AGP Executive Report

Iraqi Workplace Education: Iraq’s Education Ministry is launching a literacy pathway for about 20,000 Electricity Ministry employees who lack formal qualifications, using placement tests and multi-level courses aimed at a primary-school certificate. Payroll Crackdown: Al-Rasheed Bank denies any role in Iraq’s “ghost employee” salary scheme, saying it only processes payments from official payroll lists submitted by the Electricity Ministry. Anti-Extremism Enforcement: Iraqi counterterrorism forces arrested Harakat al-Nujaba’s intelligence chief in Dhi Qar as Baghdad pushes an end-of-September disarmament deadline for armed groups. Kurdistan Under Pressure: Iranian drones hit the office of KRG PM Masrour Barzani and the residence of the region’s security intelligence chief; Nechirvan Barzani condemned it as a dangerous escalation. Culture & Art: Iraqi-American artist Maryam Yousif is spotlighted for her “Habibti” clay sculptures blending ancient heritage with playful modern design. Lifestyle/Media: Taylor Sheridan’s “Lioness” season three keeps viewers hooked with deeper government infiltration themes. Regional Security Shock: As the US-Iran 60-day MoU window expires, Trump threatens to bomb Oman if it “gets in the way,” while Iran says it’s nearing a shipping-management statement with Oman for Hormuz.

Iraq Anti-Graft: Erbil reports the arrest of former Iraqi MP Kadhim al-Sayadi on extortion charges, part of a wider crackdown that has already swept up senior officials and former ministers. Iraqi Air Defense: Baghdad’s PM Ali al-Zaidi chaired an air-defense meeting focused on boosting capabilities and speeding contracts for advanced systems, as recent strikes keep spilling over into Iraq. US-Iran Diplomacy Under Strain: Iran says its June MoU with the US was pursued with “dignity” and “power,” but the 60-day window has expired without a final deal, with Tehran accused of using the talks to prepare for a broader fight. Hormuz Flashpoints: Iran’s army chief Amir Hatami warns the Strait of Hormuz won’t be ceded and announces a $30,000 bounty for capturing or killing US troops—double for women—while Iran also accuses Qatar of holding downed pilots. Regional Security Spillover: UN warns Asia’s extremist threat is shifting toward more networked militancy, with pressure intensifying across Sahel and South Asia. Lifestyle/Community: Dearborn braces for an anti-Muslim rally by Jake Lang, with police and city officials moving the council meeting for safety.

US-Iran Backchannel via Iraqi Kurdistan: The Trump administration used Nechirvan Barzani as a secret go-between to reach Iran’s IRGC leadership, aiming to confirm whether IRGC backs the negotiating line—an effort that could shape 2026 talks. Bounties and Escalation Rhetoric: Iran’s army chief Amir Hatami announced a $30,000 reward to kill or capture US soldiers, doubling it for women, while also warning the US not to treat the Strait of Hormuz as US territory. Hormuz Standoff: Iran says the strait “will remain Iranian” as a fragile ceasefire nears its Aug. 17 expiry, keeping shipping and regional nerves on edge. Carrier Clash Claims: IRGC says missiles struck the USS Abraham Lincoln; the Pentagon/CENTCOM deny any hit, leaving a high-stakes information war unresolved. Iraq Security Deadline Pressure: With US withdrawal and militia disarmament set for Sept. 30, Baghdad is raising alert levels, but analysts say the state can’t fully control Iran-aligned armed groups. Culture & Lifestyle: A US-based Iranian artist, raised in Iraq, is featured at DACI’s All Afrika Village in Zimbabwe, showing how Iraqi-rooted creativity travels through diaspora art. Visa Rules (UAE): The UAE lists seven required documents for visit visas, including extra paperwork for nationals of Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq.

Iraq Security & Governance: A high-level committee in Erbil reviewed the Iraq-Iran security agreement, stressing continued Baghdad–Kurdistan coordination to secure borders and stop infiltration and smuggling. Regional Security: Turkey’s envoy to Damascus said major threats along the Turkish-Syrian border have “disappeared” since Syria’s new administration took office, pointing to cooperation against terrorism. Hormuz Flashpoint: Iran rejected Trump’s claim it will declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory, saying it “will remain Iranian,” as the US and Iran face a looming ceasefire deadline and shipping disruptions continue. Military Appointments in Iran: Iran filled key Armed Forces and IRGC-linked posts, including Basij leadership, signaling preparation for a prolonged period of insecurity. Culture & Community: An Iraqi American director’s film “Pomegranate” is highlighted as a love-seeded creative project, while a Baghdad forum spotlighted Yazidi heritage and rebuilding needs. Human Rights & Justice: UN reporting flags the cross-border terrorist threat from TTP, while Qatar denies holding Iranian pilots in custody.

Iraq-Iran Security: A joint high-level committee met in Erbil to push implementation of the Iraq-Iran security agreement, stressing ongoing Baghdad–Kurdistan coordination on border security, anti-smuggling, and stability. Regional Diplomacy: Türkiye’s envoy in Damascus said major threats along the Turkish-Syrian border—smuggling, drugs, uncontrolled migration, and terrorism—“disappeared” after Syria’s new administration took office, pointing to deeper military and economic cooperation. ISIS Detention Files: Syria and Iraq agreed to form joint judicial committees to review ISIS detainee cases transferred to Iraq, with regular meetings planned to handle trial paperwork. Human Rights & Faith Discourse: A UN sanctions report officially attributed India’s Red Fort attack to AQIS and flagged concern about AQIS trying to exploit Bangladesh for cells. Culture & Lifestyle (Iraq-linked): Iraq appears among the listed source countries for medical tourism to India, as Lilavati Hospital prepares its first overseas centre in Kazakhstan—positioning it as a regional referral hub for patients across the Middle East. Global Rights Lens: A new discussion on human rights argues rights are universal and require both local action and global governance to protect dignity.

Iraq Security & Militias: Drone and missile attacks are escalating across Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, with 16 drones and three missiles hitting between Aug. 1–14 and Baghdad facing a Sept. 30 deadline to bring weapons outside state control under government authority—while responsibility for launches remains unclear. US-Iran Tensions Spill Over: The wider Iran–US standoff keeps tightening pressure on the region, including reports that the US has lost about a quarter of its MQ-9 Reaper drones in the Iran war and that drones were intercepted over Iraqi Kurdistan. Cultural Lens on War: A Chinese anti-war film, set largely inside a restaurant in war-torn Iraq in 2003, uses everyday food and survival to argue that peace is what life keeps simmering for. Diaspora & Identity: An Iraqi American director’s film “Pomegranate” explores love and community tensions through a Muslim woman moving into a Chaldean Christian neighborhood in Michigan. Culture & Memory: Nabil Kanso’s haunting war paintings are highlighted as a way art can pull viewers inside suffering instead of just watching it. Immigration Politics (Global, With Iraq in the Mix): Australia’s debate over blocking migration from countries on “do not travel” lists explicitly includes Iraq, alongside Iran, Libya, Lebanon, and Russia.

US-Iraq Security Deadline: Iraq’s PM faces mounting pressure over the Sept. 30 US withdrawal and a push to disarm Iran-backed armed groups—while Badr warns forced disarmament could spark “internal strife” and demands conditions like US withdrawal and stronger Iraqi air defenses. Regional Power Shifts: Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan’s Mecca defense pact is framed as a new “Islamic NATO”-style security structure, with Turkey detailing exercises and defense-industry cooperation as the Middle East order keeps changing. Hormuz Tensions: UAE updates report attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, with Arab states blaming Iran and calling it a dangerous escalation—keeping shipping and daily life uncertainty high. Culture & Daily Life: A Chinese box-office hit, “Once Upon a Time in the Middle East,” spotlights a chef and a refugee kitchen during war, with an Iraqi influencer appearing—showing how Iraq-adjacent stories travel through pop culture. Diplomacy & People: Switzerland appointed Dr Thomas Oertle as ambassador-designate to Ghana, Benin and Togo, with prior experience covering Syria and Iraq.

Iraq’s Yazidi recovery: A Baghdad cultural forum at the Ministry of Culture focused on Yazidi heritage and the practical hurdles to return and rebuilding after ISIS, stressing that representation must translate into real change in Sinjar and Nineveh. Baghdad vs Iran-backed militias: Iraq’s PM visited the Air Defence Command as the Sept. 30 deadline for coalition withdrawal nears, while Baghdad pushes a plan to bring militia weapons under state control—an effort that has drawn Tehran’s pushback. Air connectivity boost: Iraq’s Ministry of Transport says Iraqi Airways has resumed/activated flights to 10 international destinations, including Baghdad–Moscow and Basra–Baku, aiming to expand travel options and routes. Regional security reshuffle: Analysis pieces track how Iraq is caught between a shifting Middle East—Saudi outreach, and the new Turkey–Saudi–Pakistan defense alignment—while the US-Iran standoff keeps escalating rhetoric around the Strait of Hormuz. Culture & lifestyle lens: A separate culture debate looks at how politics spills into everyday life, including how Middle Eastern food and identity are discussed amid regional tensions.

Iraqi Aviation & Connectivity: Iraq’s Ministry of Transport says Iraqi Airways has resumed/activated flights to 10 international destinations, including Baghdad–Moscow, Kirkuk–Trabzon, and Basra–Baku, with more routes planned. National Planning: The Iraqi Cabinet approved the 2026–2029 government programme with 139 priorities across 14 sectors, including anti-corruption, education, health, energy, culture/tourism/antiquities, and women’s leadership in public life. Security & Sovereignty: Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered a boost to Iraq’s air defenses ahead of the Sept. 30 end of the US-led coalition mission, stressing full responsibility for protecting Iraqi airspace. Disarmament Clash: Harakat al-Nujaba rejected the government’s arms-restriction drive, saying it serves foreign demands and not Iraqi interests as the Sept. 30 coalition deadline nears. Religious Life in Iraq: In Babylon Province, Karbala residents held a major mourning procession tied to Imam al-Ridha’s anniversary, drawing visitors and religious councils. Regional Tensions—Hormuz: Iran’s Basij leadership and state-linked outlets again insisted the Strait of Hormuz remains under Tehran’s control, while US claims of “total control” are met with denials. Culture & Community: A Baghdad forum highlighted Yazidi heritage and rebuilding needs, keeping minority history and local recovery in the spotlight.

US-Iraq Withdrawal: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi reaffirmed Sept. 30 as the “fixed and final” deadline to end the US-led coalition mission and complete the troop pullout, with the US saying it’s on track to leave by the end of September. Hormuz Standoff: Trump again claimed the US has “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz and will keep it, while Iran insists the waterway stays closed unless its conditions are met—keeping shipping uncertainty high. Regional Security Pact: The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan is framed as a NATO-style collective defense move, but analysts warn it could create messy alliance cross-pressures in a fast-escalating region. Human Rights Pressure on Iran: A group of 26 countries condemned Iran’s ongoing executions of protesters and use of the death penalty to silence dissent. Culture & Society (Iraq-linked): Iraq’s holy cities held funeral processions for Khamenei, underscoring how regional politics and religious life continue to intertwine. Global Security Context: A UN report officially attributed India’s Red Fort attack to AQIS, highlighting persistent extremist threats across South Asia.

Iraq–US Pullout: The U.S. says it’s on track to end its military mission in Iraq by Sept. 30, with Baghdad and coalition partners pointing to Iraqi forces—including in the Kurdish north—as the next line of defense. Iranian Military Reshuffle: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appointed Ali Abdollahi as chief of staff of the Armed Forces and named Kioumars Heydari deputy, alongside other senior IRGC/security leadership changes. Hormuz Pressure: Iran’s new security chief Mohsen Rezaei reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz won’t reopen until the U.S. ends the war and blockade and meets Tehran’s conditions, while Trump claims the U.S. has “total control.” Iraqi Weapons Deadline: An Al Jazeera report says Iran’s Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani visited Baghdad to urge political compromise over disarmament plans ahead of Iraq’s Sept. 30 deadline. Local Security & Society: Canada’s Global Affairs Canada declined to confirm whether its minister discussed repatriation of Canadian men detained in Iraq, citing privacy and security. Culture & Community: In Dearborn, ICE says a man described as a “criminal alien from Iraq” is awaiting a deportation hearing after an assault during an Arbaeen event. Regional Alliances: Saudi Arabia is building defensive partnerships, including the Mecca pact with Türkiye and Pakistan, as analysts say deterrence is still struggling to stop attacks.

Community Resilience: In Iraq, Yazidi families and neighbors raised about 110 million Iraqi dinars to build their own soccer stadium after years of displacement and ISIS atrocities, showing how local giving turns survival into culture and belonging. Iraqi Governance & Security: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi ordered a draft law to restrict weapons to the state, pushing armed groups to hand over arms by end-September as Baghdad prepares to treat rogue weapons as a major threat. Regional Lifestyle & Faith: Millions of Shia pilgrims keep gathering for Arbaeen, with Iraq’s holy cities hosting large funeral and mourning processions tied to the anniversary of the Prophet’s martyrdom. Kurdistan Youth & Culture: In Erbil, Areen Masrour Barzani received a 2026 Global Recognition Award for youth participation, education, cultural access, and community service through the Kurdistan Foundation. Wellness & Community Events: Denver’s Yoga Summit (Sept 11–13) is set to bring 1,000+ yoga teachers and wellness experts together—an example of how community-led culture is spreading globally. International Security Watch: Reports say Iraqi federal authorities may consider a major crackdown on Iranian-backed militias, a move that would require serious mobilization and could reshape daily life and safety across Iraq.

Cultural diplomacy & education: Northwestern University in Qatar (IAS_NUQ) is welcoming new Global Fellows and Postdoctoral Scholars for 2026–27, aiming to deepen research and dialogue on the Global South. Iraq’s Christian community: Chaldean Patriarch Paul III Nona warns that emigration of Iraqi Christians and youth loss of hope are major challenges, even as he sees some political room for reform. Kurdistan culture & books: Rwanga Foundation in Sulaymaniyah launched Dr. Nawzad Ahmad Aswad’s new “Cultural Criticism,” focusing on how literature and art reflect deeper cultural dimensions. Religious tensions: A viral Iranian Kurdish mullah’s anti-Yazidi sermon in Rojhelat sparked backlash in Kurdistan Region, with Yazidi and religious authorities condemning the rhetoric. Regional politics: Turkey’s Kurdish southeast reacted with cautious relief after parliament approved a conditional PKK pardon, pending verified disarmament. War & justice: A Syrian court sentenced ousted Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for killings, torture, and arbitrary arrests, while UN refugee chief Barham Salih met Syria’s new president to discuss returns and rebuilding. Iran security shake-up: Iran appointed Mohsen Rezaei as SNSC secretary and named six senior commanders, signaling a push for deterrence and readiness amid Hormuz talks.

Hormuz & Reparations: Trump rejected Iran’s call for war compensation and instead demanded Tehran pay for deaths and injuries, while Iran says reopening the Strait of Hormuz depends on sanctions relief, asset releases, and broader concessions—keeping shipping hopes shaky and oil prices elevated. Iran Command Shake-Up: Iran’s supreme leader appointed six senior commanders across the armed forces, IRGC and Basij, signaling a tightened wartime structure as negotiations stall. Regional Security Pact: Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan signed the “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement,” treating attacks on one as attacks on all—raising fresh pressure across the Gulf and Middle East. Iraq Context: US forces plan to move thousands of IS detainees from Syria to Iraq, while Iraq’s internal politics continue to grapple with armed-group disarmament and security coordination. Culture & Film: Mosul-set thriller “No Paradise If Killed By a Woman” spotlights a Kurdish-Norwegian sniper fighting ISIS, inspired by real women fighters and Nadia Murad’s legacy. Community & Pilgrimage: Millions of Shia Muslims in Iraq are gathering for major pilgrimage days, with religious authorities and local organizers preparing large-scale events.

Arbaeen in Iraq: In Karbala, millions of Shia pilgrims keep the memory of Imam Hussein alive through rituals and water-sharing, with this year’s crowds also echoing grief and anger tied to Iran’s recent leadership losses. Iraqi travel & lifestyle: Iraqi Airways is set to restart direct Basra–New Delhi flights from Aug. 18, once weekly on Tuesdays, after a security-driven pause. Border services: Activists are urging more humanitarian support for Afghan Arbaeen visitors arriving via the Al-Sheeb border crossing in Maysan as heat and entry delays leave many short on water and basic needs. Iran–US tensions with regional spillover: Trump says the U.S. is “low-keying it” and leaning on economic pressure while Iran insists on strict conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including sanctions relief and compensation. Iran security shake-up: Iran appointed hardliner Mohsen Rezaei as secretary of its Supreme National Security Council, signaling a tougher security posture as negotiations stall. Regional security politics: Iran warned against relying on extra-regional powers after the Saudi–Turkey–Pakistan “Mecca” defense pact, while Iraq’s PMF leadership faces new scrutiny over US-Saudi strike warnings. Memory & justice in Nineveh: Eleven years after the Al-Khasfa massacre near Mosul, authorities continue work to reopen the mass grave and identify victims linked to ISIS crimes.

Iraq’s Culture & Lifestyle: Baghdad opened its first IMAX cinema at Iraq Mall, bringing premium large-screen movie nights to local audiences without flying abroad. Shia Religious Life: Najaf held large funeral processions for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with Iraqi officials receiving his remains as Iran and the U.S. keep escalating around the Strait of Hormuz. Iran Security Shake-Up: Iran appointed former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and also as the Supreme Leader’s representative, replacing Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr—an appointment that signals tighter hardline security influence. Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran says any Strait of Hormuz reopening depends on U.S. conditions even as talks with Oman near “final stages,” while the U.S. signals it may lean on economic pressure. Community & Education in Iraq: Rwanga Foundation in Khanaqin distributed 511 gifts to children attending Quran learning and recitation courses, supporting youth education and religious learning.