The new documentary titled “Al-Sai al-Ahira” (“The Last Hour”) aired on the Al-Mayadeen channel. Al Mayadeen was founded in 2012. The channel aims at reducing the influence of the Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya. The channel is based in the Beirut, Lebanon.
Category: Iraq
Iraq — Extremists Commemorate General Qassem Soleimani
Thousands of adherents of Iraq’s Shiite paramilitary were paraded through Baghdad on Sunday to commemorate the anniversary of Qassem Soleimani and a militia commander’s assassinations by the US.Thousands of Iraqi mourners shouted “revenge” and “no to America” one year after a US drone strike killed Shia militants’ top leader in Iraq.
Iran — Uranium Enrichment and War
The Iran addressed the Coronavirus pandemic this weekend during the National Committee meeting. The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hassan Rouhani said: “Coronavirus infection is not a common disease, but a historic test for the peoples and leaders of the world.”
Iran Denies Involvement in Baghdad Embassy Attack
Iran has denied allegations that it was involved in last week’s US Embassy attack in Bagdad in which 21 rockets were fired. The attack led to one Iraqi casualty. A building in Baghdad’s Green Zone was also damaged during the attack. In the aftermath, US President Donald Trump issued a warning to Tehran cautioning that if one America gets killed, there will be a huge price to pay.
US Sends Bombers to Middle East to Deter Iran
The US military has sent out two B-52 bombers to the Middle East to deter acts of aggression by Iran and its proxies. The planes, which flew from the Barksdale AFB military base on Thursday, will help project US military power in an area that is becoming increasingly hostile.
In First, Pope Francis to Visit Iraq
The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has accepted an invitation from the Republic of Iraq and the local Catholic Church to make a trip to the country in March 2021. The Pope is scheduled to visit Baghdad, as well as Mosul and Qaraqosh, said the director of the Vatican press room, Matteo Bruni, on Monday.
Norway and Oil Production Change
Norway announced the internet to increase the oil production and export starting January 2021. Hence, this will be a 3rd nation, which will not follow the OPEC+ agreement. The OPEC+ agreement called for a decrease in crude oil output by an initial 9.7 million barrels per day (b/d) that gradually tapers through April 2022, the end of the current agreement period.
Trump Withdraws US Troops From Somalia
President Trump has decided to withdraw his troops from Somalia. He had previously ordered the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. According to a Pentagon statement, most of the troops stationed in Somalia are scheduled to leave the country by the beginning of 2021.
Iran to Install More Advanced Centrifuges in Natanz
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) informed its members in a confidential report on Friday (December 4th) that Iran intends to install more than 500 new centrifuges at the Nazanar nuclear facility in southern Iran. Reuters reports that it has seen the confidential report of the agency.
US Again Deploys B-52 Bombers in Middle East
The US Central Command has announced that it will deploy B-52 fighter jets in the Middle East to increase its rapid response capability. The decision comes just days after announcing a reduction in US military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan. Gen. Greg Guillot, a U.S. Air Force commander, has said B-52 bombers will be deployed to counter possible attacks.
US Sanctions Iran’s Minister of Intelligence
On the anniversary of the crackdown on the November protests in Iran, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi, two deputies of the Foundation of the Oppressed and Disabled, and a number of individuals and entities close to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Deadly ISIL Attack Near Baghdad Leaves 11 Dead
A group of Islamic State members attacked a watchtower, as well as popular mobilization positions in Iraq, killing at least eleven people. Eight people were injured in the attack, according to news agencies. Some of the victims were civilians. News agencies reported the new attack by members of the group near Baghdad.
Lebanon- US Sanctions Lebanese Politician Amid Rising Coronavirus Infections
The US Treasury Department has added one of the most powerful Lebanese politicians and supporters of Hezbollah to the sanctions list on Friday Nov. 6th. Lebanese Foreign Minister Gibran Basil has close ties to Iranian-backed extremist Shiites.
Iraq- Two Killed in Anti-Government Protests in Baghdad
Iraqi prime minister called on police and security forces not to shoot at protesters, yet two young men were killed in police shootings during anti-government demonstrations in Baghdad and Basra. The young man killed in Baghdad has been one of the main figures in the protests.
Iranian Crude Oil Smuggled Through Faw Port in Iraq
The Islamic Republic of Iran is smuggling its crude oil through the waters of Iraq to circumvent US sanctions. It is said that Iranian oil is transferred to other tankers in the port of Faw and exported in the name of Iraqi oil. The Wall Street Journal in a special report revealed the smuggling of Iranian crude oil through Iraqi waters.
Lindsey Graham Begged Trump Not To Assassinate Soleimani
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.
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.
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