Latest news with #BaathParty
Arab Times
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
To the land of multiple flags ... Iraq will return to its senses ... We are patiently waiting
ANYONE observing the Iraqi media will notice the frequent media campaigns launched by mouthpieces that are known for their anti-Kuwaiti sentiments. The noise ebbs and flows from time to time, depending on the interests of those running them. At times, these campaigns are nothing more than baseless noise, while at other times, they aim to create false heroes through social media. Regardless of the motive, these campaigns harm Iraq and its people in the end. It is well known that since 2003, Iraq has become a land of multiple flags, each with its own financial and political sponsors. None of these flags truly represent Iraq. They are reminiscent of the Baath Party's attempt to monopolize the representation of Iraqis during its rule. Saddam Hussein was the dictator who dragged this once-great country through one hell after another. Then came the American occupation, leaving Iraqis vulnerable to the fangs of two monsters: terrorism and sectarian gangs. Despite this, there are still those who seek to turn back the clock. So, we say: If Saddam Hussein's reckless adventure, represented by the brutal invasion of Kuwait, has revived among some weak-minded individuals the desire to adopt the King Ghazi and later Abdul Karim Qasim's slogan that Kuwait was part of Iraq, then these people are only harming their own country. They should have realized on February 26, 1991, that adopting such an assertion brought nothing but great misfortune upon their people. I would like to assure those who still dream of realizing this illusion that they can never nullify international agreements, UN resolutions, or the Iraq-Kuwait border demarcation treaty. They seem unaware that all of these agreements fall under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, making them impossible to undo. These individuals should understand that the eternal relationship between the Kuwaiti and Iraqi peoples is far greater than the noise of their media campaigns. Kuwait has stood by Iraq at every stage, both government and people, even during the most difficult moments. Therefore, these voices will not harm Kuwait. It is true that the Iraqi government cannot curb the unbridled freedom of the media. I also emphasize that the official Iraqi decision has nothing to do with what is circulating on social media and in the media. However, at the same time, I affirm that no one can change a single letter in these relevant agreements. These individuals do not have the power to build a wall between Kuwait and Iraq, similar to what the United States did with Mexico or Israel with the West Bank and the Lebanese border. In Kuwait, we understand that these media outlets are controlled by those outside Iraq's borders who seek to achieve their dubious interests at the expense of the Iraqi people. Media propaganda will not alter the facts on the ground and will have no impact on Kuwait. The geographical reality will remain unchanged. This is what both the Iraqi presidents and prime ministers relied on in their appeal of the Federal Supreme Court's ruling, as they recognize that good neighborliness is one of the foundational principles of the new Iraqi state. Therefore, any attempt to revive the border issue between Iraq and Kuwait is a suspicious act that conceals malicious intentions, which certainly do not represent the Iraqi people. Unfortunately, and with great bitterness, we must acknowledge that some are trying to exploit this for regional interests aimed at undermining Iraqi national security, attempting to disrupt relations between Kuwait and Iraq, and divert attention from a matter that has been settled for a long time. Here, we must emphasize once again: The failed experience of the 'Qasr Al-Zohour' radio station, the propaganda of Abdul Karim Qasim, Saddam's Fedayeen, or the so-called Al-Quds Army, will not be repeated. So, we say, be patient, and may God be the most helpful. Anyone familiar with the nature of relations between Kuwait and Iraq during King Faisal's reign will understand the significance of Kuwait's immediate assistance to Iraq after its liberation from Saddam's Ba'athist regime. They will also realize that those beautiful cities on the Iraqi border near Kuwait were built with Kuwaiti funds to stimulate trade between the two countries. Moreover, they will realize that Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port and Al-Faw Port complement each other, and that Kuwait aims to transform the northern region into an integrated economic zone, including factories, commercial, and service institutions that will benefit Iraq more than Kuwait. On this basis, the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, along with all Kuwaiti rulers, sought to build strong relations based on cooperation between the two countries and peoples. Kuwait believes that stable economic security and extensive trade exchange are the paths to prosperity, not the propaganda and nonsense spread by those with sick minds or those who raise sectarian banners. Therefore, it is not in anyone's interest to allow these suspicious voices to continuously stir up uproar with justifications that have no connection to the truth. The danger of these mouthpieces lies in their ability to drown out the voice of reason and create openings for those with regional agendas to disturb the cordial relations between the two countries and peoples, while also sowing discord among Iraqis themselves. The rational people in these media arms, if they exist, should learn from the experiences in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. I urge them to always remember how Iran's boasting about occupying four Arab capitals ended. Soon, the people of Iraq will ask, 'Where have these mouthpieces gone?' I have avoided discussing this issue in the past and endured the pain of silence. But the uproar has reached a point where remaining silent is no longer an option. Perhaps, we will find rational voices who will tell these individuals 'Enough is enough'. They must wake up from their intoxication of stupidity and realize that the true loser from their actions is Iraq, not Kuwait. I hope they carefully read the memoirs of the Iraqi President and Prime Minister, as they encapsulate wisdom spoken at the right time and place.
New Straits Times
28-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Saudi Arabia, Qatar to pay off Syria's debt to World Bank
RIYADH/ISTANBUL: Saudi Arabia and Qatar said on Sunday that they will pay off Syria's debt to the World Bank totalling US$15 million, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. In a joint statement, the two countries said that clearing Syria's outstanding arrears to the World Bank will help accelerate the war-torn country's recovery. "It will also unlock Syria's access to financial support in the near term for the development of critical sectors, as well as technical assistance that will contribute to institutional rebuilding, capacity development, and policy formulation and reform to drive development," the statement said. The two countries called on international and regional financial institutions to "quickly resume and expand their development work in Syria, combine their efforts, and support everything that would achieve the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people for a promising future." "Damascus extends deep thanks and appreciation to both Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their generous brotherly initiative to announce the settlement of Syria's financial arrears to the World Bank, which amounted to US$15 million," the Syrian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The ministry said the move "reflects the shared commitment to support the Syrian people and alleviate their economic burdens, and opens the door to further enhancing cooperation with international institutions to support recovery and reconstruction efforts." It said "joint Arab cooperation is the best way to address the current challenges." Syria, the ministry said, "looks forward to strengthening relations with its brothers in Qatar and Saudi Arabia and moving forward with effective partnerships that serve the interests of the people and promote stability in the region." Syria's central bank governor and finance minister attended the IMF and World Bank Spring meetings earlier this week for the first time in more than 20 years. IMF Director Kristalina Georgieva said the global lender intends to assist Syria in rebuilding its institutions and reintegrating it into the global economy. Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in December, ending the Baath Party's decades-long rule that began in 1963. A transitional administration was formed in late January, dissolving the constitution, security services, armed factions, parliament, and the Baath Party. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU
Shafaq News
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Post-Assad Syria: Villages disarm in Homs
Shafaq News/ Residents of three villages in Syria's Homs province have fully surrendered their weapons to the state, authorities said on Monday. According to the Homs province channel on Telegram, locals from al-Jamiliyya, al-Mazhariyya, and al-Aour in southeastern rural Homs 'completely handed over their weapons to the Syrian state' as part of coordinated efforts with the government. This follows efforts by the new Syrian administration to 'stabilize the country' following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. Since then, authorities have opened reconciliation centers to disarm loyalists of the former regime, though some have resisted, triggering clashes in multiple provinces. Officials say they are also pursuing remnants of the deposed government accused of destabilizing areas under state control. On December 8, 2024, Syrian factions captured Damascus after securing other major cities, ending 61 years of Baath Party rule and more than five decades of al-Assad family dominance.
Al Bawaba
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Syria arrests 'outlaw elements' after riot in Aleppo
ISTANBUL Also Read Israeli attacks in Syria's Daraa kill 9 civilians The Syrian security forces have announced the arrest of several "outlaw elements" involved in riot incidents at the Al-Nayrab camp for Palestinian refugees in the Aleppo province, northern Syria. In a statement on Wednesday evening, Mohammed Abdul-Ghani, the director of the General Security Service in Aleppo, reported that "security forces have successfully arrested a number of armed outlaws responsible for riot incidents at Al-Nayrab camp." Abdul-Ghani added that security forces continue pursuit operations to apprehend fugitives and "restore security and stability to the area." The Syrian security official did not mention any casualties or material damage resulting from the incident. Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, military authorities have opened reconciliation centers for former regime loyalists to surrender their weapons. However, some factions and regime remnants have refused to comply, leading to clashes in multiple provinces. Assad, Syria's leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party's regime, which had been in power since 1963. Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led anti-regime forces to oust Assad, was declared president for a transitional period on Jan. 29.
Arab News
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
New regional order could restore historic inter-Arab relations
The Arab world was far more united before Arab nationalist parties calling for Arab unity came to power and will probably become more united after their downfall. If this proves to be true, then the fall of the Assad regime in Syria and the end of Baath Party rule will improve Damascus' relations with Saudi Arabia and other Arab Gulf states. This paradox — that the regional order dominated by Arab nationalist parties that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s did more to divide the Arab world than to unite it — occurred to me while reading an Oxford University dissertation by Tommy Hilton. This thesis tells the story of the 'Shawam,' referring to Syrians and Lebanese in the Saudi court. These Shawam (the word comes from 'Bilad Al-Sham,' or the Levant) served as advisers to the court of King Abdulaziz, the unifier of the Kingdom. The Shawam belonged to an Arab nationalist elite that moved seamlessly between the courts of an older regional order of monarchies. Some of the Shawam were loyal to the Hashemites in the Hijaz and later in Jordan and Iraq before they joined the court of King Abdulaziz, where they played a major role in establishing the Saudi Foreign Ministry and the Kingdom's foreign policy. This mobility between states happened as if they all served one Arab world, regardless of boundaries. It mainly happened before the rise of Nasserism and the Baath Party that ruled Egypt, Syria and Iraq. But who were these Shawam and what was their role in the Kingdom? Most prominent among them were Sheikh Hafiz Wahba, Yusuf Yasin and Fuad Bey Hamza. These three were involved in various negotiations on behalf of King Abdulaziz, even before the unification of the Kingdom in 1932. The Alexandria Protocol that created the Arab League respected the various states' independence and sovereignty Nadim Shehadi Wahba was the first ambassador to the UK, as well as envoy to the Vatican, and Hamza was ambassador to France. Together with Yasin, they represented the Kingdom in several negotiations with the British, French, Germans and Italians, as well as in international conferences over border disputes. There were many other notable Shawam, such as Nabih Al-Azmah, who participated in negotiations over Yemen with the Italians together with Yasin and Hamza. Another was Khayr Al-Din Al-Zirikli, who represented the Kingdom in early meetings to found the Arab League in Egypt. His career served as another example of mobility between several courts. The list is long and includes Jamil Baroody, who represented Saudi Arabia at the UN for more than 33 years — a post later held by another of the Shawam, Samir Al-Shihabi. Yet another Damascene, Dr. Rashad Pharaon, was a personal physician and adviser to King Abdulaziz and was later appointed as ambassador to France. Many others came to Saudi Arabia after the rise of Baath Party rule in Syria and Iraq, including tribal leaders from various parts of those two countries. The Arab League was created in 1945, before the rise of the Arab nationalist-dominated one-party states. Five of the eight founding members — Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Jordan and Iraq — were monarchies, while Syria and Lebanon were independent republics and there was also Palestinian representation. Arab activists at the time almost behaved as though they were in the same political entity that covered the region. The Alexandria Protocol that created the Arab League respected the various states' independence and sovereignty and encouraged economic, cultural and security cooperation, as well as collaboration over the question of Palestine. It is easy to understand how the dominance of single parties with wider Arab nationalist agendas, such as Nasserism and Baathism, in Egypt, Syria and Iraq created an atmosphere in which they posed a threat to each other. The revolutionary pan-Arab parties wanted to dominate other Arab states rather than cooperate with them; they considered them as temporary artificial entities and the order they created had no consideration for state sovereignty. The revolutionary pan-Arab parties wanted to dominate other Arab states rather than cooperate with them Nadim Shehadi Each of the modern Arab nationalist parties sought Arab unity under its own dominance and, as such, caused much conflict between Arab states. A perfect example was the experience of the United Arab Republic, which was founded in 1958 as a union between Syria and Egypt and had aspirations of being joined by Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon. The union broke down after three years because of centralized power being in the hands of Nasserists in Cairo. The same happened with the Baath Party, which originally ruled in both Syria and Iraq but then split into two separate branches with intense rivalry. In fact, many conflicts in the region were caused by the phenomenon of these political parties trying to expand their dominance beyond their borders, disregarding individual states' sovereignty as agreed in the original protocols of the Arab League. Tensions between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Egyptian interference in Yemen, Syria's conflicts with Jordan and Iraq and its intervention in Lebanon and, of course, the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait are all examples of how these parties caused far more division than the unity they ideologically aspired for. Regional cooperation can be seen as a historic continuity from ancient times, driven by trade routes and migration patterns that have ensured continuous exchanges between the different parts of the Arabian Peninsula. These trans-Arabian routes had existed since pre-Islamic times and continued through tribal and social connections until they were all broken by the Nasserists and Baathists. There is much talk of a new order in the region and momentum toward renewed involvement by the Arab Gulf states in the affairs of the Levant. In the midst of the major changes in Syria, Lebanon and Palestine, there are new relationships to be made. This new order, which replaces that of the Arab nationalist parties that tried to dominate each other, will perhaps contribute to increased cooperation and a more stable and prosperous region.
