Washington has made preparations to withdraw diplomats from Iraq after warning Baghdad it could shut its embassy, two Iraqi officials and two Western diplomats said, a step Iraqis fear could turn their country into a battle zone.

Threat to evacuate US diplomats from Iraq raises fear of war

Iraq has recorded several thousand new coronavirus infections every day, and the total now exceeds 300,000. More than 8,000 people have died, a number that some doctors fear will rise sharply, putting frontline healthcare workers under huge pressure and in some cases in physical danger.

Your Story: Violence mounts against Iraqi doctors as COVID-19 cases rise

The Wuhan Virus Pandemic has brought the world closer to their family and friends. In Iraq, the crisis has also brought its people closer to faith.

Gravitas: Pandemic brings Iraq closer to faith

Iraq's Shia majority is currently marking the apex of its religious calendar: a month of mourning that includes Ashura. Watch the report to know more

Thousands of Iraqis are attending Ashura rituals in times of pandemic

For centuries Iraqis leaned on religion to grieve the costs of war. Now a deadly pandemic and the deaths of young protestors have lent greater sorrow to their prayers.

Iraq's Shia majority is currently marking the apex of its religious calendar: a month of mourning that includes Ashura, the memorial of the seventh-century killing of Hussein, the Prophet Mohammed's grandson.

Every year since, Shia Muslims observe a 40-day grieving period for Hussein. Thousands of people visit Imam Hussein's resting place. The glittering city of Karbala is eclipsed by echoes of cries. Mourners pour out their heavy heart in front of the mausoleum's gates.&nbsp;

This is an annual catharsis for a country plagued by grief. One whose history has showered its people with grief. If in the 1980s, it was the war with Iran. In the 1990s, the country was crippled by US sanctions. America invaded them in 2003 soon, Dictator Saddam Hussein was hunted and killed. When his statue fell to the ground in April 2003.A sense of hope rose in the hearts of the Iraqis. They dreamt of a new beginning.

A happy beginning but history had other plans for Iraq. The country was soon engulfed in sectarian infighting the Islamic state added to their sorrow.

The country lost it all its infrastructure healthcare education the only thing that remained -- was their faith it stayed with them though the rare highs and daily lows every year, when Iraqis flocked to Karbala. They carried with them a heart full of worries and grief.

Sheikh Hassan Dhakeri, Cleric in Iraq's shrine city of Karbala said that “They ask us, why do you cry, if Imam Hussein was killed 1,400 years ago? They ask us, isn't that enough crying? When someone dies, their relatives cry for one day, one week, ten days, a year - and they get bored. But the cause of Imam Hussein, the favour in the hearts of believers never dies down. Every year, every catastrophe, every martyrdom, we renew our vow to him. We say, we are committed to this pledge, in performing our rituals,”.

"Even if you don't have a beautiful voice, as long as you are mentioning the tragedy and the story of Imam Hussein, people will be spiritually moved. The story of Imam Hussein is among the greatest stories. It hasn't happened and won't happen again in all of time. Anyone who lost someone close to them, their father or their mother, when they remember the ordeal of Imam Hussein, in its greatness and enormity, they also commemorate their family members the martyrs, their own departed - their mothers, fathers, grandparents. It's normal to have this spiritual link between the two issues," said Mohammad Karbalai, a religious chanter.

The holy month of grieving this year is very different. Despite the ban on large gatherings. Tens of thousands are attending the Ashura rituals with masks, disinfectants and temperature checks. Iraq is once again leaning on religion. Iraq is turning to faith for consolation. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

For centuries Iraqis leaned on religion to grieve the costs of war. Now a deadly pandemic and the deaths of young protestors have lent greater sorrow to their prayers.

For centuries Iraqis leaned on religion to grieve the costs of war. Now a deadly pandemic and the deaths of young protestors have lent greater sorrow to their prayers. Iraq's Shia majority is currently marking the apex of its religious calendar: a month of mourning that includes Ashura, the memorial of the seventh-century killing of Hussein, the Prophet Mohammed's grandson. Every year since, Shia Muslims observe a 40-day grieving period for Hussein. Thousands of people visit Imam Hussein's resting place. The glittering city of Karbala is eclipsed by echoes of cries. Mourners pour out their heavy heart in front of the mausoleum's gates. This is an annual catharsis for a country plagued by grief. One whose history has showered its people with grief. If in the 1980s, it was the war with Iran. In the 1990s, the country was crippled by US sanctions. America invaded them in 2003 soon, Dictator Saddam Hussein was hunted and killed. When his statue fell to the ground in April 2003.A sense of hope rose in the hearts of the Iraqis. They dreamt of a new beginning. A happy beginning but history had other plans for Iraq. The country was soon engulfed in sectarian infighting the Islamic state added to their sorrow. The country lost it all its infrastructure healthcare education the only thing that remained -- was their faith it stayed with them though the rare highs and daily lows every year, when Iraqis flocked to Karbala. They carried with them a heart full of worries and grief. Sheikh Hassan Dhakeri, Cleric in Iraq's shrine city of Karbala said that “They ask us, why do you cry, if Imam Hussein was killed 1,400 years ago? They ask us, isn't that enough crying? When someone dies, their relatives cry for one day, one week, ten days, a year - and they get bored. But the cause of Imam Hussein, the favour in the hearts of believers never dies down. Every year, every catastrophe, every martyrdom, we renew our vow to him. We say, we are committed to this pledge, in performing our rituals,”. "Even if you don't have a beautiful voice, as long as you are mentioning the tragedy and the story of Imam Hussein, people will be spiritually moved. The story of Imam Hussein is among the greatest stories. It hasn't happened and won't happen again in all of time. Anyone who lost someone close to them, their father or their mother, when they remember the ordeal of Imam Hussein, in its greatness and enormity, they also commemorate their family members the martyrs, their own departed - their mothers, fathers, grandparents. It's normal to have this spiritual link between the two issues," said Mohammad Karbalai, a religious chanter. The holy month of grieving this year is very different. Despite the ban on large gatherings. Tens of thousands are attending the Ashura rituals with masks, disinfectants and temperature checks. Iraq is once again leaning on religion. Iraq is turning to faith for consolation. (With inputs from agencies)

Iraq’s religion, and fury, within the time of coronavirus

Iran-Iraq war has been the deadliest military conflict in the west asia region. 40 years later we take a look back at this deadly war that killed thousands & divided the region.

40 years since Iran-Iraq war, the war divided West Asia

More than a hundred people protested outside French embassy in Iraqi capital Baghdad Thursday against Charlie Hebdo magazine. Charlie Hebdo is the magazine that had published controversial cartoons of Prophet Mohammad in 2015. This had resulted in an attack at its Paris headquarters five years ago.

Charlie Hebdo republished the controversial cartoons earlier this month as alleged accomplices of the attackers faced trial.

On Thursday, around 150 protesters, women and children included, gathered at the gates of the French embassy in east Baghdad and staged protest.

"We denounce the repeated insults from the French media against our prophet," read one banner, in Arabic. 
Iraqi security forces carrying riot shields were deployed in large numbers at the embassy gates, but the protest lasted less than half an hour and remained peaceful.

Twelve people, including some of France's most celebrated cartoonists, were killed on January 7, 2015, when brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi went on a gun rampage at the paper's offices in Paris.

Images of the prophet are banned in Islam.

Diplomatic missions in Iraq have faced a slew of armed attacks in recent weeks.

Late Monday, two Katyusha rockets were fired at the US embassy in the high-security Green Zone, on the opposite bank of the Tigris from the French embassy.

The embassy's C-RAM rocket defense system shot both down, security sources told AFP.

Hours later, an improvised explosive device targeted a British embassy vehicle returning from Baghdad airport.

More than a hundred people protested outside French embassy in Iraqi capital Baghdad Thursday against Charlie Hebdo magazine. Charlie Hebdo is the magazine that had published controversial cartoons of Prophet Mohammad in 2015.

More than a hundred people protested outside French embassy in Iraqi capital Baghdad Thursday against Charlie Hebdo magazine. Charlie Hebdo is the magazine that had published controversial cartoons of Prophet Mohammad in 2015. This had resulted in an attack at its Paris headquarters five years ago. Charlie Hebdo republished the controversial cartoons earlier this month as alleged accomplices of the attackers faced trial. On Thursday, around 150 protesters, women and children included, gathered at the gates of the French embassy in east Baghdad and staged protest. "We denounce the repeated insults from the French media against our prophet," read one banner, in Arabic. Iraqi security forces carrying riot shields were deployed in large numbers at the embassy gates, but the protest lasted less than half an hour and remained peaceful. Twelve people, including some of France's most celebrated cartoonists, were killed on January 7, 2015, when brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi went on a gun rampage at the paper's offices in Paris. Images of the prophet are banned in Islam. Diplomatic missions in Iraq have faced a slew of armed attacks in recent weeks. Late Monday, two Katyusha rockets were fired at the US embassy in the high-security Green Zone, on the opposite bank of the Tigris from the French embassy. The embassy's C-RAM rocket defense system shot both down, security sources told AFP. Hours later, an improvised explosive device targeted a British embassy vehicle returning from Baghdad airport.

Baghdad: People protest against Charlie Hebdo outside French embassy

Following guidance from the World Health Organization that the risk of post-mortem contagion appeared to be low, Iraqi health authorities last week issued a statement allowing families to rebury the bodies of the deceased, under certain conditions.

Iraqis flock to COVID cemetery to exhume dead, re-bury elsewhere

Iraq's Um Zeinab says she suffered insults and verbal abuse when she started walking to work at the men's barber shop and tattoo parlor in the bustling capital of Iraq's Babylon province. Watch her story

Iraq's first woman to cut men's hair: 32-year-old fights patriarchy in Iraq

Um Zeinab says she suffered daily insults and abuse when she started walking to work at the men's barber shop and tattoo parlour in the bustling capital of Iraq's Babylon province. Now, as far as Um Zeinab knows, she is the first woman in southern Iraq to make a living cutting men's hair.

First woman to cut men’s hair makes waves in Babylon

A group of Jordanian woman are salvaging leaves and plant bits, normally burned by farmers after the harvest season, and converting them into unique pieces of papers. The women, part of the Iraq Al Amir women co-operative, say this project helps the environment, while also providing local women and farmers with additional sources of income.

From dry leaves to colourful artwork, Jordanian women recycle discarded plants

The United States military formally announced on Wednesday that it would be reducing its military presence in Iraq from 5,200 to 3,000 troops starting September 2020.

This cements a move that was long expected. In August, Reuters reported that the US planned to reduce its troops presence in Iraq by about a third.

Currently, the US has 5,200&nbsp;troops in Iraq to fight the Islamic State group. According to the US led coalition, Iraqi forces are now able to handle what remains of Islamic State without requiring assistance from foreign players.

"We are continuing to expand on our partner capacity programs that enable Iraqi forces and allow us to reduce our footprint in Iraq," Marine General Frank McKenzie, the head of US Central Command, announced during a visit to Iraq.

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On Tuesday, a senior administrative official who represents Trump said that the US president would be announcing troop reduction measures soon.

In June, both the US and Iraq had promised to reduce the number of US troops in the country over the course of this year. As of now, the US has no plans to maintain permanent bases in Iraq.

In 2016, during his election campaign, Trump had promised to end America’s “endless wars” by reducing global troops.

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During a meeting with Iraq’s prime minister in August, Trump reiterated his plans to withdraw US troops from Iraq.

Amid all this, tensions between Iran and the US have spiked, after US announced it would be reinstating sanctions that were suspended.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Iraq’s parliament had voted to remove foreign troops from Iraq.

The United States military formally announced on Wednesday that it would be reducing its military presence in Iraq from 5,200 to 3,000 troops starting September 2020.

The United States military formally announced on Wednesday that it would be reducing its military presence in Iraq from 5,200 to 3,000 troops starting September 2020. This cements a move that was long expected. In August, Reuters reported that the US planned to reduce its troops presence in Iraq by about a third. Currently, the US has 5,200 troops in Iraq to fight the Islamic State group. According to the US led coalition, Iraqi forces are now able to handle what remains of Islamic State without requiring assistance from foreign players. "We are continuing to expand on our partner capacity programs that enable Iraqi forces and allow us to reduce our footprint in Iraq," Marine General Frank McKenzie, the head of US Central Command, announced during a visit to Iraq. Also read: US election 2020: Trump administration to ban imports from China over forced labour On Tuesday, a senior administrative official who represents Trump said that the US president would be announcing troop reduction measures soon. In June, both the US and Iraq had promised to reduce the number of US troops in the country over the course of this year. As of now, the US has no plans to maintain permanent bases in Iraq. In 2016, during his election campaign, Trump had promised to end America’s “endless wars” by reducing global troops. Also read: US President Donald Trump nominated for Nobel Peace Prize 2021 During a meeting with Iraq’s prime minister in August, Trump reiterated his plans to withdraw US troops from Iraq. Amid all this, tensions between Iran and the US have spiked, after US announced it would be reinstating sanctions that were suspended. Earlier this year, Iraq’s parliament had voted to remove foreign troops from Iraq.

United States announces reduction of troops in Iraq to end 'endless wars'

The US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> will soon be announcing the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.

An official has said that an official announcement for Iraq is expected by the end of Wednesday, and the news for Afghanistan will follow soon after.

The decision has been taken after Trump met with the&nbsp;Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi in August and decided to pull back troops from Iraq. However, Trump had not issued a timeline for the same to the Iraqi Prime Minister.

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The meeting's main agenda and the reason behind this pull back of the American troops was an increase in the attacks aimed at American targets by pro-Iranian fighters. The Iraqi government was also facing pressure domestically to ask the American troops to leave the country.

The US military withdrew from Iraq in late 2011, leaving a small mission attached to the US embassy. However, an additional unit was deployed a few years later to provide aid to the Iraqi forces in their war against Islamic State

In Afghanistan, the US currently has 8,600 soldiers in accordance with a bilateral agreement signed in February between Washington and the Taliban.

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As per the initial plans drawn in August this year, Trump plans to bring down the number of US troops in Afgahnistan to less than 5,000. The decision is being seen as a huge help in promoting the inter-Afghan peace talks.

Trump had earlier, in an interview, suggested that he plans to bring down the number of American troops to nearly 4,000 in time for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US Presidential elections</a> scheduled on November 03, in which Trump will be running against Joe Biden.

Under the US-Taliban deal, all foreign troops must leave the country by the spring of 2021, in exchange for security commitments from the militants.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US President Donald Trump will soon be announcing the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. An official has said that an official announcement for Iraq is expected by the end of Wednesday, and the news for Afghanistan will follow soon after.

The US President Donald Trump will soon be announcing the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. An official has said that an official announcement for Iraq is expected by the end of Wednesday, and the news for Afghanistan will follow soon after. The decision has been taken after Trump met with the Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi in August and decided to pull back troops from Iraq. However, Trump had not issued a timeline for the same to the Iraqi Prime Minister. Also read| US Justice Department seeks to defend Trump in E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuit The meeting's main agenda and the reason behind this pull back of the American troops was an increase in the attacks aimed at American targets by pro-Iranian fighters. The Iraqi government was also facing pressure domestically to ask the American troops to leave the country. The US military withdrew from Iraq in late 2011, leaving a small mission attached to the US embassy. However, an additional unit was deployed a few years later to provide aid to the Iraqi forces in their war against Islamic State In Afghanistan, the US currently has 8,600 soldiers in accordance with a bilateral agreement signed in February between Washington and the Taliban. Also read| US election 2020: Kamala Harris becoming first woman president will be insult to US, says Trump As per the initial plans drawn in August this year, Trump plans to bring down the number of US troops in Afgahnistan to less than 5,000. The decision is being seen as a huge help in promoting the inter-Afghan peace talks. Trump had earlier, in an interview, suggested that he plans to bring down the number of American troops to nearly 4,000 in time for the US Presidential elections scheduled on November 03, in which Trump will be running against Joe Biden. Under the US-Taliban deal, all foreign troops must leave the country by the spring of 2021, in exchange for security commitments from the militants. (With inputs from agencies)

US election 2020: Ahead of polls, Trump plans to withdraw US troops from Iraq, Afghanistan

French President Emmanuel Macron voiced support on Wednesday for a sovereign Iraq and said its main challenges are Islamic State militants and foreign interference in its affairs.

French President Emmanuel Macron says France will continue to support Iraq

For 50 years, Christian winemaker Fakhriya Elya Hanna has been picking grapes from her two vineyards, and processing them to make wine in a workshop inside her home in Iraq's Erbil. But her decades-long practice was not immune to the blows of the coronavirus pandemic.

Iraqi woman's decades-long wine business hit by the pandemic

French President Emmanuel Macron met his Iraqi counterpart Wednesday on his first official visit to Baghdad, where he insisted the war-scarred country should reassert its "sovereignty" despite simmering US-Iran tensions.

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Coming straight from a two-day trip to crisis-hit Lebanon, Macron is the most prominent world leader to visit Iraq&nbsp;since Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi came to power in May.&nbsp;

The trip aims to "launch an initiative alongside the United Nations to support a process of sovereignty," Macron announced on his final night in Beirut.

In Baghdad, he voiced his support for his Iraqi counterpart Barham Saleh to help Iraq fight Islamic State group sleeper cells and resist foreign interference.

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"Iraq has been going through a challenging time for several years, with war and terrorism," Macron said.

"You have a transition to lead. France will be by your side so the international community can help," he added.

But there were few details on the much-vaunted "sovereignty" initiative, and Iraqi officials told AFP they were not expecting announcements of new financial or military aid.

Saleh thanked Macron for France's support in the anti-IS fight and said he hoped Macron would pay a longer visit to Iraq in 2021.&nbsp;

After dictator Saddam Hussein was toppled by a 2003 US-led invasion &nbsp;-- in which France did not take part -- Iraq was ravaged by waves of sectarian conflict.

That culminated in IS capturing swathes of the country six years ago, before the jihadists were beaten back with international support including a US-led coalition that did include French forces.

<h2>'Essential sovereignty'&nbsp;</h2>

Iraq has been caught for years between its two main allies Iran and the US, a balancing act that has become increasingly tortured since Washington's withdrawal in 2018 from a multilateral nuclear deal with Tehran.

France, one of the key remaining backers of the 2015 agreement, called for de-escalation after a US strike on Baghdad in January killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and prompted Iran to launch missiles against US troops in Iraq.

France has doubled down on its signs of support in recent tumultuous months.

Top diplomat Jean-Yves Le Drian, who was the only minister to accompany Macron from Lebanon, visited Iraq in July and urged Baghdad to "dissociate itself from regional tensions".

Macron last week insisted that "the fight for Iraq's sovereignty is essential."&nbsp;

He said Iraqis, who had "suffered so much", deserved options besides domination by regional powers or Islamist extremists.

Unlike most foreign officials, the French president will not stop over in Arbil, capital of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, but will instead meet Kurdish president Nechirvan Barzani in Baghdad. &nbsp;

<h2>'France-facing Middle East'&nbsp;</h2>

Earlier this year, following IS's territorial defeat and the emergence of Covid-19, the last contingent of French troops deployed in Iraq as part of the coalition pulled out.

France is seeking to expand its economic ties with Iraq, ranked among the 20 most corrupt countries in the world by Transparency International.

Macron is also likely to discuss the fate of 11 French nationals who were condemned to death last year by Iraqi courts for joining IS.&nbsp;

The president's focus on sovereignty was also an indirect message to Turkey, one Iraqi official said, after Ankara launched a cross-border assault on Kurdish rebels in the north.

Tensions are high between France and Turkey over the conflict in Libya and a dispute over offshore gas rights in the eastern Mediterranean.

Macron's lightning visit follows intense talks in Lebanon -- his second since a colossal August 4 explosion at Beirut port killed more than 180 people.

Karim Bitar, a political science professor in France and Lebanon, said the French leader was focusing on Lebanon and Iraq -- which have ties with both Iran and Saudi Arabia -- as he believes Paris could play a mediating role if regional tensions escalate further.

"Macron is definitely trying to make a push for a France-facing Middle East," Bitar said.

French President Emmanuel Macron met his Iraqi counterpart Wednesday on his first official visit to Baghdad, where he insisted the war-scarred country should reassert its "sovereignty" despite simmering US-Iran tensions.

French President Emmanuel Macron met his Iraqi counterpart Wednesday on his first official visit to Baghdad, where he insisted the war-scarred country should reassert its "sovereignty" despite simmering US-Iran tensions. Also read: New protests in Belarus as opposition squabbles, US weighs sanctions Coming straight from a two-day trip to crisis-hit Lebanon, Macron is the most prominent world leader to visit Iraq since Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi came to power in May. The trip aims to "launch an initiative alongside the United Nations to support a process of sovereignty," Macron announced on his final night in Beirut. In Baghdad, he voiced his support for his Iraqi counterpart Barham Saleh to help Iraq fight Islamic State group sleeper cells and resist foreign interference. Also read: We have freedom of the press, says Macron on Charlie Hebdo row "Iraq has been going through a challenging time for several years, with war and terrorism," Macron said. "You have a transition to lead. France will be by your side so the international community can help," he added. But there were few details on the much-vaunted "sovereignty" initiative, and Iraqi officials told AFP they were not expecting announcements of new financial or military aid. Saleh thanked Macron for France's support in the anti-IS fight and said he hoped Macron would pay a longer visit to Iraq in 2021. After dictator Saddam Hussein was toppled by a 2003 US-led invasion -- in which France did not take part -- Iraq was ravaged by waves of sectarian conflict. That culminated in IS capturing swathes of the country six years ago, before the jihadists were beaten back with international support including a US-led coalition that did include French forces. 'Essential sovereignty' Iraq has been caught for years between its two main allies Iran and the US, a balancing act that has become increasingly tortured since Washington's withdrawal in 2018 from a multilateral nuclear deal with Tehran. France, one of the key remaining backers of the 2015 agreement, called for de-escalation after a US strike on Baghdad in January killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and prompted Iran to launch missiles against US troops in Iraq. France has doubled down on its signs of support in recent tumultuous months. Top diplomat Jean-Yves Le Drian, who was the only minister to accompany Macron from Lebanon, visited Iraq in July and urged Baghdad to "dissociate itself from regional tensions". Macron last week insisted that "the fight for Iraq's sovereignty is essential." He said Iraqis, who had "suffered so much", deserved options besides domination by regional powers or Islamist extremists. Unlike most foreign officials, the French president will not stop over in Arbil, capital of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, but will instead meet Kurdish president Nechirvan Barzani in Baghdad. 'France-facing Middle East' Earlier this year, following IS's territorial defeat and the emergence of Covid-19, the last contingent of French troops deployed in Iraq as part of the coalition pulled out. France is seeking to expand its economic ties with Iraq, ranked among the 20 most corrupt countries in the world by Transparency International. Macron is also likely to discuss the fate of 11 French nationals who were condemned to death last year by Iraqi courts for joining IS. The president's focus on sovereignty was also an indirect message to Turkey, one Iraqi official said, after Ankara launched a cross-border assault on Kurdish rebels in the north. Tensions are high between France and Turkey over the conflict in Libya and a dispute over offshore gas rights in the eastern Mediterranean. Macron's lightning visit follows intense talks in Lebanon -- his second since a colossal August 4 explosion at Beirut port killed more than 180 people. Karim Bitar, a political science professor in France and Lebanon, said the French leader was focusing on Lebanon and Iraq -- which have ties with both Iran and Saudi Arabia -- as he believes Paris could play a mediating role if regional tensions escalate further. "Macron is definitely trying to make a push for a France-facing Middle East," Bitar said.

French President Macron backs Iraq 'sovereignty' on first Baghdad visit

A Katyusha rocket landed in Baghdad's Green Zone, causing damage to an empty building.&nbsp;

No casualties were, however, reported, Iraqi police sources said on Saturday.

It was the second such attack this week after three rockets landed in the heavily fortified Green Zone on Thursday, also causing no casualties.

Washington blames such attacks on Iranian-backed militia groups.

Iraq, often the scene of spillover violence from US-Iran tensions, seeks to avoid being drawn into any regional conflagration.

The Middle East came close to a full conflict in January after a US drone strike killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis at Baghdad airport. It's often said the Iran-aligned militias have since sworn to avenge their deaths.

A Katyusha rocket landed in Baghdad's Green Zone, causing damage to an empty building. No casualties were, however, reported, Iraqi police sources said on Saturday.

A Katyusha rocket landed in Baghdad's Green Zone, causing damage to an empty building. No casualties were, however, reported, Iraqi police sources said on Saturday. It was the second such attack this week after three rockets landed in the heavily fortified Green Zone on Thursday, also causing no casualties. Washington blames such attacks on Iranian-backed militia groups. Iraq, often the scene of spillover violence from US-Iran tensions, seeks to avoid being drawn into any regional conflagration. The Middle East came close to a full conflict in January after a US drone strike killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis at Baghdad airport. It's often said the Iran-aligned militias have since sworn to avenge their deaths.

Rocket falls inside Baghdad's Green Zone, no casualties reported

Due to the spread of COVID-19 Iran commemorated Ashura with social distancing measures. Pilgrims on Iraq mourned with masks & gloves. The month of Muharram marks a period of intense grief as a mark of mourning the death of Hazrat Imam Hussain, also known to many as the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.

Muharram 2020: Pilgrims mark Ashura in Iraq's Kerbala with masks & gloves

Tears, gloves, masks: Thousands Shiite pilgrims come out to mark Ashura in city of Karbala

Iraq gets the vast majority of its water from two rivers; the Euphrates and the Tigris. Both run down the length of the country supplying drinking water, irrigation, and hydroelectricity

Why Iraq’s great rivers are dying

At a time when most amusement parks and public swimming pools have been closed for weeks in Iraq, children from this Basra neighbourhood are discovering a new public garden with its doors wide open.

Iraqi transforms dumping ground into public garden

The Iraqi government said on Thursday that nearly 560 protesters and security forces were killed in months of anti-government unrest that erupted last year.

Iraq says nearly 560 protesters and security forces killed in anti-government unrest

Mosul train station wears a deserted look as it was destroyed by ISIS in 2014. Rebuilding efforts have been halted due to COVID-19. Watch report.

Your Story: Mosul train station destroyed by ISIS in 2014 still lies in ruins

Baghdad continues to witness fresh anti-government protests demanding an end to Iraq's political system. Watch report.

Protests erupt in Baghdad near Tahrir square

A weapons depot belonging to Iraq`s federal police force exploded on Sunday in Baghdad's southern suburbs because of high summer temperatures and poor storage, the military said in a statement.

Multiple explosions could be heard in Baghdad on Sunday evening. Security sources said the depot, which is part of a military base used by both the police and paramilitary forces, was one that had caught fire in August last year.

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That fire also set off explosions heard across Baghdad, killing one person and injuring 29 others. There were no casualties reported immediately on Sunday.

Iraqi paramilitary groups with links to Iran last year blamed a series of blasts at their weapons depots and bases on the United States and Israel as tension escalated between Washington and Tehran.

The US killing of Iran`s military mastermind Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a missile strike in Baghdad in January raised the threat that Iraq could become a battlefield in a conflict between Washington and Tehran.

A weapons depot belonging to Iraq`s federal police force exploded on Sunday in Baghdad's southern suburbs because of high summer temperatures and poor storage, the military said in a statement.

A weapons depot belonging to Iraq`s federal police force exploded on Sunday in Baghdad's southern suburbs because of high summer temperatures and poor storage, the military said in a statement. Multiple explosions could be heard in Baghdad on Sunday evening. Security sources said the depot, which is part of a military base used by both the police and paramilitary forces, was one that had caught fire in August last year. Also read| Between 6,000-6,500 Pakistani terrorists in Afghanistan: UN report That fire also set off explosions heard across Baghdad, killing one person and injuring 29 others. There were no casualties reported immediately on Sunday. Iraqi paramilitary groups with links to Iran last year blamed a series of blasts at their weapons depots and bases on the United States and Israel as tension escalated between Washington and Tehran. The US killing of Iran`s military mastermind Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a missile strike in Baghdad in January raised the threat that Iraq could become a battlefield in a conflict between Washington and Tehran.

Explosion hits southern Baghdad weapons depot, blamed on heat

Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi arrived in Tehran on Tuesday, making it his first official trip abroad since taking power, as per Iran's state television reported.

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Kadhemi was received by officials at Mehrabad airport and is expected to meet President Hassan Rouhani and supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, among other senior officials.

The Prime Minister's delegation includes Iraq's ministers of foreign affairs, finance, health and planning, as well as his national security adviser, the broadcaster said.

Initially, Khademi was scheduled to go to Saudi Arabia first, followed by a trip to Iran in a carefully calibrated balancing act between the two regional rivals. But the trip to Saudi was postponed after King Salman was hospitalised on Monday.&nbsp;

Kadhemi rose to the prime ministerial position in May after serving as the head of Iraq's National Intelligence Service for nearly four years.

Iraq has been a victim in the tug-of-war between Riyadh, Tehran and even Washington, which Kadhemi is also set to visit within the next few weeks.

He formed close ties to Tehran, Washington and Riyadh during that time, prompting speculation he could serve as a rare mediator among the capitals.

The prime minister's trip to Tehran comes after receiving Iran's top diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif in Baghdad on Sunday.

(Inputs from AFP)

Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi arrived in Tehran on Tuesday, making it his first official trip abroad since taking power, as per Iran's state television reported.

Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi arrived in Tehran on Tuesday, making it his first official trip abroad since taking power, as per Iran's state television reported. Also read: Now, China's new draft guidelines for foreign teachers takes 'patriotic' tilt Kadhemi was received by officials at Mehrabad airport and is expected to meet President Hassan Rouhani and supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, among other senior officials. The Prime Minister's delegation includes Iraq's ministers of foreign affairs, finance, health and planning, as well as his national security adviser, the broadcaster said. Initially, Khademi was scheduled to go to Saudi Arabia first, followed by a trip to Iran in a carefully calibrated balancing act between the two regional rivals. But the trip to Saudi was postponed after King Salman was hospitalised on Monday. Kadhemi rose to the prime ministerial position in May after serving as the head of Iraq's National Intelligence Service for nearly four years. Iraq has been a victim in the tug-of-war between Riyadh, Tehran and even Washington, which Kadhemi is also set to visit within the next few weeks. He formed close ties to Tehran, Washington and Riyadh during that time, prompting speculation he could serve as a rare mediator among the capitals. The prime minister's trip to Tehran comes after receiving Iran's top diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif in Baghdad on Sunday. (Inputs from AFP)

Iraq's Prime Minister Kadhemi makes his first official trip to Tehran

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Iraq has agreed with major oil companies operating its giant southern oilfields to cut crude production further in June, Iraqi officials working at the fields told Reuters on Sunday.

Baghdad aims to improve its compliance with its output cut targets under a global deal with OPEC and its allies to reduce oil supply.

Iraq has agreed with Russia’s Lukoil to start an additional cut of 50,000 barrels per day (bpd) as of June 13 to lower production from the West Qurna 2 field to around 275,000 bpd.

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Lukoil cut output by 70,000 bpd in May in response to a request by Iraq’s oil ministry, two Iraqi oilfield managers told Reuters on Sunday.

Production from West Qurna 2 was around 395,000 bpd in April, the managers said.

The Iraqi oil managers, who oversee production operations, said state-run Basra Oil Company had asked BP to cut production from the Rumaila oilfield by around 140,000 bpd of its total production, which stands at between 1.4 million bpd to 1.45 million bpd.

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Exxon Mobile Corp has agreed also to cut an additional 70,000 bpd from the West Qurna 1 field to reduce production to around 350,000 bpd in June, the two Iraqi managers said.

Production was cut by around 50,000 bpd in May and stood at around 420,000 bpd.

Lukoil, BP and Exxon were not immediately available for comment.

Iraq has told OPEC it would start an urgent plan to cut its oil production gradually to fully comply with its quota, after the group demanded that Baghdad and other laggards adhere to a pact on output curbs.

"We will keep lowering production gradually to comply with OPEC quota," said one Iraqi oil official.

OPEC, Russia and allies agreed on June 6 to extend record oil production cuts until the end of July, prolonging a deal that has helped crude prices to double in the past two months by withdrawing almost 10% of global supplies from the market.

The group, known as OPEC+, also asked countries such as Nigeria and Iraq, which exceeded production quotas in May and June, to compensate with extra cuts in July to September.

Iraq has agreed with major oil companies operating its giant southern oilfields to cut crude production further in June, Iraqi officials working at the fields told Reuters on Sunday.

Iraq has agreed with major oil companies operating its giant southern oilfields to cut crude production further in June, Iraqi officials working at the fields told Reuters on Sunday. Baghdad aims to improve its compliance with its output cut targets under a global deal with OPEC and its allies to reduce oil supply. Iraq has agreed with Russia’s Lukoil to start an additional cut of 50,000 barrels per day (bpd) as of June 13 to lower production from the West Qurna 2 field to around 275,000 bpd. Also read: US vows to reduce troops from Iraq in coming months Lukoil cut output by 70,000 bpd in May in response to a request by Iraq’s oil ministry, two Iraqi oilfield managers told Reuters on Sunday. Production from West Qurna 2 was around 395,000 bpd in April, the managers said. The Iraqi oil managers, who oversee production operations, said state-run Basra Oil Company had asked BP to cut production from the Rumaila oilfield by around 140,000 bpd of its total production, which stands at between 1.4 million bpd to 1.45 million bpd. Also read: Trump plans to sidestep another arms pact to sell more US drones Exxon Mobile Corp has agreed also to cut an additional 70,000 bpd from the West Qurna 1 field to reduce production to around 350,000 bpd in June, the two Iraqi managers said. Production was cut by around 50,000 bpd in May and stood at around 420,000 bpd. Lukoil, BP and Exxon were not immediately available for comment. Iraq has told OPEC it would start an urgent plan to cut its oil production gradually to fully comply with its quota, after the group demanded that Baghdad and other laggards adhere to a pact on output curbs. "We will keep lowering production gradually to comply with OPEC quota," said one Iraqi oil official. OPEC, Russia and allies agreed on June 6 to extend record oil production cuts until the end of July, prolonging a deal that has helped crude prices to double in the past two months by withdrawing almost 10% of global supplies from the market. The group, known as OPEC+, also asked countries such as Nigeria and Iraq, which exceeded production quotas in May and June, to compensate with extra cuts in July to September.

Iraq agrees with oil companies on deeper output cuts in June - sources

The United States on Thursday vowed that in the coming months it would withdraw troops from Iraq. &nbsp;

"The two countries recognized that in light of significant progress towards eliminating the ISIS threat, over the coming months the US would continue reducing forces from Iraq," a joint statement said.&nbsp;

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The statement further said that Washington does not intend to establish "permanent bases or a permanent military presence in Iraq."

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Iraq, on its part, committed to protecting bases housing US troops after several rocket attacks blamed on pro-Iranian paramilitary groups.&nbsp;

Earlier, David Schenker, the top US diplomat in the Arab denied any talks of troop withdrawal in the initial talks and added that Iraq promised of protecting US diplomatic and military facilities. &nbsp;

The announcement comes after both the countries on Thursday held their first strategic dialogue in more than a decade, months after Iraqi lawmakers pushed for the removal of US forces from the region in the wake of a US drone strike which killed top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

The killing of Soleimani, a much-revered commander both in Iran and Iraq, worsened relations between Iran and the US. &nbsp;

The United States on Thursday vowed that in the coming months it would withdraw troops from Iraq. "The two countries recognized that in light of significant progress towards eliminating the ISIS threat, over the coming months the US would continue reducing forces from Iraq," a joint statement said.

The United States on Thursday vowed that in the coming months it would withdraw troops from Iraq. "The two countries recognized that in light of significant progress towards eliminating the ISIS threat, over the coming months the US would continue reducing forces from Iraq," a joint statement said. Also read | Iraq's new government completed as remaining ministries filled The statement further said that Washington does not intend to establish "permanent bases or a permanent military presence in Iraq." Also read | British soldiers unlikely to be prosecuted over Iraq war crimes Iraq, on its part, committed to protecting bases housing US troops after several rocket attacks blamed on pro-Iranian paramilitary groups. Earlier, David Schenker, the top US diplomat in the Arab denied any talks of troop withdrawal in the initial talks and added that Iraq promised of protecting US diplomatic and military facilities. The announcement comes after both the countries on Thursday held their first strategic dialogue in more than a decade, months after Iraqi lawmakers pushed for the removal of US forces from the region in the wake of a US drone strike which killed top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. The killing of Soleimani, a much-revered commander both in Iran and Iraq, worsened relations between Iran and the US.

US vows to reduce troops from Iraq in coming months

Iraq's trade ministry released a statement on Saturday that the country has only 190,000 tonnes of rice available in its coffers for its food rationing programme.&nbsp;

To support the programme, Iraq's trade ministry needs around 1-1.25 million tonnes of rice per year.&nbsp;

In March, the ministry asked for money from state's budget to build a stockpile of rice and wheat that will supply for at least three months as coronavirus continues to wreak havoc in the country.&nbsp;

On Saturday, Iraq's trade ministry pleaded for more funds by saying that allocations were crucial despite problems in the budget. Iraq's budget has been affected because many of its citizens are "struggling to provide their daily food due to tough economic conditions amid the coronavirus crisis".

The middle eastern country has been a major buyer of wheat and rice, was under a political gridlock after former Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi was ousted by nationwide anti-corruption protests, hampering efforts to get a state budget approved before the start of the calendar year.

Iraq's grain board, which comes under the trade ministry, holds regular international tenders to import wheat and rice for the rationing programme, which also covers cooking oil, flour and sugar.

(Inputs from Agency)

Iraq's trade ministry released a statement on Saturday that the country has only 190,000 tonnes of rice available in its coffers for its food rationing programme.

Iraq's trade ministry released a statement on Saturday that the country has only 190,000 tonnes of rice available in its coffers for its food rationing programme. To support the programme, Iraq's trade ministry needs around 1-1.25 million tonnes of rice per year. In March, the ministry asked for money from state's budget to build a stockpile of rice and wheat that will supply for at least three months as coronavirus continues to wreak havoc in the country. On Saturday, Iraq's trade ministry pleaded for more funds by saying that allocations were crucial despite problems in the budget. Iraq's budget has been affected because many of its citizens are "struggling to provide their daily food due to tough economic conditions amid the coronavirus crisis". The middle eastern country has been a major buyer of wheat and rice, was under a political gridlock after former Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi was ousted by nationwide anti-corruption protests, hampering efforts to get a state budget approved before the start of the calendar year. Iraq's grain board, which comes under the trade ministry, holds regular international tenders to import wheat and rice for the rationing programme, which also covers cooking oil, flour and sugar. (Inputs from Agency)

Only 190,000 tonnes of rice left in the country for food programme: Iraq's trade ministry

In this segment of WION, we bring to you a story of a Yazidi woman, a survivor of human trafficking. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: Yazidi woman reunites with family in Iraq

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