All articles tagged with #arab world
The Arab world is cautiously optimistic about Trump's recent peace initiative in the Middle East, which has garnered regional support and admiration, but concerns remain about Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's potential to undermine the peace process through continued military actions and restrictions on aid to Gaza.
The Arab world's support for Yemen's Houthi rebels is driven by a desire to counter Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as well as a belief that the rebels are the only force capable of standing up to these regional powers. The conflict in Yemen has become a proxy war, with various countries backing different factions, leading to a complex and volatile situation in the region.
The recent Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has had a significant impact on Arab views, particularly in Tunisia, according to a survey conducted by Arab Barometer. The survey revealed that favorability ratings towards countries with positive or warming relations with Israel, including the United States and Middle Eastern allies, declined among Tunisians. Conversely, support for Iran's leadership increased. The war also led to a decline in support for the United States and a shift towards armed resistance as a preferred solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These changes in public opinion could have far-reaching implications for regional politics and global alliances. To stabilize the region, Israel and its allies must find a way to end the war and work towards a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
American diplomats in the Arab world have privately warned the Biden administration that its strong support for Israel's military campaign in Gaza is causing growing anger and resentment in the region. Diplomatic cables obtained by CNN reveal concerns about the US losing the messaging battle and being seen as complicit in possible war crimes. The cables highlight the alarm over the rising anti-US sentiment in the Middle East. The Biden administration has faced pressure both domestically and abroad over its support for Israel, with calls for a ceasefire growing among government employees and protests near the White House.
Fears of another Palestinian exodus are spreading across the Middle East as Israel intensifies its aerial bombardment of the Gaza Strip. The region, home to over 5.9 million Palestinian refugees, is concerned about the potential displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to neighboring countries. While Israel denies any intention to evict Gazans, inflammatory rhetoric from some members of Israel's right-wing government has heightened Arab fears. Protests in solidarity with the Palestinians have erupted across the Arab world and in several European capitals and US cities, calling for an end to Israel's bombardment and the 17-year blockade of Gaza.
President Biden's visit to Israel amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas has sparked anger in the Arab world, with Arab nations criticizing Israel for a strike on a Gaza hospital. Despite evidence suggesting the explosion was caused by a misfired Palestinian rocket, the incident has fueled resentment towards America's role in the region. Biden's support for Israel and his "bear hug diplomacy" have drawn criticism, with calls for the US to act as a mediator rather than a party to the conflict. The longer the war continues, the more it could strengthen support for Palestine and weaken US-Israel standing. Arab nations are calling for an immediate ceasefire and accusing Israel of war crimes, while protesters across the Arab world demand an end to Israel's bombing of civilians in Gaza.
Demonstrations of solidarity with Palestinians have erupted across the Arab world, reflecting a broader dissatisfaction with Israel's military occupation of Palestine since 1967. While some may cheer on violence against civilians, the protests represent a rare space for political expression in autocratic states. The Arab world's support for Palestine is deeply rooted in history, grassroots movements, and religious significance. Recent normalization deals between Israel and Arab states have faced backlash from their citizens, indicating that the Palestinian cause remains central in the region. The US must recognize the significance of Palestine in the Middle East and develop policies that address the mass support for Palestinian rights.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad downplayed expectations for closer ties with the Arab world and ruled out a summit with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in his first televised interview since Syria's membership in the Arab League was restored. Assad stated that economic gains from renewed relationships would not happen swiftly and blamed worsening living conditions for discouraging displaced Syrians from returning. He also denied Syrian state involvement in drug smuggling, calling it "illogical," despite recent sanctions on top Syrian officials over alleged drug smuggling.
The new Spider-Man film, "Across the Spider-Verse," has been removed from cinema listings in over a dozen Muslim-majority countries without explanation, possibly due to a brief transgender reference in the background of one frame. While no explicit bans were announced, there were indications that the film will not reach screens in countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality and transgender identity are often considered sinful and contrary to religious beliefs and societal norms. The film's distributor, Empire Entertainment, did not respond to requests for comment.