Hichem Karoui – författare

In Book (8), the narrator, Bassam Bourasin, is released from prison following the massacre of 300 people in his hometown, ''Ouja. His mother and his fiancee Dalila were among the victims.

The narrator felt out of place and traumatised in his apartment. He barely recognised his hometown and felt he was either the real Bassam Bourasin or ''Ouja was not the real ''Ouja. The trauma had upset him since he arrived, and he was morally and physically exhausted. The survivors suffered indescribable concussions, and a thick cloud of melancholy and sorrow descended over the community. The atmosphere in ''Ouja was one of desolation and grief. The Barbarians have half-destroyed and ravaged the town, and the electric and telephone lines have not yet been restored. Even the countryside is described as a desolate area of rough, magnificent cliffs and harsh, tawny flora scorched by the sour acid sun''s smouldering beams. The people of ''Ouja are grieving the loss of their loved ones, and the graveyard is crowded with mourners. The armed militia is patrolling the streets, and sadness and gloom hang over the town.

 Mr Houssine, Bassam''s father-in-law, said the killers came at daybreak or earlier, rushed into the police station and the National Guard Headquarters, killed everyone, and then turned their rage to the stores and shops. They broke the doors with explosives, plundered, looted, and thrashed, while others broke into their homes randomly. They raped, robbed, killed whoever resisted, and rampaged relentlessly for hours. The terrorists were dressed in long robes and sandals, with long beards and masks on their faces.

The big question remains: who did it? In Arab countries where there is a conflict between secularists and Islamists, the same issue has come up numerous times. From Algeria in the nineties to Somalia, Iraq, Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, Yemen, and Sudan.

In the novel, Mr Houssine believed that the massacre in ''Ouja was God''s will and that people should accept it. When Bassam asked him how such a thing could happen in a country where people pray to God five times a day, Mr Houssine told him not to curse and to accept God''s will. He also suggested that the criminals who committed the massacre took advantage of God''s will more than those who prayed and did everything to please Allah.

One assumption about the massacre''s perpetrators in Ouja was that they could have been the Islamists who took over the government and badly needed foreign neutrality to crush their local rivals. Such an episode may discourage Western nations from providing help to the ousted president still fighting them in the South. Another assumption was that both parties could have perpetrated the massacre for different reasons.

This is the story of two successive military coups in an Arab country. The first is accomplished by a republican secularist junta, and the second by Islamists. The narrator, Bassam Bourasin, an eccentric and zealous bank clerk, writes a top-secret report to protest against his incarceration by the new regime. His purpose was to clean up himself from the heavy charges he was facing and prove that he was well devoted to the new masters of the country. As the narrative develops, he unveils many details about his life in his village, ''Ouja, and his new condition in jail. Thus, he tells the reader about his obsessions and secret ambitions, his old mother living in the past with the British settlers, his fiancee Dalila whose hugging or kissing is forbidden to him by social traditions, and his secret archives where he had managed to record for the posterity many details concerning life and people of ''Ouja. That entire world collapsed when a coup overthrew the King, and the big purge started. What happened to him and his boss, Mr Aroussi, was all the more painful that the man for whom he was working as a snitch, the mighty chief of the party''s cell, Hamda La''war, was still free. The latter was considered a national hero in the country since he was awarded the Order of High Merit from the former king for cuckolding the village''s shoemaker and getting an eye punctured in the brawl. To obtain the same medal, Bassam was ready to do anything, even if he had to convince the new masters of the country of a conspiracy against the security of the state being concocted by the cooks of the prison and their occult allies. That is the second purpose of his top-secret report, which he intends to submit to the authorities. But out of the blue, a second coup led by the Islamists happened; a mutiny burst out in prison, and Bassam was forced to readjust his views to be in the "right" direction of the wind.

In "Imbroglio," which begins Part Three (Dolce Vita) of the Morning of the Mogul serialised novel, Bassam Bourasin (BB) learns how far could go the intelligence apparatus'' manipulation of people like him, as well as the nation''s political leaders and ordinary citizens'' aspirations. It turns out that those who wield power in the intelligence services are the clique behind revolutions, counter-revolutions, coups, and counter-coups, and even the rulers themselves are under their control from behind the scenes. Nothing and nobody escaped this scheme, including those who pretended to alter the system and impose an Islamist regime. The only thing that matters in this game is power and the struggle to exert more control over society and people, even if doing so results in more crimes, tragedies, and genocides. What would BB do if he was unable to leave the game? Does he still have a choice, he who has repeatedly stated that everything in human existence is predetermined (Mektub)?

The series will continue with a forthcoming Book 10.

"Oceanic Oases Under Threat," is a comprehensive analysis of the impact of climate change on various regions, focusing mainly on the Mediterranean, Gulf, and Indian Ocean areas. It is organised into several key sections, each addressing different aspects of this broad topic. Each section delves into specific aspects of climate change, ranging from its fundamental background the particular vulnerabilities of different regions, to the socio-economic impacts and policy responses. The report also provides an in-depth theoretical framework, looking at power structures and environmental justice. It also explores the interplay between climate change and social dynamics, such as conflict, migration, and community resilience. Moreover, it includes a variety of case studies, quantitative and qualitative data analyses and concludes with a call to action for policymakers and the general public​.

Contributions of this report:

- Provides a comprehensive analysis of the socio-economic impacts of climate change in Arab regions.

- Sheds light on historical climate data, regional projections, and policy responses.

- Focuses on specific regions such as the Mediterranean, the Gulf, and the Indian Ocean to study the impacts of climate change on small islands and peninsulas.

- Explores power dynamics and environmental justice issues specific to these regions to deepen understanding of climate change impacts and identify opportunities for more equitable and just responses.

- Aims to develop holistic strategies that address the root causes of climate change, conflict, and migration and provide support to affected communities.

- Aims to foster a sense of global responsibility and inspire action for a more sustainable and resilient future.

- Aims to work towards implementing effective policies, promoting regional and international cooperation, and preserving the beauty, diversity, and stability of the planet.

Practical implications of this report:

- The report highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts between governments, communities, NGOs, and international organisations to develop adaptive strategies and mobilise resources to address the challenges posed by climate change in the Indian Ocean region.

- It emphasises the importance of implementing resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and protecting marine ecosystems to mitigate the impacts of climate change and build resilience in the region.

- The report calls for comprehensive and collaborative approaches to address the interconnected challenges faced by small islands and peninsulas, particularly in the Mediterranean, Gulf, and Indian Ocean regions.

- It emphasises the significance of education and awareness campaigns in enhancing resilience and understanding the implications of climate change in these regions, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members.

- The report underscores the need for international cooperation, financial assistance, and capacity-building initiatives to support small islands and peninsulas in implementing long-term strategies to address climate change challenges effectively.

Overall, the report provides practical guidance for policymakers, communities, and organisations to take action and work towards a more sustainable and resilient future in the face of climate change.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a protracted and multi-layered struggle deeply rooted in historical grievances, political aspirations and competing claims to land, resources and sovereignty. In this comprehensive guide by the GEW Intelligence Unit, readers will gain an in-depth understanding of the complex dynamics shaping this enduring conflict. Through meticulous research and analysis, the book delves into the historical, cultural, and geopolitical factors that have contributed to the ongoing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. With a serious and objective tone, this guide provides a nuanced exploration of the conflicting narratives, power struggles, and international interventions that continue to shape the region. Essential reading for anyone seeking to grasp the complexities of this enduring dispute, The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict offers a sobering examination of one of the world''s most entrenched geopolitical challenges.

The book highlights the evolution of the defence industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, emphasising its historical reliance on arms imports, the shift towards domestic defence capabilities, and the implications for regional security and economic development.

Key Takeaways

Guardians of the Gulf is essential for policymakers, scholars, and anyone seeking a deep understanding of contemporary defence developments in this critical region.