US citizen missing after Lalezar gunfight

Brian Wilson, a US Air Force veteran, was reportedly working as a trainer for members of Lahur Sheikh Jangi's Scorpion paramilitary force.

News

Iraq’s PMF law risks a US-Iraq showdown

Baghdad has come under heavy US pressure to shutter a bill that would see the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), long seen by Washington as a pro-Iran proxy network, further institutionalized into Iraq's official security apparatus, raising the prospect of icier relations between the two states.

Mohammed A. Salih

Opinion

US reiterates opposition to 'deeply unhelpful' PMF bill

“We remain deeply concerned about the role of Iran-aligned militia groups operating under the Popular Mobilization Forces umbrella, including US-designated terrorist groups," a US State Department spokesperson told The New Region.

News

US, France agree on supporting Syria’s political transition, reconciliation efforts

A meeting between US, French, and Syrian officials in Paris saw the delegations agree on supporting the transitional government in security and reconciliation efforts and urging a meeting between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) “as soon as possible.”

News

Pro-PMF Iraqi blocs call for expedited bill passage amid US disapproval

"In the face of this diplomatic ugliness, and the appropriate response to this transgression is to proceed with the approval of the Popular Mobilization Authority Law," said Hussain Mouanes, head of the Kataib Hezbollah-backed Al-Huqooq parliamentary bloc, in reference to US opposition to the bill.

News

Iraq's PMF: An uncertain future amid US pushback, debates on reform

Amid staunch US opposition to a law formalizing their official status and calls by Iraqi religious and political leaders to bring armed groups under effective state control, Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) grapple with varying conceptions of their possible future, with experts mulling the possibilities of total military integration or a conversion into a national guard-style force.

News

Syrian security forces executed 7 Druze in Suwayda, including US citizen: Watchdog

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) has obtained a video showing seven unarmed men being executed at point-blank range by what they say are Syrian state security forces.

News

Coordination Framework rejects US criticism of PMF law

“The US State Department’s opposition to the PMF law is unacceptable,” said one lawmaker. “It’s a blatant interference in Iraq’s internal matters, and we are going ahead with passing the law in the next sessions of parliament.”

News

US urges Erbil, Baghdad to resolve financial disputes, resume oil exports

"We have consistently encouraged Baghdad and Erbil to resolve their issues regarding salaries and the reopening of the ITP,” a State Department spokesperson told The New Region on Monday.

News