Saied invokes constitution s emergency powers Move risks destabilising Arab world s sole democracy Turkey condemns Saied s actions (Adds edits)
By Tarek Amara and Angus McDowall
TUNIS, July 26 (Reuters) - Tunisia is facing its worst crisis in a decade of democracy on Monday after President Kais Saied ousted the government and suspended parliament with help from the army, a move denounced as a coup by the country s main parties, including Islamists.
Saied s action followed months of deadlock and disputes pitting him against Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi and a fragmented parliament, as Tunisia descended into an economic crisis exacerbated by one of Africa s worst COVID-19 outbreaks.
WASHINGTON
President Joe Biden said Monday the U.S. combat mission in Iraq will conclude by the end of the year, an announcement that reflects the reality on the ground more than a major shift in U.S. policy.
Even before Biden took office, the main U.S. focus has been assisting Iraqi forces, not fighting on their behalf. And Biden did not say if he planned to reduce the number of troops in Iraq, now about 2,500.
The announcement comes on the heels of Biden’s decision to withdraw fully from Afghanistan nearly 20 years after the U.S. launched that war in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Together, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have heavily taxed the U.S. military and kept it from devoting more attention to a rising China, which the Biden administration calls the biggest long-term security challenge.
By TAREK AMARA AND ANGUS MCDOWALL, Reuters
Published July 27, 2021 5:10am
A military vehicle is pictured in front of the parliament building in Tunis, Tunisia July 26, 2021. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi TUNIS - Tunisia is facing its worst crisis in a decade of democracy on Monday after President Kais Saied ousted the government and suspended parliament with help from the army, a move denounced as a coup by the country s main parties, including Islamists. Saied s action followed months of deadlock and disputes pitting him against Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi and a fragmented parliament as Tunisia descended into an economic crisis exacerbated by one of Africa s worst COVID-19 outbreaks.
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The military will continue to help Iraq fight against ISIS.
By ROBERT BURNS, AAMER MADHANI and QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRAAssociated Press
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President Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi in the Oval Office on Monday. Our shared fight against ISIS is critical for the stability of the region and our counterterrorism operation will continue, even as we shift to this new phase we’re going to be talking about,” Biden said. Susan Walsh/Associated Press
WASHINGTON President Biden said Monday the U.S. combat mission in Iraq will conclude by the end of the year, an announcement that reflects the reality on the ground more than a major shift in U.S. policy.
Updated: 3:44 PM PDT Jul 26, 2021 By ROBERT BURNS, AAMER MADHANI and QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA, Associated Press President Joe Biden said Monday the U.S. combat mission in Iraq will conclude by the end of the year, an announcement that reflects the reality on the ground more than a major shift in U.S. policy.Even before Biden took office, the main U.S. focus has been assisting Iraqi forces, not fighting on their behalf. And Biden did not say if he planned to reduce the number of troops in Iraq, now about 2,500.The announcement comes on the heels of Biden s decision to withdraw fully from Afghanistan nearly 20 years after the U.S. launched that war in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Together, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have heavily taxed the U.S. military and kept it from devoting more attention to a rising China, which the Biden administration calls the biggest long-term security challenge.For years, U.S. troops have played support roles in Iraq and in neigh