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Shafaq News
15 hours ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraq: Air defense deals imminent with US, France, South Korea
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraq is in negotiations with five countries, including the United States, France, and South Korea, to acquire advanced air defense and radar systems, a parliamentary official said on Saturday. Ali al-Bandawi, a member of Parliament's Security and Defense Committee, confirmed to Shafaq News that Baghdad has launched formal talks aimed at strengthening the country's airspace protection with the three named countries, in addition to two others not yet publicly identified. Iraq currently lacks an integrated national air defense network and relies on limited systems that do not cover its full territory, leaving its airspace vulnerable to unauthorized incursions. 'Our country needs a modern air defense system to prevent external violations and preserve national sovereignty,' al-Bandawi noted, adding that discussions cover high-precision radar and other strategic technologies. Iraq's armed forces have relied on foreign defense procurement since the early 2000s, with recent efforts focused on rebuilding deterrence amid regional instability and increasing pressure to assert airspace sovereignty—particularly following repeated breaches during the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel. Fighter jets, drones, and missiles crossed Iraqi skies during the clashes, drawing domestic criticism over Baghdad's inability to intercept threats. In response, Iraqi forces positioned short-range air defense units near a southern oil facility to shield critical infrastructure. Additionally, the country signed a $118M defense contract with US-based defense contractor Vectrus Systems to support its fleet of F-16 fighter jets.
Shafaq News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
From Iran's fire to Iraq's streets: US strike raises war stakes
Shafaq News/ A sudden American military intervention has added a new layer of complexity to the escalating war between Israel and Iran—one whose consequences will become clearer with Iran's anticipated response. The US airstrikes, launched early Sunday on Iranian nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, raised fears of a broader regional war that could engulf neighboring countries, including Iraq. President Donald Trump described the strikes as "spectacular military success,' while Tehran condemned them as 'a blatant act of aggression and a violation of international law,' vowing retaliation. As the region braces for Iran's next move, analysts warn that the trajectory of the conflict now hinges on the scale and nature of that response—whether it remains calculated or ignites open confrontation. Iraq: Neutral No More? In Baghdad, the escalation has triggered alarm. First Deputy Head of the Iraqi Parliament's Security and Defense Committee, Karim Abu Souda, urged a firm policy of nonalignment. ' Iraq has no role in the war between Israel and our neighbor Iran,' he told Shafaq News. 'It's vital to stay out of this to protect our stability and avoid turning the country into a battlefield.' Yet that neutrality is under pressure. Politician Aed al-Hilali warned that US involvement risks dragging Iraq into the fray. 'We're standing at a dangerous crossroads,' he expressed to our agency. 'The [Iraqi pro-Iranian] armed factions ' threats are not mere statements. They indicate the real possibility of Iraq becoming a frontline in this escalating conflict.' About 2,500 American troops remain deployed in Iraq under the mandate of supporting Iraqi forces and the Global Coalition against ISIS. Pro-Iran Groups Monitor US Role While some factions in Iraq have stayed silent, others have hinted at readiness to act. Sheikh Kazem al-Fartousi, spokesperson for Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, declined to comment on the US strikes but affirmed Iran's right to defend itself. 'The war hasn't stopped,' he told Shafaq News. From Yemen, Ansarallah (Houthis) political bureau member Abdullah Mohammed al-Naami confirmed unwavering support for Tehran. 'Since day one, we've stood with Iran,' he said in an interview with our agency. 'If the US throws itself into the fight, we're prepared to strike American warships in the Red Sea.' Al-Naami argued that Tehran and its allies are responding to aggression, not provoking it. 'The Axis is acting in self-defense. The decision to end this war lies with the aggressor.' All Eyes on Iran International relations analyst Hussein Shaito believes Washington intended the strikes to demonstrate action without triggering a point of no return. 'The US aimed to show it was curbing Iran's enrichment efforts, but avoided destroying the facilities completely to leave room for diplomacy,' he shared with our agency. Washington, Shaito added, likely anticipates a limited Iranian response—perhaps targeting US naval assets or regional bases. 'The scope of Iran's retaliation will determine whether the situation spirals further.' Ahmed al-Yasiri, Head of the Australian Arab Center for Strategic Studies, echoed that view. 'The US strike has deepened the crisis. Whether it becomes a regional war depends entirely on Iran's response,' he noted in remarks to Shafaq News. 'If Iran hits US bases or shuts key maritime routes — the Strait of Hormuz or Bab al-Mandeb — the conflict will explode. For now, though, it's still under control.' The Strait channels 18 to 19 million barrels of oil, condensates, and fuel daily—nearly a fifth of global consumption—alongside around 11 billion cubic feet of liquefied natural gas. Any disruption would rattle global markets, inflate shipping costs, and deepen energy insecurity worldwide.
Shafaq News
20-06-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
US Embassy warning sparks fears of major security shift in Iraq
Shafaq News/ A senior Iraqi lawmaker warned on Friday that a potential closure of the US Embassy in Baghdad could be a 'precursor to an unprecedented security event' in Iraq or the wider region. Mohammed al-Shammari, a member of the Iraqi Parliament's Security and Defense Committee, told Shafaq News that 'the possible shutdown of the American Embassy is a serious indicator that the United States and Israel may be preparing for a dangerous operation, warranting the evacuation of diplomatic personnel.' 'This is an early warning signal that demands urgent political and security preparedness inside Iraq,' al-Shammari added. He pointed to Iraq's limited sovereignty, particularly in defense and financial matters, blaming US control over Iraqi oil revenues for hampering military development. 'If Iraq held its financial sovereignty, weapons, salaries, and pensions would be fully national,' he said, noting that the US Federal Reserve can block arms deals that don't align with Washington's preferences. Al-Shammari stressed that sovereignty is not merely territorial, but also financial, warning that the Iraqi military's weaknesses are rooted in dependence on foreign-controlled funds. Regarding the future of US forces in Iraq, he confirmed there is a binding agreement for full withdrawal by 2026, with a mutually agreed timeline currently in place. Earlier on Friday, the US Embassy in Baghdad issued a statement denying any operational changes at its Baghdad embassy or the consulate in Erbil. 'The United States remains firmly committed to advancing its policy priorities in Iraq, supporting Iraqi sovereignty, and engaging with Iraqi leaders and citizens,' the statement said. However, the embassy had issued a security alert last week warning American citizens of increased risks of violence or attacks on US interests. It advised Americans in Iraq to avoid crowded areas and locations frequented by foreigners. The State Department continues to classify Iraq as a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' destination. Last Sunday, Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah threatened to strike US bases and interests in the region if Washington intervenes militarily in the ongoing war between Iran and Israel.
Shafaq News
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
US hindering air defense advancements, Iraqi MP says
Shafaq News/ The United States of obstructing efforts to equip the country with modern air defense systems, a member of Iraq's parliamentary Security and Defense Committee accused on Wednesday. MP Ahmed al-Moussawi told Shafaq News that Israeli forces have repeatedly breached Iraqi airspace to hit Iranian targets, exposing a dangerous gap in Iraq's military defenses. 'The absence of missile defenses has turned Iraq's skies into a vulnerability." Baghdad recently signed a $2.7 billion deal with South Korea to procure the Cheongung II (KM-SAM) system, designed to intercept hostile aircraft and missiles, al-Moussawi revealed, noting that delivery has not begun, and deployment remains pending. Al-Moussawi claimed the delay stems from longstanding US opposition. 'Washington had previously vetoed air defense imports under successive governments,' he said, urging the current administration to press ahead with implementation and restore full sovereignty over Iraqi airspace. In response to these concerns, Parliament formed a joint committee earlier from the Security and Defense and Integrity panels to examine the delays and summon responsible officials. Since June 13, Iraqi airspace has become a transit zone for Iranian and Israeli missile and drone strikes, and Baghdad currently lacks the advanced capabilities needed to detect or intercept such threats. To mitigate risk, Iraqi forces have deployed limited air defense systems at strategic locations, including the Bazarkan oil field in Maysan province, though a security official confirmed the systems are in passive monitoring mode and will only be activated if a direct threat emerges.
Shafaq News
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Dhi Qar deadly drill drives Iraq to rethink military training
Shafaq News/ The recent deaths of two cadets during a training exercise in Dhi Qar have reignited longstanding concerns about Iraq's military education model, which critics argue remains locked in outdated Cold War–era doctrines. Far from being an isolated lapse, the tragedy reflects deep structural and philosophical shortcomings that, if unaddressed, risk perpetuating preventable losses and undermining Iraq's future defense capability. Legacy Systems vs. Modern Needs Iraq's military training institutions continue to rely on rigid, antiquated protocols that prioritize physical endurance over tactical readiness and psychological resilience. Adnan Al-Kanani, a retired military instructor, explains that military education is divided into two main phases: a three-month 'basic training' at foundational schools, followed by branch-specific academies (e.g., infantry, engineering, logistics, armored units). Elite forces—such as special operations—undergo additional courses, including parachuting and advanced assault techniques. 'Training begins with theoretical instruction and gradual exposure to physical stress,' notes Alaa Al-Nashou, another retired instructor. 'The first 45 days are supposed to focus on adjusting the cadet mentally and physically to the military environment. Only afterward do they advance to intensive field training and combat simulations.' Under these curricula—formally vetted by military education authorities—each session is prescribed by strict 'training cards.' Deviations can lead to disciplinary action or even military prosecution. In theory, this ensures uniformity; in practice, however, oversight is weak, coordination between institutions is poor, and some instructors resort to personal improvisation, perpetuating outdated beliefs about 'breaking in' new soldiers. In neighboring Jordan and Egypt, military academies have shifted in recent years to emphasize tactical simulations and stress inoculation techniques over brute endurance—a model Iraq has yet to emulate, italicized by regional military analysts. Fatal Drill in Dhi Qar On May 21, 2025, seven cadets at the Fourth Military College in Dhi Qar were hospitalized—and two succumbed to dehydration and heatstroke—after enduring prolonged drills under direct sunlight without access to water, despite wearing civilian clothing during their first day of training. Mustafa Ajeel, Advisor to the Iraqi Parliament's Security and Defense Committee, condemned the incident as 'entirely preventable' and labeled it 'a case of gross mismanagement.' 'There was a complete disregard for even the most basic health and safety protocols,' Ajeel said. According to survivors, the cadets were marched across open ground in extreme heat, with no pauses for hydration. By the time instructors recognized signs of distress—confusion, collapse, rapid heartbeat—it was too late. Exposing Structural and Philosophical Flaws Alaa Al-Nashou emphasizes that the Dhi Qar incident was not merely procedural but structural. By exposing fresh recruits to intensive field drills from day one, instructors violated the intended progression from classroom instruction to physical conditioning. 'Losses do happen during advanced training—but not like this, and not this early,' Nashou said. 'This was negligence, plain and simple.' Despite official curricula mandating a gradual build-up—45 days of mental and physical acclimation before rigorous exercise—many training centers still adhere to the notion that brutality equals discipline. Nashou warns that 'modern warfare demands intelligence, agility, emotional resilience, and above all, leadership,' qualities that cannot be forged by running cadets to collapse. On the other hand, Al-Kanani points out that, while formal structures exist, their enforcement is spotty. Inspectors rarely visit remote bases, and coordination between the Ministry of Defense and individual colleges is minimal. 'Instructors are expected to follow training cards, but there is no real accountability when they improvise,' Al-Kanani told Shafaq News. 'Outdated beliefs about 'breaking in' new soldiers are still prevalent.' Mustafa Ajeel corroborates this, noting that inspectors often find discrepancies between written protocols and actual practices. 'We've discovered that some academies ignore basic precautions during summer months,' Ajeel said. 'This pattern predates the Dhi Qar tragedy but was only exposed when lives were lost.' Inadequate medical support and nutrition services further compound the problem. Cadets frequently train on empty stomachs, and medical teams are ill-equipped to handle heatstroke or dehydration. Al-Kanani warns that, without systematic reform, 'Iraq's military education will remain an exercise in endurance rather than a science of readiness.' Government Response and Accountability In the days following the fatalities, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al- Sudani —also Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces—ordered the immediate dismissal of the academy's president, deputy, and the battalion commander overseeing the drill. He convened an investigative board and granted the two fallen cadets promotions to second lieutenant posthumously. In addition, the Ministry of Defense revised training schedules: afternoon summer drills were canceled, and training hours were restricted to 6:00–10:00 a.m. and 5:00–9:00 p.m. to avoid peak heat. The Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee pledged to dispatch inspection teams nationwide. Mustafa Ajeel explained that these teams will 'review training conditions and adherence to modern protocols in military bases nationwide. These visits will help us determine where the system is breaking down.' Calls for Comprehensive Reform While the immediate policy changes address scheduling and chain-of-command accountability, experts insist that Iraq must undertake a deeper overhaul of its military education philosophy. Essential components include: Modern Training Tools: Investment in flight simulators, urban-combat mock-villages, and virtual-reality modules to replicate battlefield scenarios without endangering cadets. Psychological Preparedness: Embedding stress-management courses, resilience workshops, and mental-health screenings as core components of the initial 45-day phase. Enhanced Nutritional and Medical Services: Providing balanced meals, hydration stations, and medical personnel trained specifically in heat-related illnesses at every training facility. Instructor Accountability: Instituting an 'Instructor Accreditation Program' to ensure that all trainers meet global standards, with regular audits and disciplinary measures for deviations. 'Unless these long-overdue changes are implemented, the Dhi Qar tragedy risks being remembered not as a turning point—but as just another avoidable loss in a broken system,' Al-Nashou warned. Al-Kanani added that 'modern warfare requires more than just physical stamina—it demands intelligence, agility, emotional resilience, and above all, leadership. Continuing to treat new cadets with outdated methods risks not only lives but Iraq's future defense capability.'
