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US House of Representatives Slams Assad for Exploiting Earthquake Disaster

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy at the Capitol (Reuters)
Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy at the Capitol (Reuters)
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US House of Representatives Slams Assad for Exploiting Earthquake Disaster

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy at the Capitol (Reuters)
Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy at the Capitol (Reuters)

The US House of Representatives approved a draft resolution condemning the efforts of the Assad regime in Syria to "cynically exploit the disaster to evade international pressure and accountability, including by preventing the UN "from providing assistance through multiple border crossings between Türkiye and Syria."

The measure was approved in a bipartisan 412 with only two "no" votes.

It called on President Joe Biden administration to "continue to use all diplomatic tools, including through the UN Security Council, to open all Türkiye-Syria border crossings for assistance," underscoring the need for "international assistance to reach northwest Syria" to assist with disaster relief.

It also urged an increased oversight mechanism to ensure that US-funded assistance was not diverted for the benefit of the Assad regime, suggesting the "Biden administration to remain committed to the protection of the Syrian people including by implementing the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019."

The resolution's sponsor, Representative Joe Wilson, reiterated its importance, noting that the Assad regime continued to bomb the earthquake-hit areas and soldiers were stealing the humanitarian aid.

Wilson also called for the UN not to politicize humanitarian assistance bound for Syria and to circumvent the obstructions of Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Rep. noted that the resolution urged Biden to use all diplomatic means to push the UN to get aid to those in need, adding that Assad continues to blame US sanctions for the delay in providing support.

"I am deeply saddened that the Biden administration has weakened sanctions on the Assad regime by permitting direct transactions with that regime. This will do nothing to help with earthquake relief and will only endanger Syrian civilians."

He vowed to continue pushing for the implementation of the Caesar Act, adding that as long as the "brutal Assad regime remains in power," there is no solution for the problems in Syria.

Wilson concluded, addressing Assad directly: "You are not fooling anyone with your lies about sanctions. The US Congress stands united. We will never normalize with you."

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Baghdad Urges Washington to Prevent ‘Imminent’ Israeli Strikes

Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
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Baghdad Urges Washington to Prevent ‘Imminent’ Israeli Strikes

Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Thursday called on major powers to “exert greater efforts to end the war in Palestine and Lebanon.” Meanwhile, an Iraqi government official urged the United States to “prevent any attacks on the country,” referring to potential Israeli strikes.
During a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Al-Sudani stressed the importance of ensuring the conflict does not escalate “to a level that threatens regional and global stability.”
The Iraqi prime minister’s appeal comes amid reports suggesting that Israel may launch strikes on Iraq in retaliation for attacks by Iraqi armed factions targeting Israeli positions.
The Iraqi government is striving to assert its exclusive authority over weapons and war-related decisions. However, armed factions affiliated with the Axis of Resistance openly claim responsibility for near-daily rocket attacks on Israel. This has provided Israel with a justification for potentially targeting Iraqi territory, especially after it filed a complaint with the UN Security Council against six Iraqi factions and held Baghdad responsible for the attacks.
These factions have also openly declared their involvement in the ongoing conflict with Israel in Lebanon and Gaza. The Iraqi government has been unable to take decisive action to halt the activities of these factions, which many believe could soon expose Iraq to an Israeli strike.
According to media reports, Washington has warned Baghdad that Israeli airstrikes on Iraq are “imminent” unless the Iraqi government curtails attacks by Iranian-backed factions on Israel. The Times of Israel cited sources indicating that the United States has “exhausted all means of pressure on Israel” and urged Iraq to act swiftly to prevent such attacks.
Despite repeated assurances from the Iraqi government—including its recent adoption of 12 measures by the National Security Council to counter Israeli threats and complaints—the situation remains tense. These measures include monitoring Iraq’s western borders, preventing factions from launching attacks, and maintaining Iraq’s neutrality in the ongoing conflict.
On Wednesday, Abu Hussein Al-Hamidawi, Secretary-General of Kata’ib Hezbollah, made a striking statement on the role of resistance factions in the war and their commitment to the Unity of Fronts doctrine frequently mentioned by Axis of Resistance groups.
In an interview published by the faction’s media arm, Al-Hamidawi said: “The continuity of the Unity of Fronts concept depends on what the Lebanese Hezbollah decides.”
Al-Hamidawi also emphasized that resistance factions are constantly coordinating internally and with external partners such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Palestinian resistance leaders.
“We aim to ensure that the Palestinian people are not left alone and that the Unity of Fronts remains intact,” he stated.
Fadi Al-Shammari, a political advisor to Sudani, reiterated that Israel’s threats “are not new,” citing the recent complaint filed by Israel with the UN Security Council as part of its pattern of issuing threats.
In media statements, Al-Shammari reaffirmed the Iraqi government’s long-standing position: “The decision of war and peace lies solely with the Iraqi government.”
He noted that the factions’ attacks are being launched from areas outside Iraq’s borders, specifically from Syria. However, he stressed that the Iraqi government is working through its security and military agencies to prevent Iraq from becoming a battlefield for external or internal parties.
Al-Shammari also called on the United States to fulfill its responsibilities under the Strategic Framework Agreement and security pact with Iraq, emphasizing the need to deter and respond to any external attacks that threaten Iraq’s internal security.