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On March 18, 2024, Sabereen News, a Telegram channel, which serves as the primary propaganda arm of the Iran-backed militias in Iraq, shared posts in Russian congratulating Russian President Vladimir Putin on his "great victory" in Russia's presidential elections, alluding to his reelection as a win for the Iran-led "axis of resistance" supporting Gaza.[1]
Sabereen News, a highly influential social media news outlet and whose content is mostly in Arabic, has stepped up its staunch pro-Russia position following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and manifested an editorial line with increased targeted messaging aimed at a Russian-speaking audience.[2]
Following reports that Putin had secured a fifth term in office, the media outlet extended a "special" congratulatory message to the "great leader" Putin and the Russian people "on behalf of the Iraqi people," adding: "This victory is a continuation of the successes of President Putin. And thanks to them, Nazi Ukraine will be defeated, and then NATO, and the United States."
"A Man From The Axis Of Resistance"
Before the official announcement, Sabereen News wrote that Russia's "favorite" is expected to win the election, referring to him as Abu Ali Putin, a moniker meant to emphasize his affinity with Shi'ite Muslims who highly revere Imam Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad.
"Putin is a man from the axis [of resistance]," the post stated, displaying a red triangle emoji, often showed in Hamas videos, to indicate support for Palestinians in Gaza.[3] The post garnered over 2,000 positive reactions within a few hours.
Iranian Top Diplomat In Iraq Holds A Ramadan Breakfast Attended By Russia's Ambassador
On March 17, Sabereen News shared a one-minute clip of a Ramadan evening meal, held to break the day-long fast. Iran's Ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad Kazem Al-Sadegh, hosted the meal. Gathered around the table were a dozen ambassadors in Baghdad from Islamic nations, as well as Elbrus Kutrashev, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The Russian Federation to Iraq.[4]
[1] Telegram, March 18, 2024.
[2] See MEMRI JTTM Report: Putin's Friends In Iraq: Russia's Burgeoning Partnership With Sabereen News, The Mouthpiece Of The Iran-Backed Militias In Iraq (Part I), April 24, 2023.
[3] Telegram, March 18, 2024.
[4] Telegram, March 17, 2024.
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