Hassan Nasrallah on Israel, ISIS and the future of the Middle East

Speech by Hezbollah Secretary General Sayed Hassan Nasrallah on June 23, 2017, on the occasion of the International Day of Al-Quds (Jerusalem)

This day was instituted by Imam Khomeini in 1979 to reaffirm the attachment of the Muslim community to the Palestinian cause and the holy places of al-Quds, and is celebrated each year on the last Friday of Ramadan.

Source: http://www.almanar.com.lb/2220447

Translation: http://sayed7asan.blogspot.com 

Transcript :

[Israel didn’t win any war since 1967]

[…] Well, the sixth (force element for the Palestinian cause) is the persistence and endurance of Resistance movements in Lebanon and Palestine. They did not run away, nor withdraw, nor have disarmed nor destroyed their missiles, nor threw them into the sea, nor threw them in the trash or have bartered them, nor have changed their line, alliances or positions, despite everything we have just mentioned: threats, intimidation, terrorism charges, arrests, killings, imprisonment, blockade, drying up sources of money, laws imposing sanctions, (inscription on the) list of terrorist organizations, etc. This is also something (very) important.

But most importantly, let me emphasize, which also constitutes a success for the Resistance in Lebanon and Palestine through all these (six or seven) past years: this resistance that works to its perpetuation, its strength, its readiness, to increase its workforce, on moral, psychological, material, military and security levels, this very Israel, at its (annual conference) of Herzliya (June 2017), considering the countries he called “the moderate Sunni Arab countries” (and in reality, the responsibility to respond to these statements lies more with Sunnis than with us) but at the same time, Liberman, the fanatic extremist, what did he say? When speaking of the problem of why Israel has not reached compromise agreements in the region, he lists a number of reasons, and I'll just read two lines and a half (of his statement). One of the reasons he sets out, listen well because these words have cost (a lot of) blood, and are a (true) success, a victory, a recognition of the enemy (himself) (that should be taken into consideration by) those who are still discussing (this reality).

In this speech at Herzliya, Lieberman said: “I consider that one of our problems is that since 1967, we haven't... we haven't... (laughs) we haven't won any battle.” This is what Liberman (says). I resume my reading: “I consider that one of our problems is that since 1967 we haven't won any battle. In fact, the last battle, and the last time we won (a war), it was the war of the six-days. Who won and who lost (then) was not a matter of doubt for anyone.” That is to say, in 67, no one had any doubt that Israel had won, and that the Arabs had lost. “The lack of victories is something that leads to low confidence (in our abilities) of the opposing party.” I'm going to quote again from his words (after my comment).

Well, so they now recognize (their successive defeats). And so after 1973, he had to get a victory (hence the invasion of Lebanon), just like now, they must destroy Syria and work (to undermine) the resistance movements because Israel needs a victory. Israel needs a victory. To reach a compromise agreement (with Arab countries), Israel needs a victory. Now, of course, there are some sneaky aspirants (to power) or ancient occupants of trembling thrones that want to offer Israel a political victory without a fight, for free. I will also return to that.

The other element that must also be recorded to the credit of the Lebanon and Palestine Resistance... I still hope everyone will be very attentive to these words, because in Lebanon, in general, we follow such statements: an Israeli official rises (regularly) to make (threats of war), one claims to send Lebanon back 20 years, the other 50 years, yet another 200 years... Regularly, the ambassadors also, some foreign embassies (trying) to intimidate the Lebanese officials, (implying a hint) there will be a war or not, that the summer will be hot or not, etc. Of course, I will read these two excerpts, but we do not trust the Israelis, (so) it does not mean that we are sure (of the veracity of their statements). But (I read them) to show what was the state of mind of the conference, what was said between them.

(I will read) an extract of statements by the Israeli Minister of Defense, the Minister of War, and a text of the Chief of Staff of the enemy Army. These are the two people most concerned by matters of war, with Netanyahu. Liberman said (I quote him so that some frightened Lebanese will be reassured): “People always ask me: ‘What is going to happen in Gaza? Are we once again face a war? What will happen with Hezbollah? What will happen in Syria?’ And once again, I repeat what I always say...” Who is expressing himself here? Liberman, the one who (kept) threatening, promising (military action), foaming (with rage), etc. “We have no intention of taking the initiative in any military action, neither in summer nor autumn, neither to the North [that is to say with us] nor South [that is to say to our brothers in Gaza]. Our goal is prevention without war. And it is possible to [take action of] prevention without starting a war by creating a real and effective deterrence, about which we can discuss.” Thanks to the deterrence, war is prevented.

Well, who is speaking here? The enemy Minister of War. Of course, he spoke in a lot of open and transparent manner in his speech. Well, why? Why does he not want war? Neither with Gaza nor with Lebanon? Because such a war would be (very) expensive, my (dear) brothers and sisters. It is with such statements that we must understand the importance of the achievements in Gaza and the importance of the achievements in Lebanon. The success of the Resistance, the success of the golden equation Army-People-Resistance. The success of national harmony, even in general terms. That's success. But fundamentally, it is the Resistance, which has the ability to make any war with Israel extremely costly for Israel.

And [Lieberman], what did he say just before? He wants a victory. And he knows that a war in Gaza will bring no victory. And a war against Lebanon will bring no victory. He can destroy, kill, violate... Nobody disputes the bestiality of the enemy and its abilities [of destruction]. But it cannot achieve a victory because it (faces) willpower, resistant fighters, heroes, a nation that embraces (the Resistance) a people, families of martyrs, political leadership, scholars, forces, etc., etc., etc.

Therefore, the Resistance (has nothing to fear), and continues to achieve victories hour after hour. This very situation is a deterrent to the enemy. The situation in which the enemy knows he has neither door nor window, nor any hole to launch a successful war against Lebanon, or to conduct a successful war in Gaza is what deters him. And it is a proof of the strength of the Resistance in Lebanon, proof of the strength of the Resistance in Gaza and this is the fundamental consideration taken into account by the enemy regarding the Resistance and its battles.

The Chief of Staff of the enemy Army also said, after extensively describing the (alleged) Israel's ability to act, destroy, break, eradicate and anything you want, finally, he says: “And despite the facts that we have described, and our strong desire to remove the organization Hizballah south of the Litani, as called for in (UN) Resolution 1701, we have an interest... [to what?] ... we have an interest that this calm continues for many years ahead.” This is not the Foreign Minister who speaks, it's not a diplomat: it's the head of the Army, whose role is to threaten, promise, terrorize, frighten... What does he say? He says that “our interest is to stay calm, sensible, we want peace for many years, as long as we can achieve that calm by this deterrence.” Well, why not? Why does Israel consider the Resistance like that today?

So, seventh (force element for the Palestinian cause), with the Islamic Community (besides Iran and Yemen widely mentioned before), and despite all the injuries, look today the people of Bahrain who manifests, and to whom are shot (live) bullets.

O Palestinian people (I speak again to our Palestinian brothers), your brothers in Bahrain demonstrate for you, for your cause, for your holy places for your rights, and the regime of Khalifa shoots them on their heads and on their chests, and it stops them, tortures, imprisons, hits them. But the people of Bahrain, faithful and loyal (to Palestine) too, showed up (massively) today to say that Palestine for us is a religion, a principle (of faith), a brotherhood, a family, an Islamic community...

It's the same when we consider Nigeria. Their leader and Sheikh is in jail [Sheikh Zakzaky] because of a Saudi plot, thousands of them were killed, thousands of them were arrested, but today they demonstrated by hundreds of thousands, tens of thousands and in several cities for Palestine and Al-Quds (Jerusalem). And we see the same in Iraq, Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Mauritania... in Western capitals, London and elsewhere.

What does this mean? This means that the Islamic Community, despite threats (against them), distractions and overwhelm [caused by crises], its being teared, its sectarian, religious, racial, partisan and identity incitement, to which it is subject, and all you want, Al-Quds (Jerusalem) and Palestine are still present (in the hearts and minds), and will be so more and more.

I wanted to mention all that to show that no, in the opposite Axis [facing the USA-Israel-Europe-Saudi Arabia-Gulf Axis] the important goal of the liquidation of the Palestinian cause, the exclusion of Palestine and the Palestinian cause from the equation has not been realized, it failed. They failed to realize it, and even more, the Resistance Axis grows in presence, efficiency and power. That's what I wanted to say last (before the conclusion soon to be translated). I wanted to talk about the internal situation in Lebanon but unfortunately I will not have time.

[100 000s of combatants from the Muslim world are ready to fight Israel]

In conclusion, our message on this Day of Al-Quds (Jerusalem), through all the facts (that I have mentioned), from the battlefield to the political terrain, to the popular event venues, celebrations and festivals commemorated this day, we arrive at the following result and determine the following responsibilities:

First, the Palestinian people and all those who believe in this cause in the Arab-Muslim world must not despair, despite all the difficulties that we discussed in the first part (of my speech). Because despair would achieve the goal of the enemy. Do not despair, do not be disgusted, exhausted and tired; you must remain patient, determined and persevere (towards Resistance) because before us, there is a lot of hope, a lot of success, a lot of open horizons. Therefore, we have no right to despair or give up (the fight), or to be tired, or surrender at the end. The Palestinians and their supporters must remain firmly attached to their rights.

Second, everyone should know, both the friends and enemies – the friend [also] needs to be reassured because a psychological war is waged against him day and night, against our popular base, against our people, against all supporters of the Resistance in the Arab-Muslim world. And the enemy must also know, as he is plotting his calculations and considerations, everyone should know that the Resistance Axis is very powerful, and he demonstrated this great force. It has not fallen, it has not collapsed or crushed, it took charge of the situation and has taken the initiative in more than one field, in more than one country and more than a terrain. Today the Resistance Axis has not abandoned the field and will never abandon the field.

Today the Resistance Axis feels it has expanded considerably, true allies who were not with him a few years ago, have now joined him: 6 years, 7 years and 10 years ago, we were only Iran, Syria, the Resistance in Lebanon and the Resistance in Palestine, full stop. The rest consisted only of people who had empathy for us (nothing more). But today, there are two major qualitative additions to the Axis of Resistance, (two allies) powerful, genuine, authentic, effective and influential in the region and for the future of the region (joined us): (I speak of) the developments in Iraq, and the developments in Yemen. These countries were not present (with us before).

Today, the whole world should know that the Resistance Axis is stronger, and the Israeli enemy must know that if he launches an Israeli war against Syria and against Lebanon, it is not sure the fight stays Lebanese-Israeli and Syrian-Israeli. This does not mean that I say that other countries will intervene directly. But it may open the door to tens of thousands and even hundreds of thousands of [battle-hardened] mujahideen and fighters from all over the Muslim world who will participate in this battle.

[Public : At your service, ô Nasrallah!]

From Iraq, Yemen, and other places: Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan... Who says that if the enemy decides to attack or launch a war, that the war will be as in 2006 or the like, no. Today the Resistance Axis considers that it is bound by a common destiny and behaves accordingly. It is linked by a common destiny.

Thirdly, everyone should be aware that the situation in the region will not remain as it is, and the plans of the enemies have already failed for some, and others will also fail. And they failed to achieve their most important political objectives. Their most important policy objectives (failed). (They failed) on military, political and media levels. And those who endured and resisted offering their blood, their martyrs and their sacrifices in these battlefields continue their actions to transform the situation in the region.

Fourth, faces, states and regimes (who fomented and supported Daech) have been completely unmasked. It is in this fourth point I will explain the slogan that appears behind me, “The honor of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) refuses...” This sentence was pronounced by His Eminence the Imam leader Sayed Musa al-Sadr, may God return him safe and sound with his brothers and his companions, he said so in the 1970s, at a very large conference at UNESCO if I remember correctly, in the presence of the Palestinian leadership, the nationalist parties, etc. And he said in his speech, to quote in full, “Know therefore O Abu 'Ammar [Yasser Arafat], that the honor of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) refuses... The honor of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) refuses that this holy city is liberated by others than (sincere) believers.” Maybe if one of us, today, holds such a speech, his words will have no impact, whether in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, if he said such a thing in Sana'a, Baghdad or Tehran, it would not cost anything. But when the Imam Musa al-Sadr spoke these (then unthinkable) words at UNESCO, it was different, it was abroad.

Anyway, faces are now exposed. Some say that the masks have fallen. I prefer to say that the faces are now exposed. The game of hypocrisy has ended. (Relations) under the table and above the table with Israel, it's over. That's what I mean. Look, some consider that what is happening today between Israel and some Arab countries [open relations] is a proof of defeat (of the Palestinian cause). But I tell you that this is a positive sign announcing the victory. Why? When the hypocrites come out of your ranks, it means that you are approaching victory. When the sorting is done between the wheat and the tares in a battle whose goal is the ultimate good in this world (the Liberation of Palestine) this means that the victory approaches.

The honor of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) refuses that it is liberated by the hypocrites, perverts, agents of the enemy, desperate to sell to the highest bidder, bums, crumbling and traitors. Al-Quds (Jerusalem) will be released only by (sincere) believers in God, in the divine messages, in the Prophets, in the Holy Places, those who believe in their peoples, in the rights of their peoples, the sincere, faithful and loyal, who sacrifice (to defend their beliefs). And that's what we are now approaching.

What is happening now is not a bad sign, it is a positive and beneficial sign: the fool's game is over, the game of hypocrisy, of under the table and over the table (is over). So let all things (appear as they are). This differentiation (between the sincere and the hypocrites is very beneficial). O my brothers and sisters, O the Palestinian people, do not despair, do not be sad, do not be sorry. Rather, this differentiation is an extremely positive sign, which transposes the battle on a new, more advanced stage and closer to victory.

Fifth, whatever the developments, the US and Israel, as well as the [Arab] regimes that work with them, must know that the Palestinian people and the peoples of our Islamic community will never recognize Israel, will never accept (the existence) of Israel, will never normalize their relations with Israel. The Egyptian people, the Jordanian people, never! Maybe the leaders would normalize relations, as well as some political, cultural or media figures, because of their emptiness, weakness and baseness, they would normalize relations. As for these people, these (Arab and Muslim) people, it is impossible that they normalize their relations with Israel, whatever may happen: civil, racial, religious wars, sectarian sedition, expatriation, dangers, whatever you want. It's impossible ! And this is a true verdict, unsurpassable. I am not exaggerating, I do not give hopes. The facts and reality confirm what I say.

And that's why this Israel will remain a stranger to the region, imposed (from outside) in this region, an occupying state, a terrorist state. And the day comes that this terrorism and occupation will be uprooted from the land of Palestine. They just... well... They are fighting against fate. But the fate of this community and this region is this one (the end of Israel).

  

[Saudi Arabia wants to sell Palestine to Donald Trump]

Sixth, the regimes conspiring against the Resistance Axis must know that they will not prevail in this battle. They can do whatever they want but they will not win this battle. Devise your plots, make use of all your tricks, deploy all your efforts [words of Zeynab b. Ali to the tyrant Yazid after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein], do whatever you want, but you will never be able to prevail in this battle. If they wanted to win, if they wanted to end the war and be victorious, it had to be done six years ago, three years ago, but now it's over, (they do not stand) a chance. But for the future, whatever you do, yes, it will shed more blood, cause more martyrs and destruction, but you will not be able to achieve these evil and ominous objectives you strive to achieve.

Similarly, with the same frankness that I promised you, I have to say this about the current regional Arab-Muslim political situation: the one who constitutes the backbone of the war against the Resistance Axis, plotting against him, at the media, cultural, ideological, security, political, military and material levels, and working day and night (against him), the one who – I say “the one who... the one who...” and then I'll name him – the one who now offers rewards to Israel without it costing him any effort (any concessions), the one who is opening the doors to Israel in the Islamic world to establish relations, normalize, (establish exchanges) and economic cooperation, is the Saudi regime. Why hide behind our fingers (like an ostrich and deny the obvious)? Why?

Today, Saudi Arabia, by its regional status, its privileged position in the Arab-Muslim world, after all (countries) got weakened, were shredded, scattered and hungered, because of the position it represents, its monetary resources, influence, on behalf of the two Holy Places (Mecca and Medina) and in the name of religion, (Saudi Arabia) did all this. Is not that the truth? And that's why... That's why the Islamic community, scholars, parties, forces, people, officials... (I do not speak only of the Lebanese point of view, but at the whole Arab-Muslim world level) must know and recognize this truth and face it.

And this (Saudi) regime must know that he is condemned in the Islamic Community, we should not applaud them, pet them and congratulate them. For it is preparing to sell Palestine. It is preparing to sell the entire region to Trump, it is not to give him only 450 billion. It is about to sell everything to Trump and the Americans.

And what's even sadder is that this regime wants to found an ideological center to combat terrorism. I suggest to them: it is useless to spend money, to create a center, to study, and all the trimmings, two words would suffice for (terrorism) to disappear. Stop and change the (religious) curriculum in Saudi Arabia that teaches Wahhabism, stop exporting Wahhabism to the world, and the world will be just fine. Without that, all you can do is nothing but rubbish. The security, political, economic agreements... These are only empty words. The source (of terrorism) is the (Wahhabi) thought.

Today, when there is fighting in Iraq and Syria, and that hundreds of suicide bombers pounce on us, is not that a (great) sin? Hundreds of suicide bombers. Do they fight for money? No! Are they fighting for this world? No! Never mind, we must acknowledge this reality. These individuals carry out suicide operations because someone stuffed their heads, convinced them that if they blow themselves up among Muslims, Christians, souks, mosques, churches, events or villages, znywhere among soldiers or civilians, if they blow themselves up, they will go directly to lunch with the Prophet. They will go directly to dinner with the Prophet. Their reward is paradise.

And they will be very surprised when they (are resurrected) among those whose actions are the most vain. [“Those whose efforts in this life, are being made in vain, and yet believed they were doing the right thing.” (Koran, XVIII, 104)]

The question goes before the security, military, alliances, war against terrorism and empty words. The first thing (it must confront) is (Wahhabi) thought. Where is it from ? From Saudi Arabia. From Wahhabi schools. From the [Saudi] Body of Senior Scholars. And therefore, the war against terrorism must begin there. Everything else is but waste of time, effort and sacrifices.

The sad thing is that this is the source of the terrorist thought that finances terrorism, but today, it calls to account his associates and neighbors [Qatar], accusing them of supporting and financing terrorism. This is of course a scandal. This means that there is no discomfort, no shame, all is revealed in its most raw truth, they really are not ashamed of anything with each other.

Anyway, today, on this Day of Al-Quds (Jerusalem), I declare that all the Islamic Community, all Muslim peoples must demand the Saudi regime to put an end to the war against Yemen, to stop interfering in the internal affairs in Bahrain and elsewhere, Syria, Iraq, Iran. It is not Iran that is interfering in your internal affairs. It must be demanded that the Saudi regime ceases to export the Wahhabi terrorist thought to the world. And it must be demanded that the Saudi regime ceases to open doors to Israel so that it would enter the Arab world after it was unable to do so for decades. These requests are a responsibility, and not (only) a recommended act. It is a most compelling duty today and it is part of the battle. Today our responsibility in Al-Quds Day (Jerusalem) is this one.

And we also, in Hezbollah, in the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon, with all our brothers and sisters, our people, our loved ones, martyrs' families, the wounded, today, we also renew our faith in Al-Quds (Jerusalem), our faith in the Palestinian cause, our determination to follow the path of Resistance, our strong commitment to the Resistance Axis, our determination in this battle for the future of Palestine and the future of the Islamic Community.

And in this way, we make sacrifices every day: martyrs, wounded, and sometimes even prisoners. We make these sacrifices because we firmly believe that in this battle, we protect the security of Lebanon, in front of Israel and in front of the takfiri groups. For in this battle, we preserve our region and our holy places.

And because in this battle, we protect our country and our region from which is worse and more terrible, that is this ISIS model which yesterday detonated a mosque among the largest and the grandest of Mosul. And worse, it makes the inhabitants of Mosul human shields, and when one of them tries to leave, they shoot him in the back. Throughout history, we have never seen a cruelty such as that represents Daech today, which has been launched against us and against our peoples by the United States and Saudi Arabia. We have never experienced anything like this.

In this battle, we will persevere and we will be wherever we need to be, and I tell you that considering all the facts and all the data, we walk through blood, martyrs, patience, sacrifice and endurance, we walk towards the inevitable victory, the promised victory, the upcoming victory, God willing.

Happy [Quds] Festival to you, and Peace of God be upon you, and His Mercy and Blessings.

Hassan Nasrallah on Donald Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia

Speech by Hezbollah Secretary General Sayed Hassan Nasrallah on May 25, 2017, on the occasion of the seventeenth anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Lebanon

Source : http://almanar.com.lb/2088414

Translation: http://sayed7asan.blogspot.com  

Transcript :

Let's evoke the summit (of Riyadh). First, it was said that it was a triple [American-Arab-Muslim] summit, when in fact there was only one summit, Saudi Arabia and the United States, that is, between President Trump and King Salman, and the accompanying delegations.

The summit between the United States and the Gulf countries was nothing but a meeting of courtesy, a presentation, a ceremony. The (alleged) US-Arab-Islamic summit, bringing together 55 or 56 countries, was but a standing ovation to President Trump, and it was not a summit or conference. There were no preparatory committees, no material distributed to participants, no preliminary meeting of foreign ministries or ministries of defense..., neither draft declaration, nor debate, nor negotiations, nor exchanges, nor nothing all.

They brought together the Presidents of all the places of the [world]... most of the Arab and Islamic countries, then the King Salman gave a speech, President Trump gave a speech and then two or three words and that’s it, it was over. Even the rest of the statements were not made, because the King was then tired – at least that is what they have said in the media. And it was over. And everyone went home. This is the true description (of what happened). Everyone has returned to their country. There are even some delegations who have complained that no one took care to accompany them at the airport, “No one has taken leave of us.” And they were then all surprised to hear of what was called the Riyadh Declaration.

Here is the Riyadh Declaration (in my hands). This is only a US-Saudi statement. Of the 55 Arab countries, most were unaware of the existence of the Declaration and its content. And in itself, this is a scandal. Look, for example, on the text in the Declaration, it says that “The leaders present debated...”, “The leaders have confirmed...”, “The leaders stressed...”, “The leaders welcomed...”, “The leaders decided...”, etc. Whereas in reality the leaders have not debated, nor welcomed, nor underlined, they knew nothing, they did not hear anything, and there were even those who were sleeping...

Well afterwards, they became aware of the Declaration through the media. They learned about the statement through the media. The Riyadh Declaration is an American-Saudi Declaration, period. And of course, this is an outrage, and demonstrates a position of weakness, and of the farce that these (pseudo) summits and conferences constitute. Things do not happen like that anywhere in the world. And anyway, it has precedents in Saudi Arabia. Such a thing already happened before a year or two, in front of the resistance of Yemen and the Yemeni people, the Saudi Foreign Minister went out to raise the morals of his supporters and announced an Islamic Military Alliance of some 30 countries. And some countries have had the courage to say “Wallah, we are not aware, nobody told us or asked, we heard that in the media.” Imagine, then, a world Islamic military alliance is being formed (supposedly) with some countries some of which are not even aware of it! And they are informed by the media. It is not new for Saudi Arabia and (it is in accordance with) its (usual) processes. Therefore, the true summit is the bipartite summit (United States / Saudi Arabia).

So much for the background. What needs to be looked at closely, critically and debated is the bipartite agreement and what has been offered to the United States, what the United States has pledged in return and the consequences of this on the region, this is what is really serious. Everything else is speeches, words, stances, dinner, ceremonies, supper, fashion show, everything you want.

Secondly, the so-called summit, which has been called a summit and for which were brought together a great number of countries, leaders and Presidents, we must ask ourselves: “Oh brother, what did happen?” We must first describe it. Why? What Saudi Arabia has organized, what is it and what is its motive?

What was organized, the objectives of this mass meeting, are first to magnify and honor Trump. What happened was an operation of glorification of Trump, it was to honor him and to incense him, with scenes that deserve to be dwelt on but that I do not want to develop now (luxury, indecency,...).

The second objective is to underline the essential role of Saudi Arabia in the Gulf and in the Arab-Islamic world. They wanted to say to the United States: “We are the heart of the Arab-Islamic world and the Gulf. It is we who bring together all the people, who bring them in, who summon them, who put them in line so that they may listen to your speech.”

So much for the moral and political aspect, with a result that I will soon get to.

The third objective is to intimidate Iran and the Resistance Axis, by saying: “Watch out, Iran, Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas” (because they have designated us by name, Hezbollah and Hamas), “O Resistance movements”, as well as the Iraqi people, Yemen, everyone, “take heed and watch out, for the United States is coming, and the whole world mass of Arab, Islamic countries and the Gulf are preparing to make war on you.” It's intimidation. Of course, this has absolutely no weight, I will come back to it.

The fourth objective is to try to push the United States and convince them, by all means, to participate directly in the war. To bring them directly into the conflict, facing Iran and the Resistance Axis. Saudi Arabia, when it organized this whole festival, had as its main objective this one. That’s it.

Then those who had the floor made their speeches, and the Declaration was published.

The question that needs to be asked now is why the Saudis did this, and with that particular Président. Why? Let's start with the first goal.

Why are these honors, incensing and glorification of President Trump, which has the following characteristics: the President, who for one year during the election campaign most insulted Islam as a religion, who insulted Muslims as supporters of a religion and as a Community, and who is the President who has insulted the Arabs most as a people, and who insulted Saudi Arabia and insulted the Gulf countries. Is not it the President who said that Saudi Arabia is a milking cow that must be milked to the last drop before it is disposed of? This is the most racist President. It was the first President who, when he entered the White House, signed a decree banning Muslims and nationals from 8 Arab and Islamic countries from entering the United States. It is the President most attached to Israel, the greatest supporter and ally of Israel. And it is a President who, apart from that, has done nothing yet.

(Normally), we honor someone, we cover him with gifts and we satisfy his wishes because he has achieved something positive. (If for example) he defended you, if he defended your holy places, if he did things for the Palestinian people. (But) what is Trump's accomplishment for offering all these rewards? And it is a President sitting on a trembling chair, we do not know when it will fall. What a mess, all this money, if Trump were to be deposed! What logic, what rationality, what understanding are there at work? We are really stunned by the (extravagant) Saudi reception, the follies of the reception ceremony, the tremendous expenses (for arms sales agreements), politics and ovations.

On the Internet, someone has asked a sagacious question to Saudi leaders. He asked them: “Is honoring the Prophet and celebrating his birthday prohibited and innovative, while honoring Trump and celebrating his coming and dancing is permitted and is a way to get closer to God the Most High ?” Let us leave that aside, it is a religious dispute between us (the question of the celebration of the Prophet's birthday). But from a political point of view, my brother, where is logic?

And this President was offered what no other American President had ever received. The question always comes back, why, why, why? I will talk about it in my fourth point. Why did Saudi Arabia do that?

I hope that [everyone understands that] I am speaking only of facts, I do not use any vehement or satirical language or anything else. I just want to describe things (as they are). And the one who says to me: “O Sayed, what you say is not true”, no problem, (let him show his arguments).

First, it is to protect themselves. For the Saudi regime to protect itself in Saudi Arabia. To protect itself from the world. Why? Because today in the world, even in the United States, Europe and the whole world, it is no longer a secret that behind the takfiris groups and the takfiri ideology, lies the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The whole world is now aware of it. And Trump himself knows it, he had talked about it during the election campaign. The press and the American, Western and international media (have spoken of it), everyone knows. What does ISIS teach in its schools? The books of Sheikh Muhammad b. Abd-al-Wahhab, the Wahhabi books. What is Al-Qaeda's ideology? Wahhabism. Who created it? Saudi Arabia.

And that is why the whole world today considers the Saudi regime as the heart of takfiri thought and the essential support of the takfiri organizations in the world whose oppression and knives not only strike the Lebanese, the Syrians, Iraqis, Yemenis, Egyptians, Afghans and Pakistanis, but have reached Belgium, France, Great Britain, Germany, the United States and all over the world. And now Indonesia, Somalia... and they still have a long way to go. Saudi Arabia feels that the whole world looks at her angrily. That is why it needs to pay a bribe to the American master to defend it, so that it protects it, so that it presents it as a center of combat of the terrorism that leads the war against Terrorism, and to lift the accusation against it. But it will be to no avail.

Do you see how in this summit all Saudi Arabia's care and concern was to say what? A sentence pronounced by King Salman: that Iran is the source of terrorism, the heart of international terrorism since the victory of the Khomeini Revolution, according to his words. Since the victory of the Revolution of the glorious Imam Khomeini. These grotesque remarks were pronounced by the King Salman. Iran is the heart of global terrorism? Is it Iran that created Al-Qaeda? Is it Iran that created ISIS? Is it Iran that created the Taliban? Is it Iran that created these Wahhabi movements and armies? Is it Iran that financed them and armed them?

Yes, Iran supported the movement of the Resistance in Lebanon, it is true. Iran has supported the movement of the Resistance in Palestine, it is true. Iran stood by the Iraqi people when ISIS nearly entered Najaf, Karbala and Baghdad. Iran stood with the Syrian people while Saudi Arabia was sending arms and money to these (terrorist) groups in Syria.

Iran is accused of sectarian incitement? Who therefore accuses the Shiites of being disbelievers? Who accuses other Muslims of disbelief? Iran or the Saudi Wahhabi ideology, the Council of the great Saudi scholars and their centers of religious education in Syria? The whole history of Saudi Arabia consists of accusations of disbelief against Muslims. And the whole history of Iran, from Imam Khomeini, has been the bringing together of schools (of Islamic faith), unity among Muslims, rapprochement, dialogue, coexistence, mutual support based on piety and Fear of God.

Launching the accusation against Iran will not benefit Saudi Arabia. A popular phrase says “The sun rises and people clear their throats.” The whole world clears its throat, for the sun has risen over all the world, and henceforth the truth cannot be hidden by a discourse here or a conference there.

First, (Saudi Arabia has done all of this) to face this global condemnation. Currently, in the United States, judicial proceedings are being instituted against Saudi princes who are linked to the September 11 attacks organized by Al-Qaeda in the United States. And billions of Saudi dollars in the US will be seized for the benefit of these families.

Secondly... Why did Saudi Arabia do all this with Trump during those two days? Because she also needs the American master to protect her role in the area. She has failed everywhere. All her plans have failed, as have all her wars and all her objectives. In Syria, she has failed so far, as well as in Iraq.

O my brothers, ISIS started in Saudi Arabia, ISIS not only has Saudi ideology, but its money is Saudi, its leaders are Saudi, and the hopes that were placed in ISIS were Saudi. That’s it.

In Yemen, two and a half years of war against a people with the spirit of sacrifice, patient and honorable, and they brought armies of the world (to participate). It is unfortunate that the Sudanese army is involved, as well as other armies. It's really unfortunate. But for two and a half years, the Yemenis endured and resisted, stronger despite hunger, siege, poverty, and indiscriminate bombardment night and day.

And let us go back to terrorism. Is Iran the basis of terrorism or is it you? This war against Yemen is not terrorism? It is state terrorism. It is state terrorism that has spared no man, no construction, no mosque, no historical vestige, no hospital, no market, no school, no university, no house, no quarter, no field, no farm. And today... now they send some medicine to Yemen... Who is besieging Yemen? Who starves Yemen? Who is responsible for cholera in Yemen? Who massacres the people of Yemen? The Saudi regime. And the whole world is silent. The whole world that keeps silent and dares not speak a word of truth out of fear of Saudi takfir or Saudi media or the cutback of Saudi money – if they give two pennies. And it is a historic ethical and humanitarian crime that commits the world towards what is happening in Yemen.

Thus, Saudi Arabia has failed in all her plans and wars in the region, and these failures have begun to be felt within, on the relations between her princes, her people, her economy. And that is why she needs the Americans to protect it inside Saudi Arabia and preserve her role in the region. So first, to protect themselves. To protect and protect their role.

And second, there is a problem in the Saudi regime and the Saud family, and that is Iran. The praise they gave Iran before Imam Khomeini is incredible. Incredible. The Shah of Iran was an American, an Israeli, a supporter of Israel, and an arrogant and haughty behavior with the kings and princes of the Arabian peninsula and the Gulf countries. Just look at the pictures, you can find them on the Internet, they ate in his hand, and put themselves at his feet. It seems that these people are accustomed to people who mock them, insult and despise them. As for the one who comes to them as a brother, respectful, wanting dialogue, anxious about Islamic relations and the interests of the (Muslim) Community, he is received with this hatred and hostility.

The problem is the question of Iran, yes, and the question of the Resistance Axis. Saudi Arabia has offered Trump everything to wage war against Iran, to isolate Iran, to attack Iran, for the war on the Resistance Axis. That is the reality. And that is why Saudi Arabia was ready to give him everything he wanted. That is what happened. And Trump, what's important to him? President Trump, in everything that happens in the world, what is it that matters to him? He wants money, and there is Israel. Money and Israel.

Saudi Arabia looked like that and said, “To protect and preserve my role, and to lead the United States to fight Iran and the Resistance Axis, after all these Organizations, all these movements and all these armies, all have failed, I have no choice but to bring the Americans. Well, how can I win the favors of Americans? God, I know how to get closer to Him: prayer, Ramadan fasting, Hajj, Umrah, invocations, ziyaras (holy visits of Saints), Koran... Well, how do I get closer to Trump? By what he loves. And what he loves is money. So “Take it to satiety, O Trump. Take it to satiety.”

The media talked about $ 110 billion in contracts. After that, they talked about $ 300 billion. What is the total sum officially? The Al-Arabiya channel announced it in its drop-down strip at the bottom of the screen: 480 billion dollars of contracts and agreements with American companies. 480 billion dollars while there is austerity, poverty and an economic crisis in Saudi Arabia. All they had in money, they offered it to Trump.

What about Palestine? And that is why [Saudi Arabia declares]: “Whatever you decide for Palestine, we agree.” And Trump brought a letter from King Salman to Netanyahu. That’s it. “Whatever you decide for Palestine, we agree.” And that is why during the triple summit, no one said a word about the Palestinian people, nor about the prisoners on hunger strike for the 38th or 39th day, nor about the hundreds of them who were transported to hospitals as a result of deteriorating health, either on the holy sites, on Al-Quds (Jerusalem), on Gaza, or on the siege of Gaza. Any word that could have disturbed Trump on the Palestinian issue was kept silent. And God knows what they have conceded to him on the Palestinian question.

We must wait to see. There is talk of a forthcoming summit in Sharm-el-Sheikh, there is talk of launching new negotiations... Taking into consideration that when Trump arrived at Netanyahu, and even when he saw President Abbas, he has not given the least positive sign to Palestinian causes, not even minimally. Not even minimally, absolutely no positive signs.

That’s it. Saudi Arabia has been given a tremendous amount of money, and Palestine is now offered on a golden plate, and all this glorification and incensing is intended to achieve these ends.

Well, what is going to happen or what can happen? And that is the most important part of the speech. Thank God, we still have a little time.

First, Iran, which was the main topic of the Riyadh Declaration. And I would like to tell you one thing... O my brother, even the words that have been spoken... For example, the Jordanian king spoke. Of course, two and a half pages (barely). He did not talk about Iran. The Egyptian President spoke. He did not talk about Iran. The Prince of Kuwait spoke, he did not talk about Iran. Only the Malaysian (President) mentioned Iran. Only the Malaysian (President) mentioned it. But was not this summit against Iran, this Declaration against Iran?! This is what Saudi Arabia wanted the leaders who were present to say, and who did not know what was going on. What is the result?

First, with regard to Iran. I will tell you what will happen.

First, with regard to Iran, while these people were gathering in Riyadh, the Iranian people renewed their confidence in the regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran. And 42 million people took part in the elections. That is more than 73% of the people entitled to vote. And for clarification, it was presidential and municipal elections. Municipal elections in Iran. If we count only those who hold the ballot boxes, this makes 650,000 people responsible. We know how it works in Lebanon. When municipal elections are held, it cannot be done in one day throughout all Lebanon. It is done by districts. Iran, with 42 million voters, sensitive presidential elections, municipal elections even more sensitive, as is the case for us, and in spite of that, no incident has taken place, neither blows, nor shots, nor accidents of the road, nor wounded, despite all the sensitivity of the event. And Iran has elected its President, renewing its allegiance. Well, this is what Iran is.

Such is Iran that is confronted by countries that do not know the meaning of elections, nor the sense of democracy, nor do they know the electoral ballot box... If you presented them with this white ballot box, they would ask you “What's in it, eggs, cheese or milk?” They know nothing (of all that). They would like to make war on an authentic Republic, which represents the will of its people, and whose people are so strongly present, through their declarations, their announcements, and so on.

You have tried this in the past. Saudi Arabia is the country that incited Saddam Hussein to the war against Iran, 8 years of war. They are the ones who say they paid $ 200 billion for Saddam Hussein. What was the consequence of the war for the whole region? During the past decades, Saudi Arabia has not neglected any action that could weaken Iran, it has tried everything. What could she do again? Tell me.

So much for Iran. And I tell them that Iran is increasingly powerful, formidable and influential, and the whole world recognizes it.

And as far as I'm talking about Iran, I advise Saudi Arabia... because we do not just describe, we want to give advice. Leave aside the struggle, the hatred and the war. Your only way out in the interest of all Muslims, the whole region, the Gulf countries and the peoples of the region is dialogue with Iran, negotiations with Iran, and Iran has always been ready for that. This path you will take will lead to no result, if not the expenditure of more billions of dollars, the effusion of more blood, and you will be the losers. It is you who will fail, as you have failed so far, as you have lost so far, and as Iran has won so far. This is the advice of a Muslim Arab Lebanese to a Muslim Arab state – which declares itself to belong to the name of Islam. As for this path (which you trod today), it will lead to nothing.

Secondly, in Yemen, this summit will not accelerate nor delay anything. The Yemeni people, the Islamic and patriotic leaders in Yemen, the Yemeni parties, the Yemeni army and the people's committees are all resolved to face and resist, and so far they resisted (successfully). And all that Saudi Arabia could possibly do militarily for two and a half years, it did. All the mercenaries they could bring, they brought them. All the armies they could bring, they brought them. All they could use in air force, they used it. They besieged, plus the cholera, the hunger, the diseases, of which we have already spoken. But what is the result? A military fiasco and a political fiasco. I do not want to go into the details of southern and northern Yemen and what is happening in Aden. And that is why, as I also know, this Saudi path and the announcement of Riyadh have absolutely no weight with regard to the ongoing battle in Yemen and the resistance in Yemen.

In Iraq, the Iraqi people have made their choice. Iraqi forces are headed for the final victory in Mosul where only small quarters remain (to be liberated). The People's Committees have finished (liberating) the al-Qayrawan area and are heading towards al-Ba'aj and will continue to all areas. In Iraq, there is a national, official, popular consensus of parties and scholars to put an end to ISIS.

In Syria, there are more victories in the field, as happens in the south of Palmyra, east of Homs and elsewhere, and more defeats and retreats for the ISIS organization.

Let me tell you that this precautionary force, the 38,000 soldiers they are preparing to fight ISIS in 2018, good for you. But God willing, in 2018, there will be no more ISIS, neither in Iraq nor in Syria, at least in our region here. That’s it.

As far as the Resistance movements are concerned, you mentioned Hezbollah and Hamas, but in fact, all Resistance movements are targeted. All those who fight the Zionists and the Occupation. I would also like to say to you: this Summit, these Declarations and these announcements will not accelerate nor delay anything at all. You have to realize that for example, Trump, the President of the United States, in his speech to the so-called summit, he praises Saudi Arabia and says that she resists and combats terrorism, and the evidence that he gave is that yesterday Saudi Arabia placed one of Hezbollah's top leaders on the list of terrorist organizations. And (that’s it): welcome to you (in the anti-terror front)! And all the money that we [Hezbollah] have in the banks of Paris, London, the United States, Switzerland, and I don’t know where else, we give it to you with a good heart, enjoy it. Take it then (this non-existent money). But that's part of the war.

What I want to sayto these Lebanese and Palestinian Resistant movements, whether they are called Hezbollah or any other name, Hamas or any other name, from the beginning, they know the path that they have chosen, they know the path they are trodding, and they know what they are going to face along the way. We are registered, our name is on the list of terrorist organizations since the early 1980s! So what's new for us? (We have been under) sanctions for a very long time. The media war has been going on for a long time, decades before the Riyadh summit. Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent to tarnish our reputation. What more can you say than what you have already said? (You accused us) of drug trafficking, stealing cars, terrorists, murderers and criminals. Good job, that's good for you, what's next? Tell us. I want to tell you, O my brothers and sisters, there is nothing new that we can fear from them. There is nothing new that we can fear from them. They are just repeating everything they have been doing over and over again for decades.

As for the movements of the Resistance, these movements of the Resistance, where were assassinated Sheikh Ahmad Yassin (Hamas), Doctor Fathi Chiqaqi (Islamic Jihad), Sayed Abbas al-Musawi and Hajj Imad Mughniyah (Hezbollah), they fear no threats of confrontation, fighting, war or death. With what can you come to us (to frighten us)? With martyrdom? We are the lovers of martyrdom! With death? “Ali is more attached to death than the suckling infant to the breast of his mother.” (Word of Imam Ali)

[At your service, O Nasrallah! (audience shouts)]

We are the children of the school advocated by Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, to his son Ali al-Akbar. (Al-Akbar) asked his father: “Are we not on the right path?” “Yes”, replied the Imam. (Al-Akbar) replied, “So little matter if we go to meet death or if death comes to meet us. As long as we are on the right track (we cannot fear death).”

As for Qasim, his 11 or 12 year old son, who is present in each of our houses, in Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Yemen, Bahrain, inside Saudi Arabia itself, and everywhere in the Islamic world, when asked what he thought of death (while fighting oppression), he replied: “It is more flavorful to me than honey.” Are you threatening us with this death?

We are not afraid of death, war, fighting, sanctions, intimidation or media defamation. All this, we have experienced, these means have been exhausted during all the past years. This is why the Resistance movements will not bear any impact, they will not be shaken, weakened or frightened, they will continue their action and movement.

And I'm telling you more than that. We are today, we Resistance movements and within the Resistance Axis, we are today stronger than we have ever been. We are really stronger than we have ever been, absolutely ever. We are more numerous, more experienced, more determined, our faith, hopes and aspirations are higher than ever. Indeed.

We have an example of that that I mentioned in my last speech, the day of (the anti-terrorist summit of) Sharm el-Sheikh. Those who have just met in Riyadh do not even represent half of those who were in Sharm-el-Sheikh in 1996. At the time, there were the United States, Russia, China, European countries, the Arab countries, the African countries, they came from all over the world. And they said there were three organizations they wanted to eradicate: Hezbollah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad. And they included Iran and Syria as supporters (of these groups). And they made a conference, organized committees, and the Directors of the Intelligence services then met in Washington.

At that time, the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon was limited in resources and manpower. What we had best was Katyushas with a range of 20 kilometers. That was our maximum in 1996. Hamas and Islamic Jihad were some in prison, some in exile, some were hiding, etc. And Iran was emerging from a war and was in trouble. Syria was imposed a blockade and isolation. Despite this, the Sharm-el-Sheikh Summit and all they did, as a result of the persistence of the Resistance in Lebanon, the persistence of the Resistance in Palestine, the perseverance of Syria, Iran, everything (they schemed) was overthrown. And after a few months, the whole world forgot Sharm-el-Sheikh, after a few months (only), not after a few years.

And today, where is the Resistance Axis in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq? In 1996, Iraq was with Saddam Hussein. Today, Iraq is ruled by its people, and it is the armed forces and people's committees that brandish its blessed flag. And Iran, and Yemen! And the same in many parts of the world. The situation is different. America at the time was something (formidable), but today it is something else. Israel at the time was something (unbeaten), but today is something else. Israel was attacking (all its neighbors at will), now it builds (defensive) walls (against Hezbollah). So it's a different matter, the conditions are very different (today).

As far as we are concerned, I want to tell you this: take things in a truly normal and natural way. I was long in my description, but I wanted to show that this is the reality of things. To speak in a familiar way, no need toget ourselves riled up about all this, there is nothing, nothing happened (that is of concern), really. So the United States would like to be more present in the region? Good for them. The worst thing that can happen, the worst is that the Americans come to the area. But they have already come to the region, bro! They have already come. They occupied Iraq, threatened Syria, threatened Iran... And then the Iraqi Resistance and the persistence of the Resistance Axis in the region forced them to go out and withdraw. What could the United States want to do (that could frighten us)?
 

Today, when we are peoples in our countries who are determined to live in dignity, to remain on our lands... We have not gone to the other end of the world, (we are right) here (at home), we (only) defend our blood, our women, our honor, our property, our homes, our dignity and the future of our children and grandchildren. And that is why we are stronger than the whole world. There is absolutely nothing that frightens us. We are stronger than ever. I do not say that (our enemies) are weaker than ever, I say they have less strength than ever.

And that is why we must take things with realism, assume our responsibility and continue on our path. We will continue to call to the end of the war against Yemen, to call for an opportunity for the Yemeni to negotiate, to call for an end to the aggression against the people of Bahrain and for the opening of negotiations, for stopping the support of terrorist takfiries in the region and seeking political solutions.

As for those (Saudi Arabia), God the Almighty says about them in a Qur'anic verse: “They spend their wealth to hinder (man) from the path of God, and so will they continue to spend (until they have none left); but in the end they will have (only) regrets and sighs; at length they will be overcome” (Sura 8, verse 36).

So that your money is not wasted in vain, and your efforts are not useless and vain, you can backtrack. I know that my voice will not be heard, but I say this only to have an argument (before God: I would have tried) and for the Last Judgment Day when I will be questioned and judged. And every one of us will be held accountable for his position at this stage. Everyone will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment on Yemen, Bahrain, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Holy places in Palestine. And we must assume that responsibility.

O my brothers and sisters, we said in 2006, based on the victory of May 2000 and the victory of July 2006, that the time of defeats is over, and that the time for victories has come. And these victories are before our very eyes, on all battlefields and on all terrains, the bitterest battles and the most difficult terrain. But the horizon, be certain, I repeat, trust in God and place your hopes in Him, trust in yourselves, trust in your people, and trust in your allies. We have confidence in our allies. We have confidence in all those we fight with.

As for you (Saudis)... Anyway, Trump told them, he said, “It's up to you to take responsibility, do not expect us to come and fight for you.” Yesterday, NATO... Pardon, today, its Secretary General said (It was time ! Anyway.) that NATO will participate in the war against ISIS. But what did he say? “On the other hand, we will fight only from the air, we will not participate with ground forces.” “We will not participate with ground forces.” This (Trump) on which you count, it's been a while since he left you and sold you to the slave markets.

But in the Resistance Axis, the noble Fighters who are ready to sacrifice themselves, truthful, sincere, who have sent their loved ones to battle, who have stood firm for decades, will never leave this battlefield and never give up neither before the Riyadh summit and its summits, nor after the Riyadh summit and its meetings, speeches and statements.

This Resistance, this resilient (Muslim) Community, these Resistance movements, these resistant peoples, will continue to raise the flag (of the struggle). This flag has been brandished, and it will never fall, until it fully realizes all the victories to which our peoples and our Community aspire.

We have absolute certainty. It is the promise of God, “And the promise of God is always fulfilled.” (Verse inscribed in the background - Koran, 17, 108)

May God bless you and grant you victory, and the peace of God be upon you, and His mercy and blessings.

Hassan Nasrallah on the hunger strike of Palestinian prisoners and international hypocrisy

Speech by Hezbollah Secretary General Sayed Hassan Nasrallah on May 2, 2017, on the occasion of the Day of the Wounded

This day in honor of the wounded of war, civilians and combatants, is commemorated on the 4th day of the Islamic month of Cha'ban, which saw the birth of Abu Fadhl al-Abbas b. 'Ali, mutilated and killed during the Battle of Karbala in defending Imam Hussein.

“We live in a world of wolves. There is no international law, there is only the law of the jungle. The strong eats the weak. If we are weak, we shall be eaten. If we are stronger, the world will respect us.”

Translation: www.sayed7asan.blogspot.fr

Transcript:

[...] Two words on the general situation (in the Middle East).

The first thing to be said about the general situation in the region concerns the struggle for freedom and dignity that 1500 Palestinian prisoners are leading and... we are today on the 16th day of their hunger strike, with a supportive response from the Palestinian street, inside (occupied Palestine) and outside, towards this movement.

As usual, we naturally support and unite with them, and we announce our firm and total solidarity with this action of jihad and strong resistance by Palestinian prisoners for their legitimate and natural demands. But we want to learn from what is happening there.

In this first point concerning the situation of the region, I have two points.

First, I want to learn the lessons on which we can build a permanent political path. Well, on the opposite side, Israel turns a deaf ear... They are not ready to negotiate or to respond to the demands. The demands of the prisoners are not the liberation of Palestine nor the liberation of Al-Quds (Jerusalem). The prisoners' demands concern the natural rights of all prisoners, humanitarian rights. Israel is turning a deaf ear and, as usual, relies on the passing of time, the weariness, and the withdrawal of Palestinian prisoners, hoping that this movement will be nothing but a vain eruption.

Nothing else can be expected of Israel, the usurping, terrorist, occupying enemy. But look at the rest of the world. Look at the rest of the world. Where are the Arab regimes? Where are the Arab peoples? Where is the Union of Arab Countries? Where is the Organization of Islamic States, the Organization for Islamic Cooperation? Where is the world? Where is Europe? Where is the West? Where is the UN? Where's the Security Council? All those who often gets angry at the most trivial stories that happen in this or that place of the world, where are they? We are on the 16th day, and nothing happens in the world, nothing at all.

For the commemoration of the martyr leaders, I stirred up the roses’ pot, when I said that they brought us, the Arab world and the region, to the point where Palestine became the forgotten cause. This is proof.

Today, tell me where the kings and the Arab presidents are. Soon, it will be said that the Sayed (Nasrallah) attacks the kings and Arab presidents. Where are the Arab regimes? Where is the Union of Arab Countries? Where is the serious reaction, where are the real pressures? The pressure on your American friends, the pressure on your European friends?... Where are the organizations for the defense of human rights? Where is the Arab voice? Where are the Arab media? Where are the Arabic TV channels? Where are the Arabian pens?

If this happens, oh my brothers and sisters, if this was happening in a country that was not allied or aligned with the United States, allied or aligned with the West, you would have seen the whole world rise (of indignation) without sitting back. I do not even say whether it was in Iran, Syria or I do not know where. In any country that is not aligned with the United States and the West, which is not subject to their will and diktat, which is not part of their project, you would have seen the Council of Security, the UN, the White House, foreign ministers, human rights organizations and the whole world stand up. Not on the 16th day, from the first hour. And the state or government that refuses to negotiate with these prisoners and respond to their demands would have been accused of aggression, cruelty, inhuman treatment, oppression, torture, tyranny, and so on.

But it is Israel, the spoiled child of the United States, the advanced military base of the West in our region... (So) no!... Let Netanyahu do what he wants. Let him take his ease, he has all his time. No problem. Just as he had absolutely all the time in the world for the wars against Gaza. He has all his time once again, whether it be for the question of prisoners or any other; for the question of colonies or any other.

Well, if we're trying to collect comparable evidence, whether it's less than a year ago, or since 2003, in Iraq, since 2003, Takafi terrorist organizations have carried out thousands of suicide operations, not to mention the others operations, and they killed Shiites, Sunnis, Arabs, Kurds, Turkmens, they did not spare anyone in the Iraqi people. And daily massacres, to the point that car bombs have become a normal and natural daily occurrence in Iraq. And the world (whole) remains silent. And the world knows who supports them, who finances them, who protects them, and who helps them in the media so far: there are Arab channels which, in this battle of Mosul, are with ISIS. They are not with the Iraqi government or the Iraqi forces. And the whole world says nothing of all these helpers, supporters, assistants, media protectors, funders and facilitators (of ISIS). Why? Because the Iraqi people must be subjugated, humiliated, silenced and integrated into this (American) project.

Well, let's consider Yemen. A few days ago, the UN Secretary-General read a speech of mourning, saying that while we are talking, 50 Yemeni children are dying. Well, the whole world speaks of millions of people threatened by famine in Yemen. While the whole world knows who is besieging Yemen, who bombards Yemen, who starves Yemen. Does anyone dare open his mouth (about it)? Does anyone dare to talk?

And if I begin to describe things as they are, I am told that I jeopardize tourism in Lebanon. If I say what the whole world knows, that Saudi Arabia and its allies are besieging, starving and killing the Yemeni people every day and every night, I am accused of jeopardizing tourism in Lebanon. A simple word of truth (is worth this accusation). But a world that remains silent in the face of millions of people dying of hunger, what does the death of thousands of people killed and bombed mean to him, and hundreds of thousands injured? How could they matter to them? Although the whole world and the UN recognize this situation. Simply because it is Saudi Arabia, the ally of the United States, the West, who pays fortunes, the hundreds of billions of dollars that it pays to the United States. And Trump is coming now to take from them the money they have left.

But as for the poor Yemeni people, he has no money to pay to the United States, he has no money to pay to Trump, he has no money to pay to the British prime minister or to the French President so that they move and say “Enough, we will end the siege, the war and the aggression against Yemen.”

Well, let's look at Syria. A few days ago, a massacre was perpetrated against the inhabitants of Fou'a and Kafraya who left their besieged towns in the Al-Rachidin district at the entrance to the city of Aleppo. A bloodthirsty suicide bomber came with a van, and attacked the bus convoy. What was in the convoy?  5,000 civilians, an overwhelming majority of civilians, most of whom were women and children. In short, the attack caused hundreds of martyrs, wounded and disappeared. What did the world do? What did it do?roo

In the agreement, the Syrian State and ourselves have guaranteed the safety of the evacuees (of the terrorist enclaves of) Madaya, Zabadani, Biqqin, Sarghaya, Blodan and Borj Blodan, so that they be conveyed to a safe point beyond the city of Aleppo. Imagine that a person (there are no suicide bombers in our camp), by mistake, took a machine gun and fired (on their convoy), or fired a RPG rocket on a bus and killed a certain number of persons. Who would have spared us (his condemnations)? Who would have spared the Syrian army, Hezbollah and the parties that guaranteed this agreement? The Security Council, the US, Trump and the whole world would have entered in a great anger, and may even have launched an air attack (against Syria).

So look at the existing situation, the actual situation. Of course, I do not bring anything new. I only want to confirm a long-established idea, which is confirmed every day, every day, every day, in the face of the people opposing our point of view, whom we would like to see bring us the least evidence, the least element (which confirms their vision).

But when the Khan Sheikhoun event happened and the regime was accused of using chemical weapons, well, guys, do an investigation, but they do not want to do anything, no investigation. My dear friends, who proved that the regime really used chemical weapons? Yes, he did (so they say). Well, what is the proof? No one has any evidence. Well, are these images that have circulated, are they made up or is it the truth? Nobody knows. Well, send a commission of inquiry, for example, Russia, Iran, other countries of the world... Oh, we're just asking for a commission of inquiry, but the US does not want a commission of inquiry. They do not accept inquiry! We just want to know the truth, in order to condemn the criminal who used chemical weapons, whoever he may be. But they refuse any commission of inquiry.

On the contrary, from the very first moment, Trump and the American administration, as usual, established themselves as Attorney General, Investigator, Judge and Executioner, and they came to strike at Shu'eirat airport, and considered to have achieved a great feat. And congratulations began to be fired from all sides, from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, some Gulf countries, political forces (who said) “Congratulations, God bless you and reward you, give you a fine end And increase your resources.” Is it not what they told them?

Well, on what basis? For the one who is targeted here (Bashar al-Assad) is not a collaborator, a follower or a submissive, they wants to subjugate, humiliate and break him. This is the equation.

Today, if we came to any corner of a country not aligned with the USA, and imagine there was a city completely besieged, with hundreds of men and women standing under the sun, day and night, to protect a pure man, a great scholar in Bahrain, His Eminence Ayatollah Sheikh Issa Qassem, and this for 7 or 8 months, soon a year, in a very severely besieged region. It is a forgotten thing, which does not interest anyone in the world. Because these people are in a subdued, aligned, part of the (American) project, and therefore no pressure will be exerted on the issue. Why would they ask them anything? They will be congratulated instead for the beautiful kohl of their eyes, and will be told “Very well, continue.”

That's it. It is not necessary that I multiply the examples, I was rather long already, but the conclusion that must be drawn is this: O our brothers, O our sisters, O our people (and we express ourselves with experience, and these examples only confirm the idea, which is ours from the beginning), today if our territory is liberated, if our prisoners in the Israeli jails have returned (there are still files awaitng), if our country is free in the face of Israeli threats, no one has played any role in this, neither the UN Council, the US, the West, the Union of Arab International resolutions or anyone at all.

It is thanks to you alone, the noble people, the Army, the People and the Resistance, the martyrs, the wounded. Today, if Lebanon enjoys freedom, dignity and security, it is thanks to your lofty souls, your wounded bodies, the pure blood of your martyrs, and the blood of your bodies, which was poured on the land of that country and in that region. Only, only, only (thanks to you and no one else).

Do not expect anything from this world, this international community, America and the West, do not expect justice, impartiality, or the recognition of truth or any such thing. That does not mean we do not ask for it, but we do not expect anything. And in any case, we do not regret that they ignore us, that they do not take the required position and that they exert no pressure (on the oppressors). For basically they are the enemy, so beware of them! The basis of our ills is them. The very people we are asking for positions, declarations and measures are the problem at the first level. As for the others, they are merely instruments, they merely follow, they are merely the pawns of a game of chess which serve the projects of domination of our countries. What do they want, friends? They want to plunder our choices, our resources, our oil, our gas, and now they want to plunder us more. We do not have time to talk about the new American policy: more obvious looting, explicit looting.

It is therefore necessary that we rely on our presence in the squares and fields (of battle), on our strength. What I have always said to you today, all the events and developments that are happening, I repeat to you again: we live in a world of wolves. There is no international law, there is only the law of the jungle. The strong eats the weak. If we are weak, we shall be eaten. If we are stronger, the world will respect us.

When we have a weight on equations and interests... This world seeks interests, it does not seek principles or values. Therefore, our strength is there, our interests are there, and our destiny and our future stop at our strength, our unity, our presence, the endurance of our people, the conscience of our (Islamic) Community.

These are the lessons we must learn from what is happening now. [...]

Putin on US strikes on Syria and chemical weapons: “It’s boring, ladies.”

Press statements following Vladimir Putin's meeting with President of Italy Sergio Mattarell

Kremlin, April 11th, 2017 

Source : http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/54267

Transcript :

Question: Mr Putin, if I may, I have a question about Syria. What is your take on what is happening in Syria? Is there a danger of another US military strike against Syrian targets?

Vladimir Putin: We discussed this with the President. I said that this reminds me very much of the events of 2003, when US representatives in the Security Council showed alleged chemical weapons discovered in Iraq. A military campaign in Iraq ensued, which ended with the destruction of the country, an increased terrorist threat and the emergence of ISIS on the international scene – no more, no less.

The exact same thing is happening now, and their partners are nodding approvingly. In this connection, our remarkable writers, Ilf and Petrov, come to mind, with their famous line, “It’s boring, ladies.“ We have seen this all before.

Why is this happening? Everyone wants to restore relations in the Western community after – thanks to the former US administration – many European countries adopted an anti-Trump position during the election campaign. Syria and Russia, as a common enemy, provide a wonderful platform for consolidation. We are ready to put up with that for a while in the hope that it will eventually lead us to some positive trend based on interaction.

For consumption within America, there are reasons for this. Simply put, political opponents of the incumbent president are still out there, and if anything happens, it will be blamed on him. I have no doubt about that.

Now about whether new attacks are possible or not. We have information from a variety of sources that such provocations (I cannot find another word for this) are being prepared in other parts of Syria, including in southern suburbs of Damascus, where they are planning to plant certain substances and accuse Syrian authorities of using them.

However, we believe that things like this should be thoroughly investigated. We plan to officially address the appropriate UN institution in The Hague and call on the international community to thoroughly investigate these matters. A weighted decision can then be taken depending on the findings of the investigation.

Ex-UK ambassador to Syria: Assad is not the author of chemical attacks

Interview of Peter Ford by Sky News on April 5, 2017

Transcript:

“Ask who benefits – clearly it’s not the Syrian regime or the Russians who are benefitting. And I believe it’s highly unlikely that either were behind what’s happened. There are different possibilities. One is that all of it is fake news: the images, the videos, the information all come from opposition sources and not from any credible independent journalists.

It’s also possible that the pictures show the aftermath of a bombing attack which happened to hit a jihadi chemical weapons munition dump. We know for a fact that the jihadi’s were storing chemical weapons in schools in Eastern Aleppo because these were seen later by western journalists. This is one distinct possibility. […]

We never learn, do we? Iraq’s chemical weapons – remember that one? We were stampeded. Aleppo, we were told that there was a holocaust going on – massacres – didn’t happen. Independent reporters went in afterwards and saw no evidence of massacres. What we did see were fighters being bussed out quietly. And we discovered subsequently that a lot of the footage was fake.”

Asked whether western intervention in 2013 “might have changed things”, Ford replies:

“Well, it’s not profitable to discuss the what-might-have-been – personally, I think it was correct in 2013 not to intervene on the side of the jihadis. Maybe I’m wrong, but I suspect that most of the people, when they thought about it for a second, would ask themselves: well, what’s going to replace Assad and the secular regime which is protecting minorities, Christians, women’s rights? I don’t think the Islamists would have been a better bet, and that is even more the case today. Remember that in Idlib where this happened is a rats’ nest of the most extreme jihadis.

Dogs returning to their own vomit. They made all these mistakes: Iraq, Libya – they never learn and they would like to reproduce the same scenario in Syria. Fortunately, the Trump administration moved only last week – and this may be significant here – moved only last week to disown the Obama policy of trying to unseat the Syrian regime. Trump’s people said: we’re more interested in unseating ISIS – that’s our priority. And you may think it’s significant that this attack comes days after that. Now if the jihadis wanted to complicate Trump’s task of making America’s policy more sensible, they wouldn’t have gone about it any other way than trying to mount a piece of fake news like this.”