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Iraq’s PMF to Form Air Force Directorate

PMF members patrol an area in Tuz, southern Kirkuk city, Iraq, 17 October 2017. EPA file photo
PMF members patrol an area in Tuz, southern Kirkuk city, Iraq, 17 October 2017. EPA file photo
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Iraq’s PMF to Form Air Force Directorate

PMF members patrol an area in Tuz, southern Kirkuk city, Iraq, 17 October 2017. EPA file photo
PMF members patrol an area in Tuz, southern Kirkuk city, Iraq, 17 October 2017. EPA file photo

Deputy chief of the Popular Mobilization Forces Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes announced Thursday the formation of the air force directorate, weeks after growing air strikes against PMF locations in Baghdad and other provinces that its officials have blamed on Israel.

An official letter said that Salah Mahdi Hantoush was appointed acting director of the air force directorate.

The order was signed by the PMF deputy chief and not by Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi or PMF chief and national security adviser Faleh Fayyad, a sign of growing inter-PMF disputes.

Last month, Mohandes held Israel responsible for the blasts on PMF camps and depots, threatening to respond to the attacks.

However, Fayyad respected the position of the Iraqi government, and said he would wait for the release of final results of investigations conducted by a fact-finding committee tasked with probing the explosions.

Iraqi security expert Hashem al-Hashemi said the formation of a new air force is an embarrassment for the Iraqi PM, mainly if the air defense system was bought without the approval of the Defense Ministry.

“Only Iranians will accept to sell weapons to the PMF without coordinating with the Defense Ministry,” the expert said.

Meanwhile, Iraqi Defense Minister Najah Al-Shammari referred on Thursday several officers and commanders to military courts on corruption charges.

In a brief statement, the Ministry said: “Defense Minister Najah Al-Shammari ordered the transfer of some high-ranking officers and commanders to the competent military courts on charges related to corruption.”

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Lebanon's Al-Rahi: Neutrality is the Foundation of the National Pact

Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi (NNA)
Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi (NNA)
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Lebanon's Al-Rahi: Neutrality is the Foundation of the National Pact

Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi (NNA)
Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi (NNA)

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi on Sunday called for adopting a policy of neutrality as an effective solution to Lebanon’s current political, social and sectarian crises.

“Neutrality is the foundation of Lebanon's National Pact and not a substitute for it,” the Patriarch said in his Sunday sermon.

Al-Rahi praised President Joseph Aoun's oath and spoke about the trust people have in Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam.

“The Lebanese people feel reassured when they listen to the principles that President Aoun intends to follow, in addition to the promises made by world leaders to support Lebanon and help it achieve economic, social and financial growth,” al-Rahi said.

He added that citizens have also placed their trust in the PM-designate, expressing hope for the swift formation of a government in collaboration with the President.

The Patriarch commended Aoun for his pledge to adopt positive neutrality in his inaugural speech, noting that this promise has provided much-needed comfort to many citizens.

He also highlighted the President’s efforts to align neutrality with economic reforms, such as promoting high-quality exports, attracting tourism, and driving economic recovery.

According to al-Rahi, these initiatives underscore that neutrality not only strengthens national unity but also creates the foundation for stability, growth, and prosperity.

Also, the Patriarch reiterated that Lebanon’s identity is not defined by dominance but by its unique role as a beacon of freedom and coexistence between Christians and Muslims.

For Lebanon to fulfill its mission as a bridge between cultures and religions, he affirmed, it must adopt an active and positive stance of neutrality.

“Positive neutrality is a political doctrine that avoids alignment with conflicting regional or international blocs while remaining committed to just causes globally, such as the right of peoples to independence,” al-Rahi said.

He further emphasized that neutrality is a cornerstone of Lebanon’s National Pact and offers the most effective solution to the country’s ongoing political, social, and sectarian crises.

Aoun's election and the designation of a new premier have increased optimism for Lebanon’s future.

Salam will likely present this week his government lineup to Aoun, who must sign the formation decree. Parliament will then convene to issue a vote of confidence for the new government.