Latest news with #Turki
Shafaq News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq reopens Syrian border as Al-Qaim remains stable
Shafaq News – Al-Anbar The Iraqi border town of al-Qaim remains stable and under firm control despite rising tensions next door in Syria, a local official said Tuesday, as Iraq reopened the key crossing point between al-Anbar and eastern Syria. Turki Mohammed al-Khalaf, the District Commissioner of al-Qaim, told Shafaq News that security forces are maintaining high readiness across the border zone, emphasizing that 'the town's stability is thanks to close cooperation between local authorities, tribal leaders, and security agencies.' The reassurances come amid violent escalations in southern Syria's Suwayda province, where recent clashes between Druze and Bedouin groups have left over 100 people dead. Al-Qaim, located along a strategic corridor long used by militants and smugglers, was a former ISIS stronghold before being recaptured by Iraqi forces in 2017. The Iraqi government recently reopened the al-Qaim border crossing with Syria, resuming civilian and commercial traffic after several months of closure. Security at the crossing is jointly managed by the Iraqi army, police, and units from the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), who have maintained a presence in the area since the liberation campaign against ISIS.
Jordan News
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Jordan News
Prince Turki Al-Faisal: In a Fairer World, U.S. Bombers Would Target Israel's Nuclear Arsenal Instead of Iran
A recent opinion piece by Prince Turki Al-Faisal, former head of Saudi intelligence, has sparked widespread reactions on social media after he criticized the latest U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities and drew comparisons to Israel's Dimona nuclear reactor. اضافة اعلان In his article published Thursday in The National, Prince Turki wrote: 'In a world governed by justice, we would have seen American B-2 bombers raining bombs on Dimona and other Israeli sites, because Israel possesses a nuclear arsenal, is not a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and is not subject to inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).' He added that those who justify Israeli attacks on Iran based on statements by Iranian leaders calling for Israel's demise tend to overlook statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has, since 1996, openly called for the 'overthrow of the Iranian government.' 'Iran's threats have brought ruin upon itself, but the West continues its hypocritical support for Israel—whether in its aggression against Iran or Palestine—despite a recent shift in stance by some countries.' These remarks recall a 2023 interview Prince Turki gave to France 24, where he commented on the possibility of an Israeli strike on Iran, saying: 'Netanyahu doesn't need a pretext. We've been hearing for 15 years about possible Israeli strikes on Iran, but nothing has materialized.' In a related development, Saudi Arabia has expressed 'deep concern' over the latest escalation, issuing an official statement saying it is 'closely monitoring the developments in the Islamic Republic of Iran, particularly the U.S. targeting of nuclear facilities.' The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the 'violation of Iranian sovereignty' and called for restraint, de-escalation, and intensified international efforts toward a political solution that ensures regional security and stability. Earlier, on June 13, Saudi Arabia had issued a similar statement strongly condemning Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear program and the assassination of senior military figures, holding the UN Security Council accountable for halting 'this aggression,' according to the statement. (Agencies)
Shafaq News
31-05-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Crippling local economy: Strategic Iraq-Syria border crossing remains shut
Shafaq News/ The strategic al-Qaim border crossing between Iraq and Syria remains closed, dealing a heavy blow to the economy of Iraq's western border province of al-Anbar, according to local officials who are pressing Baghdad to intervene. Al-Qaim's district administrator, Turki Muhammad Khalaf, told Shafaq News that the crossing is 'completely shut down at the moment, except for trucks carrying wheat as humanitarian aid to Syria.' He warned that 'this ongoing closure has deeply hurt the district's economy, which depends almost entirely on trade through this vital lifeline.' Khalaf said that the final decision to reopen the crossing rests with the Prime Minister's Office, urging the federal government to act quickly and restore trade flows. 'Reopening al-Qaim is crucial to bringing life back to the local economy, which is facing a clear downturn because of the stalled trade with Syria,' he added. The crossing's prolonged closure follows the collapse of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government last December and the subsequent withdrawal of Syrian forces from al-Bukamal, the town opposite al-Qaim on the Syrian side. Only Iraqis returning from Syria have been allowed to cross since. For Iraq, the stakes are high. Al-Qaim crossing has long been a key trade hub, with bilateral commerce exceeding $1B in 2024, according to the Iraqi-Syrian Business Council. Last month, Syria's port and land border authority confirmed that talks to reopen both al-Bukamal and al-Qaim crossings are in advanced stages.
Sharjah 24
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
Iman Turki: Sharjah Children promote Shura values
Promoting the vision of an informed generation Turki emphassed that the workshop is part of the foundation's broader mission to raise a knowledgeable and influential generation. It forms a key part of the preparation for the upcoming 18th session of the Sharjah Children's Shura and is included in a wider series of awareness programs and educational workshops. Fostering parliamentary and personal skills She told 'Sharjah 24' that the workshop aimed to instill parliamentary culture among children by introducing them to the basics of legislative work. In addition, it focused on developing essential personal skills, including effective dialogue, teamwork, and cooperation, which are necessary for participating in official sessions of the Sharjah Children's Parliament for the 2025/2026 term. Inclusive participation from across Sharjah Turki noted that the event drew participants from various regions of the Emirate of Sharjah, reflecting broad community engagement and interest in youth parliamentary education.
Qatar Tribune
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar participates in Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum in Riyadh
RIYADH: Represented by the Ministry of Municipality, the State of Qatar participated in the Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from May 11-13, under the theme 'City Partnerships for a Better Future'. The Ministry of Municipality delegation was headed by Assistant Undersecretary for Urban Planning Affairs Eng Turki Fahd Al Turki. The Assistant Undersecretary participated in a roundtable meeting on 'City Partnerships', where he discussed key achievements of municipalities in the State of Qatar, highlighted efforts to develop municipal work, and exchanged expertise with participating delegations. The forum is a strategic platform for promoting city diplomacy and expanding cooperation between Arab and European cities toward more sustainable and inclusive urban development. More than 100 mayors and municipal leaders from various Arab and European cities are participating, along with a number of international entities, including urban organizations, municipal unions, funds, and donor institutions specializing in supporting development projects. Through its sessions and panels, the forum addressed the key challenges facing cities, such as infrastructure, the quality of municipal services, digital transformation, sustainable financing, climate change, and multi-level cooperation between cities and stakeholders in the urban landscape. The forum is organized by the Riyadh Municipality, in partnership with the Arab Urban Development Institute, the PLATFORMA - a platform of the Association of European Municipalities and Regions, and the International Cooperation Agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities.
