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US Renews Commitment to Support Iraq Stability

Part of the preparations to host the second Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership in Amman, Jordan. (AFP)
Part of the preparations to host the second Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership in Amman, Jordan. (AFP)
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US Renews Commitment to Support Iraq Stability

Part of the preparations to host the second Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership in Amman, Jordan. (AFP)
Part of the preparations to host the second Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership in Amman, Jordan. (AFP)

The United States has renewed its commitment to support Iraq’s stability ahead of the second Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership, which will kick off its activities in Jordan’s capital Amman on Tuesday.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s media office said in a statement on Sunday that the PM received a phone call from White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk.

McGurk congratulated Sudani on taking office and expressed the US continued support for Iraq’s stability, security and sovereignty.

He echoed President Joe Biden’s willingness to bolster strategic bilateral ties.

Sudani, for his part, stressed that Iraq is a unified, independent and a sovereign country, noting that the priority of his government is to maintain balanced relations and create economic partnerships across the region and the world.

According to the statement, both officials agreed on the importance of continuing efforts to ensure the permanent defeat of ISIS and supporting Iraq’s role to build bridges among regional countries.

Sudani said he plans to send a delegation headed by the Foreign Minister to Washington to promote both countries’ common interests in line with the Strategic Framework Agreement.

Discussions will tackle energy investment in Iraq and the fight against the effects of climate change.

US Ambassador to Iraq Alina Romanowski has met with Sudani about six times since he took office in October. The PM has been keen to underscore the importance of building balanced relations with everyone based on common interests.

Last week, the Premier participated in the China-Arab summit, which was hosted by Saudi Arabia and attended by Arab leaders and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The first Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership was held in the Iraqi capital in August 2021.

Media Professor at Iraq University Dr. Fadhel al-Badrani told Asharq Al-Awsat that the second edition of the conference aims to mitigate the external challenges facing Iraq at the security, political and economic levels and ease the food, medicine and energy security challenges.

He underlined the importance of the upcoming event in supporting Iraq's sovereignty from Iranian and Turkish regional threats.

Badrani said both countries have launched attacks against rebel organizations that hide in various areas in Iraq, stressing that the bombing violates Iraq's sovereignty.

He pointed out that the US and France are coordinating with Arab countries that were alarmed by Iraq’s inability to protect itself from external violations and decided to hold this conference, which will be attended by Iran and Türkiye, in an attempt to impose diplomatic resolutions and highlight their violations of Iraq’s sovereignty.

“The US does not want regional countries to control Iraq and is keen to maintain understanding, coordination and cooperation with Sudani’s government.”

Head of the Political Thinking Center Dr. Ihsan al-Shammari told Asharq Al-Awsat that Washington’s continued support for Baghdad reflects its priority for the Biden administration.

He asserted that this support is part of a US plan to prevent Sudani and his government from resorting to Iran like the former PM, Adel Abdul-Mahdi.

He added that the US has a strategic interest in securing energy sources for Europe, and even for its allies in Asia, prompting more communication, in addition to security and terrorism challenges.

“This communication is a clear message to Iran that Iraq's affairs are not left to it to expand its influence, as it did with the previous governments.”

In addition, Shammari said that Sudani and supporters of his government, especially the Coordination Framework forces, are aware that the era of anti-US rhetoric is over.

Therefore, the PM decided to send a delegation to Washington to kick off talks in line with the Strategic Framework Agreement signed by the government of former Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and then-US President Barack Obama and assess the presence of US forces in Iraq.

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Arab World

Hamas Gets Mediator Assurances on Rafah Reopening, Israel Seeks Delay

Palestinians walk on Wednesday amid the rubble of residential buildings destroyed by Israel in Gaza City (Reuters)
Palestinians walk on Wednesday amid the rubble of residential buildings destroyed by Israel in Gaza City (Reuters)
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Hamas Gets Mediator Assurances on Rafah Reopening, Israel Seeks Delay

Palestinians walk on Wednesday amid the rubble of residential buildings destroyed by Israel in Gaza City (Reuters)
Palestinians walk on Wednesday amid the rubble of residential buildings destroyed by Israel in Gaza City (Reuters)

As Hamas says it has received firm assurances from mediators, including the US, that the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt will reopen, Israeli media report that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is working to slow the move as much as possible.

Sources from Hamas told Asharq Al-Awsat that the information and assurances received by the movement indicate that “the Rafah crossing will open during the current week, with Thursday the most likely date.”

Israeli media, however, offered conflicting timelines. While the public broadcaster said the crossing would open on Thursday, the Walla news site reported that it would reopen next Sunday.

According to Hamas sources, mediators have provided reassurances that the crossing will indeed open. They said that since efforts began to recover the body of the last Israeli captive, and after it was found, Hamas leaders were told the crossing would be reopened during the current week.

Entry of the Gaza Administration Committee

One Hamas source told Asharq Al-Awsat that it is “likely that some members of the Gaza Administration Committee will be allowed to enter the Strip through the Rafah crossing in the coming days” to hold meetings with Hamas government officials, in preparation for assuming some governmental duties as an initial step toward transferring authority to the committee.

The Palestinian Authority and the European Union mission have confirmed their readiness to begin operating at the crossing immediately under the terms of the 2005 agreement.

While Hamas sources say the crossing “is supposed to open under a full-movement mechanism as stipulated in the agreement,” Netanyahu said at a press conference on Tuesday that it would open in a limited manner and under agreed arrangements, allowing a specific daily number of Palestinians to enter and exit.

Netanyahu added that “Israel will maintain full security control over the crossing and over the entire Gaza Strip.”

What does complete security control mean?

Netanyahu’s remarks about “full security control” have raised widespread questions and concerns among Palestinian factions over how Israel intends to implement such control.

Factional sources estimate that Israel “may seek to remain along the so-called yellow line, which would allow it to retain control over more than 53% of Gaza’s territory.”

They said that while the conditions of the second phase call for an Israeli withdrawal to the limits of the buffer zone, Netanyahu’s government has linked that step to the disarmament of Hamas, an issue still under discussion and likely to face significant obstacles.

If the conditions of the second phase are not implemented, Israel may seek to impose security control by expanding its military presence inside Gaza and taking control of additional areas west of the yellow line, particularly in the north and east of the enclave, while maintaining its military presence in the south.

Even if Israel withdraws, it may seek to maintain a buffer zone larger than that specified in the agreed ceasefire withdrawal maps, extending to more than one kilometer in some areas and possibly up to two kilometers, while remaining smaller in others.

In the event of a withdrawal, Israel would also ensure its continued presence at the Rafah crossing and along the Philadelphi Corridor, which it considers crucial to preventing the smuggling of weapons, explosives, and other materials.

This follows Israel’s destruction of all tunnels along the corridor, strengthening its security grip there, extending to the maritime boundary.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has exercised complete control over Gaza’s coastal waters, preventing Palestinian fishing boats from approaching those areas or exceeding one nautical mile westward and up to five nautical miles southward toward Egypt’s maritime border.

Sources reiterated their assessment that Israel, by repeatedly emphasizing “full security control,” may aim to carry out surprise targeted killings similar to those conducted in Lebanon, or to strike targets on the pretext that they contain military objectives.

They did not rule out Israel carrying out special operations, including the abduction of faction members deep inside areas controlled by Hamas in Gaza or in the West Bank, to demonstrate its full security control over the enclave.

Arab World

Putin, Sharaa Talks Focus on Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin receives Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Kremlin (DPA)
Russian President Vladimir Putin receives Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Kremlin (DPA)
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Putin, Sharaa Talks Focus on Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin receives Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Kremlin (DPA)
Russian President Vladimir Putin receives Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Kremlin (DPA)

The second meeting in three months between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled an apparent rise in confidence and a shared push to fast-track the rebuilding of ties between Damascus and Moscow.

Unlike their first meeting in October, which focused on the historical legacy of bilateral ties and the need to review relations during the era of the ousted president, Bashar al-Assad, the two leaders appeared more at ease during Sharaa’s second visit to Moscow.

Putin received the Syrian president at the Kremlin alongside a high-level Russian delegation and praised what he described as the Syrian leadership’s successes in rebuilding a new Syria, unifying the country, and extending government control across its territory.

Sharaa responded by commending Russia’s active role in maintaining stability in Syria.

The Russian delegation included Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Construction and Housing Minister Irek Faizullin, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, Deputy Chief of the Presidential Administration Maxim Oreshkin, First Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, and Dmitry Shugaev, head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation.

Admiral Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Directorate of the Russian General Staff, also took part in the talks.

Kostyukov has previously participated in Russian-Syrian discussions and recently led Russia’s delegation to trilateral talks with the United States and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi.

The composition of the Russian delegation underscored the Kremlin’s level of interest in the visit and the breadth of issues on the agenda.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, and Secretary-General of the Presidency Maher al-Sharaa accompanied Sharaa.

Opening the meeting, Putin said bilateral relations had continued to develop, noting that the two countries had advanced economic cooperation despite complex conditions.

He pointed to economic growth exceeding 4%, saying it may not be as ambitious as desired but represented tangible progress that should be maintained. Putin added that relations between Moscow and Damascus had seen notable development, crediting Sharaa’s personal efforts.

He congratulated his guest on what he described as growing momentum toward restoring Syria’s territorial unity, calling recent advances by government forces in northeastern Syria a decisive and essential step. Russia, he said, was closely monitoring Syria’s efforts to reassert control over its territory.

Putin told Sharaa that much work remained in reconstruction and rehabilitation, adding that Russian economic institutions, including those in the construction sector, were fully prepared for cooperation.

Sharaa thanked Russia for its role in stabilizing the situation, saying Moscow played a critical part in that process. He expressed hope for productive talks and said the two sides shared many common issues.

He said Syria had overcome several significant challenges over the past year, most recently unifying its territory, and that Damascus was seeking to move from destruction toward stability and peace.

Sharaa also noted that the following day would mark one year since the first Russian delegation visited Syria after the start of the new era, referring to a visit by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov that paved the way for dialogue and the rebuilding of ties.

On bilateral issues, the two presidents discussed increased cooperation among relevant ministries in areas such as industry, humanitarian affairs, sports, medicine, and construction.

In their public remarks, the leaders avoided contentious topics such as the future of Russian military bases in Syria. However, the Kremlin had indicated ahead of the meeting that the issue would be discussed.

They also did not publicly address the situation along Syria’s coast, where tensions persist amid accusations that figures linked to the former regime and now based in Russia are attempting to destabilize the area.

Sources have previously said Sharaa may seek the extradition of some second- and third-tier figures involved in unrest.

Other sources said Damascus had prepared lists of former regime figures with whom reconciliation could be pursued, a proposal previously encouraged by Moscow.

The situation in northeastern Syria was also expected to feature in closed-door talks, particularly after Russia withdrew from Qamishli airport two days before the visit, reportedly at Damascus’s request.

A source said Sharaa was also likely to raise the situation in southern Syria, amid Syrian interest in a Russian role that could strengthen Damascus’s position in ongoing negotiations with Israel.

Russian involvement in southern Syria, including possible patrols to curb Israeli incursions and acting as a guarantor between Damascus and Tel Aviv, has been discussed during previous visits.

However, some sources said Israel appeared unenthusiastic about reviving an active Russian role in the area.

Regarding Russian military bases, estimates suggest the two sides may begin discussions on a new arrangement that would see Moscow retain its presence at the Tartous naval facility, a key logistics hub supporting Russia’s operations in Africa and naval movements in the Mediterranean.

Talks are also expected on the Hmeimim air base, with sources anticipating discussions on a new framework involving cooperation to support the rehabilitation of the Syrian army.

Arab World

Hamas Says Ready to Transfer Gaza Governance to Palestinian Committee

People walk through tents sheltering displaced Palestinians amid the ruins left by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Gaza City, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP)
People walk through tents sheltering displaced Palestinians amid the ruins left by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Gaza City, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP)
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Hamas Says Ready to Transfer Gaza Governance to Palestinian Committee

People walk through tents sheltering displaced Palestinians amid the ruins left by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Gaza City, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP)
People walk through tents sheltering displaced Palestinians amid the ruins left by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Gaza City, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP)

Hamas said Wednesday it was ready to transfer the governance of Gaza to a Palestinian technocratic committee, while insisting the key Rafah border crossing be fully reopened within days.

"Protocols are prepared, files are complete, and committees are in place to oversee the handover, ensuring a complete transfer of governance in the Gaza Strip across all sectors to the technocratic committee," Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem told AFP.

The 15-member National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) is a team of Palestinian technocrats created as part of the US-sponsored ceasefire agreement which came into effect on October 10.

It is charged with managing the day-to-day governance of post-war Gaza and will work under the supervision of the "Board of Peace", which US President Donald Trump will chair.

The NCAG, headed by former Palestinian Authority deputy minister Ali Shaath, is expected to enter the Gaza Strip once the territory's Rafah crossing, on its border with Egypt, reopens.

Hamas spokesman Qassem added that the Rafah crossing "must be opened in both directions, with full freedom of exit and entry to the Gaza Strip, without any Israeli obstacles".

Rafah is Gaza's only gateway to the outside world that does not lead to Israel and is a key entry point for both people and goods.

It has been closed since Israeli forces took control of it in May 2024, except for a limited reopening in early 2025, and other bids to reopen have failed to materialize.

NCAG head Shaath announced last week that Rafah would reopen in both directions the following week.

Qassem told AFP the "independent national committee's announcement of the opening of the Rafah crossing is important."

"What is more important is that we monitor this committee's handling of citizens' departures and entries in full freedom in accordance with the agreement, and not according to Israeli conditions," he added.

Israel has said it would only allow pedestrians to travel through the crossing as part of its "limited reopening" once it had recovered the remains of the last hostage, Ran Gvili.

Israeli forces brought back Gvili's remains on Monday and his funeral was held in the southern town of Meitar on Wednesday.

Qassem said Wednesday that "it is clear that Hamas is committed to the agreement to stop the war on the Gaza Strip", which began after the group's deadly attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

"It has carried out everything required of it in the first phase and is ready to enter all tracks of the second phase," he added.

With the technocratic committee's creation and the last hostage held in Gaza returned to Israel, the ceasefire deal's next important milestones will be Hamas's disarmament and Israel's withdrawal from Gaza.

Though Hamas said the return of Gvili's body showed its commitment to the ceasefire deal, it has so far not surrendered its weapons.

The group has repeatedly said disarmament is a red line, but it has also suggested it would be open to handing over its weapons to a Palestinian governing authority.

Neither Israel nor Hamas have committed to a clear date or strategy for withdrawal or disarmament.