Iraqi Prime Minister Sets 5 Urgent Priorities for the Government

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani (Reuters)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani (Reuters)
TT

Iraqi Prime Minister Sets 5 Urgent Priorities for the Government

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani (Reuters)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani (Reuters)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani has asserted that despite several challenges, there are many opportunities for the government to succeed.

Speaking at a meeting with the press attended by Asharq Al-Awsat, Sudani noted that "the regional and international community is supportive.”

This has been expressed in a series of supportive positions, which will serve the common interests of Iraq, the region, and global community.

The chances of success are higher now because of the financial support that helps realize achievements according to well-thought-out plans and political and security stability, said Sudani.

He referred to the recent assassination of a US citizen and asserted that he is following up on the probe. He noted that investigators have new leads that could help identify the perpetrators.

Sudani noted that the government's credibility lies in bringing them to justice.

"Our foreign policy will be based on the principle of common interests," said the PM, adding that it is crucial to unifying internal political discourse to have a unified state.

He stressed that recovering the stolen funds will determine the nature of foreign relations with other countries.

Sudani mentioned the five priorities for the government, such as addressing poverty, revealing that he will make urgent decisions to support the poor. Another focus includes finalizing the decisions issued since 2019 to help provide job opportunities.

The PM vowed that services are the third priority of the government, some of which involve completing unfinished projects, which need about $30 billion. He also noted that funds are allocated to the governorates within the Food Security Law.

Sudani named economic reforms and the fight against corruption as the fourth and fifth priorities.

Regarding economic reforms, Sudani said that one of the requirements is the establishment of the Iraq Fund for Development and encouraging the private sector to implement projects, including the construction of 8,000 schools.

He also stressed that fighting corruption requires a strong will, honesty, and continuity.

A large coalition of about 280 lawmakers supports the government, said the PM, adding that the cabinet has an excellent chance to succeed.



Israeli Settlers Set Fire to Mosque in West Bank in Latest Violent Attack on Palestinian Villages

Palestinians inspect the damage done to a mosque, after a reported attack by Israeli settlers, in the town of Marda near the West Bank city of Salfit on December 20, 2024. (AFP)
Palestinians inspect the damage done to a mosque, after a reported attack by Israeli settlers, in the town of Marda near the West Bank city of Salfit on December 20, 2024. (AFP)
TT

Israeli Settlers Set Fire to Mosque in West Bank in Latest Violent Attack on Palestinian Villages

Palestinians inspect the damage done to a mosque, after a reported attack by Israeli settlers, in the town of Marda near the West Bank city of Salfit on December 20, 2024. (AFP)
Palestinians inspect the damage done to a mosque, after a reported attack by Israeli settlers, in the town of Marda near the West Bank city of Salfit on December 20, 2024. (AFP)

Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque and vandalized property in the northern occupied West Bank on Friday, the head of the Palestinian village council said, as Israeli police pledged to investigate the episode.

The West Bank has seen a surge in violence by Jewish settlers during the war in Gaza, and rights groups say the Israeli army often turns a blind eye.

Nasfat al-Khafash, the head of the council in Marda where the attack occurred, said a group of settlers arrived early in the morning, setting the mosque on fire and scrawling hateful messages on it.

Associated Press video showed spray-painted stars of David and the words in Hebrew, “the mosque will burn, the temple will be built,” an apparent reference to the ultranationalist desire to establish a Third Temple for Jews in Jerusalem at the holiest and most contested site in the Holy Land.

“These slogans reflect their upbringing and hatred towards Palestinians and Arabs,” said al-Khafash, adding that the settlers received “full support” from the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — the furthest-right government in Israel’s history.

Israel’s police, military and Shin Bet internal security agency said they were investigating the episode. “We view the incident seriously and will act with determination to bring those responsible to justice,” they said in a statement.

The UN’s humanitarian office said settler attacks on Palestinian farmers during this fall's olive harvest season “at least tripled” in 2024 compared to the each of the last three years.

In the West Bank and east Jerusalem, more than 700,000 Jewish settlers have Israeli citizenship, while the 3 million Palestinians in the territory live under Israeli military law.