Archive for the ‘Iraq’ Category

Prime Minister Sudani’s Pivotal US Visit and Its Implications for Iraq’s Future – Wilson Center

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia Sudani will lead a prominent delegation to Washington, DC in mid-April, marking his first visit to the White House since assuming office in October 2022. The delegation includes key ministers of oil, finance, trade, and electricity, as well as the president of the central bank, accompanied by five Iraqi businessmen. Sudanis seven-day trip to the United States will include a meeting with President Joe Biden on April 15 at the Oval Office. He plans to talk with American businesses, the Iraqi community, and think tanks in Washington before heading to Houston to engage with US energy companies.

The delegation will focus on the US military presence in Iraq and the US Treasury sanctions and discuss bilateral security, trade, economic, energy, and cultural ties. These talks are anticipated to be primarily centered on military and sanctions issues.

TheShia Coordination Framework, which includes Shia political and militia groups withstrong animosity toward the US and its allies, haspressured Prime Minister Sudanito prioritize these issues. They perceive the US military as a threat, and the Treasurys sanctions haveseverely impacted the financial networksof these anti-American factions.

The US sanctions were triggered by the misappropriation of US dollars by Iraqi banks and individuals linked to the Coordination Framework.

The US sanctions were triggered by the misappropriation of US dollars by Iraqi banks and individuals linked to the Coordination Framework. These entities have significantly aided Washingtons opponents, such as Iran, Syria, and Russia, by channeling vast sums of money from Iraq to the aforementioned countries, thereby circumventing sanctions.

If negotiations are successful, Baghdad and Washington are expected to establish a timetable for the withdrawal of US combat forces from Iraq or agree on a new framework for the US militarys mission in the country, addressing the demands of the pro-Iranian groups. However, such agreements may come at a cost, potentially involving easing sanctions on blacklisted banks in exchange for flexibility regarding a controlled US military presence. However, this will mean granting more financial power to these groups, which will translate into growing political and military influence, posing long-term threats to US strategic interests and its allies.

However, the failure of the Biden administration to address the persistent onslaught by the Coordination Framework on the post-2003 Iraqi political framework to re-centralize political and economic power in Baghdad could re-drag the US into the country.

The Kurdistan Region, once a prominent political, diplomatic, economic, and energy force, is now in a state of paralysis. It has faced multiple crises, stemming partly from Baghdads detrimental policies and the Iraqi Supreme Courts rulings, sometimes compounded by the international communitys indifference, greatly affecting the welfare of ordinary Kurds.

The Coordination Framework has consistently pursued power re-centralization at the expense of Washingtons partners under the watchful eye of Prime Minister Sudanis government. Baghdads highest court rulings against the Kurdistan Regional Governments (KRG) oil exports have already resulted in over $11 billion in financial losses for Erbil and international oil companies, plunging Kurdistan into unprecedented economic turmoil. Additionally, the Iraqi court dissolved the Kurdish parliament and the provincial councils, revoked parliamentary seats held by minorities in Kurdistan since 1992, invalidated the Kurdistan Regions high election commissions authority to oversee parliamentary elections, and most recently, interfered in the administrative and budgetary affairs of the Kurdish region by instructing the Iraqi finance ministry to cover KRG employee salaries, again another measure to undermine the KRGs legitimacy in the eye of the Kurds.

The Sunni community has also become another victim of the Iraqi judiciary. Last November, the Federal Supreme Court ousted Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi, a Sunni, from Parliament on fraud allegations. Despite Halbousi deeming the ruling unconstitutional, he resigned. Many attribute the action to pro-Iranian factions in the Iraqi government who perceived Halbousi as a threat. Sunni attempts to replace Halbousi have been hindered by internal divisions worsened by Shia interference. The Coordination Framework's systematic approach shows no intent to cede legislative control to Sunnis. With Shias now dominating all branches of government, Sunnis and Kurds are increasingly marginalized.

Meanwhile, in Iraq, the judiciary seems to show significant leniency towards Shia individuals linked with the Coordination Framework.

Meanwhile, in Iraq, the judiciary seems to show significant leniency towards Shia individuals linked with the Coordination Framework. Specifically, the Court of Cassation in Baghdad, seemingly under political influence, acquitted and reinstated Ahmed Hamdawi al-Kinani, a former police officer within the Iraqi Interior Ministry. Al-Kinani had previously been convicted and sentenced to death in 2023 for the murder of the prominent academic and security expert Hisham al-Hishami in 2020, known for his outspoken criticism of Shia militia groups.

While Sudani has aimed to portray himself as a leader capable of making decisions independently for the good of Iraq, he finds his political and popular support not as strong as needed to confidently navigate the challenges posed by influential leaders within the Coordination Framework. Thus, he is more vulnerable to political pressures.

The dynamics of intra-Shia competition, alongside the need for a somewhat independent and internationally appealing technocratic figure who can uphold Iraq's relations with the West and promote its interests, often pave the way for lesser-known Shia politicians to step into this role. Sudani, following in the footsteps of his predecessors, was chosen as a consensus candidate and supported by the Coordination Framework to reflect their interests. This support is rooted in the less favorable perception of the coalition's true power players, who are seen as less appealing, particularly by Western standards.

Some positive qualities make Prime Minister Sudani a standout leader in post-2003 Iraq. Unlike his predecessors, he has spent his entire life in Iraq. His journey to power began as the mayor of Amara, providing him with an organic and close understanding of Iraqs political and social landscape. His governments agenda has prioritized service delivery to ordinary citizens and has shown commitment to addressing critical issues, including finance and oil, with the KRG.

On the foreign policy front, Sudani has maintained balanced relations with neighboring countries, including the Arab Gulf states, with increased diplomatic and trade relations. Probably most notable has been his firm stance on Iran, condemning Tehrans missile attack on Erbil. Thus, its no surprise that a recent Gallup poll rates him as the most favorable prime minister in a decade.

Sudanis positive traits have ignited a wave of euphoria in Washington and among his advisors, reinforcing the optimism surrounding his political trajectory. Privately, confidence in his prospects is steadily rising. They seek to transform the upcoming White House trip into a state-of-the-art publicity campaign, portraying Sudani as a respected Iraqi statesman on the global stage. The goal is to make this trip a pivotal moment, laying the groundwork for his campaign in the 2025 legislative elections.

While Washington might view this as a strategic move to reduce the influence of pro-Tehran actors in Iraq, freeing Sudani from pressure, the blueprint is not merely ill-advised; it poses a direct threat to US strategic interests. While this approach may offer an illusion of relief and success in the short term, it ultimately sets the stage for instability.

By investing heavily in a single figure, Sudani, the US inadvertently alienates its allies and emboldens its adversaries.

By investing heavily in a single figure, Sudani, the US inadvertently alienates its allies and emboldens its adversaries. The once-celebrated strategy, championed for former Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in 2018, portrayed him as a heroa beacon of hope for Iraq and a staunch ally of the West. However, despite these grandiose projections, the harsh reality emerged when Abadis electoral defeat shattered these illusions, leaving Washington disappointed. Even worse, it had unintended consequences by empowering anti-American forces, fueling their determination to gain control of Iraqi institutions. Subsequent elections have only reinforced anti-American sentiment, consolidating power among traditional, Western-hostile factions in Baghdad.

For Iraq to achieve stability, it necessitates the support of a foreign patron. Washington is in a favorable position to fulfill this role with a pragmatic strategy requiring a minimal footprint. This entails prioritizing investment in actors aligned with US values and objectives. Such an approach involves strengthening alliances with Kurds, Sunnis, and certain Shia moderates who prioritize Iraqs interests. Doing so can help restore a much-needed balance of power in Baghdad, safeguarding against the emergence of a tyrannical centralized authority.

While no political system is flawless, the post-2003 consensus governance model and a balanced political climate in Baghdad deserve credit for preventing Iraq from becoming a disruptive force in the region and a source of menace for its people. However, the recent trend toward centralization in Iraq carries significant risks and has far-reaching implications. It could exacerbate Iraqs authoritarian tendencies, posing substantial threats to its citizens and regional stability. Moreover, this development may divert crucial Western strategic resources from areas like Ukraine and East Asia, potentially benefiting US rivals. Washington should take these developments seriously.

The views expressed in these articles are those of the author and do not reflect an official position of the Wilson Center.

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Prime Minister Sudani's Pivotal US Visit and Its Implications for Iraq's Future - Wilson Center

Iraq to enhance air fleet with $140m US aircraft support deal – Airforce Technology – Airforce Technology

In a move to strengthen Iraqs aerial capacity, the United States has approved a deal worth $140m.

This deal is not just an investment in Iraqs defence infrastructure but also a testament to the deepening ties and mutual trust between the two nations. The contract, authorised by the State Department, is set to enhance the maintenance and training support for Iraqs C-172 and AC/RC-208 aircraft fleet, marking another milestone in the US-Iraq partnership.

GlobalDatas US Defense Market 2023-2028 report highlights that the US has participated in conflicts stretching from Iraq to Afghanistan to combat terrorism and extremism, stabilising various states and maintaining regimes aligned with US values and foreign policy directives.

The proposed sale, led by the renowned Northrop Grumman Corporation, includes a package encompassing contractor logistics support (CLS), technical training for Iraqi personnel, spare parts, maintenance services, and other support elements.

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With the approval of this contract, Iraq is poised to reinforce its defence capabilities. This not only enhances Iraqs ability to protect its sovereignty but also signals another significant development in its strategic partnership with the United States, further solidifying the two nations commitment to regional security.

In November 2023, the US State Department approved a $300mforeign military sale (FMS) to Iraq which included Bell Helicopter CLS and related equipment.

The United Statesachieved a record-breaking yearfor foreign military sales in 2023, with transactions totalling $80.9bn, according to the Defence Security and Cooperation Agency.

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Iraq to enhance air fleet with $140m US aircraft support deal - Airforce Technology - Airforce Technology

Investigating Torture: FBI-HSI Investigation Leads to U.S. Citizen’s Conviction for Human Rights Violations in Iraq FBI – Federal Bureau of…

In the meantime, ODonnell and Burke continued their investigation. They believed that interviews with Roggios former employeeslargely Estonians, but also other Europeans whod been handpicked by his special assistantcould help strengthen the case. And that gut feeling proved right.

When the duo learned that a former female employee of Roggiosan Estonian citizenwas slated to travel through John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, they worked with Estonias Internal Security Service to interview her about her experience with Roggio. The woman turned out to be the first international employee of Roggios weapons facility. She shared enough information with ODonnell and Burke to justify a trip to Estonia to conduct a more in-depth interview with her in a friendlier setting.

Investigators hoped that the interview could help them put the finishing touches on their counterproliferation investigation. But that trip yielded more than just a follow-up conversation.

It also gave investigators the chance to meet a second former weapons factory employee, who surprised the investigators with a six-year-old cellphone recording that captured Roggio making threats of torture, confessing to that and other crimes, and even speaking to motive.

This was the first time theyd heard torture allegations concerning Roggio.

After interviewing these and other former employees, investigators returned to the U.S. with a case, having identified a new and urgent objective: to seek guidance and expertise from the FBIs International Human Rights Unit to seek a potential prosecution for torture violations.

The FBI is responsible for investigating torture if the victim is a U.S. person, or if the perpetuator is either a U.S. person or if theyre physically located within our countrys borders. This jurisdiction comes from 18 USC, Section 2340A.

The agents knew they had to act quicklyand carefully.

Careful collaboration between the case team, the FBIs International Human Rights Unit (part of our Criminal Investigative Division), federal victim services providers, multiple FBI legal attach offices, the U.S. Department of Justice, and our Estonian law enforcement partners enabled the case team to travel to Estonia to conduct forensic interviews with these subjects.

The investigators got the greenlight to take a joint trip with DOJ prosecutors to explore the matter of torture in great detail. The investigative team leveraged their agencies resources and connections, as well as international partnerships, to locate and interview multiple former employees of Roggios who may have witnessed or been victims of torture.

FBI Supervisory Child-Adolescent Forensic Interviewer Jacqueline Goldsteinwho, at the time, held a similar role at HSIhelped ensure these conversations were cognizant of the trauma that these peoples experiences with Roggio may have left them with, while still being admissible in court and supporting investigative needs.

Its designed to pass judicial scrutiny, she said. So its non-leading, non-suggestive. But its also trauma-informed so that the investigative interviewing process is uniquely suited to the developmental, cognitive, clinical needs of that individual, and we're not creating additional trauma in that investigative process.

And with that, in August 2021, investigators were finally able to interview Roggios victim: a man whod been held in captivity and subjected to physical and mental tortureincluding physical beatings, suffocation, and chokingfor more than a month.

He had very vivid recollection, ODonnell said. Some people blacked out everything. This guy remembered every detail of a lot of what happened.

Law enforcement also captured statements from a wider group of former employees whod been forced to witness Roggios brutality against the victim. They also convinced the witnesses to travel to the United States to testify against Roggio in federal court.

As a result of these efforts, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment in 2022which added a charge of torture and a charge of conspiracy to commit torture to Roggios already long list of alleged crimesand he was again arrested.

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Investigating Torture: FBI-HSI Investigation Leads to U.S. Citizen's Conviction for Human Rights Violations in Iraq FBI - Federal Bureau of...

Iraq’s "Resistance" Factions Shift to Major Crackdown on Media Spaces – The Washington Institute

Having stopped resisting U.S. forces (who shoot back), militias are focusing on unarmed activists in what appears to be a coordinated crackdown on freedom of expression.

Ever since Iraq's Tishreen protests of 2019, which the muqawama (resistance) brutally suppressed, Iranian-aligned militia groups have escalated their draconian campaign to silence any opposition in the media. Recent weeks have seen concerted attacks on anti-corruption campaigners by terrorist and militia factions in the judiciary, parliament, and government, echoed by muqawama media platforms.

Mobilizing the Judiciary

On February 18, Federal Supreme Court chief Jassem Mohammed Aboud sent a letter to Iraqi president Abdul Latif Rashid stating, The News Center on WhatsApp run by Mustafa Kamel and his group has positioned itself to evaluate government agencies and their caretakers...in a way that does not align with public order and ethics. He and those who partner with him make accusations and use immoral words, including Yahya al-Kubaisi" (Figure 1a). The letter continues: "It has been noticed that some officials in sensitive state positions are participating in [this activity]...All of this violates Article 226 of Iraqi Penal Code No. 111 of 1969, which states, 'Anyone who publicly insults the nations council [the parliament], government, courts, armed forces, organizational committees, public authorities, or official or semiofficial offices...shall be punished by a sentence that does not exceed seven years' imprisonment or a fine'...This court will take the necessary legal procedures about that (Figure 1b).

The letterappeared to cast Aboud as the complainant and the judge for this issue. The document was published online, probably on purpose, and received praise frommuqawama media, who no doubt hoped to intimidate activists and prevent them from appearing in the media or expressing their opinions on social media. More specifically,Aboudsignaled that Article 226 of the Baath-era publishing law, which bans criticism of state organs, would be enforced on a more regular basis going forward.

The Prime Minister and Parliament Join the Attack

In recent years, Iraqis have become accustomed to the theCommunications and Media Commission (CMC) banning activists from appearing on television based on accusations such as promoting Baathism or engaging with Israel. Prominent figures subjected to this censorship include the aforementioned Yahya al-Kubaisi, along with Rabee al-Jawari, Alaa al-Nashoo, Omar Abdal-Sattar, Ahmed al-Abyad, and Imad Bajalan.

This year, however, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has begun to bring Article 226 cases against media commentators who criticize him personally:

Assassinating Commentators: Easy to Do, Hard to Mention in Iraqi Media

On February 22, Fakhari Karim, the head of al-Mada for Media, Culture, and Arts, survived an assassination attempt by an unidentified armed group in the gated community of Qadisiyah, Baghdad. The next day, editor-in-chief Ghassan Charbel of the leading foreign newspaperAsharq al-Awsattweeted that Baghdad had become a factory of assassinations.

In response, Iraq'sal-Ahd TV, run by the U.S.-designated terrorist group Asaib Ahl al-Haq, interviewed formerSpokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed ForcesAbdul Karim Khalaf, who said that Charbel must be sued...This shouldnt pass, the tweet is clear targeting (Figure 4).

A Clear and Disturbing Trend

Article 226 of the old Baath Penal Code is being readied for widespread use against critics of the Sudani government. In other words, a democracy that the United States helped build is planning to send its freedom of expression back to the era of brutal dictatorship. The Iran-backed terrorist groups and militias that control Sudani and his government are trying to snuff out all public criticism of abuses carried out by their personnel, the state organs they run, and even the prime minister himself.

These abuses and censorship efforts demand a significant international response, perhaps including U.S. postponement of Sudanis planned April visit to the White House. Failing that, terrorist groups will conclude that they have a green light to shift their war against U.S. forces into a war against all those who oppose militia rule of Iraq. The U.S. military can protect itself, but unarmed Iraqi citizens cannot; they need international actors to stand up for them.

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Iraq's "Resistance" Factions Shift to Major Crackdown on Media Spaces - The Washington Institute

Couple Travels to Iraq After Vowing to Visit All 195 Countries Their Experience Goes Viral (Exclusive) – Yahoo Entertainment

Hudson and Emily Crider are vlogging their way around the world on a mission to visit every country

Courtesy Hudson and Emily Crider

Hudson and Emily Crider are traveling to every country in the world so far, they've visited 179 out of 195 countries total

The married couple journeyed to Iraq and documented their visits to historic, holy and ancient sites around the Middle Eastern country

Through their videos, the Criders hope to shine a light on the country's welcoming citizens

Globetrotting travelers Hudson and Emily Crider are opening up about their experience in Iraq.

The married content creators are on a mission to explore every country in the world and document their cultural experiences on social media.

The Criders who have visited 179 countries of the total 195, plus all 50 U.S. states have posted videos from their time in New Zealand, Japan, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and beyond, but their most recent trip to Iraq has grabbed the attention of millions across Instagram and TikTok.

In a series of over 20 videos, the couple details what it's like to be an American tourist in Iraq, offering travel tips and disproving misconceptions along the way.

One video which has over 35,000 views on Instagram opens with several screenshots of comments criticizing Iraq as a travel destination before cutting to footage of Hudson and Emily enjoying their time in the Middle Eastern country.

Courtesy Hudson and Emily Crider

The more we travel, the more we realize that countries are so much more than their governments," the Criders wrote in the caption. There are incredible people all around the world, and some of the friendliest and most hospitable people we've met are in Iraq.

(The U.S. State Department has placed Iraq on the highest travel advisory level, warning against American tourism in the country due to safety and security risks.)

Their latest visit marks the Criders' second time in Iraq, and they've vlogged their journeys to the countrys holy sites, marshlands and major cities, like Baghdad, Karbala and Nasiriyah. The full-time travelers tell PEOPLE that the ancient history in Iraq is "on another level."

Courtesy Hudson and Emily Crider

The cradle of civilization is based in modern day Iraq," the couple says, detailing how they visited historic Mesopotamian locations like Babylon and Ur. "Being able to walk through history was truly amazing, they add.

Hudson and Emily's more contemporary excursions granted them an unshakable new perspective on global affairs, especially during a visit to the city of Mosul, which was under ISIS occupation from 2014 to 2017.

Courtesy Hudson and Emily Crider

Walking with locals through the destruction of their city as they shared their stories is something we will never forget. Despite all the horrific things theyve experienced, the peoples joy is incredibly inspiring. This was also one of the most hospitable places we have ever visited. They said tourism is a sign of hope for them," the Criders tell PEOPLE.

The couple says they were met with no shortage of kindness and generosity from the Iraqi people. On multiple occasions, they said vendors offered them goods for free, just because they wanted us to know we were welcomed in Iraq, the couple says, adding, We had to insist on paying!

Courtesy Hudson and Emily Crider

Their fans and followers' most frequent questions concern safety while traveling in the Middle East. The couple tells PEOPLE they havent felt any threats of danger during their trips to Iraq, though they advise interested travelers to book a local guide.

You can travel to Iraq on your own, but some places are more difficult to reach or to get access to visit, the Criders share.

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Couple Travels to Iraq After Vowing to Visit All 195 Countries Their Experience Goes Viral (Exclusive) - Yahoo Entertainment