« Open Thread 2021-026 |
Main
U.S. Iran Conflict In Iraq Put On Pause
During their recent strategic dialogue the U.S. and Iraq agreed to relabel U.S. combat troops in the country into train and assist forces. A common statement said:
Based on the increasing capacity of the ISF, the parties confirmed that the mission of U.S. and Coalition forces has now transitioned to one focused on training and advisory tasks, thereby allowing for the redeployment of any remaining combat forces from Iraq, with the timing to be established in upcoming technical talks. The transition of U.S. and other international forces away from combat operations to training, equipping, and assisting the ISF reflects the success of their strategic partnership and ensures support to the ISF’s continued efforts to ensure ISIS can never again threaten Iraq’s stability.
Iraq: Paramilitaries feel the heat as Kadhimi steps up moves against them
An aggressive parade of fighters in Baghdad is the latest evidence the prime minister is putting Iran-backed factions under pressure Rabaa Allah fighters read a statement during a parade through Baghdad on 25 March (Social media) By Published date: 7 April 2021 16:31 UTC | Last update: 5 hours 53 min ago
Baghdadis stepping out to run errands or get to work were surprised on 25 March. Rolling down the road in the capital’s centre and south were dozens of military-grade Toyota Land Cruisers, some with heavy guns attached, and scores of masked fighters parading in full uniform.
Iraq s Falcon Cell leader removed amid accusations of suspicious links al-monitor.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from al-monitor.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Two weeks ago, the Falcons Cell was one of the Iranian-backed factions’ most-prized assets in Iraq.
The elite intelligence unit, hailed as Iraq’s “most dangerous” spy network, is CIA and MI6 trained. It boasts hundreds of successful operations against militant operatives, and rivals all other Iraqi intelligence services in its scope and prowess.
Yet in one swoop, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi has changed its leadership and snatched this prize from his Shia rivals, securing for himself an organisation that gives him knowledge and power that his political enemies will find deeply troubling.
Iraq s Kadhimi responds to Baghdad attack by sacking security officialsRead More »