South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham reportedly begged US President Donald Trump to scrap plans to assassinate Iran’s General Qassem Soleimani. This is according to a new tell-all book by journalist Bob Woodward called “Rage”. The book reveals the events leading up to the assassination Soleimani.
Category: Iraq
Israel Makes Peace With Bahrain
Following an agreement with UAE, a peace treaty with another Arab country Bahrain is a new step in a cherished dream of Israel and America to win recognition of the Jewish State of Israel without having to complete negotiations for the two state solution which has been most difficult considering the objection of the Palestinians to any type of compromise.
US Vetoes Resolution on Islamic State Militants
The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution on the repatriation of ISIS fighters, which could have been crucial to the fate of those involved in terrorist activities. The UN Security Council’s resolution on Islamic State militants was intended to prosecute, and rehabilitate those involved in terrorist acts.
Anti-ISIS Coalition Handed Over Taji Base To Iraqi Army
US Gen. Kenneth Ackman, who was present at the handover ceremony, described the handover to the Iraqi army as a “historic event.” Maj. Gen. Tahseen al-Khafaji, the official spokesman for the Iraqi Joint Operations Headquarters, said Australian, New Zealand, and US forces were stationed at the base and said $347 million worth of equipment had been delivered to Iraqi forces.
Could Freelance Gigs Be Better for the Arab Economy than Oil?
The inflation rate in the Middle East is now estimated to be 8.8% in 2020. With Egypt, possibly the fastest growing Arab country, growing at only 2%, most oil producing countries in the region are seeing economic contractions. The combination of Covid-19 hitting the local population and the oil decline has severely affected this region.
Arab oil exporters are forecasting oil supply cuts of about 50% in 2020 and 2021, levels that have been approved by OPEC agreements. The combination of significant cuts in production, $42 a barrel for oil, and Covid affecting local marketplaces, will have a significantly negative impact on regional economies.
OPEC+ Cajoles Compliance With Cuts
According to Reuters, due to concerns about the slow recovery of oil demand, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies (OPEC+) have put pressure on oil-producing countries whose output exceeds their target, requiring them to further reduce production in August-September.
Iraqi PM Al-Kadhimi to Meet Trump Thursday
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi is leaving for the United States to meet with President Donald Trump. This is the first meeting between the two politicians. Kadhemi recently met with officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The reason for his trip to the United States is speculated.
Two Killed in Anti-Government Protests in Baghdad
Two protesters died after being hit by tear gas bombs during clashes with Iraqi security forces last night at Tahrir Square in Baghdad. These were the first deadly clashes recorded in the emblematic square of the Iraqi capital since the Mustafa al- Kazimi government came to power in early May.
Iraqi Prime Minister Kazemi Visits Iran
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Kazemi began his first foreign trip in Iran on Tuesday, Iranian state media reported. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani officially welcomed the Iraqi Prime Minister at a ceremony held at the Tehran Summit Hall. The two will discuss trade and other matters.
Yemen — US Seizes Ship, Arab League Targets Boat
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that US and allied forces seized a ship carrying Iranian weapons for Houthi rebels in Yemen on June 28. The names of all the passengers are not mentioned. Pompeo also renewed his call for the U.N. Security Council to extend its arms embargo on Iran.
Hisham al-Hashimi, Iraqi Security Expert, Murdered
Hisham al-Hashimi, an expert on Iraq’s security and strategic affairs, was shot dead by unknown individuals in Baghdad on Monday. The killing has been widely reported in the regional media, as well as in international news agencies. Al-Hashimi was investigating the activities of extremist groups in Iraq.
U.S. Foils Attack on Embassy in Iraq
The American embassy in Baghdad, thanks to its air defense system, identified and shot down a missile launched in its direction today, in the Green Zone of the Iraqi capital. In addition, another Katyusha bomb was also shot down as it was about to hit the Taji military air base, north of the Iraqi capital.
State Says Iran “Foremost Sponsor of Terrorism”
In its annual report, released on Wednesday, the US State Department described the Islamic Republic of Iran as the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world. According to the report, “traces of Iran’s support for terrorism can be traced from Gaza to Pakistan.”
Muslims Celebrate Eid Despite Coronavirus
The atmosphere of Eid Al-Fitr is different this year in almost all Arab countries. This changes the aspects and ceremonies of holidays in different countries, due to the closure restrictions and the bans imposed by the expanding coronavirus epidemic. Eid‘s Day this year is expected to be quieter.
Abdulnasser al-Qirdash, ISIS Leader, Captured
Iraqi intelligence services have arrested one of the top leaders of the Islamic State, Abdulnasser al-Qirdash, a possible successor to the group’s former leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The news of the terrorist leader’s arrest was made public on Wednesday through a brief statement by the Iraqi intelligence.
ISIS Intensifies Attacks in Iraq
ISIS launched two new attacks in Iraq, according to reports early on Monday. The first attack targeted checkpoints of the tribal crowd and its security forces in Diyala Governorate, north of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, and resulted in deaths and injuries. ISIS also launched another attack in Jurf al-Sakhar, south of Baghdad, targeting pro-Iranian militias.
Coronavirus: Mossad Delivers More Equipment to Israel
The Israeli intelligence agency, the Mossad, has flown a sizeable consignment of coronavirus equipment into the country. It includes Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) kits, which will boost testing capacity. Israeli healthcare facilities will now be able to carry out over 1,000 coronavirus tests daily.
Amnesty: Executions Down Worldwide, Up in Saudi Arabia
The number of executions globally decreased for the fourth year in a row, but it is worth noting that only a few countries are responsible for almost all the executions. Amnesty International, an international human rights organization, recorded 657 executions in 2019, with 86 percent of the cases being accounted for by just four countries.
What Virus? Over 300,000 Iraqis Congregate at Shrine
Hundreds of thousands of Shiite Muslims defied state orders on Saturday prohibiting them from visiting the Musa al-Kadhim shrine. The sacrarium attracts millions of pilgrims from Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan each year. Saturday was, in particular, an important commemoration date for Musa al-Kadhim, a martyr who died in prison in what is today referred to as Iraq.
U.S. Airstrikes Target Iranian-Backed Militias in Iraq
At least six people have been killed and 12 others injured in an overnight US air strike in Iraq on Friday. Iraqi military said three soldiers, two policemen and one civilian were killed in the attack, adding that four soldiers, two policemen, one civilian and five militiamen were wounded.
Iraq: Two US, One British Soldier Killed in Rocket Attack on Military Base
Three people were killed and 12 others were injured in an attack on an Iraqi base. According to a statement, five fire service personnel were among the most severely injured, and concerns are being raised about the casualties. The statement added, “allied forces and Iraqi security forces are investigating the attack.” The attack happened around 7:30 PM local time on Wednesday.
Iraq’s Prime Minister-Designate Alawi Resigns
Shortly before the deadline for the formation of a new government in Iraq, the appointed Prime Minister, Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi, withdrew his candidacy on Monday evening. In the past few days, Allawi has failed to pass the majority required to vote on his proposed cabinet.
Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia Suspends Pilgrims, Iraq Closes Public Spaces
On Thursday, Saudi Arabia suspended the entrance of pilgrims visiting the mosque of the Prophet Muhammad and the holy places of Islam in Mecca and Medina. They also banned tourists from countries affected by the coronavirus that causes Covid- 19. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published a list of measures to “prevent and eliminate” the spread of the new coronavirus, said in a statement on Thursday.
US Imposes Additional Sanctions – How Does It Affect Russia’s Weapons Industry?
The United States imposes sanctions on 13 foreign entities and individuals in Russia, China, Iraq, and Turkey under the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act (INKSNA). The announcement was confirmed by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on @twitter.
The Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act authorizes the United States to impose sanctions against foreign individuals, private entities, and governments that engage in proliferation activities.
US Embassy in Baghdad Hit by Rocket Attacks
News sources reported several missiles hit near the US Embassy in Baghdad on Sunday. US military circles confirmed the news of the rocket fire on the Green Zone and several rockets near the US Mission Center in Iraq. It is still unclear how many missiles were fired into the Green Zone, and no casualties were reported.
US Embassy in Baghdad Attacked by Rockets
Three rockets hit the United States embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sunday, leaving at least one person injured. A security source told the AFP news agency on Sunday that one rocket hit an embassy cafeteria during dinner time, while two other rockets landed nearby.
Thousands Protest in Iraq Against American Troops
Thousands of people responded to a call by Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr to protest on Friday against the presence of the United States troops on Iraqi soil. A spokesperson read al-Sadr’s statement during the demonstration, in which he called for the cancellation of all security agreements between Iraq and the United States.
Iran Admits “Unintentionally” Shooting Down Ukrainian Plane
Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff admitted on Saturday that, by “human error,” a missile launched by its army shot down the Ukrainian Airlines Boeing 737 plane with 176 people aboard. In a statement, the Iranian government said the aircraft was wrongly identified as a “hostile aircraft,” and hit it at the time the enemy threat was “at the highest level.” Tehran has apologized for the incident.
Trump to Attend Davos Summit, Claims Soleimani Killing was Self Defense
US President Donald Trump plans to attend the World Economic Forum in Switzerland later in January. Last year, the President didn’t attend the meeting because of the record-long federal government shutdown. The annual World Economic Forum Summit, held in the popular ski resort of Davos, attracts high-profile businessmen and politicians, as well as academics and other community leaders.
Iran: Ukrainian Airliner Crashes, IRGC Attacks U.S. Bases
A plane flying from Tehran, the capital of Iran, to Kyiv, Ukraine, crashed at dawn Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board, the local Iranian press reported. The aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport. The model is a Boeing 737-800 of the company Ukraine International Airlines, and had 167 passengers and nine crew members on board.
Stampede at Soleimani Funeral Kills 50, Injures 212
More than 50 people were killed and 212 were injured in a stampede today, during during the funeral procession of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in Kerman. The semi-official ISNA, citing Kerman relief chief Mohammad Sabéri, said of the 212 people injured in the stampede, “a small number” is in “serious condition.” Abbas Amian, chief of the forensic institute, said the 50 victims were asphyxiated, as reported by the Iranian media.
Pentagon Not Going to Bomb Iranian Cultural Sites
The recent assassination of Qassem Suleimani, a top commander of the Iran Quds Force, sent shockwaves across the world and ratcheted up war rhetoric between the United States and the Iranian administration. President Donald Trump ordered a drone strike that led to his death. His convoy was attacked while leaving the Baghdad International Airport.
Trump Threatens Sanctions Over Iraq Resolution
The Iraqi parliament has voted to pass a resolution calling for foreign troops to withdraw from Iraq, including US and German troops. U.S. President Donald Trump also threatened the Iraqi government with sanctions for the first time. The resolution was passed by lawmakers, asking the government to terminate the agreement reached with Washington in 2014. The agreement allowed the United States to deploy 5,200 soldiers in Iraq.
Iran Abandons Nuclear Deal Over Soleimani Slaying
Iran announced, through its national television station Sunday, that it would no longer comply with any restrictions under the 2015 Nuclear Agreement (JCPOA). Although Tehran will continue to cooperate with the United Nations’ nuclear oversight agency, the (IAEA), it will no longer fully comply with the restrictions of the nuclear agreement, with the intervention of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Trump Threatens Iraq with Sanctions if it Kicks Out US Troops
US President Donald Trump threatened Iraq with drastic sanctions on Sunday if the country dares to kick out US troops out of the country in a hostile manner. The Iraqi Parliament has called on the government to send the US-led coalition out of Iraq after Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani was killed Friday in a US drone attack in Iraq’s capital, Baghdad, by the US. But should Iraq fail to meet the US conditions for a possible retreat, the country will suffer sanctions “like never before,” Trump said.
Iraqi Parliament Approves Resolution to Expel U.S. Troops
The Iraqi parliament approved a resolution Sunday calling on the government to end the presence of foreign troops in the country following the attack by the United States that killed Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani at Baghdad airport, the capital of Iraq. “The government commits to revoke its request for assistance from the international coalition fighting Islamic State due to the end of military operations in Iraq and the achievement of victory,” the resolution read in part.
Trump: 52 Iranian Targets Selected Should Iran Attack
The United States has selected 52 Iranian targets to be attacked if Iran dares launch an attack on any American or U.S. possessions, President Trump posted in a number of tweets. “We have … targeted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture” and “if Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets… Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD,” Trump tweeted.
Israel Roundup: Nation on Alert, Netanyahu in Limbo
Following the assassination of Gen. Qasem Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, stationed near Iraq’s international airport, Israel is on top security alert. Members of Hezbollah, in Lebanon, have given the America and Israel a warning of a response to this attack on American locations in the Middle East, and even on Tel Aviv.
Nations Urge Restraint After Soleimani Strike
Many countries have issued statements urging calm and restraint among all parties, since the U.S. launched a rocket attack on Baghdad International Airport early Friday, killing Qasem Soleimani. The Iranian general was the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. At least eight other people have died in this and other subsequent American airstrikes.
Powerful Iranian General Killed by US Drone Strike – What Will Russia’s Role Be in Any Conflict?
Iran’s Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani has been killed in a drone strike at the Baghdad Airport. The strike was carried out by the US and was ordered by President Donald Trump. Soleimani was a powerful Iranian General and a veteran of the Syrian War. Soleimani led the work of Iranian military advisers in Iraq, and also led the Quds organization, which is responsible for military and intelligence and sabotage activities outside of Iran itself. The force reports directly to the supreme leader of The Republic of Iran, Ali Khamenei.
Iran Vows “Severe Retaliation” Against U.S. After Soleimani Killing
Iran has vowed that it would carry out a “severe retaliation,” after a US airstrike in Baghdad on Friday killed Qasem Soleimani, commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force and architect of the growing military influence in the Middle East. Soleimani was a general considered to be Iran’s second most powerful figure, after only the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a statement, he said revenge awaits the “criminals” who killed Soleimani.
Qasem Soleimani, Top Iranian General, Killed in U.S. Airstrike
A US air raid on a Baghdad airport in Iraq late on Thursday killed Qasem Soleimani, a general of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iraqi state television reported. The bombing also killed Abu Mehdi al-Muhandis, one of the leaders of the pro-Iranian Iraqi militia. Soleimani headed the Quds Force, one of the Revolutionary Guard’s elite arms, and was one of the most powerful military persons in the country.
Protesters Attack US Embassy in Iraq
Hundreds of protesters attacked the US embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday to protest US bombings that left dozens of Shi’ite militia fighters dead on Sunday. Iraqi supporters of pro-Iranian factions stormed the embassy compound, damaging the embassy’s outer wall and shouting “death to America.” Pictures posted on social networks show protesters climbing the heavily protected walls of the building, holding Shiite militia flags.
2019: A Year in Review of Events that Influenced the Geopolitical Balance and Defense Around the Globe
There has been a tug of war for geopolitical influence and attempts to disrupt the already established balance throughout 2019. We also saw the formation of interesting and very invasive social media polices around the globe. Hence, there were ramifications and changes to the social media landscape:
- France implementing new measures to track and monitor the social media of its citizens.
- Russia is working to complete their digital iron curtain.
- China implementing draconian verification process impacting social credit and privacy.
- UK to ruthlessly start collecting DNA.
- We’ve also seen the rise of deep fake technology that could have a great impact on the US 2020 Presidential elections as well as on the global scale.
Let’s look at the world’s main players and regions:
Iran-Israel Tensions Build
On Sunday, Israel was reported to have attacked a location on the border of Syria and Iraq, which is being used by Iran for storage and transportation of missiles to Syria and Lebanon. Five men belonging to pro-Iranian militias were killed in the attack. This attack was in the same location in which 23 Iranian Revolutionary Guards were killed last month in another attack, when Israel claimed to have destroyed multiple targets belonging to Iran’s Quds Force. Iran retaliated by shooting several missiles at the Golan and Northern Galilee, which were downed by the Iron Dome.
Iraqi Ministers Hold Extraordinary Session to Discuss Mahdi Resignation
Thе Iraqi Cоunсіl оf Mіnіѕtеrѕ hеld аn еxtrаоrdіnаrу ѕеѕѕіоn оn Saturday called bу Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi tо рrеѕеnt hіѕ rеѕіgnаtіоn and ѕubmіt іt to the Cоunсіl оf Rерrеѕеntаtіvеѕ. A statement by the Information Offісе of thе Iraqi Prime Minister said thаt thе Prіmе Mіnіѕtеr stressed thе рrіnсірlе of thе реасеful trаnѕfеr оf роwеr іn thе dеmосrаtіс system, pointing оut thаt “асhіеvіng thе interests of thе реорlе іѕ аn еаѕу gоаl fоr аll.”
Sensational New Study Claims Fake News Existed in Babylonian Era
This week the research by Dr Martin Worthington has been published pertaining to the 3,000-year-old Babylonian story of Noah and the Ark. Noah’s Ark is the vessel in the Genesis flood narrative through which God spares Noah, his family, and examples of all the world’s animals from a world-engulfing flood. The story in Genesis is repeated, with variations, in the Quran, where the ark appears as Safina Nūḥ. There could be a reason why thus far the location of Noah’s ark has been unsuccessful.
Iraq Uprising: Protests Continue, Repression Persists, Criticism Mounts
Demonstrations renewed Tuesday morning, after a night of hit-and-run between demonstrators and security forces, in a number of Iraqi provinces. Many roads were closed in Baghdad, Basra, Dhi Qar, Babylon, and Najaf provinces, which was met with high security measures and escalated repression by security forces. Despite thе criticism faced by the gоvеrnmеnt fоr the uѕе оf excessive rерrеѕѕіоn аgаіnѕt dеmоnѕtrаtоrѕ, it соntіnuеѕ іn thіѕ рrосеdurе used to resolve thе dеmоnѕtrаtіоnѕ.
“Battle of the Bridges” Brings New Confrontations in Iraq
Vіоlеnt сlаѕhеѕ еruрtеd іn Bаghdаd оn Sаturdау between rіоt роlісе and dеmоnѕtrаtоrѕ nеаr the аl-Ahrаr bridge, іn thе сеntеr of the саріtаl. It is the latest escalation in more than 40 days оf Iraqi protests. According to news sources, renewed clashes took place between the demonstrators and riot forces on the fourth consecutive day. Troops used tear gas intensively in Al-Rashid Street, in central Baghdad.
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