Latest news with #AbbasDahouk
Leaders
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
Saudi Islamic Affairs Ministry Launches Islamic Training Course in Malaysia
The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has launched a specialized scientific training course in Malaysia aimed at preachers, imams, and students of Islamic knowledge. The program, which began yesterday, has attracted 75 participants from various regions across the country. Spanning three days, the course seeks to promote moderation, deepen the correct understanding of Islamic teachings, and safeguard society against religious misinterpretations. This initiative is part of the ministry's broader mission to disseminate Islamic principles based on the Qur'an and Sunnah. Related Topics : Saudi Arabia Unfolds New Cooperation of Islamic Affairs with North Macedonia Minister of Islamic Affairs Meets Syrian Amb. to KSA 'Saudi Arabia's Leadership in Counterterrorism is Unwavering': Says Colonel Abbas Dahouk King Salman and the 6th anniversary of the pledge of allegiance. a march of achievements Short link : Post Views: 37 Related Stories
Leaders
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
Regional Security Begins at Home: Iraq's Vital Role in Fostering Stability
By: Colonel (Ret.) Abbas Dahouk Iraq has long been at the crossroads of regional and global geopolitics. As a country embroiled in decades of conflict and political instability, Iraq has faced enormous pressure to maintain its internal stability while balancing the interests of competing international powers. But Iraq's path forward is clear: for the country to project security and play a constructive role in the region, its stability must be the top priority. The Iraqi government finds itself navigating complex regional dynamics, including entrenched tensions between the US and Iran, the persistence of non-state militias, and growing instability in neighboring Syria. However, Iraq has a significant opportunity to play a pivotal role in regional security by focusing on three key strategies: navigating regional diplomacy with neutrality, regulating non-state militia groups, and enhancing border security. Navigating Regional Diplomacy: Neutrality Is Key Iraq's strategic location between regional powers like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Turkey naturally positions it as a diplomatic mediator. By leveraging its alliances with both Western and regional actors, Iraq can play a pivotal role in fostering dialogue and deescalating tensions. However, this task is not easy, particularly considering the longstanding regional rivalries. At last month's conference in Baghdad, sponsored by the Iraqi Institute for Dialogue, the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani, emphasized the important diplomatic breakthrough in 2021 when Iraq took the initiative to open dialogue between Iran and Saudi Arabia, restoring diplomatic ties in March 2023. This diplomatic victory demonstrates Iraq's potential as a stabilizing force. The Iraqi government can continue this momentum, facilitating dialogue between these two regional powers and ensuring that Iraq remains a neutral bridge between them. Furthermore, Iraq can mediate between the US and Iran on key issues such as the presence of US troops in the levant and the ongoing sanctions affecting Iraq, Iran, and Syria. The trust between the US and Iran is at an all-time low. Iraq can position itself as a neutral actor, avoiding military entanglements with either side while ensuring that Iraq's interests are safeguarded. Maintaining this diplomatic neutrality will help Iraq avoid becoming a stake in the US-Iran rivalry and ensure its sovereignty is respected. Avoiding direct military alignment with Iran, while continuing diplomatic relations, is essential for maintaining Iraq's independence. Iraq can also continue to negotiate a phased US troop withdrawal, ensuring that its security forces are adequately equipped to handle internal and external threats. Regulating Non-State Militias: A National Security Imperative The proliferation of non-state militias in Iraq, often linked to regional actors, remains a serious threat to the country's stability. These groups not only undermine Iraq's sovereignty but also contribute to regional instability. At the same conference, senior Iraqi officials and distinguished experts emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to regulating these militias, and any solution will require security sector reforms and disarmament initiatives. One crucial step is integrating militia members into official security forces. This would ensure that all armed groups operate under the authority of the state and adhere to national laws, reducing the influence of these groups and preventing them from operating as shadow armies. Disarming groups that refuse to integrate and offering economic incentives for their members to transition to civilian life is also vital to eliminating the threat these militias pose. Additionally, Iraq must continue to invest in its security forces, equipping them with the training and resources needed to combat unauthorized armed groups. This investment will not only strengthen Iraq's stability but also curb the spread of militia influence into neighboring countries, reducing regional security threats. Enhancing Border Security: Regional Security Begins at the Borders Iraq's borders are porous, which allows for the free movement of militants, weapons, and illicit goods; factors that destabilize both Iraq and its neighbors. Iraq shares borders with Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey, Kuwait, and Iran, all of which have unique security challenges. Securing these borders is crucial to preventing the spread of violence and extremism into Iraq and beyond. The most critical border for Iraq's security is its 605 km frontier with Syria, which has long been a conduit for ISIS activity. The borders with Jordan, Turkey, and Iran also pose significant risks, whether from smuggling or the movement of militant groups. To secure these borders, Iraq must enhance its military presence along key border zones, particularly in areas most vulnerable to smuggling and militant activity. Expanding intelligence-sharing and coordinating border security efforts with neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Turkey is essential. These countries have made significant strides in securing their borders and expect Iraq to reciprocate. To meet this standard, Iraq must implement advanced surveillance technologies—such as sensors and cameras—to enhance border monitoring and ensure real-time threat detection per regional security norms. Conclusion: Two Overarching Strategies for Iraq's Security To address Iraq's internal and regional challenges, the government must prioritize two overarching strategies: Strengthening Diplomatic Neutrality: Iraq can establish itself as a neutral mediator in regional disputes, fostering dialogue, easing tensions among its neighbors, and promoting long-term stability. By balancing its relationships with regional and international powers, Iraq can avoid being drawn into external conflicts while safeguarding its sovereignty. Preventing Regional Spillover: Regulating non-state militias and strengthening border security are essential to preventing conflicts within Iraq and stopping their spillover into neighboring countries. By securing its borders and regulating its militias, Iraq can safeguard its stability while contributing to regional security. Iraq's stability is vital for the broader Middle East, and it is in Iraq's best interest to focus on securing its internal borders and fostering a stable, neutral diplomatic role in the region. Only when Iraq is stable at home can it effectively project security and play a constructive role in regional peacebuilding. About the author: Colonel Abbas Dahouk (US Army, Ret.) is a Former Senior Military Advisor to US Department of State and Member of the Board of Directors of the National Council on US-Arab Relations. This article draws on his remarks during the 7th Baghdad Dialogue. Short link : Post Views: 14
Leaders
17-02-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
US Security Cooperation in Mideast Must Account for Human Security: Col. Dahouk
During his speech at the annual National Council on US-Arab Relations conference in Washington DC, the Former Senior Military Advisor to US Department of State and Member of the Board of Directors of the National Council on US-Arab Relations, Colonel (Ret.) Abbas Dahouk, spoke about the US security cooperation in the Middle East. Based on his long experience as a recipient of security cooperation in Lebanon during the late 1970s and 1980s, and then as an operator at the US military and US State Department for almost 30 years, Col. Dahouk explained what is security cooperation and how the US policy in the Middle East has changed over time. Security Cooperation 'Security cooperation has long been a vital tool of US foreign policy and it's important for the US, especially in the Middle East region. Historically, this has been a source of strength for the US building a network of partners and allies, and addressing common problems beyond which the US may be able to accomplish its mission alone,' Col. Dahouk said. Therefore, security cooperation is 'a way to ensure US superiority in this era of strategic competition,' he added. Col. Dahouk noted that the US traditional approach to today's security cooperation in the Middle East, which is a state-centric approach, 'is no longer sufficient to meet its stated objectives.' Col. Dahouk thinks that the US security cooperation 'must account for a human security,' not just security assistance or government security, and 'local ownership,' which gives people some ownership of this security cooperation. This security cooperation must also account for 'a good defense government, in terms of effectiveness and accountability on both sides,' the US and the other side. US Policy in the Middle East Col. Dahouk pointed to the changes in the US policy in the Middle East over the last three decades. 'Over the last three decades, the US policy towards the Middle East has changed from dual containment of Iraq and Iran, under President Clinton, to 'regime change and democratization' under President Bush,' he said. 'And from pivoting or rebalancing to Asia under President Obama to burden sharing and somewhat pay for security under President Trump. With this administration, the main focus on security is what is called integrated deterrence strategy under Biden, where both the US and partners and allies have to work together to project deterrence against common enemies,' he added. Defense Posture Despite these changes in the US policy in the Middle East, certain constants remained unchanged, according to Col. Dahouk. 'One of them is the defense posture in the Middle East remains constant. We still have thousands of US forces present across the region, we still have forces right now in Syria, may be about 900, in Kuwait 13,000, the UAE about 3,500, Qatar about 8,000. You got Saudi Arabia about 1,000, Bahrain about 5,000, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan 3,000 and Libya and so on,' he said. Col. Dahouk added that this posture 'accounts for about, in terms of statistics, about 50% of all global US force posture. That's before the Ukraine-Russia war. Recently, you have increase in posture for US forces in Eastern Europe and also in Germany.' The Former Senior Military Advisor to US Department of State noted that with this military presence in the Middle East, 'the US defense strategy is not pivoting or rebalancing to Asia in anytime soon.' Furthermore, Col. Dahouk said 'we have witnessed 20 years and trillions of US dollars spent in Afghanistan and Iraq in 'nation building,' but ended up in unfavorable outcome for the US and also for the local populations in both countries, Iraq and Afghanistan. And it seems there are more bad outcome coming from Iraq and Afghanistan as well. So, that story has not ended there.' Defense Transfers During his speech, Col. Dahouk said that the other constant in the US policy in the Middle East is 'the high volume of defense transfers, in terms of articles and services, to the region.' He explained that such high volume of defense transfers to the Middle East 'supports the US defense industrial base. So, the US has benefited from the defense transfer, companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and the likes.' Moreover, 'some of the defense advisory firms are also benefiting from defense posture and defense operation,' he added. 'According to the US State Department, the US defense industry directly employs almost two million people across the US. So, there is a job creation. These individuals and the companies they work for represent a key part of American entrepreneurship and innovation, also helping to maintain the US status as a world leader in the defense and aerospace sectors and ensuring our armed forces maintain their military edge,' Col. Dahouk noted. Changes in the Middle East On the other hand, the Middle East has seen notable changes over the last years. According to Col. Dahouk, 'Russia is back in the Middle East and re-established a naval base in northern Syria. They deployed over 3,000 of their proxy forces in Libya, through Wagner Group. They also increased their troop presence on the borders of Egypt and Libya. And they also secured a strong voice through membership of the OPEC+, thus influencing all markets perhaps production and prices,' he said. Furthermore, the former US Senior Military Adviser mentioned the increased presence of China in the region. 'China also moved in the region in the last decade or so. China built their first overseas naval base, about $600 million naval base, on the Red Sea in Djibouti. And Djibouti is a member of the Arab League,' he said. Col. Dahouk added that China is also 'selling armed drones and long-range ballistic missiles in the region. Armed drones and long-range ballistic missiles, we don't sell them to our friends in the region, so China has moved in and is doing that.' China has also introduced 'its version of a 5G and 6G telecommunication technologies, which will cause a problem in interoperability between forces,' Col. Dahouk warned. 'If a partner country in the Middle East uses 6G technology, we, US military, cannot talk to them directly, so we cannot link a US system to a Chinese system. This basically narrow down our engagement in the Middle East as well because of the telecommunication aspect,' he explained. Iran's Increased Presence Col. Dahouk mentioned Iran as one of the countries that has increased its presence in the region. 'Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism, is present and is also operating directly in 4 Arab countries. It is operating in Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. It is also indirectly operating or trying to hedge their politics in Bahrain, Kuwait and Gaza. Iran has targeted US troops numerous times to cause harm in Iraq and Syria,' he noted. Moreover, Iran 'damaged oil refineries in northern and southern Saudi Arabia, and indiscriminately shelled population centers, including the city of Riyadh and the Holy City of Makkah. They also used drones against civilian airports, Riyadh and King Khalid international airport and also airports in the UAE and Kurdistan and Baghdad and also used it against flagships around the region,' Col. Dahouk said. 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