Al-Sudani: We are facing a new Iraq economically
Al-Sudani: We are facing a new Iraq economically
Al-Sudani: We are facing a new Iraq economically
maybe they will add more
and they did
Al-Sudani: We are serious about scheduling the end of the international coalition’s missions in Iraq
Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani in the dialogue session within the work of the Davos Economic Forum held in Switzerland:
The Iraqi people emerged victorious over the adversities that faced the country over the past years
We are trying to take steady steps in the areas of providing job opportunities and services
We set a goal to reduce the dependence of the three budgets on oil
The energy sector has not been invested properly
We turned to important strategic projects, including the development path and the petrochemical sector, to diversify sources of income
One of the challenges facing Iraq is not conveying an accurate picture of the situation
We have appreciation and respect for the international position and its standing with us against ISIS
The readiness of the armed forces is a stabilizing factor for the situation in Iraq. Therefore, by implementing the government’s commitment to arrange a dialogue on the end of the international coalition’s mission in the country
After the attacks on Iraqi headquarters, we will enter into dialogue to arrange a schedule for the end of the international coalition’s missions in Iraq
This is an official popular demand and they are serious about this
The end of the international coalition’s missions is necessary for the continuation of good relations between Iraq and the coalition countries
The security problems of the Middle East ignore the reality of the struggle of the Palestinian people and their right to establish their state with Jerusalem as its capital
We are facing a genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, and the international community is ignoring this
We warned of the expanding scope of conflict, and it has expanded
The international community must assume its legal and moral responsibility towards Palestine and against the occupation
At every moment, there are children and women falling victim in Gaza, and there is a failure by the international community regarding this matter
More than 78 decisions were not implemented by the international community, in addition to its decisions being ignored
Iraq has common interests with everyone
Iran is a neighboring country that stood with us against ISIS
We have interests with the United States and it stood with us in overthrowing the regime
Just as we do not allow interference in other countries, we do not allow interference in our affairs
Iraq is an essential country in the stability of the region
We have a fundamental partnership with the European Union and our relationship is distinguished in all areas
Iraq believes in strengthening the relationship with everyone
I called for the formation of a negotiating committee with the Gulf states because of the climate
One of our most important energy reform steps is gas investment
We started with a sound management system for optimal water use
Iraq will be completely different for the better and will move forward with confident steps
We are facing a new, economically strong, unified and stable Iraq
Al-Sudani: ISIS does not represent a threat to the state, and we have begun a dialogue with the international coalition to end its mission in Iraq
Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani, on Thursday, reduced the dangers posed by ISIS to the Iraqi state, while announcing the start of a dialogue with the international anti-ISIS coalition led by the United States of America to end its mission in the country.
This came during the Sudanese dialogue session within the work of the Davos Economic Forum held in Switzerland.
The Prime Minister said during the session, “The justification for the existence of the international coalition was to confront ISIS, and today the organization does not represent a threat to the Iraqi state,” adding: Currently, there are individual ISIS groups hiding in caves, mountains, and deserts, and the security services are chasing them and retaliating against them.
He added that the readiness of the armed forces is a stabilizing factor for the situation in Iraq. For this reason, we have begun to implement the government’s commitment to arrange a dialogue regarding the end of the international coalition’s mission in the country.
Al-Sudani continued by saying: After the attacks on the Iraqi headquarters, we will enter into dialogue to arrange a schedule for the end of the international coalition’s missions in Iraq, pointing out that this is an official popular demand and they are serious about this matter.
He stressed that the end of the international coalition's missions is necessary for the continuation of good relations between Iraq and the coalition countries.
This is my favorite article
The International Monetary Fund praises the Iraqi steps in the field of the financial and banking system
link
Today, Thursday, the Director General of the International Monetary Fund welcomed Iraq’s accession to a non-financing program to support economic reforms, during her meeting with Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani in Davos.
Al-Sudani returns to Baghdad after concluding his participation in the Davos Economic Forum
Sudani's Speech in English
For the first time...the assets of Iraqi banks record an unprecedented number
Today, Thursday (January 18, 2024), an economic expert revealed an “unprecedented” rise in assets in Iraqi banks operating in the country.
Manar Al-Obaidi said in a statement received by “Baghdad Today” that “the volume of assets of Iraqi banks operating in Iraq amounted to more than 202 trillion dinars, which is the first time that it has exceeded the barrier of 200 trillion dinars.”
He added, "The value of banks' assets increased by 8% compared to the same period of the previous year."
Al-Obaidi pointed out that “the size of banks’ assets to the Iraqi GDP is around 52%, and despite this high percentage, it is still lagging behind compared to the Middle East region, where the size of banks’ assets to the GDP reached around 80%.”
He continued, "Government banks are still in control of the total assets of the banking sector, at a rate of about 85% of the total assets of banks, and despite the rise in the assets of the private banking sector, it still does not constitute more than 15% of the total assets of banks operating in Iraq."
Financial Matters
During 2024.. The Iraqi Central Bank plans to cancel the “electronic platform” for external transfers
The Central Bank of Iraq announced today, Thursday, its readiness to cancel the electronic platform for external transfers during the current year.
Iraq and the IMF are discussing cooperation...and starting meetings soon to support a reform program
The Prime Minister, Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani, met with the Director General of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, on the sidelines of his participation in the Davos Economic Forum held in Switzerland.
Dn a separate context, on the sidelines of the Davos events, the Prime Minister met with the President of the Swiss Confederation, Viola Amherd.
The meeting discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, ways of developing them in various economic, banking, security, diplomatic and cultural fields, and agreeing to start bilateral consultations for the purpose of activating the joint committee between Iraq and Switzerland, which has been suspended for more than 3 decades.
The vital development road project and the important opportunities in it that Swiss companies can invest in and participate in were also discussed.
The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the position of the Swiss side and its cooperation with Iraq in returning precious artifacts belonging to Iraqi civilizations that were smuggled during the past years.
Regarding the war on Gaza, Al-Sudani stressed that stopping the aggression is the key to returning stability to the region, and it also constitutes a moral and humanitarian responsibility that falls on the international community, the European Union countries and the rest of the major countries.
For her part, Amherd affirmed her country's support for efforts to stop the war and end the suffering of the Palestinian people, and Switzerland's readiness to provide all forms of urgent humanitarian aid to the Palestinians.uring the meeting, according to a statement issued today, Thursday, by the Prime Minister’s Media Office; Discussing financial cooperation relations between Iraq and the International Monetary Fund, within the framework of supporting the development path in Iraq .
Al-Sudani pointed to the government’s plans in the field of economic and financial reform, as a gateway and basis for all the reforms that the government plans in all vital sectors .
Georgieva welcomed Iraq's accession to a non-financial program to support economic reforms, as meetings with the Fund begin next month to implement this program. She also praised the steps taken by the government in the field of the financial and banking system, and improving the business and investment environment, expressing her understanding of Iraq's specificity and the challenges it faces. He faces her
In a separate context, on the sidelines of the Davos events, the Prime Minister met with the President of the Swiss Confederation, Viola Amherd.
The meeting discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, ways of developing them in various economic, banking, security, diplomatic and cultural fields, and agreeing to start bilateral consultations for the purpose of activating the joint committee between Iraq and Switzerland, which has been suspended for more than 3 decades.
The vital development road project and the important opportunities in it that Swiss companies can invest in and participate in were also discussed.
The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the position of the Swiss side and its cooperation with Iraq in returning precious artifacts belonging to Iraqi civilizations that were smuggled during the past years.
Regarding the war on Gaza, Al-Sudani stressed that stopping the aggression is the key to returning stability to the region, and it also constitutes a moral and humanitarian responsibility that falls on the international community, the European Union countries and the rest of the major countries.
For her part, Amherd affirmed her country's support for efforts to stop the war and end the suffering of the Palestinian people, and Switzerland's readiness to provide all forms of urgent humanitarian aid to the Palestinians.
and... here's today's WTO article I think it is saying they have a few more steps
Iraq is taking serious steps to join the World Trade Organization
The head of the team concerned with Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization, Saqr Abdullah Al-Muqbel, confirmed today, Thursday, that Iraq has taken serious steps to join the World Trade Organization.
Al-Muqbil told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “Iraq is rich in its natural and human resources, and the ability of its people to build a truly competitive economy with all countries of the world.”
He added, "Iraq's economy keeps pace with the aspirations of the region and the world in a transparent and open economy for cooperation and building strategic commercial partnerships with all countries of the world."
He pointed out, "Iraq is witnessing serious steps towards joining the World Trade Organization."
Calls to activate economic security.. Markets are burning and a “war of attrition” lurks for 12 million citizens - Urgent
12 million citizens have been killed. The “war of attrition” is lurking among Iraqis and targeting the pockets of the poor in favor of the market whales who control food prices. Despite the decline in the dollar exchange rate in recent days, the prices of materials and goods are still rising by rates of up to 5 percent.
"Control of "market whales"
Abu Jameel (shop owner) said in an interview with “Baghdad Today”: “The truth that public opinion must know is that Iraq’s markets are subject to large, politically supported whales.”
He added, "That is, some of them form party wings for some influential people," pointing out that "setting prices is not within our authority and we work on the margin of profits."
He continued by saying: “Even if the dollar exchange rates fall to 132 thousand dinars per $100, food prices will not decrease overnight, but will remain for months maintaining their prices due to market whales,” noting that “if the dollar prices rise, the prices of all materials will rise with them during the period.” "Seconds."
"Whales" in the pyramid of power
For his part, economic expert Sobhi Al-Azzawi confirms that “the state does not control the markets and its tools are very weak in light of the presence of whales penetrating the pyramid of power and possessing pressure tools, and this explains the speculation that occurs from time to time.”
Al-Azzawi added to “Baghdad Today” that “the monopoly of materials by some represents a war of attrition against 12 million people who represent a segment below the poverty line in the country,” pointing out “the necessity of reconsidering increasing the state’s ability to control the price file within the markets from By activating the activities of companies in the Ministry of Commerce and pumping materials massively at subsidized prices in order to create a balance that breaks the barrier of some whales’ control over materials and goods.”
A "road map" to save the poor
As for the head of the Chambers of Commerce in Diyala, Muhammad Al-Tamimi, he proposed a “road map” that guarantees flexibility in reducing prices by activating economic security through a balanced mechanism that begins with the state’s support for merchants in dollars at the official rate.
Al-Tamimi explained to “Baghdad Today” the necessity of “holding them accountable for selling them according to the appropriate prices without any speculation and making economic security a monitor of performance.”
He added, "The dollar is sold to major merchants, while the rest resort to the parallel market. But if the mechanism were changed and every merchant was guaranteed sufficient amounts with the auditing of invoices, the situation would be different with the presence of economic security in ensuring sales according to prices that do not lead to exaggeration that the simple people will pay for."
The Iraqi markets have witnessed a significant rise in food prices for months, in light of the rise in the dollar exchange rates in the parallel market, and despite the decline in the exchange rate, the prices of materials and goods are still rising.
The Chamber of Commerce expects the parallel market to fall below 150 thousand dinars per 100 dollars
On Thursday, the Chamber of Commerce expected the parallel market for the dollar exchange rate to fall below 150,000 dinars per 100 dollars within 3 months.
The head of the Diyala Chamber of Commerce, Muhammad Al-Tamimi, said in an interview with Al-Maalomah, “The level of currency smuggling has decreased at a significant rate, in addition to the involvement of quite a few companies, merchants, and commercial institutions in the electronic platform, not to mention the transition of many to electronic payment, which has contributed to reducing the pressure on The parallel market has good rates so far.”
He expected that "the parallel market for the dollar exchange rate will fall below 150 thousand dinars per 100 dollars within 3 months, especially since the Central Bank's measures have begun to bear fruit despite the presence of some observations and loopholes," stressing that "the "power of speculation will decrease in light of the improvement of financial measures."
He pointed out that "the dollar problem in Iraq is affected by the external conditions surrounding it, not to mention the fluctuations of the unstable oil market in terms of prices, but in general, the parallel market is moving in a less volatile direction compared to the year 2023.”
The dollar exchange market witnessed a slight decline in the past weeks. It rose quickly, but within certain limits, to settle between 153 - 152 thousand dinars per 100 dollars.
Through the dollar... Parliament Finance warns of America's dominance over Iraq's economy
The Parliamentary Finance Committee confirmed today, Thursday, that the American administration is trying to “dominate” the Iraqi economy through the dollar bill, while proposing “solutions” to stand against the American currency.
Committee member, Moeen Al-Kazemi, said in an interview with the Al-Ma'louma Agency, “Iraq's need for dollar shipments will be available during the current year,” pointing to “the necessity of working to strengthen the Iraqi economy, which is being violated by the American side.”
He added, "The Washington administration is trying to dominate and control the Iraqi decision by exploiting the dollar file and its movements in Iraqi markets," indicating that "Baghdad is required to plan for liberation from this domination."
The member of Parliamentary Finance explained, “There are various means and means for the Iraqi government through which it can strengthen the economy and prevent America from imposing its continuous control.”
Al-Kadhimi stated, “One of the ways that can stand against the dollar is to internal industry and agriculture instead of importing and encouraging the dollar out of the country.”
Earlier, a member of the House of Representatives, Waad Qaddo, confirmed that America sought directly after 2003 to impose restrictions on Iraq's economy and finances in various ways, the most important of which is restricting the flow of oil sales funds towards the Federal Reserve and From there it is transferred to the Central Bank in Baghdad.
The Parliamentary Planning Committee had confirmed, earlier, that the continuation of the crisis of the rise in the dollar exchange rate was fabricated and aimed at harming the Iraqi economy, while indicating the presence of hidden hands being used by the American side as a pressure card to embarrass the government through the dollar file.
An economic expert calls for using a basket of currencies to evaluate the Iraqi dinar
Tawij said in a statement to the National Iraqi News Agency ( NINA ): “As a result of the high competitiveness of the Iraqi economy in the field of monetary and commodity use in its trade exchange with other countries, and as a result of its use of the dollar at a rate of 95% within the framework of the Iraqi electronic platform and for the most diverse monetary exchange and to prevent the monopoly of a country’s currency.” One on the platform, so a basket of currencies, whether the euro, the Chinese yuan, or the UAE dirham, must be used to value the Iraqi dinar in a way that competes with its value in the dollar.”
He stressed, "Allowing users of this basket of currencies to use the electronic platform will contribute to creating monetary balance and addressing any deficit in other currencies."
The Iraqi Central Bank plans to cancel the electronic platform for external transfers (document)
link they are going over this on their television word by word
The Central Bank of Iraq is planning to gradually cancel the electronic platform for external transfers during the current year 2024, leading to its complete cancellation by the end of the year, and keeping it for audit and statistical purposes.
This comes within the framework of the Central Bank of Iraq's endeavor to enable Iraqi banks to establish and establish solid banking relationships with the global and regional banking sector in a way that achieves the integrity of the Iraqi banking sector and full compliance with international standards and their requirements, according to a document issued by the bank and received by Shafaq News Agency.
According to the document, Iraqi banks must work to be prepared and able to access and deal with correspondent banks.
According to the Central Bank, there are two types of requirements, some of which are basic and must be provided and worked on as quickly as possible, and some are important and support the banks’ efforts in this field. All banks will be required to provide the three basic requirements in order to help them open accounts with correspondent banks. As shown in the document below.
text of the documents:
1/18/2024:
To banks licensed as correspondent banks
good greeting ....
Within the framework of the Central Bank of Iraq’s endeavor to enable Iraqi banks to establish and establish solid banking relationships with the global and regional banking sector in order to achieve the sobriety of the Iraqi banking sector and full compliance with international standards and requirements, the Central Bank of Iraq plans to cancel the electronic platform for external transfers gradually during the year 2024, leading to its complete cancellation. At the end of the year and keep it for purposes
Audit and statistical.
Accordingly, Iraqi banks must work to be prepared and able to access and deal with correspondent banks, and there are two types of requirements, some of which are basic and must be provided and worked to accomplish as quickly as possible, and some are important and support the banks’ efforts in this field, and will be required of All banks provide the requirements
The three basic principles below are to help them open accounts with correspondent banks:
Basic requirements:
These requirements represent the minimum documents that must be provided for negotiations with correspondent banks, and they reflect the bank’s financial and credit status and level of
Compliance, which are:
Bank Center: Al-Rasheed Street - Baghdad - Iraq
Pg 2
He is released
The bank's financial statements for the last three years are from an external domain, one of the top ten companies in this field.
An evaluation report on anti-money laundering and terrorist financing policies and compliance from one of the international institutions concerned with this field.
The bank's credit rating is from one of the international rating institutions recognized by the Central Bank of Iraq, which is:
Supporting requirements:
These requirements represent important additional measures that strengthen the bank’s position internationally, help improve the bank’s outlook, and reflect its awareness of and compliance with international practices in the world.
Banks, which are:
S&P
Fitch
moody's
Capital Intelligence
Islamic International Rating Agency
- Create an update to the bank file on the global Swift website (The Swift
Profile), which allows correspondent banks to view reports that include analysis
Bank transfers on the SWIFT network.
Pg 3
2- Create/update the bank file on the Bankers Almanac website to save as much money as possible
Information about the bank.
Participation in the Bankers Association for Transfer and Trade (BAFT) Foundation, which helps banks in establishing relationships with correspondent banks as well as everything related
In particular, compliance with trade finance transfers. 4- Involve the largest possible number of bank staff, especially those concerned with financial transfers, the compliance department, and the money laundering and terrorist financing reporting unit, in training courses, and ensure that the largest number of them obtain professional certificates.
Specialized in these fields.
These requirements must be met no later than 6/30/2024
with respect.
This is what they are showing the citizens on tv
Iran's Desire For 'Seat at the Table' Felt in Davos
DAVOS, SWITZERLAND —
At a dinner in the Swiss ski resort of Davos this week, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani hosted business and political leaders to showcase Iraq's improved security and finances.
As the private event was about to end, two attendees told Reuters, news reached some guests that Iran had fired ballistic missiles at what it said was an Israeli "spy headquarters" in Irbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan.
"Some people at the dinner were checking if their houses have been hit," said one guest, who asked not to be named because the dinner was closed to media.
The strikes by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the oil and gas rich region was the most direct intervention by Iran, and sparked fears of the Israel-Hamas conflict spreading in the Middle East.
While Iran's proxies, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi rebels who have attacked shipping in the Red Sea off Yemen, have stepped in since it began in October last year, Tehran has made it clear it wants to avoid war with Israel.
But for some at the World Economic Forum (WEF), where the agenda was dominated by three areas of conflict in which Tehran is involved, the Iraq missile attack highlighted Iran's desire to play a role in how the war in Gaza is resolved.
"The Iranians want a seat at the table," a senior source with direct knowledge of Tehran's thinking told Reuters, explaining its actions were meant to give Iran a voice and not allow the U.S. and Israel to dictate the outcome.
"The real question is 'what is the end game for Iran and Hezbollah and now increasingly the Houthis?' They don't want Israel and the U.S. to dictate the pace of (the) Gaza war," Vali Nasr, a Middle East expert at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, said in Davos.
"One man's escalation is another man's deterrence."
Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the only official delegate from the Islamic Republic in Davos, said Wednesday that attacks against Israel and its interests by the "Axis of Resistance" would stop if the Gaza war ends.
"I'm extremely worried. I think we have both seen spread and escalation," United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen said at a WEF panel on the Middle East two days after the strike.
"I do believe Iranians do not want further escalation ... I think they are playing with fire," said Pedersen, who was listed on the Iranian foreign ministry's website as one of the senior officials with whom Amirabdollahian would meet in Davos.
Amirabdollahian did not respond to Reuters' questions at Davos. Iran's foreign ministry could not be reached for comment.
The United States and other Western nations accuse Tehran of supplying drones and equipment to the Houthis and Russia for its war in Ukraine, as well as funding Hamas.
Iran says it supports the Houthis but denies arming them. While publicly acknowledging selling armed drones to Russia, Tehran says it has not provided any to attack Ukraine.
Kurdistan
The Irbil strikes also reminded the world of oil exporter Iran's deep involvement in the politics of its neighbor Iraq.
The day after, a visibly upset Iraqi Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani gathered members of his delegation and some media at the Kurdish House on the Promenade in Davos.
"What's surprising — we are not a part of this conflict," Barzani told reporters. "We don't know why Iran is retaliating against civilians of Kurdistan, especially in Irbil."
A close friend of Barzani, the multimillionaire Kurdish businessman Peshraw Dizayee, was killed in the attack.
Iran defended the strikes, saying it had a "legitimate right to deter national security threats."
Baghdad has recalled its ambassador from Tehran in protest and Sudani has called the attacks a "clear aggression" against Iraq and a dangerous escalation.
Sudani's spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.
U.S. impact
Be it in Davos or elsewhere, the difficulty of establishing dialog with Iran is its involvement in conflicts via proxies.
This strategy was designed by Qaseem Soleimani, the commander of the IRGC's foreign operations Quds force who was killed by a 2020 U.S. military strike on Baghdad airport.
Iran promised to retaliate.
"His legacy lives on; a network of deniable but deployable arms-length proxies across the region," a Western executive working in the Middle East, who asked not to be named due to security concerns, told Reuters.
Soleimani was killed during the third year of Donald Trump's presidency. The former U.S. president exited a nuclear deal with Western powers in 2018 and imposed new sanctions on Iran.
Tehran's ability to fund wars hinges on its ability to generate enough oil revenue and Trump threatened to sanction all buyers of Iranian oil, slowing its exports to a trickle.
Under U.S. President Joe Biden, Tehran has steeply raised oil exports. Biden's administration says it does not intend to lessen pressure on Tehran or allow its oil to reach global markets.
Tehran now exports more than 2 million barrels per day — 2% of the global supply — more than half of it to close ally China.
Biden, who polls indicate is likely to face Trump in the race for the U.S. presidency later this year, has refrained from tightening sanctions on Iran.
Energy analysts say Washington is keen to avoid a gasoline price rally, a sensitive subject in an election year. Biden has also failed to persuade Iran's arch-rival Saudi Arabia to raise oil supply amid strained relations with Riyadh.
A top European oil executive in Davos said that if Trump returns for a second term it would be a game-changer for Iran.
"If Trump returns to the White House, he will make two phone calls. One to his "friend Saudi" to ask for more oil. One to China to ask to stop buying Iranian oil or face a new trade war. Then, things may start to change," the executive told Reuters.
Military Stuff
Will it be a victory for Iran? The departure of American forces from Iraq is a difficult test for Biden
The American newspaper “The Hill” considered that the continuation of the Israeli war in Gaza, and the American raid that killed a leader in the Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq, represents a “test” for the administration of US President Joe Biden in its relations with the government of Muhammad Shiaa al-Sudani, which is under increasing pressure. To work to remove American forces from Iraq.
The American report pointed out that the clashes between Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and the region, with American forces, threaten to turn Iraq into a war zone again, referring in this context to the missile attacks launched by Iran on Erbil, at a time when Sudanese says that he seeks to withdraw the 2,500 American soldiers. Those stationed in Iraq.
Although the report indicated that Washington says it does not plan to withdraw from Iraq, it continued that if Sudanese fulfills his commitment, Washington will have no choice but to leave, which will make the 900 American soldiers stationed in Syria as if they are on an island, which may force them To withdraw as well.
The report quoted Bill Roggio, a researcher at the American Foundation for Defense of Democracies, as saying that this "would represent a massive victory for the Iranians, and it is all part of a grand strategy to weaken the United States in the region."
The report continued that while the decision regarding the withdrawal of American forces is not completely certain, popular pressure is increasing on Iraq’s leaders to withdraw American forces after the deadly raid carried out against a leader in the Popular Mobilization Forces in Baghdad recently, as Al-Sudani announced that he will seek to hold a bilateral meeting. With the Americans, to discuss the issue of withdrawing their forces, he also told Reuters that ending the presence of American forces will prevent further tensions regarding overlapping internal and regional security issues.
In addition, the report pointed to the Iranian strikes on Erbil, and Al-Sudani's condemnation of these attacks and his confirmation that an investigation committee would investigate Iraq, while Baghdad recalled its ambassador from Tehran.
The American report saw that the repeated strikes threaten to drag Iraq into a dangerous battle between Iran and its agents and the United States, at a time when Iraq is emerging from a decade of war after the American invasion and then more years of fighting against terrorist organizations such as ISIS, noting that Al-Sudani photographed the American soldiers on They are aggressors through their confrontation with Iranian-backed militias.
While the report pointed out that the Iraqis, like others in other Arab countries, sympathize with the Palestinians in the face of the Israeli attack on Gaza, it quoted Gregory Goss, a professor at Texas A&M University, as saying that the number of Iraqis who have a negative view of the United States , greater than their number towards Iran, explaining that the war in Gaza contributes to widening this gap.
According to Goss, it is also likely that Al-Sudani does not want to remove the United States from Iraq, for fear of allowing Iranian influence to increase unchecked. This is a possibility that the newspaper “Politico” recently referred to when it said that Iraqi officials are secretly seeking to keep the United States in control. Country.
Referring to the American presence in Iraq, Goss also said that it "gives him (the Sudanese) a little influence against Iran."
He continued, saying, "It is interesting that the Iranians are the ones who started these attacks on the American forces, and that it is the United States that is responding, and not the other way around, which raises a feeling that the Iranians consider that this is the appropriate time to put pressure on removing the Americans from Iraq, which is what "It was one of their goals since 2003."
At the same time, Goss says that the pressures will increase if the Israeli war in Gaza continues, and therefore Al-Sudani’s calculations may change, explaining that “the longer the period of the Gaza war lasts, the more likely it is that political pressures in Iraq will lead to an increase in the prime minister’s actual move to get rid of "The Americans, but I don't think he's really seeking to do that, but he may feel compelled to do that."
The report indicated that the US withdrawal may create a power vacuum in the region that Iran, Russia, and other opponents are likely to exploit.
The report quoted Patricia Karam, a researcher at the American Arab Center in Washington, as saying that the Popular Mobilization Forces have grown into “a powerful force that can be used against Sudanese opponents, as they have combat experience, geographic reach, and unprecedented access to resources, in addition to Iranian sponsorship for them.” ".
While the report stated that the Iraqi parliament voted in favor of removing the United States from its territory in 2020, and that this decision is not binding, it said that Iraq this time may be more serious, given that Sudanese himself is pushing for the withdrawal of American soldiers.
The report quoted Roggio, from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, as saying, “The power of the militias has grown, and Iranian influence has increased,” explaining that “the Iraqi government may be serious at this time, and it is difficult for Iraq to balance the pressure exerted by the militias and the United States, which "Raids are launched on its territory without the approval of the Iraqi government."
The report also quoted the Iraqi researcher at Lancaster University, Ruba Ali Al-Hassani, as saying that Iraq is less concerned about the proxy war between the United States and Iran than it is about ensuring peace within its borders, but she indicated that the Sudanese “is taking a diplomatic path to reduce the escalation and is studying the option of removing The United States if necessary.
According to Al-Hassani, “This is an issue related to Iraqi sovereignty and is not related to a proxy war between the United States and Iran on Iraqi territory, which clearly arouses Iraqis’ dissatisfaction with it.”
Pakistan responds and launches raids inside Iran
The Pakistani army carried out strikes during the night in Iran, according to what a Pakistani intelligence official announced on Thursday, in response to Tehran launching strikes against sites in Pakistan, which Islamabad said resulted in the killing of two children.
The senior intelligence source, who is not authorized to provide information to the media, told AFP: “I can only confirm that we carried out strikes against anti-Pakistan armed groups that were targeted inside Iran,” adding that a government statement would be issued at a later time.
Several explosions were heard on Thursday morning in the turbulent southeast of Iran, two days after Tehran carried out strikes against “terrorist targets” in Pakistan.
In a strongly worded statement, issued later by the Pakistani Armed Forces, it said, “The Pakistani army entered Iran and struck and destroyed a number of bases belonging to terrorist separatist groups based in Iran with missiles and drones,” and added, “We note and warn that whoever extends his finger “It will only return to us in pieces, and whoever thinks of attacking us will return reprehensible and defeated.”
Later, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry announced that army forces carried out a series of military strikes on terrorist hideouts in the Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchestan.
Pakistani intelligence also said that army aircraft entered Iranian airspace at a depth of up to 50 km.
Iranian official media said that three women and four children were killed as a result of explosions in southeastern Iran.
The official Iranian News Agency (IRNA) quoted an official in Sistan-Baluchestan Province as saying that “explosions were heard in several areas around the city of Saravan.”
Pakistani sources explained that the army targeted the "Balochistan Liberation Army" camps inside the Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchestan.
Within 24 hours, Iran directed its missiles at three countries: Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan, and bombed targets there, “not including American interests.”
The Pakistani government described the attack as an "unprovoked violation" of the country's airspace.
The Pakistani Foreign Ministry issued a statement confirming the attack, which was first announced through Iranian media reports that were later retracted.
The Foreign Ministry statement said that Pakistan strongly condemns the attack on Balochistan province.
It also warned that "this violation of Pakistan's sovereignty is completely unacceptable and could have serious consequences."
The attack would increase tensions in the Middle East, which is already troubled by the war waged by Israel against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
It also threatens relations between Iran and Pakistan, which have long viewed each other with suspicion despite maintaining diplomatic relations.
Iran demands an official clarification from Pakistan following attacks on villages on its borders
Today, Thursday (January 18, 2024), Iran demanded that Pakistan explain its air strike in Sistan and Baluchestan province, which the latter said targeted “terrorist nests.”
The Iranian “IRNA” news agency reported, “Following the attack launched by Pakistan this morning on a border village near the city of Saravan in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, the Islamic Republic of Iran requested an immediate explanation from the Pakistani authorities regarding this incident.”
Earlier today, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry announced that the army had launched a series of military strikes targeting “terrorist nests” in the Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchestan, stressing that “Pakistan fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The sole goal of today’s action was to seek to achieve Pakistan’s security and national interest.” Which is of utmost importance and cannot be touched.”
Last Tuesday, official Iranian media announced that Iran launched a missile attack on the bases of the Jaish al-Adl organization in Pakistan.
This comes after a missile and drone attack launched by the Iranian armed forces on the bases of the Jaish al-Adl organization in Pakistani territory.
New American-British raids targeting Yemen
Yemeni media announced, at dawn on Thursday, that new American-British raids targeted a number of Yemeni governorates.
According to these means, the American-British attack targeted the governorates of Hodeidah, Taiz, Dhamar, Al-Bayda, and Saada.
She indicated: “Among the sites targeted by the raids was Jabal al-Sama’, west of the city of Saada.
US Defense: We will continue to support Iraq
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The US Department of Defense confirmed, today, Thursday, that it will continue to provide support and assistance to Iraq and the Kurdistan region.
US Department of Defense spokesman Pat Ryder said, "The attacks on Erbil were not precise, and that no American headquarters in the city were targeted."
Regarding the presence of their forces in Iraq, he stressed that "we went to Iraq in 2014 at the invitation of Iraq and we will continue to provide support there."
Türkiye calls on Iraq, Iran and Pakistan to calm down and exercise restraint
On Thursday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry called on the countries of Iran, Iraq and Pakistan to calm down and exercise restraint.
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