Latest news with #AsharqAlAwsat
Asharq Al-Awsat
2 days ago
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Iraqis Stranded in Beirut Face Black Market for Return Tickets
The Iraqi Airways office in Beirut has become a daily destination for stranded Iraqi citizens desperately seeking tickets and empty seats on flights home, after Baghdad suspended air travel amid escalating regional tensions sparked by Israel's assault on Iran. From tourists who had planned family vacations, to patients seeking treatment or workers on business trips, hundreds of Iraqis have been stuck in Lebanon for over a week with no clear path home. The Iraqi Ministry of Transport halted air traffic across all airports last week—except Basra International Airport, which resumed limited daytime operations on Sunday—as a precaution following the Israeli strike on Iran, a move mirrored by other regional countries impacted by the conflict. Iraq's airport authority said it had set up an emergency operations room and designated Basra as the sole return point for citizens stranded abroad. The decision has triggered flight bottlenecks and chaos, with Basra now receiving planes from multiple countries. 'It's a mess,' said Mustafa, one of the many Iraqis stranded in Beirut. 'We were supposed to fly back with my family of six, but our flight was suddenly cancelled, and we were given no details about an alternative.' Efforts by Asharq Al-Awsat to reach the Iraqi embassy in Beirut and airline officials for clarification went unanswered. Video footage circulating online shows chaotic scenes at Beirut airport, where frustrated Iraqi travelers jostle and argue over limited tickets to Basra. 'There's no transparency,' Mustafa added. 'The plane can hold 280 passengers, but only 60 official tickets are sold. The rest are offered by black market brokers for as much as $1,200 each. These tickets should have been issued by the airline for free.' For a 60-year-old Iraqi woman who came to Beirut for medical treatment, the wait has turned into a painful ordeal. 'I was scheduled to return to Baghdad three days ago after finishing my treatment,' she told Asharq Al-Awsat while sitting outside the Iraqi Airways office. 'I've been coming here every day since, waiting for help. I'm ill and in pain—this delay is unbearable.' On Tuesday, Reuters quoted Ali Jumah, Iraq's civil aviation representative at Basra airport, as saying: 'The airport is now open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. by order of the Ministry of Transport to help evacuate Iraqis, Arabs, and foreigners. Despite the airport's limited capacity, our staff and crisis cell are working around the clock.' The Ministry of Transport confirmed it had deployed Iraqi Airways to operate international routes via Basra to repatriate stranded travelers, regardless of nationality. The ministry said 19 evacuation flights were conducted on Monday and Tuesday alone, and it is prepared to increase capacity to bring back all Iraqis abroad. Iraq has nine civilian airports, with Baghdad International Airport handling around two million passengers in 2021, making it the country's busiest. Basra ranks fourth by passenger volume.
Asharq Al-Awsat
2 days ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Iraq Braces for Economic Fallout from Heavy Reliance on Iran amid Escalating Conflict
As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, Iraq is nervously eyeing the potential fallout from a conflict that could have deep and lasting consequences for the country. While Iraqi authorities and political parties maintain a publicly cautious and reserved stance, behind closed doors, concerns are mounting over what many see as Iraq's overreliance on Iran in critical sectors such as energy and trade. A political source speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat revealed that, although officials are holding back from public commentary, there is a growing consensus among political actors that Iraq could face significant disruption regardless of how the conflict unfolds. 'There's an unspoken recognition that many things will change after this war,' the source said. Already, early signs of strain are surfacing. Iraq's Ministry of Trade unveiled a new contingency plan this week to safeguard food security amid fears of disrupted supply chains. Spokesperson Mohammed Hanoun stated the plan aims to 'ensure continuity of essential supplies without significant price hikes,' through the buildup of strategic reserves and strengthened market oversight to prevent hoarding or price manipulation. Security services, meanwhile, reported the arrest of 660 individuals accused of exploiting regional instability. More visibly, daily life is beginning to feel the pressure: consumer activity is slowing, prices of some goods are creeping up, and travel logistics have grown more complex. With Baghdad International Airport temporarily closed, Basra has become the only functional air entry point. According to sources, the cost of returning to Iraq by land via Jordan has soared from $70 to $250 per passenger. Experts warn that Iraq's economic fragility and its deep entanglement with Iran leave it acutely vulnerable. Dr. Siham Youssef, a professor of international economics, explained that Iraq's heavy dependence on oil exports - comprising over 90% of state revenue - offers little cushion in times of geopolitical upheaval. While global oil prices have risen by 8% to 12%, Youssef cautioned that any benefit could be wiped out by rising transportation costs, insurance premiums, or damage to infrastructure. Compounding the issue is Iraq's reliance on Iranian gas for electricity production. If the conflict interrupts Iranian gas flows, Iraq may face severe power shortages, rising costs, and mounting pressure on an already stretched budget. Shipping risks are also increasing, with Iraq's ports located dangerously close to potential conflict zones. Youssef noted that international shipping and insurance firms may soon classify Iraqi ports as 'high-risk,' leading to surging logistics costs. Additionally, the closure of Iraqi airspace threatens not only civil aviation but also the loss of overflight revenues.
Asharq Al-Awsat
2 days ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
US Involvement in Iran-Israel Conflict Raises Fears of Strait of Hormuz Closure
As the conflict between Iran and Israel intensifies, experts warn that direct US involvement could trigger a dangerous escalation, most notably, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint. If Iran were to follow through on this long-standing threat, the consequences would be severe, cutting off roughly 20% of the world's oil exports and 30% of global natural gas shipments. Russian strategic analyst Andrey Ontikov told Asharq Al-Awsat that fears remain real and growing, particularly if the war expands. If the United States is drawn into the war alongside Israel, the likelihood of Iran moving to close the Strait of Hormuz becomes the most serious and effective threat, he said. Ontikov explained that such a move would paralyze global energy flows from the Gulf, sending oil and gas prices soaring and inflicting major economic damage on both exporting and importing nations. The resulting disruption would directly affect international shipping, raise transport and insurance costs, and cause energy prices to spike, further straining already fragile global supply chains, he added. He also warned that broader geopolitical implications are at stake. A regional war involving the Strait of Hormuz could jeopardize key trade corridors, including China's Belt and Road Initiative and Russia's North-South transport corridor. That would have a direct economic impact on both Beijing and Moscow, forcing countries to look urgently for alternative trade routes, Ontikov said. Oil prices are already rising, though Ontikov believes that if tensions ease, the global economic impact could be contained. However, a prolonged or widened war would paint a far more troubling picture. Saudi economic expert Dr. Ibrahim Alomar, head of Sharah Consulting, echoed these concerns. 'If the conflict stays limited, the effects may include a temporary $10–$20 increase in oil prices and limited disruption to financial and shipping markets,' he said. 'But a broader war could push oil prices above $120, causing inflation and a sharp global economic slowdown.' Alomar warned that in the worst-case scenario - where the Strait of Hormuz is fully closed - oil prices could skyrocket past $200, triggering hyperinflation, severe recession, and a collapse in global financial markets. 'Such a scenario could ultimately reshape the global economic system, depending on who emerges least damaged from the crisis,' he concluded.
Asharq Al-Awsat
31-05-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Hamas Delays Response to US Ceasefire Proposal Amid Fears of ‘Lebanese Scenario'
As of Friday evening in Gaza, Hamas had yet to respond to a new ceasefire plan submitted by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, a proposal Israel accepted within hours of receiving it. While Hamas says it is reviewing the plan carefully, sources within the movement indicate several serious concerns are holding up a response. At the heart of Hamas's hesitation is fear that the proposal's language is too vague, particularly the section outlining a 60-day ceasefire. According to Hamas sources, the terms do not clearly obligate Israel to honor the full duration of the truce or extend it if negotiations succeed. This ambiguity, they warn, opens the door for Israel to resume military operations in Gaza at will - much like its periodic strikes in Lebanon - especially after the first week of the deal, when a round of hostage exchanges is expected to conclude. One Hamas official told Asharq Al-Awsat that the proposal is riddled with 'traps' and imposes conditions that complicate matters for the Palestinian side. 'It's not just about accepting or rejecting - the proposal needs clarification and likely some amendments,' the source said. Still, other figures in Hamas say the group may ultimately accept the deal if it receives guarantees on unresolved points, particularly regarding humanitarian aid. The plan outlines the release of 125 Palestinian prisoners, all serving life or long sentences, in exchange for a phased handover of five living Israeli hostages and nine bodies. Hamas considers this number insufficient, both in terms of proportionality and compared to past deals. Furthermore, the proposal lacks mechanisms to ensure the war's end, instead leaving that decision to future negotiations, a process Hamas believes would remain under the control of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has publicly resisted committing to any final resolution. Humanitarian provisions in the proposal are another sticking point. The current draft does not guarantee the sustained entry of aid into Gaza and makes no reference to the protocols established during previous ceasefires. Aid delivery would depend on the pace of negotiations and implementation of the agreement, with no assurance of critical items like heavy equipment for rubble removal. Distribution would also be limited to international organizations such as the UN and the Red Crescent, excluding Gaza's private sector entirely. Hamas officials argue that Israel's swift acceptance of the deal is no surprise. They believe it was coordinated in advance with Washington and reflects Israeli interests above all. The proposal, they say, prioritizes Netanyahu's conditions while offering Palestinians little in return beyond vague promises.
Asharq Al-Awsat
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat Wins Arab Journalism Award for Investigative Reporting
Asharq Al-Awsat was honored with the Arab Journalism Award in the Investigative Reporting category at the 24th Arab Media Summit held in Dubai. The recognition was awarded for journalist Sameh Ellaboody's powerful investigative report, 'The Final Voyage of the Infamous 'Salt' Ship', which examined the tragic sinking of a deteriorating cargo vessel that claimed the lives of 14 sailors, leaving only one survivor. The report offered a gripping and meticulously detailed account of the disaster, shedding light on the shadowy trade of 'death boats'. It drew on exclusive interviews, most notably with the lone survivor Ahmed Barakat, as well as audio recordings and images capturing the final moments of the doomed voyage. The award reflects Asharq Al-Awsat's commitment to high-impact journalism and its role as a leading voice in Arab media, delivering bold and professional coverage of pressing regional issues. The summit also honored Fakhri Karim, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Iraq's Al-Mada Foundation, with the Media Personality of the Year Award for his decades-long contributions to Arab journalism. He received the award from Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the UAE National Olympic Committee. Meanwhile, Asharq Documentary received the Best Documentary Award for its film 'Under the Rubble,' which explores the human stories that emerged from the destruction in Gaza. The award was presented by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, to channel Director General Mohamed Al Youssi. The film was praised for its emotional depth and unflinching portrayal of life during conflict. 'This recognition highlights the power of documentary storytelling,' Al Youssi said. 'We dedicate it to all who lived through the devastation and to those who helped share their voices amid the silence.'
