Tishwash: The withdrawal of the US coalition… Is the war over or has new influence begun?
The US Embassy in Iraq announced on Monday that the withdrawal of the international coalition from the country does not mark the end of its work against the terrorist organization ISIS, noting that its military mission will transform into a bilateral security partnership with Iraqi security forces.
In statements to Al Jazeera, monitored by Al-Mustaqilla, the embassy confirmed that the international coalition will continue its civilian efforts worldwide, raising questions about the form and extent of future US intervention in Iraq and the extent to which this partnership will impact Iraqi sovereignty.
Observers believe this shift may represent a less obvious reshuffle of the US presence, but it could continue to shape the course of politics and security in Iraq. While others believe the bilateral security partnership could give Iraqi forces an opportunity to independently enhance their capabilities to counter terrorism, the ambiguity surrounding the nature of this partnership raises concerns about the continued indirect influence of foreign powers.
Amid these statements, the most prominent question remains: Is the coalition’s withdrawal a real step toward Iraq regaining its independent security decision-making, or merely a change in form without any change in reality? link
Tishwash: Demonstration announcement in Basra: We will not remain silent any longer.
The Nahr al-Ezz tribes in the Thaghr district, north of Basra in the far south of Iraq, announced this evening, Monday, a demonstration to demand services and job opportunities, starting on August 24. While warning against neglecting the implementation of rights, they affirmed their commitment to continuing until their rights are fully and undiminished.
This came in a statement by the leader of the Shaghanbi, Al-Bubakhit and Al-Hilijiya tribes movement, Sheikh Ali Sabah Hatem Al-Shaghanbi, received by Shafaq News Agency.
Addressing the people of Basra, the statement said, “Enough is enough. For many years, we have suffered the bitterness of deprivation and marginalization, with no health care, no education, no electricity, no services, and no job opportunities that would preserve the dignity of our youth.”
He added, “We previously stood in front of the West Qurna 2 oil fields and raised our voices sincerely, but they met us with silence, disregard, and deadly indifference. Today, we say it loud and clear: Our rights will not be granted; we will seize them by force.”
He continued: “We warn anyone who underestimates the will of the people of Nahr al-Ezz: the patience of the patient has limits, and if the patient becomes angry, his revolution will not be stopped by a false promise or a deceptive speech.” He stressed: “We, the people of Nahr al-Ezz, will not retreat, and we will not remain silent from today on, and we will continue until we obtain our full and undiminished rights, no matter the cost.”
The statement declared, “Our date is Sunday, August 24, a day when everyone will hear the voice of the oppressed, the voice of truth, the voice of the river of glory. And tomorrow is near.”
Northern areas of Basra province, particularly the districts of Al-Thaghr and Al-Sadiq, and the Al-Qurna district, have witnessed a series of demonstrations and sit-ins over the past few months, protesting what residents describe as “deliberate marginalization and neglect” by the local and federal governments.
Protesters’ demands ranged from improving basic services, providing job opportunities, and addressing the dangerous environmental pollution resulting from oil extraction operations, which have destroyed agricultural areas and spread disease. There have been repeated threats to shut down oil fields if the situation continues to be ignored. link
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Tishwash: Iraqi banks eye capital boost extension
An economist expects the capital increase period for Iraqi banks “covered by reform” to be extended.
Economic expert Mustafa Akram Hantoush confirmed on Monday that the Central Bank of Iraq and the Iraqi banking system are going through a critical phase, suggesting that the deadline for increasing the capital of banks subject to reform will likely be extended to three years, instead of the previous deadline of the end of this year.
Hantoush told Shafaq News Agency, “The Central Bank contracted last year with Oliver Wyman to conduct a comprehensive study of the banking sector,” noting that “the company has completed its study.”
He added, “The preliminary report was submitted three weeks ago, while the final report was recently issued. It included a package of mechanisms to address banking challenges and regulate dollar transactions. These mechanisms are currently under discussion between the Central Bank and the company.”
Hantoush pointed out that “the recommendations included raising the capital of all Iraqi banks to 400 billion dinars, in addition to paying $2.4 million over four years for banks, under conditions most notably merger or liquidation, as well as restructuring the capital so that relatives’ stake does not exceed 10%.”
He pointed out that “these conditions pose a significant challenge to the sanctioned banks, making it difficult to comply with the required increase,” emphasizing that “the matter requires discussions between the Central Bank and these banks to reach an acceptable formula.”
The economic expert expects that “the Central Bank will open a new dialogue with the consulting firm to reach a compromise, either by extending the capital increase period to more than three years, or by reducing the required amounts to be closer to the capabilities of Iraqi banks.” link
