Iraqi Political Showdown Looming Over Status Of Forces Agreement

Thousands of supporters of anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr held a raucous but otherwise peaceful rally in downtown Baghdad last week that was both reflection of events in parliament and a portent of things to come over continued U.S. military presence...

Number of Iraqis Killed in Political Violence Fell Nearly 10 Percent in June, According to Security Officials

The number of Iraqis killed in political violence fell nearly 10 percent in June, according to security officials. The U.S military attributes the drop to the deployment of extra troops, the formation of antiterrorist fronts among Sunni former rebels,...

Iraqi Forces Prepare for New Operation in Amarah

Iraqi security forces are preparing for a new offensive targeting what they refer to as “outlaws” in the southern city of Amarah. Helicopters dropped leaflets across the city Saturday urging residents to stay home and not to interfere with...

Iraq Fires 1,300 Soldiers, Police for Failing to Fight Armed Groups

Iraq’s government has dismissed about 1,300 security personnel for dereliction of duties during a recent crackdown on armed Shi’ite groups in southern Iraq.

Gates Says US Not Likely To Arrest Moqtada Al-Sadr

Defense Secretary Robert Gates says it is unlikely radical Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr would be subject to arrest by U.S. forces if he returns to Iraq. In related developments, unidentified gunmen have shot and killed a senior aide to al-Sadr...

Explosions Hit US-Protected Green Zone in Baghdad

Rockets have smashed into Baghdad’s heavily-fortified Green Zone, a day after radical Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr called a ceasefire with Iraqi and coalition troops.

Reports Say Nouri Al-Maliki Admits Defeat in Crack Down on Moqtada Al Sadr’s Mahdi Army in Basra

On Sunday Nouri al-Maliki admitted defeat in his attempt to crack down on Moqtada al Sadr’s Mahdi Army in Basra. Maliki had begun the week demanding that Mahdi forces surrender within 72 hours, calling this “a decisive and final battle.”...

Two People Killed in Coalition Raids in Southern Iraq

Two people were killed Saturday in the southern Iraqi city of Kut during gunbattles between police and Shi’ite militia. The militia are members of the Mahdi Army, who are controlled by firebrand cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.

Iraqi Police Say Female Suicide Bomber Kills Four

Iraqi authorities say a female suicide bomber blew herself up outside the home of a local tribal leader in Diyala province, killing him and three others.