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Arab League Calls for Increasing Investments in Arab Communication Sector

Arab League Calls for Increasing Investments in Arab Communication Sector (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Arab League Calls for Increasing Investments in Arab Communication Sector (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Arab League Calls for Increasing Investments in Arab Communication Sector

Arab League Calls for Increasing Investments in Arab Communication Sector (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Arab League Calls for Increasing Investments in Arab Communication Sector (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Arab League called for pumping investments in the communications and information technology sector to develop infrastructure and raise the level of capabilities offered by communications networks.

The decision aims to enhance fifth-generation networks, bridge the digital gap between cities and remote areas in the Arab region, and complete digital transformation processes.

Director of the Communications and Information Technology Development Department at the Arab League Khaled Wali explained that technological development continues to impose its burdens on the communications and information technology sector in the Arab world.

He reiterated the importance of the communications and information technology sector as a significant driver of economic and social development, and a vital link between its various sectors, especially in light of the coronavirus epidemic.

Wali pointed out that information and communication technology is crucial to preserving public health and achieving social and economic stability globally, stressing the importance of digital transformation for all sectors.

The Director noted the importance of increasing citizens’ confidence in modern communication technologies, paying attention to information security in providing services and enacting laws and legislation protecting users from cybercrime.

Meanwhile, the Arab League congratulated Egypt for choosing the new administrative capital as an Arab digital capital for 2021. It also applauded Oman for choosing Muscat as the Arab digital capital for 2022.

It commended Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Egypt, which achieved progress on their international ranking for the global cybersecurity index.

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Israeli Cluster Bombs Create ‘Renewed’ Disaster in Southern Lebanon

A Lebanese soldier works to remove a landmine (Lebanese Army website)
A Lebanese soldier works to remove a landmine (Lebanese Army website)
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Israeli Cluster Bombs Create ‘Renewed’ Disaster in Southern Lebanon

A Lebanese soldier works to remove a landmine (Lebanese Army website)
A Lebanese soldier works to remove a landmine (Lebanese Army website)

Lebanon is still clearing cluster bombs dropped by Israel during the 2006 war, and reports suggest that the threat is growing. Israel is believed to be using cluster bombs again in southern Lebanon, an area already severely damaged.

While the war continues, some sources in southern Lebanon claim that Israel has dropped cluster bombs, especially in agricultural areas. This could make it impossible for farmers to use the land in the future, as unexploded bombs could detonate at any time. The danger has already caused hundreds of deaths and injuries since 2006.
Before the latest conflict, Lebanon’s Mine Action Center requested four more years to finish clearing the bombs left over from 2006. However, it has not been able to confirm whether Israel has used cluster bombs in this new conflict. The center is waiting for the war to end to confirm the types of weapons used.
Hezbollah accused Israel of using cluster bombs in southern Lebanon in a statement last month, calling on international human rights organizations to condemn the attack.
Hezbollah’s statement, released on Oct. 15, said Israeli forces dropped cluster bombs in several areas, including near the towns of Aalman and Deir Siryan. The group said this action violated international law, especially during wartime.
Retired Gen.
Abdul Rahman Chehaitli, who was Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations in the Lebanese Army during the 2006 war, explained that Israel dropped cluster bombs just two days before the war ended.
These bombs were dropped randomly, making it impossible to create accurate maps for their removal.
Chehaitli told Asharq Al-Awsat that Lebanon received incomplete maps of the bomb locations from Israel through UNIFIL, but some areas still remain dangerous. Removing these bombs is risky and slow, and unexploded bombs still pose a major threat to civilians.
He warned that the use of cluster bombs in the current conflict could lead to another disaster once the fighting ends.
According to the Lebanese National News Agency, Israeli warplanes dropped over 5 million cluster bombs in southern Lebanon during the 2006 war. By 2020, these bombs had killed 58 people and injured around 400 others, many of whom were farmers and shepherds.
The Lebanese Army’s Mine Action Center works with UNIFIL and local and international organizations to remove these bombs. However, a lack of funding has reduced the number of organizations able to help, especially in southern Lebanon and the western Bekaa.
Hassan Faqih, head of the Tobacco and Tombac Farmers’ Union in Lebanon, described the continued threat of cluster bombs. Since 2006, many farmers have been unable to use their land because of unexploded bombs. Some have been injured or disabled after bombs went off.
Faqih told Asharq Al-Awsat that areas like the town of Hamila in the Nabatieh district are still full of unexploded ordnance, preventing farmers from working. He also confirmed that Israel has used cluster bombs again in this conflict.
Local residents can recognize the bombs by their shape and the sounds they make.
Cluster bombs are dropped from aircraft or fired as missiles and contain hundreds of smaller bombs that scatter over a large area. Though intended to target military forces, they are highly dangerous to civilians, especially children.