Latest news with #counter-ISIS
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Iraq's prime minister meets new anti-ISIS mission commander
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani meets with Brig.-Gen. Kevin J. Lambert, the new commander of the anti-ISIS mission in Iraq. Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met with the incoming commander of the anti-ISIS mission. The meeting came after the new commander, Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Lambert, arrived in Iraq to take up his post leading Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. This coalition, which was established by the US in 2014 to fight ISIS, grew in 2015 and 2016 to include dozens of countries. Today, it faces questions about what its mission will be in the future. Lambert takes over from US Army Maj.-Gen. Kevin C. Leahy. Leahy led the coalition from August 2024. He took over from Maj.-Gen. Joel Vowell in 2023. Each of the coalition commanders serves a one-year term, and Lambert is the 11th commander. In 2024, the Pentagon announced that the mission would be in a transition phase, which is projected to end in September 2025. It was never clear what that would mean. Will it mean US troops will leave parts of Iraq? They are only deployed in a few places today, such as in Baghdad and Al-Asad base, as well as sites in the autonomous Kurdistan Region. The Kurdistan Regional Government wants the US to stay. Baghdad may have other ideas. This is why Sudani's meeting was important. Before looking at the Sudani meeting, it's worth recalling what the Pentagon said about the mission in 2024. 'The coalition nations and Iraq recognize that ISIS in Syria remains a significant threat to the region and pledged to continue working to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS." The second phase looks to prevent the return of the ISIS terrorist threat in Syria. Iraq will allow the coalition 'to continue to support counter-ISIS operations in Syria from Iraq throughout the second phase of the transition until at least September 2026, subject to conditions on the ground and, obviously, consultations among future political leaders of Iraq and the United States.'' Sudani welcomed the US officials to his office on Monday. He hosted US General Michael Kurilla, commander of US Central Command, and his accompanying delegation, along with US chargé d'affaires Steven Fagin. 'At the beginning of the meeting, the prime minister welcomed the delegation, which included the new commander of the International Coalition Forces against Terrorism in Iraq and Syria, Brig.-Gen. Kevin Lambert, and the outgoing commander, Maj.-Gen. Kevin Leahy,' the Iraqi Prime Minister's Office said. Iraq's prime minister discussed the cooperation between Iraq and the coalition. He also discussed 'preparations for transitioning to bilateral security relations with coalition member states. Discussions also covered the work of the Iraq-US Higher Military Commission, as well as security cooperation and coordination, in addition to developments in Syria and their implications for regional security.' Iraq's security concerns Iraq's prime minister is concerned about security and also about what happens in neighboring Syria. Prior to the fall of the Assad regime, many Iranian-backed militias in Iraq operated in Syria. They used to travel through Qaim on the border to Syria's Albukamal. When the Assad regime fell, the militias and their Syrian friends fled to Iraq. Iraq is concerned about Syria. It may also be concerned that any chaos in Syria could spill over to Iraq. For instance, the fighting in Sweida led to the mobilization of Bedouin tribes in the Euphrates river valley. Many of these tribes have tribal connections to those in Iraq's Anbar province. As such, anything that happens in Syria can affect Iraq, because the Euphrates river valley is essentially one large area that links the two countries historically. In the pas,t extremists used the valley to enter Iraq to fight as insurgents against the US. Later, Iranian-backed militias went back up the valley from Iraq into Syria. The Iraqi Prime Minister's Office noted that 'Sudani stressed the importance of maintaining stability, avoiding triggers that could escalate conflicts, and upholding the sovereignty of states in accordance with UN charters, international resolutions, dialogue, and mutual understanding. He emphasized the need to activate diplomatic efforts and cooperation to reinforce security and stability in the region.' What happens next is unclear. The US commander presides over a mission with only a few thousand troops. It's primarily a mission that involves some training and equipping of partner forces and some advising. As the US redeploys troops, it's possible that the mission will have fewer than 1,000 personnel in Syria and similar numbers in Iraq. It's also possible the troops will be consolidated to the Kurdistan region and one or two bases in Syria. With ISIS largely defeated, that may make sense for the mission. However, the US role in both countries likely has influence and leverage that go far beyond just boots on the ground. The US role, along with what's left of the international coalition, can be a force multiplier in terms of stability. Iraq's leader is watching, as are the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces and the new Syrian government. In addition, Iran and Turkey are likely watching as well. Solve the daily Crossword
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Syria welcomes US decision to ease Assad-era sanctions as 'positive step'
DAMASCUS: Syria considers the move by the Trump administration to ease sanctions imposed on the war-torn country as a "positive step" to ease humanitarian and economic suffering, its foreign ministry said. In a statement, the ministry said Syria "extends its hand" to anyone that wants to cooperate with Damascus, on the condition that there is no intervention in the country's internal affairs. The statement came after the Trump administration granted Syria sweeping exemptions from sanctions on Friday in a major first step toward fulfilling the president's pledge to lift a half-century of penalties on a country shattered by 14 years of civil war. Thomas Barrack , the US ambassador to Turkey who has also been appointed as special envoy for Syria, met with Syria's president and foreign minister during their visit to Turkey on Saturday, adding the President Ahmad al-Sharaa welcomed Washington's "fast action on lifting sanctions." "President Trump's goal is to enable the new government to create the conditions for the Syrian people to not only survive but thrive," Barrack said in a statement. Live Events Barrack said he stressed that the cessation of sanctions against Syria will preserve the integrity "of our primary objective - the enduring defeat of" the Islamic State group, also known as IS or ISIS . He added that it will give Syrians a chance for a better future. "I also commended President al-Sharaa on taking meaningful steps towards enacting President Trump's points on foreign terrorist fighters, counter-ISIS measures, relations with Israel, and camps and detention centres in Northeast Syria," Barrack said.
The Hindu
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Syria welcomes U.S. decision to ease Assad-era sanctions as 'positive step'
Syria considers the move by the Trump administration to ease sanctions imposed on the war-torn country as a 'positive step' to ease humanitarian and economic suffering, its Foreign Ministry said. In a statement, the Ministry said Syria 'extends its hand' to anyone that wants to cooperate with Damascus, on the condition that there is no intervention in the country's internal affairs. The statement came after the Trump administration granted Syria sweeping exemptions from sanctions on Friday (May 23, 2025) in a major first step toward fulfilling the president's pledge to lift a half-century of penalties on a country shattered by 14 years of civil war. Thomas Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkiye who has also been appointed as special envoy for Syria, met with Syria's president and foreign minister during their visit to Turkiye on Saturday, adding the President Ahmad al-Sharaa welcomed Washington's 'fast action on lifting sanctions.' 'President Trump's goal is to enable the new government to create the conditions for the Syrian people to not only survive but thrive,' Mr. Barrack said in a statement. Mr. Barrack said he stressed that the cessation of sanctions against Syria will preserve the integrity 'of our primary objective — the enduring defeat of' the Islamic State group, also known as IS or ISIS. He added that it will give Syrians a chance for a better future. 'I also commended President al-Sharaa on taking meaningful steps towards enacting President Trump's points on foreign terrorist fighters, counter-ISIS measures, relations with Israel, and camps and detention centres in Northeast Syria,' Mr. Barrack said. He was referring to detention centres where thousands of IS members are held and two camps where their families stay in areas currently controlled by the U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. A measure by the State Department waived for six months a tough set of sanctions imposed by Congress in 2019. A Treasury Department action suspended enforcement of sanctions against anyone doing business with a range of Syrian individuals and entities, including Syria's central bank. The congressional sanctions, known as the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, had aimed to isolate Syria's previous rulers by effectively expelling those doing business with them from the global financial system. They specifically block post-war reconstruction, so while they can be waived for 180 days by executive order, investors are likely to be wary of reconstruction projects when sanctions could be reinstated after six months. The Trump administration said Friday's actions were 'just one part of a broader U.S. government effort to remove the full architecture of sanctions.' Those penalties had been imposed on the Assad family for their support of Iranian-backed militias, their chemical weapons program and abuses of civilians. Mr. Trump said during a visit to the region earlier this month that the US would roll back the heavy financial penalties in a bid to give the interim government a better chance of survival. Damascus resident Nael Kaddah said now that the sanctions are being eased, the country will flourish again. He said Syrians will be able to transfer money freely, unlike in the past when there were several companies that monopolized the business and took large commissions on transfers. 'Now any citizen can receive a transfer from anywhere in the world,' he said. Syria's foreign ministry said dialogue and diplomacy are the best way to build 'balanced relations that achieve the interest of the people and strengthen security and stability in the region.' It added that the coming period in Syria will be reconstruction and restoring 'Syria's natural status' in the region and around the world.
Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Syria welcomes US decision to ease Assad-era sanctions as ‘positive step'
Syria considers the move by the Trump administration to ease sanctions imposed on the war-torn country as a 'positive step' to ease humanitarian and economic suffering, its foreign ministry said Saturday. In a statement, the ministry said Syria 'extends its hand' to anyone that wants to cooperate with Damascus, on the condition that there is no intervention in the country's internal affairs. The statement came after the Trump administration granted Syria sweeping exemptions from sanctions on Friday in a major first step toward fulfilling the president's pledge to lift a half-century of penalties on a country shattered by 14 years of civil war. Thomas Barrack , the US ambassador to Turkey who has also been appointed as special envoy for Syria, met with Syria's president and foreign minister during their visit to Turkey on Saturday, adding the President Ahmad al-Sharaa welcomed Washington's 'fast action on lifting sanctions.' 'President Trump's goal is to enable the new government to create the conditions for the Syrian people to not only survive but thrive,' Barrack said in a statement. Barrack said he stressed that the cessation of sanctions against Syria will preserve the integrity 'of our primary objective — the enduring defeat of' the Islamic State group, also known as IS or ISIS. He added that it will give Syrians a chance for a better future. 'I also commended President al-Sharaa on taking meaningful steps towards enacting President Trump's points on foreign terrorist fighters, counter-ISIS measures, relations with Israel, and camps and detention centers in Northeast Syria,' Barrack said. He was referring to detention centers where thousands of IS members are held and two camps where their families stay in areas currently controlled by the U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. A measure by the State Department waived for six months a tough set of sanctions imposed by Congress in 2019. A Treasury Department action suspended enforcement of sanctions against anyone doing business with a range of Syrian individuals and entities, including Syria's central bank. The congressional sanctions, known as the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, had aimed to isolate Syria's previous rulers by effectively expelling those doing business with them from the global financial system. They specifically block postwar reconstruction, so while they can be waived for 180 days by executive order, investors are likely to be wary of reconstruction projects when sanctions could be reinstated after six months. The Trump administration said Friday's actions were 'just one part of a broader U.S. government effort to remove the full architecture of sanctions.' Those penalties had been imposed on the Assad family for their support of Iranian-backed militias, their chemical weapons program and abuses of civilians. Trump said during a visit to the region earlier this month that the U.S. would roll back the heavy financial penalties in a bid to give the interim government a better chance of survival. Damascus resident Nael Kaddah said now that the sanctions are being eased, the country will flourish again. He said Syrians will be able to transfer money freely, unlike in the past when there were several companies that monopolized the business and took large commissions on transfers. 'Now any citizen can receive a transfer from anywhere in the world,' he said. Syria's foreign ministry said dialogue and diplomacy are the best way to build 'balanced relations that achieve the interest of the people and strengthen security and stability in the region.' It added that the coming period in Syria will be reconstruction and restoring 'Syria's natural status' in the region and around the world.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Breaking news live updates, May 25: Syria welcomes US decision to ease Assad-era sanctions as a 'positive step'
07:09 (IST) May 25 Syria considers the move by the Trump administration to ease sanctions imposed on the war-torn country as a 'positive step' to ease humanitarian and economic suffering, its foreign ministry said Saturday. In a statement, the ministry said Syria 'extends its hand' to anyone that wants to cooperate with Damascus, on the condition that there is no intervention in the country's internal affairs. The statement came after the Trump administration granted Syria sweeping exemptions from sanctions on Friday in a major first step toward fulfilling the president's pledge to lift a half-century of penalties on a country shattered by 14 years of civil war. Thomas Barrack , the U.S. ambassador to Turkey who has also been appointed as special envoy for Syria, met with Syria's president and foreign minister during their visit to Turkey on Saturday, adding the President Ahmad al-Sharaa welcomed Washington's 'fast action on lifting sanctions.' 'President Trump's goal is to enable the new government to create the conditions for the Syrian people to not only survive but thrive,' Barrack said in a statement. Barrack said he stressed that the cessation of sanctions against Syria will preserve the integrity 'of our primary objective — the enduring defeat of' the Islamic State group, also known as IS or ISIS. He added that it will give Syrians a chance for a better future. 'I also commended President al-Sharaa on taking meaningful steps towards enacting President Trump's points on foreign terrorist fighters, counter-ISIS measures, relations with Israel, and camps and detention centers in Northeast Syria,' Barrack said. He was referring to detention centers where thousands of IS members are held and two camps where their families stay in areas currently controlled by the U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. A measure by the State Department waived for six months a tough set of sanctions imposed by Congress in 2019. A Treasury Department action suspended enforcement of sanctions against anyone doing business with a range of Syrian individuals and entities, including Syria's central bank. The congressional sanctions, known as the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, had aimed to isolate Syria's previous rulers by effectively expelling those doing business with them from the global financial system. They specifically block postwar reconstruction, so while they can be waived for 180 days by executive order, investors are likely to be wary of reconstruction projects when sanctions could be reinstated after six months. The Trump administration said Friday's actions were 'just one part of a broader U.S. government effort to remove the full architecture of sanctions.' Those penalties had been imposed on the Assad family for their support of Iranian-backed militias, their chemical weapons program and abuses of civilians. Trump said during a visit to the region earlier this month that the U.S. would roll back the heavy financial penalties in a bid to give the interim government a better chance of survival. Damascus resident Nael Kaddah said now that the sanctions are being eased, the country will flourish again. He said Syrians will be able to transfer money freely, unlike in the past when there were several companies that monopolized the business and took large commissions on transfers. 'Now any citizen can receive a transfer from anywhere in the world,' he said. Syria's foreign ministry said dialogue and diplomacy are the best way to build 'balanced relations that achieve the interest of the people and strengthen security and stability in the region.' It added that the coming period in Syria will be reconstruction and restoring 'Syria's natural status' in the region and around the world.
