بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Headline News 03/01/2018
Headlines:
Coup in Jordan?
Iran's Broken Premises
Trump Barks Again
Details:
Coup in Jordan?
Reports continue to emerge that that Jordan's King Abdullah has put members of his family under arrest because they were in touch with Saudi Arabia and planning a coup against the monarchy. Jordan's royal palace has warned it would take legal measures against anyone spreading what it said were lies about the ruling family. The removal has been announced as a major shake-up. The king said last week that his brothers Prince Ali and Prince Faisal and his cousin Prince Talal - who all had high military ranks - would be retiring from the armed forces. He said the move was part of a reorganisation of the armed forces' hierarchy and structure. Prince Faisal was head of the royal air force and deputy chief of staff, while Prince Ali had for years been in charge of the royal guards responsible for the king's protection. Talal bin Mohammad, a Sandhurst graduate who was an officer in the elite Special Forces. Reports recently emerged of these officers visiting Saudi Arabia, where a coup was being planned.
Iran's Broken Premises
On December 28th protests broke out Mashhad, Iran, where the regime has historically enjoyed wide support. According to local media reports the price of food has risen by over 40% and this has led to discontent. The clerical regime has for long promises an improved economy as it diverted resources to its ambitions in the region. Inflation in the country has run between 20% - 40% over the last decade and the effects of the half a decade long war in Syria is now affecting the domestic population in Iran. The protests have now moved from economic issues to political with the leadership of Hassan Rouhani and Ayatollah Khamenei being questioned. It remains to be seen of these protests cam morph into something larger and challenge the clerical regime, or even if foreign powers use this to meddle in Iran's international affairs.
Trump Barks Again
Trump has used his twitter account to once again criticised the lack of success by Pakistan in Afghanistan. Trump said the US administrations a prior to him have wasted billions on Pakistan, and the country has continues to provide safe havens to US enemies. Trump has failed to provide any specific evidence to his claims and continues with the aid programme dispute such criticisms. The civilians’ leadership and military leadership has executed every order from Washington, provided all logistical, air and ground support when ordered. Considering America's failure to win in Afghanistan this is a convenient scapegoat. Interestingly Pakistan's leadership has continued supplying the US and carrying out its orders — despite being accused of doing little for the US. The statements coming from both Washington and Islamabad and the complete opposite to their actions, this would mean this is just part of the propaganda war to hide the real intentions and actions.