Airspace closure causes Iraq to lose $250,000 daily
Committee member Amer Abdul-Jabbar told Shafaq News that over 500 aircraft crossed Iraqi airspace daily before the outbreak of the war between Iran and Israel.
Iraq earned $450 for each aircraft that crossed its airspace, which suggests that the monthly profits were around $6.7 million, as stated by Abdul-Jabbar.
The Iraqi lawmaker indicated that the country has lost additional earnings, such as those generated from arriving and departing planes, cargo, and other airline services.
On May 13, Baghdad suspended all civilian and military flights until further notice, citing concerns of an escalation and significant security threats to Iraqi airspace.
Tensions between Israel and Iran have risen significantly since June 13, when Israel launched a surprise attack on Iranian territory. Tehran reacted that night with a barrage of missile assaults on Israeli military targets and infrastructure.
The exchange of strikes has resulted in scores of fatalities and extensive material damage on both sides, causing widespread international and regional worry, as well as concerns that the situation might escalate into a larger conflict that jeopardizes the region's security and stability.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
Iraq's PMF Law: A battle for state control
Shafaq News As Iraq's parliamentary term draws to a close, a controversial draft law to restructure the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) has reignited a complex political battle that reaches far beyond its military implications. While the Shiite-led Coordination Framework seeks to secure formal legal status for the PMF within the national defense architecture, internal divisions, Kurdish-Sunni bargaining, and mounting US opposition have turned the bill into a flashpoint at the heart of Iraq's statehood debate. The Political Stakes Behind the PMF Law The proposed PMF Authority Law, backed by major Shiite factions, is officially framed as part of Iraq's ongoing security reform. It aims to integrate the PMF—a force originally formed to fight ISIS—into the military chain of command. Supporters argue the law is necessary to standardize ranks, regulate funding, and clarify the PMF's relationship with state institutions. But opponents—both foreign and domestic—view it as an attempt to legitimize powerful Iran-aligned factions and institutionalize a parallel command structure, insulated from civilian oversight. The controversy reflects deeper struggles over the nature of the Iraqi state: whether it will consolidate authority through a unified military, or evolve toward a pluralistic security system shaped by competing political and paramilitary actors. Legal Background and Structural Gaps The PMF was formed in mid-2014 by government order in response to Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani's fatwa (al-jihad al-kafa'i) after the fall of Mosul. It drew tens of thousands of fighters, including from pre-existing armed factions. In 2016, Iraq's parliament passed the first PMF law, formally recognizing the force—but leaving its command structure and internal regulation vague. The current draft law, which has faced repeated delays, seeks to address those gaps. According to parliamentary sources, the amendments propose: -Military ranking and formal structures. -Defined administrative ties to the Ministries of Defense and Finance. -An internal inspectorate for discipline and oversight. -Military background requirements for PMF leadership. -Formation of internal military councils. -Unique financial entitlements for specific units. Yet critics argue that the draft preserves the PMF's administrative independence while cementing legal protections for its leadership—effectively creating a parallel army. Fragmented Support Within Iraq's Parliament While Coordination Framework blocs hold significant parliamentary sway—especially after the 2022 resignation of Sadrist MPs—consensus on the PMF law remains elusive. Internal rifts, even among Shiite factions, center on leadership appointments and control over PMF deployments in Sunni-majority areas. Kurdish and Sunni lawmakers, while less vocal in public, have played a pivotal behind-the-scenes role in blocking the bill. During the July session, both blocs withdrew in protest over the bill's inclusion on the parliamentary agenda. Their objections were procedural and political: citing Article 37 of the parliamentary rules, they argued the bill was added without proper notice, while also using the walkout to apply pressure on broader negotiations. Some Kurdish factions, according to Shafaq News political sources, have linked their support for the PMF law to concessions on unresolved federal-regional disputes, including budget allocations, oil revenues, and control of border crossings. Messages were reportedly sent through intermediaries outlining these conditions for cooperation on 'controversial legislation.' Sunni parties are also split. Most are in favor of not passing the bill most notably former Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi's Taqaddum coalition (37 seats), which has voiced reservations tied to influence distribution and executive authority. Observers note that both Kurdish and Sunni leaders fear the law may consolidate what they see as a 'Shiite army' with disproportionate influence—yet are equally motivated by the opportunity to extract political gains in return for their votes. With Kurdish and Sunni MPs holding over 120 of 329 seats, their coordinated opposition could block passage, despite the Coordination Framework's control of at least 130 seats. The ambiguous positions of independents and small parties further complicate the math, making consensus difficult. US Pressure and Strategic Alarm The United States has expressed firm and repeated opposition to the PMF law. Pentagon officials told Shafaq News they view the draft as a direct enhancement of Iran's influence in Iraq. The US Embassy in Baghdad echoed this stance, with Chargé d'Affaires Steven Fagin warning that the legislation risks legitimizing groups the US classifies as terrorist organizations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a call with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, warned that the law would institutionalize Iranian-backed armed groups and undermine Iraqi sovereignty. This message was reiterated in a State Department statement, which called the law 'deeply concerning.' A report by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy argued that the US would respond by sanctioning PMF leaders with ties to Iran, freezing components of the US-Iraq security partnership, or conditioning military aid on security-sector reforms. Despite the US warnings, the Iraqi government has stood by its position. A statement from al-Sudani's office described the bill as a sovereign initiative consistent with previous legislation for other agencies, such as the Intelligence and National Security Services. The PMF, it stated, is a 'formal military institution operating under the Commander-in-Chief.' Independent Voices, Strategic Fears Former Iraqi diplomat Dr. Ghazi Faisal told Shafaq News that the PMF law is evolving from a regulatory tool into a 'ticking political bomb.' He cautioned that enshrining the PMF's autonomy would fracture the military command hierarchy and facilitate dual loyalties within Iraq's security system. Faisal warned that unless national consensus is reached, the law could trigger a serious confrontation with Washington and contribute to the erosion of centralized authority. 'We risk institutionalizing a force whose chain of command is not fully loyal to the state.' Efforts by Shafaq News to solicit formal comments from major Kurdish and Sunni parties were met with silence. Spokespersons declined to give on-record positions, noting only that 'all matters will be resolved legally within parliament through dialogue.' Government in the Crossfire Political analysts interviewed by Shafaq News say Prime Minister al-Sudani is walking a tightrope. On one hand, his administration is beholden to the Coordination Framework's legislative agenda. On the other, it seeks to avoid antagonizing Washington at a time when Iraq remains economically fragile and engaged in sensitive IMF and financial negotiations. Strategic expert Ahmed al-Yasiri noted that the US views the PMF law as part of a larger regional contest for influence. The fear is that codifying PMF independence will entrench a legislative precedent that future governments cannot undo. Between Passage and Paralysis Shafaq News has learned from informed sources that US diplomatic efforts to halt the law remain active. While the draft may still be revived in a future session, its fate now depends on a complex equation: intra-Shiite cohesion, Kurdish and Sunni leverage, and the extent to which foreign pressure can shape Iraq's legislative agenda. Ultimately, the PMF law has become a symbol of Iraq's unresolved struggle between the logic of a unified state and the reality of competing armed power centers.
Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Basrah crudes drop over 2% amid global oil stability
Shafaq News – Basrah Basrah crude prices fell by more than 2% on Tuesday, even as global oil markets steadied following three consecutive days of losses. Basrah Heavy crude dropped by $1.91, or 2.76%, to $67.37 per barrel, while Basrah Medium crude declined by $1.91, or 2.64%, to $70.42 per barrel. International oil prices held steady despite persistent concerns over a global supply surplus, partly offset by rising fears of potential disruptions to Russian oil exports.
Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Al-Anbar's next chapter: Euphrates Resort opens after ISIS era
Shafaq News A new resort has opened along the banks of the Euphrates in al-Baghdadi, a town in Iraq's western al-Anbar province once associated with war and destruction. For years, al-Anbar was one of the most volatile and dangerous parts of Iraq. In 2014, its capital, Ramadi, and the key city of Fallujah both fell to the so-called Islamic State (ISIS), which unleashed a reign of terror marked by widespread violence, infrastructure collapse, and mass displacement. Iraqi forces, backed by a US-led Coalition and local tribal fighters, fought for years to liberate the province. Now, signs of recovery are beginning to emerge. The 'Sahra' (Desert) Resort is the first tourism project of its kind in the region, combining desert landscapes, Bedouin heritage, and modern hospitality services. 'The concept of a resort was unfamiliar here—we had to build trust,' Resort Director Tariq Abdul Karim told Shafaq News, noting that harsh desert conditions and instability near the nearby Ain al-Assad base led to repeated construction delays. 'However,' Abdul Karim added, 'security concerns are fading as more people visit and share their experiences.' Official registration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Chamber of Commerce helped formalize operations and improve coordination with local authorities. The project aims to preserve the region's cultural identity, hosting folklore performances such as the jawbi* dance and serving traditional dishes like madkooka**, while celebrating tribal traditions central to life in western Iraq. Though still relatively underpromoted, Sahra joins a growing network of local destinations, including Habbaniyah Lake and the Fallujah Corniche, which have drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors during public holidays. Tourism development has become a post-war priority for local authorities; in recent years, projects including artificial waterfalls and public promenades have been launched as part of reconstruction efforts. Indeed, Sahra's opening, alongside those other projects, may signal not just a tourism revival, but a turning point in how al-Anbar is perceived nationwide. * Jawbi is a traditional tribal dance popular in western Iraq, especially al-Anbar. Performed in groups, it features rhythmic footwork, handkerchiefs or rosaries, and is accompanied by drums and reed instruments. It was suppressed by extremists during the war. ** Madkooka is a traditional dish also from western Iraq, made by pounding dates with roasted wheat or barley and sometimes clarified butter. Dense and sweet, it is often served at gatherings or as a festive treat reflecting Bedouin culinary heritage.
