Thursday, August 8, 2024
Israeli assassinations escalate tensions: Iraq’s stability at risk, 8 AUGUST
Shafaq News / Recent Israeli assassinations of key figures, including Hezbollah’s top military commander Fouad Shukr in Beirut and Hamas’s political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, have heightened regional tensions and put Iraq’s stability in jeopardy. These attacks threaten major escalation across a Middle East already volatile from last year’s Gaza war, according to a US Stimson Center report.
The assassination of Haniyeh in Tehran has significantly shaken the confidence of Iran-aligned Iraqi leaders in Iran’s ability to ensure the safety of visiting dignitaries. A prominent Iraqi official noted, "The inability of Iran to protect Haniyeh has led to doubts about Iran's security assurances." The Islamic Republic of Iran and Hezbollah are expected to respond, though the timing and nature of their actions remain uncertain.
Due to Iraq’s strategic location and the presence of US troops, the country risks becoming a focal point if the conflict widens. On August 5, a rocket attack on the Ain al-Asad base injured several US servicemen, further escalating tensions. Given Iraq’s fragmented political landscape and the influence of “pro-Iran militias,” the potential impact of a broader regional conflict could be severe.
Based on the report, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani faces challenges in navigating this crisis while attempting to keep Iraq neutral amid the proxy war between Iran and the US Despite efforts to mediate regional conflicts and improve ties with Sunni neighbors, al-Sudani's government struggles with internal and external pressures. The planned $17 billion Development Road project, aimed at transforming Iraq into a regional trade hub, faces uncertainty due to ongoing regional tensions and Iranian opposition.
While al-Sudani successfully brokered a tentative truce earlier this year, recent events, including the rocket attack on August 5, cast doubt on the truce's durability. The Iraqi government condemned the attack, but it remains to be seen how such statements will affect Iraq if US retaliation occurs.
Moreover, Arab Gulf states have shown increased willingness to invest in Iraq to bolster its economic recovery and reduce Iranian influence. However, a full-scale regional conflict could undermine these efforts and jeopardize Iraq's progress.
The report further revealed that despite some pro-Iran factions in Iraq expressing hesitation about retaliation, Iran's strategic interests in Iraq remain intact. Tehran’s approach aims for a stable yet strategically beneficial Iraq that facilitates the transfer of arms and funds to Hezbollah via Syria. Although the recent assassinations demonstrate Israeli intelligence superiority, Iran’s fundamental strategies are unlikely to change. The risk of escalating violence remains, with potential repercussions for Iraq’s stability.
As the region braces for potential Iranian and Israeli responses, de-escalation efforts led by the US and other powers, including a durable Gaza ceasefire, are crucial to mitigating the impact on Iraq’s fragile stability.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the standing of Shafaq News Agency.
GINTEL FROM EUROPE BY GINGER, 8 AUGUST
💢Gintel for 8.8.24 - Extremely encouraging update coming from friends who are part of the Triple Cabin Extravaganza, camping destination Europe. 😁
💢 Friends report that they are working on their final Camper's Registration Forms and Permission Slips for their 💦Wet White Water Rafting excursion💦. One Happy Camper exclaimed, "This is real! We're really here! In all these years, I've never seen this adventurous destination so close in my binoculars! It's now fully in reach!"
💢 Another Happy Camper exclaimed: I got a phone call from my Camp Director!! He said, "Hold on! Things are moving very fast now!" 😁 (Triple Cabin Extravaganza, to be clear 😉)
💢 From my beautifully bedazzled bionic binoculars, I spy whales, swimming happily 🌊💦
#HappyCampers #RVThereYet #GLL
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Meri17, Liberty Lounger Extraordinaire, takes the words right outta my mouth. Love what she had to say, so definitely wanted to give it wings. 8.8.24
💢Meri: I believe it was recorded late Monday. (Audio messages https://t.me/c/1553385444/57239)
The window reported by the msm was 48 hrs that day, then they added a few days.
By all accounts, we’re in the window now, which would put the public phase of all of this likely in the next several days.
They don’t seem to be backing off the “war” scenario, so it looks like it’s a go as part of the scare event.----
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Iraq gold reserves surpass 148 tons, 8 AUGUST
Shafaq News/ Iraq has increased its gold reserves to more than 148 tons, according to a report released by the World Gold Council on Thursday.
The latest data showed that Iraq has climbed one spot to rank 29th globally out of 100 countries, up from 30th place. Regionally, Iraq holds the third position among Arab nations, following Saudi Arabia and Lebanon.
The report highlighted that Iraq boosted its gold holdings to 148.3 tons, up from 145.7 tons. Gold now represents 10.02% of Iraq's total reserves.
The World Gold Council also noted that the United States remains the largest holder of gold globally, with reserves totaling 8,133.5 tons. Germany followed with 3,351.5 tons, and Italy ranked third with 2,814 tons. Suriname ranked last on the list with reserves of 1.2 tons.
RV UPDATE : ABOUT THE RESIGNATION OF IRAQ CBI GOVERNOR" BY REINALDO JC, 8 AUGUST
REINALDO JC
Regarding The Resignation of Iraq Central Bank Governor Ali Al-Alaq.
imo-It’s A Great Thing He’s Moving On-Meaning He Has Done All He Can Do Within His Perimeters. He Has Accomplished His Part/Job(Stability).
You’ll Really Think The CBI/Alaq Completed All This Monetary Reforms Just To Let It Go To Waste
This Is A Classified Event.
Remember Everything is Scripted. They Are Trying To Misinform/Disinform & Confuse You.
This Would Happen The CLOSER We Get To The END of This Investment!!!
If Frustrated/Broke-Hold On A Bit More, As We Are Almost To The Finish Line
It’s Inevitable!!!
…My Cigar Will Be Lit In 2024. LFG
