Economist calls on the government to delay joining the World Trade Organization
Today, Thursday, economic expert, Bassam Raad, called on the Iraqi government to delay Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization.
Raad said in an interview with Al-Eqtisad News, "Iraq, which has observer status in the World Trade Organization, seeks to join it after the removal of political restrictions that prevented this, including its exit from Chapter VII procedures of the United Nations Charter."
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He added, "This endeavor has positive effects, including expanding economic partnerships and integrating it into the global economy, but on the other hand it represents a problem, especially since the demands of the World Trade Organization are to allow the access of its members' trade to the markets and to free trade from all restrictions, as it is an organization of producing and manufacturing countries, which means opening the Iraqi local markets to imports, and thus negatively affecting any attempt to rebuild the productive, industrial and agricultural sectors and leaving the economic horizon dependent on consumer imports coming from abroad."
The economic expert explained that "since Iraq depends on oil exports and oil is not subject to customs barriers by importing countries, it should be cautious before seeking to join the World Trade Organization and work towards economic reform and begin implementing plans to diversify local production and build industrial capabilities that support the trend towards exporting abroad, which contributes to enhancing the positive effects of the accession process."
Minister of Trade stresses importance of Arab support for Iraq's accession to WTO
Minister of Trade, Athir Dawood Al-Ghariri, stressed today, Thursday, the importance of Arab support for Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization.
A statement by the Ministry of Commerce, received by "Al-Eqtisad News", stated that "Minister of Commerce Athir Dawood Al-Ghariri met with the Saudi Ambassador and Head of the Working Group on Iraq's Accession to the World Trade Organization, Saqr Al-Muqbil, in the presence of the ambassadors of the Arab countries in the organization, to discuss mobilizing Arab support for Iraq's accession file to the World Trade Organization."
The statement added, "During the meeting, the progress made by Iraq in meeting the requirements for accession and the challenges it faces in this path were reviewed."
During the meeting, Minister Al-Ghariri stressed the "importance of Arab support to strengthen Iraq's position and achieve its goals in joining the organization."
At the same time, the Minister pointed out "the economic and commercial benefits that will accrue to Iraq and the Arab countries through this accession."
For their part, the Arab ambassadors expressed their "readiness to support Iraq in its efforts," stressing "the importance of strengthening Arab cooperation in international organizations."
Minister of Trade: Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization will contribute to stimulating economic growth
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Minister of Trade Athir Dawood Salman Al-Ghariri confirmed today, Thursday, that Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization will contribute to stimulating economic growth, during his speech at the third negotiating meeting with the World Trade Organization in the Swiss city of Geneva.
The Ministry of Trade said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The Minister of Trade and the head of the team concerned with Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization headed the Iraqi side in the third negotiating meeting with the World Trade Organization, in the presence of the Deputy Director-General of the Organization, Zhang Xingqin, the head of the working group for Iraq's accession, members of the team, and representatives of the WTO countries at the organization's headquarters in Geneva."
The minister pointed out - according to the statement - during a speech he delivered at the meeting to, "the importance of Iraq being part of the rules-based multilateral trading system," stressing that "we are pleased with the holding of the third meeting of the working group after sixteen years since the last meeting of the working group, which represents a fundamental step for us, government and people, on our way to joining, in addition to being a means through which we seek to achieve development and diversification of our national economy and our integration with the global economy."
The minister pointed out that "the government of Iraq is committed to its economic reform program by strengthening trade policy, improving the business environment, and creating favorable conditions for foreign investment," indicating that "joining the World Trade Organization will contribute significantly to enhancing transparency, encouraging competition, and stimulating sustainable economic growth for Iraq."
He continued, "The new Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and within its government program, has set a clear vision for the future of economic liberalization in Iraq, which includes setting timetables to achieve the liberalization process and focusing on sectors with high potential such as agriculture, industry and services, which stipulate supporting local and foreign investments and unifying customs policies at all borders and other measures to facilitate trade and investment and create investment opportunities."
The minister explained that "the government has also given special importance to aligning its trade policy and regulatory legislation with international capabilities, rules and standards and strengthening institutional capabilities to effectively meet the requirements of the World Trade Organization."
Trade reveals details of third negotiating meeting with WTO
The Ministry of Trade revealed, today, Thursday, the details of the discussions of the third negotiating meeting of Iraq with the World Trade Organization at its headquarters in Geneva.
The ministry stated in a statement received by “Iraq Observer” that “the discussions of the third negotiating meeting of Iraq with the World Trade Organization were held today at the organization’s headquarters in Geneva,” noting that “the Minister of Trade and head of the team concerned with Iraq’s accession to the World Trade Organization headed the Iraqi side in the third negotiating meeting, in the presence of the organization’s Deputy Director General Zhang Xing Chen and head of the working group for Iraq’s accession and members of the team and representatives of the WTO countries.”
Minister of Trade Athir Al-Ghariri, in a speech he delivered at the meeting, pointed out “the importance of Iraq being part of the rules-based multilateral trading system,” stressing that “Iraq is happy with the convening of the third meeting of the working group after 16 years since the last meeting of the working group, which represents a fundamental step for us, the government and the people, on our way to joining, in addition to being a means through which we seek to achieve the development and diversification of our national economy and our integration with the global economy.”
Al-Ghariri pointed out that “the Iraqi government is committed to its economic reform program by strengthening trade policy, improving the business environment, and creating favorable conditions for foreign investment. Joining the World Trade Organization will contribute significantly to enhancing transparency, encouraging competition, and stimulating sustainable economic growth for Iraq.”
He stressed that “the new Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and within its government program, has set a clear vision for the future of economic liberalization in Iraq, which included setting timetables to achieve the liberalization process and focusing on sectors with high potential such as agriculture, industry and services, which stipulated supporting local and foreign investments, unifying customs policies on all borders and other measures to facilitate trade and investment and create investment opportunities.”
He stressed that “the government has also attached special importance to aligning its trade policy and regulatory legislation with international capabilities, rules and standards and enhancing institutional capacities to effectively meet the requirements of the World Trade Organization.”
Al-Sudani and Bin Salman discuss common issues in 3 fields by phone
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani received a phone call this evening, Wednesday, from the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
A statement from the Prime Minister's Office, a copy of which was received by {Euphrates News}, stated that "during the meeting, bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and ways to develop and grow them in various fields were discussed, in addition to discussing the latest developments in the region."
He added, "The call also addressed a number of issues of common interest, especially in the political, economic and developmental aspects, which will lead to achieving integration and mutual benefit between the two brotherly countries."
DOLLAR
Rafidain: A movement to implement a strategic vision aimed at expanding the customer base
Today, Thursday, the Director of Rafidain Bank, Ali Karim Hussein Al-Fatlawi, confirmed the introduction of many products and services that are compatible with economic development, while he pointed to the movement to implement a strategic vision aimed at enhancing the banking experience and expanding the customer base.
The Director General of Rafidain Bank, Ali Karim Hussein Al-Fatlawi, said in an interview with Al-Shabaka magazine, which was followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “Rafidain Bank is one of the main pillars in providing services to citizens and introducing modern technologies in line with international systems, in addition to adopting the comprehensive banking system to keep pace with the advanced information technology revolution in international banks in the confidentiality of completing transactions and simplifying procedures, away from bureaucracy and routine in work.”
He explained that "the bank has succeeded in offering many banking products and services to customers in a manner that is
consistent with and in harmony with the economic development in the country, including:
- Opening savings and current accounts.
- Accepting all types of fixed deposits.
- Financing loans for investment projects.
- Granting loans of all kinds.
– Granting personal loans.
- Issuing letters of guarantee.
- Opening documentary credits.
- Internal and external transfers.
- Certified instruments.
- Localization of salaries.
- Electronic card for employees and citizens.
- Paying salaries to employees and retirees.
He pointed out that "the bank has recently witnessed a tremendous transformation in the way it deals with customers, banking
operations, and commitment to innovation and continuous improvement," noting that "the achievements made came as a result of the bank's commitment to excellence in providing financial services and effective contribution to supporting the local economy and enhancing economic growth."
Regarding future plans, Al-Fatlawi stated that “the bank intends to work on implementing an innovative strategic vision aimed at enhancing the banking experience and expanding the customer base. This in turn reflects the bank’s commitment to providing high-quality and innovative banking services that meet the aspirations of its customers.”
He added, "The bank has implemented, within the framework of the process of stimulating the economy and the labor market, many financing projects for a wide range of development and commercial projects in Iraq, which contributed to enhancing the country's economic growth, in addition to providing the necessary financing for small and medium enterprises, which reflects its commitment to enhancing the spirit of leadership and innovation."
He added, "All the bank's departments are committed to social responsibility, through a variety of initiatives and programs, in which Rafidain Bank has contributed to enhancing the welfare of society," noting that "the bank has been able to bring about a huge digital transformation in its operations, which has led to a significant improvement in the customer experience and scientific efficiency."
He pointed out that "the main tasks carried out by the bank come within the government program and with direct support from Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani," stressing that "the tasks included:
- Responding to the requirements of the Central Bank of Iraq regarding financial inclusion and payment systems .
- Complying with the credit inquiry system and uploading data to the Central Bank of Iraq’s platform.
- Implementing the ticking system for the purpose of providing support and assistance services to users of electronic payment systems.
- Uploading money laundering data to the Anti-Money Laundering Office platform Go Aml
- Working on the legal reserve platform
- Implementing the electronic inquiries system CAR , provided by the Central Bank of Iraq, for inquiries about customers’ financial obligations (individuals-companies).
He stressed that "Rafidain Bank has demonstrated a strong commitment to ethical and legal standards, which has given confidence to customers and investors alike," noting that "the bank follows strict policies to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing, and to comply with local and international standards."
The dollar rises... and prices are waiting: What awaits the Iraqi economy?
The exchange markets in Iraq witnessed a slight increase in the prices of the US dollar against the Iraqi dinar, this Thursday morning.
Height details:
- l-Kifah and Al-Harithiya Stock Exchanges:
- Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya Stock Exchanges opened at 149,200 Iraqi dinars for every 100 dollars.
- This represents a slight increase from last Tuesday's price, which was 149,000 Iraqi dinars to $100.
- Exchange shops in Baghdad:
- The selling price of the dollar in exchange shops in the capital, Baghdad, rose to 150,250 Iraqi dinars for every 100 dollars.
- While the purchase price reached 148,250 Iraqi dinars per 100 dollars.
- Exchange shops in Erbil:
- Exchange rates in Erbil also rose, with the dollar selling for 149,400 Iraqi dinars per 100 dollars.
- While the purchase price reached 149,300 Iraqi dinars per 100 dollars.
Reasons for the rise:
- Seasonal factors: Some experts suggest that the slight rise in the dollar price is due to seasonal factors, such as increased demand for the dollar to finance imports as the end of the year approaches.
- Political instability:
- Others point out that continued political instability in Iraq could negatively impact exchange rate stability.
- They call for the need to address political and economic crises to ensure long-term stability of the exchange rate.
Effects:
- Rising prices:
- A high exchange rate leads to an increase in the prices of imported goods and services, which burdens citizens, especially those with limited income.
- Decrease in purchasing power:
- As the purchasing power of the Iraqi dinar declines, it becomes more difficult for citizens to purchase goods and services.
Expectations:
- No significant changes in exchange rates are expected in the short term.
- In the long term, exchange rate stability depends on improving the political and economic situation in Iraq.
Good news about the dollar.. A government source: The exchange rate is heading towards improvement and stability
Today, Wednesday, the platform learned that a company will soon be working to audit remittances for foreign currencies other than the dollar, in addition to restricting the sale of cash dollars exclusively through airports, which will lead to “improving and stabilizing the dollar,” according to an informed government source.
The source, who refused to reveal his name, told Al Jarida that “the exchange rate situation is improving and stabilizing, especially after choosing a company to audit transfers for foreign currencies other than the dollar, and work on transfers of those currencies will resume very soon, in addition to organizing and controlling the sale of cash dollars exclusively through airports.”
Economist: Financial bonds target citizens’ hoarded funds..and lists their benefits
The economic expert, Abdul Rahman Al-Shaikhli, confirmed that the financial bonds, “second issue,” target the hoarded money of citizens, while he listed its benefits.
Al-Shaikhli told {Euphrates News} that: "The bonds issued by the Ministry of Finance are the second and very important; for the purpose of withdrawing the hoarded money of citizens to revolve in the orbit of banking channels."
He added, "About 85% of the issued money is hoarded by citizens and causes an imbalance in the national economy as well as a state of inflation."
Al-Shaikhli explained, "The specified amount will be divided into two types, one for a period of one year and the other for two years with an annual profit value of 6.5% taken monthly, and also for four years the citizen can obtain it with an interest of 8.5%."
Regarding the method of obtaining this money, Al-Shaikhli explained, "The citizen, companies and individuals submit a request to the authorized bank with their original papers and documents, then the amount is delivered at the initial price of the share, and after a period of time, this money is sent with copies of the supporting documents to the Central Bank, so the transaction is completed and an official receipt is sent to the shareholder, and he has the right at that time to enter the Iraqi financial market and recover the money at the time he wishes."
He added, "These funds are not considered frozen like deposits, but rather enter the stock market, and therefore it has the right to be traded at the daily price. The issuance will be on July 22nd for a period of one month."
In two categories and this is the size of the interest.. A new issue of government achievement bonds is being offered
The Ministry of Finance announced today, Thursday, in cooperation with the Central Bank of Iraq, the launch of a new issue of government achievement bonds (second issue) for public subscription.
A statement by the ministry, received by "Al-Eqtisad News", stated that "the Public Debt Department in the ministry, in cooperation with the Central Bank of Iraq, offered a new issue of government achievement bonds (second issue) for public subscription, worth (1.5) one trillion and five hundred billion Iraqi dinars." In cooperation with the Central Bank of Iraq, they offered a new issue of government achievement bonds (second issue) for public subscription, worth (1.5) one trillion and five hundred billion Iraqi dinars.
He called on "all citizens, investors and companies to participate in subscribing to this issue of government bonds."
He pointed out that "the offered bonds are tradable on the Iraq Stock Exchange."
The statement added, "The new issuance of bonds came based on Federal General Budget Law No. 13 for the fiscal years 2023, 2024 and 2025."
● Advantages of subscribing to government bonds:
Guaranteed return: The government is committed to paying the annual interest and the value of the bond when it matures.
Safe investment: Government bonds are considered one of the safest investments, as investors enjoy the government's guarantee.
Contribution to the development of the national economy: Subscription funds contribute to financing economic development projects and achieving financial stability in the country.
● Release details:
Bond type: Government bonds denominated in Iraqi dinars.
● Categories offered:
- A bond of denomination (500,000) five hundred thousand dinars, with an annual interest of 6.5% paid every six months for two years.
- A bond of the denomination of (1,000,000) one million dinars, with an annual interest of 8.5% paid every six months for a period of four years.
● Subscription date: The sale of bonds will begin at par value for the period from July 22 to August 21, 2024.
● Subscription method: Purchase requests are submitted to one of the branches of banks authorized by the Central Bank of Iraq, attached with the original identification documents, after which the bank sends the request with the purchase amount to the Central Bank via the RTGS electronic payment system on the same day of purchase. In return, the buyer will receive the equivalent of the purchase amount he paid until the bond is prepared, and after printing is completed, the buyer brings the receipt to the same bank to receive the bond.
● The bonds are stamped and signed by the Ministry of Finance...
Chairman of the Investment Authority discusses with the Ambassador of Bangladesh the development of economic cooperation
Chairman of the National Investment Commission Haider Muhammad Makiya discussed with the Ambassador of the People's Republic of Bangladesh to Iraq, Amdi Fazlul Bari, ways to develop economic cooperation.
The Commission stated in a statement, "During the meeting, they discussed strengthening bilateral relations between Iraq and Bangladesh, and ways to develop investment cooperation between the two countries, in addition to discussing joint investment opportunities in various sectors that would enhance economic growth and progress in both countries."
The two sides stressed "moving forward to conclude an agreement to protect and encourage investment between the two countries, which aims to provide a legal and regulatory framework that guarantees the protection of investors' rights and enhances mutual trust, which contributes to attracting more investments and enhancing economic cooperation."
For his part, the ambassador expressed his "thanks and appreciation to the Chairman of the Commission for the invitation to attend investors from Bangladesh to the Iraq Investment Forum, which will be held in early October of this year."
He pointed out that "there are many Bangladeshi companies wishing to enter the investment process in Iraq.
Proposed vision to activate the government and central bank procedures in economic and banking reform
By analyzing the efforts and measures taken by the government and the Central Bank to implement what is stated in the government program of the government of the Sudanese Prime Minister, which is the ninth government after the change in 2003, and which has been in charge for approximately one year and eight months, and which has been able to achieve an acceptable percentage of the specified goals in the field of economic, financial and banking reform, and which included many economic sectors and fields that occupied almost most of the axes of the government program, but without achieving comprehensive and radical economic reform that begins with financial and banking reform, the government’s complete goals and visions cannot be achieved. Therefore, the government program, as I see it, is a four-year strategy to achieve the revolution of economic, financial and banking reform.
Thirdly - Moving to central management of the economy so that the principle of (central planning and decentralization of implementation) is implemented. This means that the Supreme Council of the Economy will undertake the drawing up of plans and policies centrally and distribute their implementation to the ministries and specialized bodies within the government structure after approval by the Council of Ministers.
Fourth: Providing soft loans to finance small, medium and large projects in accordance with the national lending strategy recently launched by the Central Bank, and establishing a legal and institutional system to manage, develop and advance them, and issuing a special law for them. As well as issuing and amending the laws of the legal environment to regulate the economic process, which means issuing new laws instead of the laws issued in 2004, due to the changes that have occurred in the national economy during the past two decades.
Fifth: Activating investment in the agricultural, industrial, energy, tourism, services and housing sectors, as well as working to reform, develop and grow the banking sector through monetary policy applications and regulating the relationship and restrictions governing financial and monetary policies, in addition to the serious trend towards reforming the tax, financial and customs system. Addressing cases of failure to achieve the required growth rates in national income and overcoming the rise in unemployment and poverty rates.
Iranian Foreign Ministry: America uses the dollar to unilaterally dominate the world
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said that the United States uses the US dollar to unilaterally dominate the world.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman recalled the currency agreement recently concluded between Russia and Iran to ensure the liquidity of national currencies in commercial transactions, noting that the Iranian side proposed using the same mechanism at the level of the BRICS countries.
The spokesman stressed that the BRICS countries have the necessary capacity and capabilities to promote and enhance the principle of multipolarity.
Kanaani said in an interview with RT: The whole world is already tired of Western unilateralism.
The BRICS group is moving towards expanding non-dollar payments, as the group's countries seek to move away from the US-controlled SWIFT banking correspondence system.
One of the main goals of the BRICS countries is to move away from the dollar and use national currencies in trade transactions. It is worth noting that 95% of trade transactions between Russia and China are conducted in rubles and yuan.
It is known that Russia assumed the presidency of the BRICS group on January 1 of this year.
The year began with new members joining the organization - in addition to Russia, Brazil, India, China and South Africa, the group now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
As part of its presidency of the group, Russia organizes more than 200 political, economic and social events and activities.
Drones target Ain al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq
Two drones targeted the vicinity of Ain al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq, where Global Coalition forces are stationed, an Iraqi security source reported on Tuesday evening.
The source, speaking to Shafaq News Agency, confirmed the attack but did not provide further details on casualties or damage.
Earlier this year, factions within the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI) had announced a halt to operations against US forces in Iraq, leading to a period of relative calm.
This drone attack marks a resumption of hostilities.
IRI refers to Tehran's military allies in Iraq, such as Kata’ib Hezbollah and Harakat Al-Nujabaa, it is a part of the "Axis of Resistance" alongside Lebanon's Hezbollah, Yemen's Ansarallah (Houthis), and other Iran-backed factions.
All groups within the Axis have declared that their attacks will persist until a ceasefire is achieved in the Gaza Strip, where Israel's actions have resulted in the deaths of over 39,289 Palestinians, predominantly children and women.
The Pentagon confirms that Ain al-Assad base was targeted
A US military official confirmed today, Wednesday, that the US "Ain al-Assad" base in Anbar Governorate, western Iraq, was targeted by a drone, noting that none of the personnel inside the base were harmed.
The military official said: "Initial data confirms that US and coalition forces successfully intercepted two drones at Ain al-Assad Air Base in Iraq. All personnel are safe and there were no injuries."
The official indicated that the situation is developing and more updates will be provided by the US Central Command.
On Tuesday, a source in the US-led "International Coalition" against the "ISIS" organization [a terrorist organization banned in Russia and a large number of countries] in Iraq reported that the "Ain al-Assad" base, which hosts US forces in the west of the country, was attacked by two booby-trapped drones without causing any losses.
A source in the international coalition said that two booby-trapped drones attacked Ain al-Assad Air Base in Anbar Governorate, western Iraq, without causing any damage to the base.
This is the first attack in months on US forces in Iraq after the attacks stopped following a drone attack in February that killed three US soldiers in Jordan. In response, the US carried out airstrikes on sites in Iraq and Syria.
Iraqi armed factions often claim responsibility for bombing US bases in Iraq and Syria in response to Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, where these factions have declared their support for the "Palestinian resistance."
A military delegation headed by Yarallah will visit Washington soon...and the American withdrawal may take 3 to 5 years
Baghdad has not yet commented on the attempt to assassinate former US President Donald Trump, while Muqtada Al-Sadr, the leader of the Sadrist movement, described what happened as a “clip from a movie.”
Since the beginning of this year, Baghdad and the United States have been engaged in dialogues about the Western military presence in the country, which have reached the procedures stage, according to the parties to the coordination framework.
A former politician and attempted MP warns that the assassination of Trump, whose interpretations of the incident are now limited to an individual act, may affect Washington's policy in Iraq at a later time.
The Iraqi military leadership is supposed to meet with American officials this July in Washington to complete negotiations on withdrawal.
The two parties held three meetings in Iraq about the fate of the coalition forces, while it is likely that Abdul Amir Yarallah, Chief of Staff of the Army, will lead the next delegation.
A few days ago, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said while he was in Washington to attend NATO meetings that "a military delegation will visit Washington to hold discussions about the security agreement concluded between Iraq and the United States."
There is still a conflict in statements between Baghdad and Washington regarding the nature of the negotiations that began at the beginning of this year, regarding whether the United States will withdraw or stay for a longer time.
According to leaks from political circles, the military delegation that will soon go to the United States will ask for “3 or 4 months to finalize the withdrawal arrangements.”
But there are other political parties who doubt the possibility of withdrawing forces so quickly, and talk about the United States requiring between “3 to 5 years” to evacuate the forces.
Ali Nimah, a member of the Security and Defense Committee in Parliament, says that the issue of removing foreign forces from Iraq will not end “overnight,” noting that it is hoped that the transition to bilateral relations will begin during the next year.
Last June, the government confirmed that it had begun new measures in preparation for the withdrawal of coalition forces present since 2014, by developing military infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Hassan Fadaam, a former leader of the Popular Mobilization Forces, said in contact with (Al-Mada) that “the decision to withdraw is final and final, and there is no retreat from the Iraqi government.”
Fadam, a former representative of the Al-Hikma Movement, points out that “the withdrawal is within the government program and also within the political agreement that occurred between all political parties and was informed by the American authorities through diplomacy and by the political forces in all their meetings with American officials.”
Fadham, a member of the coordination framework, confirms that there are major changes in this file. “Work has moved from dialogues to procedures. There are daily procedures in preparation for withdrawal.”
The former MP revealed that a recent visit by a US Defense Department official to Baghdad was part of these arrangements, as he "visited the American bases to begin the withdrawal."
A week ago, Al-Sudani's office reported that the latter received the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle Eastern Affairs, Daniel Shapiro, in Baghdad.
The office confirmed in a statement that the meeting included talk about "proceeding procedures to end the mission of the international coalition to fight ISIS, and to activate bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States."
Hassan Fadaam says that the United States may try to reverse the withdrawal under various pretexts, “but Iraq is monitoring these moves that Washington could use to disrupt the withdrawal.”
Last February, the Iraqi factions retreated from targeting American forces in an undeclared truce, to give the government the opportunity to negotiate with Washington.
The number of American forces in Iraq since the beginning of 2003 was about 130,000, and it remained fluctuating between 100,000 and 150,000, but it rose again to about 170,000 with the intensification of violence in 2007.
At the end of 2011, the United States withdrew its forces during the era of former President Barack Obama. Except for a few military advisors.
However, with the spread of ISIS in 2014, Washington doubled its forces to more than 5,000 members, before reducing them again to 3,000 in 2021, then to about 2,500 this year.
Withdrawal...and Trump is the example of Alusi, the politician and former MP, who says that the presence of American forces in Iraq was “always the focus of discussion in all American governments after 2003,” but he did not raise, not Once, either secretly or publicly, the idea of “reducing the level of forces to zero.”
Successful American administrations, according to Al-Alusi, who spoke to Al-Mada, were thinking about withdrawing the strike force "and leaving elite forces that represent the American moral and strategic presence in Iraq."
A few days ago, Arab media close to Tehran said that the United States “withdrew an official announcement to schedule a reduction in the number of its forces in Iraq.” It is likely that this is related to the process of withdrawing American forces from Niger.
America, according to Al-Alusi, will reduce the military presence in Iraq and not the political, diplomatic or economic presence if it finds that "the government is part of American ideas and interests, but the opposite will happen if the militia penetration and preoccupation With opening camps for the Houthis in Iraq continues.”
The United States will soon enter into a sensitive political situation with the approaching presidential elections, which may not greatly affect the nature of relations with Iraq, according to Al-Alusi, a former member of the Foreign Relations Committee in Parliament.
He says that the change in the US government “affects foreign relations on major issues with Russia and China,but not with Iraq and Iran.”
But on the other hand, he points out the possibility that the attempt to assassinate Trump may affect Washington policy if it is proven that the perpetrator, whose action is explained as an isolated incident, influenced Iraqi and Iranian propaganda against the nominated president, especially if he wins the elections.
In 2021, an Iraqi court issued an arrest warrant against Trump, against the backdrop of the assassination of Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis and Qassem Soleimani.
So far, Baghdad has not commented on the assassination attempt, at a time when Muqtada al-Sadr said in a tweet on the “Just allegations.”
Al-Alusi advised the Iraqi government to denounce the assassination attempt, "not for Trump's sake, but in rejection of the assassination attempts that the authorities in Iraq accused of against activists and protesters."
Washington thanks Baghdad for hosting its forces
Today, Tuesday, the US State Department spokesman for the Middle East, Samuel Werberg, thanked Iraq for hosting US forces and other forces from all countries of the world to combat terrorism .
Samuel Werberg said in a televised interview followed by "Mill", "As for the bilateral relations between the United States and Iraq now, Iraq is a sovereign state and therefore Iraqi officials have every right to speak for themselves and to speak in a way that represents the Iraqi people ."
He added, "This is not 2003. The United States is a sovereign state and Iraq is also a sovereign state. Therefore, we must thank Iraq for hosting American forces and other forces from all countries of the world to fight terrorism and ISIS and defeat it over all these years ."
“We are discussing the change and the future of this alliance and these efforts in Iraq in terms of combating terrorism, and recently there was a meeting between some American and Iraqi officials, and we are continuing these efforts and the process to determine exactly what the American footprint is in Iraq and what the appropriate numbers are for American soldiers and how decisions are made collectively, because the decision is not the decision of the United States, but the decision must be made by the Iraqi government and the United States, ” he continued.
The US State Department spokesman stressed that "from our point of view, the question is not whether there is a desire or intention to withdraw our forces from Iraq or not," indicating that "we will all take the decision with the Iraqi government, and any decision we all take, we will respect. This administration believes that Iraq is a sovereign state, and therefore any decision reached by all must be respected by both parties ."
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