YEMEN’S PRESIDENT SET TO RESUME DUTIES
Yemen's president sought to resume duties as head of state by holding his first public engagement since he fled house arrest in Sanaa. Hadi submitted his resignation last month after Shi'ite Houthi fighters seized the presidential palace and placed him under house arrest following months of violence over a constitutional dispute. Parliament has still not approved Hadi's resignation, however, as stipulated by Yemeni laws. Hadi appeared to rescind his resignation after he escaped from Sanaa and convened the governors of several southern provinces and military commanders at the presidential retreat in Aden. Hadi's escape and subsequent maneuvering could complicate talks on a new transitional administration. (Reuters February 22, 2015)
ISIS ATTACKS IRANIAN INTERESTS IN LIBYA
Militants claiming loyalty to the Islamic State said they were behind twin bomb attacks on the residence of the Iranian ambassador to Libya. Two bombs exploded at the gate of the Iranian ambassador's residence in central Tripoli. Iran's official news agency confirmed the blasts and said there had been no casualties, adding Iran had already suspended operations there. The attack on the ambassador's residence came two days after the group claimed responsibility for a double suicide bombing that killed more than 40 people in Qubbah, one of the worst attacks on civilians since a 2011 uprising toppled Muammar Gaddafi. Last month, militants claiming affiliation with Islamic State stormed a luxury hotel in Tripoli, killing five foreigners and at least four Libyans. Western powers are concerned that Libya is emerging as a thriving battleground for militants loyal to Islamic State. (Reuters February 22, 2015)
SISI CALLS FOR JOINT ARAB FORCE TO COMBAT ISIS
Egypt’s president said the need for a joint Arab military force is growing as the region faces the threat of Islamic militancy. President Sisi stated that Egypt’s military has no interest in invading or attacking other nations, but will defend Egypt as well as the region “if required and in coordination with our Arab brothers.” “The need for a unified Arab force is growing and becoming more pressing every day,” said Sisi. His assertion that a joint Arab military force was needed was the first public confirmation by an Arab leader that the creation of such a force was a possibility. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait were discussing the creation of a military pact to take on Islamic militants, with the possibility of a joint force to intervene around the Middle East. Jordan, France, Italy and Algeria are viewed as possible additional partners. (The Wall Street Journal February 23, 2015)
TURKEY ENTERS SYRIA TO RECOVER TOMB REMAINS AND GUARDS
Some 600 Turkish ground forces backed by 100 military vehicles and 39 tanks motored into Syria to protect the tomb of Suleyman Shah, the grandfather of the first Ottoman emperor. While there, they held a prayer ceremony and removed the site's artifacts and relics, lowering the Turkish flag and demolishing the complex. Turkey feared that soldiers guarding the tomb, which is sovereign Turkish land inside Syria, were at risk of being taken prisoner by Islamic State. The Syrian government deemed the incursion an act of "flagrant aggression.” The contents of the mausoleum have now been relocated to a territory controlled by Syrian Kurds. (The New York Times February 21, 2015; The Wall Street Journal February 22, 2015; The Washington Post February 23, 2015)
YEMENI REBELS USE INCREASINGLY BRUTAL TACTICS
The Houthi rebels who seized control of northern Yemen are targeting peaceful protesters with death threats, abductions and severe beatings. The increasingly brutal tactics are meant to halt demonstrations that erupted ¬after the Houthis toppled Yemen’s pro-American government and then dissolved parliament. But the knife attacks and other violent measures appear to be having the opposite effect. Rallies against the Houthis have increased in frequency and size, heightening concerns that the country is heading for all-out civil war. Al-Shami, a senior Houthi leader, denied that the rebels were beating protesters at unofficial detention centers or unleashing unprovoked violence during demonstrations. “This is not our style. We have morals and ethics, and everyone knows that [we] are honest and do not use such methods,” he said. (The Washington Post February 20, 2015)