BAGHDAD: Iraq’s top Shiite cleric said on Friday that it was up to the security forces to make sure protests do not descend into further violence, and urged the government to respond to demonstrators’ demands as soon as possible.
“The biggest responsibility is on the security forces,” a representative of Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani said in a sermon after Friday prayer in the Shiite Muslim holy city of Kerbala.
Sistani also warned against exploitation of unrest in Iraq by “internal and external” forces which seek to cause instability in the country.
![]()
Iraq’s top Shiite cleric says security forces responsible for keeping protests peaceful
Iraq’s top Shiite cleric says security forces responsible for keeping protests peaceful
Jordanian king and Indonesian president to cooperate in stability efforts in Gaza
- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized his country’s commitment to establishing an independent Palestinian state
- King Abdullah stressed the importance of dialogue to reduce tensions related to Iran and to support stability in Syria and Lebanon
LONDON: King Abdullah II and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto discussed cooperation in an effort to restore stability in the Palestinian coastal enclave of Gaza.
The meeting on Wednesday at Basman Palace in Amman focused on regional issues, particularly the support for achieving peace based on the two-state solution, and the commitment to protecting Palestinians in Gaza, according to Petra news agency.
King Abdullah praised Indonesia’s political position and highlighted its investments in regional projects as essential to enhancing collaboration.
Subianto emphasized his country’s commitment to establishing an independent Palestinian state, achieving lasting peace in the region, and ending the conflict in Gaza.
The talks highlighted the ties between Jordan and Indonesia, spanning over 75 years, and the commitment to enhancing cooperation in politics, economics, defense, business, energy, science, technology, and health.
King Abdullah stressed the importance of dialogue to reduce tensions related to Iran and support the Syrian Arab Republic and Lebanon in maintaining their security, sovereignty, and stability, Petra added.
Several Jordanian officials attended the talk, including Crown Prince Hussein, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, and Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply, and Escort of Honour Yarub Qudah.
Latest updates
© 2026 SAUDI RESEARCH & PUBLISHING COMPANY, All Rights Reserved And subject to Terms of Use Agreement.