Egypt, UK Hold Seminar on Fighting Terrorism

Egyptian-British Seminar on Counterterrorism - Military spokesperson's Facebook page
Egyptian-British Seminar on Counterterrorism - Military spokesperson's Facebook page
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Egypt, UK Hold Seminar on Fighting Terrorism

Egyptian-British Seminar on Counterterrorism - Military spokesperson's Facebook page
Egyptian-British Seminar on Counterterrorism - Military spokesperson's Facebook page

Egypt and the UK coordinated on Tuesday to exchange security expertise in their fight against terrorism during a seminar organized by the Armed Forces in Cairo.

Military officials and academics from both countries attended the Egyptian-British Seminar for Counterterrorism 2022, which is held as part of joint efforts between both countries to counter mutual challenges.

Speaking at the gathering, Chairman of the Military Intelligence Service Maj. Gen. Khaled Megawer welcomed the British delegation, stressing the importance of exchanging expertise to keep abreast of developments regarding terrorism.

Megawer discussed Egypt’s success story in fighting terrorism, which he said relies on scientific basis to face the root causes of the phenomenon.

British Air Marshal Joy Martin Sampson, Senior Advisor to the British Chief of Defense Staff for Middle East and North Africa, hailed the strategic relations with Egypt, stressing the importance of cooperation to fight terrorism, according to a statement by the Egyptian Military spokesperson.

Also, Qudsi Rasheed, deputy head of Mission at the British embassy in Cairo, said terrorism is a cross border issue that requires joint action. The seminar included a number of lectures that focus on threats and challenges posed by terrorism.

It also discussed the psychological and social dimensions of this phenomenon, as well as cyber security.

The event was attended by representatives from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry and the Interior Ministry, in addition to chiefs from the Armed Forces, professors, students, Sinai elders, and some members of parliament.



Trump Victory Fuels Fears of Netanyahu’s Increased Freedom in Lebanon

Smoke rises from Beirut’s southern suburbs following Israeli attacks. (AFP)
Smoke rises from Beirut’s southern suburbs following Israeli attacks. (AFP)
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Trump Victory Fuels Fears of Netanyahu’s Increased Freedom in Lebanon

Smoke rises from Beirut’s southern suburbs following Israeli attacks. (AFP)
Smoke rises from Beirut’s southern suburbs following Israeli attacks. (AFP)

Lebanese are watching closely after Donald Trump’s election as US president, hoping his policies might bring solutions to regional crises and possibly halt wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Observers caution, however, that change won’t be immediate or at Israel’s expense; instead, they expect Israel could have more military leeway before peace efforts begin.

Trump didn’t outline his plans to end conflicts during his victory speech, only briefly mentioning the issue.

Fares Soeid, a former Lebanese MP, called Trump’s win a potential global turning point, particularly in conflict zones like Ukraine and the Middle East. Soeid believes Trump’s support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s far-right may intensify.

Soeid told Asharq Al-Awsat that Trump’s election could hasten military actions on the Lebanese-Israeli border, allowing Netanyahu more freedom to secure military objectives and strengthen Israel’s negotiating position.

He suggested key UN resolutions intended to control arms in Lebanon may lose focus, with the goal shifting to place all weapons under state control.

There is concern in Lebanon over any change to Resolution 1701, which maintains the ceasefire with Israel.

Soeid clarified that Trump might not scrap these resolutions outright but could push for tighter arms restrictions, ensuring only Lebanon’s government holds power over weapons.

He believes the US may aim to create a cohesive Lebanese leadership to enforce these measures, essentially enabling Netanyahu more flexibility in regional matters.

The US election drew intense interest in Lebanon, with citizens and officials closely tracking the campaigns and vote results, hoping for a positive shift.

Lebanese politician Khaldoun Sharif noted that Trump reached out to Lebanese Americans during his campaign, promising to bring peace to Lebanon quickly.

He sees Trump’s advisor, Lebanese-born Massad Boulos, as potentially instrumental in highlighting Lebanon’s needs to the new administration.

Sharif criticized the outgoing Democratic administration’s handling of conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, saying it failed to curb Netanyahu’s plans despite multiple ceasefire proposals.

As Trump prepares to take office on January 20, Sharif emphasized that Lebanon is eager for a complete ceasefire, adherence to Resolution 1701, a consensus-backed president, and a transparent, reform-oriented government to rebuild trust with Arab nations and the international community.

Sharif voiced disappointment that past US administrations have often overlooked Lebanon’s significance.

Now, amid a severe conflict, he hopes Trump will act swiftly to end the violence, support reconstruction, and restore Lebanon’s standing on the regional stage.