Heritage destruction in southern Lebanon, the withdrawal of coalition forces from Iraq, and a fire in a Syrian gas pipeline

In the last two wars on southern Lebanon, Israel destroyed dozens of heritage monuments, and affected homes and palaces whose architecture, libraries, and architectural style documented eras of political and social history in the past two centuries.

In the city of Nabatieh alone, the Israeli bombing destroyed 147 houses ranging in age from 80 to 150 years, some of which were houses and “diwaniyas” built 200 years ago and belonging to local leaders and ancient families in southern Lebanon.

The destruction of these houses, which were built in a special style, did not come as collateral damage to the war and because they were adjacent to military sites, but rather was part of a plan to eliminate the urban, urban and political heritage of the region, such as destroying and burning a market dating back to the Mamluk era in the city of Nabatiyeh.

Cultural and social activities in the south agree that what is happening is a process of “systematic destruction of memory without any actual justification.” The concentrated bombing of ancient homes that historically stand in political contrast to Hezbollah denies what the Israeli army claims that the bombing only targets the party’s facilities and headquarters.

Iraq is hours away from “Sovereignty Day,” which will witness the departure of the last soldier of the “International Coalition” forces led by the United States from the country tomorrow. As the Iraqi authorities prepare to celebrate “Sovereignty Day,” anxiety is rising in the Kurdistan region regarding the withdrawal process.

The Iraqi authorities took over the main headquarters of the American forces at Baghdad International Airport, and the head of the Security Media Cell in Iraq, Lieutenant General Saad Maan, said that the government has become “the one with the highest say” in determining the nature of the military and security presence in the country.

After completing the withdrawal of “coalition” forces from the center of the country, the final touches are being put on their final withdrawal from the Kurdistan region.

While the withdrawal is reflected in joy in Baghdad, it turns into concern in the Kurdistan region, whose Prime Minister, Masrour Barzani, said on Sunday that “leaving the Kurdistan region exposed without providing any defensive systems to protect it is a matter of concern.”

The Syrian News Agency quoted the Syrian Petroleum Company as saying that a fire broke out, on Monday evening, in a gas pipeline linking the Shula region and Deir ez-Zor “due to the explosion of the sectional valve in the line as a result of an act of sabotage.”

The government company added that the fire led to the cessation of the flow of gas from the Al-Jabsa plant towards the generating stations.

She explained that the fire brigades worked to isolate the area before and after the fire, and are working to “complete the extinguishing process as the gas pressure in the area decreases.”