EU’S MIDDLE EAST POLICY:ITS ADJUSTMENT AND PREDICAMENT AMID PERSISTENT CHAOS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

The European Union(EU)shapes its policy towards the Middle East under the twin impacts of the United States’strategic orientation in the Middle East and the dynamics in the region.However,a series of unilateral actions taken by the Trump administration,including declaring to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action(JCPOA),resuming and keeping increasing sanctions on Iran.

MIDDLE EAST IN 2016: OPPORTUNITIES AMONG DANGERS

The Middle East situation in 2016has been an extension of that since the major changes in the region featuring transformation and upheavals interwoven with each other.On the one hand,the turbulence has been deepening,spreading and overflowing,highlighted by the diplomatic relationship breakoff crisis between Saudi Arabia and Iran,the deepening of gaming between the US and Russia,the attempted coup in Turkey,

US STRATEGY TOWARD MIDDLE EAST:CONFUSION IN TRANSFORMATION

During the Cold War,the United States implemented an"offshore balance"policy in the Middle East,on the one hand,competing with the Soviet Union for a sphere of influence,and on the other hand,not directly engaging in the war.After the end of the Cold War,the US,as the sole super power,switched to the strategy of direct intervention in the Middle East.

Artificial Intelligence in US Military Strategy:Trends and Implications

Since 2017,the United States has been advancing the utilization of artificial intelligence(AI)in its military strategy.Academic studies of AI’s impact on national security generally fall into four groups.The first group deals with the specific areas where AI empowers the military,such as intelligence acquisition and analysis,new weapon manufacturing,command and control decision-making and implementation,and man-machine relationship.

No-fly Zones and China's Diplomatic Dilemma

The no-fly zone has become a model of United Nations-mandated humanitarian intervention.However,no-fly zones have exceeded the authority of the United Nations and have led to the excessive use of force.As the legitimacy of the zones has been accepted by more and more countries,they have also created a diplomatic dilemma for China.

China’s Proposition to Build a Community of Shared Future for Mankind and the Middle East Governance

The proposition to build a community of shared future for mankind is a new concept that the Chinese government has advocated after the 18th National Congress of the CPC,aiming to develop a new structure of international relations and upgrade the global governance model.As a Chinese proposition that reflects China’s wisdom,this concept is based on the long-standing cultural tradition and the advanced Chinese ideological system,representing a new perspective for international cooperation and international order and the new concepts of development,security and civilization.This proposition offers the right direction for the ongoing efforts to improve global governance.The governance in the Middle East is a weak link in global governance,but it is a critical factor for improvement.As a rising power,China is playing an increasingly prominent and constructive role in the Middle East governance.China’s proposition to build a community of shared future for mankind and the“Belt and Road”initiative does not only fit very well in the diverse cultural context of the Middle East,but also support the realistic needs of the people there.The proposition,as well as the initiative,will surely drive the improvement of governance in the Middle East and help the region solve issues hindering development and achieve lasting and universal peace.

China and the Middle East Economic Governance in New Era

The Middle East Region has been suffering serious economic difficulties and the governance deficit for a long time,which demands a global response.In this new era,China has become an important actor in the progression of the Middle East economic governance;the contents of China’s participation in the Middle East economic governance include energy,trade,investment,finance and developmental governance.Participation of China to the Middle East economic governance has improved economic climate and the terms of trade for the Middle Eastern countries,and enhanced their sustainable development ability,and also responded to the criticism from the Western countries accusing China of being a free rider with real actions.Compared to the Western countries,China’s participation to the Middle East economic governance exhibits its own characteristics in governance goals,ability,path,regime,contents and governance styles.“The Belt and Road”Initiative marks China’s participation in the Middle East economic governance enters new level.The depth and result of China’s participation in the Middle East economic governance are affected by various factors.

Autologous Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Embedded in Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Context and Aim: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) have emerged as ideal candidates for advanced therapies of various therapeutically-challenging diseases;however, their regenerative potential in diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) has not been well determined. In this study, we reviewed our clinical experience in mitigating chronic ulcer complications of diabetic foot through a conventional treatment of autologous adipose-derived MSCs embedded in PRF with pure PRF injections. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out in 10 patients with an open DFU wound selected over a period of 1 year starting from April 2019. Patients were either injected with PRF alone (Group A) or injected with MSCs derived from adipose tissue (ADMSC) embedded in (PRF (Group B). Results: Patients in Group B had a better healing index when compared to Group A. Conclusion: Use of ADMSC embedded in PRF showed promising results to treat DFU.

China's Seaport Diplomacy: Theories and Practice

China has developed a new chain of commercial seaports along the Maritime Silk Road. These ports are unlike those used by overseas military bases of the United States. While the former focuses on the economic development of China and other involved countries through investment, trade, infrastructure construction and international shipping center development, the latter is at the service of the U.S. security strategy underpinned by goals to strengthen alliances, fight terrorism, expand influence and support proxies. China has gained extensive experience from its seaport reform. Opening-up programs like the "Shekou model" promote business opportunities in addition to the essential services, and define the port area as the "frontier", the industrial park as the "middle ground", and the port city as the "backyard". Based on such experience, China is ready to contribute to the development, peace and stability of emerging countries along the Maritime Silk Road and explore seaport diplomacy with Chinese resilience, diligence and foresight. China's seaport diplomacy is market-oriented and involves companies as key players. It is also supported by government coordination. Seaport diplomacy has increased connectivity and interdependence between countries and regions along the Maritime Silk Road, and helps avoid the "zero-sum game" and the "core-peripheral" asymmetrical relationship of dependence. China's participation in the development of seaports along the Maritime Silk Road has facilitated the industrialization process of the countries involved and benefited local communities. This approach stands in sharp contrast to the maritime militarization and democratization pursued by some Western countries. Nevertheless, China's participation in the development of seaports along the Maritime Silk Road also faces economic, legal, political, and security risks. Thus, caution should be given to the tendency to politicize China's seaport development.

Ideological Transition of the Afghan Taliban

The Afghan Taliban(hereafter termed the Taliban) has returned to power in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of US troops from the country. However, acquiring political legitimacy at home and winning international recognition abroad remain daunting tasks for the Taliban, which will largely hinge on the group's transition away from its previously radical ideology. The ideology of the Taliban can be categorized as a brand of traditional Islamism blended with unique Afghan characteristics, which incorporates a variety of elements ranging from Deobandism, Pashtun rural and tribal cultures, Wahhabism, and Salafism to political Islam and carries a combination of many attributes. For instance, it emphasizes religious legitimacy stemming from the outward display of piety but overlooks the importance of political legitimacy. Moreover, it pursues Pashtun supremacy and practices sectarianism. However, driven by the needs of successive resistance and governance, the ideology of the Taliban has been undergoing a transition in recent years. Notably, pragmatism has begun to emerge, along with pluralism and religious inclusion;the emphasis on outward manifestations of piety has been reduced;efforts have been made to seek integration into the international system;and there appears to be a willingness to follow international norms. Despite all that, the core of the Taliban ideology remains intact, which still falls within the ambit of Islamism, as evidenced by the theocratic regime it has established in Afghanistan and its governing philosophies that advocate mullahs running the country. The Taliban has been shifting its ideology toward modern Islamism, which lacks successful governance practice. As an armed religious group, the Taliban faces tough challenges in governing the country, which include, but are not limited to, conservative mindsets and skill deficits. To tackle the challenges effectively, the Taliban should continue to focus on political legitimacy and advance the transition of its ideology.

Middle East Upheavals and Democratic Transition of Arab Countri

Prior to the Middle East upheavals,democratic transitions in Arab countries could be roughly divided into three stages,namely,the early constitutional reform,the third wave of democratization and democratic reforms under the impact of the end of the Cold War,and during the democratization process under pressure from the US“Greater Middle East”initiative in the new century.The Middle East upheavals are part of political and social movements that involve the whole Arab world.They have not only some common features,but also huge differences;the long-standing problems in Arab countries in the political,economic and social areas are the fundamental causes of Middle East upheavals.However,in addition to this,they are also affected by the US“Greater Middle East”initiative and other external factors.Democratic reforms and transitions undoubtedly constitute an important part of the Middle East upheavals.Arab countries are currently carrying out democratic reforms,but meanwhile they are also facing many challenges.The core elements that affect the progress of democratic transitions include three factors:Islam,military intervention and geopolitical factors.With respect to the relationship between Islam and democratic transition,the conflicts between religious and secular forces will continue to have an impact on the democratic transition of the Arab countries.0n the other hand,moderate Islamic forces will explore democratization with Islamic characteristics.The relationship between Islam and democracy will be developing in diversified ways,and consecutively adjusting and remodeling.In terms of relationship between military intervention and the democratic transition,there will be a long way to eliminate the impact of military intervention in Arab countries,and a long process from the starting of democracy to democratic consolidation,and eventually to democratic functioning.This also depends on the normalization of relations between religious and secular forces after a long period of interaction and accommodation.On the relationship between geopolitics and democratic transition,complicated internal religious,sectarian and ethnic conflicts,contradictions among Arab countries,ideological competition and regional leadership competition,as well as the military intervention and exports of democracy from Western powers,have exacerbated the turbulence in the Arab democratic transition.

UPGRADING RELATIONS BETWEEN CHINA AND ARAB STATES WITHIN FRAMEWORK OF BELT AND ROAD

The Arab world, located at the junction of Europe, Asia and Africa, and having access to the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea and even the Atlantic Ocean, is a convergence zone of the Belt and Road. Since 2014, relations between China and Arab states have been scaling new heights every two years. In 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the 6th Ministerial Meeting of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum and proposed to build the Belt and Road Initiative together with the Arab world through a ＂1＋2＋3＂ cooperation framework, which means, both sides will take energy cooperation as the main body, infrastructure building and trade ＆ investment facilitation as two wings, and nuclear energy, space satellite and new energy as three new breakthroughs, The Chinese government in January 2016 released the first ＂China＇s Arab Policy Paper＂, and then President Xi Jinping paid successful state visits to Saudi Arabia and Egypt; President Xi Jinping on July 10, 2018 attended the 8th Ministerial Meeting of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, where China and Arab states agreed to build a ＂strategic partnership＂, an upgraded version of their cooperation.

The Middle East Unrest and the New Development of Islamic Parties

Islamism forces have risen rapidly after the unrest in the Middle East,and the Islamic parties based on them have initiated political participation one after another.Some moderate Islamic parties,such as the ones in Egypt,Tunisia and Morocco,have become the ruling parties in these countries through parliamentary elections.The Justice and Development Party(AKP),an old Islamic party in Turkey has played an important role in the unrest in the Middle East.Islamic parties have had significant changes in fields of ideology and political practices.Despite their various performances in facing complex situations both internally and externally,Islamic parties all face tough challenges.The Freedom and Justice Party in Egypt’s failure just after its one-year ruling marks the biggest setback of Islamic parties.

The New Middle East Policy of the Obama Administration

Due to its decisive role among domestic and foreign policies of the US,the new Middle East policy of the Obama Administration has received extensive attention.So far,the new policy has not finally taken shape.Judging from Obama’s campaign speeches and the viewpoints of senior officials of the Obama administration,we may notice the following characteristics of the new policy:highlighting multilateral cooperation;emphasizing contact and dialogue;advancing simultaneously for a comprehensive resolution.These characteristics can also be seen in withdrawing troops from Iraq,deploying more troops in Afghanistan and the US efforts for,promoting the Middle East peace process and resolving the nuclear issue in Iran.The Obama Administration attaches great importance to the Middle East issue and has a strong desire to resolve it first.However,the new policy has palpable flaws and defects.The Middle East issue will be a huge test for the Obama administration.

The Nature, Characteristics & Influence of the Drastic Changes in the Middle East

The continuously evolving political turbulences and upheavals of the Arab countries can be regarded as an endogenous Arab democratic movement.In this evolving process,“the Islamic Elements”once again become an important source of spiritual and ideological resources for its social transformation.Now as the situation becomes more and more obvious that various factions of Islamic forces are accelerating their proceedings of“realignment”and“differentiation”,an extremely intrigue complex of interconnections is emerging between different Islamic factions and between religious politics and geopolitics.This situational evolution is not only influencing the Middle East region,but also affecting the peace and development of the whole world.

From A By-stander to A Constructor:China and the Middle East Security Governance

In the 21st century,Middle East conflicts can generally be classified into four types,namely,conflicts between outside powers and Middle East countries,between Middle East countries themselves,between different political parties and religious sects within a sovereign country,as well as transnational and cross-bordering conflicts.The mode of China’s participation in Middle East security governance includes the political,security and social conflicts.There are three categories of domestic mechanisms in Chinese practice,specifically,the special envoy mechanism by Chinese Foreign Ministry,the procession and peace-keeping mechanisms by Chinese Defense Ministry and the foreign aid mechanism by Chinese Ministry of Commerce.The China-Arab States Cooperation Forum,the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation,the UN and other international organizations constitute the major international regimes for China’s security governance.China’s Middle East security governance creates not only“public goods”for the region,but also a means for China to build constructive great power relations with the US,EU and Russia,among others.The styles of Chinese and Western security governance in the Middle East vary,and the Chinese side places more emphasis on improving the Middle East people’s well-being at the top of the agenda,following“up-bottom”roadmap,and seeking an incremental,consultative,inclusive,and selective governance in the Middle East conflict resolution.

Middle East Terrorism,Global Governance and China’s Anti-terror Policy

The anti-terror campaign in the Middle East is the key and influential part of global anti-terror endeavor,which is one of the most challenging global governance issues in the international community.It is closely linked with the transformation of the international system and the reconstruction of the world’s new political and economic order.Within the background of economic globalization,the Middle East Islamic countries are confronted with the problems of promoting reform and development,facilitating institutional reform and social transformation.Internally,the Middle East terrorism originates from the complicated historical,social,religious and ethnic conflicts;externally,the Middle East terrorism hinges on interference,invasion,occupation,and the rival for territory,recourses and interest.China’s anti-terror endeavor aims at protecting its overseas interest and meanwhile,it reflects China’s unique idea and mode of global governance.

On the Strategic Relationship between China and Islamic Countries in the Middle East

The relationship between China and the Islamic countries has been of strategic significance;mutual understanding and mutual respect in their political ties has been the mainstream in the bilateral relationship.Since the founding of new China,their relationship has undergone two phases:from bilateral to multilateral relations and from mainly in the political field to comprehensive ties in the economic and trade,resources,security,culture and other fields.For future development of bilateral relationships,issues such as misjudgment and misunderstanding,trade imbalance and conflicts of interest must be resolved.To do so,strategic significance must be attached to bilateral relationships so as to uplift the strategic position of the Middle East in the overall Chinese diplomacy,establish a Middle East strategy with Chinese characteristics and strengthen China's cultural diplomacy including religious communication with the Islamic countries in the Middle East.

China’s Diplomacy on the Hot Issues of Middle East:History,Ideas,Experiences and Impact

This article probes the types,impacts of hot issues of Middle East and the concept of diplomacy on international hot issues.Based on these researches,this article studies the historical evolution,central ideas and fundamental experiences of China’s diplomacy on the hot issues of Middle East,and analyzes the significance of China’s diplomacy on the hot issues of Middle East to the innovation of China’s foreign polices.