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Spectator
a day ago
- Politics
- Spectator
Only regime change will solve the problem of Iran
The Middle East currently stands at a crossroads. The future geopolitical balance and perhaps also the historical direction of the region depend on the outcome of the war currently underway between Israel and Iran. With the US poised on the cusp of possible intervention, it's important to grasp the nature and dimension of what is at stake. To understand the weight of the present moment, it is necessary to accurately define the nature of the current conflict and its roots. This is a war not only or primarily between states. It is a conflict between systems of governance and between rival visions of the region. The objective needs to be the decapitation of the regime On one side, the Islamic Republic of Iran and its various militia allies are committed to a particular conception of political Islam. Their vision mandates the subversion of regional states by the insertion of political/military proxies of Tehran. These forces, as witnessed in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen, then seek to turn the area in question into a space from which Iran can continue to advance its project. The goal: Iranian hegemony, Islamist rule, and perpetual war until victory over Israel, the US and western-aligned regional states is achieved. On the other side, Israel is the sole regional power with the military capacity to effectively counter this ambition. It is also the only non-Muslim majority state in the Middle East. In its recent diplomatic advances, in particular with the United Arab Emirates, one may glimpse the outline of a rival vision for the region, one based on economic development, modernity, pluralism. For all these reasons, Israel has been singled out for destruction by the regime in Tehran since the earliest days of the Islamic Republic. The Israeli embassy building in Tehran was among the first to be sacked by the mob during the revolution. A Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) office was later opened in its place. The particular brand of Shia Islamism espoused by the late Ayatollah Khomeini had a special contempt for the Jews and their state. Khomeini referred to Israel in 1979 as the 'cancerous Zionist tumour in the body of Islamic countries'. Tehran has conducted a long war intended to result in the demise of the Jewish state since the early 1980s. This effort has been based on three components. The creation and sponsorship of Islamist political-military organisations was one element. The skills of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in this area, combined with actions by rival powers and lucky circumstances, have delivered dividends for Tehran. On the eve of the current war, they had brought Iran effective control of Lebanon and a dominant stake in Iraq, Yemen and the Palestinian movement. All this, combined with an alliance with Assad's Syria, gave Iran effective control of the entire landmass between the Iraq-Iran border and the Mediterranean Sea on the eve of the conflict, as well as a major stake in the Palestinian struggle against Israel (via Hamas) and the ability to strike directly at Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the Gulf of Aden/Red Sea shipping route (through the Houthis). It was a commanding position in the region, and Iran intended to use it as a springboard for further advances. The two other components of Tehran's power projection are its ballistic missile array, the largest in the region, and, most importantly, its clandestine nuclear program. As a result of Hamas's premature firing of the starting gun for conventional war with Israel, Iran's emergent regional empire now lies in ruins. Iran chose in a partial and piecemeal fashion to mobilise its proxies and launch them against Jerusalem. Hezbollah is now weakened, Assad is gone, and Hamas's Gaza fiefdom is reduced to a pile of rubble. These circumstances created a chance for Israel to cripple the Iranian nuclear programme and its missile array, and to strike at Iran's structures of governance. This chance was limited in time. With the exception of Assad in Syria, all of Iran's losses are reversible. The opportunity needed to be used or lost. The statement by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran is in violation of its commitments vis a vis the nuclear non-proliferation treaty added greater urgency to the moment. The running down of the clock on the 60 days of negotiations to which the US administration had committed itself made action feasible. In the early hours of the morning on 13 June, Israel chose to act. Until now, the results have been encouraging. Nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Arak have been targeted and severely damaged. A wide range of individuals and targets associated with regime governance have also been eliminated, including two military chiefs of staff, a series of senior IRGC commanders and a number of nuclear scientists. The regime has been set back years in the nuclear arena and elsewhere. None of this, however, yet resembles anything like victory. The Fordow uranium enrichment facility, embedded in the mountains near the Shia holy city of Qom, remains intact. It is immune, according to a recent article by former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, to the IDF's current capacities. The US appears poised to intervene to address the matter of Fordow. It remains to be seen if President Donald Trump will give the order. But if he does, and the US action is limited to this one strike, or indeed if he does not, there is a possible negative outcome of which Israel should be aware. If Israel just keeps pounding away at Iranian targets, damaging but not destroying them, it risks being drawn into a war of attrition which will play to Tehran's benefit, not Jerusalem's. Potential shortages in Israel's Arrow 3 interceptors render this issue more acute. If, following such a slogging match, Israel at a certain point declares victory and leaves, what will remain will be a damaged but not destroyed regime with an obvious incentive to race towards the bomb. This would be the worst possible outcome. It's therefore imperative that Israel, the US, or some combination thereof commit to the intensification of the pace and scale of current operations, and the expansion of the target list to include the regime's most senior figures. The objective needs to be the decapitation of the regime. Iran's folly in sending its proxies against Israel in 2023, and then initiating direct attacks in April 2024 has created an opportunity. The Islamic Republic of Iran has cast a shadow over the Middle East for nearly half a century. It's time that this shadow be lifted.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Law will take its own course, says Mamata on HC's OBC order
Kolkata: Reacting to Calcutta High Court's stay on the state govt's OBC list that was notified on June 3, CM Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said the law would take its own course. Pointing out that the stay was till July 31, she said the final order was still awaited. "It is an interim order, not the final judgment," Banerjee said, adding: "I cannot criticise the judge, but the judgment." The CM said govt had received "some suggestions and some orders" from HC on Tuesday and the legal team was examining them."In the SC, we took three months' time. We will see legally what suits us," she said. Saying the state had followed the HC's rules, Banerjee said: "We did not do the survey; it was done by West Bengal Backward Class Commission." Taking aim at the opposition, she said: "CPM and BJP do not want reservation for OBC. It is for the poor and particularly for economically and socially backward people." "How can we deprive 33% of people of their rights? There are 60 non-Muslim castes among the 140 on the OBC list. Some people seem to be irritated at the sight og Muslims. But they must remember that Netaji's right hand was Shahnawaz Khan. It was Shah Jahan who built the Taj Mahal. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo How can you wipe out history?" the CM said. Kazi Nazrul Islam and Rabindranath Tagore, too, wanted Hindus and Muslims to stay united, the CM said, adding: "Why was Madam (Colonel Sofiya) Qureshi given the brief after the Pahalgam incident?" In the Army, Banerjee said, all religions were allowed and followed. There was even a dargah in Belur Math, she added. The CM also slammed BJP for "blocking jobs through PILs". "Many people are jobless because of you. There are thousands of vacant posts in police and for teachers, but the vacancies cannot be filled due to you," she said. "OBC reservation was done by former PM VP Singh, and at the time, BJP supported him. Why didn't BJP oppose him then? They are trying to dictate to people in all fields and in all matters, ranging from what to eat and what to read and where to stay." the CM said. Trinamool spokesperson Kunal Ghosh told reporters: "BJP is an anti-OBC party... One must look at the conspiracy by the opposition here... We have faith in the judiciary, but one must take note of who the architects were... The picture that is emerging is similar to what we have seen before. We saw that in this HC — those who made big statements on recruitment stepped aside to become BJP MPs. Now, they want to damage OBCs and create unrest. " "Their politics is of creating legal hurdles, whereas we work towards resolving issues," he added.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Political sparring erupts in Bengal after Calcutta High Court stays new OBC list
Political tensions escalated in West Bengal on Wednesday after the Calcutta High Court stayed the implementation of a new OBC reservation list introduced by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government on Tuesday. The court order came days after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee laid the revised list before the Assembly. A division bench of Justices Tapabrata Chakraborty and Rajasekhar Mantha directed the state not to take any action based on the list until July 31, when the matter will be heard next. Earlier this month, the West Bengal government had issued a notification expanding the OBC list to include 76 additional sub-castes, taking the total number of communities to 140. Of these, 80 are Muslim communities and 60 are non-Muslim. The move triggered sharp criticism from the Opposition, with BJP and CPI(M) leaders accusing the TMC of indulging in vote-bank politics. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said on X, 'I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Hon'ble Calcutta High Court for its landmark decision to stay the inclusion of 76 Muslim classes in the new OBC list prepared by the Mamata Banerjee government. This is a resounding victory of the judiciary against an arrogant state government that has repeatedly flouted constitutional norms for narrow political gains.' Alleging religious bias in the reclassification, Adhikari said: 'The TMC government's blatant appeasement politics is evident from the disproportionate inclusion of almost 90% Muslim communities in the updated OBC list. Before TMC came to power in 2010, only 20% of OBC communities were Muslim. Under Mamata Banerjee's regime, this number has skyrocketed, sidelining deserving Hindu and other non-Muslim communities who have historically required affirmative action.' He added, 'Today's stay order is a powerful reminder that the rule of law prevails over political opportunism.' CPI(M) central committee member Sujan Chakraborty also criticised the government at a press conference, saying: 'The state government consistently misleads people on OBC reservation. The High Court had earlier cancelled an OBC list. Instead of rectifying the process, the government repeated the same mistakes. This is nothing but an attempt to mislead the people of Bengal.' 'Celebrating' the High Court order on Wednesday, the BJP distributed sweets in the legislative Assembly. TMC leaders slammed Adhikari for distributing sweets in the state Assembly following the order. 'BJP is an anti-OBC party. One must look at the plot being conspired by Opposition leaders here. We have faith in judiciary but one must take note of who were the architects. The picture that is emerging is similar to what we have seen before. We have seen that in this High Court, those who made big statements on recruitment stepped aside to become BJP MPs. Now, they want to damage OBCs and create unrest,' said TMC leader Kunal Ghosh. 'Their politics is creating legal hurdles whereas we work towards resolving issues,' Ghosh added. Launching a strong offensive against the BJP, TMC leaders on Wednesday slammed the Leader of Opposition. Addressing a press conference at Kolkata's Trinamool Bhavan, TMC leader Arup Chakraborty said, 'It is unfortunate to see that the one who has been appointed as the Leader of Opposition by the BJP is making such statements, which is a direct attack on India's federal structure. Making such a statement means they are engaging in anti-national statements. People like Suvendu Adhikari give lectures on patriotism. He should be booked under UAPA for his remarks and the agencies should initiate an investigation against him.' Atri Mitra is a Special Correspondent of The Indian Express with more than 20 years of experience in reporting from West Bengal, Bihar and the North-East. He has been covering administration and political news for more than ten years and has a keen interest in political development in West Bengal. Atri holds a Master degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University and Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University. He is also an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur. He started his career with leading vernacular daily the Anandabazar Patrika, and worked there for more than fifteen years. He worked as Bihar correspondent for more than three years for Anandabazar Patrika. He covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections. He also worked with News18-Bangla and covered the Bihar Lok Sabha election in 2019. ... Read More
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Stronger PBS-Sabah STAR ties can only help GRS, says Gunsalam
KOTA KINABALU: The strengthened bond between Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Sabah STAR is not meant to threaten the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, says Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam. The PBS acting president said that stronger collaboration between the two parties is needed to better unify and strengthen GRS. ALSO READ: PBS and Sabah STAR eyeing more non-Muslim native seats ( He said unity among coalition members was necessary to face the coming 17th State Election. 'To face it, we must unite under GRS,' he said after officiating the Matunggong PBS annual general meeting on Tuesday (June 17). Joachim, who is Deputy Chief Minister II, also reminded PBS members to remain united, prevent disharmony, and assist the GRS candidate fielded in Matunggong. ALSO READ: PBS, Sabah STAR sign MOU towards political unity for Sabah's native communities ( He said PBS will represent GRS in Matunggong, with Datuk Julita Majungki as the candidate. 'Let us work hard to make sure all our candidates win in the coming state election,' he added. In April last year, PBS and Sabah STAR signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in the state election. It was seen as a significant step towards forging political unity that had eluded the native communities for the last three decades.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Unifor to work with JKR Sarawak on cost assessments for houses of worship projects, mechanism to determine allocation amounts
Uggah (centre) is greeted by elected representatives at the event. – Ukas photo KUCHING (June 18): The Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) will collaborate with the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak to prepare cost assessments for houses of worship projects in the state, said Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, the Deputy Premier is reported as saying this is to comply with audit inquiries regarding the mechanism used to determine fund allocation amounts. 'This collaboration is to ensure that every allocation channelled meets the criteria of the application submitted by applicants,' said Uggah, who is Minister in charge of Unifor, during the first phase of cheque presentations to non-Muslim houses of worship here on Tuesday. He said since its establishment, Unifor has approved 2,260 projects. He reminded applicants that approved projects must be immediately implemented. 'Failure to do so will result in the management of the house of worship and elected representatives not being allowed to submit further applications,' he said in his speech. Uggah said this year, the Sarawak government has allocated RM90 million for the development of houses of worship for other religions. In addition, RM20 million will be channelled to mission schools. douglas uggah embas houses of worship jkr sarawak lead Unifor
