US Middle East policy exacerbates instability in region: former Iraqi official

China

US Middle East policy exacerbates instability in region: former Iraqi official

2024-11-04 15:30 Last Updated At：11-05 00:27

U.S. Middle East policy has exacerbated divisions in the region, worsened relations between Iran and Israel and brought instability to the region, a former Iraqi official said on Sunday in Baghdad.

Iran has promised a "crushing response" to Israel's attacks. The response may involve strikes conducted by Iran-supported Iraqi militia groups, according to U.S. media.

Abdul Karim Khalaf, former spokesman for the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, said he expects the retaliation to be limited in scale, noting that the U.S. election season may provide a window of opportunity. However, he cautioned that the situation is at dire risk of spiraling out of control.

"The United States is currently focusing on election results. Discussions related to Israel will be postponed until after November 5. I think Iran's retaliation against Israel this time will target military facilities and some key areas, which is similar to previous strikes, aiming at demonstrating its deterrence. If Israel strikes back again, there is no doubt that the Middle East will see another war," he said.

The long-standing support from the United States has become a diplomatic shield for Israel, enabling it to take unilateral military actions, said Khalaf. In his view, U.S. Middle East policy has exacerbated divisions in the region, worsening relations between Iran and Israel and bringing instability to the security of the entire Middle East region. "In this tumultuous situation, Israel is stirring up conflict and disrupting the entire Middle East region, relying on the support of the West, including the United States and its allies. The backing of Western countries led by the United States enables Israel to become a representative of Western interests in the Middle East, serving their hegemonic ambitions," said Khalaf.

The hostile relationship between Iran and Israel is spiraling into a vicious cycle, he said, adding that the de-escalation of the conflict requires concrete support from the international community in diplomatic mediation.

"The only way to achieve de-escalation is for Israel to set aside its arrogance and fully acknowledge and grant the Palestinian people their due rights," said the former Iraqi official.

Khalaf also noted that Iraq is facing increasing pressure during this process due to its geopolitical position.

Robot martial arts performance at CMG Spring Festival Gala wows UAE audience

The international tourists and locals in Dubai, capital of the United Arab Emirates, were amazed by the spectacular martial arts performance delivered by a group of humanoid robots at the 2026 China Media Group (CMG) Spring Festival Gala, which was televised on Monday.

The highly-energetic display saw the versatile robots and young Kung Fu practitioners perform a series of impressive choreographed stunts and synchronized moves in a breathtaking stage segment.

The robots also used traditional Kung Fu weapons such as swords and nunchuks, demonstrating impressive speed, balance, coordination and precision as they executed the pulsating performance in style.

The energetic performance amazed customers at the Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall in the world, as the landmark was decorated to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

The audience were glued to a giant screen set on the first floor of the shopping mall and kept taking photos of the most breath-taking moments.

"Very impressive that the technology is that far. Robotics can fight like human beings, especially, all these, how to say, getting in balance that fast, making balance," said an Austrian tourist.

Some audience said the whole gala is full of Chinese characteristics.

"We think all the programs, including singing and sketches, are exactly the shows that we, the Chinese people, will love," said Kan Xingshu, an overseas Chinese from the United States.

The locals in the Dubai International City, one of the largest residential areas for Chinese people in the UAE capital, were also impressed by the robot martial arts performance.

The gala, which was presented on Monday afternoon local time through a giant screen set up at the community, attracted a large audience.

"I'm very astonished by this robot show. I couldn't believe it is real, but as we see it's real. It's very genius show," said a member of the audience.

Commonly known as "Chunwan" in Chinese, the gala has been broadcast live every Chinese New Year's Eve since 1983 and has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the most-watched annual television program on the planet.

The Spring Festival is the most important traditional holiday for the Chinese people. It falls on Tuesday this year, ushering in a Year of the Horse -- the seventh of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac.

The Spring Festival itself was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2024.