Kadhimi: Corruption Rampant in Iraqi State Institutions

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi visits the headquarters of the Iraqi Ministry of Interior and meets with Minister Othman al-Ghanmi. (Prime Minister's Press Office)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi visits the headquarters of the Iraqi Ministry of Interior and meets with Minister Othman al-Ghanmi. (Prime Minister's Press Office)
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Kadhimi: Corruption Rampant in Iraqi State Institutions

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi visits the headquarters of the Iraqi Ministry of Interior and meets with Minister Othman al-Ghanmi. (Prime Minister's Press Office)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi visits the headquarters of the Iraqi Ministry of Interior and meets with Minister Othman al-Ghanmi. (Prime Minister's Press Office)

Outgoing Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi voiced his regret over the damage caused to the state by to the difficult political and social conditions experienced by the country over the past decades.

This has reflected badly on citizens’ trust in their state and has stirred a moral dilemma on dealing with intelligence and technology, he added during a visit to the headquarters of the Ministry of Interior and a meeting with Minister Othman al-Ghanmi.

“The security forces shall take their duties seriously and neglect will be confronted with accountability,” he said.

“Obviously, there are manifestations of corruption in the Iraqi state. It is a common phenomenon in post-dictatorship eras. It usually persists for some time before fading, but unfortunately, it remains in some of the Interior Ministry departments," acknowledged Kadhimi.

He referred to the great suffering that the Iraqi people experienced during the post-2003 years.

Kadhimi blamed internal and external conditions for draining Iraq’s human and economic potential.

The prime minister condemned last week's attack against a headquarters of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, stressing that the force on duty that stood idly while the attack took place will be held accountable.

The KDP suspended political activities in Baghdad after its office there was set on fire by supporters of pro-Iran parties and militias. This was the second attack targeting the headquarters in under a year.

Despite the challenges, Kadhimi considered that “the country is facing a real opportunity to consolidate security.”

“Our efforts can turn into an opportunity for success, and this is only done through loyalty to the Iraqi national identity,” he stressed.

The premier also spoke about the social risks posed by illicit drugs in the country.

“It is an epidemic that must be treated as terrorism. It is a dangerous scourge that we must not allow to infiltrate Iraqi society,” he emphasized.



Türkiye Intensifies Steps to Establish Air Base East of Homs

Turkish-made Hisar air defense system (Turkish Defense Industries website). 
Turkish-made Hisar air defense system (Turkish Defense Industries website). 
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Türkiye Intensifies Steps to Establish Air Base East of Homs

Turkish-made Hisar air defense system (Turkish Defense Industries website). 
Turkish-made Hisar air defense system (Turkish Defense Industries website). 

Türkiye is accelerating preparations to establish an airbase in the city of Palmyra, east of Homs, following an announcement by its Ministry of Defense last week that it is considering a request from the Syrian administration in Damascus to set up a base for training purposes.

Reports indicate that Turkish military convoys carrying equipment entered northern Syria overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday, likely transporting logistical supplies and gear to the “T4” airbase in Palmyra.

The pro-government Turkish newspaper “Türkiye” reported on Wednesday that the country has taken official steps to take control of the Tiyas Military Airbase—also known as Tiyas Airport, T4 Airbase —located near the village of Tiyas, about 60 kilometers east of Palmyra in Homs province.

According to the report, Türkiye plans to establish a multi-layered air defense system at the base, incorporating domestically produced weapons. Additionally, Ankara intends to deploy reconnaissance drones and armed UAVs with advanced strike capabilities. The goal is to enhance the country’s counterterrorism efforts against ISIS while also deterring potential Israeli airstrikes in the region.

Some sources suggest that Türkiye may also consider deploying the Russian S-400 air defense system, which it acquired in the summer of 2019.

Retired Turkish Brigadier General Fahri Erenel stated that Ankara plans to take significant steps in Syria in April. He mentioned that after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, a defense agreement was negotiated with the Syrian interim government. Under this agreement, Türkiye would provide air support and military protection to the new Syrian administration.

Israeli Concerns

Israel is deeply concerned about Türkiye’s growing cooperation with Damascus and its efforts to expand its military presence in Syria.

An Israeli security official, speaking to The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday, described the potential establishment of a Turkish military base in Syria as a “possible threat” to Israel. The official, whose name was not disclosed, warned that a Turkish airbase in Syria would undermine Israel’s operational freedom and was therefore something Tel Aviv opposed.

On Friday, the Israeli military announced that it had targeted what it described as “strategic military capabilities” at Syrian army bases in Palmyra and the T4 airbase. The Israeli official indicated that the strike on T4 was a message that Israel would not tolerate any obstacles to its air operations in Syria.