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Shafaq News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Syria's widening conflict: Should Iraq be worried?
Shafaq News – Baghdad The unfolding events in Syria, marked by shifting battles and persistent political and security tensions, are no longer a matter of internal Syrian concern. Developments across the country confirm a broader regional entanglement. The fall of former President Bashar al-Assad and the rise of an interim authority headed by Ahmad al-Sharaa did not occur in isolation but within the broader context of a regional conflict that ignited on October 7 in Gaza. Since then, Iraq has emerged as a central player in the resulting crises, due to its strategic geography and the political and social intersections linking its domestic situation with ongoing transformations in neighboring countries, manifested in assassinations, military escalations, and political realignments. Iraq Caught in Syria's Fire Iraqi concerns about the spillover effects of Syria's instability are far from hidden. In southern Syria, clashes have erupted between Druze groups and government forces backed by tribal fighters, with Israel's military and political involvement becoming increasingly evident. Israeli officials have openly framed their support for the Druze as a means to secure a buffer zone free of heavy weapons along their border. Attention is now focused on the outcome of the Suwayda battle and its regional implications. The conflict has exacerbated divisions among Syria's communities, ushering in a new phase of sectarian polarization. Today, warring factions identify themselves by sect, and this identity-based framing has penetrated daily life even in areas distant from combat. In cities like Damascus and Daraa, many merchants have called for cutting economic and social ties with Suwayda. Regional Contagion and Internal Dilemmas The conflict's political, security, and social ramifications have revived intense domestic debates in neighboring countries such as Lebanon and Iraq over how to contain or mitigate its impact. These discussions have gained urgency in light of verified reports and visual evidence of Lebanese and Iraqi tribal fighters joining Syria's tribal forces in battle. Additionally, social media platforms have circulated videos allegedly showing tribal fighters moving from Saudi Arabia to participate in the Suwayda clashes. In Lebanon, security forces responded to mounting tensions by barring spectators from a football match between al-Safa, a club aligned with Druze factions, and al-Ansar, generally associated with Sunni circles. The Lebanese Football Federation rejected security officials' request to cancel the match, but fears of Syria-related unrest spilling into Lebanon prompted authorities to hold the game without spectators. In Iraq, the discussion centers on how best to respond to evolving regional dynamics. The core question: should Iraq maintain both its official and unofficial weapons stockpiles to safeguard national interests, or should it move toward disarming Iran-aligned factions, which many see as a primary source of potential internal crises? IS STRENGTHENING THE IRAQI ARMY THE PRIORITY? Sheikh Salam al-Jazaeri, a member of the Political Bureau of Asaib Ahl al-Haq, warns that the developments in Syria aim to divide the country into five mini-states—"a scenario Iraq entirely rejects." Speaking to Shafaq News, al-Jazaeri states, " Israeli ambitions in Syria directly affect Iraq, especially as Israel seeks weak and submissive Arab states to serve its expansionist agenda." He further stresses the magnitude of the terrorist threat emanating from Syria, cautioning that if these groups are not eliminated, "the consequences for Iraq will be extremely grave." On the issue of armed factions retaining their weapons, al-Jazaeri acknowledges the primacy of official forces in Iraq but says they remain vulnerable due to insufficient weaponry. He notes that factions and the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) have called for strengthening the Iraqi army by supplying it with advanced defense systems, citing the superior military capabilities of countries like Israel and Turkiye. 'Israel promotes the slogan that its borders stretch from the Nile to the Euphrates. Turkiye's ambitions in Iraq are also clear, and there are armed groups of various nationalities operating in Syria. Iraq is not immune to these threats,' he explains. Based on this context, he concludes that "calls to disarm the factions amount to weakening Iraq—something that is far from achievable." DOES DISARMING FACTIONS MAINTAIN STABILITY? In stark contrast, Iraqi politician Mithal al-Alusi sees parallels between Israeli positions and those of Iraq's armed factions regarding the Syrian regime. "The irony is that these so-called factions, the PMF, and the Iraqi government all oppose the Syrian regime and accuse it of serious crimes against the Druze," al-Alusi tells Shafaq News. He argues that Iraq's political scene is plagued by "a deep confusion in concepts and stances." Al-Alusi accuses Iran of deliberately blurring narratives in Baghdad. He points out that "some now support Israeli strikes in Suwayda while attacking the Syrian regime under the pretext that it is Sunni-sectarian." He believes sectarianism is present on all sides, describing the factions as militias and a long arm of Iran, stating, "Iraq has become a battleground for Iran in its confrontation with Washington." This, he argues, explains attacks on American and foreign oil companies in the Kurdistan Region. Al-Alusi concludes that building a sovereign Iraqi state begins with disarming these factions. "What militia leaders fail to grasp is that all ideological justifications—whether Sunni, Shia, pro-American, or pro-Iranian—do not legitimize the continued possession of arms," he asserts. He also emphasizes that the weapons are unregulated and illegal, adding, "These militias fear democracy and the emergence of a real Iraqi state."
Saba Yemen
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Millions of rallies in capital & provinces emphasize steadfastness in supporting Gaza & challenge US escalation
Sana'a - Saba: The capital Sana'a and various provinces witnessed million rallies to mark the anniversary of Badr Battle and to emphasize steadfastness in supporting the Palestinians and readiness to confront the US escalation against Yemen with an even greater escalation. The rallies, which were held under the title "Steadfast with Gaza ... The rallies came in response to the call of Commander Abdul Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi, and as an extension of Yemen's faithful, moral and humanitarian stance in support of the Palestinian people. In the capital of steadfastness, millions of people in Sabeen Square declared defiance to the American enemy and readiness to confront it whatever the consequences, as well as steadfastness in Yemen's principled and continuous position in supporting the Palestinian people in Gaza, who are subjected to siege and starvation by the Zionist enemy with American support and backing. The masses emphasized that their large turnout on Al-Furqan Day expresses Yemen's clear position in rejecting submission and surrender to the forces of hegemony and arrogance, and readiness to implement the directives of the revolution leader , Sayyid Abdulmalik Badr al-Din al-Houthi, to deter the US-Zionist enemy, in victory of the Palestinian people and their just cause. Millions of people in the capital Sana'a reaffirmed that Yemen's heroic and honorable stance alongside the brothers in Gaza cannot budge or retreat, no matter what the sacrifices. Hajjah provinces witnessed major rallies in support of the Palestinian people and affirmed full readiness for jihad, defense of the land , honor, and support for the nation's causes. The province's people emphasized that the US aggression on Yemen will not deter the descendants of al-Ansar from continuing to support the oppressed and vulnerable people in Gaza until humanitarian aid enters the Strip, and that this firm position comes from a position of faith and humanity. They pointed out that today's massive march coinciding with the Badr Battle anniversary confirms following the path of Al-Ansar in defending the religion and supporting the oppressed. In Al-Hodeida province, 133 unprecedented massive marches took place, emphasizing the Yemeni people's steadfast position in support of Palestine, and as an extension of Yemen's steadfast stance towards the Palestinian cause. Participants in the rallies emphasized adherence to the option of jihad, continued escalation in the face of US aggression, and countering all attempts to weaken Yemen's pro-Palestinian stance. They pointed out that Yemen's naval operations against the US enemy and its naval vessels are only part of a wider battle that will continue until US hegemony is broken. They pointed out that the US threats will not intimidate them, but will make them more determined to continue the confrontation and confront any escalation by the forces of arrogance. In response to the US aggression and its recent escalation against Yemen, and in support of the Palestinians in Gaza, who are subjected to an unjust Zionist siege and deprivation of water, food and medicine, massive marches and rallies took place in the districts of Sana'a province. Participants in more than 50 marches and stances chanted slogans expressing steadfastness in the face of the US aggression against Yemen, and emphasizing their firm stance in support of the Palestinian people in Gaza and all occupied territories. In the same context, the people of the districts of Damt, Hasha, Qutbah and Jaban in Al-Dhale' took part in massive rallies, during which they expressed their absolute rejection of the Zionist enemy's siege and starvation of the people of Gaza without any Arab or international action to stop this crime. They emphasized their firm stand in the face of the US escalation against Yemen and their support for the Palestinian people in Gaza, whom the Zionist enemy continues to deprive of food, medicine and all the necessities of life with the participation of the United States. In Taiz province, 33 massive rallies took place to emphasize the steadfastness in supporting the Palestinian people, confronting the US aggression and supporting all escalation options. The province people considered their large turnout a confirmation of Yemen's faithful and jihadist stance in supporting the Palestinian people. They declared absolute authorization for the decisions of the revolution leader, Sayyid Abdul Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi, and the operations of the armed forces to deter US aggression, as well as continuing to support the Palestinian people until the siege of Gaza is lifted. As for Sa'ada province, a massive rally took place in 35 squares, in which participants chanted slogans denouncing the brutal crimes committed by the US aggression in a number of provinces, which exposes the criminal reality of America and its aggressive regime. Participants in Sa'ada marches emphasized readiness to confront the escalation of the American enemy. They renewed the absolute mandate of the revolution leader to take all options to support the Palestinian people. In the same context, the people of Al-Qubaita district in Lahj province, during a massive march, affirmed their continued support for the Palestinian people in Gaza Strip and their readiness to confront the US escalation by escalation, regardless of the challenges. In Amran, the people of the province rallied in 62 unprecedented massive marches, emphasizing the Yemeni people's firm stance in support of Palestine, pointing out that the US aggression will only increase the Yemeni people's faith and steadfastness in confronting it and continuing to support Palestine. They declared their support for any steps taken by the revolutionary leadership and the armed forces to respond to the US aggression. They pointed out that the Palestinian cause will remain in the heart of every Yemeni and that this aggression will have no effect other than strengthening steadfastness and continuing to support the resistance. Dhamar province also witnessed 29 massive rallies in support of the brothers in Gaza and in defiance of the blatant US aggression that affected a number of provinces. The people of the province emphasized that their coming out on the anniversary of the Day of Al-Furqan represents a challenge to the countries of tyranny and a steadfast position in support of the grievances of Gaza and the just cause of the Palestinian people, which cannot be retracted no matter what the sacrifices. The center and districts of Al-Bayda province witnessed massive rallies to commemorate the Great Battle of Badr, to denounce the Israeli enemy's continued crimes and siege on the people of Gaza, and to challenge the US aggression on Yemen. Participants in the rallies denounced the US escalation of aggression against the Yemeni people, which they considered a clear support for the Zionist enemy and a desperate attempt to dissuade Yemen from its position in support of the besieged brothers in Gaza Strip. In the same context, the people of Marib province, during their participation in 12 massive marches, emphasized the high readiness to deter the US aggression and continue the firm stance in support of the Palestinian people. The people of the province reaffirmed the continuation of the line of jihad for the sake of Allah and confronting the imams of disbelief, America and Israel. They denounced the continuation of the Israeli siege on Gaza Strip and its violations of the ceasefire agreement. In Raymah province, 35 massive rallies took place in which participants chanted slogans threatening the American enemy with a harsh and painful response to its blatant aggression against Yemen. They emphasized that any aggression will not deter the Yemeni people from continuing their faithful and humanitarian stance in supporting the Palestinian people. They condemned the silence of some Arab and Islamic regimes and peoples on the crimes committed by the American enemy against civilians , the targeting of residential neighborhoods and vital facilities in a number of provinces. They announced the continuation of general mobilization to confront any escalation of the American enemy. On the same level, Ibb province witnessed 104 unprecedented massive rallies in support of the Palestinian people and expressing readiness to confront the US aggressive escalation against Yemen. The province people called on the international community to pressure the Zionist entity to stop its horrific crimes , the siege and starvation imposed on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. They pointed out that the Yemeni people will continue to support their brothers in Palestine, no matter what challenges they face. Moving on to Al-Mahwit province, which witnessed 30 marches that expressed defiance and readiness to confront the US escalation against Yemen, and reject attempts by the forces of oppression to dissuade Yemen from its position in support of the grievances of the brothers in Gaza. Al-Jawf province also witnessed widespread popular participation in the "Steadfast with Gaza" rallies. We face the US escalation with escalation," emphasizing that the US aggression cannot discourage the Yemeni people from continuing to support their brothers in Gaza. During the marches that spread across the capital and districts of the province, they declared the challenge to the American enemy. They renewed their support and authorization for the decisions of the Revolution Leader and the blessed operations carried out by the armed forces against US warships in response to the aggressive escalation against Yemen. The massive rallies in the capital and the provinces issued a statement as follows: Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, peace and blessings be upon our master Muhammad and his good and pure family, and may Allah be pleased with his companions. In response to God Almighty, to His Prophet (peace , blessings be upon him and his family) and to our leader Abdul Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi (may God protect him), in response to the US aggression , its recent escalation against our country, and in support of the oppressed Palestinian Muslim people in Gaza, who are today subjected to an unjust , deadly siege and are denied even water, food , medicine by the Israeli enemy with clear , declared American participation, and in conjunction with the anniversary of Badr Great Battle, we go out today in massive, angry and defiant million marches ... We emphasize the following: First: We, the Yemeni Muslim mujahideen people, the Yemen of faith and wisdom - as described by our beloved and Prophet Muhammad, may God's blessings and peace be upon him , his family - declare our firm , categorical position and our irreversible decision, the decision and covenant of our ancestors Al-Ansar, the Messenger of God, to adhere and hold fast to the line of jihad in the way of God, and raise the banner of Islam high in the face of the imams of infidelity, America , Israel, and we say to our leader, the flag-bearer, the lifter of the brigade, Commander Abdul Malek Badruddin al-Houthi, may God protect him. Secondly: We emphasize our firm position that does not accept retreat or submission, based on our faith, humanity, morals and values, to stand with our brothers in Gaza in the face of all the dangers that target them, the latest of which is the plan to kill them with hunger , thirst, and we do not accept that God will write us among a nation that is like the scattering of the torrent. We are proud of the decision of our leader who announced a four-day deadline for lifting the siege on Gaza, and then imposed a blockade on the ships of the Zionist enemy entity until the siege is lifted, and in order not to be covered by God's anger, indignation and torment in this world and the hereafter We are ready to confront all the tyrants of the earth without hesitation, fear, and to offer all the sacrifices for this, because whatever they amount to is nothing in front of the consequences that follow those who fail to act in this world and the hereafter, but we are fully and absolutely certain that God's promise of victory for His faithful, patient, mujahideen servants will be realized (and it was true for us to win the victory of the believers). Third and finally: We declare our comprehensive action in the face of the aggression and the recent US escalation by military escalation, general mobilization, economic boycott of the enemies, spending in the way of Allah, protecting the internal front of our country, and moving in various fields, specialties and fronts until Allah writes the promised victory for us, disgraces the criminal and arrogant enemies, breaks their flags, and fails all their goals, with His permission, transformation and power, as He is the guardian and the one who is able to do so. We ask Allah Almighty for victory and relief for the oppressed Palestinian Muslim people and their dear mujahideen, mercy for the martyrs, healing for the wounded, salvation for the prisoners, victory and support for the mujahideen. We also ask Him to give us His victory in the face of the oppressive tyrants of the age, the criminal arrogant America, Israel and those in their orbit, and to have mercy on our righteous martyrs, heal our wounded and release our prisoners, as He is the one who hears our prayers. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
