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Iraqi News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Large US military convoy departs Syria's Hasakah for Iraq as troop drawdown continues
Hasakah ( – A large convoy of approximately 100 U.S. military trucks has departed Syria's northeastern Hasakah province and headed towards Iraq, Syrian security sources reported on Wednesday (July 16, 2025). The convoy, loaded with military equipment and vehicles belonging to the U.S.-led International Coalition, departed from the Tal Baidar and 'Wazir's Rest' bases in northern Hasakah in the early hours of Tuesday morning. According to the sources, the U.S. presence in these two bases is now 'almost non-existent' following the move. This latest withdrawal is part of a continuous plan to reduce American forces in the region, which has been underway since mid-spring. Previous reports from Reuters noted that U.S. forces had already pulled out of two other bases in northeastern Syria, accelerating the drawdown. Estimates for the number of U.S. troops remaining in northern Syria range from 500 to 1,400, with more recent reports suggesting the figure is closer to 500 soldiers.
Iraqi News
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
France praises Iraq's stability, vows continued security support
Baghdad ( – French Ambassador to Baghdad, Patrick Durel, praised Iraq's success in 'preventing being dragged into' regional conflicts and affirmed France's continued security support, during a speech on Monday (July 14, 2025) marking the French National Day. Ambassador Durel stated that despite regional tensions, Iraq is living through an 'important phase of stability' thanks to the government's efforts. He emphasized that Iraq's security and defense are a 'priority for France,' which continues its presence through the International Coalition and on a bilateral level, especially in training and armament. 'France is always ready to meet Iraq's need for equipment, and we continue to work to support Iraqis in preserving their country's sovereignty, including its airspace,' Durel said. The ambassador also highlighted growing economic and cultural ties, including efforts to link the French and Iraqi private sectors and the recent success of the Iraqi film Kingdom of Reeds by director Hassan Hadi at the Cannes Film Festival. He urged continued dialogue between federal authorities and the Kurdistan Region to overcome challenges, reaffirming France's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Iraq at this 'pivotal moment' in its history.
Shafaq News
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
France reaffirms support for Iraq's stability and partnership
Shafaq News – Baghdad The Frensh ambassador to Iraq reaffirmed his country's commitment to strengthening ties with Baghdad, highlighting diplomacy, cultural exchange, and defense cooperation. In a speech marking France's National Day. Ambassador Patrick Durel praised Iraq's recent political and security stability and the scope of French-Iraqi cooperation across sectors. 'France and Iraq share a strong conviction that diplomatic solutions are always preferable to the use of force to overcome crises,' Durel said, citing France's support for the Baghdad Conference initiative backed by President Emmanuel Macron. The conference is intended to promote regional dialogue amid ongoing Middle East tensions. Durel noted notable achievements over the past year despite regional instability, pointing to increasing collaboration between French and Iraqi businesses. 'We are working together to rebuild strong ties between the French and Iraqi private sector... for the sake of Iraq's economic diversification and sustainable development and at the benefit of the Iraqi people.' The ambassador also highlighted cultural exchanges as a pillar of the bilateral relationship, with French archaeological teams resuming missions in Iraq and Iraqi filmmakers gaining international acclaim. On defense cooperation, Durel underlined France's active role in supporting Iraq's security through its contributions to the International Coalition, NATO Mission in Iraq, and bilateral initiatives. 'We pursue the training of the Desert Battalions,' he noted, adding that France remains ready to support Iraq's military and equipment needs, including safeguarding its airspace. Durel commended Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani for maintaining Iraq's neutrality amid regional conflicts, stating that the country is 'experiencing a period of stability' due to government efforts to steer clear of foreign entanglements. Describing Iraq's population as its 'real wealth,' the ambassador stressed the importance of unity and inclusion, referencing his visits to cities across the country, from Faw in the south to Zakho in the north. He also voiced support for continued dialogue between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to resolve internal disputes, saying France encourages both sides to overcome challenges through cooperation.
Al Bawaba
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
32 Nations unite to break Gaza siege on foot with mass civilian march
ALBAWABA - In order to overcome the current Israeli embargo and provide vital humanitarian relief, a large coalition of activists, human rights groups, and labor unions from more than 32 countries has unveiled a daring plan: a coordinated foot march into the Gaza Strip. Also Read Hamas, Fatah Fight it Out Amidst a Crippling Gaza Siege by Israel The first-of-its-kind Global March to Gaza campaign marks a dramatic uptick in worldwide civil society's reaction to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Both Arab and non-Arab countries are taking part in the march, which is being organized by the International Coalition Against Israeli Occupation. The effort is civilian-led, nonviolent, and fully self-funded, according to its organizers. Over 10,000 people have already registered, and planning teams have been formed in several locations to handle logistics, transport, and language. In order to exert pressure on the government to permit the entrance of humanitarian convoys that have been barred for months, the goal is to be in Cairo by June 12 and then travel to Al-Arish before continuing on foot toward the Rafah border, where participants would pitch up camp. Currently, more than 3,000 trucks that are transporting food, medication, and other necessities are stuck at the border. The march's organizers claim that it is a direct challenge to global apathy as well as a call to action against the blockade. They want to bring attention to what they characterize as systemic famine and genocide in Gaza and to resurrect the historical tradition of worldwide solidarity. The endeavor comes at a time when Israeli policy is coming under more international scrutiny and when discontent with the present assistance limits is rising.
Iraqi News
24-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Al-Sudani: The government took decisive steps in the oil and gas sector
PM Muhammed S. Al-Sudani met on Saturday with U.S. Senators Angus King and James Lankford, along with their accompanying delegation. Al-Sudani emphasized "the importance of bilateral relations with the United States and Iraq's aspiration to further develop and strengthen them across various fields, particularly in the sectors of economy, energy, investment, and culture, within the Iraq-US Strategic Framework Agreement." He referred to Iraq's relationship with the International Coalition in light of ongoing discussions regarding "the transition to a new phase of security cooperation focused on advising and capacity-building for Iraqi security forces." "There is a notable stability in Iraq, which has positively impacted the country's economic and developmental landscape," he added. He affirmed that the government has taken decisive steps in the oil and gas sector, as it achieved significant progress that will enhance cooperation and investment with the US companies in this field. The delegation members congratulated Al-Sudani on Iraq's successful hosting of the Arab Summit and the Development Summit as well as the country's growing role in contributing to regional stability. They expressed admiration for "Iraq's notable progress in construction and development, as well as the government's success across various areas." The U.S. senators showed their interest in strengthening cooperation between the two countries across all sectors.
