A man in a suit walks away from a stack of money, holding two briefcases, with commercial airplanes flying overhead in a desert landscape.

Media Arabic Booster 02/25

This month (02/25) in the Media Arabic Booster: The U.S. and Russia met in Saudi Arabia, and how the U.S. is trying to stop the flow of money to Lebanon through Iraq.

byGerald Drißner

February 28, 2025

20 minute read

No comments

Last updated: 4 days

Choose a social network

As a journalist, I read Arabic newspapers daily, especially the opinion section.

Every month, I want to share with you on Arabic for Nerds what I find interesting from a linguistic perspective and which vocabulary might be worth learning. I call it the Media Arabic Booster.

A close look at a headline

Headlines in Arabic media are generally easy to understand – but there are also some tricky words.

al-Sharq al-Awsat: USA – Russia meeting

On February 18, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for high-level talks aimed at improving diplomatic relations and addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine. The meeting resulted in agreements to restore embassy staffing in Washington and Moscow and establish a team to support Ukraine peace negotiations.

The Saudi-financed newspaper al-Sharq al-Awsat (جريدة الشرق الأوسط) featured it on the front page of their February 19, 2025, issue.

Headline al-Sharq al-Awsat, 19 February 2025

Let’s focus on the headline:

»لقاء الدرعية« يُنْهِي القطيعةَ الأميركية – الروسية

“Diriyah Meeting” ends US-Russian rift

السعودية أكدت أن استضافتهما تعزيز للسلام والأمن في العالم… وروبيو ولافروف يقرران تعيين فرق للتفاوض

Saudi Arabia confirmed that hosting them enhances peace and security in the world… Rubio and Lavrov decide to appoint negotiating teams

Full article

Go to vocab Section

BACKGROUND: What is Diriyah?

Diriyah (الدِّرْعِيَّة) is a historically significant city in Saudi Arabia, located northwest of Riyadh (). It was the original home of the Saudi royal family and served as the capital of the first Saudi state in the 18th century. That’s why official Saudi publications often refer to Diriyah as the birthplace of Saudi Arabia.

Diriyah played a crucial role in the political and religious history of Saudi Arabia, forming a strong alliance with the Islamic scholar Sheikh Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (الشيخ محمد بن عبد الوهاب), which led to the establishment of the Wahhabi movement (الدعوة الوهابية).

diriyah location — Location of al-Diriyah (الدرعية) in Saudi-Arabia. This was the original home of the royal Saudi family.

The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly the al-Turaif district (حي الطريف), which, along with the wider Diriyah Oasis, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This district showcases traditional Najdi architecture with its mud-brick structures and courtyards. Today, Diriyah is undergoing extensive development as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The Diriyah Gate Development Authority (هيئة تطوير بوابة الدرعية) is spearheading projects to transform the city into a major cultural and tourist destination.

Translation of an article

Let’s look at parts of a longer newspaper article in Arabic. We will translate each sentence carefully. The highlighted words are in the vocabulary list below.

Al Mada (Iraq): Washington, Iraq and the money

On 18 February 2025, the Iraqi independent Al Mada newspaper (جريدة المدى) published a report by its Baghdad reporter Tamim al-Hassan (تميم الحسن).

The author discusses how Washington is threatening to impose sanctions on Iraqi financial and governmental facilities to restrict funds and weapons to groups known as the “axis of resistance”, which are facing a financial crisis. The United States aims to control Iraqi banks that might send money to Iran and Hezbollah, thereby reducing Iranian influence in Iraq.

Read full article

Al Mada (جريدة المدى) is an independent daily Arabic newspaper founded on August 5, 2003, by Fakhri Karim, an Iraqi former communist. It is based in Baghdad, Iraq, and is published by the Al-Mada Foundation for Media, Culture and Arts.

The newspaper is known for its left-wing, nonsectarian, and secular political stance. While specific readership numbers are not readily available, Al Mada is recognized as a significant publication in Iraq, particularly among the middle class and intellectuals. Online: https://almadapaper.net

Let’s now take a closer look at a few complete paragraphs.

واشنطن تهدد بفرض عقوبات على منشآت مالية حكومية في العراق

Washington threatens to impose sanctions on government financial facilities in Iraq

Section 1

تحاول أطراف عراقية وإيرانية فك الحصار عن “الأذرع المسلحة”، بحسب مصادر خاصة لـ(المدى). تواجه الجماعات التي تُعرف بـ”محور المقاومة” أزمة مالية حادة بعد التغييرات الأخيرة في المنطقة، وخاصة ما جرى في سوريا، حيث تعجز عن دفع الرواتب.

بالمقابل، فإن واشنطن مستمرة في تقييد وصول الأموال والسلاح إلى تلك الجماعات، مما يهدد بفرض عقوبات على منشآت مالية وربما حكومية في العراق.

وعلى الرغم من نفي البنك المركزي العراقي الأنباء المتداولة عن فرض عقوبات على “خمسة مصارف”، إلا أن ذلك لا يمنع وجود خطط أمريكية في هذا الاتجاه، وفقًا للمصادر.

Iraqi and Iranian sides are trying to break the siege imposed on the “armed wings”, according to Al-Mada’s exclusive sources. The groups known as the “Axis of Resistance” are facing an acute financial crisis following the recent changes in the region, especially what happened in Syria, where they are unable to pay salaries.

On the other hand, Washington continues to restrict the flow of money/funds and weapons to those groups, threatening to impose sanctions on financial and possibly governmental facilities in Iraq.

Although the Iraqi Central Bank denied circulating news about imposing sanctions on “five banks”, this does not deny the existence of American plans in this regard, according to the sources.

Go to vocab Section 1

Section 2

تقول المصادر إن “الولايات المتحدة تريد السيطرة بشكل كامل على كل المصارف في العراق التي يمكن أن تورد العملة إلى إيران ولبنان، وتحديدًا حزب الله”. الحزب تعرض إلى ضربات شديدة عقب استشهاد زعيمه حسن نصر الله العام الماضي، وتدمير نحو 80% من قدراته العسكرية، وفقًا لمحللين.

وتفيد المصادر، وهي مقربة من الإطار التنسيقي، بأن “السيطرة على المصارف ستمنح واشنطن قدرة أكبر في التحكم بالقرار الاقتصادي الداخلي، مما يبعد بغداد عن النفوذ الإيراني”.

وكشفت وسائل إعلام محلية عن تلقي جهات حكومية رسمية بلاغًا من قبل الخزانة الأمريكية بفرض عقوبات على خمسة مصارف عراقية كمرحلة أولى، إضافة إلى شركات صرافة، وهو ما نفاه البنك المركزي.

The sources said: “The United States wants to fully control all banks in Iraq that could supply currency to Iran and Lebanon, particularly to Hezbollah”. The party has been hit hard by the martyrdom of its leader Hassan Nasrallah last year, destroying about 80 percent of its military capabilities, according to analysts.

Sources close to the Coordination Framework said that “controlling the banks will give Washington a greater ability to control the internal economic decision(s), thus distancing Baghdad from Iranian influence.”

Local media outlets revealed that official governmental agencies (sides) received a notification from the US Treasury imposing sanctions on five Iraqi banks as a first stage, in addition to currency exchange offices, which was denied by the Central Bank.

Go to vocab Section 2

Note: The word اِسْتِشْهادٌ is difficult to translate for a Western audience, as it could be misunderstood. Depending on the circumstances of the death, you could simply choose a word that describes what happened. Hasan Nasrallah (حسن نصر الله) was assassinated in a targeted attack by Israel. Instead of martyrdom, assassination or killing might be more appropriate to avoid misunderstandings.

Section 3

وسبق للولايات المتحدة أن وضعت ثمانية مصارف عراقية في اللائحة السوداء عام 2024، بعد أن فرضت عقوبات على 14 مصرفًا عراقيًا آخر وبيّنت المصادر أن هذه المصارف كانت “متهمة بتهريب العملة عبر حوالات ضخمة أو الحوالات السوداء (التهريب خارج التعامل المصرفي عن طريق البر أو الشحن الجوي) إلى إيران وتركيا والأردن وسوريا”.

وكشفت المصادر أن “التقديرات لحجم التهريب الأسبوعي من العملة الصعبة تتراوح بين 100 إلى 250 مليون دولار”.

تتهم الولايات المتحدة طهران بدعم كل الأذرع المسلحة المعروفة بـ”محور المقاومة”، سواء من داخل إيران أو من دول أخرى مثل العراق. وتواجه هذه الأذرع، وفقًا للمصادر، “أزمة مالية، حيث تنتظر وصول الأموال لدفع الرواتب التي أصبحت الآن أهم من توريد السلاح”.

The United States had previously placed eight Iraqi banks on the blacklist in 2024, after imposing sanctions on 14 other Iraqi banks. The sources explained that these banks were “accused of smuggling currencies through massive transfers or under-the-table transfers (smuggling outside the banking system by land or through air cargo) to Iran, Turkey, Jordan, and Syria”.

The sources revealed that “estimates of the weekly volume of hard currency smuggling range from 100 to 250 million dollars”.

The United States accuses Iran of supporting all the armed wings known as the “Axis of Resistance”, whether from within Iran or from other countries such as Iraq. According to the sources, these wings/branches are facing a “financial crisis, as they await the arrival of funds to pay the salaries, which have now become more important than bringing in weapons.”

The source says, “These groups will not exist or will not remain within the resistance if they do not receive money.”

Go to vocab Section 3

Section 4

ويقول المصدر إن “هذه الجماعات لن تكون موجودة أو لن تبقى ضمن المقاومة إذا لم تصلها الأموال”. لكن هذا لا يمنع وجود “مبالغات” في قضية “حظر المصارف”، حسب المصادر.

وتضيف أن “هناك أطرافًا مستفيدة في الداخل تحاول الضغط على الحكومة للتلاعب بسعر الدولار”. وأكدت المصادر وجود تفاهمات بين واشنطن وبغداد حول هذه القضايا، ضمن اتفاقية الشراكة بين البلدين. وفي 10 شباط الحالي، أفادت وسائل إعلام لبنانية بأن الرحلات القادمة من العراق إلى بيروت تخضع للتفتيش لمنع تحويل أموال إلى جماعة حزب الله.

The source says that “these groups will not exist or will not remain within the resistance if they do not receive money.” However, this does not prevent the existence of “exaggerations” in the issue of the “ban on banks,” according to the sources.

The source added that “there are parties benefiting from the inside trying to pressure the government to manipulate the dollar price.” The sources confirmed that there are understandings between Washington and Baghdad on these issues as part of the partnership agreement between the two countries. On February 10, local Lebanese media outlets reported that flights coming from Iraq to Beirut are subject to inspection to prevent the transfer of funds to Hezbollah.

Go to vocab Section 4

BACKGROUND: Recent political developments in Iraq (2025)

Iraq is one of the most complicated countries in the world when it comes to politics.

Iraq is facing a complex political situation characterized by emerging electoral alliances, concerns about sectarian conflict and efforts to improve ties with Syria. Currently, political groups are forming alliances and selecting candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for October 2025. For context, the last parliamentary elections were held on October 10, 2021.

Fear of sectarian tensions

Former Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki (نوري المالكي), leader of the State of Law Coalition (ائتلاف دولة القانون) and a Shiite politician, has warned that Iraq could face sectarian strife similar to the violence of 2006 (source: speech on February 1, 20025, Karabala Tribes Council). He pointed to threats from remnants of ISIL (داعش) and the dissolved Al-Baath party (حزب البعث العربي الاشتراكي) as potential destabilizing factors.

In 2006, Iraq experienced severe sectarian violence, often considered part of the Iraqi civil war (2006-2008). The violence was triggered by the bombing of the Al-Askari Shrine (العتبة العسكرية) in Samarra (سامراء), a holy site for Shia Muslims, on February 22, 2006. This attack led to widespread retaliatory violence between Shia and Sunni militias, resulting in killings, kidnappings, and displacement of civilians. Entire neighborhoods in Baghdad and other cities were divided along sectarian lines, with frequent clashes and attacks on civilians.

Efforts to normalize regional relations

Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani (محمود المشهداني), a Sunni politician, is actively trying to normalize relations between Iraq and Syria despite opposition from Iran. During a visit to Tehran, he proposed a conference aimed at bolstering stability in Syria – a proposal that was welcomed by Iranian officials (source: al Mada newspaper, February 5, 2025).

However, negotiations to disband armed factions in Iraq have stalled due to internal disputes and external pressures, including Iran’s reluctance to pressure the Popular Mobilization forces. The Popular Mobilization Forces (الحشد الشعبي) is an Iraqi state-sponsored umbrella organization of around 40 predominantly Shia militias. Formed in June 2014 in response to a fatwa by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani (علي السيستاني) to combat ISIL, the PMF has become a significant force in Iraq’s security and political landscape.

Domestic protests and legislative challenges

After the suspension of the General Pardon Law (قانون العفو العام) on February 4, 2025, protests erupted in Mosul (الموصل). The suspension was intended to release individuals detained on terrorism charges – charges many critics argue were politically motivated. Accusations have been made that Nuri al-Maliki (نوري المالكي) was behind the suspension, and many Sunni politicians fear they will not benefit from the law. Despite these challenges, many see the eventual integration or merger of these groups as inevitable, partly to avoid potential American sanctions. (source: newarab)

Reintegrating the Sadrist Movement

A key player in Iraq is the Coordination Framework (الإطار التنسيقي), a coalition of Shiite parties that significantly influences the political landscape. The Coordination Framework (الإطار التنسيقي) is working to reintegrate the Sadrist Movement, led by Muqtada as-Sadr (مقتدى الصدر), into the political process.

Given his widespread popular support, his participation is considered crucial for forming alliances ahead of the elections. However, as-Sadr has not yet decided whether he will participate in the 2025 elections – a decision that could benefit other Shiite factions aiming to rebound from losses in 2021.

Security concerns and regional impact

Recent reports suggest that militias such as the Pakistani Zainebiyoun (زينبيون الباكستانية) and Afghan Fatemiyoun (فاطميون الأفغانية), formed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, have relocated from Syria to Iraq (source: Egyptian Arabi 21 news site, February 16, 2025).

Security experts warn that this move could threaten Iraq’s national security and contribute to regional instability. Some analysts believe these reports may also be aimed at widening the gap between Iraq and the United States, though the government is expected to manage the situation professionally.

Historical context and current leadership

Iraq’s political landscape changed dramatically after the fall of Saddam Hussein (صدام حسين), a Sunni leader who ruled Iraq from 1979 to 2003 as a brutal dictator. Since then, Shiite parties have gained significant influence, though Sunni politicians continue to play an active role. The newly formed Unified Sunni Leadership Coalition (القيادة السنية الموحدة) includes prominent Sunni figures such as Mahmoud al-Mashhadani (محمود المشهداني), Khamis al-Khanjar (خميس الخنجر) and Muthanna al-Samarrai (مثنى السامرائي).

Currently, Iraq is governed by a coalition led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani (محمد شياع السوداني), a Shiite appointed in October 2022. The President, Abdul Latif Rashid (عبد اللطيف رشيد), also a Shiite, holds substantial executive power – including appointing the Council of Ministers that acts as the government.

Iraq: Current Economic Data (2024/2025)

Some key figures:

Population: Approximately 45 million people for 2023 (source: World Bank)
GDP Growth: Approximately 1.4% for 2024, with an anticipated rebound to 5.3% in 2025 (source: IMF)
Total GDP (Nominal): Approximately USD 250.84 billion for 2023 (source: World Bank)
Inflation Rate: Around 4.4% for 2023 (source: World Bank)
Unemployment Rate: Roughly 15.5% for 2023 (source: World Bank)
Oil Production: About 4.5 million barrels per day (source: OPEC/EIA)
Fiscal Deficit: Estimated at 7.6% of GDP for 2024 (source: IMF)
Currency Exchange Rate: 1 USD ≈ 1,460 Iraqi Dinar (IQD) (source: Central Bank of Iraq). Previous Year: 1 USD ≈ 1,430 IQD.

Note: It is difficult to monitor what is happening in Iraq. I try to describe some current trends and highlights. But I am certainly not someone who knows much about Iraq, I just follow the Arab media. If there are any errors, please excuse them and let me know.

Vocabulary list

All the words in the above article marked in color can be found in this table with explanations.

If you are unfamiliar with the verb system used in the Hans Wehr dictionary (Roman numerals, I-X), click here for a short and simplified overview.