MYSTERIOUS: 2 - You Need To See This

'No approval, no prior knowledge': Iraq rejects Trump's claims, says it didn't approve US-Saudi strikes

Iraq denies prior knowledge or authorization for recent US-Saudi strikes on its territory. Baghdad has officially condemned the military action and deferred a prime ministerial visit to Saudi Arabia. The Iraqi government stated it had not granted approval for any attacks within its borders. Iraq has requested evidence from Saudi…

The Economic Times · Jul 31

Iraq’s impossible predicament: why the country is trapped between Iran and the US

The long read: With the outbreak of this year’s war, Iraq’s balancing act between the two antagonists has collapsed, exposing a perilously fragile state

The Guardian - UK · Jul 23

Iraq is emerging as the Middle East’s strategic connector – but can it turn foreign competition into advantage?

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is on something of a diplomatic roll at the moment. Having concluded a weeklong visit to the United States on July 19, 2026, during which he charmed President Donald Trump, al-Zaidi is now expected to head to Tehran to do the same with Iran’s new…

The Conversation · Jul 21

Mahakala in Baghdad: How Buddhism and Tantra reshaped Islamic thought

A compelling historical transformation uncovers the distinctions between early Muslim rulers, known as Sultans, and the Mughal Badshahs that followed. This evolution, shaped by Tantrik Buddhism from Tibet, led Mughal leaders to assert divine authority independently of the Caliphate.

The Economic Times · Jul 3

Iraqi security forces raid Baghdad Green Zone, arrest MPs and senior officials in anti-corruption crackdown

Baghdad's high-security Green Zone saw a significant crackdown as Iraqi forces arrested politicians and officials in a sweeping anti-corruption drive. Judicial orders led to pre-dawn raids, targeting individuals implicated in financial corruption and potentially linked to smuggling and funding armed factions. This operation precedes Prime Minister Zaidi's US visit, signaling…

The Times of India · Jun 28

Iran FM Araghchi warns any challenge to Hormuz strait will 'increase tensions'

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cautioned on Sunday that any disruption to Tehran's control over the vital Strait of Hormuz would escalate tensions, even amidst ongoing peace talks. Speaking in Baghdad, he urged all parties to respect the existing memorandum of understanding, warning that deviations would complicate efforts to reopen…

The Economic Times · Jun 28

A shared mourning ritual helped an American soldier and an Iraqi interpreter find common ground

I met Mohammad in 2004 in Baghdad when we were both in our early 20s. I was an American soldier, and he was a local interpreter for my platoon during our 1-year deployment. Mohammad’s job was dangerous because Iraqis who worked with the Americans were targeted by insurgent forces.

The Conversation · Jun 15

Iraq head coach Graham Arnold: ‘We’re capable of doing something that will shock the world’

The Australian ‘football nut’ has had to contend with the US-Iran war, 50C heat and playoffs to get the country to their first World Cup in 40 years, he tells Sid Lowe

The Guardian - UK · Jun 15

‘It was madness in Baghdad’: René Meulensteen on coaching Iraq and helping Ronaldo

Iraq’s No 2 discusses his recipe for a World Cup shock, the players’ singing and his time assisting Alex Ferguson at Manchester United

The Guardian - UK · Jun 9

Iraq swears in new prime minister as US presses Baghdad to disarm Iran-backed groups

Iraqi parliament approved Ali al-Zaidi's government on Thursday, with the new prime minister vowing a state monopoly on weapons as Washington leans on Baghdad to disarm Iran-backed groups.

Euronews · May 15