Newspapers track conflict in Sudan, debate of arms in Lebanon 

This morning’s newspapers highlighted developments in the Sudanese crisis and the growing debate in Lebanon over Hezbollah’s weapons and the future of relations with Israel.

Sudanese army attempts to recover from the El-Fasher defeat by opening the north Kordofan front

Al-Arab newspaper addressed the situation in Sudan, noting that the Sudanese army is trying to recover from the defeat it suffered in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, by opening a new, yet old, front in North Kordofan, amid warnings of a humanitarian crisis in the region.

The newspaper considered the fall of El-Fasher a turning point in the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces since April 2023, as the latter now controls the entirety of the Darfur region, which represents one-third of Sudan’s territory.

It quoted observers saying Sudan is witnessing a race between the military and political tracks, requiring urgent international action to pressure both sides of the conflict.

Disarmament as a national priority

Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper discussed the political debate in Lebanon over the decision to place weapons solely in the hands of the state, describing it as a pivotal step toward restoring sovereignty and implementing the Taif Agreement. It focused on Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s position, who stresses that the decision is an internal Lebanese matter not directly tied to Israeli withdrawal, despite its connection to UN Resolution 1701.

The newspaper explained that Hezbollah’s insistence on keeping its weapons has become an obstacle to establishing a single state and a unified army, noting that the militia’s continued military role serves the Iranian project and keeps Lebanon internationally isolated. It also pointed to internal divisions over enforcing the decision, as some government forces obstruct the disarmament process despite international pressure.

The report highlighted the transformation of Hezbollah’s arms from resistance to a tool of internal dominance since 2000, holding the group responsible for assassinations and political interference.

It linked arms unification to political reform on one hand, and Lebanon’s ability to negotiate with Israel from a position of strength on the other, as part of an effort to restore sovereignty and extend state authority over all Lebanese territory.

Is the next Israeli war on Lebanon inevitable?

Al-Modon online newspaper focused on the growing likelihood of a new Israeli war against Lebanon, given Hezbollah’s insistence on maintaining its weapons and rebuilding its arsenal of missiles and drones. It explained that the United States and Israel view the Lebanese government as incapable of enforcing its decisions, prompting Washington to pressure Beirut toward negotiations with Tel Aviv as a “last chance.”

The newspaper argued that Lebanon faces a dual crisis: a paralyzed state and a party facing an existential challenge. It considered that maintaining the current situation makes a future war nearly inevitable.

A-H 

ANHA