Leighton ex-CEO wins Defamation Settlement
By John Lee. A former CEO of Australia's Leighton Holdings has received an apology and an out-of-court settlement from Fairfax Media following their claim that he knew of alleged corporate misconduct, including the payment of a $42 million bribe in Iraq. Wal King, chief executive of Leighton Holdings (now known as CIMIC Group) from 1987 […]
Trump takes Aim at Iranian Influence in Iraq
By John Lee. US President Donald Trump has taken aim at Iranian influence in Iraq. He commented on Twitter: "Iran is rapidly taking over more and more of Iraq even after the U.S. has squandered three trillion dollars there. Obvious long ago!" He also said: "Iran has been formally PUT ON NOTICE for firing a […]
Iraqi Forces Liberate 60 Percent of Mosul
The U.S.-led coalition to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant has liberated about 60 percent of ISIL-held territory in Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman told Pentagon reporters today. In a teleconferenced briefing from Baghdad, Air Force Col. John L. Dorrian said that even though […]
Coalition Strikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq
U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq and Syria on Tuesday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported yesterday. Officials reported details of the latest strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports. Strikes in Syria Attack, bomber and […]
L-3 Wins $52m Military Order
By John Lee. L-3 Fuzing and Ordnance Systems Inc. has been awarded a $51,852,276 firm-fixed-price, foreign military sales contract (Afghanistan, Iraq) for 21,589 M734A1 multi-option fuses that includes a first article test, and 270,528 M783 point detonating delay fuses. Bids were solicited via the Internet with one received. Work will be performed in Cincinnati, Ohio, […]
Gulf Keystone gains following Trading Statement
Shares in Gulf Keystone Petroleum (GKP), operator of the Shaikan Field in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, closed up 1.7 percent on Wednesday followingn a trading and operational update. This is in advance of the Company's full year results for the period ended 31 December 2016 which will be announced on Thursday 6 April 2017. […]
Abadi Rejects ‘Reciprocal Measures’ against US Ban
Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi has said that Baghdad would not take ‘reciprocal measures’ against the recent US banning order against Iraqi citizens, issued by President Donald Trump. Answering a question, Abadi stated that he did not want to harm US citizens in the country by applying reciprocal measures, for the time being. Abadi however […]
Parliament Approves two Cabinet Posts, Rejects two others
The Iraqi parliament has approved the appointment of Irfan al-Hayali to the Ministry of Defence and Qasim al-Araji to the Interior Ministry. Inam al-Obeidi, who had been nominated for the Ministry of Commerce, and Najam Ali, who had been nominated for the Ministry of Industry, were both rejected by the parliament. As such three cabinet […]
Over 400 Iraqi Civilians Killled in January
A total of 403 Iraqi civilians were killed and another 924 were injured in acts of terrorism, violence and armed conflict in Iraq in January 2017*, according to casualty figures recorded by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). The number of civilians killed in January (not including police) was 382, while the number […]
Coalition Strikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists
U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq and Syria on Monday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported yesterday. Officials reported details of the latest strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports. Strikes in Syria Attack, bomber and […]
IHH Sends 22 Aid Trucks to Northern Iraq
The Turkish-based IHH humanitarian relief organization -- in collaboration with Qatar Khairiyah Organization and Munazamah Dawah Islamiyah Qatar office -- has sent 22 trucks loaded with emergency aid supplies to Northern Iraq. The trucks carrying 30,000 blankets, 7,500 straw mats, 1,250 flasks, 150 tons of bulgur, 75 tons of pasta, 50 tons of flour, and 6,600 […]
KRG calls for Urgent Help to avert Humanitarian Catastrophe
KRG Minister of Interior calls for urgent direct assistance to avert humanitarian catastrophe The KRG is calling for immediate, direct assistance to minimize a humanitarian catastrophe as a result of a lack of proper shelter and medical care for civilians fleeing Mosul. The KRG has not only supported and hosted fleeing IDPs, but also provided […]



