A proposed buffer zone in northern Syria could cause renewed socio-economic upheaval in a major oil and farming region whose Kurdish militia rulers used social engineering methods similar to the Syrian regime that had oppressed their people.
From Hafez Al Assad to his son Bashar to Al Qaeda, ISIS and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces militia, conquerors of the region along the Euphrates River Valley have altered social structures and neutralised established figures.
They expelled or forcibly transferred populations to solidify their power and install their frontmen, tactics Ankara may not hesitate to employ as it seeks to weaken its Kurdish foes and reduce its Syrian refugee population.
On Friday, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar announced the formation of a joint operations centre with the US to manage a buffer zone along the Turkish border. Turkey cites concern at the influence of Syrian Kurdish forces, which Ankara considers an offshoot of the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), and argues the proposed zone will allow Syrian refugees to return home.
There was no confirmation from Washington, suggesting ongoing differences with Turkey.
When the US reduced its military presence Syria this year, it limited Washington’s ability to prevent an expanding Turkish sphere of influence in northern Syria beyond areas in Idlib and the Aleppo countryside. It also dealt a further blow to the goal of Syrian Kurdish forces to create a continuous territory along the Turkish border.
Starting in 2012, Kurdish forces took over large areas in Syria’s northeast, first as the People's Protection Units (YPG), and later as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as Kurdish leaders recruited Syrian Arabs into their ranks.
Syria’s northeast is home to the country’s biggest oil field and breadbasket. The area’s population is mixed and is significantly tribal, although Kurds are a majority in a number of cities. Before the 2011 uprising, Kurds were an estimated ten per cent of Syria’s 22 million but were disenfranchised, with hundreds of thousands denied citizenship and not allowed to teach their own language, although the late Hafez Al Assad armed the PKK as a proxy against Turkey.
The Syrian regime had rewarded YPG leaders for helping the regime crush the initially peaceful uprising against the Assad family rule. Later the SDF became the loyal local ally of the US in the coalition’s war against ISIS.
Those who gained from their association with the YPG will mostly flee if the safe zone comes to fruition.
As it expanded, Kurdish forces appointed cadres and their associates as new powerbrokers in the northeast, diminishing many established Arab and Kurdish families. Ultimate authority is mostly held by “Apogis”, the ideologically fervent believers in the personality cult of Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK leader imprisoned in Turkey.
The new figures solidified their influence by selling wheat and oil to the Syrian regime. The US foiled a deal in May this year between a YPG frontman in the city of Qamishli and a pro-regime company in Damascus under US sanctions to repair a large gas plant near the city of Deir Ez Zor and share the revenue, according to a Kurdish source in the YPG administration.
Socio-political arrangements imposed by the YPG have resembled the Alawite dominated Syrian regime structures under which the behind-the-scene viceroys in the northeast were security agents, while local council structures were erected to give the appearance of grass roots democracy.
One such arrangement appears to have been implemented in the town of Manbij, which the SDF captured from ISIS in early 2017. The SDF appointed Farouk Al Mashi, a tribal figure, to head the Manbij City Council. Mr Al Mashi is son of Diab Al Mashi, a member of the rubber stamp Syrian parliament from 1954 until his death in 2009.
The elder Al Mashi became well known in Syria as the main figure in the 2003 documentary Deluge in the land of the Baath by Syrian dissident Omar Amiralay. In the film Al Mashi boasts of being the longest serving parliamentarian in the world under a "democratic edifice" built by Hafez Al Assad.
But without US support, Syrian Kurds would not have been able to sustain many of their Arab tribal clients, who now risk retribution if the area falls under Turkish control. If the proposed buffer zone is created, Ankara is likely to send in its proxy National Army, an amalgamation of former Syrian rebel units.
Radeef Mustafa, a prominent Syrian Kurdish lawyer opposed to the YPG said the group has worsened the situation by “acting as a control-obsessed militia not interested in mending society or in the development of communities”.
"The YPG have presented themselves as having a huge societal base but this is just marketing. Those who gained politically, socially or financially from their association with the YPG will mostly flee if the safe zone comes to fruition," Mr Mustafa told The National from the Turkish city of Urfa.
Mr Mustafa led peaceful protests against the Syrian regime early in the uprising in Ain Al Arab, which later became known to the world by its Kurdish name Kobani when Kurdish forces defended the border town against ISIS. But the same force which held ISIS at bay also forced Mr Mustafa into exile for his criticism of the YPG.
Since then, Mr Mustafa has been leading dialogue efforts between Arabs and Kurdish figures from northeast in case of a YPG withdrawal from the proposed safe zone.
“The way to prevent retribution is to show that the issue is not Arab or Kurd but repression that is rejected by both,” Mr Mustafa said.
Syrian refugees might head to the proposed safe zone, if they regard it as a better alternative than narrowing options in Turkey. Mr Mustafa proposes elections in the zone within six months as a step toward building a self-government until a larger political compromise for Syria is reached.
But Turkey has not been interested in pursuing such a scenario in areas under control of its rebel proxies in Idlib and northern Aleppo. These areas include the mostly Kurdish enclave of Afrin, from which the YPG withdrew last year, prompting an exodus of the area’s Kurdish population to regime-held Aleppo and remaining YPG areas in northeast Syria.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
|
1.
|
United States
|
|
2.
|
China
|
|
3.
|
UAE
|
|
4.
|
Japan
|
|
5
|
Norway
|
|
6.
|
Canada
|
|
7.
|
Singapore
|
|
8.
|
Australia
|
|
9.
|
Saudi Arabia
|
|
10.
|
South Korea
|
MATCH SCHEDULE
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Tuesday, April 24 (10.45pm)
Liverpool v Roma
Wednesday, April 25
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid (10.45pm)
Europa League semi-final, first leg
Thursday, April 26
Arsenal v Atletico Madrid (11.05pm)
Marseille v Salzburg (11.05pm)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results:
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 2,200m | Winner: AF Al Montaqem, Bernardo Pinheiro (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,200m | Winner: Daber W’Rsan, Connor Beasley, Jaci Wickham
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 1,600m | Winner: Bainoona, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m | Winner: AF Makerah, Antonio Fresu, Ernst Oertel
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 | Winner: AF Motaghatres, Antonio Fresu, Ernst Oertel
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 1,600m | Winner: Tafakhor, Ronan Whelan, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Types of fraud
Phishing: Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
Smishing: The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
Vishing: The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
SIM swap: Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
Identity theft: Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
Prize scams: Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
* Nada El Sawy
SERIE A FIXTURES
Friday Sassuolo v Torino (Kick-off 10.45pm UAE)
Saturday Atalanta v Sampdoria (5pm),
Genoa v Inter Milan (8pm),
Lazio v Bologna (10.45pm)
Sunday Cagliari v Crotone (3.30pm)
Benevento v Napoli (6pm)
Parma v Spezia (6pm)
Fiorentina v Udinese (9pm)
Juventus v Hellas Verona (11.45pm)
Monday AC Milan v AS Roma (11.45pm)
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.
The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.
Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.
However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.
Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.
MATCH INFO
Azerbaijan 0
Wales 2 (Moore 10', Wilson 34')
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E640hp%20at%206%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E850Nm%20from%202%2C300-4%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E8-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E11.9L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh749%2C800%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Black Panther
Dir: Ryan Coogler
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o
Five stars
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
A%20MAN%20FROM%20MOTIHARI
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAuthor%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbdullah%20Khan%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPenguin%20Random%20House%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E304%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Bio
Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village
What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft
Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans
Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface
