1) At the INSS Raz Zimmt discusses ‘Warnings in Iran of an “Emigration Tsunami”’.
“Hundreds of thousands of Iranians emigrated over the past decade, and in recent months, these numbers have grown, with more and more people in Iran desperate over the difficult economic situation, rising unemployment, and the little hope for change given the strengthened power of the conservatives and the election of President Raisi. The waves of migration, and particularly the “brain drain,” are troubling to the government in Tehran, but do not necessarily signal forthcoming political changes.”
2) Amb. Alan Baker analyses ‘Mahmoud Abbas’ Message of Hopelessness and Hostility at the UN’ for the JCPA.
“It is indeed sad that the Palestinian people are devoid of a unified and authoritative leadership capable of genuinely representing them – both vis-à-vis Israel as well as vis-à-vis the international community.
To come to the UN General Assembly with wild, delusional, misleading, and misguided accusations and threats does not serve the interests of peace and does not advance the chances of a return to peace negotiations one iota. Mahmoud Abbas, in his recent statement, is deluding the international community, and as such, abusing each and every member state, as well as the United Nations itself.”
3) At WINEP Dennis Ross asserts that ‘A Pro-Israel Summit in Erbil Breaks New Ground’.
“On Sept. 24, a remarkable event took place in Iraq. In the northern city of Erbil, 312 Iraqis gathered—predominantly Sunnis but also Shiites, from cities and towns across the country—to issue a demand for their country to enter into relations with Israel and its people via the Abraham Accords, and they did this while risking the wrath of Iran and its military proxies.”
4) Relating to the same event, Hussain Abdul-Hussain gives ‘An Iraqi Perspective on Israel’ at the Algemeiner.
“Iraq is a predominantly Arab country, where popular opinion is ripe for peace and normalization with Israel. Non-Arabs, such as most Kurds, who make up one quarter of the population, have been friends with Israel for decades. If given a chance without fear of repression, anti-Iran Shiites and many Sunnis can join the Kurds. The real number of Iraqis who call for peace with Israel will then be significant.
But until Iraqis can enjoy freedom of expression, many of them — even the most liberal — will run for the exits every time the word Israel is mentioned. Iraqis want peace with Israel, but are not willing to sacrifice their lives for it.”
5) UK based readers may be interested in an event to be held by UKLFI in London on October 19th.
“Anne Herzberg will discuss NGO Monitor’s work in investigating the network of NGOs associated with the terrorist group, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and how this research can be used to restrict the flow of funds to terrorists. She will also cover the actions taken by the EU and various governments in response to NGO Monitor’s reports, and an ongoing FOI case with the UK government.”
