عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Arab World

Baghdad, Washington Coordinate to Confront ‘Concerning’ Regional Developments

Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani listens during a meeting with President Joe Biden in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, April 15, 2024, in Washington. (AP)
Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani listens during a meeting with President Joe Biden in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, April 15, 2024, in Washington. (AP)
TT
TT

Baghdad, Washington Coordinate to Confront ‘Concerning’ Regional Developments

Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani listens during a meeting with President Joe Biden in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, April 15, 2024, in Washington. (AP)
Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani listens during a meeting with President Joe Biden in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, April 15, 2024, in Washington. (AP)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held lengthy telephone talks on Sunday to discuss regional developments as Washington pursues its “maximum pressure” policy against Iran.

This was the third telephone call between Sudani and an American official in a month. He had held talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on February 25 and with National Security Adviser Mike Waltz two days ago.

His talks with Hegseth coincided with the US carrying out airstrikes against the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen over the weekend.

US President Donald Trump on Monday explicitly linked the actions of the Houthis to their main benefactor, Iran, warning Tehran would “suffer the consequences” for further attacks by the militants.

In a statement, Sudani’s media office said he discussed with Hegseth security developments in the region, especially the military operations in Yemen and “concerning” situation in Syria. They also reviewed the strategic partnership between Iraq and the US and their joint interest to achieve regional stability and security.

“Hegseth reviewed developments related to military operations in Yemen, noting that the United States will continue its operations unless Houthi attacks on US forces and their impact on navigation in the Red Sea cease. He emphasized that Washington does not seek escalation and that military operations will stop immediately once these attacks cease,” said the statement.

For his part, Sudani stated: “De-escalation and dialogue are the most effective paths to resolving crises in a region as sensitive and vital as the Middle East. He stressed that this approach represents Iraq’s consistent position in addressing regional challenges, and Iraq will continue to act based on this principle.”

Both sides underscored the importance of continued security cooperation within the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and discussed regional security developments.

Sudani reiterated Iraq’s “commitment to protecting Coalition advisors, who are present in the country at the invitation of the Iraqi government to support efforts in combating ISIS. He also emphasized Iraq’s dedication to ensuring that the use of force remains exclusively within the state’s authority and to boosting internal stability.”

Additionally, they reaffirmed “their shared commitment to preventing the resurgence of terrorist threats and extremist ideologies, including ISIS, and strengthening ongoing counterterrorism efforts to support regional security.”

The talks addressed “recent successes in targeting and eliminating senior ISIS leaders, with both sides stressing the importance of maintaining a strong and coordinated counterterrorism approach to prevent the organization from rebuilding its capabilities.”

Sudani and Hegseth also tackled regional security dynamics, “particularly the concerning situation in Syria. Both sides expressed their determination to prevent ISIS in Syria from posing any threat, especially as the group has acquired new weapons and is reorganizing its ranks, which necessitates a collective international response to prevent any new escalation that could threaten stability.”

They underlined their commitment to regional stability, with Hegseth reiterating the United States’ long-term commitment to supporting Iraq’s security and stability.

Last week, the head of ISIS in Iraq and Syria was killed in Iraq in an operation by members of the Iraqi national intelligence service along with US-led coalition forces.

Iraqi observers said the operation helped ease concerns about how the new American administration was going to approach Iraq and the pro-Iran Coordination Framework given its “maximum pressure” policy towards Tehran.

An Iraqi politician noted to Asharq Al-Awsat the debates that had taken place over whether the US would adopt a hard line against Iraq given its ties to Iran.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, he added that the Trump administration is aware of the complex and close relations between the two neighbors.

However, by coordinating with Sudani, it is making a distinction between Iraq and Iran while being aware that some of its actions against Tehran will impact Baghdad, he remarked.

He stressed that the American administration “does not want to meddle in Iraqi affairs and is not concerned with speculation that it has sided with one party against the other.”

Rather, it wants to keep Iraq clear of any repercussions of its policies while also studying whether it can play a major role in the region, he went on to say.

On reports that Hegseth had strongly warned Sudani against the armed factions in Iraq retaliating to the US strikes on the Houthis, the politcian said his telephone talks with the PM were positive.

Iraq and the US are in agreement on several issues, so there is no need for such warnings, he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Most Viewed

 
 
Arab World

Aoun: Lebanon Rejects Being A Bargaining Chip in Regional Conflicts

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun delivers his address at an informal European Union leaders’ meeting in Cyprus (AP)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun delivers his address at an informal European Union leaders’ meeting in Cyprus (AP)
TT
TT

Aoun: Lebanon Rejects Being A Bargaining Chip in Regional Conflicts

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun delivers his address at an informal European Union leaders’ meeting in Cyprus (AP)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun delivers his address at an informal European Union leaders’ meeting in Cyprus (AP)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Lebanon “refuses to be a bargaining chip in regional conflicts,” stressing it “negotiates in its own name, in defense of its national interests and sovereignty,” as Beirut pursues a US-sponsored diplomatic track backed by European and Arab support to reach a lasting end to the war and ensure arms are held exclusively by the state.

Aoun made the remarks in Lebanon’s address to an informal meeting of European Union leaders, attended by southern neighbors and convened by Nikos Christodoulides during Cyprus’ EU presidency.

He said Lebanon had “engaged in a diplomatic negotiation process under US sponsorship, with support from the European Union and Arab countries,” aimed at a “sustainable solution” that ends Israeli attacks and secures a full Israeli withdrawal behind internationally recognized borders, allowing the state to extend authority over all its territory.

“Lebanon today refuses to be a bargaining chip in regional conflicts. It negotiates in its own name, in defense of its national interests and sovereignty,” he said, adding the country “places great importance on de-escalation and achieving stability and peace,” and that diplomacy, not escalation, is the only path to a lasting solution.

Severe humanitarian situation

Aoun described conditions on the ground as “extremely dangerous,” citing “more than 1,300 evacuation orders affecting 311 towns and over 6,800 airstrikes up to April 11,” leaving “more than 10,000 casualties, killed and wounded.”

He accused Israel of “violating international law” by targeting medical teams, hospitals, schools, journalists and places of worship, and by the “systematic destruction” of villages and civilian infrastructure to prevent residents from returning. Displacement has “exceeded one million,” he said.

Only 13% of the displaced are in shelters, mostly in public schools and universities, increasing pressure on the education system, he added. Lebanon still hosts around one million Syrian refugees, placing “significant strain” on infrastructure, services and host communities. He described the crisis as “not a conventional humanitarian crisis, but an existential one by all measures.”

Economic losses mount

More than 150,000 people are expected to have no homes to return to after the war.

Aoun urged the EU to convene an international conference on reconstruction and recovery, alongside boosting humanitarian funding, and called for reviving a France-backed conference to support the Lebanese army, which he described as “a guarantor of national unity and a cornerstone of local and regional stability.”

Syrian refugees

Aoun called for coordination with Syrian authorities, backed by international partners, to step up efforts for the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees, saying Syria’s recovery offers “a real opportunity” to advance the process gradually and in an organized manner.

He said Lebanon is “not merely a humanitarian case,” but is directly tied to regional stability, migration, counterterrorism and energy security, urging stronger cooperation with Europe.

Nicosia meetings: French and Italian support

On the sidelines, Aoun met French President Emmanuel Macron, briefing him on efforts to end the conflict and ease the suffering of the Lebanese people.

He said Lebanon had pressed in talks at the US State Department and the White House for a ceasefire, followed by a three-week extension to halt hostilities, stop the destruction of homes in villages occupied by Israeli forces, and end attacks on medics, Red Cross and civil defense personnel, journalists and civilians.

Aoun also outlined Lebanon’s post-ceasefire position, thanking France for aid to displaced Lebanese and expressing hope for continued support from France and EU countries.

Macron reaffirmed France’s backing, saying he had contacted European leaders and partners to support Lebanon’s push to consolidate a ceasefire and begin bilateral negotiations, adding Paris would continue efforts to bolster Lebanon’s position.

Aoun also met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, briefing her on ceasefire contacts and two rounds of talks in Washington, the first attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the second by US President Donald Trump.

“The option of war leads to no result,” he said.

Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s support for Lebanon, particularly for direct bilateral negotiations, and said Rome was ready to assist efforts to achieve stability, while continuing aid.

Arab World

Gaza Reconstruction Back on the Table, Parallel Track to the Board of Peace

Palestinians walk amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza (AFP)
Palestinians walk amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza (AFP)
TT
TT

Gaza Reconstruction Back on the Table, Parallel Track to the Board of Peace

Palestinians walk amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza (AFP)
Palestinians walk amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza (AFP)

The reconstruction of the Gaza Strip has returned to the agenda in recent days during Egyptian talks with international parties, amid a stalemate in implementing the ceasefire and earlier reports of funding problems facing the “Board of Peace” led by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Those reports were later denied, but without producing tangible steps toward even early recovery.

Egyptian experts told Asharq Al-Awsat that Cairo is pushing the file forward, either by opening parallel tracks to the Board of Peace’s reconstruction plan or by breaking the deadlock in the ceasefire phases, while preserving the agreement’s effectiveness as attention shifts to the “Iran war.”

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met Japan’s envoy for Gaza reconstruction, Takeshi Okubo, days ago, discussing “early recovery and reconstruction efforts in light of the ongoing regional escalation.”

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ambassador Tamim Khallaf said Abdelatty stressed the need to accelerate early recovery through practical projects with immediate impact on Palestinians’ lives, including medicines, construction materials, desalination plants, mobile power units, and adequate temporary housing, taking into account realities on the ground and residents’ needs.

The issue also featured during Abdelatty’s mid-April visit to Washington, where he discussed with Stefan Emblad ways to boost cooperation on early recovery and reconstruction.

Abdelatty called for a major role for the World Bank in ensuring sustainable living conditions for Palestinians, citing its experience in reconstruction. He stressed the need to prioritize urgent projects and affirmed Egypt’s readiness to fully cooperate with the Board of Peace and the bank.

Ashraf Harbi of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs said reviving the reconstruction file aims to create parallel paths to the Board of Peace’s steps, which have yet to begin, adding that Cairo is counting on international and European institutions to push early recovery.

He said Egypt is also seeking to break the ceasefire deadlock and sustain momentum on the Palestinian issue and the “Gaza agreement,” amid fears of a complete freeze as global attention turns to the Iran war.

In recent weeks, Cairo hosted talks between Hamas and the Board of Peace’s representative in Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, focused largely on Hamas disarmament, but without agreement.

Mladenov said arrangements acceptable to all parties “will take some time.”

A Reuters report in early April said the Board of Peace had received only a small share of the $17 billion pledged for Gaza, delaying Trump’s plan for the devastated territory.

The Board said it faces no funding obstacles and that all requests were met “immediately and in full,” adding it is focused on enabling a national committee to manage Gaza, restoring governance, and expanding aid.

Days before the Iran war erupted in February, Washington hosted the Board of Peace’s first meeting, where countries pledged billions for Gaza’s reconstruction and administration after two years of war.

The plan envisions large-scale reconstruction alongside Hamas disarmament and an Israeli withdrawal, paving the way for a Palestinian national committee to take over governance.

Ahmed Fouad Anwar, also of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, said Cairo is stepping up efforts to overcome Israeli obstacles that have delayed a technocratic committee from taking over in Gaza and hindered the formation of a “stabilization force,” both of which are tied to reconstruction and early recovery.

He said delays in implementing the ceasefire are also linked to funding for reconstruction and development.

Cairo is working to establish a practical starting point to boost humanitarian and development support through the World Bank or the Japan International Cooperation Agency, aiming to restore hope for Palestinians facing harsh conditions.

Anwar added that the faltering first phase of the ceasefire, Israel’s withdrawal from only 55 percent of Gaza, and the focus on the Iran war and its economic and political fallout, including the risk of renewed fighting, are shaping the Palestinian landscape and require intensified action on multiple tracks.

International institutions estimate Gaza’s reconstruction cost at about $70 billion after widespread destruction of infrastructure and buildings, leaving the enclave’s future dependent on funding and political consensus.

The World Health Organization said on Friday that rebuilding Gaza’s health system will require $10 billion over five years, with 1,800 health facilities damaged, some fully and others partially.

Arab World

Lebanon Ambassador in Riyadh: Saudi Arabia Played Key Ceasefire Role

CAPTION: Lebanon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ali Karanouh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
CAPTION: Lebanon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ali Karanouh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT
TT

Lebanon Ambassador in Riyadh: Saudi Arabia Played Key Ceasefire Role

CAPTION: Lebanon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ali Karanouh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
CAPTION: Lebanon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ali Karanouh (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Lebanon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ali Karanouh, said a phone call on Tuesday between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, along with a statement by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, marked the culmination of Saudi efforts that drew on the kingdom’s regional and international weight to secure Lebanon’s inclusion in a temporary ceasefire agreement. He added that the Saudi crown prince affirmed the kingdom’s support for Lebanon in asserting its sovereignty and backing its efforts to preserve its resources and the safety and unity of its territory.

Karanouh, who took up his post in Saudi Arabia less than six months ago after serving as a diplomatic adviser to the prime minister, told Asharq Al-Awsat in an extended phone interview that the past days during the war had been difficult for Lebanon and the region, with a large number of casualties and widespread destruction.

He also referred to Lebanon’s position, which unequivocally condemns Iranian attacks on Gulf states, stressing his country’s need for all its friends, foremost among them Saudi Arabia, given its regional and international weight.

He said that reaching a ceasefire agreement is, in itself, an achievement, given the complexities of the regional situation and Lebanon’s internal challenges.

Karanouh said Lebanon’s position “aims to liberate its land, preserve its rights, and achieve sustainable security and stability,” expressing hope that the negotiations represent the only hope for Lebanon, given the difficult situation and the war it was drawn into, which it does not want and its people do not want, while paying a heavy price.

He added that Lebanon hopes the next phase, through the return of security and stability, will allow it to continue the path it had begun before the war, paving the way for rebuilding the state and extending its authority over all its territory.

On reports of recent visits by Lebanese politicians to Saudi Arabia, the ambassador said the kingdom maintains relations with all parties in Lebanon and calls for unity, security, stability, and the preservation of civil peace.

He noted that Saudi Arabia had previously sponsored the Taif Agreement and the reconstruction phase that followed, adding that these visits came within that framework.

He said this had been reflected domestically through a reduction in the intensity of rhetoric and a calming of internal tensions in recent periods, in favor of a unifying discourse and national unity, which has had a positive impact on Lebanon’s internal situation, where civil peace and a ceasefire are top priorities.

Karanouh said there is genuine seriousness today in addressing the issues that have affected Lebanon’s relations with Arab and Gulf states, with the aim of lifting the ban on Lebanese exports and rebuilding trust.

He added that the Lebanese side has held multiple meetings with Arab envoys, listened to their concerns, and is working to address many of them, noting that significant progress has been made and that many issues have already been resolved.

He added that there is a track of dialogue and cooperation with Saudi Arabia in this regard, noting that security concerns are troubling all parties at this stage.

Karanouh said the return of security and stability is a condition for the return of Gulf nationals to Lebanon, reiterating the current government’s seriousness in ensuring this, especially since the start of the current term under Aoun and Salam.

He cited cooperation in combating drug trafficking and tightening control over crossings and airports, adding that the outbreak of war had frozen these Lebanese efforts, with the priority shifting to preserving lives.

The ambassador said the Lebanese army has a responsibility to extend its authority over all Lebanese territory, expressing Lebanon’s aspiration for support from Saudi Arabia and Gulf states to help the army carry out its major responsibilities, alongside support for reconstruction, stability and economic recovery.

He said Gulf states are “the lifeblood of Lebanon,” adding that “the return of Gulf nationals to Lebanon is like the return of life to Lebanon and its economy.”

Karanouh concluded by thanking the Saudi Foreign Ministry for its cooperation with the Lebanese embassy in Saudi Arabia and Lebanese embassies in Gulf states in facilitating the entry of more than 1,500 Lebanese nationals stranded in Gulf countries during the war and the closure of most airports and flights in the region, by securing transit visas and facilitating their return home or onward travel to Saudi Arabia and other destinations.

On a symposium held by the Gulf Cooperation Council on Tuesday, attended by the council’s secretary general as well as a number of ambassadors and experts, Karanouh said the event itself was a message of attention to Lebanon and a reaffirmation of support.

He said GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi affirmed the council’s support for Lebanon, the implementation of international resolutions, the restriction of arms to the state, and the extension of state authority over all Lebanese territory.

He stressed that this position aligns with Lebanon’s demands and with the Taif Agreement, particularly regarding the extension of state authority over all its territory, adding that it is also a central element of the president’s inaugural address and a key part of the ministerial statement of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government.

Karanouh expressed hope that the efforts of both sides would lead to the return of security and stability to Lebanon and the region, paving the way for the return of investments and Gulf tourists to Lebanon.

Over the past 48 hours, there have been a series of political consultations between the two countries. On Wednesday, Karanouh met Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Saud Al-Sati to discuss issues of mutual interest.

On Thursday, the Lebanese presidency said President Joseph Aoun received Prince Yazid bin Farhan, adviser to the Saudi foreign minister, and discussed the current situation in light of recent developments and Saudi Arabia’s role in helping Lebanon overcome its difficult circumstances.

On the same day, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, thanked the kingdom for its efforts to help Lebanon and halt the aggression against it. He also discussed developments in Lebanon and the region with Prince Faisal.