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ABOARD A US MILITARY AIRCRAFT (AFP) - The top US military commander floated the idea late Wednesday (May 17) of Nato assuming some responsibility for training troops in Iraq after Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) forces there are defeated.

The 28-member Atlantic alliance "might be uniquely posturing to provide a training mission for an enduring period of time" in Iraq, General Joe Dunford told reporters during his flight back to the United States from Brussels, where he attended a planning meeting ahead of next week's Nato summit.

"You might see Nato making a contribution to logistics, acquisitions, institutional capacity building, leadership schools, academies - those kind of things," Gen Dunford, who is chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said.

The issue is at the top of the agenda for next week's summit, with US President Donald Trump pushing the allies to take on a greater role in combating terrorism.

After months of brutal, street-by-street combat, ISIS has lost control of most of its stronghold of Mosul in Iraq, while the militants have become largely isolated in Raqa in neighbouring Syria.

A change in who leads the training mission would likely also mean revamping the nature of the effort, Gen Dunford said.

"We are not talking about Nato doing what we are doing now for combat advising in places like Mosul or Raqa," the general said.

"I don't think we are at the point now where we can envision or discuss Nato taking over" all missions of the anti-IS coalition in Iraq, he added.

Nato's top brass said on Wednesday they believed the alliance should consider joining the anti-ISIS coalition put together by Washington to fight militants in Syria and Iraq.

General Petr Pavel, head of Nato'smilitary committee, told reporters after chiefs of defence staff (CHODS) met in Brussels that it was time to look at this option.

"Nato members are all in the anti-IS coalition. The discussion now is - is Nato to become a member of that coalition," he said.

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US presses idea of Nato taking over training of Iraq troops - The Straits Times

Jordan Times

Iraq's unity, stability a Jordanian interest King Jordan Times AMMAN His Majesty King Abdullah and Iraqi President Fuad Massoum on Thursday discussed the "deep-rooted" relations between the two countries, the latest developments in Iraq and current regional issues. During their meeting, held at Al Husseiniya ... and more »

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Iraq's unity, stability a Jordanian interest King - Jordan Times

Last year a British judge ruled Blair had immunity from prosecution. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

A high court judge is to consider whether a legal ban on prosecuting Tony Blair over the Iraq war can be challenged.

A private criminal prosecution against the former Labour prime minister was blocked in 2016 when it was ruled Blair would have immunity from any criminal charges.

On Tuesday the high court will consider arguments for reversing that ban and for keeping it.

The attorney general, the governments top law officer, wants the ban upheld and also to join the case.

The current controversy revolves around Blairs decision when prime minister to take Britain into the invasion of Iraq in 2003, which was led by the United States and sparked huge opposition.

In November 2016, a British court ruled against an application to bring a private prosecution. A district judge at Westminster magistrates court ruled Blair had immunity from prosecution over the Iraq war and that any case could also involve details being disclosed under the Official Secrets Act.

The attempted private prosecution was brought in the name of a former top Iraqi general and sought to try Blair for the crime of aggression. On Tuesday, a more senior judge will consider whether there are sufficient grounds to grant a judicial review of the rejection of the prosecution.

The high court judge will consider the paper submissions made by lawyers and there will be no public hearing.

The high court will also consider whether Jeremy Wright QC, the attorney general, can join the case. Wright believes it is in the public interest that the private prosecution is blocked.

A spokesperson for the attorney general said of the high court proceedings: The next stage will be the court considering the papers and making a decision on whether to grant permission for a judicial review.

The attorney is seeking to intervene to represent the public interest.

The private prosecution seeks the trial in a British court of Blair, the foreign secretary in 2003, Jack Straw, and Lord Goldsmith, the attorney general at the time the government was deciding to join the invasion of Iraq.

It seeks their conviction for the crime of aggression and is based on the damning findings of last years Chilcot report into the British decision to join the invasion of Iraq, under the false pretext that Saddam Husseins regime had weapons of mass destruction.

The attorney general claims the case for the crime of aggression does not exist in English law, even though it does exist in international law. But that argument appears to be undermined in a document written by Goldsmith himself.

In his 2003 memo on the legality of the Iraq war, Goldsmith, then attorney general, seemed to accept a key point of those now seeking his prosecution. Aggression is a crime under customary international law which automatically forms part of domestic law, he wrote.

After the Chilcot report was released some families of British service personnel who died fighting in Iraq called for Blair to face criminal charges.

The latest attempt at a private prosecution is brought by Gen Abdul-Wahid Shannan ar-Ribat, former chief of staff of the Iraqi army and now living in exile.

His application to Westminster magistrates court for a summons to be issued against Blair was refused by district judge Michael Snow, who said the former prime minister had implied immunity as former head of state and government ministers, therefore offence not made out Allegations involve potential details being disclosed under the Official Secrets Act for which attorney general and director of public prosecutions consent are required.

The lawyers behind the private prosecution attempt include Michael Mansfield QC and Imran Khan, who fought a long battle for justice for the family of Stephen Lawrence.

It is not clear when the decision by the high court will be made public.

Link:
Tony Blair: Iraq war prosecution attempt goes back to court - The Guardian

Jerusalem Post Israel News

Iranian-backed militia offensive raises tensions near Turkish border of Iraq Jerusalem Post Israel News The offensive in Iraq is the most important yet launched by the Iranian-backed Shia militias, known as the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), since November, when they crossed 50 km. of desert to cut off Mosul and surround the Turkmen town of Tal Afar. CentCom Breaks Safe Passage Deal in Syria and Iraq- Making Its Allies Bleed for ItCenter for Research on Globalization Home Iraq ISIS on its last legs in Mosul as Iraqi Army liberates four...AMN Al-Masdar News (registration) all 6 news articles »

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Iranian-backed militia offensive raises tensions near Turkish border of Iraq - Jerusalem Post Israel News

Assistant Commandant Gen. Glenn Walters on May 18 will present the Silver Star to a Marine who initially received the Bronze Star for saving his linguist in Iraq.

Capt. Andrew Kims award was upgraded as part of a Defense Department-wide review of nearly 1,400 combat valor awards issued since 2001, a Marine Corps news release says. He will receive the Silver Star at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms in California.

A sergeant at the time, Kim was on a mission on Aug. 6, 2003, when an Iraqi man shot the linguist in the neck, the news release says. Kim killed the attacker, but small-arms fire erupted from the rear and Kim was hit several times.

Disregarding his own wounds, Kim grabbed the linguist and helped him into a vehicle, the news release says. They drove off but five Iraqis in a white pickup truck gave chase while firing at their vehicle.

After linking up with other Marines, Kim ordered a counter-attack that killed his pursuers, the news release says

Kims gallantry and effectiveness under fire saved the lives of all those conducting the mission, the news release says. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage and complete dedication to duty, Kim reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

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Marine to receive Silver Star for saving linguist in Iraq - Marine Corps Times