Iraqi Government Ignores Parliamentary Calls for Reverting Currency Devaluationhttps://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2876906/iraqi-government-ignores-parliamentary-calls-reverting-currency-devaluation
Iraqi Government Ignores Parliamentary Calls for Reverting Currency Devaluation
A general view of cars at the Al-Shurja Market in Baghdad, Iraq April 10, 2019. REUTERS/Khalid al-Mousily
The Iraqi government announced that it is not compelled to heed parliamentary calls for reverting the national currency devaluation adopted by the Central Bank of Iraq three months ago.
Dozens of Iraqi lawmakers have started collecting signatures for a petition to restore the currency to its exchange rate of 1,200 dinars per dollar.
While the government, economists and financial experts have defended increasing the exchange rate to 1,450 dinars per dollar as part of a national reform plan, lawmakers are arguing that the move has weighed heavily on the country’s poor.
Opportunist merchants have taken advantage of the devaluation and skyrocketed the prices of basic commodities.
For that reason, lawmakers are accusing the government of failure in implementing effective policies that protect the economically destitute and regulate prices at markets.
Nevertheless, the Iraqi government is sticking to its decision and maintaining that the central bank, not parliament, has exclusive authority over the national currency’s valuation.
Iraqi Culture Minister Hasan Nazim, in an official statement on Monday, acknowledged that parliament can change the dinar’s valuation, but also said the government will not be bound by the modification.
“It is up to parliament to approve or amend the budget,” said Nazim, adding that the government has fulfilled its part concerning the general financial plan.
“The government can help facilitate matters, offer explanations and engage in negotiations regarding some issues in question,” he noted.
The Iraqi parliament has, on four different occasions, failed to pass the budget for 2021.
At first, dispute with the Kurdistan Region blocked passing the financial plan. Now, dozens of parliamentarians from different political blocs set restoring the dollar exchange rate to 1,200 dinars as a condition for passing the budget.
Damascus Foils New Weapons Smuggling Attempt into Lebanonhttps://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/5220664-damascus-foils-new-weapons-smuggling-attempt-lebanon
Damascus Foils New Weapons Smuggling Attempt into Lebanon
Missiles intended for smuggling found by Syrian forces (Syrian Interior Ministry X Account)
The new Syrian government is stepping up an aggressive campaign to seal its border with Lebanon, seeking to dismantle smuggling routes that under Bashar al-Assad’s rule served as a critical lifeline for Hezbollah, channeling weapons and money from Iran.
In this context, the Interior Ministry announced on Wednesday that the Internal Security Directorate in the Zabadani area of the Damascus countryside had thwarted an attempt to smuggle a shipment of weapons bound for Lebanon.
The ministry said in a statement published on its Telegram channel that, following close security surveillance of those involved, security forces carried out a tightly planned ambush in the border town of Serghaya, which falls under the Zabadani area, leading to the seizure of the shipment.
It said the cache included large quantities of RPG shells that had been carefully concealed in preparation for smuggling across the border.
The statement said the seized weapons were confiscated in accordance with legal procedures and transferred to the relevant authorities to take the necessary legal action. It added that the operation was part of ongoing efforts by the Interior Ministry to combat smuggling, secure the borders, and protect national security and stability.
Since the overthrow of the Assad regime on Dec. 8 last year, and the near complete end of Iran’s military presence and that of Hezbollah fighters on Syrian territory, the new authorities have sought to tighten control over borders with neighboring countries.
These efforts include pursuing drug smuggling networks, remnants of the Assad regime, and preventing weapons smuggling.
Over the past year since Syria’s liberation, the new authorities have announced the foiling of numerous attempts to smuggle weapons into Lebanon.
Informed sources in the western Qalamoun region along the Lebanese border near the Bekaa said the new Syrian authorities were making sustained efforts to control the border and prevent smuggling in all its forms.
The sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Syrian authorities currently control most of the border with Lebanon, but said this did not mean all smuggling routes had been sealed.
They noted that Hezbollah, even before the outbreak of the Syrian uprising in 2011 and during years of fighting alongside the Assad regime, built weapons depots and supply tunnels in border areas with the Bekaa, including western Qalamoun, which includes the Zabadani area.
The sources said the new authorities had seized a large number of those depots during their operations, confiscated the weapons inside them, and destroyed supply tunnels.
However, they said most of the depots built by Hezbollah inside Syrian territory were not visible, suggesting that a number of them may not yet have been discovered.
Observers say that following the end of Hezbollah’s presence, and that of Iran, in Syria, the group is attempting through sleeper cells inside Syrian territory to smuggle what remains of its weapons stockpiles from undiscovered depots.
They said this comes amid a decline in Hezbollah’s military capabilities after the war waged against it by Israel last year, and amid reports raising the possibility of a new Israeli war against the group.
In September last year, the head of internal security in the Damascus countryside, Brigadier General Ahmed al-Dalati, said specialized units, in cooperation with the General Intelligence Service, had arrested a Hezbollah cell operating in the towns of Saasaa and Kanaker in western Damascus countryside after close surveillance and intensive fieldwork.
Al-Dalati said initial investigations showed that members of the cell had received training in camps inside Lebanese territory and were planning to carry out operations inside Syria that would threaten the security and stability of citizens.
He said the operation led to the seizure of rocket launch platforms, 19 Grad rockets, anti armor missiles, individual weapons, and large quantities of assorted ammunition.
The case was referred to the competent authorities to pursue legal procedures, while security agencies continued interrogations to uncover all links and objectives, al-Dalati said.
In a separate incident, the Internal Security Directorate in the Qusayr area of the Homs countryside seized a shipment of Kornet missiles on Oct. 11 that was being prepared for smuggling out of the country.
The missiles were being transported on two motorcycles, in the second such operation within two weeks.
The Interior Ministry said at the time that the seizure followed precise intelligence gathering and continuous monitoring of illegal weapons sources, resulting in the full confiscation of the shipment.
It said investigations were ongoing to identify all those involved, determine the sources of the weapons, and take deterrent legal action.
On Nov. 10, Internal Security Command in Homs province arrested a suspect identified as A.S. on charges of trafficking weapons and ammunition, following close field surveillance.
An official statement said the arrest came after precise information was received indicating his involvement in the trade of anti armor missiles and assorted ammunition.
Security sources said units recently discovered a warehouse in the Homs countryside containing light and medium weapons and assorted ammunition. The cache was being used as a supply source for outlawed groups seeking to destabilize the area, according to Sham News Network.
Additional quantities of weapons were also found distributed among villages and towns in western Homs countryside. The weapons were confiscated in accordance with legal regulations after it was determined they had been carefully concealed.
The directorate said the operations fall within the Interior Ministry’s strategy to secure borders and combat smuggling, in a way that supports national security and enhances stability along the border areas with Lebanon.
Lebanese Army Discovers Hezbollah Tunnel in Southhttps://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/5220595-lebanese-army-discovers-hezbollah-tunnel-south
Lebanese army members stand on a military vehicle during a Lebanese army media tour, to review the army's operations in the southern Litani sector, in Alma Al-Shaab, near the border with Israel, southern Lebanon, November 28, 2025. (Reuters)
Lebanese army members stand on a military vehicle during a Lebanese army media tour, to review the army's operations in the southern Litani sector, in Alma Al-Shaab, near the border with Israel, southern Lebanon, November 28, 2025. (Reuters)
The Lebanese army has uncovered a tunnel built by Hezbollah in the southern town of Touline after carrying out an excavation at the request of the ceasefire oversight committee known as the Mechanism, Lebanese media reported. The site had previously been struck by an Israeli attack, according to the reports.
This was not the first time the Lebanese army has inspected sites at the request of the Mechanism or following Israeli threats, as part of coordination between the military, the committee overseeing the cessation of hostilities and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
A similar inspection took place last week when the army conducted a thorough search of a building in the southern town of Yanouh after Israel threatened to strike the house.
No weapons were found. After the Lebanese army deployed, the Israeli military announced it had temporarily suspended the strike it had threatened on what it described as Hezbollah military infrastructure in the town.
The developments came as Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon continued, with an air raid on Wednesday hitting the town of Kfar Kila. No casualties were reported, said the state-run National News Agency.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri described the Mechanism as a “platform for discussion and a framework for oversight and verification of compliance with agreements”, stressing that Lebanon has adhered to its commitments since the first day of the 2024 ceasefire, while Israeli violations have continued.
On Hezbollah’s weapons, Mitri said during the opening session of the eighth conference of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut that Lebanese army commander General Rodolphe Haykal had proposed a five-phase plan starting with strengthening the army’s capabilities.
He stressed that extending state authority in the area surrounding the Litani River was making gradual progress, with the army nearing completion of its mission south of the Litani in preparation for moving to later phases.
On reconstruction, Mitri added that the international community was making the extension of state authority a key condition for support. He hoped that Arab states would play a supportive role through their international relations.
The developments come ahead of a new meeting of the Mechanism tasked with monitoring the ceasefire, scheduled for Dec. 19.
It will be the second meeting attended by the head of the Lebanese delegation, Ambassador Simon Karam, after his participation alongside an Israeli civilian in the previous session earlier this month, marking the first direct talks between the two countries.
President Joseph Aoun met Karam on Wednesday and provided him with guidance ahead of the meeting.
The ceasefire monitoring committee includes Lebanon, Israel, France, the United States and the United Nations.
The ceasefire agreement stipulates a halt to hostilities, the withdrawal of Hezbollah north of the Litani River, leading to its disarmament across Lebanon, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from positions they occupied during the latest war.
Israel, however, maintains a presence at five “strategic” sites inside Lebanese territory, while Hezbollah refuses to disarm.
Bahbah to Asharq Al-Awsat: Second Phase of Gaza Ceasefire Begins Next Monthhttps://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/5220588-bahbah-asharq-al-awsat-second-phase-gaza-ceasefire-begins-next-month
Palestinians walk along a street surrounded by buildings destroyed during Israeli air and ground operations in Gaza City, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (AP)
Bahbah to Asharq Al-Awsat: Second Phase of Gaza Ceasefire Begins Next Month
Palestinians walk along a street surrounded by buildings destroyed during Israeli air and ground operations in Gaza City, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (AP)
The second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement is expected to begin in January, likely in the first or second week, according to Bishara Bahbah, head of the Arab Americans for Peace Committee and a mediator closely aligned with the US administration on the Gaza file.
Bahbah told Asharq Al-Awsat on Wednesday that preparations for managing Gaza are already complete, with the names of the prospective committee finalized and Palestinian Health Minister Majed Abu Ramadan emerging as the most likely candidate to lead the body.
Bahbah, who remains close to White House deliberations on Gaza, said Washington supports the presence of Turkish forces as part of an international stabilization force, viewing them as the most capable of maintaining stability in the enclave.
He said the anticipated meeting between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later this month will be decisive for the second phase, noting that the United States will press for its launch next month and for a decision on Türkiye’s participation in the stabilization force.
Defining the mission
Bahbah disclosed details of a meeting held on Tuesday in the Qatari capital Doha on the formation of an international stabilization force for Gaza.
He said one of the main objectives was for Washington to clearly identify which countries are prepared to participate and to determine the nature of each country’s contribution, whether through troops, training, or technical and logistical support.
He said the second objective of the meeting was to clarify how the forces would coordinate with one another and establish a command structure, noting that one proposal under discussion is for a US general to lead the international force.
Discussions also covered deployment locations and whether the force would be stationed outside the so-called yellow line separating Israeli-controlled areas from Hamas-held zones, within that line, or inside densely populated areas, as well as which parties would provide funding, he added.
Rejection of Israel’s approach
On deployment plans, Bahbah said discussions are ongoing but that the model sought by Israel was rejected by an overwhelming majority of participating countries, indicating broad agreement on monitoring rather than combat roles.
On the nature of the mission, he stated that most participating states are unwilling to play any role related to disarmament, instead seeking to act as a buffer between Israeli forces and populated areas in order to protect civilians.
The ultimate objective of the force’s presence is Israel’s gradual withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, he stressed.
“These forces will not act on Israel’s behalf, particularly on disarmament,” Bahbah said, adding that Hamas leaders had expressed to him a willingness to negotiate on the issue.
“Using force will not work,” he warned, noting that Israel had failed to disarm Hamas by force over the past two years and that no international party would succeed in doing so militarily.
A car is seen partially submerged next to a small boat in a flooded area after heavy rains in a makeshift camp for displaced Palestinians in Zawaida, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (AP)
Türkiye’s participation pivotal
On Türkiye’s role, Bahbah described Ankara’s participation as pivotal, saying Türkiye is the closest country to Hamas and the most capable of engaging with the group over its weapons, something other states struggle to do.
He said the presence of Turkish forces in Gaza would be essential and would lead to greater stability, adding that Washington supports their involvement.
Bahbah said Trump is expected to pressure Netanyahu during their upcoming meeting in the United States later this month to accept Turkish participation.
He added that Israel is likely to seek conditions, possibly pushing for a compromise in which Türkiye’s role would be technical rather than armed, but stressed that pressure from the US administration would be decisive.
Second phase commitments
On the so-called Peace Council, Bahbah noted that Trump has spoken of many world leaders wanting to join it, stressing that membership would not be free and would entail commitments, including funding, providing security forces, or other obligations.
Asked about potential members, he said names he has seen for the executive council include US envoys Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, former British prime minister Tony Blair, former US ambassador Richard Grenell, and former Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov.
On Gaza’s administration, Bahbah revealed that a list of 42 candidates for a technocratic committee has been approved by Hamas, Fatah, and Egypt, adding that Health Minister Abu Ramadan is likely to chair the committee.
Despite talk of obstacles to moving to the second phase, Bahbah said he expects it to be launched in the first or second week of January, specifically after the Trump-Netanyahu summit resolves outstanding issues.
He denied knowledge of any arrangements for Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to attend the summit.
Trump will not allow the agreement to fail, he remarked, describing this as “100 percent certain” and adding that Hamas remains committed to the ceasefire despite continued Israeli violations.
Bahbah said the movement understands that Israel is seeking any pretext to resume what he described as acts of annihilation in Gaza and is therefore showing greater restraint to deny it that opportunity.
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