THE EARLY PHOENIX
MIDDLE EAST REPORTS
★ IRAQ
Assad’s Syrian Airline Hijacks Iraq’s Aviation Revenue, ISIS Deputy Governor of Euphrates Captured
1. Iraq’s Breach of the Caesar Act BackFires as Assad Airline Steals Iraq’s Aviation Revenue
After violating the Caesar Act with the Iraq-Syria Air Transport Agreement signed on July 18, 2023, Iraq faces economic fallout. This agreement allows Syrian airlines to operate in Iraq, siphoning revenue from Iraq’s national carrier and bolstering Assad’s regime. Saudi Arabia defended its May 2024 shipment of airplane parts to Syria, claiming they were essential for Hajj. However, Assad’s regime redirected these parts to enhance aviation operations in Iraq, further entrenching its influence and undermining Iraq’s aviation revenue. This support extends Assad’s airline operations, worsening economic impacts in Iraq. Iraqi MP Amer Abdul Jabbar criticizes the agreement for devastating Iraq’s aviation industry and stability.
2. Top ISIS Leader Abu Safiya al-Iraqi Captured in Precision Anbar Operation
Iraqi military intelligence captured Abu Safiya al-Iraqi, a high-ranking ISIS leader, in Rummana, west of Baghdad. He previously served as Deputy Governor of the Euphrates State within ISIS, which encompassed northeastern Syria and western Iraq. This region included major cities like Raqqa in Syria and parts of Anbar province in Iraq, strategically vital due to their location along the Euphrates River. ISIS merged these areas into a single administrative region to consolidate control and impose their extremist governance, facilitating movement and supply routes. The operation is a success in Iraq’s broader efforts to dismantle remaining ISIS networks. Al-Iraqi now faces charges under Iraq’s Anti-Terrorism Law, reflecting the government’s commitment to eradicating terrorist elements. This arrest marks a critical blow to ISIS remnants, though their power transfer methods suggest continued resilience.
3. Iraq Discusses Expanding NATO Partnership in Military Training
Iraq’s Chief of Staff, General Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah, met NATO Mission Commander Lieutenant General Lukas Siewierski on Sunday. NATO and Iraqi officials discussed expanding their partnership, with a focus on military training and cooperation to enhance the army’s capabilities. NATO’s non-combat mission, present in Iraq since 2018, supports the country in reforming its security structures and institutions. The mission primarily provides advisory support to Iraqi military and security institutions, strengthening Iraq’s defense capabilities.
4. Kirkuk Governor Appointed After Prolonged Deadlock
Rêwaz Tahir was appointed as governor of Kirkuk following extensive political stalemates, marking a procedural advance for the local government. However, the decision remains controversial, facing objections and potential legal challenges, particularly from the Arab and Turkmen communities who fear marginalization under Kurdish-led governance. These tensions reflect long-standing ethnic disputes over power-sharing in Kirkuk, a region critical due to its diverse composition and strategic importance. The Kurdish population views Kirkuk as integral to their autonomy, while Arabs and Turkmen, supported by different political groups, resist this dominance. This discord highlights the deep-rooted ethnic and political cleavages in the area. These groups have vowed to pursue legal action, citing concerns over exclusion and potential unrest. Meanwhile, the government has increased security in Kirkuk to manage the situation.
5. Iraq’s Oil Exports to U.S. Drop as Biden Boosts Drilling
Last week, Iraq’s oil exports to the United States saw a reduction, as reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The daily average stood at 143,000 barrels, marking a decrease of 35,000 from the previous week. This decline is part of a broader trend where U.S. crude oil imports from nine key countries dropped to an average of 4.198 million barrels daily, down by 1.356 million. The shift largely results from increased domestic oil production in the U.S., especially with new drilling approvals in Texas and North Dakota by the Biden administration in March 2024. Despite the decrease in imports, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Mexico remained the leading oil suppliers to the U.S. last week.
6. Significant Increase in Rainfall Boosts Iraq’s Wheat Production in 2023
Iraq’s wheat production increased by 21% this year despite significant losses, thanks to exceptional rainfall and modern irrigation techniques. By expanding agriculture into desert areas and utilizing groundwater irrigation, the country has effectively offset the loss of river-irrigated farmland. Over the last century, Iraq’s average temperature has risen by about 0.7°C, with more frequent extreme heat events occurring. Rainfall in southeast Iraq shows a slight downward trend, impacting water management and agricultural planning significantly.
7. Iraq Acquires 14 H225M Helicopters from France
Iraq’s Army Aviation Command signed a contract with France in early August 2024 to acquire 14 H225M Caracal helicopters from Airbus Helicopters. This acquisition is part of Iraq’s effort to modernize its fleet by replacing the older Russian Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopters. The deal includes 12 newly built H225M helicopters and two refurbished H225 helicopters. The H225M is a long-range tactical military transport helicopter designed for multi-role missions, including troop transport, logistics, and medical evacuation. This acquisition aims to replace the aging Russian Mi-8/Mi-17 fleet currently in use by the Iraqi military.
The Early Phoenix Middle East Reports, compiled by ACLS Research Team and Editor Rania Kisar. Share your opinion analysis with us and let your voice be heard. Email comments and suggestions to [email protected] or tweet @levantstudies
