Security In Iraq May 22-28, 2024

The Islamic State made a return to Iraq during the last week of May. Pro-Iran groups continued attacks upon Israel during the Gaza War.

This Day In Iraqi History - May 31 Kurdish revolt led by Barzinji put down by UK’s RAF

 

1915 British took Qurna and set out to capture Amarah from Ottomans

(Musings On Iraq review When God Made Hell, The British Invasion of Mesopotamia and the Creation of Iraq, 1914-1921)

Review Black Hearts, One Platoon’s Descent Into Madness In Iraq’s Triangle Of Death

Frederick, Jim, Black Hearts, One Platoon’s Descent Into Madness In Iraq’s Triangle Of Death, Broadway, 2010

 

Black Hearts, One Platoon’s Descent Into Madness In Iraq’s Triangle Of Death is a depressing story about how a U.S. army platoon was neglected, denigrated and committed a heinous crime during its deployment in Iraq. Most of the book is about how a battalion from the 101^st Airborne Division was deployed to what was called the Triangle of Death, one of the most dangerous parts of the country just south of Baghdad. It emphasizes how aimless the U.S. military was for many years in Iraq carrying out tasks that had no real impact. It’s only at the end that the book goes over the rape of a 14 year old Iraqi girl and the murder of her family by American soldiers. Black Hearts blames the chain of command for allowing the unit to deteriorate to the point that it carried out this act.

This Day In Iraqi History - May 30 UK-Turkey deal Turkey got 10% of Mosul oil in return for giving up claim to province

 

1920 Head political officer in Iraq Wilson got report that revolt in Mosul being planned

Iraqi Govt Continues To Fail In Spending Development Budgets

Iraq’s parliament is discussing the new 2024 budget which is part of a larger three year bill for spending that was passed last year. A professor from Basra posted on social media that the government remains abysmal at spending its investment money.

This Day In Iraqi History - May 29 1920 Ayatollah Shirazi issued statement supporting Iraqi independence from UK

 

1920 UK judicial secretary Carter wrote Sir Wilson head political officer warning Sunni-Shiite

unity would threaten British rule in Iraq

This Day In Iraqi History - May 28 Govt had Assyrian leader Mar Shimun come to Baghdad to discuss Assyrian issue

 

1933 Interior Min had Assyrian leader Mar Shimun come to Baghdad to discuss differences with

govt over settling community in north Interior said it was willing to acknowledge Mar Shimun as spiritual leader but would not give him any political power Said UK officer arriving to help settle community Mar Shimun said he would help with settlement Pledged loyalty to King Faisal

(Musings On Iraq review The Tragedy of the Assyrian Minority in Iraq)

(Musings On Iraq review State and Society in Iraq)