Many Arabs saw Saddam Hussein as a strongman who stood up to the West, but most Iraqis despised his brutal authoritarianism. Twenty years after the 2003 United States-led invasion of Iraq which, in former US President George W Bush’s words, aimed to “free Iraqi people” of their ruler’s oppression, Saddam’s memory remains divisive and polarising. Arab ‘strongman’ and Gulf wars …
Ukraine’s invasion is a painful reminder for many Iraqis who have lost their hopes and dreams due to conflict. “And if Putin could learn anything from Iraq, that is this will be the beginning of his end.” ‘Where we could go’ Despite some fundamental differences between the war in Iraq and the one in Ukraine, one thing almost always remains …
Initial results amid record low turnout suggest that the grievances that drove people to the streets in 2019 are unlikely to be addressed. Shia Muslim religious leader Muqtada al-Sadr’s party is set to be the biggest winner in Iraq’s parliamentary election, increasing the number of seats he holds, according to initial results, officials and a spokesperson for the Sadrist Movement. …
BAGHDAD — Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11. “There was no planning for the day after and no nation-building.” Agha’s words reflect the lingering anger and bitterness felt by many Iraqis over what they regard as a lost opportunity to remake their country following the ouster of Saddam, who ruled with an iron grip for almost 30 years. But …
Baghdad, Iraq CNN — Shoppers throng the open-air markets in central Baghdad, rummaging through stalls packed with fresh produce and spices. “The educated people in this country know what’s going on.” Many Iraqis say they have little vested interest in Iran and the US’ latest tit-for-tat. “For every action there is a reaction,” said Jamal, reflecting on Iran’s retaliatory attack …
