 RFE/RL Iraq Report 8/26/2009 4:50:54 PM A review of RFE/RL reporting and analysis about Iraq |
| Iraqi Forces Recover Looted Picasso Painting Iraqi authorities have recovered an extremely valuable painting by Pablo Picasso that was stolen from the Kuwaiti National Museum during Iraq's military invasion in 1990, Radio Free Iraq (RFI) reports. More  Maliki, Shi'ite Bloc Prepare To Face Off Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki came to power as part of the alliance of Shi'ite religious parties that dominates the government. But now the two sides are going separate ways, with Maliki appearing ready to tie his fortunes to a multiconfessional alliance. More  Early Ramadan Raises Health Concerns For the first time in decades, Muslims will be observing the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in what will be the peak of summer in the northern hemisphere. The timing has prompted concerns over how believers can deal with sunrise-to-sunset food and water abstention during the year's hottest days, while maintaining their health. More  Bomb Blasts Kill At Least 95 In Baghdad A series of explosions has killed at least 95 people and wounded more than 300 in central Baghdad. Reports say at least six bombs and mortar rounds struck near government ministries and other targets in quick succession. More  Obama Defends Afghan Strategy, Says 'Won't Be Quick' U.S. President Barack Obama has said the fight against the Taliban in Afghanistan will not be quick or easy but that the war is necessary to protect Americans from terrorist attacks. Obama spoke to 5,000 U.S. military veterans and their families just days before Afghans go to the polls for provincial and presidential elections in an atmosphere of escalating violence. More  Facing New Attacks, Shi'ite Factions Show Restraint -- For Now A wave of bombings in Shi'ite areas of Iraq has raised fears that there could be a resurgence of sectarian violence in the country. Some suggest Al-Qaeda may be trying to foment a civil war. Others say a turf war may be emerging between rival Iraqi factions following the withdrawal of U.S. troops from urban areas. So far, Shi'ite leaders have been urging their followers to show restraint. More Iraq's National Investment Commission and the Planning Ministry have submitted a bill to parliament allowing foreign land ownership for the first time, RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraq reports. More  Viable Opposition Emerges In Regional Elections Preliminary election results from northern Iraq's Kurdish region show the two traditional ruling Kurdish parties securing the presidency and a majority of seats in parliament. But as the final results are being tallied, it also appears that a viable opposition has emerged in the region with a reformist agenda. More  Q & A: What's At Stake? Voters in Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region go to the polls on July 25 for parliamentary elections and a ballot on their next president. RFE/RL correspondent Ron Synovitz spoke with Joost Hiltermann, deputy director of the International Crisis Group's Middle East and North Africa program, about the forces involved and the significance of the elections. More  Iraqis Divided On Success Of U.S Withdrawal Standing side by side with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in Washington on July 22, President Barack Obama said he was encouraged by developments in Iraq. But three weeks after the last U.S. troops pulled out of Iraqi cities, towns, and villages, Iraqi citizens are not all optimistic about the level of security or the prospects for improvement. More |
