David M. Witty

Retired U.S. Army Special Forces Colonel and Middle East Foreign Area Officer. Interested in Iraqi and Egyptian Armed Forces.

[David M. Witty @DavidMWitty1]

Here’s my book on the US-Egypt defense relationship published by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. It is available for a free download below. https://t.co/99NABWfJ7N

[David M. Witty @DavidMWitty1]

Iranian diplomats seek guarantees from the US that Israel will stop attacks in Lebanon before US-Iran negotiations begin. https://t.co/luUfyFWdgA

[David M. Witty @DavidMWitty1]

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that Israeli forces will not withdraw from Lebanon in spite of the fact it is part of the US-Iran memorandum of understanding. https://t.co/KNcBWhEzQs

[David M. Witty @DavidMWitty1]

In Iraq, the government removes Qasim Ariji from his position as the national security adviser. Also removed were the heads of the National Security Agency & the Central Bank. https://t.co/FsSwzOczQI

[David M. Witty @DavidMWitty1]

General Secretary of Lebanese Hezbollah: The strength of Iran now has influence in the region, world, & the changing balance of power. https://t.co/CIvtWAg4Bz

[David M. Witty @DavidMWitty1]

Although the future of Iraqi militias aligned with Iran does not appear to be discussed in the US-Iran agreement, future US-Iran discussions may focus on them. This comes as the US told Baghdad to develop a timeline for militia disarmament. https://t.co/ZiLcnzFxQd

[David M. Witty @DavidMWitty1]

Kurdish Regional Government in Iraq announces that a drone targeted a displacement Camp in northern Erbil Province, causing material damage but no casualties. https://t.co/p8gYfhJrCm

[David M. Witty @DavidMWitty1]

In Iraq, PM Al-Zaidi rejects the appointment of a new Sammara Commander & restores the old one to office. The PMF (Hashd) Council had appointed a new commander from the Asa’ib Ahl al-Haqq militia, while previously it was held by the Saraya Salam militia. https://t.co/FR4pcXqVZn

[David M. Witty @DavidMWitty1]

President Trump: It is not possible to discuss all the details of the agreement with Iran. https://t.co/JkkUOda2by

[David M. Witty @DavidMWitty1]

Israeli sources say the U.S. is refusing to disclose the full contents of the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Israel. PM Netanyahu is urgently trying to get a meeting with President Trump before the MOU is signed on Friday. https://t.co/4ZzbvEqYRD

[David M. Witty @DavidMWitty1]

Saraya Salim says this is an illegal order because Saraya Salim is not under the PMF (Hashd) Council. The order to replace the Saraya Salim commander must come from the PM. Saraya rejects Fayyadh’s order.

[David M. Witty @DavidMWitty1]

In Iraq, tensions increase in Sammara after PMF (Hashd) Council Chairman Fayyadh replaces the Sammara Operations Commander, a position traditionally held by a member of the Sayara Salim militia, with an Asa’ib Hal al-Haqq militia member. https://t.co/YXQNmec9vE

[David M. Witty @DavidMWitty1]

Commander of Iranian Quds Force: The Resistance Militias entered Iran to support us without being asked. https://t.co/oFXna1RBsT

[David M. Witty @DavidMWitty1]

Lebanese Speaker of Parliament: The US-Iran ceasefire agreement stipulates that Israel must withdraw from Lebanon within 60 days. This has been confirmed by the Iranian Foreign Minister. https://t.co/WPHQ4sPn3R

[David M. Witty @DavidMWitty1]

Iranian sources: Tehran has suspended fees for ships to cross the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days. Afterwards, fees will be charged as agreed to by Washington as part of the U.S.-Iranian ceasefire agreement. The Strait will be administered by Iran & Oman. https://t.co/AburDLbjlf

[David M. Witty @DavidMWitty1]

Iraqi Security Media Cell says 4 militias have surrendered their weapons to the government (without naming the militias). https://t.co/6MRg873GC3

[David M. Witty @DavidMWitty1]

Israeli Defense Minister says Israeli forces will not withdraw from Lebanon. The Americans have been informed of this. https://t.co/cOux8wJCdk

[David M. Witty @DavidMWitty1]

Iranian National Security Council: Fighting will end on all fronts, including Lebanon. https://t.co/yapeJmPSMD

[David M. Witty @DavidMWitty1]

President Trump says a peace deal with Iran has been concluded. The Strait of Hormuz will immediately open, & the U.S. will lift its naval blockade. https://t.co/bkNZbwhBk3

[David M. Witty @DavidMWitty1]

President Trump criticizes Israel’s attack on Beirut today. Says the Israeli attack on Beirut was not proportional to an earlier Hezbollah drone attack that killed no one. Israeli officials are surprised by Trump’s criticism. https://t.co/GNsRvDVxrB

[David M. Witty @DavidMWitty1]

Israeli officials: The proposed US-Iran agreement threatens Israeli national security. However, PM Netanyahu does not want to hurt the reputation of President Trump, & he will not criticize it. https://t.co/EnBi1WnlP0