Joyce Karam
@Joyce_Karam · Gulf & Arab world
Joyce Karam is a senior editor at Al Majalla covering the Washington–Middle East axis.
Interesting case to follow as it might have geopolitical implications as UAE reassesses Yemen policy, Gaza moves and beyond. More to come after short vacation here in Middle East. Hope everyone is well 🎣
Interesting move by UAE’s MBZ, pardoning Egyptian-Turkish poet Abdul Rahman Qardawi - Son of Yousef Qardawi, Godfather of Muslim Brotherhood, historically at odds w UAE - Next move will be telling: hand to Egypt where he is wanted (UAE closes case), OR to Turkey (olive branch)?
From Gaza to Iran wars to Sudan and GERD, the gap between Egypt's Sisi and Trump has only grown in second term. Meanwhile, China is expanding investments in Suez, Huawei presence and as critical defense ties. Precarious times for Cairo and Washington.
Outside the noise on this platform, Barrack's standing is firm with White House. “Barrack may not be perfect for us, but he is Trump’s man and has a long-standing relationship with him. He will not be replaced,” a senior Israeli diplomatic source told Al-Monitor's @BenCaspit
🚨 SCOOP: #Israel rethinking Syria policy, seeking reset with 'Trump's man', envoy Tom Barrack, following recent escalation. Details @AlMonitor https://t.co/VEFVnL8QOH
And it's official ✅ Syria removed from US state sponsor of terror list after 47 years (admin. statement). Iran only Middle Eastern country left on list along with Cuba, North Korea. Sudan, Libya removed in last 2 decades.
🚨 NEWS: Syria Designation as Sponsor of Terror Comes Off Today after 47 Years. Major milestone for Damascus: https://t.co/odgKwCmfom
- The targeting of Kurdistan in Iraq, Saudi refineries and now UAE show a more brazen approach by IRGC + proxies. - The denials by Iranian Foreign Ministry in 2 counts are more of face saving gesture than reflection of hardened reality on ground. - UAE tried hard since May to protect economic interests, work an arrangement with Tehran but that’s coming apart as Iran tries to increase cost of stalemate.
Trump threatening Oman (again) shows lack of US leverage in changing current status-quo. Iran knows and is advancing its deal with Oman, while exercising broader pressure points (Houthis, Lebanon). Gulf states taking notice, trying to work own arrangements. A mess.
On Iran and Hormuz, told NPR that #IRGC is consolidating power, doesn't want war to end...what we are seeing is effectively the iteration of the third Islamic Republic
NEW: 3 ways #China benefits from Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan deal 1- Diversification away from US 2- Pakistan alliance 3- More defense sales for Gulf. More:
Understandably, each side is trying to push their own narrative, but ignoring historical background on Egypt FP since 50s misses full picture. The value of the new pact should not rest on Egypt’s position but on merits that it offers Saudi Arabia, Turkey & Pakistan…TBD for now
Connected stories
- Israel Tells Syria It Seeks No Escalation but Rejects Turkish Military Entrenchment
- Syria Expects Israel Security Talks to Resume Soon, Foreign Minister Says
- U.S. Rescinds Syria’s State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation
- Iranian Drones Hit Kurdistan PM's Office in Erbil, Counter-Terror Directorate Says
- Iraq Demands Iran Clarify Its Position on Strike Targeting Kurdistan PM's Office
- UAE Air Defenses Detect Missile Threat; Residents Told to Remain in a Safe Location
- UAE Says All Trade and Financial Transactions With Iran Are Halted Until Further Notice
- Iran Denies Firing Ballistic Missiles at the UAE, Calls Emirati Accusation Baseless
- Iran Says Hormuz Transit Route Map Agreed With Oman as 60-Day Period Expires
- Trump Threatens to Bomb Oman if It Blocks U.S. Control of the Hormuz Strait