Iraq

Oil rich Arab Islamic nation with millenia of history, still struggling for stebillity following 2003 overthrown of dictator Sadam Hussein.

This week in Jewish history: Anne Frank’s first diary entry, Israel bombs Iraqi nuke reactor

A highly abridged weekly version of Dust & Stars – Today in Jewish History.

 Anne Frank diary in Madame Tussauds museum on April 25, 2017 in Amsterdam Netherlands.
 The IDF continues to expand its ground operations across the Gaza Strip, June 2025.

IDF issues evacuation warnings for northern Gaza, Shas expected to leave gov't

IDF forces operating in the Gaza Strip. Operation "Gideon's Chariots"

IDF intercepts Houthi missile, Hamas ready to begin new hostage deal talks

 Banaz Mahmod.

'In my country murder is normal': Uncle jailed for honor killing of Banaz Mahmod sues ITV for libel


US Congress members call to sanction Iranian-backed militias in Iraq - analysis

US congress members called to sanction several Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, including the Popular Mobilization Forces, in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

DEMONSTRATORS CLIMB a structure during an anti-government protest in Baghdad, last week.

Iran attempts to get closer to its neighbors: Turkey, Pakistan, Iraq

This is important for Iran because if there are any rising tensions, it will want the support of countries such as Turkey, Iraq, and Pakistan.

 Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during a meeting with members of the Iranian Navy in Tehran, Iran, May 17, 2025.

Reports of deal to release Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov 'false,' official tells 'Post'

According to the proposed deal, Tsurkov's release would be in exchange for the release of an Iranian detainee in Iraq along with six other individuals.

 Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov over a backdrop of Iraqi and Israeli flags.

Normalization with Iraq? Druze ex-minister discusses relations with Israel's bordering states

Kara, a senior figure in the Druze community, is no longer a politician and holds no official Israeli role.

A Druze boy holds a flag as he looks at the ceasefire line between Golan Heights and Syria, on the day of first visit by Druze delegation from Syria just after 1973 war in Israel, March 14, 2025.

Kurdistan Region’s $110B gas deals spark controversy with Baghdad – analysis

The energy deals come as Kurdistan is trying to bolster its security and autonomy in Iraq.

 A member of the Kurdish security forces looks at the wreckage of a vehicle belonging to Iraqi security forces in the outskirts of Kirkuk June 16, 2014.

The Met returns looted Sumerian and Babylonian artifacts to Iraq

New evidence from a probe into British antiquities dealer Robin Symes confirmed the pieces were trafficked and rightfully belong to Iraq.

Visitors walk along the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, March 6, 2006.

Iraq looks to lead Arab nations as it pledges $20m. to Gaza, Lebanon - analysis

Iraq has sought to spotlight the war in Gaza and to bring Arab countries together on this issue.

 Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein attends the 34th Arab League summit, in Baghdad, Iraq, 17 May 2025

PKK disarmament talks could reshape Iraq, Syria and Turkey relations - analysis

Both Iraq and Syria would benefit from having Turkish troops withdraw. Politics at home in Turkey can also be transformed. 

 Syrian Kurds hold up an image of Turkey's jailed militant leader Abdullah Ocalan as they gather after Ocalan called on his Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to lay down its arms on Thursday,  in Hasakah, Syria February 27, 2025.

Arab League Summit in Baghdad is about a new Arab world - analysis

The reports in Iraq note that the summit seeks to focus on many issues in the region.

 Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein welcomes Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani upon arrival at Baghdad International Airport ahead of the 34th Arab League summit, in Baghdad, Iraq, May 17, 2025.

Sister of Israeli held hostage in Iraq meets with US hostage envoy Boehler

Elizabeth was kidnapped in March 2023 and is being held by the Shi’ite militia Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq.

 Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov over a backdrop of Iraqi and Israeli flags.

Iran’s secretive head of Quds Force travels to Iraq - analysis

Iraq is one of Iran’s last allies in the region, and Iran wants to show its clout in Iraq and pressure Baghdad.

 BRIGADIER-GENERAL Esmail Qaani, the head of the Revolutionary Guards Quds Force. The Iranian connection should be front and center in Israeli statements, says the writer