Latest news with #ArabCooperation
Arab News
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Lebanese President Aoun reviews ties, cooperation with Iraqi official
LONDON: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun discussed ties and cooperation with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani during his visit to Iraq on Sunday. Aoun stressed the importance of establishing an Arab mutual interest system to enhance shared interests among Arab countries during his meeting with Al-Sudani. In a separate meeting with Rashid at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad, Aoun commended Iraq's support and donations, including fuel shipments to generate electricity, for the Lebanese people during the recent round of the Israeli-Hezbollah war, which flared up in September 2024. Aoun said that Lebanon and Iraq face the challenge of terrorism, which is being addressed through security agencies in both countries. The two presidents emphasized the urgency to end the Israeli war in the Gaza Strip and to support the Palestinian cause without allowing it to be compromised, according to the NNA agency. Aoun said that Israel must withdraw from the five areas inside the Lebanese territory it has controlled since 2024 and stop its repeated attacks on the country that undermine peace efforts in the region. Rashid affirmed Iraq's support for Lebanon and said that Baghdad views positively the recent developments in the country following the formation of the new government in early 2025.
Arab News
4 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Why Turkiye welcomes an emerging Arab alliance
Historically, there have been periods when Turkiye and the Arab states were unable to harmonize their strategies and interests in the region. Political differences often overshadowed potential cooperation, and at times the Arab alliance failed to align with Turkiye's regional interests. There were also rare moments when Turkish-Arab cooperation proved to be effective and mutually beneficial. However, it appears that a new Arab alliance is emerging in the region among the historic capitals of Damascus, Baghdad, and Beirut. In a parallel shift, Turkish-Arab cooperation is achieving significant momentum with a harmony that serves mutual interests. The collapse of the Assad regime significantly influenced Syria's position within the Arab world. Coinciding with this shift, Lebanon has entered a new phase, with the election of a new president and the appointment of a prime minister after a two-year political deadlock. Meanwhile, Iraq, for the first time in years, has been positioning itself as a regional actor, not only mediating disputes but also facilitating economic cooperation. One common factor in the reemergence of these three countries in the Arab world order is the diminishing influence of Iran, which is particularly favorable for Ankara. Despite Ankara's ability to compartmentalize its relations with Tehran, Turkiye has been among the regional countries most uncomfortable with Iranian proxies in the region, especially in Iraq and beyond. Therefore, a region free from Iranian control is a strategic win for Turkiye. Moreover, one key element of this era emerging in the region is the intent to integrate Iran through dialogue, not isolation. Thus, containing Iran through diplomacy, not confrontation is an approach that Turkish and Arab perspectives share today. In Syria, the new government has been building strong political, economic, and defense ties with Ankara, marking a fresh chapter in Turkish-Syrian relations after more than a decade of hostility under the Assad regime. As Syria embarks on an uncertain path toward reintegration into the regional and international fold, there are some similarities with Iraq's post-Saddam experience. The new Syrian administration is eager to avoid the same instability that Iraq faced after the fall of Saddam, and Turkiye is keen to prevent a repeat of the post-Saddam scenario in Syria. Iran's diminishing influence is particularly favorable for Ankara Dr. Sinem Cengiz The lack of a coherent strategy between Ankara and Arab capitals in the past contributed to the rise of Iranian influence in Iraq and the prolonging of the instability caused by this. Today, Syria's path to stability has become a critical issue that aligns Turkish and Arab interests. Cooperation between Ankara and Arab powers could facilitate Syria's reconstruction and re-emergence. Moreover, stability in Syria is likely to have a significant impact on neighboring Iraq and Lebanon. In Iraq, the government led by Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani is shifting the country's status from being a victim of foreign interference to a platform for regional cooperation. Under Al-Sudani's leadership, Iraq is transforming its relationship with Turkiye from a security-oriented perspective to an economically integrated relationship. The launch of the 'Development Road' initiative in 2023, following a meeting between Al-Sudani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, marked a significant shift in Turkish-Iraqi relations, which had long been dominated by issues of border security, Turkiye's conflict with Kurdish militants, and water resource management. Although Lebanon was not always a central focus in Turkiye's foreign policy, as Syria and Iraq have been, Turkiye now seems poised to deepen its relations with Lebanon, especially under the new government in Beirut. Turkiye is likely to play a crucial role in helping Lebanon integrate into new regional security and economic alliances. Turkiye recognizes the emerging Arab alliance and sees it as an opportunity rather than a threat. With the collapse of the Assad regime, Ankara has increased its efforts to build bridges between Damascus, Baghdad, and Beirut. In Ankara, there is a growing understanding that a cooperative relationship between these three capitals not only serves Turkiye's national security and economic interests but also promotes broader regional stability. Turkiye's regional strategy, while still ambitious, is carefully calibrated to avoid provoking Arab backlash, as Ankara understands that cooperation with regional states is essential for Syria's reconstruction, and for stability in Lebanon and Iraq. There are shared concerns against disruptive forces in the region Dr. Sinem Cengiz This new era, which is driven by cooperation rather than ideological rivalries and military conflicts, was evident during the recent visit of US President Donald Trump to the region. Trump saw a region where intra-GCC collaboration is growing, Turkish-Gulf relations are being bolstered, and a new alliance among the region's historic capitals is emerging. Today, both international incentives and regional shifts are also in favor of Turkiye and the Arab states. The global powers, namely the US, Russia, and China, are either focusing on different priorities or are limited in their ability to play a key role in the Middle East. This power vacuum provides an opportunity for Turkiye and Arab states to help regional countries such as Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon empower themselves in this new order. Additionally, there are shared concerns against disruptive forces in the region, such as Israel, which seeks to see a weakened Syria, and terrorist groups, such as Daesh, which aims to destabilize both Syria and Iraq through its activities along the porous border between the two states. A shared cooperative agenda between Turkiye and the closely aligned Arab states, particularly in security matters, would pave the way for closer political relations, mutually beneficial economic gains, and broader regional security cooperation. There is an urgent need to transform these newly emerging Arab alliances into institutionalized forms that will persist despite any regional shifts. For Ankara, this emerging Arab alliance comes at the right moment, with the right leaderships in place. • Dr. Sinem Cengiz is a Turkish political analyst who specializes in Turkiye's relations with the Middle East. X: @SinemCngz
Asharq Al-Awsat
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Sudani Announces Fund for Arab Recovery
At the 34th Arab League Summit held in Baghdad, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the launch of 18 initiatives to revitalize Arab cooperation, including the establishment of an Arab fund for post-conflict recovery. In a key financial commitment, Iraq pledged $40 million for reconstruction efforts—$20 million each for Gaza and Lebanon. While al-Sudani offered few details on the broader set of initiatives, he underscored the urgency of launching an Arab Reconstruction and Recovery Fund to support countries emerging from wars and crises. The proposal aligns with Iraq's growing diplomatic engagement and emphasis on regional stability through economic development. Opening his address by welcoming Arab leaders to Baghdad, al-Sudani emphasized Iraq's commitment to a foreign policy based on partnership and mutual respect. 'Our vision for ending regional crises begins with the Palestinian people's right to a free and dignified life on their own land,' he said, condemning what he described an ongoing genocide in Gaza and forced displacement of Palestinians. Al-Sudani called for urgent Arab action to 'rescue Gaza' and urged the reactivation of UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, in both Gaza and the West Bank. On Lebanon, the Iraqi leader reaffirmed support for a ceasefire in the south and condemned repeated Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty. He also reiterated Iraq's backing for Syria's territorial integrity and national sovereignty, rejecting any foreign domination or intervention. 'We will support the Syrian people in establishing a state of citizenship and constitutional democracy,' al-Sudani said, advocating for an inclusive political transition, protection of religious freedoms, and a unified front against terrorism. Al-Sudani welcomed a recent decision by US President Donald Trump—announced during a visit to Saudi Arabia—to ease certain sanctions on Syria, viewing it as a potential step toward broader regional normalization. On Yemen and Sudan, he expressed Iraq's support for unity and sovereignty, calling for an end to conflict and division in both nations. He urged greater Arab support for humanitarian relief and UN-led efforts to achieve lasting political settlements.
LBCI
17-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanese PM reaffirms commitment to Arab unity and regional stability
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam affirmed Lebanon's determination to reclaim its natural place within the Arab fold, expressing readiness to contribute to collective regional advancement. "Lebanon is fully prepared to participate in the joint Arab renaissance and remains committed to solidarity, not only during hardship. Our youth, both men and women, are our greatest investment," Salam said during his speech at the Arab League Summit in Baghdad. He stressed that development cannot be achieved without stability, noting that strengthened Arab cooperation is urgently necessary. Lebanon, he added, stands with its Arab brothers amid shared crises that hinder growth across the region. "Our region faces high unemployment, the burdens of displacement and refuge, desertification, and the need for reconstruction. Lebanon stands with its Arab partners in tackling these pressing challenges," Salam said. He also described the current moment for Lebanon as foundational rather than transitional, emphasizing the need to restore the confidence of Lebanese citizens. In closing, Salam thanked Iraq for its continuous support of Lebanon, acknowledging Baghdad's longstanding solidarity with the Lebanese people.
Arab News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
The significance of Iraqi divisions over Al-Sharaa
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani last week said that the upcoming Arab League Summit in Baghdad 'comes within a transformative context.' He believes the present moment represents 'a convergence of the Iraqi national will and the broader Arab hope to overcome differences and embark on the establishment of an effective and comprehensive Arab cooperation system,' as he wrote in an article published in Asharq Al-Awsat. This article coincided with intense discussions among political leaders in Baghdad following the official invitation extended by Culture Minister Ahmed Al-Badrani to Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa to attend the summit in Baghdad on Saturday. Al-Sudani views this summit as 'a historic opportunity to renew the project of Arab joint action, regain initiative and establish the Arab world as an effective power rather than a battleground for conflict.' This 'Arab joint action' cannot be realized without reconciliation among neighboring countries, particularly Iraq and Syria. This approach was directly pursued by Al-Sudani shortly after the fall of previous Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime last December. The Iraqi PM believes that the country's geographical position and size necessitate the maintenance of a positive relationship with the new Syria, regardless of the historical context of the current leaders in Damascus. However, this perspective is opposed by his allies in the Coordination Framework, prompting parties such as the Islamic Dawa Party and Asa'ib Ahl Al-Haq, along with armed factions like Kata'ib Hezbollah, to publicly reject the prospect of Al-Sharaa visiting Iraq. There were intense discussions among political leaders following the official invitation extended to Al-Sharaa Hassan Al-Mustafa This clear opposition to Al-Sudani's stance from key allies such as Nouri Al-Maliki and Qais Al-Khazali was contradicted by Ammar Al-Hakim, the leader of the National Wisdom Movement. He spoke about the invitation to Al-Sharaa at the Seen Dialogue Forum last month, asserting that 'it is in Iraq's national interest to engage and communicate' with the new government in Syria. Al-Hakim's perspective was based on Iraq's regional role, as he believes that it 'is a significant and pivotal country' and therefore 'should play a role in major issues within the region.' This particularly relates to the situation in Syria, due to its geographical proximity and shared land borders, as well as concerns over the rise of violence and terrorism. Additionally, he emphasized Iraq's capacity to undertake diplomatic efforts that could alleviate tensions between Iran and Syria, fostering communication between the two nations to prevent the escalation of sectarian rhetoric, which Al-Hakim views as a threat to the entire region. Consequently, he advocated for a positive, trust-building engagement between Baghdad and Damascus, rather than a severance of relations. This pragmatic political perspective ensured he adopted an emotionally reserved stance regarding the meeting between Al-Sudani and Al-Sharaa in Doha last month. This meeting surprised Al-Sudani's allies in the Coordination Framework. However, Al-Hakim viewed it as a 'government decision' and asserted that 'the principle of relations with Syria is managed by the government, which is responsible for making such decisions.' He emphasized that 'the failure to inform the forces of the Coordination Framework about this meeting does not imply ignoring it,' stressing that 'we must engage with Syria, as it is beneficial for Iraq.' According to a report released by the Amwaj Media website on April 17, political sources acquainted with the discussions indicated that 'the two leaders engaged in extensive dialogues regarding regional security, border management and counterterrorism efforts — shared challenges that persist in undermining stability in areas adjacent to the Iraqi-Syrian border.' In addition to their strong discontent with Al-Sudani for not informing them about his meeting with Al-Sharaa in Qatar, there was another factor that prompted the leaders of the Coordination Framework to actively oppose the Syrian president's invitation. This relates to the Iraqi parliamentary elections scheduled for Nov. 11, which the Coordination Framework is unlikely to contest under a unified list. Instead, it is expected to enter four different lists, which may later unite based on the vote each receives. Al-Sudani's positions aligned with those of influential Arab countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia Hassan Al-Mustafa Their stance reflects a divergence in viewpoints and specific party positions, prompting these political forces to seek to sway the public in their favor electorally by presenting stringent stances that claim to express concern and anxiety for Iraq's security and stability. Thus, they brandished their opposition to the prospect of Al-Sharaa visiting. Despite all this, Al-Sudani was determined to uphold the invitation to Al-Sharaa, stating in a television interview that his presence at the summit was crucial for clarifying his vision for a new Syria. He emphasized that 'most Arab countries are keen to see Syria overcome its decades-long ordeal,' stressing that Iraq would 'spare no effort in supporting Syria and respecting its choices.' Al-Sudani's positions aligned with those of influential Arab countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia, which is working to support the transitional political process in Syria. This process aims to serve the interests and security of the Syrian people and ensure that Syrian territory does not become an arena for terrorist groups or a conduit for drugs and arms smuggling. Riyadh is also concerned about Syria's territorial integrity and Israeli violations. On Tuesday, the Syrian president's office announced that Al-Sharaa would not be attending the Baghdad summit. The Syrian delegation will instead be headed by Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani. Nevertheless, it is evident that the improved relations between Baghdad and Damascus, along with the resolution of previous conflicts, will be advantageous for both countries and will help reduce regional tensions.
