Iraq

World News

Iraq Reclaims Historic Mosul Mosque, Saying ISIS 'Caliphate' Has Fallen

1:44pm June 29, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

Though the mosque now lies in ruins, the moment marks a symbolic victory for Iraqis, who watched three years ago as ISIS declared a "caliphate" from its pulpit. But the fight is by no means over.

Iraqi government forces flash a victory sign while holding an upside-down Islamic State flag in western Mosul on June 9. As ISIS loses territory, it's still exhorting its supporters to keep fighting.

As ISIS Gets Squeezed In Syria And Iraq, It's Using Music As A Weapon

11:20am June 29, 2017

by Alison Meuse

The Islamic State is losing territory in Iraq and Syria but is trying to keep its supporters' spirits up through song. Its newest release, "My State Remains," reveals an organization down but not out.

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National

Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Deportation Of 1,400 Iraqis Nationwide

11:17am June 27, 2017

by Bill Chappell

An order that initially covered Iraqi nationals with criminal convictions in the Detroit area now applies to the U.S. The judge said they could face "grave consequences" if returned to Iraq.

The Great Mosque of al-Nuri in Mosul, with its tall, leaning al-Hadba minaret, was where ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared the group's "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria in July 2014.

World News

ISIS Destroys Historic Mosque In Mosul As Iraqi Forces Close In

10:54am June 22, 2017

by James Doubek

Iraq's military said ISIS destroyed the 12th century al-Nuri mosque in Mosul's Old City, where ISIS fighters remain. Iraq's prime minister called it "a formal declaration of their defeat."

ISIS Destroys Ancient Mosque And Minaret In Iraqi City Of Mosul

7:45am June 22, 2017

by Alison Meuse

Iraq's military said ISIS destroyed the 12th century al-Nuri mosque in Mosul's Old City, where ISIS fighters remain. Allied forces are trying to recapture the last of the city.

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Iraqi forces advance towards Mosul's Old City on Sunday, an offensive to retake the last district in the city still held by the Islamic State. Military commanders say the assault began at dawn after overnight airstrikes by the U.S.-led coalition.

World News

Iraqi Forces Launch Assault On Last Remaining ISIS Stronghold In Mosul

12:49pm June 18, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

About three years ago, the Islamic State was proclaimed at the Grand Mosque in Mosul's Old City. Now, Iraqi troops have opened what they hope will be a final assault to reclaim the populous area.

White phosphorous smoke screens were fired by the U.S. Army in November 2004 on the outskirts of Fallujah, Iraq.

U.S.-Led Coalition Has Used White Phosphorus In Fight For Mosul, General Says

8:34pm June 13, 2017

by Alison Meuse

It's the first time the coalition has admitted using the incendiary substance in the push to retake Mosul from the Islamic State. A general says it's used "to get civilians out safely."

Books

'Prisoner In His Palace': Saddam Hussein And His American Guards

8:12am June 05, 2017

Rachel Martin talks to author Will Bardenwerper about his book The Prisoner in His Palace. It's an account of 12 U.S. soldiers in Iraq, who guarded Saddam Hussein in the months before his execution.

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World News

Battle To Wrest ISIS From Iraqi City Of Mosul Enters More Intense Phase

7:55am May 26, 2017

by Jane Arraf

Iraqi forces say they're closing in on the final ISIS-held neighborhoods of Mosul. But the question of how to deal with civilians there looms large.

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George Rincon and Yolanda Reyes stand with a portrait of their son Diego Rincon. The family immigrated to the U.S. from Colombia in 1989. Diego served in the Army and was killed in Iraq in 2003.

National

Remembering A Soldier Who Died For His Country Before Becoming A Citizen

4:38am May 26, 2017

George Rincon and Yolanda Reyes remember their son, Diego, an Iraqi war veteran who was killed in action in 2003. The family came to the U.S. in 1989 as immigrants from Colombia.