Afghanistan Overshadows Iraq Summit As France's Macron Warns Against IS

The meeting comes as Iraq, long a casualty of jihadist terrorism, also tries to establish itself as a mediator between Arab countries and Iran.

The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan overshadowed a summit in Iraq Saturday attended by key regional leaders, with French President Emmanuel Macron warning of the threat Islamic State group jihadists pose. The meeting comes as Iraq, long a casualty of jihadist terrorism, also tries to establish itself as a mediator between Arab countries and Iran. "We all know that we must not lower our guard, because Daesh (IS) remains a threat, and I know that the fight against these terrorist groups is a priority of your government," Macron said, after a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi. Iraq and France "are key partners in the war against terrorism," Kadhemi replied.