The Season of Overthrowing Dictatorships in the Middle East!
December 14, 2024, 9:57 am

The Season of Overthrowing Dictatorships in the Middle East!

عبد الرحمن کورکی

The developments have proven the Iranian resistance's assertion that "the head of the snake of the velayat-e faqih is in Tehran." The tyrannical Assad regime has fallen, and this downfall is an inevitable precursor to the overthrow of the ruling religious dictatorship in Iran.

Although Syria has gone through its toughest periods under Assad's rule and it is the right of the Syrian people to rejoice and celebrate their victory over dictatorship now, it is essential to remember that the Syrian people's revolution has many friends at both regional and international levels, with the Iranian people and their resistance at the forefront of these allies, as the dictatorship of the Assad family has always been a close servant of the ruling religious dictatorship in Iran during its ominous rule over this land.

**The Relations Between the Two Dictatorial Regimes in Iran and Syria!**
Hafez al-Assad died of a heart attack on June 10, 2000, at the age of 69. Following his death, the Syrian Baath Party elected Bashar, Hafez al-Assad's son, as President of the Syrian Baath government, and he practiced an even harsher dictatorial regime in Syria. Bashar al-Assad visited Tehran early in his administration, where Khamenei expressed condolences for Hafez al-Assad's death, confirming that "the Islamic Republic of Iran has lost a dear friend and brother with the passing of Mr. Hafez al-Assad." He added that the continuity of this approach through his son, who reminds others of his father, is a source of hope and optimism. Bashar al-Assad then indicated that Damascus, as it was during Hafez al-Assad's time, will always support Tehran in all circumstances, just as the Syrian Baath regime supported Iran during the Iran-Iraq War.

**The Overthrow of Bashar al-Assad from the Perspective of the Iranian Dictatorship!**
Abbas Araqchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, stated: "The speed of developments surprised everyone, as it was unexpected. Complete information in this regard had been conveyed to the Syrian authorities." In response to a question from an official Iranian television reporter who said, "Some are openly saying that the next target is Iraq. Do you have such a prediction regarding the region?" Araqchi replied, "These predictions are based on some facts that cannot be ignored, whether based on analysis or some available information. It is likely that the circle of conflicts will extend to the entire region, not just Iraq, but will also encompass other parts of the region."

Masoud Bezhakian, the president appointed by Khamenei, expressed during a cabinet meeting: "It is the Syrian people who must decide the future of this country and its political and governmental system!" He boldly and unexpectedly expressed his hope that the Syrian people could determine their destiny in a calm environment away from any destructive foreign interventions, as befits the great people of Syria! (Bezhakian's website – December 8, 2024).

**Strategic Transformation in the Middle East**
After the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government, international and regional media reported that this development would change the balance of power in the region and even affect the future of Syria and the allies of the Iranian regime. The overthrow of the tyrannical Assad regime in Syria marks a turning point in the decline of this dictatorship's military and political role in the Middle East. It has become clear to those who have somewhat followed developments in the region over the past few decades that the 14-month war between Israel and Hamas, Hezbollah, and other militias affiliated with the velayat-e faqih regime has moved the "Axis of Resistance of the Iranian regime" to a new strategic phase, paving the way for the crushing of the "head of the snake of the velayat-e faqih," and allowing for the victory of the people over the fiercest dictatorships of the century. The fall of the "Assad" dictatorship in Syria was synonymous with the "stigma of the mullahs' regime" in shaping and strengthening client forces, especially Hezbollah in Lebanon, and advancing a policy of interference in the affairs of regional nations.

**The Fate of Assad's Allies!**
There is no doubt that the fate of Assad's allies will be more tragic, as the Assad dictatorship was merely a branch of a larger dictatorial tree imposing its will in the region. Currently, with the increasing concerns of Iranian authorities, the worries of the mullahs’ militias, particularly in Iraq, are intensifying, and these militias will quickly collapse under the fury of the peoples, just as the Assad regime did.

There is no doubt that the future of the Middle East will largely depend on the wisdom of the new Syrian government in taking necessary steps to confront the Iranian regime and serve its people

*By Abdul Rahman Korki (Mahabadi)*

What are the detention centers in northern Syria? Congratulations and Aspirations of the Kingdom to Host the FIFA World Cup 2034

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.