Iranian Efforts to Destablize Iraq, State Dept. Warned in April
In late April, State Department officials warned that Iran had “trained, funded, and provided guidance” to ethnic Iraqi terror groups who want to destabilize the country.
Iraq
‘Next 9/11’ Threat from Iraq, warn U.S. officials
The Obama Administration came under fire Sunday from Republicans who warned that a debacle in Iraq will give jihadists a staging area for the next 9/11.
General’s Plea to Keep Forces in Iraq Ignored by Obama
President Barack Obama was advised by the last American commander in Iraq that 23,000 U.S. troops remain to cement the victory, however no deal was ever reached with Baghdad, and all combat forces went home in 2011.
Pentagon Orders Aircraft Carrier to Gulf
The aircraft carrier USS George W. Bush was ordered by U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to move into the Gulf region on Saturday, in the event the White House decides to pursue a military option against the jihadists in Iraq.
Iran intelligence minister blames Israel, US for Iraq crisis
Iranian deputy minister of intelligence Hojjat al-Eslam Ali Khazaei says terrorists supported “by Israel and America” are responsible for the fall of Mosul, Iraq, to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
Prices Could Hit $150-$200 Per Barrel Without Iraq Oil (Video)
If Iraq’s oil supply goes offline, crude prices could hit $150-$200 a barrel, T. Boone Pickens, founder of BP Capital Management, told CNBC on Friday.
Obama Weighs Military Options in Iraq
The menu of options available to President Barack Obama in Iraq is a familiar one: Share intelligence, give tactical advice, launch airstrikes. But the president’s decision is complicated by the difficult relationship with Baghdad since U.S. troops left, and the amorphous nature of the enemy.
Iran Open to Shared Role with U.S. in Iraq
Shi’te Muslim Iran is so alarmed by Sunni insurgent gains in Iraq that it may be willing to cooperate with Washington in helping Baghdad fight back, a senior Iranian official told Reuters.
Jihadists Institute Sharia ‘Code of Conduct’ in Captured Cities
The Islamic extremist group that has captured several Iraqi cities and pushed the country into chaos has now begun issuing a “code of conduct” to all residents living in the seized territories, which are now under strict Islamic control.
Congress’ Iraq Vets ask themselves, “What was the point of all that?”
Americans are tired of war. For the 17 members of Congress who served in Iraq, that means watching helplessly as the cities they fought for fall once more to extremists.
Russia on Iraq: ‘We told you so’
As the situation in Iraq begins to looks more and more like a complete state meltdown, Russia has stepped in with a familiar refrain: “We told you so.”
In Extremist’ Rise in Iraq, America’s Legacy in Iraq Being Defined
First Falluja, then Mosul, and now the oil-refinery town of Bayji. The rapid advance of Al Qaeda-inspired militants across the Sunni heartland of northern and western Iraq has been stunning and relentless—and utterly predictable. Here’s a forecast: the bad news is just beginning.
Iraq Sought U.S. Strikes in March and Again in May Against Terrorists
As the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) threatened Western Iraq, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki secretly asked the Obama administration to consider carrying out air strikes against the terrorist organization, according to the New York Times.
Jihadists Seize Saddam Hussein’s Hometown of Tikrit (Video)
Sunni jihadists pushed in a lightening offensive from northern Iraq and seized Saddam Hussein’s hometown of Tikrit, just 80 miles north of Baghdad.
Al Qaeda Splinter Group Seizes Control of Mosul
Militants affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a splinter al Qaeda group, launched an overnight attack on Mosul seizing control of the governor’s headquarters, television stations, as well as freeing hundreds of prisoners held in jails.
Open Doors Releases Report Where Christians Face Most Persecution
Open Doors has just released the “Top Ten” countries where Christians are most persecuted for their faith.
Obama plans to cut U.S. presence in Afghanistan to 9,800 Troops
President Obama plans to cut the U.S. presence in Afghanistan dramatically by the end of the year and announced the next steps in winding down the war in Afghanistan on Tuesday afternoon.
Homes of Christians Fleeing Iraq Seized by Gangs
Gangs in Baghdad are seizing homes left vacant by Christian families who have been forced to flee from sectarian violence, according to Barnabas Aid.
More Christian Clergy Missing in Syria
Last week’s disappearance of an Italian Jesuit priest in Syria suggested foul play following the kidnappings of two other clergy in April, according to Morning Star News.
Syrian Rebels to Assyrian Christian refugees: ‘If you want to come back, convert to Islam, or you will be killed’
According to the Assyrian International News Agency, Assyrian Christians who have fled from an area of Syria called al-Thawrah (also known as al-Tabqah), have been told by rebels, “If you want to come back, convert to Islam, or you will be killed.”