Military and strategic expert Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi revealed his long-held dream was to become a university professor, "but the circumstances and existing data at the time, of poverty and need, weighed heavily on my parents and siblings," leading him to the alternate choice of joining the military college.
The phrase "Solve it, Duwairi" has become an iconic call on social media, signaling Al-Duwairi's exceptional efforts in analyzing the daily events faced by the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023.
A fighter from the Al-Qassam Brigades addressed Al-Duwairi with "Solve it, Duwairi," requesting analysis of a clip targeting an entrenched Israeli force in a house in the besieged territory.
In a special interview with Al Jazeera Net, an attempt to highlight various aspects of Al-Duwairi's life was made, revealing his upbringing, academic credentials, and positions he held, beyond the persona typically showcased on television.
Al-Duwairi was born on March 2, 1952, in a village in the rural countryside of the Irbid Governorate (northern Jordan).
When analyzing events in Gaza, he says, "I 'live the event' when I watch an extraordinary act, and regardless, I feel pride and dignity. My blood is Arab, I am a Muslim, Palestine is my cause, and this fighter is my brother or my son. So when I witness this heroic act, I get emotionally moved, my facial expressions change, and the tone of my voice shifts."
Regarding accusations of bias in his analyses, Al-Duwairi stated, "I never read those comments at all, and I don't concern myself with them nor do I have the luxury of time to respond."
He also noted that the political leadership in Hamas remains in sync with outstanding military performances, but success also requires support in both military and political dimensions.
Al-Duwairi earned a Ph.D. in educational philosophy and worked as a university professor, with a book titled "National Security" published in 2013. In addition to a Bachelor's degree from Jordan, he holds another in administrative and military sciences and strategic defense management from Pakistan.
The details of the interview:
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How did you receive the phrase "Solve it, Duwairi," which turned into an icon on social media platforms?
Initially, messages from Abu Ubaidah suggested to some people's imagination that there was a communication channel with him, but as I analyze with as much realism as possible, and so does Abu Ubaidah, our lines intersect.
When I first heard the cry "Solve it, Duwairi," it was a surprise. In the studio, the smart and insightful presenter asked if that was my name, and I replied: Yes, I will analyze.
As for my feeling, it's the best commendation I could've dreamed of receiving from the heart of the battle. This cry is an honor for me, illustrating that what I provided is congruent with the event and embodies it.
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Can you tell us about the environment you grew up in and the academic education you received?
Born in the fifties of the last century, I hail from a village named "Ketm" in the rural Irbid Governorate. I attended primary school and later moved on to complete my secondary education in nearby towns.
My options post-secondary were varied. I could go to university, which was my preferred choice. However, the poverty and need that burdened my family led me to the alternative choice of attending military college.
Following my military graduation, I joined the Royal Engineering Corps, scaling the ranks from lieutenant to brigadier general, serving as the Director of the Royal Engineering Corps.
I further broadened my military knowledge base by undertaking numerous courses, which eventually led me to pursue higher education, earning Bachelor's degrees from Jordan and Pakistan and a Ph.D. in Educational Philosophy.
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There are articles and voices accusing you of bias toward the Palestinian resistance in your analyses on Al Jazeera's screen?
I find a clear harmony between my personal convictions and Al Jazeera’s editorial line, which allows me to express without interference. This has resulted in immense comfort and a sense of pride in my stance.
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Beyond military and strategic analysis, how do you feel when analyzing the events of the aggression on Gaza Strip?
With a purely professional perspective on the Russia-Ukraine war, the emotional depth is significantly different when analyzing Gaza's events. Watching extraordinary acts in Gaza evokes pride – my blood is Arab, I am Muslim, and Palestine is my cause.
The intensity of my emotions does not skew my analytical candor, which objectively reflects the magnitude of the event.
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How do you access the information for your daily analyses of Gaza's aggressions while in Doha?
Information is available from both allies and critics. In today's connected world, accessing data is straightforward. As for critical comments on social media, I do not engage with them due to time constraints.
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Is Hamas achieving political victories as it has secured military successes against the Israeli aggression?
A clear verdict is premature; however, Hamas' political and military stances remain consistent. The political front faces its own severe challenges, and support for Hamas is vital from both military and political aspects, given the extraordinary feats achieved with limited means in a highly restricted environment.
