Iraq

President Rouhani’s recent visit to Baghdad demonstrates Iran’s increased regional role at the expense of the US

How Bush’s War on Iraq Produced Trumpism, Instability, Refugees and Climate Catastrophe

This sort of glib rhetoric was to cost the lives of nearly 5,000 American military personnel and the lives of several hundred thousand Iraqis

Iraq

Grand Ayatollah Sistani Slaps down Trump: You may not use Iraq against its Neighbors

contributors

“Iraq wants balanced relations with neighboring countries, avoiding interfering in their internal affairs or detracting from their sovereignty.”

Donald Trump

Baghdad: Calls to Expel US Troops from Iraq after Trump said They spy on Iran

Juan Cole

Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) – Trump’s assertion that he intends to keep US troops in Iraq to spy on Iran has produced a firestorm of protest and controversy in Baghdad. Trump also committed the faux pas of saying the US had constructed an enormous military base in Iraq, which contradicts the Iraqi government’s line that […]

Iraq

Party of Shiite Cleric Muqtada al-Sadr tables Bill to expel US Troops from Iraq

Middle East Monitor

If passed, the bill would require all foreign military deployments — including troops and advisers — to leave the country within one year

Iran

Iran steals Trump’s Thunder: ‘We defeated ISIL & We’ll Rebuild Iraq’

AFP

“The reason Iraq could persevere in the face of terrorism is that Iran stood by its side. Everyone rejects America’s entry into Iraq.”

Iran

Iraq welcomes Iran Foreign Minister after Pompeo, denounces US Sanctions as “Illegal”

AFP

Iran is the second-largest source of imported goods in Iraq.

Iraq

Israeli general sees possible threat from Iraq as Iran’s clout grows

Middle East Monitor

Israel said it might attack sites in Iraq, effectively expanding a campaign now focused on Syria

Featured

Shiite Parties Decry Trump’s ‘Arrogant’ and ‘Disdainful’ Visit to Iraq, Ignoring Iraqis

Juan Cole

Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) – Trump’s surprise visit to a US military base in Iraq on the day after Christmas has provoked a strong critique among some Iraqis, who mind that Trump slipped in and out to visit the Ain al-Assad base in al-Anbar Province but did not bother to meet with any Iraqi officials. […]