The Iran-West match reaches extra time

The editor-in-chief of Al Sharq Al Awsat, Tareq al Homayed raised the issue of the recent US-led resolution to impose sanctions on Iran, despite the latter's efforts to avoid them through an alliance with Turkey and Brazil. The decision came as a surprise to Tehran. It even prompted the Turkish prime minister to say to President Obama that the deal with Iran was an "opportunity" rather than a "solution".

"Thus, the Iran-West game is now in extra time, especially now that the International Atomic Energy Agency has received a letter from Iran about the Iranian-Turkish-Brazilian agreement on uranium exchange." The next stage will show if the agreement is viable under the continual threat of sanctions. The IAEA has now to reassure the world on Iran's intentions. Will it be able to do so? The task is difficult and challenging, for the agency will have to send inspectors to Iran's nuclear sites to determine the real volume of the low enriched uranium. In case the volume exceeds the amounts declared, the tripartite agreement will not be sufficient. There is also the question of Iran's readiness to co-operate and authorise inspections. Will Iran be transparent? Will it give the process ample time, as the Iranians are masters at the game of time wasting. The situation is intriguing, and requires careful observation, for the game is complicated.

In a comment piece for Emirati daily Al Bayan, Mariam Salem wrote about the controversy surrounding the Algerian film "Hors la Loi" (Outlaws) shown at the Cannes Festival and nominated for the coveted Palme d'Or award. The film, an Algerian-French production, depicts the atrocities committed by the French in Algeria. It focuses on a period of history that shaped the Algeria that we know it today.

The film attracted an angry response from French protesters who claim that it is false history. Their reaction demonstrates the superiority complex of former colonial power, which still refuse to listen to the views of the colonised. "This is what makes the re-enactment of history necessary. It gives the Algerians a voice to express their torment and unveils the truths of an intentionally obscured history."

It is interesting that the French attempt to defend their colonial history, as if the Arab world, which endured decades of poverty, persecution and exploitation, will forget the past. At a time when resistance against the oppressor have become a synonym for terrorism and barbarism, it is essential to revive the tragedies and injustices that people endured so that they are not forgotten. The hope remains that this film will awaken the French government's conscience and cause it to make amends, or at least apologise for the past atrocities that they committed.

Al Hayat published an article by the British politician Sir Cyril Townsend about the difficult relationship between Turkey and the European Union. He asked if Turkey finally realises that its future is not with the EU. In 1999, Turkey, a respected member of Nato, was a candidate for the EU, which was still expanding in size and influence. Turkey was warned that the procedure may be long and require it to reforms its human rights record and civic laws. In addition, the political role of the army was unacceptable.

The Bush administration used its diplomatic influence to persuade the EU to welcome Turkey, but to no avail. Now Turkey must ask itself whether it is a European or an Asian country? It is both. Turkey is deeply rooted in Asia, but belongs geographically to Europe. It has become apparent through recent political and diplomatic efforts that Turkey is leaning more heavily toward the Islamic world. Coupled with its strong support to Northern Cyprus, which continues to deny Greek national their rights, its eastern inclinations pulls it further from its European aspirations. France had stated that Turkey's Islamic heritage has no place in Europe. Germany is also not enthusiastic about the possibility of Turkey in the EU. Sir Townsend concludes by saying that rather than joining the EU, Turkey should build a strong and enduring partnership with it.

South Africa was right to reveal the first officially documented evidence that Israel has nuclear weapons, wrote Mazen Hammad in an opinion piece for the Qatari newspaper Al Watan.

According to the minutes of secret meetings between the two countries, South Africa requested that Israel provide it with nuclear warheads. Israel replied that it had three times the number of missiles South Africa wanted. All the missiles, Israel said, were equipped with nuclear warheads. Israel has attempted to discourage South Africa from disclosing this information, especially during non-proliferation talks. The disclosure of these secrets now would remove the ambiguity on Israel's nuclear policy, and undermine its claim that it is a responsible state.

The documents were declassified at the request of the American academic, Bolako Suranski Sasha. He said that Israel offered to sell South Africa sophisticated missiles, but the deal was too expensive. South Africa decided instead to produce its own arsenal with Israeli help. Such information, if best used, contended Hammad, should draw back the curtains on 60 years of Israeli lies, and would diminish the state's moral and political standing.

* Digest compiled by Racha Makarem [e-mail]