The Ummah’s tragedy: court ulama

by Zafar Bangash July, 2013 The ulama are supposed to be inheritors of the Prophets but only if they adhere to the divine commands. When they fall for worldly temptations, they become a curse. This is what appears to have happened to Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, a well-known alim, who has now joined the hate-spewing Saudis in spreading sectarianism. ‘Ulama are supposed to be successors to the Prophets (Å). Since no more prophets will come to guide humanity, the role of the ‘ulama has assumed great importance. If they adhere to the Qur’an and the Sunnah, they are a blessing for the Ummah; should they fall for temptations of the dunya, they become a curse. Who is unaware of the Pakistani politician Fazlur Rahman, a Deobandi maulana, whose antics and corruption are legendry? They have caused havoc in Pakistan. But in the hierarchy of ‘ulama, Fazlur Rahman is a minor figure. Much more serious is the role of figures like Yusuf al-Qaradawi, the Egyptian ‘alim who has a television program on the Qatari-owned al-Jazeera with a following of some 60 million people worldwide. At a rally in Doha, Qatar on June 1, Shaykh al-Qaradawi called upon “Sunni” Muslims from around the Muslim East to go to Syria and fight against Hizbullah, which had joined the battle for Qusayr in support of Syrian government forces. Al-Qaradawi alleged that “the Shi‘is [meaning Iran and Hizbullah] wanted to exterminate the Sunnis.” He went on to denounce Hizbullah as the “Party of Shaytan [Satan].” Not surprisingly, the Saudi Grand Mufti, Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Aziz Aal al-Shaykh welcomed al-Qaradawi’s call since Saudi Arabia is in the forefront of fomenting sectarianism in the Ummah. This is the only game they know and since the Saudi rulers and court ‘ulama cannot justify on the basis of Islamic principles their illegitimate rule over the Arabian Peninsula, they want to entangle Muslims in disputes that dissipate their mental and physical energies. One is constrained to ask, when did the Saudis or Shaykh al-Qaradawi ever call upon Muslims in the Muslim East or anywhere else to go to Occupied Palestine to help liberate their Palestinian brothers and sisters from decades of Zionist oppression and occupation? Iran, Hizbullah and Bashar al-Asad’s government are the only players that have confronted US-Zionist hegemony in the region. While every Muslim, indeed every human being that cares for human rights and dignity must support the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people, the issue is no longer about the rights of the Syrian people. Thousands of mercenaries from neighbouring countries backed and armed by the Saudi, Qatari, Jordanian, Turkish, American and Zionist regimes have flooded into Syria to advance the imperialist-Zionist Anglo-Wahhabi agenda. Their aim is to undermine the resistance front against imperialist-Zionist hegemony. When their direct military assault failed, they unleashed sectarianism to divide Muslims in a conflict that has already claimed thousands of lives in Syria. Shaykh al-Qaradawi has lent his considerable weight to this perfidious campaign. As Dr. Chandra Muzaffar, President of the International Movement for a Just World, Malaysia, wrote, “He was among the earliest public figures to endorse NATO’s airstrikes over Libya. In the middle of last year he even opined that if the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) came back today, he would support NATO. This earned him the derisive moniker ‘NATO Mufti’ among some Arab commentators.” Imagine a noted Muslim scholar maligning the noble Messenger (pbuh) in this manner! Contrast this with the joint appeal by former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamed and former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami in May calling for an end to sectarian fighting and killings.

Regrettably, Muslim history is replete with examples of some scholars standing against injustice while others endorse it. Soon after the Khilafah was subverted into monarchy, the Umayyad and ‘Abbasid rulers punished those scholars — Imams Abu Hanifah, al-Shafi‘i and Ahmad ibn Hanbal — who refused to endorse their illegitimate rule, but those who went along with the corruption were richly rewarded with worldly goods and positions (read that: hush money). Shaykh al-Qaradawi and many in the Arabian Peninsula have also succumbed to the lure of political partronage from those who prefer to make tawaf around the White House instead of the Ka‘bah. Living in palatial homes lined with carpets and plush sofas and a bevy of servants at their call, these scholars have forgotten the Islamic duty of al-amr bi-al-ma‘ruf wa-al-nahy ‘an al-munkar. Instead, they are actively promoting munkar. Neither the Saudi nor Qatari rulers are legitimate; they have usurped power and authority in rebellion against Allah’s (swt) commands and are subservient to the power of global kufr. It is their shameless and treacherous behavior, and not the level of Islamic scholarship, that ought to determine how obedient ordinary Muslims should be to the errant recommendations of scholars who have never acquired a level of comfort with cogently analyzing things that matter. Muslims have paid a terrible price for such faulty thinking in the past and cannot afford any more disasters. Instigating hatred among Muslims to advance the illegitimate rulers’ agenda is not only shortsighted, it is also mean spirited and ultimately disastrous for the Ummah. The blood of innocent Muslims will be as much on the hands of these scholars as it is on those who pull the trigger. Zafar Bangash is Director of the Institute of Contemporary Islamic Thought

Mursi joins the US-zionist-Saudi crusade in Syria

by Ayman Ahmed July, 2013

President Mursi has succumbed to US-Saudi-zionist pressure and joined the crusade in Syria. Since becoming president, he has badly mishandled Egypt’s affairs and with a bankrupt economy, he has embarked on a policy that will have serious repercussions for the country’s future. In recent days, many observers have found Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi’s behavior quite erratic. Whether this is forced upon him by circumstances and/or powers that be or reflect his own thinking is difficult to tell but instead of showing leadership he has succumbed to the forces of darkness that are leading him down a blind alley. His latest antics come amid shrill calls from the US and its Western allies to devise plans to send heavy weapons to the mercenaries in Syria that have already caused havoc in the country. On June 13, President Barack Obama alleged that the Syrian government was guilty of using “chemical weapons” — Obama’s red line — and that he was authorizing the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to arrange for arms shipments to the rebels. The same day, a conference of some 70 religious scholars was held in Cairo, Egypt. Was it a coincidence or choreographed to provide an Islamic crutch to what is a Western crusade against another Muslim country? Convened by the International Union of Muslim Scholars, a body headed by Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi and generously funded by Qatar and Saudi Arabia, it was attended by some 70 court ‘ulama from Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf monarchies. These so-called ‘ulama have never had the tawfiq to utter one word of condemnation against Zionist crimes inflicted on the long-suffering Palestinians but they waxed eloquent in support of the Syrian people and the mercenaries fighting there. The conference attendees were shown a crude video, most probably doctored, to highlight “crimes” perpetrated by the Syrian army against the people. Even if true, there is no shortage of crimes being perpetrated by both sides in Syria. Recently a horrible video appeared on YouTube, uploaded by the rebels, in which one of the Saudi-Zionist-American-backed mercenaries ripped open the body of a dead Syrian soldier and chewed upon his liver. Even Russian President Vladimir Putin was so appalled by this that he publicly chastised British Prime Minister David Cameron at a June 16 press conference in London telling him, “Do you want to arm people that eat their enemies’ organs?” Cameron offered the lame excuse, “Not all of them do it.” How many cannibals would it take for the West and their Arabian puppets to stop arming such beasts? The website for Shaykh al-Qaradawi’s organization ran a statement claiming the Cairo meeting was designed to “show the real face of Iran, the Asad regime and Hizbullah,” in reference to the allegation that Islamic Iran and Hizbullah’s backing is keeping Bashar al-Asad’s government in power. There is no proof of Iran’s direct military involvement in Syria although Tehran has made no secret of its political backing for al-Asad as part of the resistance front against Zionist aggression. Hizbullah did support the Syrian army to liberate al-Qusayr in May but that came two years after the mercenaries had occupied the border town and perpetrated terrible crimes against civilians, many of them Lebanese. On the other hand, it is well documented that at least 40,000 mercenaries from 27 countries are operating in Syria. Regimes supporting such mercenaries or allowing them to use their territory to cross into Syria are in clear violation of international law — yes, the one crafted by the West itself that is so often invoked against those that challenge Western hegemony — and thus are perpetrating war crimes. Such violations, however, have not bothered the West’s human rights crusaders because they are determined to overthrow al-Asad even if the mercenaries they are supporting indulge in acts of cannibalism. In fact, such acts advance the West’s long-standing agenda to depict Islam in the most negative light. Barring a few exceptions, the overwhelming majority of Muslims worldwide have recoiled in horror at such behavior. It reminds them of the barbaric practice of Abu Sufyan’s wife Hind in the Battle of Uhud when she ripped open the body of Hamzah (ra), the Prophet’s uncle, and chewed upon his liver. Are the mercenaries in Syria any better? More crucially, those backing them are following in the footsteps of Abu Jahal, Abu Lahab, Abu Sufyan and his wife Hind. Back to the days of jahiliyah!

The Cairo conference and those attending it had a nefarious agenda: to stoke sectarian conflict in the Ummah. They declared the anti-government struggle in Syria as “jihad” and urged “Sunni Muslims” from all over the world to join it. But making such declarations at a conference attended by a mere 70 court ‘ulama including the Shaykh of al-Azhar Ahmed al-Tayeb, who is known to be a decent person, would not get much traction; nor would Shaykh al-Qaradawi’s website help advance the cause of the “jihadi mercenaries.” A more direct approach was deemed necessary to reach a wider audience. The next day, on Jumu‘ah, a direct appeal was made to the masses at salat al-jumu‘ah. Saudi preacher Mohammed al-‘Arify used his guest sermon at a central masjid in Cairo to harangue thousands of worshippers to not only support the mercenaries in Syria but to join them by enlisting in “jihad.” It was al-‘Arify who had earlier issued a call for Muslim girls to join what he referred to as jihad al-munakahah in Syria. What this means is that Muslim girls should go to Syria to service the sexual needs of mercenaries fighting there. Unfortunately some gullible girls from Tunisia and other places have joined what is essentially a prostitution racket to advance the Zionist-imperialist agenda in the region. Worse still, those that call themselves ‘ulama are advocating such conduct. Even Masjid al-Haram, the sacred House of Allah (swt) in Makkah has not been spared. Sheikh Sa‘ud al-Shuraym, using the minbar of Masjid al-Haram on Jumu‘ah urged Muslims to help the Syrian rebels “by all means” possible. He even broke down while making the appeal, whichwas broadcast live on several Arabian TV channels. How many times has any Saudi preacher made an appeal to help the Palestinians, much less shedding tears for them? Muslims struggling for their legitimate rights elsewhere, in Kashmir or Afghanistan, for instance, should not entertain any illusions that a Saudi preacher would ever pray for them much less ask for material help. In the desert kingdom, use of the two sacred masjids — Masjid al-Haram and al-Masjid al-Nabawi — or indeed any other masjid, for political sermons is strictly forbidden. Talking rituals is the order of the day. The House of Saud is terrified lest some independent-minded shaykh might emerge and take its members to task for corruption or lewd behavior. Pre-approved khutbahs are handed to them to deliver from all the masjids in the kingdom. The abuse of the minbar to vilify fellow Muslims revives memories of the dark days of the Umayyad rulers when they instituted the policy of cursing Imam ‘Ali (a) and the Prophet’s (pbuh) family, the Ahl al-Bayt (nastaghfir-allah). After participating in the khutbah crusade, the preachers assembled in Cairo, feasted on rice and lamb, and then rested for a while, as is their wont, before invading the presidential palace to harangue Mursi to join their campaign. Seeing Saudi- and Qatari-backed preachers and smelling riyals, Mursi could not resist the temptation. Egypt is suffering from a severe financial crisis making him vulnerable to petro-dollars and riyals. He succumbs to whoever comes with offers of cash for his cash-strapped country. After his meeting with the preachers on Friday night, Mursi addressed thousands of supporters in a Cairo stadium the following day for a “Free Syria” rally. Some of the religious preachers from the conference were also present. Mursi announced cutting all relations with Damascus. He said Egypt was closing its embassy and withdrawing its Charge d’Affaires from Damascus while he demanded the Syrian ambassador leave Cairo. Mohamed Seif al-Dawla, a former advisor to Mursi recalled that after Israel attacked Syria in May, he had demanded the closure of the Zionist embassy in Cairo. Instead, Mursi has shut down the Syrian embassy! Just over a year earlier, Mursi had announced the formation of a four-member Contact Group to resolve the Syrian crisis peacefully. He had made the appeal at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting in Makkah. He reiterated the same call at the Non-Aligned Movement summit in Tehran a couple of weeks later. The quartet, according to Mursi would comprise Egypt, Iran, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. With his support base at home shrinking and under US-Saudi-Qatari pressure, Mursi has abandoned his own plan to resolve the Syrian crisis through dialogue. Instead, he has joined the Anglo-Wahhabi-Zionist-imperialist crusade. He even demanded that a no-fly zone be imposed over Syria in the manner of Libya. Russia has made clear it will not support any such move and would veto any resolution presented in the UN Security Council. It is depressing to note that those calling themselves ‘ulama resort to tactics that are bound to deepen existing fissures in the Ummah. Exactly a century ago, the British had injected the poison of nationalism to create divisions between the Ottoman Turks and Arabian chiefs. While these tribal chiefs did not get independence, their betrayal led directly to the implantation of the Zionist entity in Palestine. Today, sectarianism is being promoted in order to safeguard the Zionist entity from the growing awareness in the Ummah, especially the Muslim East. The Arabian chiefs will pay a heavy price for such treachery. In any case, their days are numbered and sooner rather than later, they will be consigned to the dustbin of history where they rightly belong.

Iran: The Price of Resistance

By Chandra Muzaffar

28 January, 2012


European Union foreign ministers have agreed to a full-fledged embargo on all imports of Iranian crude oil. Towards this end, various measures will be adopted gradually from 23 rd January to 1 st July 2012 . In December 2011, the US Congress (with a 100 to 0 vote in the Senate) presented a mandatory sanctions package to President Obama which starting June 2012 will prohibit any third-country banks and companies from dealing with Iran's Central Bank. Both the EU and US moves, it is alleged, are aimed at pressurising Iran to stop its so-called ‘nuclear weapons' programme through the emasculation of its oil exports which account for more than 80% of its national revenue.

Nuclear Weapons Programme

The first question we should ask is: Does Iran have a nuclear weapons programme? The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) --- its mischievous attempt to raise doubts about Iran 's nuclear energy programme notwithstanding--- admits in its November 2011 Report that there is no evidence of a nuclear weapons programme. Incidentally, every nuclear installation in Iran has been inspected hundreds of times by the IAEA making them the most thoroughly inspected nuclear facilities on earth! Even the US 's own classified National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) 2011--- which the well-known investigative journalist, Seymour Hersh, had exposed in May 2011--- states quite clearly that Iran is not producing nuclear weapons and had in fact halted such a programme way back in 2003. NIE 2011 in a sense reiterates what is contained in NIE 2007.

Of course, Iran continues to enrich uranium up to the 20% level required for the production of medical isotopes. This is far below the 85% plus necessary to manufacture a nuclear bomb. Every major leader in Iran has emphasised over and over again that they have no intention of making a bomb. They regard it --- rightly--- as haram (or prohibited in Islam).

Because its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes--- medical research and electricity---- the Iranian government agreed to a nuclear fuel swap deal initiated by Brazil and Turkey in May 2010 which would have seen Iran shipping low-enriched uranium to Turkey in return for fuel for a research reactor. The Western powers and Israel rejected the deal.

Their rejection underscores the stark hypocrisy that surrounds the entire issue of Iran 's nuclear programme. If it is nuclear weapons that they are concerned about why didn't they accept a deal that would have, to a large extent, curbed any clandestine move by Iran to produce such weapons? Or, are certain Western powers and Israel against Iran producing nuclear energy even for peaceful purposes --- a right that Iran possesses as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?

It is important to raise these questions for two other reasons. One, the countries that are most vocal in demanding that Iran terminate its uranium enrichment programme are all nuclear weapon states. The US has an arsenal of more than 5000 nuclear warheads while Israel, an undeclared nuclear state---- the only nuclear weapon state in West Asia and North Africa (WANA)--- has perhaps between 200 and 400 warheads. Two, countries such as the US, Britain, France and even Israel had no qualms about assisting Iran to launch its nuclear programme in the fifties when it was under the Shah, Reza Pahlavi. US President, Dwight Eisenhower, saw it as an “atoms for peace” enterprise. One does not have to second guess why they were all so enthusiastic about the Shah's nuclear energy programme---- because the dictator was their gendarme in that corner of WANA, protecting their strategic, political and oil interests with all his brutal might.

Why did the West and Israel change their attitude towards Iran 's nuclear programme? Was it because an Islamic Revolution had occurred in Iran in 1979? Was Islam the decisive factor? Islam per se was not the major reason for the change in attitude. After all, the West counts as its allies a number of countries that view themselves as ‘Islamic States' and subscribe to a somewhat narrow, exclusive idea of Islam and Muslim identity. Saudi Arabia , Qatar and most of the Gulf Sheikhdoms would be outstanding examples. Colluding and collaborating with these states and other Islamic movements has never been a problem for the centres of power in the West.

Independence

The real reason why the Islamic Republic of Iran and its nuclear programme became anathema for the West and Israel was because of Iran 's defence of its independence and integrity in the face of US and Western hegemony. The Islamic Republic under the guidance of its charismatic leader Ayatollah Khomeini was not prepared to submit to US dominance or acquiesce with Israeli arrogance. From the outset --- from 1979 itself--- Iran was determined to manage its own destiny which is why it nationalised oil and strengthened its self-reliance.

In an earlier period--- in 1953 to be exact--- another Iranian leader, this time a highly principled secular democrat, Mohammad Mosaddegh, had also sought to assert Iranian independence and sovereignty by nationalising oil. This incurred the wrath of the British and American elites whose companies dominated the local oil industry. With the help of their intelligence services, they managed to oust Mosaddegh from his Prime Ministership and restore full authority to the Shah.

Others in WANA, at different times and in different circumstances, have also paid the price for resisting dominance.Gamal Nasser in Egypt, HouriBoumediene in Algeria, Hafiz Assad in Syria, Yasser Arafat in Palestine (and other Palestinian freedom fighters), Saddam Hussein in Iraq, and Muammar Gaddafi in Libya, had all at some point or other in their lives refused to yield to hegemonic power. Today, there are leaders like Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon , Khalil Meshal in Palestine , and Bashar Assad in Syria who continue to resist Israeli power and US hegemony and are therefore targeted by Tel Aviv and Washington.

It is appropriate to observe at this juncture that resistance to US hegemony has had a longer and perhaps more tragic history in parts of Latin America . From Simon Bolivar and Jose Marti to Salvador Allende, Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez,Evo Morales, and Rafael Correa these and other illustrious leaders have unflinchingly opposed attempts by the US elite to subjugate the people of Latin America and subordinate the continent to the whims and fancies of its northern neighbour. Indeed, today there is a new determination in Latin America to strengthen the independence of individual states and of the region as a whole through cooperation and collective action that is both innovative and dynamic.

There is no doubt at all that it is Iran 's refusal to be subservient to the US , Israel and their allies, its readiness to resist, that has incensed the powers-that-be. It explains why they are going all out to emasculate the Iranian economy, manufacture mass disaffection with the government and, at the right moment, engineer a regime change. The excuse they are using for this manipulation is of course Iran 's unproven nuclear weapons programme. In the scenario that is unfolding before our eyes, there are shades of the build-up that led to the invasion of Iraq and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein 2003.

Targeting Iran

While Iran's desire to remain independent has been a prominent feature of the nation's personality since the Revolution 33 years ago, there must be situations and circumstances that are more current and contemporarywhich have given rise tothisobsession in Tel Aviv and in certain Western capitals with the targeting and taming of Iran.What are these situations and circumstances? There are many. We shall highlight some of them.

1. In the wake of the Arab uprising, the Israeli elite has become extremely apprehensive about the state's security and its future. It is afraid that popular movements sweeping through WANA would eventually challenge the legitimacy of the Israeli regime. Though Israel's protector, the US, has sought assurances from some of the Islamic parties that have come to power that they will not question the Israeli presence, the Israeli elite regards the increasing influence of states and movements in WANA that are firmly opposed to Israeli suppression of Palestinian rights--- the most powerful of which is of course Iran--- as a huge threat to Israel's very existence. This is why it wants its protector, buttressed by its European allies, to castrate Iran immediately.

2. This fear has increased dramatically in recent months with the economic decline of its protector and the economic crisis embroiling various European states. Israel knows that the US 's decline is part of a general decline which in a sense is irreversible and would therefore want its protector to act decisively against Israel 's foes like Iran now when the US still has the military muscle rather than wait until it is too late. For the US elite itself, the most serious implication of its decline is its loss of control over WANA, the world's major oil exporting region which is, at the same time, of tremendous geostrategic significance. When hegemonic powers are losing their dominance, do they not become more bellicose in attempting to perpetuate their power and privilege? Should we be surprised when they turn against other actors on the ascendancy who are perceived as the cause of their decline?

3. For both the US and Israeli elites and European leaders allied to them, it is Iran which is the lynchpin of the challenge to their hegemony over WANA. Iran maintains a tried and tested link to the Syrian leadership and to the Hezbollah in Lebanon . Hamas is also to a certain degree part of this link which in broad terms constitutes the resistance to US-Israel hegemony. As the fulcrum of this resistance, Iran has displayed remarkable tenacity--- a tenacity which is now expressing itself in its ability to take on US drones and US spies and to openly challenge US military power. Similarly, the Syrian crisis, orchestrated to a large extent by external forces, has revealed the resilience of the Bashar Assad government. Likewise, in defending Lebanon against the Israeli assault in 2006, the Hezbollah showed that it possesses both strategic depth and immense courage which in the end thwarted the Israeli agenda. Both Israel and the US are determined to not only break the link of resistance but also to crush each of the component elements of the link.

4. What has strengthened their determination to act against Iran in particular is the situation in Iraq . The Israeli and US elites had hoped that the conquest of Iraq would help to create a new environment in WANA which would reinforce their grip over oil and strengthen their geostrategic position in the region through a subservient leadership in Baghdad eager to do their bidding. Given Iraq 's importance, the Baghdad leadership, they reckoned, would succeed in shaping an atmosphere in the region conducive to Israel even if it were at the cost of Palestinian self-determination. However, things have not worked according to plan. WhileUS and British companies have managed to secure lucrative oil deals, Israeli and US elites have failed to gain political control over Iraq . A nation that is politically unstable, socially chaotic and deeply divided along sectarian lines, there is endless jockeying for power among contending groups. In the midst of this maelstrom, most of the groups within the majority Shia community seem to have gravitated towards Shia Iran . Shia affinity has undoubtedly smoothened the forging of political ties across the Iraq-Iran border. Recent political developments in Iraq indicate that the influence that emanates from these ties is considerable. It is this that annoys and angers the Israeli, US and British elites. Their political defeat in Iraq which is a major setback for them in WANA and beyond is one of the primary reasons why they are now training their guns on Iran .

5. Iran 's influence over Iraq has also riled some regional actors. The monarchical elite in Saudi Arabia , with its Wahabi orientation, often manifests an almost visceral hatred towards the Shia sect. Some Saudi leaders regard it as their duty to defend the Sunni majority against the rising Shia tide. They are not alone in perceiving growing Shia influence and power --- in Iraq , in Syria through the Alawite elite, in Lebanon via Hezbollah, and in Bahrain--- as a mortal threat to the Sunnis. The Qatari leadership and even some Turkish politicians and intellectuals have begun to ring the alarm bells. The latter, it is said, are backing some hard-line Sunnis in Iraq . These anti-Shia sentiments which are spreading quite rapidly in WANA have heightened the antagonism towards Iran . They have strengthened the hand of the US and Israel and their European allies as they prepare to move against the Iranian Republic .

6. For the US curbing Iran 's influence goes beyond WANA. Iran has become close to Russia in the last couple of years. The relationship is strategic and economic especially since they have overlapping interests in Central Asia and the Caspian region. Russia itself is re-asserting its power in Eastern Europe , Central Asia , West Asia and South Asia , much to the chagrin of the US . That is why it is uneasy about a Russian-Iranian nexus developing in the future.

7. Of even greater significance to the US 's hegemonic agenda is the relationship between Iran and China . Largely economic in nature, China imports 9% of its oil and 15% of its gas from Iran . China has massive investments in the oil and gas industry in Iran , and is helping to upgrade its infrastructure in general. Since access to energy is critical for China 's development, the US which is determined to contain China , is keen on exercising control over China 's sources of energy supply. What this means is that curtailing Iran 's oil and gas exports may in fact be part of a larger agenda whose principal goal is the containment of China , the nation that the US and the West view as the most formidable challenge ever to their centuries old dominance.

8. Iran 's expanding ties with various Latin American countries also irks the US . Countries such as Cuba , Venezuela , Nicaragua , Ecuador , Bolivia and Brazil , among others have become good friends of Iran in recent years. Most of these states are opposed to US dominance over Latin America . A couple of them have become very critical of Israeli occupation of Palestine . Since Venezuela and Ecuador are also major oil exporters, the US is worried that the ties that Iran , also an important oil exporter, is forging with them could enhance their collective clout in the global economy to the detriment of the US . This is yet another reason why the US sees Iran as a challenge to its hegemonic power.

9. It is not just because of Iran 's ties with oil exporting states in Latin America or its export of oil to China that oil is also a factor that explains the targeting of Iran . As one of the top five oil exporters in the world, Iran is an attractive destination for a lot of oil companies especially from the US --- a country which has been excluded from Iran 's petroleum sector for more than three decades. According to petroleum experts there are oil and gas fields that have yet to be explored fully. There is also money to be made from infrastructure investments. US and other Western oil firms are hungering to go in--- just as they moved into Iraq after the invasion in 2003.

10. A final factor that is responsible for this fixation with Iran is perhaps the position of the US dollar. The dollar, needless to say, is one of the most crucial pillars of US global hegemony. This is the reason why any attempt to redefine its role as the world's principal reserve currency elicits an immediate response from US financial and political circles. In the last few years Iran has been steadily distancing itself from the US dollar in its trade transactions. At the end of December 2011, it signed an agreement with China that states that the Iranian rial and the Chinese yuan would be used in bilateral trade. In early January 2012, Iran made a similar arrangement with Russia , the rial and the rouble replacing the US dollar. Iran and India are holding discussions on moving out of dollar settlements. Trading in gold is an option they are considering. These moves by Iran have assumed great significance because others, including US allies, are abandoning the dollar in some of their bilateral trade arrangements. Japan and China , for instance, have announced that they will trade in yen and yuan.Because Iran is perceived as one of those nations pushing hard for the abandonment of the dollar, the US has her in its sights. It has been suggested that one of the reasons why the US decided to invade Iraq in 2003 was because Saddam Hussein had switched from the dollar to the euro for the sale of his country's oil.

Suffering; Mistakes

The ten points elaborated here prove that the US and its allies have zero tolerance for any challenge, however minor, to US hegemonic power or to the position of Israel . Those who resist their power and position will pay the price. In the last 30 odd years, Iran has paid the price of resistance in hundreds of ways. Less than a year after the Islamic Revolution, a war was imposed upon Iran --- a war led by the Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein, on behalf of all the Gulf Sheikhdoms, a number of other Arab states, the US, Britain, certain other Western governments, and even the Soviet Union. Though Iran 's adversaries had different motives, their common objective was to crush the Revolution which they saw as a challenge to their interests. A million lives were lost on both sides of the divide in the eight year war which emasculated the Iranian economy and sapped the nation's energy. In June 1981, a vicious bombexplosion wiped out some top political leaders, a huge number of parliamentarians, and leading figures in the Judiciary. This, and other subsequent terrorist attacks, it is alleged,were master-minded by a militant group operating from Iraq called the Mujahideen-e-Khalq. In recent years the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme has been subjected to a cyber- attack and four of its scientists have been assassinated. And for decades, Iran has been under US economic sanctions which have had a negative impact upon its development programme.

Indeed, very few countries have been subjected to the pain and suffering that Iran has gone through in the last 33 years. The perseverance and fortitude of the Iranian people, as we have alluded to, is awe-inspiring. And yet, an objective analysis of Iran 's response to hegemony would suggest that Iranian leaders and activists have also made serious mistakes. From the perspective of international law and diplomacy, it was clearly wrong of Iranian students to seize the US Embassy in Tehran on 4 November 1979 and hold its occupants hostage for 444 days. Storming the British Embassy in the nation's capital on 29 November 2011 was also a foolish act for which Iran 's Minister of Foreign Affairs has apologised. Likewise, allegations of foul-play in the June 2009Presidential Election could have been better handled. The Iranian authorities should have countered those allegations by demonstrating their commitment to total electoral transparency and accountability. The language that the current Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, sometimes employs on matters of grave international significance is intemperate and injudicious. However difficult the situation maybe, there is no need to deliberately provoke or irritate one's enemies. As a case in point, though Ahmadinejad's oft-quoted remarks about Israel were distorted and twisted by the Western media and politicians, the Iranian President could have adopted a more mature yet principled stance vis-à-vis the Jewish state.

Hegemonic Agenda

Ahmadinejad's predecessor, Muhammad Khatami, proved that it was possible to defend Iran 's independence and dignity without being unduly confrontational. He sought to meet the challenge of hegemony by insisting upon dialogue among civilisations and the politics of inclusiveness. Khatami was prepared to talk to the US leadership. But instead of welcoming the offer of dialogue, US President, George Bush Junior, chose to castigate Iran as part of an “axis of evil.”

The demonization of Iran proves yet again that regardless of whether the target adopts a confrontational or conciliatory approach, the hegemon will continue to pursue its agenda. It is an agenda that has a power and potency of its own. In the context of WANA, Israel , it is so apparent, is the driving force behind US hegemonic power.

Making people everywhere aware of this and what its consequences are is one of the most urgent tasks at hand. This task is perhaps a little less difficult today compared to the past for two reasons. One, as we have stated a number of times before, US helmed hegemonic power is declining. People are becoming much more critical of US's global role now. Two, the citizens of WANA in particular are acutely conscious of what hegemonic intervention can lead to after witnessing the chaos and catastrophe that have befallen Iraq and Afghanistan . They are also beginning to sense--- after the initial euphoria---- that Libya may also be heading towards calamity. Foreign intervention they know is not the solution. It is the problem.

Immediate Measures

While mass consciousness building about the danger of hegemony as the ultimate repudiation of human dignity will take time, we could propose some immediate measures thatshould be taken to avert military strikes against Iran and to prevent a war in WANA. The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) grouping could through the UN Security Council suggest a new nuclear deal which would allow Iran limited uranium enrichment under strict supervision within a larger treaty signed by all the states in WANA and other leading powers that pledges to create a nuclear weapon free zone in the region within a certain time-frame. The manufacture, storage, saleand distribution of other weapons of mass destruction should also be prohibited. As the formulation of such a treaty begins in earnest, all sanctions against Iran should also be lifted. There are other challenges notably the Israeli occupation of Arab lands, the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state and the status of Israel , which should also be resolved at the same time.

Is there still time to persuade the powers-that-be to consider proposals like this? Or is it already too late in the day? Is the hegemon--- or is Israel--- about to strike?

Dr. Chandra Muzaffar is President of the International Movement for a Just World (JUST) and Professor of lobal Studies at UniversitiSains Malaysia .

Malaysia .

27 January 2012

The Role of Saudi Arabia in Islamic World - 2 (Lebanon)

The Land of Hijaz

The land on which the rulership of Aale Saud exists is the most esteemed and sacred region Allah (s) has selected Hijaz as the centre for entire humanity and for the leadership of Muslim nation. It has been established as the destination for revelations and descended his completed religion through his Last Prophet (s.a.w.s) here so that light of guidance can spread all over the earth and this land can terminate the darkness thereby giving light from the lamps of privilege and salvation. The dispersed, divided and separated groups and tribes were brought out from the oven of sectarianism and stitched by the string of Unity on this land. The barbaric and non religious world received the message of civilization from Hijaz.

The historic period of Hijaz prior to the advent of Islam is known as the era of ignorance. Allah (s) addressed the new Arab Muslims in his pure book and said that you should never return to your old state after the demise of Messenger (s.a.w.s) thereby returning to sectarianism instead of unity, hatred instead of love, war instead of peace, indiscipline instead of ethics, cowardliness instead of bravery, ignorance instead of foresightedness and slavery instead of freedom.

After the advent of Islam Allah (s) does not tolerate at all hypocrisy, bad manners, prejudice, sectarianism and hatred on the land of Hijaz. Bani Umayyah started the sacrilege of the sanctity of this land which was later continued by Bani Abbas and others. Aale Saud took the stampeding of the sanctity of this region to its peak. The role played by them after taking control of the centre and Qiblah of Muslims which is ongoing has even ashamed Bani Umayyah and Bani Abbas.

In the past issue of the magazine a brief analysis was done about the role of Saudi Arabia in Palestine. In this current issue we will throw light on the Role of Saudi Arabia in Lebanon.

Lebanon



One country impacted by this role is also Lebanon. Lebanon is considered today as an important country of Middle East and Arab states; and this country possesses a long history as well. Until 1920 it has been a part of Syria and during the period of Ottoman Caliphate it got the status of a separate country with the intervention of France. From this time till 1943 it has remained under the dominance of France. The effects left by the incidents of World War II on the world did not keep Lebanon also secure from its effects. Thus the defeat of France in the war gave a unique opportunity of freedom and liberation to the French subjugated nations. Lebanon and Syria formally announced their independence. The existing system of Lebanon and its structure got formed in that period and is still continuing till date.

The significance of Lebanon

In Middle East Lebanon has importance in several regards. In trading its historical significance from ancient times is an established affair. This country also has a unique significance of being a Market of Habash (Ethiopia). It also has a specific importance for being a Neighbor of occupied Palestine and usurping Zionist government.

The four geographical dimensions of Lebanon

Geographically Lebanon is located on the east of Mediterranean Sea. It has Syria on its north and east; occupied Palestine in its south and the Mediterranean Sea on its West. The southern part of Lebanon is really beautiful; its apple and olive farms carry international stature. It was this beauty which made it to be referred as Switzerland of Middle East at a certain time. In regards to population Lebanon is counted amongst the nations having a complex population distribution. A big majority in this country is that of Muslims and other second majority is that of Christians but the accursed imperialistic have made complicated this simple population distribution. They divided Muslims in Shia and Sunni; Christians divided into Protestants and Catholics and along with this Druze have been given a separate status. In this way as per the census in 1932 it was made a country with Christian majority. The census was not allowed to take place till date after 1932. In 1932 the census that took place under French Imperialism all Muslims did not participate in it. At that time it was made famous that this census is a conspiracy and participating in this would be equivalent to giving French occupation a legal status. As such the Muslims were already divided into Sunni and Shia hence by not participating in the census they got considered as minority which opened the doors for Christian dominance.

The complex Political Structure of Lebanon

With Western and specifically French intervention the agreed political structure was that the President will always be Christian, Prime Minister will be Sunni and the Parliament Speaker would be Shia. A resembling Imperialistic division similar to this has been seen in Iraq as well. Iraq which has complete Muslim population has been divided into Shia, Sunni and Kurds. The President would be Kurd, Prime Minister Shia and Parliament Speaker as Sunni.

The Purpose behind Imperialistic division

This type of division is liked by both Imperialism and Global arrogant powers because this keeps the internal conflicts always alive. The nation and people can never breathe in peace and the doors for foreign intervention are always open. The clouds of internal power games are always hovering and this is the reason that Lebanon has been influenced by Western culture more than Arab culture.

According to the 1932 census there are 40% Christians in Lebanon, 25% to 30% Shia, 20 to 25% Sunni, 5% Druze and 1.7 % other sects are settled. After liberation Muslims have been subjugated by Christian population. 1n 1975 a small incident in Lebanon triggered a fifteen years internal civil war. The Phalange group of Christians under the leadership of Bashir Gemayel disturbed the peace in Lebanon. This group spread over Lebanon with the help of West and France. In order to change the map of Beirut and to change the distribution of population the Phalange Militia turned to dust the Muslim settled area of Beirut and Lebanon became insecure for Muslims.

The 1979 success of Islamic Revolution in Iran left a big impact on Lebanon. The same Muslims who were fighting as paid soldiers of Phalange Army were now occupied in thoughts of their security against them. In southern region of Beirut of south Zahle few Shia youths together started resistance activities for defence against Israel. It should be remembered that Israel has captured Beirut with the support of Phalangists and it was only the Southern region of Beirut which was resisting. This group later became the foundation of Hizbullah. Hizbullah is a group impressed by Islamic Revolution and is also a supporter of Iran. In 1980 its foundation was laid formally and till date not just in half of Lebanon but also across the world it is a powerful non governmental group of Muslims. Hizbullah is the group of Shia Muslims.

The beginning of intervention by Aale Saud in Lebanon

The Sunni Muslims of Lebanon were previously impressed with the thoughts of Egypt and its Al Azhar University's visions but after the organization of Shia Muslim groups and their missionary operations Saudi Arabia gave special attention to Lebanon.

The Hariri family and Aale Saud


The well known Hariri family from Lebanon is the one associated with Saudi Arabia. The head of this family Bahuddin Rafiq Hariri whose title is Abu Bahaa is well known in the business and political world as Rafiq Hariri. Rafiq has a significant role in the current issues of Lebanon. After being associated with Arab Nationalist Movement during his academic career he also remained connected for a short period with Palestinian Popular Front. In the 70's Rafiq Hariri laid the foundation of a construction company in Lebanon which started to take construction contracts in Lebanon. This company earned good profit till 1975 and started establishing its branches in other Arab countries. In this process it established relationship with a globally famous construction group Bin Laden from Saudi Arabia. After civil war started in Lebanon Hariri group moved its assets to Saudi Arabia and declared this land as its business centre and head quarter. There were many construction projects in Saudi Arabia which got materialized with the partnership of Hariri and Bin Laden. This partnership started to move from business level to political and ideological level. Therefore during the period of civil war in Lebanon Hariri family enhanced abundant capital in Saudi Arabia and at the same time established political relationship also with Saudi government.

Ruins for the sake of Contract

It is said that Rafiq Hariri abundantly supported Phalange Militia during the Lebanon civil war. He wanted Lebanon and specifically Beirut to be completely destroyed in the civil war so that he can get all the reconstruction contracts at the end of war. In 1990 the civil war inside Lebanon came to an end and the first phase of Hariri's plan was accomplished. In the 80's the Saudi King appointed Hariri as his special representative in Lebanon so that the political role of Hariri can become firm and established inside Lebanon. Hariri was also financially supporting the confronting groups in Lebanon with the money earned from his partnership with Bin Laden.

As per the past Lebanese Ambassador to America Abdullah Abu Habib in 1987 Hariri presented 30 Million dollars to Lebanese President Amin Gamel for giving resignation. This is the period in which Lebanon was under control of Syrian forces. In order to get Syria in agreement with him Hariri presented 50 Million dollars to Syria.

From Contractor to Prime Minister



In 1979 for the sake of reconciliation between the confronting groups in Lebanon the Taif conference took place which is considered as an outcome of Hariri and Saudi alliance. Bin Laden and Hariri Company spent millions of dollars to turn this conference in their favour. In lieu of Syrian control over Lebanon Hariri was in need of Syria's support which came in his fate in Taif conference. In 1990 after the end of war Hariri made ways for his Prime Ministership by presenting an expensive palace in Beirut to Lebanese President Ilyas Heravi and at the same time along with Saudi support got complete control over media in Lebanon. Thus in 1992 with the agreement of Syria Rafiq Hariri got the post of Prime Minister in Lebanon and this way this Saudi representative became the owner of everything in Lebanon.

During this period Rafiq Hariri handed over his business and commercial leadership to Fouad Siniora and placed Saudi trained individuals from his business group on all governmental posts. After strengthening the political, commercial and business grip over Lebanon Hariri started to stare at Syria and made attempts to strengthen his grip over those sections that were working under Syrian intervention. Hariri got the contracts for reconstruction of ruined Beirut to his company. Hariri became the richest person of Lebanon by purchasing expensive property in Beirut and other properties in Lebanon. The glamorous palace of Ex Lebanese President Al Khouri was also purchased by Hariri and changed into Hariri TV Studio.

The unified wealth of Hariri and Bin Laden also started to demonstrate its effects outside Lebanon under the guidance of Saudi Arabia. By taking advantage of bribing nature and greed of Syrians for a long time Hariri kept them in agreement. The wealth of Hariri came to use even outside Arab nations in Western countries. An example of this is 5 billion Francs spent in the election of Jacques Chirac.

The Assets of Hariri

When Hariri was assassinated in a Bomb blast he left behind four sons and one daughter. His elder son Bahaa Hariri is counted amongst the world leading billionaires. The second son Saad Hariri also inherited politics along with wealth from his father. Saad Hariri is also listed at number 150 amongst the richest people of the world. His daughter Hind Hariri is youngest billionaire woman. There are billions of dollars even in the share of his wife. The abundant wealth of Hariri and Bin Laden has also shown colours in Pakistan which would be discussed later series of this article.

Hariri dependent on Aale Saud and Western Politics

When Rafiq Hariri realized his strength in accordance with Saudi interests he slowly took steps in opposition to Syria. Saudi Arabia is highly sensitive about Hizbullah in Lebanon. The Western lords of Saudi also dislike Hizbullah. Hence both together designated Hariri the task of opposing Hizbullah and disarming them to get control over Hizbullah. This was the first step of opposition against Syria by Hariri. A powerful media network has been already established across the country. Thus different TV channels and newspaper Al Mustaqbil openly started criticizing Hizbullah. Syria took notice of this seriously and warned Hariri to refrain from opposing Hizbullah. This time Hariri ignored Syrian threats and continued acting on Saudi instructions. Everyday the clashes between Hariri and Syria kept on increasing to the extent that Hariri demanded exit of Syrian forces from Lebanon. On the other hand his Western supporters specifically France and America enhanced Global pressure but despite of all these attempts Syrian control continued on Lebanon and no form of reduction was seen in Syrian effectiveness on Lebanon.

Four players Chess board and its pawn

Hariri was at a certain time acting as a pawn for the sake American, French, Israel and Saudi interests. On several occasions with the help of Saudi wealth he very easily succeeded in meeting their pre agreed objectives. But the last and the most important targets of making Syria exit from Lebanon and disarming Hizbullah was out of reach for Hariri. One part of these two major objectives which the life of Hariri could not achieve was accomplished by his death. Thus on 14th February 2005 Hariri was assassinated in a planned car bomb blast in Beirut. In the world of politics the politicians who are crazy for power and in pursuit of desire for coming into power take support from foreign powers thereby playing the role of pawns for them are always used in the same way (means wiped off when required). The goals and objectives of Foreign powers which he could not acquire with his life they accomplished it by his death; just like what happened with Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan. After the assassination of Hariri; France, America and Britain through United Nations increased pressure on Syria to move their forces out of Lebanon and this western initiative was fully supported by Arab nations. The Syrian government could not bear the pressure and seriously considered its refuge in exiting from Lebanon but Hizbullah continued as a Armed Militia thereby remaining as a piercing splinter in the eyes of America, Saudi and Israel.

The background of 33 days War


After Syria's exit from Lebanon doubting that Hizbullah has weakened; Israel with the support of Arab and Western background alliance attacked Lebanon in 2006 so that second conspiracy of Rafiq Hariri can also be accomplished. The enmity with Hizbullah has made Arab, West and Israel blind and deaf and they could not estimate Hizbullah's strength due to which first time in History Israel had to face defeat and its Arab and Western supporters could not even a find a place to hide their faces out of shame.

Islamic Revolution and the concerns of Arabs



As such all Arab rulers and specifically the ones dictated by Saudi had become alert after the success of Islamic Revolution in Iran. At the same time in order to defeat the Islamic Revolution they aroused Saddam to attack Iran in alliance with Western powers but they faced disgraceful defeat in this attack. The Arabs were scared of the effects of Iran inside their countries from this time itself. They did not leave any attempt or opportunity to do political and religious propaganda against Iran so as to create hatred towards Iran amongst Arabs. But despite of this the effects of Iran increased day by day amongst Shia Sunni's Muslims in Lebanon and specifically on Hizbullah which created panic amongst Arab rulers that too specifically Saudi rulers.

Iran Arab confrontation continued in every field and apart from Syria and Libya all other Arab nations have remained a victim of concerns about Iran. America and West made these Arab states more perplexed about Iran. Their discomfort and restlessness went to its peak when Iran favoured group Hamas in Palestine separated its path from other Palestinian groups and Arab countries thereby adopting Resistance and Perseverance as the path of salvation against Israel; and by winning the elections in Palestine they got their mettle proven and accepted. The success of Hizbullah in Lebanon and Hamas in Palestine made America, Israel, Western countries and Arab governments loose their sleep. From this time onwards pressure started to build up on Iran from all sides. Iran was being counted as supporter of terrorism on the basis of its support for Hizbullah and Hamas. There were restrictions and sanctions imposed on Iran, dreadful propaganda started on media, Iran Atomic plan was made controversial and in fact coalition plans were being made for armed attack on Iran. In all these acts Arab countries and specifically Saudi is in the forefront. The only condition for normalizing relationship with Iran was and is that the Islamic government of Iran should forsake their support for terrorist groups and what they intend from terrorist groups are the Muslims of Lebanon and Palestine specifically Hizbullah and Hamas.

The way common plans were made by America, Israel, West and Arab rulers for annihilation of Hamas the same plan was experimented for Hizbullah before. In the attacks on Gaza and Lebanon along with America and West the Arabs extended full economical, ammunition, political and intelligence support to Israel.

The Dramatic Role of Aale Saud after 9/11

Just like other Islamic world the role of Saudi Arabia in Lebanon became dramatic after 9/11 similar to America. The big Satan has always took full advantage after sniffing the weakness of Arabs. The feeble Arab rulers while delivering the rights of slavery towards America and West have broken the records of all slaves in history.

The actual weakness of Arab rulers



The actual weakness of Arab rulers and governments is that they are all non democratic, non republic , unlawful and incapable. America who has become standard bearer for name sake democracy across the world is in favour and supporter of all these non democratic governments. America is recovering the cost much more than the support it is providing them. The American Satans tactfully planned the story for the scenario of 9/11 drama. All the pawns involved in this were Arabs and the name sake leadership of these pawns was with Saudi citizens. When the names list of terrorists were announced after eight hours of attack in which all were Arabs were present than at that instance those possessing foresight understood this entire Film story.

When American Defence Ministry aircraft entered the boundaries of Khaleej and their fighter planes started to hover over Arab lands the telephone calls from American Foreign Minister started to ring in the Spider web type palaces of Arab rulers. When the merciless, dreadful and veiled agents of the American secret agency CIA were seen active in the Arab nations these puppet regimes were threatened for their survival.

The purpose of 9/11 drama

America has achieved many purposes out of 9/11 drama:

- Approach towards never diminishing energy resources in the worlds leading oil producing region.

- Invasion on Muslim nations for the sake of giving protection to Israel

- Transfer of jobless American forces posted in Europe after the cold war to Middle East.

- Encircling Iran

- Practical attempts for realization of long term American dream of ruling the world

In this dangerous game America kept two paths in front of many countries:

1. First option is to surrender in front of America, hand yourself complete to America and by accepting American Dictation take every step that America desires.

2. Second option is if you do not surrender than get counted amongst American enemies and opponents. And under this situation the non democratic governments of these nations would be obliterated and American favoured democratic governments would be established.

They will then be included amongst the list of nations violating human rights and pressure would be applied on them at international level thereby declaring them as supporters of terrorism and even armed attacks won't be ruled out. It is the same attitude and approach which America took against Iran and Syria for their non submission to American demands. The Arab nations and specifically Saudi Arabia cannot bear the second path hence they give preference to the first option as a result of which it became completely non authorative in front of America. Accepting American dictation has become the fundamental need for survival of power by Saudi rulers. This is the reason that Saudi stance for Lebanon is the same as that of America and Israel which is to eradicate Iran supportive Hizbullah at any cost. In order to achieve this purpose Saudi guides have crossed all political, ethical and religiously prohibited limits and have taken such steps which a Muslim cannot even think of doing.

Saudi Arabia's acts against Hizbullah

The Saudi Arabia rulers have taken numerous steps on the instructions of America and Israel for eradicating Hizbullah amongst which the important ones are:

1. Strengthening Hariri group in Lebanon

Aale Saud taking advantage of its long time business relationship with Hariri family used them as their operation tools in Lebanon. By getting Rafiq Hariri assassinated through Israel secret agency Mossad they got the sympathy of Lebanese people for Hariri family similar to the effects shown by the assassination of Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan. Rafiq Hariri was murdered as part of American, Israel and Arab conspiracy so that the Hizbullah supportive Syrian forces could be removed from Lebanon thus the responsibility of this murder was put on Syria. Then with international pressure Syria was pursued to leave Lebanon and became happy after removing Hizbullah supportive forces that Hizbullah is now alone and isolated. And with absence of Syria Iranian aid and support was also difficult to reach Hizbullah.

After the assassination of Hariri with massive propaganda the responsibility of this murder was put on Syria and Hizbullah. After this immediately elections were arranged in which the Al Mustaqbil group achieved expected success. Under the leadership of Saad Hariri the government of the finance manager of Hariri company Fouad Siniora was established. This government was given an important agenda of disarming Hizbullah. Thus with the help of Arab and non Arab supporters the Siniora government applied all possible pressure to disarm Hizbullah but Hizbullah denied accepting this. This way the first step of Arab and non Arab alliance got defeated.

2. Israel's attack on Hizbullah



When the plan for disarming Hizbullah experienced defeat then the Arab and non Arab alliance took one more step and that was to arouse Israel to attack Hizbullah. Thus by estimating Hizbullah as alone and isolated Israel attacked Lebanon in 2006. This attack was not on Lebanon but in reality on Hizbullah. Israel started bombarding Hizbullah locations in extreme barbaric and beastly manner. Israel President Shimon Perez and other Israeli leaders explicitly said on media that this attack was done on invitation by Arab rulers. The entire world was aware that amongst the invitations from Arab world Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan were present. This statement of Zionists was not denied or rejected by any Arab government leader.

The role of Saudi Supportive Lebanese government in the 33 days war



Siniora government was the Saudi Arabia, West and American supportive government. Its cabinet completely supported Israel in this 33 days war. The defence minister of Siniora cabinet had continuous contact with the Israeli Generals during the entire war. These people would inform Israeli Air force about Hizbullah locations after which Israel would brutally bombard these locations due to which several women and children would get martyred. Southern Zahle; the populated locality of Beirut turned to ruins due to the cooperation of these guys. The Lebanese government espionage network was struggling day and night to find the secret location of Hizbullah leader Sayed Nasrallah and inform this to Israel. Four major residential buildings were destroyed based on their incorrect information.

Disposition of weapons to Israel

In the 33 days war America opened the doors of its stored Weapons depot in Arab states. The modern weapons which were purchased by Saudi Arabia from America; a part of that was also given to Israel. During the war fuel for Israeli aircrafts was transported from Saudi Arabia and Emirates.


The role of Bandar bin Sultan


Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz is a well known prince of Saudi Royal family. He has been the Saudi Ambassador in America for 22 years from 1983 to 2005. The relationships with Five American Presidents, ten American foreign ministers and dozens of CIA Chiefs with practical experiences has made this prince a very sharp conspiracy architect. During the period of George Bush Bandar Bin Sultan was taunted as being a part of American Cabinet. This level of proximity and approach to White house was never acquired by any non American other than this prince. At present he is counted as the strongest individual of Aale Saud and in fact his name has been voiced for Saudi kingship after Malik Abdullah.

He has been leading the Saudi National Security since 2005. All espionage organizations are running under his supervision. During his stay in American his leisure house in American state of Colorado was much bigger than White house. He is counted as a person with most extreme opinions about Iran, Hizbullah and Shia Muslims.

During the Israel Hizbullah war this prince has played significant role. He has been the part of planning attacks on Hizbullah by meeting Israeli secret agencies on several occasions on the Island of Qibris.

Fuelling Shia Sunni differences

The most painful wound in the Muslim nation is that of sectarianism though the Holy Quran has strictly emphasized the Muslim nations on refraining from sectarianism; the Holy Prophet has also emphasized and said to the Muslim nation for refraining and keeping away from Sectarianism and the intelligence also denies sectarianism. Sectarianism is the biggest activator for weakness of Muslim nation. The secret of success and victory lies under Unity and brotherhood.


The well known and eminent personalities from amongst Muslims Scholars have invited the Muslim nation (Ummah) towards unity. In the current era the greatest well wisher of Muslims Imam Khomeini (r.a) says that one who creates discords between Shia and Sunni is neither a Shia nor a Sunni.

The most effective weapon in the hands of enemies of Islam against Muslims is sectarianism. The enemies of Islam are everyday sharpening the dagger of sectarianism and stabbing in the back of Muslims. After the Salibi war the West and Christianity have taken severe revenge from Muslims by taking advantage from sectarianism. The ancient historic enemy of Muslims; the Jews and Zionists by taking advantage from sectarianism has captured the first Qiblah of Muslims. One billion plus Muslim population is weak and frustrated in front of handful of Muslims just because of their internal discords. Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan are burning in the fire of sectarianism. It is heart longing desire of America and Israel to spread the cancer of discord and sectarianism across the entire Islamic world and specifically they want to sow the seed of discord on those lands from where America and Israel is facing difficulties. At present the land of Lebanon is considered as the Global Islamic Front line against Zionists thus weakening this front line is the first priority for America and Zionists.

A grievous affair related to discords is that always ignorant, illiterate, foolish, selfish, power worshippers, fame desirous and lustful Muslims have been used. It is this sectarianism nurtured by these discord gardeners and religious traders sometimes in the form of rulers and sometimes as scholars that Muslims are today enemies of each other.

And it is very sad that from the land of revelations the rulers who are careless about their hereafter and the name sake scholars are in the forefront for fuelling the fire of discord across the Muslim world and in order to enhance the flames of this fire they do not refrain from taking any type of step. In just last twenty years millions of Muslims have been burnt in the hell of discord and sectarianism.

The example Shia Sunni unity in Lebanon has been ongoing since long and has earned fruitful results. In Lebanon the Shia Sunni Scholars and intellectuals are the ones who have maintained this unity amongst which the leaders of Hizbullah are on top of the list. Hizbullah has continuously foiled the conspiracies made for sectarianism. On multiple occasions Hizbullah has stepped back from their established rights for the sake of avoiding any clashes between the two major Muslim sects of Shias and Sunnis so that the Zionists do not benefit from this. Iran has also been a supporter of Shia Sunni unity and specifically in Lebanon where in this regard it has taken several practical steps as well.

Certain Arab states specifically Saudi Arabia on American dictations is busy in this heinous act of creating discord amongst Muslims. The most active person for fuelling Shia Sunni discord in Lebanon is Sheikh Salim Al Shahal who with the help of Saudi Arab religious groups has made an organization in Lebanon by the name Al Harqat Al Salafiyah whose centre is in Tripoli the southern city of Lebanon. The task of this group is to turn the direction of Sunni Muslims of Lebanon from Al Azhar in Egypt towards Saudi Arabia. From 1980 to 2005 this group has spread its roots across the Sunni dominant areas of Lebanon. In 2005 after the assassination of Rafiq Hariri this Saudi supportive religious group got connected with Saudi favoured political group of Hariri. Though the 14th March mission group or Al Mustaqbil group is secular whereas this religious group is extremist but still on the basis of certain commonalities a unique unity was established amongst them.

The reasons for this unity is common

- One is that the leadership of both these groups is with Saudi Arabia

- Second is that both are strong opponents of Hizbullah

- Third is the target for both of them is to eradicate Hizbullah

In order to achieve this purpose they have taken support from Shia Sunni discords in Lebanon. This is because Hizbullah is a Shia group and the Shia government of Iran is its supporter hence in order to reduce the admiration towards Hizbullah they want to spread discords with Shia thereby getting Hizbullah under this charter. Similarly there are many small and big groups who are occupied in spreading discord in Lebanon like "Asbat Al Ansar Al Islamia", the Jundal Sham group associated with Zarqawi and Fath-ul Islamia.

Saudi bribe to Lebanese Mufti


According to reliable sources Saudi Agencies have offered a bribe of 17 million dollars to Lebanese Mufti Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Qabbani and his successor for arousing Muslims against Hizbullah in Lebanon. On the second day of receiving the amount Waleed Jumblat and the Mufti issued a similar statement. Qabbani created this doubt amongst Sunni Muslims that the purpose of Hizbullah is to capture Beirut and Lebanon in order to convert Sunni's to Shia. Similar accusations and allegations were imposed on Hizbullah by Egyptian government and its leaders in reply to which Sayed Nasrallah said on a TV address that we do not want to make Sunni's as Shia but we want to defend the Sunni Muslims of Palestine.

The Saudi, media and their associated groups within Lebanon are continously occupied in transforming the opposition to Hariri group by Hizbullah and its allied groups into a religious and Shia Sunni affair. This is because Hizbullah is a Shia group whereas Hariri is a Sunni group and the entire world is well that that this is opposition is political and not religious.

The Infidelity declaring Mufti's Fatwa (verdict) of dissension.


The Saudi Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz in Riyadh issued an astonishing verdict (Fatwa) in history. This Mufti said that Hizbullah is responsible for all problems in Lebanon and this group has nothing to do with Islam and there is no difference between Hizbullah and Jews. He also said that Hizbullah is working for Jews and towards the end he supplicated that Allah should give refuge to us from this evil. This statement was delivered by him in Shariah-e-Islami Faculty of Mohammad bin Saud University in front of a big audience of teachers and faculty.

In the same way during the 33 days war of Hizbullah with Israel another Saudi Mufti Sheikh Abdullah bin Jibreen issued a verdict that Hizbullah is not Muslim and no support should be provided to them in the war and he even declared supplicating for victory of Hizbullah against Israel as forbidden.

Fath-ul-Islam

The disgraceful defeat of Israel by the hands of Hizbullah despaired a lot the Arab and Western supporters of Israel. In this 33 days war they ascertained that resistance against Israel that too specifically of Hizbullah cannot be easily annihilated. In this war the activities of Hizbullah astonished entire world whereas Israel, America, West and their Arab associates had to panic. In this panic they undertook one more awkward step so as to weaken Hizbullah.

This was the same accursed Satanic tactic by which this Satanic Triangle (Zionist, West and Arab government) has done open brutal killing of Muslims and has run streams of blood with the blood of innocent followers of the same Qiblah; i.e. Terrorism.

The expertise which this triangle has in terrorism no clue of this can be found in entire history. Every city, town, street and ally bears witness to this. This brutal weapon of Zionists, West and Arab alliance was also used in Lebanon.

In 2008 well known terrorist Shakir Al Isa laid the foundation of a terrorist organization in Tripoli, city of Lebanon on the pattern of Al Qaida. This group was named as Fath-ul-Islam. He is the same bloodthirsty beast who along with Abu Mussab Zarqawi made a group of Arab terrorists in 2003 in Iraq. This group shed the blood of thousands of Muslims, Women and Children in Iraq , did the sacrilege of sacred places and ruined them in bomb blasts; and have assassinated many religious and political personalities in Iraq. In 2006 Abu Mussab Al Zarqawi who belongs to Jordan got killed in an Arial attack but his other colleague Shakir Al Isa kept on easily doing his activities. He kept on moving freely between Iraq and Jordan. After conducting blood hounded operations in Iraq he would immediately go to Jordan and then again return to Iraq with the plan for another attack. He has maintained close relationship with American and Jordan forces.

In 2007 he got a new delegation and that was to weaken Hizbullah through terrorism similar to what he did in Iraq and specifically the Hizbullah leadership of Sayed Nasrallah should be made target. Therefore this Arab terrorist with his 140 trained terrorists moved to the city of Tripoli in Lebanon. He established his den in the Palestinian immigrant camp Nihar Al Badr.

After the 33 days war not just Hizbullah achieved victory but instead the acceptance of Hizbullah and its leadership of Sayed Nasrallah increased significantly across the Islamic world. The Arab Sunni Muslims started to openly express their sympathy towards Hizbullah and took out many processions in support of Hizbullah.

This acceptance could not be tolerated by Arab rulers at all because they could see everything of theirs getting destroyed. Thus they whole heartedly started to strengthen the Fath-ul-Islam group of Shakir Al Isa. The Saudi Salafis capitalists transferred a lot of money to Fath-ul-Islam through American banks. Within a year they adorned themselves completely with all modern weapons and means of warfare. In August 2008 in order to express their existence they aggressively attacked the Lebanese forces appointed for security in the Palestinian camp which resulted into increased anxiety in the internal environment and also at international level. Saad Hariri with guidance from Saudi Arabia was deputed to support this group financially. He got into a difficult and perplexed state since he was holding the reigns of Lebanese government in his hands. Anyhow Lebanese forces with internal and external pressure carried out a military operation against this group as a result of which many of Isa's effective terrorists were killed.

With the support of Fath-ul-Islam and many other similar groups by using Terrorism engaging Hizbullah in internal issues was the main purpose so that the danger of Hizbullah can get off the heads of Israelis and also the degrading status of Arab rulers due to Hizbullah can be preserved. But the foresighted leadership of Hizbullah once again foiled the evil conspiracy of this Satanic triangle.

The Martyrdom of Hizbullah think tank "Haji Rizwan"

On 12th February 2008 the news agencies and TV Channels stopped their routine programs and broadcasted a news which could be named as an Atomic news explosion.

The news was that in Damascus, the capital of Syria an important commander of Hizbullah Emad Mughniya was assassinated. Though the people in the world were not familiar with the name of Emad Mughniya but all the enemy forces of Islam i.e. the Zionists, Israeli forces, American CIA and their Arab partners were very well versed with this name. This is the reason that this news was most pleasing for them.


Emad Mughniya known amongst his friends as Haji Rizwan was a symbol of fear and terror for Israeli forces. America has announced 25 million dollars for his arrest. The war analysts have a unified opinion that in the 33 days war success of Hizbullah against Israel the central role was played by this great commander. In war strategies Haji Rizwan was an incomparable brain. This is the reason that Israeli Secret Agency Mossad, American CIA, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arab Intelligence was in pursuit of Haji Rizwan on daily basis.


According to the search report by the investigating agencies of Syria in this cruelty there were hands of Mossad, CIA, Jordan and Saudi Arab secret agencies. In this operation the key role after Mossad has been played by Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan. The involvement of Saudi Secret Agency in the martyrdom of Haji Rizwan has many evidences present. The dramatic exit of Saudi Ambassador Abdul Aziz Al Khwaj from Beirut immediately after this martyrdom, fleeing of a senior office of Saudi Embassy in Damascus who was involved in this assassination , pressure applied by Saudi government on Syrian government to stop investigations on this case, offer of several benefits to Syrian government for removing the name of Saudi in the investigation phases are all the proofs expressed by Saudi themselves. On top of all this the senior Saudi Embassy officer who ran away from Damascus was once again brought back to Damascus by a trap laid by Syrian secret agencies. He had an affair with a Damascus woman through her he was brought back to Damascus. The car which was used for the blast was registered in the name of this woman. After purchasing this car the Saudi Embassy officer gave this car to specific persons to place explosives inside it. When the explosives were filled in the car it was placed outside the house of Haji in the car parking. This Saudi officer is imprisoned in one of the prisons of Damascus and Saudi government has done everything possible for his release. The current delighted relationship between Syria and Saudi indicates that he may have been released.

The alternative for Hizbullah

There is one more interesting step taken for weakening and eradicating Hizbullah amongst the conspiracies of Zionists, West and Arabs. This step was creation of an organization of Shia's resembling Hizbullah whose leader is one Shia scholar Sayed Mohammed Ali Al Hussaini. This group has been made solely by Saudi wealth and all forms of support has been extended by Saudi government specifically media needs. Saudi media is introducing this group as a moderate Shia group whereas Hizbullah has been declared as an extremist group. The purpose of this propagation is to make the Lebanese people that too specifically Shia Muslims frustrated from Hizbullah thereby presenting this group as successor to Hizbullah.


Under the leadership of Al Hussaini this Saudi supported group which is an alternate to Hizbullah is named as "Al Moqawamat Al Islamia al Arabia" and its political party is named as "Al Majlis Al Islami Al Arabia". Their leader in an interview has emphasized that our purpose is to defend Arabism instead of Islam.

He also says that our purpose is to cleanse the control of Hizbullah over Resistance (Moqawamat) and involve all other groups in it. He also said in the interview that our strength is much more than Hizbullah and we will demonstrate it when time comes. According to Al Hussaini one other purpose is to keep Iran's interference away from Arab issues. While speaking in the language and tone of Saudi media he also said that the cause for all the problems in Lebanon is Iran. Apart from this he also mentioned that this group has such long range missiles which can even go beyond Israel; what he intends and refers could be Iran.

The leader of "Al Moqawamat Al Islamia al Arabia" Sayed Mohammed Ali Al Hussaini has taken some practical steps also apart from these claims. These steps include issuing newspaper statements on various events, sending commendations and condolence cards, dinner meetings in Beirut with various Arab ambassadors; it is just like some Allama's are busy in doing the same in Pakistan.

Media Propaganda

The role of Media is foremost in all the ongoing issues in the world. The power of media is more than the power of military and weapons. Today those who possess atomic weapons are not considered as super power but instead those who can play a decisive role by having a powerful media are the super powers. Establishing governments, bringing down governments, transfer of power, raising economic crisis, defeating opposing nations are all done with the weapon of media.

A big source of interfering in other countries is media. The interesting games of media are to create an environment of fear and terror, making terrorists as hero and doing character assassination of heroes. The West specifically America with the help of media in order to gain control over the world has created chaos across the globe. This power (of media) which was kept under limits for a certain period is now nested across all lands. In this field there are two primary means of communication; one is Print Media and second is Electronic Media. The reigns of religion, economic, culture, civilization, living needs, technology and public communication are all in the hands of these two means. Corruption, transgression, nudity, indecency and immodesty have all reached every home through media only. Those countries which are downtrodden in context of education and technology there also the market of modern media is glamorous. Those who do not possess power to make an ordinary Radio are today the owners of Universal Satellite Channels.


The maximum impact of media on two areas is worth witnessing; one is culture and second politics. These Arab nations have been spectators of indecency on Western Channels since long. When they were completely drowned in indecencies, lavishness and corruption then the Western guides made them owners of different Electronic channels so that they can play the role of local soldiers in the ongoing Media war of America and Zionists against Islam and Muslim world.

In this regards first was the launch of Al Jazeera TV Channel from Qatar. After the successful operation of Al Jazeera several other Arab Channels were launched one after another amongst which the Saudi Arab TV Channel Al Arabia is quite famous. Al Jazeera is playing the role of spokesperson for Al Qaida since several years. The videos of Bin Laden and his supporters are broadcasted from Al Jazeera every other day. He is the same Bin laden for whose eradication America destroyed entire Afghanistan and still who is not coming in the hands of NATO forces but is met by Al Jazeera news reporters every other day. In Iraq and Lebanon it has left behind BBC, CNN, Fox news and VOA channels. After Al Jazeera the Saudi Channel Al Arabic broke the records of Al Jazeera. This channel which is associated with the Saudi Royal family is openly supporting the interests of America and Zionists to such an extent that the leader of Resistance Sayed Nasrallah has named this channel as " Al Abriya" instead of Al Arabia. This channel which is spokesperson of American and Zionists propaganda in Lebanon and Iraq is fuelling the fire of sectarianism. The verdicts (fatwa's) of infidelity by prejudicial, narrow minded, courtyard Mullah's are issued from this channel. Its main purpose is to enhance the sectarian conflict between Shia and Sunni's. This Royal channel is busy in convincing its Arab audience that the actual enemy of Arabs is not Israel but Shia's. One more purpose of this channel is to give protection to the non democratic governments in Arab states and to prove that if Hizbullah delivers a strong and successful character in Lebanon than Arab people will have to see a new Islamic model. For this reason the purpose of this Royal channel established with Millions of dollar is to keep Arab people away from Hizbullah. By taking advantage from absurd and disgraced tactics this channel is sowing the seed of hatred amongst Muslims. When someone watches first time programs related to Lebanon on this channel he is forced to think whether this channel is Zionist Channel or Saudi because its tone and accent regarding Hizbullah Resistance is same as that of Zionists.

The role of Aale Saud in recent Lebanon elections



As it was indicated in the beginning of this write up that the population distribution of Lebanon has made its political situation very complex. The expanse of foreign doors of intervention in Lebanon cannot be found to this extent in any other nation. The nations that are effective today in the Lebanese politics are America, France, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Iran on top of the list. Apart from these as well some other nations also have an effective role in Lebanese politics but the decision making role is that of these above mentioned five nations.

It should be clear that all these nations are not having the same role in Lebanon instead they all have a specific and different role. Since in this article we are not discussing about role of other nations and only limiting to the role of Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi government is involved in Lebanese politics in several regards and in fact the shadow of Saudi Arabia on Lebanon politics is having the maximum cover. In order to make 14th March Forum Aale Saud has pumped in abundant money. This Alliance came into existence in 2005 after the assassination of Rafiq Hariri with the support of America and Saudi Arabia. Its leadership is in the hands of Saad Hariri , Samir Jejo and Walid Jumblat. It has major minor Sunni, Christian and Druze groups like the Progressive Socialist Party, Lebanese forces, Phalangist Kateeb Party , National Liberal Party, Independence movement, Tripoli block, Democratic Renewal, Left Democratic Party, Armenian Liberal, Social Democratic Party, National Lebanese Block, Free Shia Movement are all remembered as 14 March Alliance.

In 2005 elections the above mentioned alliance got majority and established their government. It became successful by winning 72 seats out of 128. The environment that got created after the assassination of Rafiq Hariri in 2005 and slogans of exit of Syrian forces played a significant role in getting them victory in the that election but the situation changed completely in 2009. The success of Hizbullah in the 33 days war, the treachery of government in this and the internal rifts within country weakened the position of this alliance. The analysts keeping an eye on the situation of Lebanon had a unanimous opinion that 8th March Alliance formed under the leadership of Hizbullah will win this election with clear majority. The increasing popularity of Hizbullah and the enhanced orientation of Lebanese people towards Hizbullah is an evidence to this point. The leadership of Hizbullah just like other political analysts were certain about their victory. The highly confidential speeches of Sayed Nasrallah was demonstrating the same thing but the elections results astonished Lebanese politicians and the entire world include Lebanese people.

This time also against expectations 14th March Alliance was successful. Even though this success came with a very narrow majority margin but there were many elements involved in this success amongst which the biggest was the unlimited wealth of Saudi Arabia. All the members in the alliance were given the money they asked for; centres were setup in Lebanon for buying votes, several dollars were given for just one one vote. The famous American magazine Newsweek released an article by Christopher Deki about Lebanese elections which highlighted the effective elements on election. According to Christopher Deki the money spent by Saudi on Lebanon election campaign was more than the money spent in the American elections campaigns where Obama was elected. It should be remembered that in American history maximum money in election campaigns has been spent on Barrack Obama. According to Christopher Deki Saudi has spent 715 Million dollars.

According to Iraqi newspaper "Al Bayyanah Al Jadeedah" Saudi Arab has spent 2 billion dollars to achieve its objective in the Lebanon election. The Saudi rulers have not kept this royal spending of theirs concealed but instead have accepted this as welfare aid for Lebanese people. During the election it was a general announcement made that anyone who casts vote against Hizbullah will be given an agreed amount. The United Arab Emirates also participated in this good deed whole heartedly.

The leader of Hizbullah Sayed Nasrallah has always extended unity and brotherly hands towards Arab states and specifically Saudi Arabia. In one of his speeches complaining on Arab rulers he said that we are defenders of your dignity and stature, we are not against any Islamic or Arab country, we are not thinking of bringing down any Arab state. The common enmity of Islam, Muslims and Arabs is against Zionism and as per principles you should be supporting us and if you cannot do this then at least do not oppose us; do not weaken the Resistance, do not end the existing Islamic brotherhood in Lebanon and this would be the biggest help from you.

There is hope that may be this appeal of Sayed Nasrallah, the leader of resistance will soften the hearts of Arab leaders.

It is our supplication to Allah (s) that may the land of Hijaz spread the message of unity, brotherhood and love.