# 9awtak

> The People&#039;s Platform


## Posts

- [Between National Security and a Free Press: Why Jordanian Censorship Doesn't Work](https://9awtak.com/between-national-security-and-a-free-press-why-jordanian-censorship-doesnt-work/): Jordan’s status as a functioning state sandwiched between conflict zones, regional powers and Western interests has been an ever-present fact of the small country’s history. Juggling foreign policy goals, key alliances and public opinion is a game that the Jordanian government has played for 80 years, and with Israel committing genocide next door, Jordan’s unique challenge has been discussed on major Arab and Western news networks. Throughout this trying time, Jordan’s Ministry of Communication has been attempting to ensure, through various means, that the country’s image remains favourable. One particular action has attracted attention over the last two years: Jordan’s [&hellip;]
- [Israel's Mission Against Jordan Part 3: Manufacturing Consent](https://9awtak.com/israels-mission-against-jordan-part-3-manufacturing-consent/): The previous parts of this series were dedicated to explaining Israel’s stated historical will to create an alternative homeland, as well as devising plots to do so. As a matter of fact, there has never been a time where this possibility is more present than today. Many Israelis may deny this could ever happen, and they could be correct. But if they are, it would be due to logistical reasons rather than a vehement rejection of the plan by Israeli society. Jordan will fight tooth and nail, diplomatically and even militarily, if this plan is set in motion. This is [&hellip;]
- [A Deep Dive Into U of T's "Deal" with the Encampment](https://9awtak.com/a-deep-dive-into-u-of-ts-deal-with-the-encampment/): By S. Ghazi Yesterday, the University of Toronto sent out their “deal” to the organizers of the encampment. Although they called this proposal a deal, it is far more akin to an ultimatum. There is no room for negotiation as the university quite clearly stated at the end of this supposed deal that rejection of this deal would lead to “further action.” In any case, this deal should be broken down and examined to reveal the true intentions behind it, as well as shed some light on the University’s motive behind this “proposal’&#8221;. The first part of the University’s deal [&hellip;]
- [Israel's Mission Against Jordan Part 2: Conspiracy in Times of Crisis](https://9awtak.com/israels-mission-against-jordan-part-2-conspiracy-in-times-of-crisis/): Historical Attitudes of the State of Israel Towards Jordan: 1960s, 70s and 80s Jordan managed to develop a competent Armed Forces and an efficient security service, meaning against all predictions, the country managed to remain stable. The monarchy’s more immediate problems came from Arab Socialists aligned with Egypt’s Nasser and the Ba’ath Party, Communists, and later, the PLO. This does not mean that Israel did not attempt to sabotage Jordan at this time. Recall the plan for a Jewish homeland from 1919, as well as Ben Gurion’s statements that any partitions and settlements are merely steps towards further acquisition of [&hellip;]
- [Israel's Mission Against Jordan Part 1: An Ancient Plot](https://9awtak.com/israels-mission-against-jordan-part-1-an-ancient-plot/): A little country in a big neighbourhood, Jordan is often an afterthought when one thinks about the turbulent Middle East, a status Jordanians are content with. However, the country’s vulnerable location means Jordanians can never truly be at ease. In any region, neighbours are economically reliant on each other. For Jordan, which has a service-based economy and lacks natural resources, this can not be more true. It follows that any crisis in a neighbouring country has adverse impacts on the East Bank of the river. War in Iraq and Syria has cut off valuable markets from Jordan and brought in [&hellip;]
- [The Zionist Corruption of the Tanakh: From the Concept of the "Land of Israel" to Operation Swords of Iron](https://9awtak.com/the-zionist-corruption-of-the-tanakh-from-the-concept-of-the-land-of-israel-to-operation-swords-of-iron/): By Will Assad Introduction The phenomenon of &#8220;verse-lifting&#8221; refers to the selective use of scriptural texts, without establishing&nbsp;context, to support specific ideological agendas. Arguably, the most famous example is known as the&nbsp; “Sword Verse” from the Qur’an (9:5), often taken in isolation as “kill the idolaters wherever you find&nbsp;them and capture them and besiege them&#8221;. Without establishing the context as war and self-defense,&nbsp;this verse appears to divinely mandate genocide. In reality, this directive was issued within a specific&nbsp;historical context and critics who use this verse to claim Islam is a “violent religion” or those Islamic&nbsp;extremists themselves who justify their own [&hellip;]
- [America's Grand Scheme: How a Country Built on War Perpetually Funds Wars Abroad](https://9awtak.com/americas-grand-scheme-how-a-country-built-on-war-perpetually-funds-wars-abroad/): An exploration by Rashid F Kassim Introduction&nbsp; The United States of America began its rise to power and global economic prosperity after the great triumph of WWII. A common misconception that many fall subject to is that the U.S .joined the war to stand on the side of peace, justice, and liberty for the Jewish people against Hilter’s oppressive Nazi regime. The values they claim to this day had nothing to do with the U.S’s involvement in the Second World War. Franklin D. Roosevelt (The USA’s President during the Nazi regime) was no humanitarian. In fact, he had no sympathy [&hellip;]
- [On the 100th Day: Western Hypocrisy and American Failure](https://9awtak.com/on-the-100th-day-western-hypocrisy-and-american-failure/): Today marks 100 days since Israel had set out to make the Gaza Strip, an economically struggling slice of land with two million people crammed inside, uninhabitable. Shells, missiles and white phosphorus rain down on innocent civilians every minute of every day. They tell you to go from Gaza to Khan Yunis and they bomb Khan Yunis. They tell you to go to Rafah and they bomb Rafah. Back and forth the Palestinians of Gaza run around, pursued by killing machines from above no matter where they go. Over 23,000 are dead, 7,000 are missing. 250 are killed a day. [&hellip;]
- [Your Majesty: Expel the Ambassador, Out with the Occupier!](https://9awtak.com/your-majesty-expel-the-ambassador-out-with-the-occupier/): Your Majesty, Since October 7, Israel has rained down missile after missile on Gaza. White phosphorus blinds the population as there is no end in sight to the killing. A dazzling city that hugs Palestine’s shore is being levelled into dust and rubble. Two million people are stuck in an open air prison smaller than Toronto. No people in, no people out. No aid in, no aid out. Water and electricity supplies are rapidly dwindling, so the occupier may starve those who survive shelling to death. There are tens of thousands of Qassam militants in Gaza, but two million are [&hellip;]
- [The Case For a Peaceful Liberation of Palestine](https://9awtak.com/the-case-for-a-peaceful-liberation-of-palestine/): By Mohammad Rasoul Kailani Update: Today, October 7 2023, is a pivotal day in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hamas has launched a wide scale operation into Israel that has defied Israeli expectations. A barrage of accurate rockets preceded the destruction of Gaza’s apartheid wall and an incursion into Israeli cities by land and sea. Israelis in these areas rapidly fled at the site of masked militants approaching urban areas in pickup trucks. The story is developing, but major new outlets cite a figure of 5,000 rockets and around 70-100 dead. The ratio of civilians to combatants in this [&hellip;]
- [Turkey's Second Round: An Election For the Ages](https://9awtak.com/turkeys-second-round-an-election-for-the-ages/): By Pamir Gurler and Mohammad Rasoul Kailani What Happened? On the 14th of May, Turkey held a nail biting general election considered critical for the country’s future. Incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan started his 20 year rule with great economic and political developments, but the last few years have consisted of skyrocketing inflation and widespread corruption. Nevertheless, the glorious early years and a cult of personality ensures Erdogan maintains a strong base of support. This group of Turks, primarily rural and religious, allowed Erdogan to win 49.24% of the vote in the Presidential Election’s first round. Preventing him from reaching [&hellip;]
- [A Guide to Turkey's Most Crucial Election](https://9awtak.com/a-guide-to-turkeys-most-crucial-election/): By Mohammad Rasoul Kailani Thumbnail Photo: Burak Kara, Getty Images Background On May 14, Turkey will have its most critical elections since Mustafa Kemal Ataturk defied the world by founding the Turkish Republic. Ataturk drastically reformed former Ottoman Anatolia in the image of a European state. Some of these changes were heavily praised, while some remain controversial to this day. However, no one could deny that Turkey was now a strong state with strong institutions, as opposed to its neighbours to the south that fell victim to colonization. When the founding father passed in 1938, the situation in Turkey fluctuated. [&hellip;]
- [A Dream in Jeopardy: A Summary of Sudan's Conflict](https://9awtak.com/a-dream-in-jeopardy-a-summary-of-sudans-conflict/): What’s Happening and Why’s It Happening? Though Sudan is an ancient land plentiful in resources and rich in fertile soil, the last fifty years of its history have been marred by corruption, tyranny and civil war. Sudan’s history since independence consists of brief attempts at achieving democracy sandwiched between long and brutal dictatorships. At the end of 2018, the Sudanese people fought for their freedom once more. After weeks of protests against the war criminal dictator Omar Al Bashir, the military intervened and seized power. By June 2019, protests continued demanding a civilian government. Soldiers of the Transtional Military Council, [&hellip;]
- [The US in The Middle East: From Glory to Ruins](https://9awtak.com/the-us-in-the-middle-east-from-glory-to-ruins/): By Rashid Kassim The United States of America in the Middle East: From Glory to Ruins (Part I) Throughout time, the Middle East has been known to be the region of power, unity, stability, and economic prosperity. In recent years, that has not been the case. Western intervention has infiltrated the region since the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, but it is US intervention that has been particularly cruel. This exploration will essentially outline historic examples of US intervention in the Middle East and ascertain the resulting consequences. The Opening Act: The US in Afghanistan One of the most prominent [&hellip;]
- [A New Dawn? Saudi Arabia and Iran Reestablish Ties](https://9awtak.com/a-new-dawn-saudi-arabia-and-iran-reestablish-ties/): Conflict and strife have dominated the Middle East since the turn of the millennium. A major contributing factor has been the vicious competition between Saudi Arabia and Iran which has deeply debilitated the region. Indeed, the desire for domination has unleashed proxy conflicts all across the Arab World. Both regimes have sponsored rival political factions in Tunisia, Bahrain and Lebanon while also engaging in the bloody civil conflicts of Syria and Yemen. Beautiful countries were reduced to chess pieces as bank-rolled militias took to the streets. Worst of all, this geopolitical situation gave birth to rampant sectarianism between Sunni and [&hellip;]
- [Holy Land](https://9awtak.com/holy-land/): Poem by Mohammad Rasoul Kailani The serene adhan enjoins the shriek of the rooster,as the day starts in the Holy LandAll her villages feed their souls with prayer,and their stomach with the sweetest tea and most brittle Zaatar The sun shines forcefully, ordering the olives and figs to be picked from their treesThe initiation of the grand journey to market, A labyrinth of stalls and doors entrapping all the goods of the landFrom the finest pottery to the ripest fruit,nothing greater to be found in Nablus than its most delightful soap,Its scent capable of mesmerizing the entire Old City, After [&hellip;]
- [Little Country, Big Ambitions: An Analysis of Emirati Foreign Policy](https://9awtak.com/little-country-big-ambitions-an-analysis-of-emirati-foreign-policy/): By Hamza Al Muhaisen The preceding decades have seen the gradual rise of the United Arab Emirates from a regional backwater to one of the preeminent Arab powers. Formerly another oil-producing Sheikhdom, the UAE is now synonymous with cosmopolitanism, luxury, and cutting-edge innovation. Yet behind the veneer of utopianism stands a ruthlessly pragmatic regional strategy predicated on military and diplomatic clout.&nbsp; With military might forming the backbone of any geo-strategic ambitions, the Emirati leadership saw the buildup and reform of the Armed Forces as essential. One of the main challenges encountered by the UAE was the question of recruitment, as [&hellip;]
- [Turkish Syrian Reconciliation bound to flop](https://9awtak.com/turkish-syrian-reconciliation-bound-to-flop/): By Mohammad Rasoul Kailani Before the Civil War, Turkish-Syrian relations peaked. Now portrayed as enemies, Erdogan and Assad actually vacationed together in Bodrum in 2008. Would renewed Turkish-Syrian relations last, or is this masla7a in its purest form? Despite a hardline approach against the Assad regime throughout the civil war, Turkish President Erdogan wants to make amends. Last August, Erdogan claimed his government “does not have such an issue as to whether to defeat Assad or not”, a strong contrast to ten years of funding, training and promoting Syrian rebel fighters. Now, Syrian and Turkish diplomats are renegotiating relations. Against [&hellip;]
- [An Outlook on Saudi Arabia's New Leadership](https://9awtak.com/an-outlook-on-saudi-arabias-new-leadership/): An article exploring Saudi Arabia’s new leadership and their economic, political, and social policies. Written by: Rashid Kassim Introduction&nbsp; Saudi Arabia, led nominally by King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz &amp; De Facto by Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman has displayed a noticeable transition in economic and social terms. Middle Eastern media and Saudi Arabian media in specific has idolized Saudi Arabia and its leadership as exemplary, with peaceful and innovative leaders. Although there has been progress in some regards, it is not all flowers and roses.&nbsp; In fact, the visible authoritarian rule in Saudi Arabia at the time of King [&hellip;]
- [On Iranian Nuclear Weapons](https://9awtak.com/on-iranian-nuclear-weapons/): The idea of a “Middle Eastern Cold War&#8221; has the adverse effect of throwing a complex region with many political factions into two boxes. Nevertheless, it is probably fair to say that much of the region’s conflicts come from American interference, actively supported by their most important ally Israel, and the Iranian desire to get rid of it. Barring exceptions like Russia and Ukraine, it is rare to see countries settle disputes in direct war in this era.&nbsp; Rather, countries tend to engage in “proxy war’, sponsoring militias in weak yet strategically important countries in order to gain the upper [&hellip;]
- [Bringing Democracy to Jordan](https://9awtak.com/bringing-democracy-to-jordan/): “Democracy” is a word that invokes a wide array of emotions in the Arab World. After the chaos of the Iraq War, the Arab Spring and all of the chaotic events that followed, views on democracy range from believing that it will be the light that will lead the Arabs to prosperity, to thinking it is an impossible dream, the pursuit of which has only brought us pain and turmoil. Courtesy of swindling politicians like George Bush Jr and Abdel Fattah El Sisi, many Arabs think of it as a political buzzword with heavy connotations and little substance. Though everyone [&hellip;]
- [Who Is A Jordanian?](https://9awtak.com/who-is-a-jordanian/): What defines a nation and who is a part of it is a very simple question in some countries, but in Jordan, it is a topic of robust debate. Every once in a while, some national or regional event sparks the discussion of who belongs to Jordan, a matter some see as complicated due to Jordan’s long history of immigration, as well as her profound cultural and familial ties to her neighbouring states. Recently, a move by the Royal Committee to reform the political system based on a comprehensive and universal national identity sparked controversy; many citizens view the attempt [&hellip;]
- [Hypocrisy At It's Finest: Israel's Astounding Ability To Avoid Accountability](https://9awtak.com/hypocrisy-at-its-finest-israels-astounding-ability-to-avoid-accountability/): By Mohammad Rasoul Kailani It appears the Hasbara trolls have been emailed a new talking point. To the detriment of my sanity, I decided to look at the ongoing online discourse surrounding the situation in Jerusalem. After illegal settlers have been trying to expel Palestinian families from their homes, protests erupted, which were violently suppressed by Israeli police. A few days ago, Israeli forces entered the area of the Temple Mount and broke into Al Aqsa mosque, firing tear gas at worshippers and setting fire to parts of the compound. This has happened multiple times in the past week, and [&hellip;]
- [Aiding and Abetting: Canada's Complicity in Israeli Apartheid](https://9awtak.com/aiding-and-abetting-canadas-complicity-in-israeli-apartheid/): By an anonymous writer Canada, a settler-colonial state founded upon the genocide of indigenous Canadians, is no stranger to ethnic cleansing and systemic discrimination. In fact, Canada provided the layout for South Africa’s apartheid system, which was patterned after Canadian policy towards First Nations [1]. Just as Canada gave South Africa financial and diplomatic support during its apartheid era, it is currently complicit in the crimes of Israel, which has been officialy classified as an apartheid state in a lengthy report by Human Rights Watch. While the CBC refuses to acknowledge the existence of the report, and Canada’s role in [&hellip;]
- [What does the future hold for Iraq? An analysis of possible outcomes for the country of Iraq with consideration of local stakeholders.](https://9awtak.com/what-does-the-future-hold-for-iraq-an-analysis-of-possible-outcomes-for-the-country-of-iraq-with-consideration-of-local-stakeholders/): By Emin Khalladi Noka The US invasion of Iraq began on March the 20th of 2003. The event had global ramifications and would lead to a huge change in Iraq’s atmosphere that continues to ripple to this day. The 18th anniversary of that event is today, and still millions of Iraqis continue to be affected by this tragic occurrence. For the first time since 2008, Turkey has recently launched a military operation in Northern Iraq to counter PKK elements that are considered a threat to Turkish sovereignty. This recent intervention has sparked a lot of new questions and theories, in [&hellip;]
- [Syria, ten years on](https://9awtak.com/syria-ten-years-on/): By Mohammad Rasoul Kailani On the fifteenth of March 2011, a group of ordinary citizens from Damascus decided that it was time to make their voices heard. Emboldened by the victories of Tunisians and Egyptians against their opressors, people gained the courage to stand up to their repressive regime that had been using intimidation, censorship, torture and execution in order to hold on to the reins of power. The feeling of the boot of power stepping on their heads and worsening socioeconomic inequality compelled people from Daraa to Deir El Zor to rise up and demand change. As it was [&hellip;]
- [Why I am (somewhat) optimistic about Palestine](https://9awtak.com/why-i-am-somewhat-optimistic-about-palestine/): By Mohammad Rasoul Kailani With every passing decade of the illegal occupation, the hope of a free Palestine seems to die out a little. This seems to have especially been the case in 2020, a bad year in every regard, but particularly so for the Palestinian cause. Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu seemed very intent on annexing large, fertile portions of the West Bank, in conjunction with a collection of Arab regimes normalizing relations with an increasingly hostile Israel. To many, this is a sign that the quest for Palestinian liberation is merely a flight of imagination, however, one can look [&hellip;]
- [What Would The Middle East Look Like With Joe Biden As President?](https://9awtak.com/what-would-the-middle-east-look-like-with-joe-biden-as-president/): By Mohmmad Rasoul Kailani The former Vice President has come out as the victor of a nail-biter of a race with Donald Trump, who has definitely made an impression on the Middle East. To put it lightly,&nbsp;#45&nbsp;was definitely a bit bold with his decision making in this area of the world. From moving the American Embassy in&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;from Tel Aviv to the disputed city of Jerusalem, sticking with Saudi Arabia during the brutal butchering of Jamal Khashoggi, to almost inciting war with Iran, it is more than likely that America’s standing in the region has been negatively affected during these tumultuous [&hellip;]

## Pages

- [About Us](https://9awtak.com/about-us/): The Middle East is the cradle of civilization and the crossroads of cultures. It is indeed an important region that has a fast-growing number of bright young people with great ideas. However, they do not have adequate space to share them, for in the Middle East, censorship runs rampant. At 9awtak.com, we want to give writers within the region and beyond an opportunity to share their work and thoughts, free of fear. Because of its significance, we also aim to highlight the issues that occur and bring forth solutions to the struggles faced by the people of this area. As [&hellip;]
- [Privacy Policy](https://9awtak.com/privacy-policy/): Item #1 Item #2 Item #3
- [Terms of Use](https://9awtak.com/terms/): Last Updated: December 15, 2025 Introduction Welcome to 9awtak (“we,” “our,” or “the Platform”). By accessing or using this website, you agree to be bound by the following Terms of Use. If you do not agree, please do not use the website. Use of Content All content published on 9awtak, including articles, opinions, graphics, and multimedia, is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed by authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of 9awtak or its partners. You may read, share, and link to our content for personal, non-commercial use, provided proper attribution [&hellip;]
- [Write with Us](https://9awtak.com/write-with-us/): Submission Guidelines for Contributors Thank you for your interest in contributing to 9awtak. We welcome writers from across the Middle East, North Africa, and the diaspora. Please read the following guidelines to ensure your pitch or draft fits our editorial standards. A. What We PublishWe accept submissions in the following formats: 1. Opinion&#8211; Argument-driven pieces that take a clear position on a political, economic, or social issue.&#8211; Length: 800-1,200 words&#8211; Requirements: Logical argument, evidence, respectful tone. 2. Analysis&#8211; Context-rich pieces that break down complex issues with data, research, or policy insight.&#8211; Length: 1,000-1,600 words&#8211; Requirements: Reliable sources, structured reasoning, accessible [&hellip;]
- [Home](https://9awtak.com/): edit post Economics Jordan’s Untapped Potential: Fixing the Root Causes of Unemployment by Nooreddin Bazbaz December 19, 2025 edit post Politics Between National Security and a Free Press: Why Jordanian Censorship Doesn&#8217;t Work by Mohammad Rasoul Kailani July 17, 2025 edit post Politics Israel&#8217;s Mission Against Jordan Part 3: Manufacturing Consent by Mohammad Rasoul Kailani June 6, 2024 edit post Diaspora A Deep Dive Into U of T&#8217;s &#8220;Deal&#8221; with the Encampment by Mohammad Rasoul Kailani May 24, 2024 Featured edit post Politics Between National Security and a Free Press: Why Jordanian Censorship Doesn&#8217;t Work July 17, 2025 edit post [&hellip;]
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