[Published here January 2, 2020]
Baghdad (AFP) – The US embassy siege by pro-Iran protesters in Baghdad lasted just over a day, but analysts warn it could have lasting implications for Iraq’s complex security sector and diplomatic ties.
Hashed al-Shaabi
US says Iran protest toll may surpass 1,000, mulls troops | AFP
[Published with my colleague Shaun Tandon here on December 6, 2019]
Washington (AFP) – The United States said Thursday that Iranian authorities may have killed more than 1,000 people in a crackdown on demonstrations, which Washington cast as the clerical regime’s worst-ever internal challenge.
New spats shake Iraq’s teetering stability — and its PM | AFP
[Published here September 17, 2019]
Baghdad (AFP) – As fissures within a powerful paramilitary force go public for the first time and a revolving door of top politicians consults Tehran, Iraq’s fragile political balance is crumbling, analysts say, with worrying consequences for its premier.
Iraq finds Israel behind ‘some’ base attacks | AFP
[Published here August 31, 2019]
BAGHDAD: Iraq’s government is preparing a complaint to the U.N. after finding Israel is “certainly” behind several attacks on Al-Hashd al-Shaabi bases, a parliamentarian and leading member of the force said.
MAYA GEBEILY 