JEAN-PIERRE FILIU, A FREE VOICE ON MIDDLE EAST
He talked in a clear-cut voice, disregarding taboos and being careful of illusions as well. Jean-Pierre Filiu, professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Sciences Po Paris and author of several essays and graphic novels about this region often covered with fantasies, gave an impressive speech to a full house at the French Institute on Wednesday 27th of May 2015.
Explaining the origins and strength of the Arab Counter-Revolution, he gave a balanced description of murderous mechanisms, without sinking into despair or lamentation. No wonder that he is invited everywhere, from the Hay Festival to Edinburgh, to SOAS this autumn.
Jean-Pierre Filiu was joined by his UK publishers, Hurst for the essays and SelfMadeHero for the comics, presenting their new releases – From Deep State To Islamic State and Best of Enemies volume 2.
Jean-Pierre Filiu: “Daech never stopped progressing”
If you want to catch up with his main ideas, read his interview with the Journal du Dimanche, where he comments the progression of Doaech. We are happy to present an extract here.
Journal du Dimanche: How to explain this new thrust of the so-called Islamic State which we thought had been weakened?
Jean-Pierre Filiu: In reality, Daech never stopped progressing. We do not understand, or feign not to understand, the dynamics at work. And, each time, one is overwhelmed, numb and shocked by what was absolutely predictable. As long as those who are supposed to fight Daech continue to play into the hands of Daesh we will go from bad to worse.
Journal du Dimanche: That is to say?
Jean-Pierre Filiu: The idea that, in Syria, Bashar Assad can be considered as a bulwark against the Islamic state has just proved once again its absolute inanity. Not only Bashar did nothing to prevent the jihadists from crossing 200 km of desert routes, where there is not a blade of grass to hide, on their way to Palmyra, but it also seems clear that, precisely, he let do as the image of the fall of Palmyra serves his propaganda. To oppose Daech, we declined from providing support to those who could stand up to Daesh, that is to say the revolutionaries in Syria.. (…)