The Sudanese is not satisfied with the policy of the Central Bank.. Will he relieve his governor?
It has been confirmed by researcher and writer Halim Salman that there will not be a change in the current governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al-Alaq, at this time. However, there are ongoing discussions regarding the reform of banking, financial, and monetary institutions. Salman has advised the government to work with the Central Bank to find a solution by implementing corrective measures, such as relieving failed departments within the bank.
Salman informed Jarida that the media is currently abuzz with news about the possibility of replacing the current governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al-Alaq, with another individual from a list of names that have recently been circulated.
During a recent interview, it was mentioned that there are ongoing discussions about reforming the banking, financial, and monetary institutions in Iraq. The interviewee also stated that there is currently no intention to replace the Central Bank governor, Muhammad al-Sudani.
The Prime Minister formed several teams to oversee financial and banking reforms. This indicates dissatisfaction with the current central bank policy and a belief that measures and reforms, particularly those related to exchange rate stability, are being implemented slowly. He added that these teams are tasked with supervising and following up on these issues.
He highlighted that the ongoing conflict in Gaza might have diverted attention from the urgent need to put an end to the corruption of the parallel currency market, which allows currency traders and dollar speculators to exploit the situation. He also pointed out that some employees in official and private institutions are partners in this illicit activity.
During his speech, he suggested that the government should work with the Central Bank to find a solution. He also stated that there must be corrective measures taken, including relieving some of the departments that failed to operate according to the government’s proposed rescue measures. Specifically, he pointed out the Prime Minister as the person responsible for these measures.
Iraq surpasses Saudi Arabia and is ranked third among the largest oil exporters to America
The US Energy Information Administration reported an increase in Iraq’s oil exports to the US last week.
According to the latest data from the administration, the average amount of crude oil imported by the US from nine major countries in the past week was 5.645 million barrels per day. This marks an increase of 392 thousand barrels per day compared to the previous week, which saw an import of 5.253 million barrels per day.
During the previous week, Iraq’s oil exports to the US increased by 169,000 barrels per day to reach 351,000 barrels per day on average.
During the past week, America’s oil revenues mainly came from Canada, with an average of 3,485 million barrels per day. Mexico followed with an average of 1,004 million barrels per day. Oil revenues from Saudi Arabia amounted to an average of 294 thousand barrels per day, and then Brazil with an average of 168 thousand barrels per day.
The administration reports that the United States imports 133,000 barrels of crude oil per day from Ecuador, 106,000 barrels per day from Libya, 74,000 barrels per day from Colombia, and 30,000 barrels per day from Nigeria. No crude oil is imported from Russia.
Question: "Are the new small category notes the next thing Iraq needs to move the reinstatement forward?" No, the exchange rate IMO. Although it would be nice to have them both come out together.
[Community Member Bank Story] I was in Philadelphia, I went to Chase to deposit money and decided to ask if they exchange foreign currency, the branch manager immediately had me talk to a private banker who set up an appointment for me and my husband to speak to a private banker in wealth management... we went yesterday we’re treated so nicely! We were told they currently exchange Dong along with other currencies we hold. She knew all about the IQD and we were told once it’s on OFX - FOREX and the rate changes to call and they will have everything set up for us to come in and exchange. A truly wonderful experience. The bank is in PA.
Sudani is arresting people left and right every day. It's like clearing the runway so that the new exchange rate will land safely...They are trying to drive corruption out of business and they're doing a good job.
Keeping Iraq from war is government’s top agenda, says foreign minister
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Iraqi government has fundamentally worked to keep the country away from wars, as it is not in the interest of conflict-ridden Iraq to slip into another round of instability, according to the chief diplomat.
Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister Fuad Hussein’s remarks came during the inauguration of the 7th Conference of Ambassadors in Baghdad, where top Iraqi diplomats, prime minister, and lawmakers attended.
The diplomat highlighted the “dangers” the Middle East is currently dealing with, insisting it’s in Baghdad’s interest to avoid slipping into a war.
“It is the fundamental of government’s work,” Hussein said, referring to efforts to keep the country from conflicts.
The remarks come as the region is witnessing an unprecedented cycle of Israel-Hamas conflict that is feared to escalate into a regional conflict since Oct. 7.
Iraqi militia groups have threatened Israel recently with rocket attacks if it continues its “aggression” in the besieged Gaza Strip, where over 9,000 people, most of whom women and minors, have been killed.
The Iraqi Islamic Resistance Group even claimed responsibility for a rocket attack on one of the Israeli cities in retaliation for Tel Aviv’s ongoing ground operations in the Mediterranean enclave.
Attending the four-day conference, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani reiterated the country’s “unwavering” support for the Palestinian people.
He also insisted that Iraq would remain a "key factor for peace" and would not be part of conflicts.
Iraq in recent years has adopted a “balanced approach” in its foreign policy, according to the country’s diplomats.
The Baghdad Conference III planned to be held in late November for “economic integration and regional stability", has been postponed due to “regional events”. French President Emmanuel was set to attend.
legislator accuses U.S. Federal Reserve of manipulating the forex market in Iraq
Shafaq News/ Iraqi lawmaker Moeen al-Kadhimi on Sunday attributed the Iraqi government's failure to control the U.S. dollar exchange rate against the Iraqi dinar to the restrictions the U.S. Federal Reserve has imposed on external transfers from Iraqi banks.
"The U.S. Federal Reserve is impeding the necessary daily transfers the merchants need to meet to complete their transactions," the member of the parliament's finance committee told Shafaq News Agency.
Traders, according to al-Kadhimi, "had to purchase green banknotes from the parallel market in order to complete their deals, which amounts to 150 to 200 million dollars daily.
"
"This, among other factors, sent the U.S. dollar exchange rate against the national currency soaring, despite the government's plans and measures undertaken by the Central Bank and relevant authorities," he explained.
The lawmaker said that Iraq should seek long-term policies to free its financial system from the U.S. growing financial restrictions, calling for depositing the revenues from Iraq's oil deals in the central bank instead of the U.S. Federal Reserve.
Al-Kadhimi proposed using other hard currencies in oil deals in a bid to mitigate the Federal Reserve's financial restrictions, which he believes are rooted in political motives.
"Despite the fluctuations and increases in the dollar exchange rate, the Iraqi markets remain relatively stable when considering to the overall monetary situation," he said.
Looks like Al-Sudani is taking a stance letting the world know Iraq is trying to avoid getting involved in this little scuffle that going on in the Middle East. He's make it perfectly clear Iraq's already been through a lot and although they support their brothers over there in Palestine they are not going to get in the middle of this and they are not going to cause a ruckus with the United States...
I still think they're going to go in increments but that doesn't mean you won't wake up one day and all of a sudden you find out the damn exchange rate's been reinstated...
Things are still looking really good for Iraq. They still manage to be keeping their nose out of what's going on over there in the Middle East even though it starting to escalate...
I still think the Iraqi dinar is going to go up in increments. I'm anticipating them to do at least one increase before the end of the year. It looks like they don't have any choice and I'm curious to see what they're going to do...
Al-Sudani calls for a joint international action to aid besieged Gaza in a meeting with Blinken: official
Shafaq News/ Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani met with the U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who arrived in Baghdad on his first visit to the Iraqi capital as the U.S. top diplomat on Sunday.
A readout issued by al-Sudani's bureau in English said the meeting touched on the "escalating events in the Gaza Strip" and "emphasized the need to contain the crisis and prevent its expansion."
The two statespersons called for "coordinating efforts" to deliver essential aid supplies to Gaza in a bid to address the "deteriorating humanitarian situation of the Palestinian people."
Prime Minister al-Sudani reiterated Iraq's "steadfast and principled stance against the Zionist aggression on Gaza" and called for an "urgent ceasefire and reopening of border crossings" to prevent the exacerbation of Gaza'a "humanitarian crisis, which has tragically affected civilians, including women and children."
The premier urged the "international community" to take action against the "daily massacres" committed by Israeli forces, the targeting of hospitals and shelters, and the "ethnic cleansing" of the Palestinian people.
"Blinken expressed the United States' commitment to delivering humanitarian aid to the people in the Gaza Strip, and he emphasized the willingness of the U.S. government to maintain bilateral coordination and cooperation with Iraq to promote regional and international stability," the press release read.
Yesterday, Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah issued a warning that the expected Blinken visit would be met with "an unprecedented escalation."
Earlier today, Blinken landed at Baghdad’s international airport, donned a ballistic vest, and traveled by Black Hawk helicopter to the Green Zone, a remnant of the U.S. occupation of Iraq after its 2003 invasion.
At the U.S. ambassador's residence, he was briefed on threats to U.S. facilities before heading to the prime minister's office.
Speaking to the press after his meeting, Blinken said his meeting with the prime minister was "good" and "productive" and said he made clear that attacks by Iranian-backed groups against US personnel are totally unacceptable.
"It was very important to send a very clear message to anyone who might seek to take advantage of the conflict in Gaza to threaten our personnel here or anywhere else in the region: Don’t do it," Blinken told reporters after meeting al-Sudani.
Blinken said he reiterated in his meeting with the premier that the US will "do what's necessary to protect our personnel and military facilities." They also discussed making sure the conflict in Gaza does not spread into the wider region.
The U.S. top diplomat will travel to Turkey later on Sunday, where protests were already underway.
Blinken, al-Sudani held talks on hindering forcible displacement of Gazans: U.S. diplomat, 5 NOV
Shafaq News/ The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on Sunday said that Palestinians should not be "forcibly displaced" outside Gaza, which has been under brutal Israeli bombing that left nearly ten thousand dead since October 7.
Blinken, who paid an unannounced visit to Iraq earlier today, is on a tour in the Middle East amid growing tension after the eruption of a war between Israel and Hamas last month.
"The Secretary and the Prime Minister discussed the conflict between Israel and Hamas and the need to prevent the conflict from spreading, including in Iraq," spokesperson to the U.S. Secretary of State, Matthew Miller, said, "the Secretary discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza and our continued commitment to coordinating with Iraq and our other partners in the region to ensure sustained and safe access to food, water, medical care, and other assistance required to meet humanitarian needs."
Miller said that Blinken and al-Sudani discussed "the need to ensure that Palestinians are not forcibly displaced outside of Gaza."
Critics say Israel's strikes are often disproportionate, considering the large number of civilians killed. Large areas of residential neighbourhoods in northern Gaza have been levelled by air strikes. The UN office for humanitarian affairs says more than half the remaining residents, estimated at around 300,000, are sheltering in UN-run facilities.
Israeli planes again dropped leaflets instructed the civilians to head south during a four-hour window on Sunday. Crowds were walking down Gaza's main north-south highway carrying baggage, pets, and pushing wheelchairs
The UN said about 1.5 million people in Gaza, or 70% of the population, have been forced to leave their homes due to the bombardment. Food, water, and the fuel needed for generators that power hospitals and other facilities is running out. No fuel has come for nearly one month, the UN Palestinian refugee agency said.
Blinken, according to Miller, urged al-Sudani to hold accountable those responsible for the attacks on U.S. personnel in Iraq "and fulfill Iraq’s commitments to protect all installations hosting U.S. personnel at the invitation of the Iraqi government."
"Secretary Blinken made clear that the U.S. will defend its interests and personnel," Miller said.
Rocket and drone attacks on U.S. and coalition troops have stepped up in Iraq and Syria since Hamas' attacks on Oct. 7 sparked an unproportional Israeli military agression in Gaza.
Our Federal Reserve is pushing the monetary reform of the Iraqi dinar for the new exchange rate...This MR (monetary reform) first started out with an RV (revaluation).In other words they did all the calculations on all the numbers of everything that they had in their reserves...banks...bank accounts, at the CBI...assets in the ground...
The RV has led the MR to the phase they're in right now which is called an RD (redenomination of their currency) - The new currency to replace the 3-zero notes.
The RD is inches away from entering what's called the RI. The RI of Iraq's currency is what will happen after this RD phase.Once you see...they have the redenomination in their hands, then the RI of their currency coupled with an RV of their new exchange rate value...will kick in.
What it boils down to is it will start an international float using an international currency basket..
Blinken Advocates for Humanitarian Ceasefires Amid Calls for Immediate Ceasefire from Arab Leaders
In a high stakes meeting with Arab leaders in Amman, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for an expedited delivery of aid to Gaza and insisted on humanitarian ceasefires amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas. Blinken’s stance, diverging from the immediate ceasefire demanded by the Arab states, sparked intense discussions on the best path to peace in the region.
Arab Leaders Call for Ceasefire
Leaders from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan pressed for an immediate ceasefire in Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. They voiced their concern about the escalating humanitarian crisis in the besieged Palestinian territory, where food and medical services are dwindling. They also expressed fears about the conflict spreading to other parts of the region, potentially pulling Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Iranian-backed Iraqi Shia militias into the fray.
Blinken Advocates for Humanitarian Pauses
Blinken, while reiterating the US’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense, highlighted the need to protect Palestinian civilians. He voiced concerns that an immediate ceasefire might allow Hamas to regroup and launch further attacks. Instead, he advocated for humanitarian pauses that would permit aid delivery and movement of civilians to safe places. Blinken’s stance reflected the US’s commitment to preventing the conflict from opening new fronts.
Shared Goal Amid Divergent Views
Despite divergent views on the best way to achieve a lasting peace, Blinken and the Arab leaders shared the goal of ending the violence and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While the Arab leaders demanded an immediate ceasefire, Blinken called for humanitarian pauses, expressing concerns about Hamas regrouping. The need for a collaborative approach to find a better path forward was acknowledged by all parties.
International Attention and Concerns
The escalating conflict in Gaza has garnered international attention and raised alarm about the humanitarian crisis and the potential destabilization of the Middle East. The mounting casualties and destruction in Gaza have prompted calls for a ceasefire from various countries and organizations. Blinken’s visit to the region, including meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, reflects the urgency of the situation.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, with an immediate ceasefire demanded by Arab leaders. With the international community concerned about the humanitarian crisis and potential destabilization of the Middle East, the need for a peaceful resolution becomes ever more pressing.
Blinken’s Meetings with Middle East Leaders Amid Israel-Hamas War: A Detailed Analysis
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently convened with Middle East leaders in Amman, Jordan, amidst the continuing Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite calls for a cease-fire, Blinken cautioned that such a move might fan the flames of violence initiated by Hamas.
Blinken’s Stance on the Israel-Hamas War
During the meetings, Blinken iterated the U.S.’s backing for Israel’s right to self-defense, while Arab ministers decried Israel’s war tactics. The war has claimed thousands of lives, with over 9,400 Palestinians, including 3,600 children, and more than 1,400 Israelis dead.
Disagreements and Divergences
Blinken’s rendezvous with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas unveiled the escalating clamor of Arab leaders for a truce as Gaza’s death toll teeters on 10,000. Nevertheless, Blinken underscored that the U.S. is not pursuing a ceasefire but humanitarian pauses. This divergence of strategies signals substantial disagreements between the U.S. and Palestinian positions.
Reactions to Blinken’s Approach
Blinken’s appeal for a humanitarian pause without a significant push to rein in Israel was criticized as hollow. Political analysts and Arab leaders argued that a mere pause would not bring peace or end the bloodshed, expressing growing dissatisfaction with the U.S.’s crisis management.
Blinken’s Meetings with Middle East Leaders
Blinken’s ensuing meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey spotlighted the deteriorating relations between Turkey and Israel due to Erdogan’s pro-Palestine stance. Blinken’s diplomatic efforts also extended to Iraq, where he met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, focusing on the safety of U.S. forces in the region.
Future Governance of Gaza
Blinken is also seeking to initiate discussions on the future governance of Gaza after the complete obliteration of Hamas. The U.S. envisions an effective and revitalized Palestinian Authority playing a role in governing Gaza, although the specifics of this arrangement are yet to be determined.
Overall, Blinken’s dialogues with Middle East leaders have underscored the intricacies and challenges of resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict, reflecting the deep divisions and rooted issues that need to be addressed for lasting peace in the region.
The citizens have known for a long period of time that Iraq has the project to delete the zeros from the exchange rate and they don't want to give up their dinar...because they're going to have purchasing power and they're going to make a lot of money from that.
Back at the U.N. assembly they talked about the fact that Iraq was going to be bringing confidence to banks like JP Morgan and they effectively fix the financial system of the world. Iraq is going to be one of those countries that's going to help do thatand I'm looking forward to it and I hope you guys are too...
Things are happening on the banking side... Article Quote: "Visa Direct tool...simple transfers for the citizens. The tool facilitates the demand for foreign currencies." Not just the dinar, Not just the dollar...They're talking about 160 currencies. That's what they said. It's not my words...That's a lot. That's phenomenal. That means what? Iraq is going international with up to 160 currencies...
There's a little bit of turmoil going on with Kuwait...when it comes to demarcations ...Maritime borders are sovereign right too but the most important one is the 'unspoken Chapter VII'.
I believe the unspoken one is because of their currency exchange rate...Chapter VII has to do with the UN and until they are released and allowed to go Article VIII compliant with the IMF...ascend to the World Trade Organization...be able to have a valuation for their oil and gas law...That's what's in play right now...They are going to need an internationally accepted exchange rate...
Popular dissatisfaction with the rise of the dollar again. An economist points to effective solutions
Popular dissatisfaction with the rise of the dollar again - An economist points to effective solutionsWith the return of the rise in dollar prices, popular dissatisfaction and anger are renewed, especially by poor citizens, after the possibility of a stifling economic crisis, which will cause great harm to their miserable living conditions.
The economic expert, Bassem Antoine, said in an exclusive interview with Al-Mutala’ Agency today, Saturday, that “economic reforms, in light of the rise in the price of the dollar against the Iraqi dinar, need a long time to complete what the current government seeks, by untying the dollar knot and ending the major crisis.” .
He added, “Iraq needs to develop the economy in a way that is different from before, especially with regard to the agricultural, commercial, and tourism sectors,” noting that “activating these sectors will contribute greatly to reducing poverty and unemployment rates, and increase the strength of the country’s economy, which will strengthen the value of the Iraqi dinar.”
The President of the Republic - Iraq is no longer a source of crises
Information/Baghdad..
The President of the Republic, Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, confirmed today, Saturday, that Iraq is no longer a source of crises, noting that the government’s program emphasizes attention to Iraq’s relations with the countries of the world.
Rashid said in his speech during the seventh Iraqi ambassadors’ conference held in Baghdad, “I salute you in this important meeting with the heads of diplomatic and consular missions abroad, which we hope will be fruitful in the context of the endeavor to strengthen and consolidate Iraq’s relations with various brotherly and friendly countries in the world.”
He added: “In fact, over the past years, Iraq has achieved important developments in the field of diplomatic relations with various countries, and we have succeeded in overcoming the decline in diplomatic, political and economic relations with many countries that occurred due to the rule of a dictatorship that embroiled the country in countless wars and problems.”
He pointed out that “the government’s program emphasizes attention to our relations with the countries of the world, which is what we worked on with great seriousness in the Presidency of the Republic, and the government also worked on it with precision and care in order to distance the country from the policies of the axes, and in order for common interests and respect for the sovereignty of countries to be the principle that governs it.” Relations are based on it,” adding: “Iraqi diplomacy was able to start from our country’s democratic policy and to resume and activate relations with many countries in order to preserve the traditions of coexistence and cooperation between countries.”
The President of the Republic continued: “The role of the foreign ministers after 2003 and the role of the ministry’s senior officials was also effective and vital in translating the state’s policy and achieving its goals in restoring, developing and activating diplomatic relations with various friendly and brotherly countries.”
He pointed out that: “Today, as you can see, is different from what we were years ago, and today Iraq is no longer a source of threat to any party as it was in the dictatorial era, and Iraq is no longer a source of crises,” indicating that “Iraq’s foreign policy is based on the foundations of cooperation.” To overcome crises through constructive dialogue and by giving priority to common interests, and for Iraq to be effective in resolving crises and helping to create a regional environment that coexists in peace and cooperation.”
He stated that: “On these grounds, many countries have begun to express their keenness to further advance relations with Iraq and strengthen them wherever development is possible in the political, economic, cultural and commercial fields, and this is what we sense from our position in all our visits, receptions and meetings with leaders of countries, and it is welcomed and appreciated by us.” And respect for any effort that helps improve relations and advance them.”
The President of the Republic stated that “what helps to improve relations now is the great success achieved in the security situation and the keenness shown by the government in order to achieve an attractive environment for investment and bridge bureaucratic obstacles to investors. This is what helps develop relations in the commercial and investment aspects and stimulates capital, companies and governments to… Cooperation and investment in Iraq, in a safe, stable and stimulating environment.”
He said: “Hereby, we call upon you, as representatives of your country and the government in friendly and brotherly countries, to further work and openness wherever you are in your countries of work and wherever you find appropriate opportunities to enhance and develop cooperation in any economic, political and cultural field. Sustaining the momentum of Iraq’s diplomatic activity today is an absolute necessity.” It is necessary to present a true picture of the new situation represented by improved security and stability in order to encourage investments and enhance opportunities to bring capital to Iraq, and this important role falls on the shoulders of every head of mission and representative of his country abroad.
He explained: “We call on you for greater openness to Iraqis residing outside the country and to go beyond bureaucracy in this connection with citizens wherever they are, and any of our embassies should be a home for Iraqis.” Rashid stressed: “This is one of our responsibilities towards our citizens residing in many countries.
” And those traveling outside the country for the purposes of tourism, treatment, study, trade or work.”
He stressed that “the development of professional skills is an important factor in success and advancement in job performance, and this is what should be a basic and decisive criterion in selecting foreign service employees.” He noted:
“ We have a lot ahead of us on which we must focus our efforts, and I believe that your Ministry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, possesses the capabilities and competencies that are truly capable of development, and in a way that helps advance the government program and translate this program through good performance and in light of the value of the results achieved.”
AS OF THE BEGINNING OF NEXT MONTH, KURDISTAN WILL ADOPT THE IRAQI DINAR IN CROSSINGS AND AIRPORT TRANSACTIONS
The Director General of Customs in the Kurdistan Region, Samal Abdul Rahman, said, “In accordance with a decision issued by the Kurdistan Regional Government, all transactions at border crossings and airports will be in Iraqi dinars, starting from the beginning of next month.”
Abdul Rahman added that the regional government had previously used the dinar instead of the dollar at some crossings with neighboring countries, adding that there are still some crossings that will be converted to the dinar tomorrow.
The Kurdistan Region Council of Ministers had issued Resolution No. 227, circulated on 9/20/2023 and published on 10/16/2023, which stated: “Based on the provisions of Article (8) of the Kurdistan Region Council of Ministers Law, No. 3 of 1992, it was decided to collect fees.” Customs duties and customs taxes at border gates and customs points are in Iraqi dinars only.
Tweet Suggests Nuclear Threat to Gaza: Implications for Biden’s Middle East Policy
In the midst of the tumultuous cybersphere, a tweet has surfaced, hinting at a potential nuclear threat to Gaza. The cryptic nature of the tweet, associated with the news source Al-Ahram, does little to assuage the public’s growing concerns. The escalating Israel-Hamas conflict, already a thorn in the side of President Joe Biden’s Middle East policy, seems to have taken a menacing turn.
Conflict Complicating Biden’s Middle East Goals
Prior to this stark development, Biden had ambitious plans in sight: further integrating Israel with its Arab neighbors and curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The current conflict, however, poses a significant setback, shifting the focus towards preventing the conflict from spiraling into a regional war involving Iran-backed combatants across Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria.
Efforts to Contain the War
As the war drums beat louder, Biden has been actively engaging with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and regional leaders, including those of Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Key to this containment strategy is the provision of humanitarian relief to Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has made multiple visits to the region, advocating for humanitarian pauses for increased aid deliveries and civilian evacuation.
Conflicting Demands and Regional Tensions
However, the tug of war between the conflicting demands of various parties continues to intensify. Israel’s refusal to allow fuel into Gaza or agree to a ceasefire not involving a hostage release brings it at odds with Arab partners advocating for a sustained ceasefire and increased protection for Palestinian civilians. The conflict has also fanned the flames of regional tensions, with Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthi rebels, and American troops in Iraq and Syria all entering the fray.
The Post-War Gaza Conundrum
While Israel and the United States concur on a post-war Gaza not under Israeli governance, they diverge on the next steps. The United States upholds a two-state solution, envisioning an effective, revitalized Palestinian Authority overseeing Gaza and the West Bank. Netanyahu’s office, however, speaks a different language, espousing the elimination of Hamas and dismissing talk of Palestinian Authority control over Gaza as a fabrication.
Charting the Path Towards Peace
Amidst these diplomatic impasses and the quest for a ceasefire, the groundwork for post-war governance in Gaza and the realization of a two-state solution must be laid. This involves ensuring no further radicalization and empowerment of regional extremists. Arab states will likely play a crucial role in formulating a policy response to address the underlying issues and chart a path towards lasting peace in the region.