Iraq

By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | – – Iraq’s foreign ministry came out strongly against the US, British and French missile strikes on Syria. In a statement issued Saturday, the ministry called the attacks “an extremely dangerous step”that could result in a weakening of regional security. Spokesman Ahmad Mahjub said, “The ministry underlines the […]

Iran

Iraq’s al-Sadr offers to mediate between Riyadh, Tehran

contributors

Middle East Monitor | – – Prominent Iraqi Shia cleric and opposition leader Muqtada al-Sadr has declared his willingness to mediate between Saudi Arabia and Iran with a view to mitigating tensions between the two regional powerhouses. The offer came in a Tuesday statement issued by al-Sadr’s office in response to questions regarding the possibility […]

Iraq

Why are only tinpot War Criminals Punished? What about the Architects of the Iraq War?

contributors

By Peter Singer | (Project Syndicate) | – – It is unlikely that former US President George W. Bush or any member of his administration will ever stand trial for initiating a war of aggression in Iraq. But it is still worth recounting the illegality of that act, not least because it is directly relevant […]

Iraq

Where did ISIL go? Is it regrouping for an Iraq Comeback?

contributors

Mustafa Habib | Baghdad | (Niqash.org) | – – The honeymoon is over: After celebrating victory over the extremist [so-called] Islamic State group, Iraqi security forces now have to deal with a new wave of fighters who prepared to start a guerrilla war. The Iraqi army, north of Babylon. (photo: وزارة الدفاع العراقية ) Over […]

Iraq War

The Ongoing Crushing Costs for Americans of the Iraq War

contributors

By Stephanie Savell | (Otherwords.org) | – – Americans spend $32 million per hour on wars started during the Bush administration. This March marked the 15th anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. In 2003, President George W. Bush and his advisers based their case for war on the idea that Saddam Hussein, then dictator […]

Iraq War

On Seeing America’s Wars Whole: Six Questions for the New York Times

contributors

By Andrew J. Bacevich | ( Tomdispatch.com) | – – Dear Mr. Sulzberger: Congratulations on assuming the reins of this nation’s — and arguably, the world’s — most influential publication. It’s the family business, of course, so your appointment to succeed your father doesn’t exactly qualify as a surprise. Even so, the responsibility for guiding […]

Featured

Iraq: Al-Sadr & Communist Party ally against Corruption, Iranian Hegemony

Juan Cole

By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | – – Nativist Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, 44, is encouraging members of his Sadr Movement to vote in the upcoming national elections for parliament. “Vote,” he said, “and save our country from corruption.” A newly formed political party, al-Istiqama or the Upright Party, will hew the Sadrist line. […]

Iran

Are Iran and Saudi Arabia competing for the soul of Iraq?

Juan Cole

By Saleem al-Wazzan | (Niqash.org) | – – Iraqis can now visit a special visa-free zone in neighbouring Iran, over the border from Basra. Some locals see the open border as a cynical economic and political move that helps Iran, but not Iraq. 22.02.2018 | Basra Politics Postcards from Abadan, Iran, in the new visa […]

Iraq

Why do Iraq’s Shiites want US Troops out, but Sunnis prefer they Stay?

contributors

By Mustafa Habib | Baghdad | (Niqash.org) | Iraq’s Sunni Muslims are anxiously watching the debate over the presence of US troops in Iraq. Civilians believe they are an important neutralising presence and military personnel want their help and their technology. On January 27, a friendly fire incident in Iraq’s Anbar province ended in the […]