🇮🇶 🇺🇸 Iraq Wants U.S. Troops Out Within One Year: https://theatlasnews.co/latest/2024/07/24/iraq-wants-us-troops-out-within-one-year/
#Iraq is pushing for the drawdown of all #UnitedStates forces in the country starting in September, according to sources close to the issue, and has proposed a formal end to the U.S.-led coalition by September 2025. The informal dialogue between Iraq and U.S. officials in Washington this week comes on the heels of a jaw-dropping public statement from the United States Armed Forces Central Command (CENTCOM) on July 16th that the Islamic State is on pace to “more than double” the number of attacks in Syria and Iraq it claimed in 2023. Even then, the estimate of 153 attacks so far this year is considered low, as the methodology only counts attacks ISIS officially claims, and experts say the group has been claiming only a fraction in order to conceal its true rise. The group and its affiliates have also carried out recent attacks in Iran and Russia, as well as in Oman for the first time. @AtlasNewsTelegram
While U.S. officials have noted that there is no formal agreement or timetable, the U.S. has been quietly attempting to extricate itself from decades-long engagements in the Middle East for years. The US currently has approximately 2,500 troops in Iraq as part of a more than 80-member coalition that was first formed in 2014 to repel the Islamic State as it rampaged across Iraq and Syria. The coalition was successful, eventually ejecting the Islamic State from its last remaining stronghold in Baghuz, Syria, in 2019.
It was unclear from the discussions how many troops would withdraw under a deal, but Iraqi sources said they expect “most” to eventually depart, while the U.S. is reportedly considering a trimmed-down advise-and-assist mission.
Iraq has challenged the status quo on coalition forces in the country before. In January, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani issued a statement indicating that the government was beginning the process to remove U.S. troops. “We stress our firm position in ending the existence of the international coalition after the justifications for its existence have ended,” Sudani was quoted as saying in the statement. In response, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin released a statement saying that the U.S. government would look at the presence of U.S. forces in the country while considering the threat the militants pose, the requirements that remain, and the Iraqi military’s capabilities.
Sudani’s statement came just one day after a U.S. airstrike killed a militia leader in downtown Baghdad, prompting anger among Iranian-aligned groups and powerful Shiite factions, demanding a response. The targeted operation, which killed a key figure in the Iranian-backed group Kataib Hezbollah—which is responsible for scores of attacks on U.S. forces in the region—underscores the deeply tactical back-and-forth nature of the conflict in which there seems to be no strategic recourse.
Iraq frequently denounces these strikes, and after the January operation, which occurred in a busy market in the capital city, an Iraqi military spokesman called the strikes “a clear aggression and violation of Iraqi sovereignty” and vowed to “hold the American side and the coalition forces responsible for the repercussions of these dangerous actions that threaten the security and safety of the country.” For Iraq, the continued push to remove U.S. forces from the country is highly politicized, part of reclaiming its sovereignty and demonstrating to hardline factions in its government that it can expel the occupier, while the U.S. aims to prevent Iran and its allies from claiming a victory. The U.S. views its presence in Iraq as a counterbalance to Iranian foreign policy and has served to maintain security in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, which will become much more vulnerable to Shiite militias if the U.S. were to depart.
Full article on theatlasnews.co
#Iraq is pushing for the drawdown of all #UnitedStates forces in the country starting in September, according to sources close to the issue, and has proposed a formal end to the U.S.-led coalition by September 2025. The informal dialogue between Iraq and U.S. officials in Washington this week comes on the heels of a jaw-dropping public statement from the United States Armed Forces Central Command (CENTCOM) on July 16th that the Islamic State is on pace to “more than double” the number of attacks in Syria and Iraq it claimed in 2023. Even then, the estimate of 153 attacks so far this year is considered low, as the methodology only counts attacks ISIS officially claims, and experts say the group has been claiming only a fraction in order to conceal its true rise. The group and its affiliates have also carried out recent attacks in Iran and Russia, as well as in Oman for the first time. @AtlasNewsTelegram
While U.S. officials have noted that there is no formal agreement or timetable, the U.S. has been quietly attempting to extricate itself from decades-long engagements in the Middle East for years. The US currently has approximately 2,500 troops in Iraq as part of a more than 80-member coalition that was first formed in 2014 to repel the Islamic State as it rampaged across Iraq and Syria. The coalition was successful, eventually ejecting the Islamic State from its last remaining stronghold in Baghuz, Syria, in 2019.
It was unclear from the discussions how many troops would withdraw under a deal, but Iraqi sources said they expect “most” to eventually depart, while the U.S. is reportedly considering a trimmed-down advise-and-assist mission.
Iraq has challenged the status quo on coalition forces in the country before. In January, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani issued a statement indicating that the government was beginning the process to remove U.S. troops. “We stress our firm position in ending the existence of the international coalition after the justifications for its existence have ended,” Sudani was quoted as saying in the statement. In response, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin released a statement saying that the U.S. government would look at the presence of U.S. forces in the country while considering the threat the militants pose, the requirements that remain, and the Iraqi military’s capabilities.
Sudani’s statement came just one day after a U.S. airstrike killed a militia leader in downtown Baghdad, prompting anger among Iranian-aligned groups and powerful Shiite factions, demanding a response. The targeted operation, which killed a key figure in the Iranian-backed group Kataib Hezbollah—which is responsible for scores of attacks on U.S. forces in the region—underscores the deeply tactical back-and-forth nature of the conflict in which there seems to be no strategic recourse.
Iraq frequently denounces these strikes, and after the January operation, which occurred in a busy market in the capital city, an Iraqi military spokesman called the strikes “a clear aggression and violation of Iraqi sovereignty” and vowed to “hold the American side and the coalition forces responsible for the repercussions of these dangerous actions that threaten the security and safety of the country.” For Iraq, the continued push to remove U.S. forces from the country is highly politicized, part of reclaiming its sovereignty and demonstrating to hardline factions in its government that it can expel the occupier, while the U.S. aims to prevent Iran and its allies from claiming a victory. The U.S. views its presence in Iraq as a counterbalance to Iranian foreign policy and has served to maintain security in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, which will become much more vulnerable to Shiite militias if the U.S. were to depart.
Full article on theatlasnews.co
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🇺🇦 🇩🇪 Rheinmetall Officially Requested to Build Ammunition Factory in Ukraine – via theatlasnews.co @AtlasNewsTelegram
Rheinmetall AG, a #German defense and automotive manufacturing company, has been formally requested to build an ammunition factory in #Ukraine by the #Ukrainian government. The announcement reads below:
“Rheinmetall has now received its first important order from the Ukrainian government for the construction of an ammunition factory in the Ukraine, which was announced in February 2024, and marks the starting point for the realization of the project. The order for the Duesseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall covers the complete technical equipment of the factory through to commissioning. This involves a total value ranged in a low three-digit million-euro range, which will be booked as incoming order at the start of the third quarter of 2024. It is foreseen to begin in short term and to be completed within a few years. The intention is to start the ammunition production in the Ukraine within 24 months. Together with its Ukrainian joint venture partner, Rheinmetall will also be responsible for operating the plant.”
Armin Papperger, the CEO of Rheinmetall also commented on the request, affirming the company had received the request and intended to fulfill it. This comes only two weeks after it was reported by the U.S. and Germany that they had foiled a Russian intelligence plan to assassinate Papperger. It is likely that any Rheinmetall factory on Ukrainian soil would be subject to Russian targeting and probable destruction.
Read more on theatlasnews.co
Rheinmetall AG, a #German defense and automotive manufacturing company, has been formally requested to build an ammunition factory in #Ukraine by the #Ukrainian government. The announcement reads below:
“Rheinmetall has now received its first important order from the Ukrainian government for the construction of an ammunition factory in the Ukraine, which was announced in February 2024, and marks the starting point for the realization of the project. The order for the Duesseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall covers the complete technical equipment of the factory through to commissioning. This involves a total value ranged in a low three-digit million-euro range, which will be booked as incoming order at the start of the third quarter of 2024. It is foreseen to begin in short term and to be completed within a few years. The intention is to start the ammunition production in the Ukraine within 24 months. Together with its Ukrainian joint venture partner, Rheinmetall will also be responsible for operating the plant.”
Armin Papperger, the CEO of Rheinmetall also commented on the request, affirming the company had received the request and intended to fulfill it. This comes only two weeks after it was reported by the U.S. and Germany that they had foiled a Russian intelligence plan to assassinate Papperger. It is likely that any Rheinmetall factory on Ukrainian soil would be subject to Russian targeting and probable destruction.
Read more on theatlasnews.co
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🇺🇸 🇮🇱 🇵🇸 Netanyahu Pledges "Total Victory" in Gaza, Thousands Protest in Capitol: @AtlasNewsTelegram
"Thousands of #UnitedStates protesters against the war in #Gaza, #Palestine, converged on #WashingtonDC on Wednesday to condemn Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin #Netanyahu’s visit, chanting and marching toward the Capitol before police deployed pepper spray on some in the crowd.
Demonstrators calling for an end to the war that has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians filled several blocks as they weaved through the streets of the nation’s capital carrying Palestinian flags and signs with messages such as “arrest Netanyahu” and “end all U.S. aid to #Israel.” Outside Union Station, protesters removed American flags and hoisted Palestinian ones in their place to massive cheers in the crowd.
Throngs of demonstrators rallied near the Capitol before starting their march ahead of Netanyahu’s joint address to Congress, but police blocked them from getting close to the building. Police said they used pepper spray after some protesters became “violent” and “failed to obey” orders to move back from the police line. Batons were also used during brawls at various points.
Outside of Union Station, at least four protesters were handcuffed and taken away by police. The Capitol Police said about 200 people were arrested Tuesday on charges stemming from the sit-in at the Cannon building. Jewish Voice for Peace, which organized the protest, said many more than that were arrested, rabbis among them.
Families of some of the remaining hostages held a protest vigil Tuesday evening on the National Mall, demanding that Netanyahu come to terms with #Hamas and bring home the approximately 120 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza.
Netanyahu pledged in a scathing speech to Congress on Wednesday to achieve “total victory” against Hamas and denounced American opponents of the war in Gaza as “idiots,” taking a combative stance in a visit the Biden administration hopes can yield progress to negotiations.
Netanyahu used the high-profile address to a joint meeting of Congress to emphasize longstanding and close ties between the United States and Israel. The speech was marked by dozens of Democratic lawmakers boycotting the address and thousands of protesters outside the Capitol condemning the war and the humanitarian crisis created by it.
Speaking for nearly an hour to frequent applause from U.S. lawmakers, as well as stony silence from many leading Democrats, Netanyahu said the U.S. has a shared interest in his country’s fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed armed groups.
“America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together something really simple happens: We win, they lose,” said Netanyahu.
The Israeli leader soon pivoted as he derided those protesting the war on college campuses and elsewhere in the U.S., gesturing to demonstrations happening on the streets outside the Capitol. He called protesters “useful idiots” for Israel’s adversaries.
Netanyahu — making his first trip abroad since the war started — made no direct mention of months of U.S.-led mediation for a cease-fire and hostage-release.
“Israel will fight until we destroy Hamas’s military capabilities and its rule in Gaza and bring all our hostages home,” he said. “That’s what total victory means. And we will settle for nothing less.”–AP
https://apnews.com/article/netanyahu-congress-gaza-hamas-israel-6ea5daf3cd1988b0ad6e874bd450f9bf
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While addressing Congress, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that the United States and Israel “forge an alliance in the Middle East to counter the growing Iranian threat.” Via theatlasnews.co
“All countries at peace with Israel and all those countries that will make peace with Israel should invited to join this alliance,” he added.
He said that he saw a “potential glimpse” of the alliance on April 14 when the US and other ally nations helped intercept drones and missiles fired at Israel by Iran.
“The new alliance I envision would be a natural extension of the Abraham Accords…we should call it the Abraham Alliance.”
"Thousands of #UnitedStates protesters against the war in #Gaza, #Palestine, converged on #WashingtonDC on Wednesday to condemn Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin #Netanyahu’s visit, chanting and marching toward the Capitol before police deployed pepper spray on some in the crowd.
Demonstrators calling for an end to the war that has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians filled several blocks as they weaved through the streets of the nation’s capital carrying Palestinian flags and signs with messages such as “arrest Netanyahu” and “end all U.S. aid to #Israel.” Outside Union Station, protesters removed American flags and hoisted Palestinian ones in their place to massive cheers in the crowd.
Throngs of demonstrators rallied near the Capitol before starting their march ahead of Netanyahu’s joint address to Congress, but police blocked them from getting close to the building. Police said they used pepper spray after some protesters became “violent” and “failed to obey” orders to move back from the police line. Batons were also used during brawls at various points.
Outside of Union Station, at least four protesters were handcuffed and taken away by police. The Capitol Police said about 200 people were arrested Tuesday on charges stemming from the sit-in at the Cannon building. Jewish Voice for Peace, which organized the protest, said many more than that were arrested, rabbis among them.
Families of some of the remaining hostages held a protest vigil Tuesday evening on the National Mall, demanding that Netanyahu come to terms with #Hamas and bring home the approximately 120 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza.
Netanyahu pledged in a scathing speech to Congress on Wednesday to achieve “total victory” against Hamas and denounced American opponents of the war in Gaza as “idiots,” taking a combative stance in a visit the Biden administration hopes can yield progress to negotiations.
Netanyahu used the high-profile address to a joint meeting of Congress to emphasize longstanding and close ties between the United States and Israel. The speech was marked by dozens of Democratic lawmakers boycotting the address and thousands of protesters outside the Capitol condemning the war and the humanitarian crisis created by it.
Speaking for nearly an hour to frequent applause from U.S. lawmakers, as well as stony silence from many leading Democrats, Netanyahu said the U.S. has a shared interest in his country’s fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed armed groups.
“America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together something really simple happens: We win, they lose,” said Netanyahu.
The Israeli leader soon pivoted as he derided those protesting the war on college campuses and elsewhere in the U.S., gesturing to demonstrations happening on the streets outside the Capitol. He called protesters “useful idiots” for Israel’s adversaries.
Netanyahu — making his first trip abroad since the war started — made no direct mention of months of U.S.-led mediation for a cease-fire and hostage-release.
“Israel will fight until we destroy Hamas’s military capabilities and its rule in Gaza and bring all our hostages home,” he said. “That’s what total victory means. And we will settle for nothing less.”–AP
https://apnews.com/article/netanyahu-congress-gaza-hamas-israel-6ea5daf3cd1988b0ad6e874bd450f9bf
---
While addressing Congress, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that the United States and Israel “forge an alliance in the Middle East to counter the growing Iranian threat.” Via theatlasnews.co
“All countries at peace with Israel and all those countries that will make peace with Israel should invited to join this alliance,” he added.
He said that he saw a “potential glimpse” of the alliance on April 14 when the US and other ally nations helped intercept drones and missiles fired at Israel by Iran.
“The new alliance I envision would be a natural extension of the Abraham Accords…we should call it the Abraham Alliance.”
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The War Blog
Photo
Graffiti on the Liberty Bell replica and Colombus memorial at the Capitol from demonstrators as well as a flag burning. During the U.S. Capitol demonstrations in Washington D.C. Also, video of a Palestinian flag being raised after a U.S. one was taken down. @AtlasNewsTelegram
Photos and videos from Andrew Leyden, BGonthescene, Katie Pavlich, Lucas Tomlinson, and Gabrielle Dankanich.
Photos and videos from Andrew Leyden, BGonthescene, Katie Pavlich, Lucas Tomlinson, and Gabrielle Dankanich.
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The War Blog
Video
U.S. flag lowered and set on fire amid chants from pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the Capitol during Israeli PM Netanyahu's speech to Congress in Washington D.C. During protests, other U.S. flags were lowered and replaced with Palestinian ones or set ablaze, police arrested some perpetrators and prevented some flags from being taken. Images from BGonthescene and Andrew Leyden. @AtlasNewsTelegram
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The War Blog
U.S. flag lowered and set on fire amid chants from pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the Capitol during Israeli PM Netanyahu's speech to Congress in Washington D.C. During protests, other U.S. flags were lowered and replaced with Palestinian ones or set ablaze…
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Police arresting and clashing with pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the Capitol in Washington D.C during Israeli PM Netanyahu's speech to Congress. @AtlasNewsTelegram
Video by BGonthescene.
Video by BGonthescene.
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