Latest news with #MohamadAliHarisi
The National
11 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
Iran and Israel: What's next?
G7 leaders are preparing for their second day of meetings in Canada, urging de-escalation of the conflict between Iran and Israel, but US President Donald Trump has already left, having warned that residents of Tehran "should immediately evacuate". Iran's reaction is one of the key issues on the agenda today. In this special episode of Beyond the Headlines, Geo-Economics Editor Manus Cranny asks Mina Al-Oraibi, Editor-in-Chief, and Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor, for the inside view.
The National
16-04-2025
- Politics
- The National
Iraqi Prime Minister Al Sudani confirms candidacy for November elections
News MENA Parliamentary vote will be the first to be held after electoral law amendments Mohamad Ali Harisi Sulaymaniyah, Iraq April 16, 2025 Iraq 's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani announced on Wednesday that he would run in the parliamentary election scheduled for November, as the country prepares for what he described as a decisive vote. Speaking to The National 's Editor-in-Chief Mina Al-Oraibi at the Sulaimani Forum in Iraq's Sulaymaniyah, Mr Al Sudani said political alliances were still being formed. 'Definitely,' he said in response to a question about whether he planned to run. 'The alliances are being forged and will be announced soon,' he added, pledging to 'break the cycle and deliver what pushes Iraqis to participate'. Iraq's cabinet last week set November 11 as the date for the parliamentary election − the sixth to be held since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. Iraq's last general election, held in October 2021, was brought forward by a year in response to demands from a widespread pro-reform protest movement that began in 2019 across central and southern Iraq. However, political infighting among the country's ruling elite – particularly among Shiite parties – delayed the formation of a new government until October 2022. The 2021 elections were conducted under a new electoral law passed in the wake of the 2019 protests. That law divided provinces into smaller electoral districts and awarded seats to the party with the most votes in each. It gave independent parties, many backed by the protest movement, a better chance to secure representation in Iraq's 329-seat parliament. But in March 2023 Iraq's parliament approved amendments to the electoral law, despite objections from independent politicians and protest groups. The changes are seen as favouring larger, more established parties and making it harder for independents to win seats. 'These elections are the continuation of a patriotic project to open a new chapter for Iraq,' Mr Al Sudani said.
The National
03-04-2025
- Politics
- The National
Israel expands Gaza offensive, and Iran's nuclear capacity
Israel is expanding its operations in Gaza. Iran has warned that any attack by the US or its allies could push Tehran to pursue nuclear weapons. The US is sending more forces to the Middle East. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Israeli defence minister warns 'large areas' will be seized as Gaza offensive expands Iran talks nukes, but how close is it to building one? US to send second aircraft carrier strike group to Middle East Houthis claim US warship attacked in retaliation for strikes on Yemen that killed four This episode features Foreign Editor Mohamad Ali Harisi.
