The aerial war between Israel and Iran has been playing out over the skies of the Levant, prompting concerns in each country about its effects on internal stability and their strategic position.
Iraq has condemned the Israeli strikes on Friday that ignited the war. Despite their sharp political differences with Iran, both Jordan and Egypt have also accused Israel of violating international law and threatening regional security.
Only Syria has remained silent. A dramatic regime change in Damascus last year has ushered in the political ascendancy of Syria’s majority Sunnis and undermined Iran’s cross-border military reach.
Here is how the conflict is viewed in each of the region’s capitals:
Damascus
A source close to the country’s new rulers said that the Israeli attacks on Iran, the main regional backer of the former Assad regime, are seen as “positive” because they undermine Iran’s ability to destabilise Syria as it emerges from decades of hostility towards Washington.
Strengthening Damascus as a bulwark against Iran and possibly drawing the country into the Abraham Accords were the main reasons behind US normalisation with Damascus last month, according to US officials.
President Ahmad Al Shara does not want Iranian proxies, who had free rein in Syria until the removal of the regime in December, to penetrate the country again and launch attacks on Israel, the source said.
A week before the Israel-Iran war, a small group in southern Syria that once formed part of Iran’s regional network was suspected of carrying out a rocket attack on an Israeli-occupied area in the Golan Heights, drawing Israeli retaliation against Syrian military targets.
“For Al Shara, Israel is targeting its most dangerous enemy. Issues with Israel can always be negotiated. But for him, Iran is personal.”
Amman
Jordan has treaded carefully whenever conflicts involving Israel have erupted since the two countries signed a peace treaty in 1994. The kingdom also has a defence pact with the United States that governs the presence of 3,800 American soldiers in the country.
Its population, however, contains a large proportion of people of Palestinian origin, and anti-Israeli sentiment pervades the public discourse. Officials have shied away from public criticism of Iran despite viewing Tehran and its proxies as a threat to the stability of the system.
In his first public comments on the conflict, Jordan’s king Abdullah said on Sunday that the country will not be a theatre of war and will not allow anyone to interfere with its internal stability, in an apparent warning to groups that might try to attack the country or US interests.
Amid the Gaza war in January last year, a drone attack in north-eastern Jordan by a Shiite militia in Iraq supported by Tehran killed three US soldiers. The attack was seen as part of the Iranian response to the Israeli invasion of Gaza, but also retaliation for the assassination of Iranian military officials in Syria.
As soon as Iran started retaliating against Israel on Friday, Jordan announced that its air force had intercepted missiles and drones entering its airspace. A military official later said the projectiles were heading from east to west, in clear indication that they were Iranian.
Baghdad
Iraq, which is one of the world’s biggest oil exporters but imports virtually everything else, is one of the nations most vulnerable to the fallout from the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. This is largely because of the government’s weak influence on myriad Iran-backed groups in the country.
On the security front, Iraq faces the risk of becoming a battleground for proxy warfare. There are fears that it could be pulled deeper into this confrontation if the Tehran-allied militias choose to join.
After the outbreak of the conflict on Friday, the powerful militias said they would enter the conflict only if US forces based in Iraq intervened to support Israel. However, one group declared on Monday that it will join the fight, vowing to attack Israel and “anyone who supports it” in Iraq and the region.
A reassertion of military sway over foreign policy also threatens Iraq’s delicate balancing act between maintaining relations with both Iran and the West, particularly the US, and undermines its efforts to assert sovereignty and pursue an independent foreign policy.
Economically, the war could affect a process of recovery dating back to the low oil prices of five years ago. If the conflict expands and Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz, financial returns from Baghdad’s oil sales could again plummet, plunging the country into another crisis.
Past pressures on Tehran have also weakened the Iraqi dinar, which is trading at around 1,300 to the US dollar. Whenever Tehran has become more isolated, Iranians have bought what is known as the “cheap dollar” from Iraq, causing foreign currency scarcity in Iraq and undermining the dinar.
Beirut
Unlike Iraq, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, once Iran's go-to militia in Tehran’s so-called asymmetrical warfare against its foes, has indicated no desire to enter the fray, although it has kept up anti-Israeli rhetoric. Its military might has taken a blow after a 14-month war with Israel, causing it to lose its footing. Since its military defeat Western and Lebanese leaders have been working towards disarming the once-powerful group.
Israel understands only the language of “killing, fire, and destruction,” Hezbollah said in a statement following Israel’s initial assault on Iran. However, Riad Kahwaji, head of the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis, said the group is constrained and in no position currently to support Iran.
“Hezbollah has taken a very strong beating. Its capability has diminished considerably,” Mr Kahwaji said.
Meanwhile, Lebanese officials have fielded US and European warnings against allowing Lebanese territory to be used to support Iran. Hezbollah has been receptive to the pressure, with one of its officials telling Reuters last week that it would “not initiate its own attack on Israel in retaliation for Israel’s strikes”.
Still, an Israeli drone buzzed over Beirut at a low altitude on Monday, its incessant noise overlaying the urban sounds of the capital. The message was clear: although Israel is busy fighting a high-stakes war with Iran, it can still cause significant destruction in the already devastated Lebanon.
Cairo
Egypt, home to the Suez Canal, is mainly worried about any spillover that could disrupt global shipping, as well as imports of commodities and energy.
The government, as indicated by emergency meetings it has convened, fears that Iran could retaliate against Israel by closing vital maritime chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz or Bab Al Mandeb, which could disrupt access to the Suez Canal.
Egypt is import-dependent and has limited sources for foreign currency, so it is particularly vulnerable to disruptions in food, fuel, and other essential goods. On Sunday, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce issued a statement reassuring citizens that Egypt had strategic reserves to cover its needs for six to 12 months.
Moreover, Egypt’s energy security is under threat after Israel suspended natural gas exports to it due to the deteriorating security situation. With high summer temperatures driving higher energy demand, this could lead to power shortages and rolling blackouts, a politically sensitive problem that sparked a public backlash as recently as 2023.
Militarily, Egypt has put its armed forces on heightened alert, conducting nationwide air defence drills to ensure readiness. The Sinai Peninsula, which borders Israel, is on maximum alert, reflecting Cairo’s fear of further spillover from the conflict.
Incidents of stray projectiles landing on Egyptian territory, as seen with the Iranian-backed Houthis’ misfired rockets, have further underscored Egypt’s vulnerability.
Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".
The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.
"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.
As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.
A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
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The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
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Transmission: 10-speed automatic
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Profile box
Company name: baraka
Started: July 2020
Founders: Feras Jalbout and Kunal Taneja
Based: Dubai and Bahrain
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: $150,000
Current staff: 12
Stage: Pre-seed capital raising of $1 million
Investors: Class 5 Global, FJ Labs, IMO Ventures, The Community Fund, VentureSouq, Fox Ventures, Dr Abdulla Elyas (private investment)
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
Titanium Escrow profile
Started: December 2016
Founder: Ibrahim Kamalmaz
Based: UAE
Sector: Finance / legal
Size: 3 employees, pre-revenue
Stage: Early stage
Investors: Founder's friends and Family
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Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8
Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm
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Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 19.6 l/100km
Price: Dh380,000
On sale: now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Super Saturday results
4pm: Mahab Al Shimaal Group 3 | US$350,000 | (Dirt) | 1,200m
Winner: Drafted, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer).
4.35pm: Al Bastakiya Listed | $300,000 | (D) | 1,900m
Winner: Divine Image, Brett Doyle, Charlie Appleby.
5.10pm: Nad Al Sheba Turf Group 3 | $350,000 | (Turf) | 1,200m
Winner: Blue Point, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
5.45pm: Burj Nahaar Group 3 | $350,000 | (D) | 1,600m
Winner: Muntazah, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.
6.20pm: Dubai City of Gold Group 2 | $300,000 | (T) | 2,410m
Winner: Old Persian, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 Group 1 | $600,000 | (D) | 2,000m
Winner: Capezzano, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
7.30pm: Jebel Hatta Group 1 | $400,000 | (T) | 1,800m
Winner: Dream Castle, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results:
Women:
1. Rhiannan Iffland (AUS) 322.95 points
2. Lysanne Richard (CAN) 285.75
3. Ellie Smart (USA) 277.70
Men:
1. Gary Hunt (GBR) 431.55
2. Constantin Popovici (ROU) 424.65
3. Oleksiy Prygorov (UKR) 392.30
The%20specs
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Concrete and Gold
Foo Fighters
RCA records
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
Day 3, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage, the Sri Lanka pace bowler, has had to play a lot of cricket to earn a shot at the top level. The 29-year-old debutant first played a first-class game 11 years ago. His first Test wicket was one to savour, bowling Pakistan opener Shan Masood through the gate. It set the rot in motion for Pakistan’s batting.
Stat of the day – 73 Haris Sohail took 73 balls to hit a boundary. Which is a peculiar quirk, given the aggressive intent he showed from the off. Pakistan’s batsmen were implored to attack Rangana Herath after their implosion against his left-arm spin in Abu Dhabi. Haris did his best to oblige, smacking the second ball he faced for a huge straight six.
The verdict One year ago, when Pakistan played their first day-night Test at this ground, they held a 222-run lead over West Indies on first innings. The away side still pushed their hosts relatively close on the final night. With the opposite almost exactly the case this time around, Pakistan still have to hope they can salvage a win from somewhere.
Scoreline
Al Wasl 1 (Caio Canedo 90 1')
Al Ain 2 (Ismail Ahmed 3', Marcus Berg 50')
Red cards: Ismail Ahmed (Al Ain) 77'
THE SPECS
Engine: 3.6-litre V6
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 285bhp
Torque: 353Nm
Price: TBA
On sale: Q2, 2020
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
