US, Morocco Hold Conference on Cybersecurity

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy Jennifer Bachus (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy Jennifer Bachus (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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US, Morocco Hold Conference on Cybersecurity

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy Jennifer Bachus (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy Jennifer Bachus (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The US aims to be a key partner in consolidating Morocco's position as a regional leader in cybersecurity, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Jennifer Bachus has announced.

At its Dar America cultural center, the US Consulate General in Casablanca hosted a conference with Bachus on cybersecurity and cyber diplomacy, along with Moroccan Masters and Doctorate students from the Ben M'sik and Ain Chock Faculties of Sciences.

The conference was part of Bachus's official visit to Morocco from December 6 to 8.

Morocco is making great strides in digital transformation, and the United States is eager to support the Kingdom in its vision to become a regional leader in the tech space," Bachus said.

The official noted Morocco's progress and expressed Washington's desire to be a key partner in consolidating the Kingdom's position as a regional leader in this area.

"Among the top priorities of the US government, my Bureau is advancing global cyber stability through international partnerships and supporting trusted telecommunications infrastructure, including 5G," she recalled.

A statement from the US mission in Morocco, issued at the end of the meeting, indicated that the US official was impressed by Morocco and expressed Washington's readiness to be a key partner in strengthening Morocco's position as a field leader.

The statement highlighted that the rapid development of information and communications technology has resulted in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence emerging as fundamental pillars of global economic growth.

The US official confirmed that artificial intelligence has imposed itself as a significant driver for stimulating operational efficiency and opening new horizons for innovation, highlighting that integrating artificial intelligence into cybersecurity systems provides essential benefits.

Bachus called for international cooperation and the exchange of expertise to confront the increasing challenges associated with digital security, pointing out that global challenges in cybersecurity and digital policies are increasing significantly.

According to US officials, developing appropriate policies and providing investments in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence enhances economic growth by encouraging innovation, enhancing competitiveness, and enabling an environment for secure exchanges.

Integrating cybersecurity and artificial intelligence paves the way for new economic opportunities and provides innovative solutions to current challenges, ensuring sustainable and flexible economic development.



Iraq Clarifies Handover of Kuwaiti Dissident to Kuwait

Salman Al-Khalidi as seen in a photo shared by Kuwait's Ministry of Interior (X)
Salman Al-Khalidi as seen in a photo shared by Kuwait's Ministry of Interior (X)
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Iraq Clarifies Handover of Kuwaiti Dissident to Kuwait

Salman Al-Khalidi as seen in a photo shared by Kuwait's Ministry of Interior (X)
Salman Al-Khalidi as seen in a photo shared by Kuwait's Ministry of Interior (X)

Iraq’s Ministry of Interior has explained the extradition of a Kuwaiti dissident to Kuwait, after the operation sparked controversy.

The ministry said in a statement that “some social media sites shared news and images of the Iraqi Interpol handing over a wanted individual to the Kuwaiti authorities.”

The statement also emphasized that “Iraq is a member of Interpol and is committed to following international agreements, cooperating closely with Arab and friendly countries in security matters.”

Iraq’s Ministry of Interior explained that the Iraqi Interpol received an arrest warrant from Kuwait, along with a “Red Notice” from the Arab Interior Ministers’ Council. Legal steps were immediately taken by both Iraqi and Kuwaiti authorities.

The ministry stressed that the handover between Iraqi and Kuwaiti Interpols was in line with Iraq’s commitments as an Interpol member. It also stated that Iraq routinely works to extradite suspects wanted by Iraqi courts and honors international agreements with other countries.

The statement highlighted that Iraqi Interpol handles numerous extraditions daily for cases like terrorism, drug trafficking, and corruption, showing Iraq’s dedication to global security cooperation.

Kuwaiti authorities, represented by Interior Minister Fahad Al-Youssef and Basra Governor Asaad Al-Eidani, received dissident Salman Al-Khalidi at the Safwan border crossing.

Al-Khalidi, who had entered Iraq on a British travel document, had spent weeks traveling across the country, including visits to religious sites in Karbala and Najaf, before being arrested on an Interpol warrant.

Social media videos showed Al-Khalidi criticizing the Kuwaiti government and ruling family before his arrest at Baghdad airport on Wednesday.

Al-Eidani confirmed that Al-Khalidi was arrested at Baghdad airport, taken to Basra, and handed over to Kuwaiti Interpol according to the agreements between the two countries.

Legal expert Ali Al-Tamimi explained that international agreements, like the 1951 Refugee Convention, distinguish between political and humanitarian asylum. Since Al-Khalidi was wanted by Kuwait for criminal charges, he does not qualify for political asylum, and Iraq is legally required to extradite him.