[Published here January 22, 2021]
Twin suicide blasts in Baghdad claimed by the Islamic State group have exposed gaps within Iraq’s security forces, weakened by the Covid-19 pandemic, rival armed groups and political tensions.
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Iraq, US launch strategic talks, with tempered expectations | AFP
[Published here June 11, 2020]
After months of tensions, Baghdad and Washington are poised to launch strategic talks Thursday to reset ties — but even with a new US-friendly Iraqi premier, a major breakthrough is unlikely.
Iran missile attack on Iraq’s Ain Al-Asad base: a timeline | AFP
[Published here on January 14, 2020]
Ain al-Asad Air Base (Iraq) (AFP) – A timeline of last week’s Iranian missile attack against the Ain Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq, as seen through the eyes of some of the 1,500 US soldiers deployed there.
Iraq warns of ‘collapse’ if Trump blocks oil cash | AFP
[Published here on January 13, 2020]
Baghdad (AFP) – Iraqi officials fear economic “collapse” if Washington imposes threatened sanctions, including blocking access to a US-based account where Baghdad keeps oil revenues that feed 90 percent of the national budget.
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.
MAYA GEBEILY 