной”.

По словам официальных лиц, в ходе встречи прем Моди и Путин обсудят вопросы региональной и глобальной безопасности, торговли и другие темы, стоящие на повестке дня.

“Мы (Россия и Индия) совместно участвуем в интеграционных процессах, поэтому региональные дела, региональная безопасность и глобальная безопасность всегда находятся в центре внимания. Кроме того, конечно, в центре внимания всегда находится наше двустороннее торгово-экономическое взаимодействие”, — заявил представитель Кремля, отвечая на вопрос о том, какие темы будут обсуждаться на переговорах Путина и Моди.

Назвав визит премьер-министра Моди “очень важным”, чиновник отметил, что у Москвы и Нью-Дели есть “взаимная политическая воля” развивать сотрудничество в самых разных областях.

“Учитывая доверительный характер отношений президента Путина и премьер-министра Моди, то можно ожидать, что состоится обмен мнениями по всем вопросам, которые стоят на повестке дня, а их много”, — сказал Песков журналистам.

“Мы официально объявим об этом визите позже, после согласования с нашими индийскими друзьями, я могу только еще раз подтвердить вам, что визит находится на завершающей стадии подготовки”, — сказал он, отвечая на вопрос о сроках визита Моди в Россию.

Между тем, однодневный визит премьер-министра Моди запланирован на 8 июля, однако окончательного решения по дате пока нет, рассматриваются различные варианты, сообщает PTI со ссылкой на источники.

Визит, если он состоится, станет первой поездкой Моди в Россию за почти пять лет. Последний раз он посещал Россию в 2019 году, когда участвовал в экономическом форуме в дальневосточном городе Владивостоке.

Если Моди приедет в Россию, то после трехлетнего перерыва он и президент Путин проведут ежегодный индийско-российский саммит.

Ежегодный саммит между премьер-министром Индии и президентом России является самым высокоуровневым институциональным механизмом диалога в рамках стратегического партнерства между двумя странами.

До настоящего времени 21 ежегодный саммит проходил поочередно в Индии и России. Последний саммит состоялся 6 декабря 2021 года в Нью-Дели. Путин, как глава российского государства, посещал Индию девять раз.

Комментарии читателей Times of India:

Devendra Hasurkar

Это предупреждение Моди США, чтобы они прекратили запугивать его делом Паннуна. У Индии есть другие альтернативы. Россия может даже выступить посредником в установлении мира между Индией и Китаем. Тогда США останутся в тени, проводя политику окружения Китая.

Seshadri Ramesh

Настоящие крепкие друзья

insaf

Теперь Россия должна предложить Индии новейшие и лучшие образцы военной техники по очень льготным ценам. США болтают, при этом предлагая только устаревшие изделия. Беспилотники, различные ракеты, снаряды, истребители и бомбардировщики и их запчасти должны быть переданы Индии, с перспективой производства в Индии.

Ashok Arora

Не доверяйте Америке, ведь именно она хотела, чтобы Моди потерпел поражение, и до сих пор не поставила ни одного двигателя F404 для нашего самолета Tejas. Америка всегда была предателем. Американцы притворяются друзьями, но на самом деле они враги № 1.

ipatnaikuni

Глупый Байден должен осознавать, что он все больше и больше выталкивает Индию на российскую орбиту. Не стоит удивляться, если Китай также попытается загладить свою вину и стать другом Индии. Си уже говорил о Панджшере. Бесполезный Байден так и не понял этого. США говорят о дурном обращении с меньшинствами в Индии, но никогда не говорят об обращении с чернокожими, латиноамериканцами, мусульманами и т. д. у себя дома. Байден хочет заставить Индию плясать под его дудку, не понимая, что Индия — независимая страна и у нее своя система ценностей. Если США так сильно беспокоятся о мусульманах в Индии, почему они не могут предложить желающим мусульманам место жительства? Говорить ерунду легче, чем предпринимать реальные действия.

Останки могут принадлежать греческим поселенцам.

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