Archive | Security

The Importance of Sunni Unity in Iraq

By Mustafa al Kadhimi for Al Monitor. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Iraq Business News. Many Iraqi politicians do not hide their concerns and skepticism regarding moves made by Sunni political and tribal groups — whether in the region or Washington — to ensure […]

British Charity Opens Clinic for Refugees

British Charity Opens Medical Clinic for Iraqi Refugees in Najaf The British-Iraqi charity, the AMAR International Charitable Foundation, has opened a clinic in the Iraqi city of Najaf to give medical assistance to the 70,000 refugees who fled to the region from the Islamic State (ISIL/Daesh). The majority of the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) are […]

Rights Violations of "Increasingly Sectarian Nature"

A United Nations report released this week details widespread human rights violations of an increasingly sectarian nature in Iraq, as well as a deterioration of the rule of law in large parts of the embattled country. The report, produced jointly by the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the Office of the UN High […]

Weekly Security Update, 17 - 23 February 2015

National Overview The United States offers April date for Mosul offensive as use of foreign military hardware is increased across Iraq’s western battle zones. Announced to the international press on Thursday 20 February (and confirming details reported by EI in December 2014), the United States has committed to training a joint Arab-Kurdish force, including divisions […]

Defence Minister Criticises US

By John Lee. Iraq’s defence minister, Khaled al-Obeidi [al-Obaidi] (pictured), criticised the US on Sunday for announcing that an attack to reclaim Mosul from the Islamic State (IS, ISIS, ISIL) was likely to take place in April or May. According to a report from The Guardian, he said that military commanders should not show their hand […]

KRG and Turkey Discuss Latest Developments

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday received in Ankara Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani and his delegation. The two sides discussed the latest developments in the region, the war against the Islamic State terrorist organisation, ISIS and the role of Kurdistan Peshmerga Forces. They also discussed the agreement reached last December between […]

FM Receives Armenian Ambassador

By John Lee. Iraqi Foreign Minister, Dr. Ibrahim Al Jaafari, received the Armenian Ambassador to Iraq, Karen Grigoryan, at his office on Sunday, and discussed with him bilateral relations, opening joint cooperation horizons through accelerating the preparation for holding the first meeting of the Iraqi-Armenian Committee, excluding the diplomats from visas, facilitating the procedures for […]

CSI Wins $73m Iraq Defense Deal

By John Lee. Critical Solutions International (CSI) has announced that the Iraqi Ministry of Defense has purchased the Husky 2G as its Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and mine clearing vehicle. According to a statement from the company, this procurement represents a critical enhancement to Iraq's route clearance mission and its ability to maintain freedom of […]

New Plans to Retake Mosul from IS

By John Lee. A joint Iraqi-Kurdish military force of up to 25,000 fighters is being prepared to retake the city of Mosul from the Islamic State (IS, ISIS, ISIL). A senior US military official said the operation to recapture the northern city will probably take place in April or May, as the heat could cause […]

Mladenov: Most Pressing Goal Remains Defeating IS

Delivering his final briefing as the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Nickolay Mladenov today stressed to the Security Council the optimism he feels for the country’s future, while tempering those hopes with fear over the many things that can go wrong. “I am a paranoid optimist,” said Mr. Mladenov, noting the […]

KRG PM Receives Japanese Ambassador

Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, yesterday received the Japanese Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Kazuya Nashida. The Japanese Ambassador thanked the Kurdistan Regional Government for its stance and support following the murder of the Japanese citizen in Syria at the hands of the Islamic State terrorist organization, known as ISIS. He conveyed his condolences […]

Video: Western Volunteers rally to Christian Militia

From AFP. Any opinions expressed are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Young American fighters are among the Western recruits who have returned to Iraq to fight the Islamist State jihadist group alongside Dwekh Nawsha, a Christian militia: