AGP Executive Report

Iraq-US-Iran Tensions: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi met Marco Rubio in New York to push restricting arms to the state as the US-led anti-ISIS coalition prepares to leave by Sept. 30, while Baghdad faces pressure to rein in Iran-backed militias. Militia Disarmament Deadline: Pro-Iranian Shi’ite factions, including Ashab Al-Kahf, say any weapons regulation must wait until all foreign forces withdraw, rejecting disarmament ahead of coalition exit. Courtroom Justice: Iraq began the trial of six French ISIS suspects in Baghdad, with lawyers urging repatriation to France and warning the process is too fast; the men could face the death penalty. Regional Flashpoints: Houthis warned Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan could be targeted next, as Yemen fighting intensifies and Saudi-U.K. support against the Houthis expands. Culture & Faith: A new book launches in London linking the Qur’an and Torah, while Najaf’s Wadi al-Salam—reported as the world’s largest cemetery—remains a major Shiite pilgrimage site. Sports & Society: Kuwait enters Gulf Cup 27 opener with a full squad after injuries ease, with Iraq set to play Oman in the other group match.

Baghdad Media Rules: Iraq’s PM Ali al-Zaidi ordered advisers and officials to get prior approval before speaking to the press, aiming for one consistent message and raising fresh questions about who can speak for the government and how journalists access information. Kurdistan Security: Kurdistan leaders marked the unification of Peshmerga forces under the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, with PM Masrour Barzani and PM Barzani calling it a historic step toward stronger capabilities. Iraq-US Economic Push: Iraq’s Finance Minister Faleh Sari urged US firms in oil and energy to speed up project implementation, as Baghdad seeks deeper investment after a major UNGA-linked US visit. Sinjar Mass Grave Work: Forensic teams in Sinjar began exhuming remains of 67 Yazidis killed by ISIS for DNA testing, as families still seek answers years after the genocide. Diyala Dates Festival: Baquba hosted a specialized date festival showcasing 130+ varieties, highlighting Diyala’s agricultural diversity and the push to improve marketing and prices. Culture & Language: Iran closed the French Language Center in Tehran, sparking a sharp France-Iran diplomatic clash over cultural activity and “national security.”

Kurdistan Culture & Film: Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani says cinema is the “shortest way” to carry Kurdish messages worldwide, praising the Erbil screening of No Paradise If You Are Killed by a Woman and thanking Iraq’s Culture Ministry for submitting it for the Academy Awards. Iraq Courts & Justice: Baghdad’s Karkh Court of Appeal opened the trial of six French nationals accused of Islamic State membership, with the possibility of the death penalty if convicted. Public Health & Daily Life: Najaf’s wild-boar meat scandal has shaken consumer trust in Baghdad, with some residents cutting back on red and minced meat and switching to chicken. Diplomacy & Iraq’s Role: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi heads to New York for the UN General Assembly, aiming to highlight economic reforms, anti-corruption efforts, and Iraq’s sovereignty as the anti-ISIS coalition prepares to leave. Sports & Regional Culture: Kuwait’s consul general visited the national team in Jeddah ahead of Gulf Cup 27, where Kuwait is drawn with Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Oman. Women’s Sport: Lebanon and Jordan won gold and silver at the WAVA women’s volleyball championship in Amman, with Iraq taking bronze. Education & Youth Exchange: China’s consulate in Erbil hosted a “Generation Z” youth elite delegation reception, encouraging more Chinese-language learning and cultural exchange in the Kurdistan Region. Religion & Heritage: A burial site containing remains of ISIS genocide victims was reopened in Shengal, with Yazidi rites and DNA identification steps underway.

Theatre & Heritage: Lebanon’s Lebanon International Theatre Festival opened by honoring UAE ruler Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi with a Lifetime Achievement Award, spotlighting his support for Arab theatre and cultural identity, with performances from Iraq and other countries running until Sept. 22. Food Safety & Trust: A Najaf case over wild-boar meat sold as livestock has shaken consumer confidence in Baghdad, with authorities sentencing a butcher to 10 years and framing the issue as fraud and sale of unfit meat. Iraq Court & Security: Baghdad began the trial of six French nationals accused of Islamic State links, with prosecutors warning of possible death penalties and the case set to continue after lawyers review files. Yazidi Memory & Justice: In Shengal, a burial site holding remains of ISIS genocide victims was reopened and exhumed near Şerfedîn Shrine for DNA identification, as families seek answers. Culture & Language Politics: Iran shut the French Language Center in Tehran, citing “national security” and cultural norms, amid broader Iran–France tensions. Iraq–Region Diplomacy: Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian is reported to travel to the US for UNGA meetings, while US and regional warnings keep tensions high. Culture in Motion: In Erbil, China’s consulate hosted a “Generation Z” youth delegation reception, encouraging more Chinese-language learning and cultural exchange in Kurdistan. Iraqi Lifestyle Abroad: A feature traces how Iraq’s masgouf fish tradition is slow-cooked over embers and has found a new audience in Dubai.

Iraq’s Jobs Crunch: About 200,000 Iraqis finish university and technical education each year, but the labor market can’t absorb them—graduates face shrinking government hiring and more competition for limited work. Public Health Support: Iraq’s PM ordered the Finance Ministry to fund medicines and medical devices for children with diabetes, aiming to keep them in school and active. Education Costs: Iraq’s textbook printing bill is estimated at 150–200 billion dinars, with shortages and delayed curriculum revisions still looming. IS Prosecutions: Six French nationals are set to stand trial in Iraq as authorities take on thousands of suspected Islamic State detainees transferred from Syria. Banking Relief: Al-Taif Islamic Bank trusteeship moves toward restoring withdrawals and distributing depositor funds, with ATM services and deposit rulings expected soon. Culture & Heritage: Iraq’s wider region focus includes efforts to preserve cultural treasures amid war, alongside reporting on how heritage sites get damaged when conflicts escalate. Regional Security & Travel: US travel alerts warn of possible escalation and disruptions across the Middle East, including Iraq, as Iran and Tehran-backed groups signal heightened tensions.

Education & Costs: Iraq’s textbook bill is soaring: Parliament’s Education Committee says printing for primary, intermediate, secondary and vocational schools costs about 150–200 billion dinars. The committee warns shortages hit schools ahead of the new academic year, with this year’s allocation reportedly far below past funding, forcing more reuse of books. Cultural Heritage Under Fire: New research says Syrian archaeologists saved around 30,000 artifacts from the Deir ez-Zor Museum during 2014–2015 as ISIS threatened the area—an Iraq-relevant reminder of how war can erase culture fast. Banking & Daily Life: Al-Taif Islamic Bank trusteeship is moving toward depositor payouts, with ATM services and cards expected to restart soon, after depositors protested frozen withdrawals. Religion & Community: Najaf’s Imam Ali shrine launched the “Millennium of the Najaf Seminary” project, a three-year effort to document and showcase the Hawza’s scholarly and cultural legacy. Displacement & Return: Iraq and UN partners report 30,000+ displaced people returning to Sinjar and nearby areas, with plans to restore water, electricity, healthcare and education. Regional Tensions: In Erbil, a Houthi spokesperson claims attacks on “sensitive sites” in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu, as the Red Sea conflict keeps spilling into everyday security concerns.

Iraq’s security integration: Iraq’s PM office says the Yazidi armed group YBS will disarm and integrate qualified fighters into Iraqi security forces, aiming to stabilize Sinjar and protect members’ rights. Clerics urge caution: Senior Iraqi clerics warn Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi to handle ties with Washington carefully ahead of his UN visit and the Sept. 30 end-date for the US-led coalition mission. Basra heritage work: A Basra Manuscripts and Heritage Center (since 2024) is collecting and preserving rare books tied to Basra’s learning legacy, with plans to publish critical editions for researchers. Regional culture under pressure: Photos highlight Islamic architectural art at the Imam Hussain (AS) Holy Shrine, while Yemenis stage million-strong rallies in Sana’a rejecting claims about targeting Mecca. War’s ripple effects: Reports say US Iran-war casualty figures may be higher than Pentagon public counts, as the conflict’s cost climbs and shipping disruptions continue around the Red Sea.

Iraq–U.S. Relations: Senior Iraqi clerics urged caution ahead of Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s upcoming U.S. visit and the Sept. 30 deadline for ending the US-led coalition mission, warning that mishandling ties could bring back economic pressure and wider regional instability. Basra Heritage: Basra is setting up a dedicated manuscripts and heritage center to collect, preserve, and eventually publish rare Basran texts, safeguarding the city’s long literary and scientific legacy. Iraq Airspace: Iraq reopened parts of its airspace for civilian flights after confirming long-restricted military zones are no longer in use, aiming to improve civil aviation flow. Najaf Market Oversight: Muqtada al-Sadr warned Najaf authorities over pork-related violations after a butcher was caught selling wild-boar meat as ground meat, calling for tighter market supervision. Culture & Food: A travel-food feature highlights how Dubai’s migrant communities bring Iraqi and wider Middle Eastern flavors to everyday restaurant life. Music: A Gorillaz concert review spotlights the band’s genre-mixing sound and political edge as it kicks off its U.S. tour. Regional Power Shift (Yemen): Reporting links recent Houthi advances in Yemen to a broader “axis of resistance” strategy that could reshape Red Sea control and oil-export routes. War Transparency: A report says more U.S. service members have died in the Iran war than the Pentagon has publicly disclosed, based on internal casualty accounting.

Iraq-US Security Transition: Iraq is bracing for two end-of-September deadlines: the U.S. troop withdrawal by Sept. 30 and a government push for militias to disarm—yet armed groups show no sign of surrender, raising fears of a slide back toward militia rule. Kurdistan Under Pressure: KRG PM Masrour Barzani told AUK graduates Kurdistan is facing an “intensive campaign of terrorism,” but said unity with allies will help the region “defeat” current threats. Regional Fallout Hits Iraq’s Borders: Iran’s trade squeeze is spilling into Iraq-linked logistics, with truckers stuck at borders and terminals disrupted after attacks traced to Iraqi territory. Cultural Spotlight: Iraqi novelist Inaam Kachachi won Best Columnist Award, adding to Iraq’s growing literary visibility. Arts & Community: “Art is the only weapon that doesn’t hurt or kill” highlights Iraq’s creative activism, while a Kurdistan TV milestone marks two years of AVA broadcasting. Culture Abroad, With Iraqi Voices: Abu Dhabi’s ALC launched “Here… They Have a Story” at the ADIBF, featuring community writing that includes contributors from Iraq. Justice & Rights: Amnesty and other voices keep spotlighting rights abuses tied to regional conflicts, as Iraq’s legal gaps leave minorities exposed to hate speech.

Iraq Culture & Lifestyle: Iraqi novelist Inaam Kachachi won Best Columnist at the 25th Arab Media Awards in Dubai, praised for blending decades of journalism with literary work and social reporting. Media in Kurdistan: AVA Media marked its second anniversary in Erbil, celebrating two years of Kurdish programming, community journalism, and humanitarian campaigns that have made it a daily household name. Food & Identity: A Manhattan pita shop’s new arayes menu sparked a pro-Palestinian boycott over claims of culinary appropriation, reigniting debate over who “owns” Arab-Levantine dishes. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian told Iraqi Kurdistan leader Bafel Talabani that Iran is ready to resolve neighbor disputes through dialogue, warning the U.S. and Israel seek regional discord. Security & Daily Life: Saudi Arabia says drone damage to its East-West oil pipeline hit three pumping stations, with repairs expected to take weeks—another reminder of how Middle East conflict can quickly reach prices and routines.

Iraq Education & Security: Iraq’s Education Ministry delayed the 2026–27 school year start from Sept. 20 to Oct. 11, sparking debate as the timing overlaps with the planned Sept. 30 US-led coalition withdrawal and pressure to bring armed groups under state control. Iraq–UK Agriculture: The Iraq Britain Business Council met Iraq’s Agriculture Minister in Baghdad to discuss cooperation on tissue-culture date palm propagation, fertilisers, equipment, and desertification control. Iraq–Regional Tensions: The US is preparing to end its decades-long military presence in Iraq, with remaining troops expected to leave by Sept. 30 while Baghdad pushes for non-state armed groups to surrender weapons. Iran–Iraq Diplomacy: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told PUK leader Bafel Talabani that Tehran is ready to resolve differences with neighbours through dialogue, warning the US and Israel seek regional discord. Mecca Drone Crisis: Saudi Arabia says it intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone near Mecca, calling the holy city a “red line,” as Houthis deny targeting it and regional condemnation grows. Culture & Society: A Sulaymaniyah-based women’s voice project using megaphones was dismissed after backlash and legal pressure, highlighting ongoing tensions around women’s public expression.

Kurdistan & Justice: Israeli-Canadian Benjamin Hassin was freed after 11 years in Iraq’s Kurdish region, following a murder conviction tied to a taxi-driver killing; a pardon and a reconciliation deal with the victim’s family paved the way for his return to Israel. Sinjar Security: Iraq’s PM Ali al-Zaidi says the Yazidi Sinjar Resistance Units (YBS) will start handing over weapons to the state and see eligible fighters integrated, echoing the SDF-style approach and raising questions about the stalled 2020 Sinjar agreement. Education & Daily Life: Iraq’s National Security Service seized 8,670 leaked school textbooks in Baghdad as shortages loom for the 2026–2027 year, with officials scrambling to open printing contracts. Oil & Infrastructure: Saudi Aramco aims to restore about half of its East-West pipeline capacity within days and full capacity in roughly six weeks after drone damage, with repairs tied to attacks blamed on Iran-aligned militias in Iraq. Religion & Community: Shiite Muslims marked the birth anniversary of Imam Hasan al-Askari with religious gatherings across communities. Culture & Food: A Clarkston halal restaurant spotlights an Iraqi family’s cooking legacy, from Basra to Lebanon to the U.S. Regional Tensions: Saudi Arabia says it shot down a drone near Mecca and calls the holy city a “red line,” while Houthis deny targeting it.

Art & Culture Diplomacy: Christie’s is bringing its first fine-art auction to Abu Dhabi on Nov. 1, spotlighting 20 years of modern and contemporary Middle Eastern art and signaling a bigger UAE role in regional collecting. Heritage & Lifestyle: A new look at Tabriz traces how centuries-old bazaar trade—from carpets to leather—still powers today’s workshops, factories, and exports across the Caucasus, Turkey, Iraq, and beyond. Iraq’s Civic Pluralism: In Berlin, Iraqi PM Al-Zaidi told a Kurdish journalist, “You are Iraqi in any language,” turning a forum moment into a public nod to Iraq’s multi-ethnic, multi-language identity. Regional Security, With Iraq in the Mix: Reports say Iran-linked drones hit or threaten Saudi targets, including an alleged attempt near Mecca; Saudi blames Iraq-launched attacks on its East-West pipeline, while Kurdish Iranian opposition groups in northern Iraq report drone strikes. Women Farmers & Food Systems: OCP and UM6P opened a global conference on women farmers, pushing support for livelihoods and agriculture. Education & Community: Iraq launches its first university mental health guide, aiming to strengthen student support.

Iraq’s Mental Health Push: Iraq launched its first university mental health counseling guide, aiming to standardize how campuses handle cases and to link universities with the Health Ministry’s psychiatrists. Regional Security Shock: The Pentagon says Iranian strikes damaged U.S. facilities in Erbil and Baghdad—over 600 attacks hit during April–June, with major damage to the Erbil consulate compound. Kurdistan-Iran Diplomacy: PUK leader Bafel Talabani met Iran’s foreign minister in Tehran, stressing de-escalation and pledging Kurdistan will not let its territory be used to threaten Iran. Iraq’s Border Tensions: Iraq faces a Sept. 30 deadline as U.S. troops prepare to leave while Baghdad presses for militia disarmament—factions show no sign of complying. Maysan Leadership Change: Iraq named a new Maysan police chief after authorities traced attacks on Saudi oil facilities to the province; the Islamic Resistance in Iraq denied involvement. Oil & Holy Sites Under Strain: Saudi Arabia issued emergency alerts in Mecca and Jeddah after Houthi strikes, while attacks tied to Iraq-linked actors hit Saudi’s East-West pipeline. Culture & Rights: Turkey’s DEM Party condemned Ankara’s crackdown on LGBT+ activists, saying it shrinks democratic space. Youth & Jobs Warning: An Iraqi economist warns of a demographic “time bomb” as a huge youth cohort nears working age, risking unrest over unemployment.

Iraq-U.S. Exit Uncertainty: As the U.S. prepares to complete its Sept. 30 pullout, Washington and Baghdad are still wrestling with what comes after—especially as Iran-backed militias signal they won’t disarm, keeping Iraq’s security future tense. Energy Shock in the Region: Drone attacks have shut Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline for weeks, while Brent pushes above $107 as Strait of Hormuz risks and tanker obstacles deepen the oil crunch. Hormuz Clash Over a Tanker: Iran and the U.S. trade sharply different accounts of the El Gaia incident—Tehran blames mines, Washington says missile and drone strikes—raising fears for shipping and regional stability. U.S. War Costs Detailed: A first Pentagon inspector general report estimates Operation Epic Fury cost $33.4B, depleted munitions, and damaged hundreds of U.S. facilities across the region. Heritage Watch in Saladin: Iraq’s Saladin antiquities authorities launch a public campaign to protect UNESCO-listed sites like Samarra and Ashur, pairing community education with tighter monitoring. Culture & Community: A Baghdeda Youth Festival brings nearly 700 young Christians together in Iraq, highlighting faith-based youth life amid wider regional strain.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Oman postponed a Monday meeting in Salalah between Iran and Gulf states on managing Hormuz, citing the need for “consensus” and “constructive dialogue,” as Bahrain ruled out attendance. Energy Shock in the Region: Oil jumped after Saudi Arabia temporarily shut its East-West pipeline following drone attacks launched from Iraq, tightening supply routes used to bypass Hormuz. Iraq’s Security Spotlight: Reports say an IRGC-linked cell carried out the pipeline drone strike from Iraq’s Maysan area, prompting Baghdad to move against Iran-backed militias and investigate launch sites. Regional Fallout: Pakistan voiced “complete solidarity” with Saudi Arabia after Houthi attacks, warning they threaten security and global energy supplies. Kurdistan Under Strain: Iranian Kurdish opposition groups in Sulaimani reported three missile attacks on a civilian residential camp, with damage but no casualties. Humanitarian Law Watch: A cluster munitions treaty review in Laos faces renewed scrutiny after 2025 saw one of the highest casualty totals on record. Culture & Lifestyle: Accor+ Explorer expands to 80+ hotels across the Middle East including Iraq, while a Bank Audi–Mastercard push aims to help 10,000 Lebanese entrepreneurs (with regional digital access) join the digital economy.