UoBMALive

By Tamir Morgan - Writer/Journalist

Israel enters this late stage of the conference after allegedly depositing phosphorous on the Lebanese town of Sidon. Since then, Israel has released an official press statement denying any responsibility for the act, pinning the blame on Syria. Now Israel has to deal with the mediating international bodies, who have accused Israel of horrendous war crimes.

Nukes here, Nukes there, Nukes everywhere

Well, as the CAL Press Correspondent Member Margaux Lucas pointed out, yesterday’s order was poison. Perhaps today’s is Nukes, and poison for that matter. Iran claimed to have nukes. Satellite imagery hinted at the presence of nuclear development in Syria. An Iranian nuclear missile disintegrated in mid-air, radioactive debris showering over more innocent bystanders. The missile was aimed at Israel.

Then Iran’s leader, the IRGC, was an avid anti-Semite.

The IRGC’s sex scandal

In a visit to Israel, Iran’s number 1 was reported by WikiLeaks to have had a love child with a local Israeli woman. The quixotic dictator, infamous for his poor self-control, is, unexpectedly, the father of the current Israeli President. Both have pledged not to let family ties come in the way of political discourse.

Israel issued a tongue-in-cheek statement offering the IRGC “opportunities to visit his son” and “child support”. The offer was never taken up.

The IRGC is no more

In a collaborated assassination attempt, the IRGC of Iran has been killed. Reports suggest that, taking advantage of his vulnerability, a seductress was hired to lure the victim into a false sense of security. Her poisoned lipstick killed the man, and then a bomb detonation obliterated him and the entire vicinity for good measure.

In the aftermath of his death, Iran, renamed Persia, has pledged to cooperate with Israel to the extent of recognising Israel as a sovereign nation. This was truly one of the most historic moments in Israel’s short history. Throughout history many Islamic nations, including Malaysia, have chosen to ignore any form of Israeli identification, from passports to other documents. This potentially is the first step to a free Israel, considering Persia’s power within the region.

The US, Israel and FCL rage full-scale war upon Lebanon

Some 30,000 Israel troops accompanied by naval vessels have raged war against Lebanon in order to restore what they see as the rightful government of Lebanon, the FCL US naval fleets have blockaded naval towns in an attempt to aid Israeli allies.

Israeli Ministerial office bombed

In an attempt to terminate the enigmatic President of Israeli, suicide bombers staged an attack on the Ministerial office, killing all inside. Rumour of the President’s death instantly circulated around the social media world, numerous officials offering condolences.

Israel later confirmed, from an unspecified location (believed to be an underground bunker), that the President, or any other minister for that matter, was not killed in the attack, but safe and sound.

Azad

A new mockumentary about an Armenian Muslim making his way to Israel has been released. Heavily influenced by Argo, the show, marketed as a comedy, was confirmed to have been a plot, organised by the Israelis, to smuggle the Ayatollah of Iran into Israel.

The Golan Heights

There are 18,000 Israelites based in the Golan Heights, an area north of Israel. It was confirmed that Syrian forces had infiltrated and laid claim to the area earlier today. There is a consensus within Syria that the area is rightfully theirs, and has been denied to them by Israel for decades.

There was a possibility that this would trigger a preemptive attack from Israel, a formidable military force. Instead, talks were held between the two parties and a deal was struck democratically, rather than through the act of violence (a theme inherent throughout this time of crisis.)

Syria would take half of the Golan Heights, and Israel the other, accommodating for the large Jewish and Druze population within the area.

Israel and allied troops have laid claim to Lebanon in an emphatic victory

Israeli forces earlier today managed to overthrow the heavily Jihadi Lebanese government, and have reinstated the rightful government, the FCL. The operation, supported by the US, is being celebrated by allied forces.

Israel now has strong ties with its neighbours: Persia recognizes Israel as a state; Lebanon is now governed by Christian moderates who sought asylum in Israel; Syria had struck a deal with Israel regarding the Golan Heights and had earlier agreed a peace settlement.

The FCL released a video of the new number 1 of Lebanon addressing his sympathisers, alleging the defeated to be “failures”. The video was moving, yet derogatory and arrogant.

Israel now

Israel, during this time of crisis, has managed to act the most tactfully out of all Middle Eastern states. Establishing ties with bordering nations, and maintaining historical alliances, Israel has managed to emerge relatively unscathed.

Now it looks towards the future, in an effort to realise its Zionist dream, to develop as a nation and make peace with its bordering nations.

By Margaux Lucas - Writer/Journalist

Last week the Council of the Arab League succeeded in shaping a resolution on further military cooperation and security in the Arab world. Nevertheless, the run of negotiations unveiled different times in the debate. As guest States joined the conference, the Council of the Arab League progressed. The Council succeeded in achievements only when opening negotiation to other members.

As the Council of the Arab League started, only nine representatives were in the room. Yemen, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syrian National Council, Iraq, Libya, Jordan and Egypt all agreed on establishing a stable situation in Middle East. The Cabinet remained focused on the Syrian struggle for days. All parties acknowledged their support to the Syrian rebels groups and urged the international community to stabilize the situation while hearing the rebels' voice “that has spoken so loudly”. Representative of the SNC, Hillary Briffa, played a key role on giving objectives to the conference. Insisting on the solution assessed in the Geneva Communique, she urged to dismiss Assad from power for “the longer we wait, the more citizens are dying”. In a climate of emergency, the Arab Nations tried to work together on a decisive resolution on the Syrian conflict. Nevertheless, the debate never started. Member States stagnated. Issues divided the Council: how could the Council dismiss Assad? Could member States interfere by military means? What group would then be empowered? The Syrian National Council alone could not influence any action from the organization, nor could it lead to any progress on the Syrian future.

          Introducing innovation in the debate

Facing stagnation, thePresident of Turkey urged member States to be “proactive” and conceded to invite other States to negotiations. Soon, the Minister of Health from Morocco joined the debate. Morocco brought new ideas to discussion and encouraged openness in the Council. The sudden death of Syrian President Bashar al Assad overwhelmed the run of the Council. Syrian National Coalition’s representative, Hillary Briffa, accepted to invite a Syrian regime member. Lee Marsden, Minister of General Security under Assad, had the opportunity to express his will to establish a new regime, “free of torture and free of Human Rights abuses”. After years of reciprocal ignorance and intolerance, the two sides of Syria headed for dialogue and cooperation. They succeeded in achieving an ambitious peace treaty, ending three years of civil war. For the Syrian struggle was solved, the Council of the Arab League focused on other issues. It had to respond to Lebanon’s invasion by Israel. During this last Council, the Arab League reaffirmed its eagerness to weigh in the world’s affair by condemning Israel’s behavior and even considering a military intervention by “Arab troops”. Member States are also willing to shape a future together. With this aim, they finalized the Amos Peace treaty to ensure a “strong body” to Arab States. Moreover, they expressed a deep sense of initiative by proposing to host the 2020 Arab World Football Cup in… Syria, for it is now meant to be a peaceful country!

By Sofia Majorova - Writer/Journalist

With the late afternoon of the conference, the newly drafted constitution and a radically re-structured Cabinet of Persia welcomes the wish of a better future for the country, the rise of the bright future that brings freedom, like the light of the dawn that comes after the darkness of uncertainty.

Former President back in power

Formerly the Vice-President, later assigned a role of the Health Minister before becoming the President himself, he has survived the removal by his IRCG and the Ayatollah and later came back to power after Ayatollah's overthrow. There is no doubt that since his rise to power a new chapter started in the history of the Persian Cabinet in the name of unity, stability, cooperation and the freedom of expression, previously oppressed by the power-seeking former President and IRGC.

The core of the nucleus

The Persian Cabinet blamed the Ayatollah for the bombings of the Syrian President. As a response to the nuclear weapons detected by the US at the Persian-Iraqi border, the President of Persia publicly announced that Persia was aiming to increase its nuclear potential. He  later added that Persia's desire to acquire nuclear weapons will be only for purely defensive purposes. Responsibility for the later bombings of Turkey were also rejected by the Republic and the Persian Cabinet promised to launch an investigation. Turkey has responded with a military threat, but no military action eventually took place.

Temporary empire

The Vice-President loses the loyalty of the troops and with the help of the Commander in Chief attempts to establish an Empire of Persia, stressing the importance of secularity of the ruling bodies. Soon after the attempt, the Vice-President is poisoned and bombed and his mentioned decisions are discredited. The last dictator in the Cabinet of the Persian Republic is finally removed.

Peace talks

The Cabinet briefly discussed the potential requested return of the Ayatollah from exile as a peaceful measure. This idea was later abandoned.

As the end of the conference approaches, it is the very first time since the beginning that the idea of peace talks with Israel to encourage stability within the region is brought to the agenda. In his press statement, the Commander Chief has expressed his desire for a "stable, united Persian Republic“ and for "no more fractions and rebel forces“ within the country. Later negotiations involved the offer of the Persian-Lebanese alliance in return for a Shia, Hezbollah-lead government in Lebanon. The President has furthermore made a statement that Persia "has a nuclear capacity and will use it as necessary, if the US does not withdraw within the next 24 hours“.

Shortly before the unexpected coup in Syria and the overtake of the government by the former Minister of Economy, Persia has proposed a draft treaty with Syria, Turkey and Israel regarding the Golan Heights (on an equal division of territory) to fulfill the desire for a stable and peaceful Middle Eastern region. Consequently, Persia recognises the sovereignty of the State of Israel and confirms its optimistic stance and openness towards peace talks. Due to the limited conference time, however, the treaty does not come into practice officially.

By Sofia Majorova - Writer/Journalist

Nuclear capacity under supervision

The turmoil surrounding the return of the former President of Iran has culminated in his execution and beheading. The temporary calmness that has settled within the Cabinet has been disrupted by the mysterious death of the Minister of Atomic Energy. In spite of the loss, the Cabinet of the Islamic Republic has never been more stable than now. The burden of the responsibility to maintain this stability and unite the members is now on the shoulders of the new President.

Iran's side-picking as the region destabilises

Besides Israel's verbal attacks and accusations regarding Iran's nuclear program, the Israeli intelligence blamed several countries for poisoning of one of their ministers. The tensions erupted after Israel declared war on Lebanon. The Ayatollah subsequently released a press statement confirming the support for a Hezbollah-lead government in Lebanon. The region is gradually becoming more and more divided – Israel is gathering support from the Christian part of the Lebanese government, Saudi Arabia and a long-term ally, the US against Syria, the Muslim division of the Lebanese government and Iran itself.

Suspicion and the war within

The second day of the conference unfolds the house arrest of the new President. The former IRCG has previously planned to overthrow the Ayatollah and overtake the government with newly-obtained presidential power. Even after bravely taking on the tough task to manage the Cabinet and bring a solution to the ongoing crisis in Iran's neighbourhood, the Supreme Leader did significantly struggle to make decisions efficiently and organise all the Cabinet members as a response to the crisis in Lebanon. In spite of the unstable neighbourhood, the Cabinet of Iran has later stood up on its feet confidently and later expressed support for a Shia-lead government in Lebanon.

Cold War on a burning ground

As information about Israel's standby nuclear program approached the Cabinet, the President decided to cooperate with Pakistan to obtain nuclear weapons. The successful negotiations confirmed the deal between the two countries. Iran has acquired 26 nuclear weapons from Pakistan and Iran offered Pakistanis 20,000 troops and 200 aircrafts with a primary purpose for protection from the Israeli army.

Overthrown Ayatollah sent to exile

The Iranian President previously put under house arrest by the Ayatollah is released from his home arrest. The Supreme Leader  is subsequently overthrown by the liberated President and the Commander in Chief who has collected the signatures of all the members of the Cabinet in order to remove the Ayatollah. As a result, The Republic of Persia is established. The new constitution and a Cabinet is created and the former second President of Iran becomes the new President of The Persian Republic. The originally arrested President and former IRCG becomes the Vice-President of the Cabinet.

By Ahyskel Leon - Writer/Journalist

Between allies and enemies

On the sixth day of this year's conference Lebanon seemed to be floating between allies and enemies without a clear direction. Due to the indecisive government information could barely be retrieved. Here is to say that in Lebanon the freedom of speech was very limited. The press was merely allowed to published news which were strictly confirmed by the members of the cabinet. Notwithstanding the press discovered from secret sources that the Islamic Republic of Persia was an ally of Lebanon. Persia is known to be a big enemy of Israel, therefore, it may seem logical that these two constituted a front line against Israel.

Upheavals in the Middle East

Persia's determination to bomb Turkey caused a radical change in the Middle East between Lebanon, Persia and Turkey. Turkey threatened to strike back on Lebanese ground. However, the Lebanese cabinet refused to bow down to intimidation and the Minister of Security in relation to this stated: “ We look forward to continue relations with Persia!”. As a consequence the Lebanese government was forced to flee to a bunker and trust on Persia's loyalty. At the same time the maintenance to Russian relations were encouraged from Michel Suleiman and the Minister of Security.

US invasion in the country

After several hours of hiding the Lebanese government received the news about the US invasion in the country. The Islamic Republic of Persia's reaction towards the American assault was the threat of using nuclear weapons if they do not restore the order and withdraw their military forces from Lebanese ground. Yet, the US and Israel in cooperation invaded the cabinet which had to flee and hide in a secret and safe place. The Prime Minister spoke to the press: “We will bleed the Americans dry. The downfall of the imperialist empire has started!”. Lebanon was in hope of receiving help from China and Russia.

S eeking for UN resolution

Lebanese government ended up in a highly precarious situation and called the UN for a resolution. The Minister of Security declared to the UN that the government needs to be prepared for a ceasefire deal and a meeting with Israel. Addressing Ban Ki-moon the President of Lebanon threatened to hold his family hostage. Furthermore, Persia threatened the US to use nuclear weapons if they should not withdraw their military forces immediately.

World Cup as the resolution

Due to the inability of peace agreements between several nations the Arab League recommended to remove all borders and form one United Arabic State of Q-AT-AR and host the World Cup as a symbol of freedom and peace between the nations. Following this, the cabinet proclaimed the newly created Free Lebanese Republic.

By Ahyskel Leon - Writer/Journalist

Lebanon's strike on Israel

 After yesterday's meeting the Lebanon Cabinet continues following their last strategy of attempting to weaken Israel as much as possible. According to inside sources the Syrians received an aircraft from Israel and they attacked Sidon killing many innocent civilians. There was a considerable indignation in the cabinet and the members were highly furious. The new target was now to make Israel responsible for this assassination and make it look like it was an Israeli attack on Lebanese ground. In doing so, the Lebanese government expected international support in the war against Israel. As a response the Arab League promised support to lebanon against the Israeli regime. Furthermore, the President of the Lebanon government strength posed the question if “it would not be better to get a guerrilla war?”.

Consequences of Sidon's attack

Lebanon's government convinced the press to publish Sidon's survival stories with a particular emphasis on the terror and fear dominating the city after the attack from Israel. The President came to the conclusion that this war is becoming a religious war. For this reason Michel Suleiman decided to convert to Islam and become a Shia. Furthermore, he called on “all good Muslims to support their beleaguered brothers” in this conflictual situation. Further decision were discussed about renewing relations to Syria and ask for their help. The President stated: “We are under attack by Jewish invaders!”.

New allies

Lebanon's cabinet decided to set rumors about an alliance with China and Russia to intimidate Israel and its allies. The President and the Minister of Security decided to send the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Iran and rebuild relations. The Minister of Security's reaction to Persia's leader was that he is “insane and radical”. Afterwards the Minister of Foreign Affairs brought the good news about the improvement of Iran-Lebanon relations. In addition, despite the President's doubts about Syrian being a great help for the country it was proclaimed that Syria had become a new ally and the Prime Minister stated: “We will respect Syria's integrity!”. Together the President and the Prime Minister declared both their position as Pro-Syria. A further ideological ally for been Shia was Egypt, especially, having all allies in common their rivalry to Israel. With great efforts Lebanon tried to move Egypt into the war.

Alliances breaking

To Lebanon's disadvantage Syria decided to sympathise with Israel which shook Lebanese ground. However, it was not long until Syria was determined to subtly help Lebanon's movement in the war against Israel and open the gates for the transport of weapons.

Attack on Syria's president

Towards the end of the day the Cabinet obtained the latest news about a phone bomb attack on Syria's president from Iran. Most controversial the Islamic Republic of Persia took over the Iran Cabinet announcing that “anyone who says Iran will be killed”.

By Margaux Lucas - Writer/Journalist

After years of civil war and violence, the National Coalition of Syria and member of the former regime agreed on a peace treaty that ends up the conflict. The Nobel Committee awarded for its Peace prize the leaders of negotiations: Dr. Hillary Briffa and Dr. Lee Marsden.

In honor of duo’s “extensive work in finally negotiating and agreeing to a peace treaty and bringing the conflict which has ravaged the Syrian Republic for the past three years to an end”, the Nobel Committee awarded Hillary Briffa – representative of the National Coalition - and Lee Marsden – Minister of General Security - the Nobel Peace prize. On the occasion of the Council of the Arab League, both sides of Syria succeeded in overcoming their division. Announcing the award in Oslo, Norwegian Nobel Committee chairman Thorbjoern Jagland affirmed “it wanted to recognize the extensive work and laudable achievement of the pair”. Negotiations went fast between the pair, the path towards peace was not that regular though.

          The tormented walk for peace in Syria

Since its creation on November 2012, the Syrian National Coalition aimed to replace Bashar-Al-Assad's government and its “symbols and pillars of support”, responsible for the killing of thousands of Syrians. After years of struggle, the coalition got a domestic recognition and support all over the world. Finally, the coalition was invited to join the Council of the Arab League on March 2013. 10 months after its integration, the Syrian National Coalition took the rise up to play a key role in negotiations with the regime. The coalition used to never accept the presence of Assad’s government members at its session. However, the recent murder of Assad changed the coalition’s position. Representative Dr. Briffa conceded to invite Minister of General Security, Lee Marsden, to set an agreement that would appease situation for civilians. Dr Briffa and Dr Marsden were instrumental in drafting the peace treaty, which was greeted by the Syrian population.

          Reactions and further cooperation

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon praised the award, saying that Dr. Briffa and Dr. Marsden had “greatly strengthened the prospects for peace in the Arab region”. The Secretary General of the Syrian National Coalition affirmed its pride and delight for the work achieved by brilliant Hillary Briffa. The treaty was built upon the outcomes of the 2012 Geneva I Communique. It goes a step further by enacting an armistice for the cessation of violence to provide an environment conductive to the rebuilding of Syria. Dr. Briffa said the award was a “great honor yet the true triumph has been to bring respite to the suffering people of Syria”. Dr Marsden added that this was the start of a “new era of cooperation and a chance to enact the necessary grassroots changes that will enable the country to move forward”. Nevertheless, the signing of the treaty is only the beginning and a reminder that there remains much work to be done in securing a democratic and peaceful Syrian state. Moreover, both parties still have to further cooperation on the Arab region issues and agree on the settling of new relations with their neighbors.

By Margaux Lucas - Writer/Journalist

Fancy a flutter, Coming together during Socials

“Blood may be thicker than water, but it is certaintly not as thick as ketchup. Nor does it go as well with French fries”. Jarod Kintz

 After an exhausting day of negotiations, representatives from the Islamic Republic of Iran, Lebanese Republic, Syrian Arab Republic, State of Israel and the Council of the Arab League met for dinner at the elegant Opus restaurant, Birmingham. The succulent three course meal gave the occasion to overcome divisions of the past few weeks. French observers agreed: gastronomy brings unity.

Tired eyes, tousled hair, delegates enjoyed the muted atmosphere of the Opus private lounge to get through a week of disagreement. The private room replaced the strict desks of conference. Walls covered by wood panels, tapestry and thick carpets introduced snugness and intimacy between representatives. One felt free to open widely her skirt, others left their suit jacket behind their chairs. As laughs gushed out everywhere in the place, cabinets got mixed, without really forgetting their goals. Saudi Arabia entertained Libya on oil issues; Jordan kept close to Iraq during the meal, under the attentive eyes of press team.

Nevertheless, Arab Nations experienced cohesion during its awaited social. At the back of the room, representatives exchanged their childhood games. Delegates forgot their mannered behavior while miming their rush on playground. “Did you used to do that too?” Of course, they did. If denominations differed, cheeky eyes remained on all delegates’ faces. Now grown-up people, caught up in different role plays, yesterday's reception might have inspired delegates for their further negotiations. Playing together, shaping universes, representatives remembered how to build hand to hand history. Just about to update an ambitious resolution of cooperation and unity in the Arab world, the dinner did well to the Arab League.

By Tamir Morgan - Writer/Journalist

Wahey, our first dead Israeli minister

Internal Affairs has been poisoned. Although his death, in the long run, may have been inconsequential, he was a point of opposition to the President of Israel. Israel’s cabinet from then on was united, agreeing with the President, the stalwart policy setter, on most points of discussion.

The Free Christians of Lebanon

Moderate and oppressed Christians broke away from the Lebanese cabinet to an area situated in Southern Lebanon. Hezbollah and the extremists gained control of turbulent Lebanon. The Free Christians of Lebanon had publicly collaborated with Israel, declaring war on the Jihadi Lebanon in the name of freedom. One press statement did, however, confuse me. Israel alleged the FCL to be the “legitimate government” of Lebanon. Since when did a minority, Christian contingent, exiled, become the “legitimate government” of Lebanon, a Muslim country? This is evidently an example of Israeli bias against the Islamic state. It is fair to say that the Arab Bloc sees Israel as a lower form of life and vice-versa.

Israeli Immigration law revised

Israel, in an attempt to gain valuable human resources in the form of the highly educated, and in an attempt to grant refuge to minority Jews, softened immigration law. An interview with the Communications Minister and the Foreign Affairs Minister was posted on Twitter.

WAR

Israel and the FCL declared war on Lebanon, sending IDF and Lebanese militia to the borders of Southern Lebanon. Israel’s standing army stands at 3,000,000 (mainly conscripted) and Israel boasts a navy full of destroyers, air-craft carriers and other, smaller vessels. A formidable force for anyone let alone a lowly state such as Lebanon.

The US pledged support to Israel, sending two fleets to aid Israel’s best intentions. The general consensus is that Israel is on the side of justice, freedom and maintaining human rights.

Israel’s cabinet rejoices at what looks likely to be a comprehensive victory over their Jihadi neighbours.

Oooooh that’s a pretty cloud! Oh wait, ahhhhh!

Peacekeepers saw “several Israeli aircraft in southern Lebanese airspace and saw them dump what appears to be a substance that is akin to white phosphorous on the town of Sidon”. Israeli planes, supposedly coordinated by Syria (as stated later by Israel), used chemical weapons against Lebanese civilians in Sidon. The global forum was instantly fuming at the Israeli authorities because, on first glance (and due to the fact that Israel and Lebanon are officially in a state of requited war) Israel looked like the culpable party.

The US, France and Canada called for an investigation before jumping to unjustifiable conclusions.

The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) prohibits the production, use and transaction of chemical weapons. On these grounds Israel has severely breached international law.

To sum up

Israel realised that it had to seek for moderate support, and did so in the form of the FCL, who they consider to be the “legitimate government” of Lebanon. However, the final twist in the story, the white phosphorous, means that a large majority of the international community may be opposed to Israel’s seemingly inhumane war tactics.

Israel has disregarded the sanctity of life of their Islam neighbours in the past. A few weeks ago a man pelting rocks from Gaza into Israel was shot dead by Israeli border forces. Israel has allegedly committed war crimes, in the past, including the killing of women and children.

By Tamir Morgan - Writer/Journalist

Inside the Mandela room, a title fit for the occasion, the stage was set for what has been an intriguing 2014 UoBMAL Crisis. Israel is arguably the most endangered country in the Middle East, surrounded by Arab enemies left, right and centre: states which don’t recognise Israel’s position on the global forum; states who have staged numerous attacks on Israel; and states who have attempted to annex trade to the region. In order to survive Israel may have to look towards the making of an unlikely alliance.

President vs Internal Security

The general consensus within the cabinet agreed that Israel should maintain and protect, its fragile borders. This was expressed as imperative. But the means of how to bring about this protection were disputed. Two of the key debaters were the President, who wanted to improve foreign affairs with neighbouring countries, and the Internal Security minister, who wanted more border protection through mobilising the IDF. There are pros and cons to both. Yes, foreign affairs links, in an ideal world, should be strengthened. With alliances would come peace to this war-riddled nation, but does the President forget who he is dealing with? Arab states who do not recognise Israel as a nation and have inherent anti-Semitist values, states which have annexed trade to and from Israel in the past (admittedly to their own detriment), states in which terrorist organisations ranging from Hamas to Hezbollah have persisted copious amounts of light attack towards Israel. Perhaps heightened military intervention is an option, but how will the secular West look upon this? Already urged to pull troops out of the West Bank, Internal Security proposed that Israel effectively increases its buffer zone.

Terrorists your days are through, now you have to answer to…Israel!

It is clear that Israel has one main incentive, to ensure security for its people and to maintain the Zionist state. However, as moderates began to be assassinated, deposed, exiled and even publicly executed in dramatic fashion, this looked like an unlikely prospect. Throughout history the moderate Middle East has been open to discussion. Before Hamas claimed the Gaza Strip in 2006, effectively undoing negotiations carried out between the PA and Israel preceding, Israel had been experiencing a time of relative peace. Since then Israel has felt obliged to patrol all borders of the Gaza strip (including maritime) and Gaza’s air-space. Israel still maintains 100 plus, internationally illegal, settlements on the West Bank. Israel looks to counter the impending terrorist threat posed by the anti-Zionist extremists.

An unlikely friendship with Syria

In an attempt to combat terrorism on Syrian soil, Syrian representatives travelled to Israel to discuss a possible peace deal, and to ask for support in fighting Syrian opposition. The deal went splendidly (although Assad did die). General Security of Syria, in an interview, said that “Israel and Syria were working together to fight certain extremist groups” and that they were cooperating to “set aside religious differences”. Unlikely. In the afternoon session three Israeli planes were seen depositing a “white substance akin to phosphorous” on the Lebanese town of Sidon. Israel accused Syria for using planes given to Syria by Israel during the “historic peace agreement”. Possibly Israel should be more wary of who they are dealing with, as they have been in the past.

Lebanese Hezbollah attack Tel Aviv

Three missiles were sent into Tel Aviv by what is believed to be a Hezbollah-coordinating attempt to provoke Israel. Islamic Jihad publicly stated that they were “furious” about the lack of response by Israel, who, at the time, didn’t see the attack as serious. Throughout history missiles whether through Lebanese intifada or by Hamas in Gaza have sparked reaction from Israel in the form of pre-emptive missile attack; this was not the case in the Tel Aviv incident.

By Ahyskel Leon - Writer/Journalist

After one day and a half, the Prime Minister was killed by the evil forces of Hezbollah. In a pre-mortal speech he said that “the best way for Lebanon to move forward is in a united way and that's what I have been trying to do in my time as a Prime Minister. I have cherished the job and I have enjoyed working with all ministers apart from the Minister of Health.”

For the unfortunately already very delicate governmental situation of the Lebanese Republic, the precarious situation did not stop on the Minister of Health's suicide. Only one day after his death, several further ministers were put under house arrest for suspicion of betrayal. The cabinet members agreed on the statement that “traitors cannot be tolerated and terrorists will be exterminated”. As a consequence, by the end of the second day half of the cabinet members were either dead or arrested exhibiting the government's weakness in this highly conflictual time in the Middle East.

Furthermore, the Minister of Intelligence escaped from the country and his period of arrest and despite of his former detention, he decided to go on foreign areas to retrieve information for the Lebanon cabinet which again proclaimed him as a national hero for showing his loyalty to them. Yet, the former president who, as well, was put under arrest along with the Minister of Interior and Municipalities for suspicions in interacting with terrorism, escaped the country and established elsewhere their own government away from Lebanon. Execution attempts on them by Lebanese parliament were thus failed. The cabinet decided to occupy the empty seats with new and more loyal members. A new president, Prime Minister, Minister of Intelligence, Minister of Security were proclaimed.

The new government seemed to regain control over the country. In a interview the new president stated that this new government will stay united and strong against terrorism. Furthermore, he revealed that “Lebanon will accept all political asylum seekers”. However, the new government seemed to be in an imbalance on religious views. Lebanon's new Prime Minister stated that they “cannot tolerate Israeli support of the Free Christians of Lebanon”.

On the third session of the conference, an attack on a military base and civilians via a car bomb in Lebanon was announced. The Prime Minister revealed that Iran had pledged support in their fight against infidels with “Allah's prevail”. Evidently, Lebanon has declared a religion war. Furthermore, Lebanon decided to cooperate with Iran and support Hezbollah which in the beginning of the first day of conference was responsible for the death of Lebanon's former Prime Minister. The third's day conference was concluded with the Prime Minister's remark of lack of support from the Arab League side, PM: “Where is the support from the Arab League in this unjustified invasion?”. 

By Kainat Hussain - Writer/Journalist

Syria no longer had President Assad in power, it was now the rule of Humzah Sheikh whose former role was Justice Minister in the Assad cabinet. This threw the whole cabinet into limbo in terms of where they stood with decision making. Do they continue with the plans of Assad as they were still his supporters and were the closest people to him politically, or, do they move on with a different outlook?

They decided initially to continue with the ideology of Ba’athist party in Syria against the radical republicans and rebels who were waging war in the country. There was no peace for Syria for the time being as shortly after things were beginning to settle there was news of trouble within the nation that could hinder all progress made. It was reported that a series of coordinated and well planned actions from unknown forces unleashed a fresh wave of indiscriminate terror and violence. Large bands of well- equipped and fanatical extremists attacked a series of important military installations in and around Aleppo and Homs. The irregulars were apparently chanting anti-Israel and anti-Assad slogans. There were rumours of Syrian army defectors among the mobs which, if true, raised questions over the loyalties of those in the Syrian military. However, the government responded with force and drove away the rift showing its strength as the body leading a nation in turmoil.

Around the same time the Council of the Arab League published a statement voicing their continuing support for the SNC. They also invited a member of the cabinet to “come to the table with a willingness to move forward in the construction of a transitional Syrian government and the implementation of the Geneva Communique”. This is when the cabinet saw an opportunity for peace within the country. Once again, there was success for the Syrian government as they signed a treaty with the SNC calling for a 30 day ceasefire in the nation. This was one of the biggest triumphs for the Syrian government as it had found peace in the chaos and turmoil of the nation. Even though this is not a permanent settlement, it is most definitely a move towards progressive leadership.

Peace was not in the cards for Syria, as whilst they were achieving goals at one front, in the background there was trouble lurking around the corner. There were reports that Turkish artillery has fired several salvos into Syria. Official military statements say that this was conducted against militant and rebel groups destabilizing the border. The impact of these strikes is as yet unknown. Syria has to be strong in its leadership without antagonising the progress it had made with Israel and the SNC so far. The lockdown on the Council of Arab League for the time being is working to the Syrian’s advantage as it secures their temporary state of peace with the SNC.

The crisis has been nothing short of one of the rockiest rollercoaster rides for the Syrian cabinet. It stands with its breath held; plotting the stance it will take on the Turkish interference and the other threats it has heard rumours of. The League will have to hold on to its umbrellas just as they have been for the weather outside there’s a storm brewing.