Iraqi PM warns of global occupation at UN meeting

In his address to the United Nations, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani raised alarms about a new wave of occupation and terrorism affecting the world. He focused heavily on condemning Israel for its military operations in Gaza and against Hezbollah, while neglecting to address the role of Iran and its backed militias in exacerbating regional tensions. This omission is particularly striking given Iran's growing influence in Iraq and the threats posed by groups like Kata'ib Hezbollah to U.S. forces stationed in the country. Al Sudani's speech painted a picture of Iraq as a nation recovering from the collapse of the Islamic State, claiming progress in infrastructure and governance. However, the absence of any mention of Iran's involvement in regional crises raises questions about the Iraqi government's stance and its relationship with Tehran. The Prime Minister's focus on Israel may reflect a broader strategy to divert attention from internal issues and the influence of Iranian militias. He concluded his address by appealing for international support to recover Iraq's looted assets and to combat the effects of climate change, which he described as a significant threat to stability. This call for assistance underscores the ongoing challenges Iraq faces, including corruption and environmental degradation, which could lead to further social and political crises. Overall, Al Sudani's address highlights the complexities of Iraq's political landscape, where external influences and internal challenges intersect, necessitating a nuanced understanding of the region's dynamics.