iraq

Turkey’s Erdogan in Iraq to push for reset of ties, cooperation against PKK

by
Turkey’s Erdogan in Iraq to push for reset of ties, cooperation against PKK

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan visited Iraq to improve relations and discuss deals on energy, trade, and security cooperation against Kurdish PKK militants. Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s expectations for Iraq to help in the battle against the PKK. Cooperation on economic projects and securing water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers were also discussed. Bilateral trade between Turkey and Iraq was worth .9 billion in 2023. Erdogan also planned to meet with Iraqi Kurdish officials during his visit.

Don Wooten: Taxes are dues we pay to be part of this society

by
Don Wooten: Taxes are dues we pay to be part of this society

The author, Don Wooten, reflects on his attitude towards paying taxes and the importance of contributing to society through taxes. He mentions his belief that taxes are necessary for the common good and expresses a willingness to pay them, despite some frustrations with how tax money is sometimes used.

Iraq’s PMF force says base was attacked, army investigates

by
Iraq’s PMF force says base was attacked, army investigates

A huge blast at a military base in Iraq killed a member of an Iraqi security force that includes Iran-backed groups. The Iraqi military is investigating the cause of the explosion, which killed one person and wounded eight others. The incident occurred in Babil province amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, including recent attacks between Iran and Israel. The PMF, which includes Iran-backed groups, has previously targeted U.S. troops and Israel, claiming support for Palestinians. The U.S. military denied reports of carrying out airstrikes in Iraq.

Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say, drones reported over Isfahan

by
Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say, drones reported over Isfahan

Israel has attacked Iran in retaliation for a drone strike on Israel. Iran’s air defense systems destroyed drones in Isfahan, causing explosions. Analysts fear the Israel-Gaza conflict spreading in the region. Iran warned of a severe response to attacks. Financial markets reacted negatively to the escalating tensions. Iran’s nuclear facilities were unharpmed, and flights in Iran were disrupted. Israel’s military offensive in Gaza has resulted in numerous Palestinian casualties. Iran-backed groups have supported Palestinians by launching attacks from various countries.

FACTBOX-Lebanon’s Hezbollah: What weapons does it have?

by
FACTBOX-Lebanon’s Hezbollah: What weapons does it have?

Hezbollah, a heavily armed non-state group in Lebanon, is a key player in the Iran-backed “Axis of Resistance” alliance against Israel and U.S. influence in the Middle East. Hezbollah possesses a vast arsenal of over 150,000 missiles and rockets, including precision weapons, anti-tank, anti-aircraft, and anti-ship missiles. The group also has around 45,000 fighters and has used drones in hostilities with Israel.

Stabbed Sydney bishop is a TikTok star beloved by his community

by
Stabbed Sydney bishop is a TikTok star beloved by his community

Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was stabbed during a church service live streamed from Sydney. He is a social media star with followers worldwide, known for his fiery sermons on various topics. The attack on him was deemed a terrorist act motivated by religious extremism. Emmanuel has been popular on TikTok and YouTube, but his words have been twisted and taken out of context. Residents fear religious persecution in the community where the attack occurred.

Iraq to vote on bill including death penalty for same-sex acts

by
Iraq to vote on bill including death penalty for same-sex acts

Iraqi lawmakers are considering a bill that would introduce harsh punishments for same-sex relations, including the death penalty or life in prison. This has raised concerns among rights groups and Western diplomats who fear it would harm Iraq’s political and economic relationships. The bill also prohibits the promotion of homosexuality and imposes severe penalties for violations. Diplomats have lobbied against the bill, warning that its passage could have catastrophic consequences for international relations with Iraq.

US will not take part in retaliatory action against Iran, White House says

by
US will not take part in retaliatory action against Iran, White House says

President Joe Biden warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. would not participate in a counter-offensive against Iran if Israel decides to retaliate for a mass drone and missile attack on Israeli territory overnight. The threat of open warfare between the two countries has caused global powers and Arab nations to urge restraint to avoid further escalation. The U.S. will continue to help Israel defend itself but does not want war, according to the White House’s top national security spokesperson. Iran launched the attack in response to a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Syria, causing only modest damage in Israel as most missiles were shot down with the help of the U.S., Britain, and Jordan. Israel is not planning an immediate retaliation and is seeking to build a regional coalition to address the threat posed by Iran.

Israel’s Netanyahu vows victory after Iran strikes, fears of wider conflict grow

by
Israel’s Netanyahu vows victory after Iran strikes, fears of wider conflict grow

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his country would achieve victory after the military successfully shot down almost all of the more than 300 drones and missiles launched by Iran. The attacks by Tehran, in response to an Israeli air strike in Damascus that killed officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, raised the threat of a wider regional conflict. Netanyahu posted on social media that “together we shall win,” and the Israeli military reported that over 99% of the Iranian drones and missiles were intercepted. Israel is considering a significant response to the attack, which has escalated tensions in the region.

Sky News: Iran’s direct attack on Israel is unprecedented – Why Tehran chose to strike with drones

by
Sky News: Iran’s direct attack on Israel is unprecedented – Why Tehran chose to strike with drones

Iran launched an unprecedented direct attack on Israel using 200 drones and missiles. Most of the drones were intercepted, with only one 7-year-old girl injured by shrapnel. The use of cruise missiles changed the dynamics of the situation. The attack caused Israelis to feel vulnerable and the government will be forced to respond. The attack was similar to Russia’s attacks on Ukraine, experimenting with different types of missiles and drones. Iran has also tested US Navy defense systems through Houthi drone attacks.