Irish public broadcaster RTE has announced a second consecutive year-long boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest, citing concerns over Israel's participation and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. This decision follows a similar boycott by the Netherlands and comes after Eurovision organizers stated they would exclude nations involved in armed conflict from hosting the event.
Reports: U.S. told Iraq to avoid area where Israel allegedly built Iran war base
Summary
The United States told Iraq to keep its forces away from the Najaf desert for security reasons while Israel set up a secret military outpost in the area for striking Iran, Al Araby reported Sunday, citing an Iraqi security source. Loading... One source said the Israeli airborne landings in the Iraqi desert 'were uncoordinated,' with another saying Baghdad believed the landing was a U.S. military operation. The Israeli base was reportedly set up just before the start of the war with Iran at the end of February The United States told Iraq to keep its forces away from the Najaf desert for security reasons while Israel set up a secret military outpost in the area for striking Iran, Al Araby reported Sunday, citing an Iraqi security source.
Perspectives
Iranian Official
In flagrant violation of Iraqi sovereignty, the United States ordered Baghdad to vacate the Najaf desert, allowing Israel to secretly establish a military outpost there for launching aggression against Iran. This covert base, set up before the recent war, exposes coordinated foreign interference aimed at threatening Iran's security. Tehran condemns such acts and upholds its right to resist external aggression.
Israeli
Israel established a covert outpost in Iraqâs Najaf desert to preempt existential threats from Iranâs expanding proxy network and its accelerating preparations for direct strikes against the Jewish state. US directives to Iraqi forces to remain clear of the area were essential to shield the site from Iranian-backed militias that dominate western Iraq and routinely target Israeli interests. This defensive measure was activated ahead of Tehranâs escalation, underscoring Israelâs imperative to operate beyond its borders when facing an enemy openly committed to its destruction.
Neutral
According to a report by Al Araby citing an Iraqi security source, the United States directed Iraqi forces to avoid the Najaf desert for security reasons in connection with the reported establishment of a secret Israeli military outpost in the area. One source described associated Israeli airborne landings as uncoordinated, while another indicated that Baghdad initially assessed the activity as a U.S. operation. The outpost was reportedly positioned prior to the start of hostilities with Iran at the end of February.
Western
The United States directed Iraqi forces to remain clear of the Najaf desert to enable the establishment of a precise Israeli forward operating base, designed to neutralize Iranian threats through targeted strikes. This operation, initiated ahead of the February escalation with Iran, supported broader coalition objectives for regional threat reduction despite initial coordination issues and Iraqi misidentification as a U.S. activity.
Pro-Peace
US directives allowing Israeli forces to establish a covert desert outpost near Najafâhome to dense civilian populations and holy sitesâprioritized strikes on Iran over Iraqi sovereignty and safety, risking unintended clashes and displacement just before escalated fighting. Such uncoordinated militarization, misread even by Baghdad as American activity, amplifies humanitarian costs through potential civilian harm and regional spillover rather than protecting communities. Diplomatic engagement between all parties remains the viable alternative to avert further loss of life.
Global South
Iraqâs sovereignty was undermined as Washington ordered Baghdad to clear the Najaf desert, enabling Israel to install an unauthorized outpost for strikes on Iran. The uncoordinated landings, initially mistaken by Iraqi authorities for a U.S. operation, expose both external manipulation and the stateâs limited control over its own territory. Such arrangements reflect persistent neo-colonial dynamics in which regional governments are sidelined to serve outside military agendas.
Actors involved
Sources
- Rawan SuleimanBy Rawan Suleiman
The United States told Iraq to keep its forces away from the Najaf desert for security reasons while Israel set up a secret military outpost in the area for striking Iran, Al Araby reported Sunday, citing an Iraqi security source. Loading... One source said the Israeli airborne lâŠ
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