Iraq in 2018-2019

[davidbfpo]

A new thread prepared for 2018. The existing thread, largely due to Joel Wing's regular postings has 365 posts and 194.7k views. See:Iraq in 2017 (http://council.smallwarsjournal.com/Iraq in 2017)

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/01/incidents-and-casualties-all-down-in.html) for Dec 2017 in Iraq. Attacks and casualties all down.

[JWing]

Complete review (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/01/2017-security-in-iraq-in-review-defeat_3.html) of security in Iraq in 2017. Defeat of IS on the battlefield and group's withdrawal led to the lowest violence since 2003.

[davidbfpo]

The quotation is from Tacitus, a Roman Senator and appears in a short article by Professor Paul Rogers - who asks will ISIS reappear as Iraq struggles to rebuild cities like Mosul and have enough force to counter a guerilla campaign.
Link:https://www.opendemocracy.net/paul-rogers/isis-comeback?

[davidbfpo]

From The Daily Beast a short article of note:
Wanted Dead or Alive: The Frustrating, Failing Hunt for ISIS Leader Baghdadi; Americans and Russians have converged on the Euphrates valley where the ISIS "caliphate" is making a last stand. They "think" Baghdadi's alive there. But he could be long gone.

In part based on interviews with ISIS prisoners in Iraqi custody and concludes:
Clearly no government or intelligence service has enough information to kill al Baghdadi.
Link:https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-frustrating-hunt-for-mr-isis-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-the-caliph-must-be-captured-or-die?

[JWing]

Iraq security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/01/security-in-iraq-jan-1-7-2018.html) 1st wk of Jan 2018.

[AdamG]

A white-bearded ISIS militant who presided over the killings of dozens of gay men and others who ran afoul of the so-called "caliphate" was captured in the Iraqi city of Mosul last week, according to reports.
Abu Omer was arrested after locals in Mosul tipped security forces off to his hideout in the city, the Iran-based AhlulBayt News Agency (ANBA) reported, citing Iraqi media outlets.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2018/01/02/dreaded-sadistic-isis-executioner-reportedly-captured-in-iraq-could-be-executed-himself.html

http://www.newsweek.com/who-abu-omer-isis-executioner-found-ruins-mosul-after-citys-fall-769370

[JWing]

Internal splits within IS could point to groups break up or demise. Here's a link (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/01/islamic-state-sowing-seeds-of-its-own.html).

[davidbfpo]

The full title and sub-title is:
'We will get him': the long hunt for Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdad; The world’s most wanted man remains at large, but as his ‘caliphate’ has crumbled so has the discipline of his leadership
The HVT hunt aside there are comments on the leadership and the future.
Link:https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/15/long-hunt-for-isis-leader-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/01/security-in-iraq-jan-8-14-2018.html) for 2nd wk of Jan in Iraq.

[JWing]

Iraq security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/01/security-in-iraq-jan-15-21-2018.html) for 3rd week of January. 2nd wk in a row Baghdad hit by suicide bombers.

[JWing]

Still pulling bodies (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/01/still-pulling-bodies-from-wreckage-of.html) out of the rubble of west Mosul.

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/01/security-in-iraq-jan-22-28-2018.html) for 4th week in Iraq.

[JWing]

Chatham House report (https://www.chathamhouse.org/expert/comment/isis-still-business) IS's finances alive and well.

[JWing]

Violence was up in Iraq from Dec to Jan. Here's monthly security report. (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/02/violence-up-in-iraq-jan-2018_2.html)

[AdamG]

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Nine Abrams tanks the United States had provided to Iraqi forces for the battle against the Islamic State (IS) are now in the hands of the Iranian-backed Hashd al-Shaabi militias, a US military audit confirmed.
A quarterly inspector general report for the US mission in Iraq and Syria, released on Feb. 2, confirms that M1 Abrams battle tanks and other lethal equipment provided to the Iraqi government by Washington have ended up with the Hashd al-Shaabi, also known as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).

http://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/d57349e5-20fb-495b-a407-3f3021db71e2

Doesn't someone need a few flight hours honing their J-DAM delivery techniques?

Asking for a friend.

[JWing]

Weekly security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/02/security-in-iraq-feb-1-7-2018.html) for 1st wk of Feb in Iraq.

[JWing]

Pentagon finally realized that some of the Abrams tanks it sold to Ira ended up with Pro-Iran Hashd groups. Some even ended up in Syria. This was widely known within Iraq for several years. Here's a link (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/02/pentagon-finally-realized-tanks-it-sold.html).

[JWing]

Little history article (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/02/iran-had-both-sides-in-2004-najaf-battle.html) on how Iran was playing both sides in the 2004 Battle of Najaf.

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/02/security-in-iraq-feb-8-14-2018.html) for 2nd week of Feb in Iraq

[JWing]

Pro-Iran Hashd units have 9 Abrams tanks. Some were captured from IS but others were given to them by Iraqi army. Here's a link to article (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/02/iraqi-army-supplied-pro-iran-hashd-with.html).

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/02/security-in-iraq-feb-15-21-2018.html) for 3rd wk of Feb in Iraq.

[JWing]

Trump admin says can keep US forces in Iraq and Syria indefinitely. Link to article (https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-aides-say-u-s-forces-can-legally-stay-syria-iraq-indefinitely-174149620.html).

[JWing]

Economist (https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21737302-their-so-called-caliphate-crumbles-jihadists-are-saving-up-fight) IS stashed away millions of dollars before it was forced out of Iraq and major areas of Syria.

[JWing]

Monthly security report for Iraq for Feb. Security has remained steady since Oct 2017 which was before victory against IS was declared. Here's a link (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/03/643-deaths-256-wounded-feb-2018-in-iraq.html).

[JWing]

War On The Rocks article on trends in Islamic State media operations. Here's a link (https://warontherocks.com/2018/03/terror-online-and-off-recent-trends-in-islamic-state-propaganda-operations/).

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/03/security-in-iraq-mar-8-14-2018.html) 2nd wk of March. Security incidents remain steady. Casualties slightly down. IS becoming bolder in attacks however.

[JWing]

Just published an interview with Daniel Green co-author of Fallujah Redux. Green worked with the tribes around Fallujah to get them in the fight against the insurgency and helped the local officials govern the city during the Surge. Here's a link to the interview (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/03/fallujah-redux-interview-with-daniel.html).

[JWing]

Iraq Security Report Mar 15-21. 5th month of rebuilding as an insurgency and IS is becoming bolder with its attacks. Here's a link (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/03/security-in-iraq-mar-15-21-2018.html) to the report.

[JWing]

Niqash article which reports what I have been warning about, IS is regrouping in Iraq. Here's a link (http://www.niqash.org/en/articles/security/5864/Extremists-Prepared-For-Their-Defeat-In-Iraq-Now-They%E2%80%99re-Re-Grouping.htm).

[JWing]

AP article (https://apnews.com/d37e18adbb234678923911ec0c42f694) on IS kidnapping and execution of police in northern Iraq.

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/03/security-in-iraq-mar-22-28-2018.html) for the 4th week of March in Iraq. This month marks IS return as an insurgent force.

[JWing]

After 5 months of rebuilding the IS insurgency is finally back. Read the article (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/04/march-2018-return-of-islamic-state.html).

[JWing]

Iraq facing fewest security incidents since 2003 here's link (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/04/iraq-witnessing-fewest-security.html)

[JWing]

Security report for 1st week of April in Iraq. Here's a link (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/04/security-in-iraq-apr-1-7-2018.html).

[JWing]

Compiled some of the interviews I've done about the 2003 invasion of Iraq and its aftermath as yesterday Apr 9 was the 15 yr anniversary of the fall of Baghdad. Here's a link (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/04/musings-on-iraq-interviews-on-2003.html).

[JWing]

Security report for 2nd week of April in Iraq. Here's a link (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/04/security-in-iraq-apr-8-14-2018.html).

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/04/security-in-iraq-apr-15-21-2018.html) for 3rd week of April in Iraq.

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/04/security-in-iraq-apr-22-28-2018.html)for last week of April in Iraq.

[JWing]

April saw a decided drop in incidents vs the last 6 months. Types of attacks IS launching still showing group is regrouping and now openly challenging govt. Here's a link (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/05/april-2018-large-drop-in-violence-in.html).

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/05/security-in-iraq-may-1-7-2018.html) for 1st week of May in Iraq.

[JWing]

Example of forced displacement in west Ninewa. One of the lasting legacies of the war vs IS. Here's a link (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/05/forced-displacement-in-western-ninewa.html).

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/05/security-in-iraq-may-8-14-2018.html) 2nd wk of May in Iraq

[davidbfpo]

An ICSR commentary. It opens with:
Earlier this week, Iraq held its first elections since formally declaring victory over Islamic State. Muqtada al-Sadr claimed a surprise victory, in an election that saw an unusually low turnout. Thus, while Sadr was able to consolidate a support base that remained largely unchanged, more prominent parties failed to mobilise their constituencies to participate in the election. Described by many as an anti-Western ‘firebrand’, Sadr’s platform is indeed distinctly populist and nationalist.
Link:http://icsr.info/2018/05/icsr-insight-sadr-firebrand-cleric-political-brand-reform/

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/05/security-in-iraq-may-15-21-2018.html) for 3rd wk of May in Iraq

[JWing]

Interview (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/05/sadr-communist-alliance-and-iraqs-2018.html) with PhD student Benedict Robin on Sadr's Sairoon alliance with the Communists and its victory in the May elections

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/05/security-in-iraq-may-22-28-2018.html) for 4th week of May in Iraq.

[davidbfpo]

A report by ICSR that aims to explore the institutionalisation and organisational structure of the PMU before delving into their election maneouvring.
The Executive Summary is linked below.

The conclusions:
Ambiguities within the existing legislation meant to strengthen the state-actor character of the PMU have left a loophole, allowing the PMU to take on multiple roles, benefiting equally from the established operational legality, and acclaimed ideological legitimacy.
• The lines are blurred and the allegiances – at least those that have been verbally professed thus far – are prone to shift according to the target audience and the immediate operational advantages pursued by the groups’ cannier political forerunners.
• Regardless of any potential electoral gains PMU-affiliated leaders have been able to achieve to this point within and outside the established Fatah alliance, the PMU as an umbrella organisation requires the firm institutional embrace of the Iraqi authorities.
• With Islamic State regrouping slowly in the background, the Hashd needs to gradually develop into a disciplined and agile state organisation.
• This transformation process, alongside continued security sector reforms in a fragile yet hopeful democracy, will take time. It will also require a high level of manoeuvrability on behalf of Iraq’s future government, its frequently competing neighbours, and its foreign allies.
Link:http://icsr.info/2018/05/battlefield-ballot-box-contextualising-rise-evolution-iraqs-popular-mobilisation-units/

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/06/security-in-iraq-largely-unchanged-in.html) Violence largely unchanged April to May 2018 in Iraq.

[JWing]

Interview (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/06/iraqs-troubles-fighting-corruption.html) with former US Anti-Graft official Vincent Foulk on Iraq's problem with corruption

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/06/security-in-iraq-jun-1-7-2018.html) 1st week of June in Iraq

[JWing]

Review (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/06/review-confronting-al-qaeda-sunni.html) Confronting Al Qaeda, The Sunni Awakening and American Strategy In Al Anbar

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/06/security-in-iraq-jun-8-14-2018.html)2nd wk of June in Iraq

[JWing]

Lawfare article (https://www.lawfareblog.com/iraqs-harsh-approach-punishing-islamic-state-collaborators-stands-have-counterproductive) on Iraqi trials of IS suspects

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/06/security-in-iraq-jun-15-21-2018.html) for 3rd wk of June in Iraq

[JWing]

Book review (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/06/review-compulsion-in-religion-saddam.html) of Compulsion In Religion on how Saddam set about to control religion in Iraq starting in 1980s and how that was connected to the militias and insurgency that emerged after 03. Provides important new research on Iraq.

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/06/security-in-iraq-jun-22-28-2018.html) 4th week of June in Iraq

[JWing]

June Islamic State rebuilding (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/07/june-2018-islamic-state-rebuilding-in.html) in Ira's rural areas.

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/07/security-in-iraq-july-1-7-2018.html)for Jul 1-7, 2018

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/07/security-in-iraq-jul-8-14-2018.html) for Iraq July 8-14 tracking the rebuilding of IS in central Iraq.

[JWing]

Security Report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/07/security-in-iraq-july-22-28-2018.html) Jul 22-28 in Iraq. Fewest security incidents ever recorded by Musings On Iraq.

[JWing]

Violence slightly dipped (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/08/violence-slightly-down-in-iraq-july-2018.html) in July in Iraq.

[JWing]

Islamic State makes comeback in Iraq with switch to guerrilla tactics
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-iraq-security/islamic-state-makes-comeback-in-iraq-with-switch-to-guerrilla-tactics-idUSKBN1KE0MH?utm_source=reddit.com

[JWing]

ISIS is making a comeback in Iraq just months after Baghdad declared victory

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/isis-is-making-a-comeback-in-iraq-less-than-a-year-after-baghdad-declared-victory/2018/07/17/9aac54a6-892c-11e8-9d59-dccc2c0cabcf_story.html?utm_source=reddit.com&utm_term=.5a22649b94b7

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/08/security-in-iraq-aug-1-7-2018.html) for 1st week of August in Iraq

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/08/security-in-iraq-aug-8-14-2018.html) for Iraq Aug 8-14.

[JWing]

Security Report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/08/security-in-iraq-aug-15-21-2018.html) for Aug 15-21 in Iraq

[JWing]

Good article on Baghdadi's recent tape release and Islamic State rebuilding https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/08/baghdadi-recording-iraq-syria-terrorism/568471/

[JWing]

Security Report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/08/security-in-iraq-aug-22-28-2018.html)for Iraq Aug 22-28.

[JWing]

Link to recently declassified interrogations with Qais Khazali, former Ayatollah Sadr lieutenant, lieutenant to Moqtada al-Sadr and current head of Asaib Ahl Al-Haq. Looks like there is a lot of great stuff in here.
http://www.aei.org/spotlight/qayis-al-khazali-papers/

[JWing]

Atlantic article "ISIS Never Went Away in Iraq" (https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/08/iraq-isis/569047/)

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/09/violence-remained-steady-in-iraq-august.html) for August 2018 in Iraq. Violence remained steady over last 2 months.

[davidbfpo]

A headline from The Guardian is the title and I know Basra can be a "tinderbox", but setting fire to that consulate? Here is a passage:
Residents of Basra and other cities in Iraq’s oil-rich southern Shia heartland have been protesting since July over endemic corruption, soaring joblessness and poor public services.
Link:https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/07/protesters-set-fire-to-iranian-consulate-in-basra

The BBC has a similar report:https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-45453215

[JWing]

Iraq security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/09/security-in-iraq-sep-1-7-2018.html) Sep 1-7 2018

[JWing]

Iraq security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/09/security-in-iraq-sep-8-14-2018.html) 2nd wk Sep

[JWing]

PBS Newshour report (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/isis-returns-iraq-terror-hawija) on IS's return to Hawija in south Kirkuk

[JWing]

Iraq security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/09/security-in-iraq-sep-15-21-2018.html) Sep 15-21, 2018

[JWing]

Iraq Security Report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/10/security-in-iraq-sep-22-28-2018.html) Sep 22-28, 2018

[JWing]

Security Report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/10/islamic-state-returns-to-baghdad-while.html) for September 2018 in Iraq

[JWing]

Wash Inst report on Iraq's Counter Terrorism Service https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/uploads/Documents/pubs/PolicyFocus157-Witty-2.pdf

[JWing]

Iraq security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/10/security-in-iraq-oct-1-7-2018.html) for 1st week of October 2018

[JWing]

Iraq Security Report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/10/security-in-iraq-oct-15-21-2018.html) Oct 15-21

[JWing]

Interview I did (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/10/lasting-lessons-from-anbar-awakening.html) with Carter Malkasian author of Illusions of Victory which is about the Anbar Awakening

[JWing]

Oct 22-28 security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/10/security-in-iraq-oct-22-28-2018.html)for Iraq

[JWing]

Xinhua article (http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-11/01/c_137574660.htm) on IS rebuilding in Iraq

[JWing]

Islamic State looks like it expanded its area of operations in Iraq in October Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/11/october-2018-islamic-state-expanding.html) for the month

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/11/security-in-iraq-nov-8-14-2018.html)2nd wk of Nov in Iraq

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/11/security-in-iraq-nov-15-21-2018.html) for Iraq Nov 15-21

[JWing]

Federal govt taking over disputed areas in northeast Diyala has opened up space for IS to rebuild. Here's the article (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/11/security-handover-in-diyala-allows.html).

[JWing]

Big dip in violence in Iraq 4th wk of Nov. Weekly security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/11/security-in-iraq-nov-22-28-2018.html).

[JWing]

True Origins of ISIS (https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2018/11/isis-origins-anbari-zarqawi/577030/) by Hassan Hassan the Atlantic

[davidbfpo]

A blogger, Kyle Orton, whose output I rarely capture and this article in a way supplements that by Hassan Hassan.
Link:https://kyleorton1991.wordpress.com/2018/12/02/what-captured-isis-jihadists-tell-us-about-the-group/

[JWing]

Attacks way down in Iraq in Nov. Bad weather that caused flash flooding might have been a factor. Monthly security review (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/12/large-drop-in-violence-in-iraq-november.html).

[JWing]

Cole Bunzel on Jihadica responds to Hassan Hassan's article on IS ideology http://www.jihadica.com/understating-zarqawi/

[JWing]

CSIS report on continued threat of IS in Iraq https://www.csis.org/analysis/islamic-state-and-persistent-threat-extremism-iraq

[JWing]

Iraq Security Report 1st wk of Dec (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/12/security-in-iraq-dec-1-7-2018.html)

[JWing]

US Finds Institutional Problems With The Iraqi Forces And Questions Their Counterinsurgency Abilities (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2018/12/us-finds-institutional-problems-with.html)

[JWing]

Great report by Mike Knights breakdown state of IS in Iraq right now. Going for quality over quantity in attacks and just focusing upon rural areas in central Iraq for now. Has to expand however if it wants to remain relevant and sustain itself. https://ctc.usma.edu/islamic-state-inside-iraq-losing-power-preserving-strength/

[davidbfpo]

The first is 'Iraq Unravelling? An Interview with Emma Sky'; she is now @ Yale and her bio in part refers to:
She served in Iraq from 2003 to 2004 as Governorate Coordinator of Kirkuk and from 2007 to 2010 as Political Adviser to General Raymond Odierno, then Commanding General of U.S. forces in Iraq.
Link:https://www.oxfordresearchgroup.org.uk/blog/iraq-unravelling-an-interview-with-emma-sky

The second is by a UK observer, Emily Knowles and in summary:
A year after Islamic State (IS) was declared defeated, a referendum on Kurdish independence, widespread protest, and political powerplay over the Iraqi defence sector is fragmenting the country. Drawing upon field research in Iraq, this briefing examines how choices made throughout the anti-IS campaign have contributed to several of the factors that are currently destabilising the Iraqi security sector
Link:https://www.oxfordresearchgroup.org.uk/iraq-after-islamic-state-divided-we-stand

[JWing]

Dec security report for Iraq End of year saw big drop in attacks across the country http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/01/islamic-state-went-into-hibernation-in.html

[JWing]

Interview with Univ of Virginia Prof James Savage on how the US tried and largely failed to reform Iraq's govt http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/01/how-us-tried-and-largely-failed-at.html

[JWing]

Security report for Dec 2018 in Iraq Islamic State largely packed up during winter http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/01/islamic-state-went-into-hibernation-in.html

Security report for 1st wk of Jan 2019 as well http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/01/security-in-iraq-jan-1-7-2019.html

[JWing]

Report on security trends in Iraq (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/01/review-of-security-trends-in-iraq-2018.html) IS withdrew to Diyala Kirkuk Ninewa and saw big drop in attacks during winter 2018.

[JWing]

Security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/01/security-in-iraq-jan-8-14-2019.html) for Iraq 2nd week of January

[JWing]

PBS Newshour report (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/iraqs-war-heroes-feel-forgotten-after-war-with-isis) on how wounded Iraqi veterans in the war against IS feel neglected

[JWing]

Fatah and Sadr's Sairoon are pushing for U.S. withdrawal (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/01/iraqi-parties-make-push-for-us.html) in parliament

[JWing]

Jan 22-28, 2018 security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/01/security-in-iraq-jan-22-28-2019.html) for Iraq Another quiet week as IS has largely packed up for the winter

[JWing]

Bush admin didn't trust Maliki about supporting Surge so spied on him. Here's the article (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/01/us-was-so-unsure-of-malikis-support-of.html).

[davidbfpo]

Although this article looks at ISIS in Iraq primarily it does touch upon Syria. The author is Professor Paul Rogers, a British academic. He ends with:
any notion that ISIS has been vanquished is fanciful.
Link:https://www.opendemocracy.net/paul-rogers/trump-vs-isis-phantom-victory? (https://www.opendemocracy.net/paul-rogers/trump-vs-isis-phantom-victory?utm_source=Daily+Newsletter&utm_campaign=7c7dfc82ee-DAILY_NEWSLETTER_MAILCHIMP&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_717bc5d86d-7c7dfc82ee-407365113)

[JWing]

After a big dip in activity at the end of 2018 IS picked up attacks in 3 provinces in January 2019. January security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/02/slight-uptick-in-islamic-state-ops-in.html) for Iraq.

[JWing]

Trump angers Iraq again (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/02/trump-us-here-to-stay-in-iraq.html) over comments of owning US base in Iraq and will use it to keep an eye on Iran.

[JWing]

My 2nd interview with author Tom Cooper (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/02/iran-and-its-iraqi-allies-role-in.html)This time we discussed the role of the IRGC in the Iraq and Syrian wars

[JWing]

Iraqi security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/02/security-in-iraq-feb-1-7-2019.html)for first week of Feb 2019

[JWing]

Trump caused his latest controversy in Iraq by saying that US forces would be staying in the country to monitor Iran. US already doing that. Link to article here (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/02/us-already-tracking-irans-activities-in.html).

[JWing]

NY Review of Books article (https://www.nybooks.com/daily/2019/02/13/undefeated-isis-is-back-in-iraq/) on IS continued insurgency in Iraq

[JWing]

Iraq Security Report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/02/security-in-iraq-feb-8-14-2019.html)2nd wk of Feb

[JWing]

Book review (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/02/review-iraq-from-war-to-new.html) of Toby Dodge's Iraq From War To A New Authoritarianism

[JWing]

Iraq security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/02/security-in-iraq-feb-15-21-2019.html) 3rd wk of February. Attacks nearly doubled from previous week.

[JWing]

US Inspectors General report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/03/us-inspector-generals-report-iraqi.html) found institutional problems with Iraqi forces and intelligence that may take decades to fix.

[JWing]

Iraq security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/03/islamic-state-might-be-coming-out-of.html)for March 2019 IS could be coming out of its winter hibernation

[JWing]

2 recent book reviews

Review Why Do You Kill? The Untold Story of the Iraqi Resistance - This book should go down as one of the all time worse Iraq books
http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/03/review-why-do-you-kill-untold-story-of.html

Review Iraq’s Sunni Insurgency
http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/03/review-iraqs-sunni-insurgency.html

[JWing]

CNN: Iraq defeated ISIS more than a year ago. Its revival is already underway
https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/05/middleeast/iraq-isis-return-intl/index.html

The Atlantic: What the Media Won’t Tell You About ISIS
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/02/what-media-wont-tell-you-about-isis/583702/

Daily Beast: On the Run From ISIS in Iraq’s ‘Bandit Country’
https://www.thedailybeast.com/on-the-run-from-isis-in-iraqs-bandit-country?ref=scroll

[JWing]

LA Times: Iraq’s new war against Islamic State: Halting the group’s budding rural resurgence (https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/nation/iraq-s-new-war-against-islamic-state-halting-the-group/article_7ba0bdd7-1db0-5c9e-986d-e44c38f5a4c0.html)

[JWing]

Iraq weekly security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/03/security-in-iraq-mar-1-7-2019.html) for Mar 1-7, 2019

[JWing]

Iraq security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/03/security-in-iraq-mar-8-14-2019.html) 2nd wk of March 2019 Attacks very low for second week

[JWing]

Charles Lister "Trump Says ISIS is Defeated Reality Says Otherwise" (https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2019/03/18/trump-isis-terrorists-defeated-foreign-policy-225816)Politico

[JWing]

Iraq security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/03/security-in-iraq-mar-15-21-2019.html) 3rd week of March. Attacks at historic low once again.

[JWing]

Iraq security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/04/security-in-iraq-mar-22-28-2019.html)3rd week of March. This entire month has seen some of the lowest attack and casualty figures since 2003. IS had summer offensive and then has dropped off like usual during the winter.

[JWing]

March saw fewest attacks and casualties in Iraq since 2003 invasion. March security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/04/iraq-saw-lowest-violence-ever-march-2019.html).

[JWing]

Newsweek - Iran killed over 600 Americans during Iraq War https://www.newsweek.com/iran-us-iraq-war-troops-killed-efps-shiite-militias-1385990

[JWing]

Security report for Iraq (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/04/security-in-iraq-apr-1-7-2019.html) 1st wk of April Attacks upticked a bit but country still seeing lowest violence since 2003.

[JWing]

Report on IS car bombs in Iraq and Syria (https://www.mei.edu/publications/car-bombs-weapons-war-isiss-development-svbieds-2014-19)

[JWing]

Book review (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/04/review-report-of-iraq-inquiry-executive.html) of the Executive Summary of the Chilcot Report the official English history of the Iraq War

[JWing]

Glimpse At Some Of The Liberated Areas Of Iraq (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/04/glimpse-at-some-of-liberated-areas-of.html)

[JWing]

April 8-14 2019 Security Report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/04/security-in-iraq-apr-8-14-2019.html)in Iraq IS started its annual Spring-Summer offensive dubbed Revenge of the Levant leading to big jump in attacks

[JWing]

Iraq security report 3rd week (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/04/security-in-iraq-apr-15-21-2019.html) of April Attacks way down after IS announced new campaign

[JWing]

After a couple year's hiatus I returned and finished reading the Chilcot Report on the UK's involvement in the Iraq War. Here's an article on Sec 1.1 on UK Iraq Strategy 1990 to 2000 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/04/chilcot-report-sec-11-uk-iraq-strategy.html).

[JWing]

Chilcott Report Section 1.2 UK Iraq strategy September 2000 To September 2001 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/04/chilcott-report-section-12-uk-iraq.html)

[JWing]

Interview with researcher Hugo Kaaman (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/04/islamic-states-car-bomb-innovations.html) on his work on IS car bombs.

[JWing]

Chilcot Report Section 3.1 Development of UK Strategy and Options On Iraq, 9/11 to Early January 2002 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/04/section-31-development-of-uk-strategy.html)

[JWing]

Iraq Security Report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/05/security-in-iraq-apr-22-28-2019.html)4th week of April

[JWing]

Review The Caliphate At War, Operational Realities and Innovations of the Islamic State (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/05/review-caliphate-at-war-operational.html)

[JWing]

Islamic State Announces New Offensive But Amounts To Little So Far (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/05/islamic-state-announces-new-offensive.html)

[JWing]

Chilcot Report Section 3.2 Development of UK Iraq Strategy and Options, January to April 2002 – “Axis Of Evil” to Crawford (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/05/chilcot-report-section-32-development.html)

[JWing]

Iraq security report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/05/security-in-iraq-may-1-7-2019.html) 1st wk of May Incidents and casualties remain very low

[JWing]

Postwar Business Environment In Fallujah (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/05/postwar-business-environment-in-fallujah.html) Iraqis trying to rebuild with no real govt help and govt security policies actually hindering process

[davidbfpo]

Joel,

Readers are viewing this thread; 30k a month ago and today 31,824 views. Alas no replies though.:wry:

[JWing]

Iraq probably needs to "blow up" again to get comments

[JWing]

Iraq Security Report (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/05/security-in-iraq-may-8-14-2019.html)for May 8-14 Attacks slightly tick up as IS spring-summer campaign may be taking off

[JWing]

Postwar Business Situation In Mosul (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/05/postwar-business-situation-in-mosul.html)

[JWing]

Difficult Situations In Postwar Areas Of Iraq (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/05/difficult-situations-in-postwar-areas.html)

[JWing]

Security In Iraq May 15-21, 2019 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/05/security-in-iraq-may-15-21-2019.html)

[JWing]

Review Leap of Faith, Hubris, Negligence, and America’s Greatest Foreign Policy Tragedy (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/05/review-leap-of-faith-hubris-negligence.html)

[JWing]

Security In Iraq May 22-28, 2019 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/05/security-in-iraq-may-22-28-2019.html)

[JWing]

Islamic State’s Revenge Of The Levant Campaign In Full Swing (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/06/islamic-states-revenge-of-levant.html)

[JWing]

One of IS's main tactics in its comeback in 2014 was eliminating local officials like mayors/mukhtars. They are at it again. Rudaw article on the topic: http://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/04062019

[JWing]

Review It Takes More than a Network, The Iraqi Insurgency and Organizational Adaptation (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/06/review-it-takes-more-than-network-iraqi.html)

[JWing]

Review Special Operations Forces in Iraq (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/06/review-special-operations-forces-in-iraq.html)

[JWing]

Iraq Security Report Jun 1-7, 2019 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/06/security-in-iraq-jun-1-7-2019.html)

[JWing]

Got a bunch of stuff to post today.

Review M1 Abrams vs T-72 Ural, Operation Desert Storm 1991 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/06/review-m1-abrams-vs-t-72-ural-operation.html)

Security In Iraq Jun 8-14, 2019 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/06/security-in-iraq-jun-8-14-2019.html)

Musings On Iraq 11 Year Anniversary! (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/06/musings-on-iraq-11-year-anniversary.html)

[JWing]

Security In Iraq Jun 15-21 2019 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/06/security-in-iraq-jun-15-21-2019.html)

Tehran And Its Iraqi Allies Respond Asymmetrically To Trump Admin’s Iran Policy (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/06/tehran-and-its-iraqi-allies-respond.html)

[JWing]

Violence Dips During Islamic State’s Latest Offensive (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/07/violence-dips-during-islamic-states.html)

[JWing]

PM Mahdi Orders Fuller Integration Of Hashd In Response To Attacks By Iranian Backed Groups In June (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/07/pm-mahdi-orders-fuller-integration-of.html)

[JWing]

The Evolution of the Islamic State and its Internal Fragmentation https://www.ispionline.it/it/pubblicazione/evolution-islamic-state-and-its-internal-fragmentation-23410

[JWing]

Good article by Michael Knights about whether govt can gain control of Hashd using Ninewa as a test case https://www.iraqincontext.com/single-post/2019/07/05/Normalizing-Security-in-the-Nineveh-Plains

[JWing]

Security In Iraq July 1-7 2019 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/07/security-in-iraq-july-1-7-2019.html)

Couple book reviews as well:

Review The Occupation of Iraq, Winning The War, Losing The Peace (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/06/review-allawi-ali-theoccupation-of-iraq.html)

Review U.S. Marines in Battle, An-Najaf August 2004 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/06/review-us-marines-in-battle-najaf.html)

Review Patriotic Ayatollahs, Nationalism In Post-Saddam Iraq (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/07/review-patriotic-ayatollahs-nationalism.html)

[JWing]

Lack Of A Rebuilding Plan Undermines Iraq’s Call For More Help (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/07/lack-of-rebuilding-plan-undermines.html)

[JWing]

Al Jazeera: In Pictures: Mosul two years after ISIL's defeat (https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/pictures-mosul-years-isil-defeat-190710082834633.html)

[JWing]

Can The Islamic State Make A Comeback In Iraq Part 1? Interview With Washington Institute for Near East Policy’s Michael Knights (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/07/can-islamic-state-make-comeback-in-iraq.html)

[JWing]

Can The Islamic State Make A Comeback In Iraq Part 2? Interview With Il Foglio’s Daniele Raineri (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/07/can-islamic-state-make-comeback-in-iraq_16.html)

[JWing]

Security In Iraq July 8-14 2019 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/07/security-in-iraq-july-1-7-2019_17.html)

[JWing]

Washington Post ISIS militants return to Iraq, continue fight (https://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/isis-militants-return-to-iraq-continue-fight-1.591313)

[JWing]

Security In Iraq Jul 15-21 2019 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/07/security-in-iraq-jul-15-21-2019.html)

[JWing]

2 book reviews:

Review Iraq After America, Strongmen, Sectarians, Resistance (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/07/review-iraq-after-america-strongmen.html)

Review Bradley vs BMP, Desert Storm 1991 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/07/review-bradley-vs-bmp-desert-storm-1991.html)

[JWing]

Review of good book on 1941 Anglo-Iraq War and subsequent invasion of Syria during WWII Review Blood, Oil and the Axis: The Allied Resistance Against A Fascist State In Iraq and the Levant, 1941 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/07/review-blood-oil-and-axis-allied.html)

[JWing]

Security In Iraq Jul 22-28 2019 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/07/security-in-iraq-jul-22-28-2019.html)

[JWing]

Postwar Situation In West Mosul - Many Unresolved Issues (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/08/postwar-situation-in-west-mosul-many.html)

[JWing]

Appears Israel hit 2 Hashd bases in Iraq that contained IRGC and Hezbollah members plus Iranian missiles

With Missiles More Accurate Than Hezbollah's, Iran Entrenchment in Iraq Threatens Israel (https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-iran-missiles-hezbollah-in-iraq-threaten-israel-1.7606916)

IRGC commander killed in ‘Israeli-US’ attack on Iraqi base (https://www.jns.org/irgc-commander-killed-in-israeli-us-attack-on-iraqi-base/)

[JWing]

VOA: UN Warns Islamic State Leader Plotting Comeback from Iraq (https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/un-warns-islamic-state-leader-plotting-comeback-iraq)

[JWing]

Haaretz: New Front or Secret Partner? Behind Iraq's Silence on Alleged Israeli Strikes (https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/iraq/.premium-new-front-or-secret-partner-behind-iraq-s-silence-on-alleged-israeli-strikes-1.7615974)

[JWing]

Islamic State’s Offensive Could Be Winding Down (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/08/islamic-states-offensive-could-be.html)

[JWing]

Security In Iraq Aug 1-7, 2019 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/08/security-in-iraq-aug-1-7-2019.html)

[JWing]

Review Hubris, The Inside Story of Spin, Scandal, And The Selling Of The Iraq War (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/08/review-hubris-inside-story-of-spin.html)

[JWing]

Can The Islamic State Make A Comeback In Iraq Part 3? Interview With Horizon’s Alex Mello (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/08/can-islamic-state-make-comeback-in-iraq.html)

[JWing]

Expansion of the Hashd al-Shaabi’s Influence In Iraq, Interview With Clingendael’s Erwin van Veen (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/08/expansion-of-hashd-al-shaabis-influence.html)

[JWing]

Security In Iraq Aug 8-14, 2019 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/08/security-in-iraq-aug-8-14-2019.html)

[JWing]

Review The Bush Administrations and Saddam Hussein, Deciding on Conflict (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/08/review-bush-administrations-and-saddam.html)

[JWing]

2 articles by Michael Knights on the Hashd al-Shaabi in Iraq

Iran’s Expanding Militia Army in Iraq: The New Special Groups (https://ctc.usma.edu/irans-expanding-militia-army-iraq-new-special-groups)

Militias Are Threatening Public Safety in Iraq (https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/militias-are-threatening-public-safety-in-iraq)

[JWing]

Security In Iraq Aug 15-21, 2019 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/08/security-in-iraq-aug-15-21-2019.html)

UN Provides Details On Islamic State’s Rebuilding In Iraq and Syria (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/08/un-provides-details-on-islamic-states.html)

[JWing]

U.S. Report On Islamic State’s Rebuilding Effort In Iraq And Syria (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/08/us-report-on-islamic-states-rebuilding.html)

[JWing]

Review Fiasco: The American Military Adventure In Iraq (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/08/review-fiasco-american-military.html)

[JWing]

PM Mahdi Fails 1st Test Of New Hashd Order In Iraq (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/09/pm-mahdi-fails-1st-test-of-new-hashd.html)

Pro-Iran Hashed Brigades And Now Israeli Strikes Making A Joke Of PM Mahdi’s Claims Iraq Neutral In Regional Conflicts (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/09/pro-iran-hashed-brigades-and-now.html)

[JWing]

Security In Iraq Aug 22-28, 2019 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/09/security-in-iraq-aug-22-28-2019.html)

Review Desert Storm, Volume 1: The Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait and Operation Desert Shield 1990-1991 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-desert-storm-volume-1-iraqi.html)

[JWing]

Islamic State’s New Game Plan In Iraq (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/09/islamic-states-new-game-plan-in-iraq.html)

[JWing]

New Iraq Poll: People Focused Upon Govt And Not Happy (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/09/new-iraq-poll-people-focused-upon-govt.html)

[JWing]

Review State of War, The Secret History of the CIA and the Bush Administration (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-risen-james-state-of-war-secret.html)

[JWing]

Review Bush At War (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-bush-at-war.html)

[JWing]

Hashd’s 30th Brigade In Ninewa Assaults Dep Governor and MP (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/09/hashds-30th-brigade-in-ninewa-assaults.html)

[JWing]

Security In Iraq Sep 1-7, 2019 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/09/security-in-iraq-sep-1-7-2019.html)

[JWing]

Review Plan of Attack: The Definitive Account Of The Decision To Invade Iraq (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-woodward-bob-planof-attack.html)

[JWing]

Security In Iraq Sep 8-14, 2019 (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/09/security-in-iraq-sep-8-14-2019.html)

[JWing]

3 Province Poll Finds Most Iraqis Feeling Secure (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/09/3-province-poll-finds-most-iraqis.html)

[JWing]

Review Squandered Victory, The American Occupation And the Bungled Effort to Bring Democracy to Iraq (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-squandered-victory-american.html)

Musings On Iraq Book Reviews By Topic (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/09/musings-on-iraq-book-reviews-by-topic.html)

[JWing]

Islamic State Not Following Their Usual Pattern In Attacks In Iraq (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/10/islamic-state-not-following-their-usual.html)

[JWing]

Review Iraq in Wartime, Soldiering, Martyrdom, and Remembrance (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-iraq-in-wartime-soldiering.html)

[JWing]

This is a REALLY good overview of IS's attempt to rebuild in Iraq and Syria by the International Crisis Group. Goes into much more detail than your average review.

Averting an ISIS Resurgence in Iraq and Syria (https://www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-north-africa/eastern-mediterranean/syria/207-averting-isis-resurgence-iraq-and-syria)

[JWing]

Islamic State Pulls Back While Iraq Protests Going On (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/11/islamic-state-pulls-back-while-iraq.html)

[JWing]

Asaib Ahl Al-Haq Blamed For Kidnapping Iraqi General In Baghdad (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/11/asaib-ahl-al-haq-blamed-for-kidnapping.html)

[JWing]

CNN: Iraqi spy chief warns ISIS is rebuilding (https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/18/middleeast/iraq-spy-chief-isis-rebuilding/index.html)

[JWing]

Review Shatter the Nations, ISIS and the War for the Caliphate (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/11/review-shatter-nations-isis-and-war-for.html)

Review After The Caliphate (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/11/review-after-caliphate.html)

[JWing]

Details On Collective Punishment Meted Out By Hashd Upon Jurf al-Sakhr (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/11/details-on-collective-punishment-meted.html)

[JWing]

Revised Review Iraq and the Politics of Oil, An Insider’s Perspective (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/11/revised-review-iraq-and-politics-of-oil.html)

[JWing]

Islamic State Waits Out The Protests In Iraq (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/12/islamic-state-waits-out-protests-in-iraq.html)

[JWing]

Islamic State Forcing People Out Of Rural Diyala (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/11/islamic-state-forcing-people-out-of.html)

US Report Finds Continued Shortcomings In Iraqi Forces While Islamic State Disjointed (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/11/us-report-finds-continued-shortcomings.html)

[JWing]

Islamic State Waits Out The Protests In Iraq (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/12/islamic-state-waits-out-protests-in-iraq.html)

Protests Cause Splits Within Iraq’s Security Forces (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/12/protests-cause-splits-within-iraqs.html)

Pro-Iran Hashd Stab Protesters In Baghdad’s Tahrir Square (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/12/pro-iran-hashd-stab-protesters-in.html)

Pro-Iran Hashd Carry Out Another More Deadly Attack Upon Baghdad Protesters (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/12/pro-iran-hashd-carry-out-another-more.html)

[JWing]

Iraqi Forces Kidnapping Protesters As Part Of Intimidation Campaign (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/12/iraqi-forces-kidnapping-protesters-as.html)

News Of Iran Moving Missiles Into Iraq Continue (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/12/news-of-iran-moving-missiles-into-iraq.html)

Review The Future of Iraq, Dictatorship, Democracy, or Division? (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/12/review-future-of-iraq-dictatorship.html)

[JWing]

The National The ‘new beginning’ of ISIS: how the militant group is using Iraq’s blind spot to rise again (https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/the-new-beginning-of-isis-how-the-militant-group-is-using-iraq-s-blind-spot-to-rise-again-1.948971)

[JWing]

Missing 600 From Anbar’s Saqlawiya Finally Found Dead? (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/12/missing-600-from-anbars-saqlawiya.html)

US Sanctions Iraqi Businessman Khanjar For Bribery And Supporting Iran (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/12/us-sanctions-iraqi-businessman-khanjar.html)

Review Hoodwinked, The Documents That Reveal How Bush Sold Us a War (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/12/review-hoodwinked-documents-that-reveal.html)

Review Iraq Under Siege, The Deadly Impact of Sanctions and War (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/12/review-iraq-under-siege-deadly-impact.html)

[JWing]

Review Islamic State The Digital Caliphate (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/12/review-atwan-abdel-bari-islamicstate.html)

[JWing]

Iraqis In Kirkuk And Salahaddin Feel Safer But Worried About Future (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/12/iraqis-in-kirkuk-and-salahaddin-feel.html)

Hezbollah Helping Iran Negotiate New Premier For Iraq (http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2019/12/hezbollah-helping-iran-negotiate-new.html)