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Tips For Trump As He Meets Muslim Leaders in Riyadh

Published

9 years ago

May 20, 2017

Tips For Trump As He Meets Muslim Leaders in Riyadh

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]By Saeed Naqvi

On May 21, Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Sultan has organized a Muslim Jamboree for President Trump. He will thereby attempt to demonstrate that the entire Sunni world is under Saudi influence.

Trump should check a few facts himself. He should walk across to some of the leaders – Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan, for instance.

Sharif will say that he is of Sunni persuasion but he leads a country with various sects of Muslims, including a 20 percent Shia population.

Mohammad bin Sultan will have his ears cocked when he learns that Pakistan’s ex army Chief Gen. Raheel Sharif, who now heads the Saudi sponsored Islamic forces in Riyadh, has grown up on Pakistan army’s battle cry “Naaraye Haideri: Ya Ali, Ya Ali”. The very name of Ali, the Prophet’s son-in-law and the First Imam of the Shias, is anathema to the Wahabi creed.

Trump may find all of this instructive.

Many in Trumps entourage would have internalized a fallacy that the Saudis are the leaders of the world’s Sunnis. This is far from the truth. Yes, the Saudis are forging and leading an anti Iran front. Saudis are followers of an 18th century extremist Muslim reformer Abdel Wahab. This is quite distinct from leading the Sunnis. Abdul Wahab’s followers include people like Osama bin Laden, Al Qaeda and Takfiris for whom almost any other sect is an apostate.

When Mohammad Morsi was ousted from the Presidency of Egypt by the army strongman, Abdel Fatah al Sisi, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, rewarded Sisi with eight billion dollars (and more to follow).

Morsi represented the hard core, Muslim Brotherhood which is something of a nightmare for the Saudis. Thereby hangs a tale. Almost synchronizing with Islamic Revolution which brought the Ayatollahs to power in Iran, happened an even more dramatic event which traumatized Saudi society for years to come but which they pushed under the carpet. Indeed, reverberations from that event explain a great deal of Saudi nervousness to this day.

On November 26, 1979, Juhayman al-Otaybi, a Saudi religious activist and militant, a creature of the Muslim Brotherhood like formation, along with 400 men seized the Grand Mosque at Mecca to protest against the corruption and decadence of the Saudi Monarchy. The siege lasted two weeks. Pakistani, French and US Special Forces had to enter the mosque to flush out the militants. This led to a piquant situation. U.S. and French officers temporarily converted to Islam to be able to enter the great mosque. Trump will be amused by this story.

Far from leading the Sunni world, Saudis are mortally afraid of diverse Sunni schools, most specifically the Ikhwanul Muslimin or the Muslim Brotherhood, which has considerable grassroots support in countries like Egypt and Turkey and the Hamas in Gaza and numerous other societies.

By accentuating the Sunni-Shia divide the Saudis hope to redirect Sunni sentiment against Shiism and Iran. It wants the Shia-Sunni fault line to supersede the Wahabi-Sunni conflict. The Saudi monarchy’s yen for western razzle dazzle must be downplayed in opposition to austere, Sunni egalitarianism. It does not want the Otaybi phenomenon ever to resurface again. Opposition to Iran is strategic; fear of Otaybi visceral. Remember Wahabi Riyadh and Shia Iran were once twin pillars of western interests in West Asia when the Shah ruled Iran. The Shah never challenged the Saudi monarchy. The Ayatollahs, like the Muslim Brotherhood, consider monarchies unIslamic.

The recent skirmish across Iranian and Pakistani Baloch territories is an extension of Shia-Sunni conflict the Saudis are working overtime to expand. This has the potential of throwing the monkey wrench in the China-Pakistan economic corridor, a key element in China’s One Belt-One Road mega initiative. That ten Iranian soldiers were killed is a serious matter. The Iranian army chief’s warning against further Saudi provocation cannot be ignored. Unless the Saudis mend their ways, “Mecca and Medina are the only cities that will survive” should an Iranian retaliation become necessary? Tehran seldom speaks in such intemperate tones. Saudi Defense Minister (he is the virtual ruler) Mohammad bin Sultan, claiming ownership of a Pakistani cross border military action is also extraordinary. Whether this displays Saudi design or desperation only time will tell. But what a pathetic mercenary role Pakistan is being assigned in this exchange? If it does not flinch from this game it will get burnt again. Pakistan set up hundreds of Madrasas as hatcheries to help American defeat the Soviets and assist Saudis to nurture Wahabized Mujahideen as a bulwark against Iran. Then in October 2001, US began air strikes in Afghanistan. Gen. Musharraf was forced to join the War against exactly the assets Pakistan had helped nurture. Pakistan is still paying a heavy price. The blow back from that “betrayal” continues.

The difficulty with the Shia-Sunni divide, the Saudis (and Israelis) are trying to delineate, cannot be gauged arithmetically.

When an aggressively communistic offshoot of the Ismaili Shias, the Qarmatians, ruled vast territories from Yemen, Southern Iraq (Kufa), Syria, Bahrain for over a 150 years, beginning in 899 CE, they left behind a culture, traces of which can still be found in, say, Bahrain, a unique country where 70 percent of its Shia population is treated as the opposition by the Sunni rulers. Trump should know that the Bin Khalifas ruling Bahrain have minimal loyalty among the population. Likewise, Mansur Hadi who lives largely in Riyadh under Saudi protection but claims to be the President of Yemen, has a huge question mark on his legitimacy.

Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Pakistan have large and very influential Shia populations. Moreover, the Sufis, turning to Ali for inspiration, have permeated Sunni enclaves extensively.

Fatimids, a sect of Shias ruled a vast empire in North Africa from Tunisia. They founded Cairo in 969 AD. A common saying in Cairo to this day is: “Suuna bil Deen; Shia bil Hawa”, which means Sunni by belief but Shia by culture. Indeed, their rule extended to Sicily. Palermo, Sicily’s capital, was once witness to Moharram processions.

A bequest from the Begums of Oudh (Lucknow) since the 19th century financed scholars in Najaf and Karbala which the Indian government discontinued only when Saddam Hussain came into conflict with Shias in Southern Iraq. The Shia expanse cannot be minimized even by the propaganda machine at Saudi disposal. This Trump should note.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from international football

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his 23-year career with Portugal after 234 appearances and 146 goals.

Published

4 hours ago

November 5, 2026

APNLive Desk

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his 23-year career with Portugal towards an end.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain said he would hand back the No. 7 shirt of the national team after the November international break. Ronaldo made the announcement in a video message shared on social media.

The decision marks the end of one of the most decorated international careers in men’s football. Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals, both records at international level.

Ronaldo’s Portugal career comes to an end

Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2003 and went on to represent the country across more than two decades.

He helped Portugal win their first major international trophy at Euro 2016. He was also part of the teams that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

Ronaldo’s international career also included six World Cup appearances. His final World Cup came in 2026, when Portugal were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the last 16.

Ronaldo reflects on 23 years with Portugal

Announcing his decision, Ronaldo said it was not an easy choice and described his time representing Portugal as a privilege and responsibility.

He thanked his family, the Portuguese people, as well as the teammates, coaches and staff who were part of his international journey.

Ronaldo also said that Portugal would always remain a part of him.

Record-breaking international career

Ronaldo leaves the Portugal setup as the men’s all-time leading international goalscorer and the player with the most international appearances.

His 146 goals came across 234 appearances for Portugal. He also became one of only two players, alongside Lionel Messi, to feature at six World Cups.

His international career included major individual records as well as team honours, making his departure one of the biggest moments in modern international football.

What happens next

Ronaldo’s announcement comes after he said he would hand back Portugal’s No. 7 shirt following the November international break.

Portugal have Nations League fixtures during the November window, but Ronaldo’s announcement means his international career is now set to conclude after that break.

Latest world news

US sanctions Indian couple over alleged support for Iran’s shadow fleet

The US has sanctioned an India-based couple and associated entities over allegations that they helped Iranian vessels evade international restrictions through fraudulent maritime registrations.

Published

13 hours ago

November 5, 2026

APNLive Desk

The United States has imposed sanctions on an India-based couple and several associated entities, accusing them of helping Iran’s shadow fleet transport petroleum while evading international restrictions.

The US Treasury identified the individuals as Suniel Kumar Sharma and his wife, Jaspreet Preeti Shahid. According to the department, the couple operated a network that provided false maritime flags and certifications to vessels involved in transporting Iranian petroleum, including ships linked to Iran’s military and its proxies.

The sanctions were announced as part of the Trump administration’s Operation Economic Outcast, a campaign aimed at disrupting Iran’s economic networks and oil revenues.

US alleges fraudulent maritime registrations

According to the US Treasury, Sharma and Shahid allegedly established fraudulent maritime registries and classification societies by creating websites that claimed to provide services on behalf of countries that had not authorised them.

The department said the couple’s activities went back to at least 2014, when they allegedly attempted to impersonate the maritime flagging authority of Dominica.

The Treasury further alleged that their network provided registration and certification services to vessels transporting Iranian petroleum, helping them circumvent international restrictions.

False ship flags and maritime certifications can allow vessels to operate while avoiding regulatory and sanctions-related scrutiny, according to the US authorities.

India-based firms also face sanctions

The US action also covers several India-based companies and entities associated with the alleged network.

Among those designated are Oceaniek Technologies India and Aryavart Ship Management Private Limited. Other entities named by the Treasury include Precept Trends Private Limited, Polynesia Maritime Private Limited, Alexarya Finserv Private Limited, Alexarya Media and Entertainment Private Limited, Viharaboating Private Limited and Aryavart Maritime and Educational Trust.

The Treasury imposed the measures under Executive Order 13902, which targets key sectors of Iran’s economy, including petroleum, petrochemicals and aviation.

US Treasury issues warning

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Washington would continue targeting people and organisations it believes are supporting Iran.

“Under Operation Economic Outcast, you are either with us or against us,” Bessent said, adding that the US would sanction those it believes continue supporting the Iranian regime, whether by land, sea or air.

Separately, the US also sanctioned Turkey-based Fugo Ground Services Inc, accusing it of providing ground-handling and other services to US-sanctioned Iranian airlines.

The latest action therefore extends Washington’s sanctions campaign beyond Iranian entities to foreign individuals and companies that the US alleges are helping Tehran’s sanctioned oil and aviation networks.

Latest world news

Mojtaba Khamenei warns against expecting US policy shift after midterms

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has warned against expecting a change in US policy towards Tehran following the Democratic Party’s victory in the US midterm elections. He also cautioned that any renewed American attacks on Iran would widen the ongoing Middle East war.

Published

1 day ago

November 4, 2026

APNLive Desk

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has warned against expecting a change in US policy towards Tehran following the Democratic Party’s victory in the US midterm elections. He said those hoping that political changes in Washington would lead to a shift in America’s approach towards Iran were seriously mistaken.

His remarks came after Democrats secured control of both the US House of Representatives and the Senate, dealing a major electoral setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican Party.

In a message posted on the social media platform X on Wednesday, November 4, Khamenei said Iranians understood their position towards the United States more clearly than ever. He also said that examining the reasons behind what he described as US hostility and Iran’s resistance would provide guidance for the country’s future course.

Khamenei cautioned against viewing changes in the political balance in Washington as an indication that American policy towards Iran would become less hostile.

Khamenei Warns Of Wider Middle East War

The Iranian Supreme Leader also warned that the ongoing Middle East war could expand further if the United States resumed its attacks on Iran.

“Should such aggressions be repeated, its (the war) scope will become much wider,” he said.

His warning comes amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the conflict involving the two countries remaining a major issue in US politics.

Democrats Take Control Of Both Houses Of Congress

The Democratic Party secured control of both chambers of the US Congress in the midterm elections, marking a significant setback for Trump’s Republicans.

The party benefited from public dissatisfaction with Trump and gained greater power to scrutinise and challenge his administration during the final two years of his presidency.

Trump, meanwhile, struck a conciliatory tone in an interview with The New York Times, saying he was “absolutely willing to accept those results” and was prepared to work with Democrats.

Iran War Emerged As A Key Election Issue

The war involving Iran was among the major issues during the US midterm election campaign.

Democratic candidates criticised Trump over the conflict and linked it to economic difficulties that had contributed to frustration among voters across the country.

Khamenei’s remarks, however, indicated that Tehran does not expect the change in congressional control to result in a fundamental shift in Washington’s approach towards Iran.