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Iraq politics

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says the current problems in neighboring Iraq must be solved through legal channels. He made the remark in a meeting with his visiting Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein, just hours before the latest spike in political violence in the Arab country. Iran's top diplomat highlighted the need for preserving Iraq’s stability, peace and national unity. Amir-Abdollahian called on all political groups to show respect for Iraq’s legal institutions and the government’s authority. Iraq has been in a political deadlock since last October’s general elections with rival parties failing to agree on the formation of a new government. During his meeting with Amir-Abdollahian, the Iraqi foreign minister, stressed that the security of Iran and Iraq are intertwined. Hussein emphasized that his country won’t allow its territory to be used as a platform for threats against Iran.

Iraq political turmoil

Iraq is once again in the grip of worsening political turmoil. Deadly clashes erupted in the capital Baghdad after cleric Moqtada al-Sadr announced he is withdrawing from politics. As many as 15 people have lost their lives and some 350 others have been injured in clashes after Sadr’s supporters broke into Baghdad's fortified Green Zone. Security forces fired tear gas to disperse the crowd and sounds of gunshots were also heard in the city. It prompted the suspension of cabinet sessions until further notice. Iraq’s Joint Operations Command has imposed a curfew in the capital. Earlier in the day, Sadr said he is quitting politics in response to a prolonged political deadlock.

US damage to Syria economy

Syria says the US, terrorists and separatists have cost it over 107 billion dollars in losses in the oil, gas and minerals sectors since 2011. The Syrian Foreign Ministry made the announcement in separate letters to the secretary general of the United Nations and the president of the Security Council. It said terrorist groups and separatist Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria are looting, smuggling and illegally trading the country’s resources. The ministry stressed that such violations are committed under the protection and with the support of US forces illegally present in Syria. It said the so-called international coalition led by the US has also been carrying out bombing and aggression on Syrian oil and gas facilities. Damascus said Syria’s oil, gas and minerals production has also plummeted due to such hostile actions. The ministry called on the UN to deal with the humanitarian and economic situation in Syria with more seriousness and efficiency.

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