Iraq

World News

Incoming Iraqi Prime Minister Vows Support To Protesters, Who Demonstrate Against Him

6:05pm February 01, 2020

Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi's appointment comes at a tense time as the country has been riven by anti-government protests and a deadly crackdown by security forces.

The Republican-led Senate isn't expected to take up the measures passed Thursday, and the White House has signaled that President Trump would veto them.

House Votes 'No War Against Iran,' In Rebuke To Trump

5:49pm January 30, 2020

by Merrit Kennedy

Lawmakers passed two bills seeking to limit the president's ability to take military action without the prior approval of lawmakers. The White House has signaled that Trump would veto the legislation.

The Iranian missile strikes earlier this month caused extensive damage at the Ain al-Asad air base, northwest of Baghdad. President Trump said immediately after the attack that there was "only minimum damage."

Pentagon Now Says 50 Troops — Not 34 — Suffered Brain Injuries In Iran Strike

1:41pm January 29, 2020

by Colin Dwyer

In updating its tally, defense officials noted that most of the injured service members have been treated and returned to Iraq. The statement, once more, contradicts President Trump's initial remarks.

Mortars hit a restaurant in the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad's Green Zone on Sunday night, according to Iraqi officials. The embassy is seen here earlier this month.

Mortar Attack Damages Part of U.S. Embassy Compound In Baghdad

11:05am January 27, 2020

by Bill Chappell

"This is a fairly regular occurrence, small rocket attacks or mortars fired into the Green Zone, but they very rarely actually hit the embassy. This one did," NPR's Jane Arraf reports.

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An Iraqi protester grabs a tear gas canister fired by riot police amid clashes following a demonstration east of Tahrir Square, on Monday.

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'We Are Not Going To Leave': Iraq's Protests Escalate

4:32pm January 22, 2020

by Jane Arraf

Tactics such as blocking highways and forcing closure of government offices have now set the protest movement, which began in early October, on a more dangerous collision course with security forces.

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Capt. Geoffrey Hansen and his men were flying drones after the missiles launched. He was knocked off his feet by the blast. "We didn't know what was coming," he says. "We just knew something was coming so we figured as many eyes as we could get in the sky

The Aftermath Of Iran's Missile Attack On An Iraqi Base Housing U.S. Troops

5:40pm January 14, 2020

by Jane Arraf

NPR international correspondent Jane Arraf and freelance photographer Alexander Tahaov were among journalists invited to tour the Ain al-Assad air base, which houses some 1,500 U.S. troops.

Defense Secretary Mark told NPR on Monday that the U.S. has the constitutional authority to strike Iranian proxies in Iraq and Iran on its home soil in retaliation for attacks on American forces.

Esper: U.S. Could Strike Iran Or Proxies 'Where Legally Available And Appropriate'

10:26pm January 13, 2020

In an interview with NPR on Monday, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said if U.S. troops or interests are threatened, the U.S. will have the right to retaliate.

Afghan Army commandos attend their graduation ceremony after a 3 1/2-month training program, at the Commando Training Center on the outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan, on Monday.

Opinion: In Iran Crisis, Iraq And Afghanistan Risk Becoming Collateral Damage

1:56pm January 13, 2020

by Nancy Lindborg

As this high-stakes situation plays out, the danger is that Iran's fragile neighbors, Iraq and Afghanistan, will become collateral damage, writes the head of the United States Institute of Peace.

A protester waves the Iraqi flag in Baghdad on Wednesday. Both the U.S. and Iran have launched attacks in Iraq in the past week — including the Iranian missile strike on bases housing U.S. military personnel.

What We Know: Iran's Missile Strike Against The U.S. In Iraq

7:05pm January 08, 2020

by Bill Chappell

Satellite photos show the Iranian strike caused extensive damage — but apparently no loss of life — at the Ain al-Assad air base in Iraq. "We suffered no casualties," President Trump said Wednesday.

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A satellite photo from the commercial company Planet shows damage to at least five structures at the Ain al-Assad air base in Iraq.

Satellite Photos Reveal Extent Of Damage From Iranian Strike On Air Base In Iraq

3:10pm January 08, 2020

by Geoff Brumfiel

At least five structures were damaged in the attack on the base in Anbar province, which apparently was precise enough to hit individual buildings. There have been no reports of casualties.