UN just released a report on Iraq's justice system. Found systematic abuse by police to gain confessions from defendants and judges ignoring it. Many other human rights groups have made similar reports, but usually focus upon terrorism cases. UN found that there is a denial of due process and acceptance of abuse by Iraq's judiciary in all types of cases from those accused of terrorism to prostitution. Read more here.
Just released my monthly totals for violence in Iraq in March. Attacks and casualties both went up from February largely due to Tikrit operation. Numbers are still lower than highs of the summer of 2014. Read more here.
Just wrote up an analysis of the successful clearing of Tikrit. Exposed internal and external divisions within Iraq. 1st it showed that while IS tactics can delay an offensive they don't have the manpower to stop government forces. 2nd the rivalry between Iran and the US for influence in Iraq was in full play in the operation. Iran wanted to be the sole power behind the campaign and did not want US involvement. Baghdad ended up asking for US support. 3rd it showed that some Hashd forces are not under govt control as they burned homes and looted. That caused an uproar within the political class and religious establishment in Najaf and was luckily brought under control. Read the full article here.
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