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Arab League Urges Lebanon to Implement Necessary Reforms

Kubis meets Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in Cairo. (Twitter)
Kubis meets Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in Cairo. (Twitter)
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Arab League Urges Lebanon to Implement Necessary Reforms

Kubis meets Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in Cairo. (Twitter)
Kubis meets Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in Cairo. (Twitter)

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit reiterated on Tuesday the league’s support to and solidarity with Lebanon during its current crisis.

During a meeting in Cairo with the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jan Kubis, Aboul Gheit said it is important for the new Lebanese government to meet the demands of the people and to fullfil its promises, especially by introducing necessary economic reforms to regain the world’s trust and attract investments.

A statement by the league said Aboul Gheit and Kubis discussed the latest developments in Lebanon following the formation of the new government and the challenges that lay ahead.

For his part, Kubis briefed Aboul Gheit about the financial and economic situation in Lebanon and required measures to overcome the crisis.

In Cairo, the UN official also held talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.

“Shoukry stressed Egypt’s keenness to protect the stability and safety of Lebanon, by working on the achievement of national interests and on meeting the demands of the Lebanese people,” the ministry’s spokesperson Ahmed Hafez said.

The foreign minister said Lebanon should be spared from being involved in regional conflicts and escalations.

Kubis praised Egyptian efforts to help preserve stability in Lebanon and the region, expressing his keenness on continuing cooperation and consultation with Cairo in this regard.

Diab's government won parliament's confidence last week and it quickly requested the International Monetary Fund's advice on tackling its economic crisis.

Lebanon has the world's third-highest debt-to-GDP ratio and has been sliding towards default in recent months, with tight capital controls and a currency devaluation already hitting purchasing power.

Last week, Kubis said that any solution to the economic, financial and banking sector crisis must start with complete transparency of what is the solvency of Lebanon and its Central bank, communicated with the full clarity, honesty and accountability to the public.

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Iraq’s Coordination Framework Faces Deep Internal Disputes

An Iraqi soldier walks past a sign that reads "Ramadan Kareem" in the Karrada district of the capital Baghdad on March 5, 2025, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)
An Iraqi soldier walks past a sign that reads "Ramadan Kareem" in the Karrada district of the capital Baghdad on March 5, 2025, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)
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Iraq’s Coordination Framework Faces Deep Internal Disputes

An Iraqi soldier walks past a sign that reads "Ramadan Kareem" in the Karrada district of the capital Baghdad on March 5, 2025, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)
An Iraqi soldier walks past a sign that reads "Ramadan Kareem" in the Karrada district of the capital Baghdad on March 5, 2025, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)

Iraq’s ruling pro-Iran Coordination Framework is facing deep internal disputes as the country braces for the policies of the new American administration and prepares to hold parliamentary elections this year.

A leading member of the alliance said the tense discussions about possible pressure and sanctions from the United States is causing “confusion” between the ruling parties.

Moreover, the competition between them ahead of the elections will affect the future of the alliance and whether it will remain united, he told Asharq Al-Awsat on condition of anonymity.

The “most dangerous thing” that is happening is attempting to hold the Framework responsible for whatever challenges are in store, especially should the US administration under President Donald Trump impose sanctions, he added.

He explained that the forces and groups that are “very close to Iran are aware that the pressure will be focused on them. The leaders of the Framework are aware that the external threat they are facing should not be used as a weapon during the elections.”

Iraqi officials have for two months speculated, without evidence, that the US may possibly impose sanctions this year on banks or political groups or leaders.

Armed factions

Another issue the Shiite forces are grappling with is reaching an agreement over the armed factions.

Sunni politician Mashaan al-Juburi said Iraq needs to merge the factions and pro-Iran Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in the state security forces.

Government officials, including Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, have confirmed that “negotiations are underway over the fate of the factions. As a government agency operating within the state, there is no need to dismantle the PMF.”

Political sources revealed that “after weeks of silence, the armed factions have gone back on their plans to comply with government demands to dissolve and lay down their arms, because they have not heard any word from Washington about the fate of pro-Iran Shiite groups.”

Meanwhile, aide to the prime minister Fadi al-Shammari said in televised remarks that dialogue is ongoing with the armed factions to lay down their weapons.

He hoped the negotiations would “end well.”

The sources said the discrepancy in statements by the Framework reflects their “confusion and hesitation in taking any step or political initiative” towards resolving disputes.

Kadhimi and Sadr’s return

Former Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's return to Iraq last week after a nearly two-year absence has added another layer to the complicated scene in the country.

In a television interview, he slammed current PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, saying several of the current projects in the country were part of an emergency plan drafted by his former government. His remarks sparked fierce criticism by figures close to Sudani.

Prior to Kadhimi’s return, former PM Ayad Allawi announced the formation of a new alliance that will take part in the elections.

Iraqi media noted that preparations for the elections kicked off early this year with the polls usually held in October.

Kadhimi, for his part, is planning on joining the race with liberal Shiite figures.

Meanwhile, influential Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has signaled his return to politics. He had suspended his involvement in political life in June 2022, vowing not to take part in any future elections to avoid partnering with “corrupt” figures.

In late February, he called on his supporters to update their electoral details, in a sign that he may resume political life.

Local media noted that his return to politics is taking place a time when “Iran’s influence in the country is waning.”

Iraqi authorities have yet to schedule the date of the elections as another dispute, this time over amending the electoral law, appears to be looming on the horizon.