Hagel, Syria, the P5+1 and Iran

The Senate confirmed Chuck Hagel as secretary of defense as the United States announced $60 million in non-lethal aid to the Syrian Opposition Council; Israel, Iraq and Lebanon continue to be concerned about the regionalization of the war in Syria; and Iran puts Syria in play after the P5+1 meetings.

Iraq

Iraqi 'Sahwa' Forces Elect New Leadership

After years of Sunni divisions and a rapidly changing sectarian landscape in Iraq, Sahwa forces have elected a new leadership, writes Ali Abel Sadah.

Iraq

Baghdad and Iraqi Kurds On Edge in Tense Climate

Relations between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq have worsened in advance of a visit by KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani to Baghdad to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, writes Abdel Hamid Zebari.

Iraq

Al-Qaeda Sees Opportunity In Iraq’s Sectarian Conflict

As Sunni demonstrations and sectarian tensions throughout Iraq continue to escalate, al-Qaeda is focusing all its efforts on taking advantage of Sunni vulnerabilities, writes Mushreq Abbas.

Iraq

Iraq and Russia Going Ahead With $4 Billion Arms Deal

Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs Hoshyar Zebari confirmed that Baghdad will go ahead with the arms deal it signed with Russia in 2012, but is waiting on the budget approval to begin payment, reports Ali Abel Sadah.

Iraq

Allawi’s Bloc Considers Strategy for Iraqi Elections

Ayad Allawi’s bloc, al-Iraqiya, issued a terse statement criticizing the Iraqi government and calling for a review of its own relationships with other Iraqi political parties, writes Ali Abel Sadah.

Iraq

Iraqi Telecoms Infuse Stock Market

Newly offered mobile phone stocks in Iraq promise to draw in investment and investors from Iraq, the Middle East and around the world, reports Omar al-Shaher.

Iraq

No End in Sight for Iraq Oil Dispute

Roxana Saberi reports from Erbil that Nechirvan Barzani, prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, is calling for a solution to the Iraqi oil dispute, which is likely to prevent Iraq from reaching its goals.

Iraq

Iraqi Kurds Pressure Baghdad to Join ICC

To expedite reconciliation for the Hussein-era Anfal Campaign, Kurds in Iraq are pushing Baghdad to join the International Criminal Court to prosecute the culprits of genocide against the Kurds, writes Abdel Hamid Zebari.

Iraq

Baghdad, Erbil Trade Accusations on Oil Payments

Baghdad has accused the Kurdistan Regional Government of failing to pay Western companies for oil-extraction costs, further raising tensions between the two sides, writes Omar Shaher.

Iraq

Iraqis Must Value Justice, Not Power

In light of the escalating Iraqi crisis, the need for a legitimate judicial system and a culture of social justice is becoming ever more apparent, writes Mustafa al-Kadhimi.

Iraq

US-Funded Employment Programs Criticized by Iraqi Activists

The United States seeks to combat perceptions from some Iraqi activists that its training and employment programs have been ineffective, writes Omar al-Shaher.

Iraq