Topic: Hoshyar Zebari

Syrian downing of Turkish plane: a hostile act? (+video)

Syria brought down a Turkish plane with two pilots aboard. Questions remain about the incident and the Turkish response. Leaders say, "Turkey cannot endure it in silence."

Is Iran's proposal to hold nuke talks in Syria, Iraq, or China brinksmanship?

Iran's suggestions of alternative sites raised the possibility of complications to get talks under way as expected on April 13 between Iran and envoys from the five permanent UN Security Council members and Germany.

Arab leaders stay away from Baghdad summit

The turnout in Iraq by regional leaders wasn't very high for Thursday's meeting. But those who did show up appealed to the Syrian government to stop the violence.

Arab leaders call on Syria to end violent crackdown

Even before Arab heads of state began their Thursday summit in the Iraqi capital, Syria sharply rejected any measures they take. A Syrian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Jihad Makdessi, said Damascus would 'not deal with any initiative' that might come out of the 22-member Arab League.

Iraq Arab League summit opens with eyes on Syria

Baghdad, hosting its first Arab league summit since 1990, is hoping to show the region Iraq has put its troubles behind it. But nervous eyes are focused elsewhere, on Syria.

US military officials in Iraq warn of growing Iranian threat

American military officials say the upcoming US withdrawal has emboldened Iranian-backed militias, which they blame for recent deadly attacks and allege are stockpiling weapons.

Iraq unveils refurbished palace where US soldiers once hung laundry

Ahead of the May 10-11 Arab League summit, Iraq has prepared suites, ballrooms, and manicured gardens in anticipation of receiving 22 invited heads of state.

Kuwaiti PM visits Baghdad for the first time since Gulf war

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki embraced his Kuwaiti counterpart with kisses on both cheeks, a marked departure from the hostile relations both countries seek to put behind them.

UN lifts Saddam-era sanctions on Iraq, ending a dark chapter

The Iraq vote at the normally dour UN yesterday was marked by unusual applause, at times feeling like a coming out party for a new nation.

Iraq attack on US soldiers shows ongoing vulnerabilities

In what appears to be the first attack on US soldiers after the official end of combat operations, a man thought to be an Iraqi Army soldier killed two American soldiers and wounded nine others.

542 antiquities looted in Iraq war return home. Where are the rest?

Officials triumphed in Monday's return of everything from gold earrings to a sacred statue looted in the Iraq war. But they also said that 632 pieces returned last year have gone missing.

Iraq road map: the new US ambassador explains hurdles

Iraq's new US ambassador has been welcomed by Iraqi political leaders, who criticized his predecessor for not being actively engaged in the political process.

Wave of Iraq suicide bombings target police

A wave of Iraq suicide bombings and other attacks largely targeted the police on Wednesday, leaving at least 41 Iraqis dead in 7 different provinces. A poll shows that a majority of Iraqis say the US is withdrawing combat troops too soon.

Iraq election recount battle over, now comes the hard part

At an unusual Baghdad gathering of key players, tensions eased over the Iraq election results. But the effort to form a coalition government and choose Iraqi's new prime minister and president still in the early stages.

Iraq foreign ministry reopens as symbol of defying terrorists

Iraq reopened a rebuilt foreign ministry building in Baghdad Wednesday, just nine months after a major truck bombing. 'The best answer to the terrorists ... is to rise from the ashes again,' said Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari.

Iraq voters face long wait for new government as Maliki, others jockey for power

Prime Minister Maliki and others are maneuvering for influence in the wake of the March 7 vote, results of which are being delayed by a recount and investigation of other complaints. Inability to form an effective new Iraq government could further divide the country.

Al Qaeda 9/11-style plot to fly airliners into shrines in Iraq

Iraq Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told the Monitor that a 9/11-style plot to hijack commercial airliners and fly them into Shiite shrines in Najaf and Karbala has been uncovered. US officials say the plot appeared to be in the early planning stages.

Al Qaeda kills dozens in multiple attacks in Baghdad

Al Qaeda is blamed for a series of attacks Tuesday in Baghdad. Insurgents, who have killed more than 100 in the past week, seek to exploit the delay in forming a new Iraq government after last month's election.

Iraqi-Syrian crisis deepens; Baghdad looks to UN for help

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said Wednesday he's optimistic that a UN investigator would examine claims that Syria, Iran, and others were interfering in Iraq's affairs.

Baghdad bombing leaves hole in diplomatic corps

Iraq's Foreign Ministry saw 10 percent of its staff killed or injured. Foreign minister blames systemic security breaches for last week's assault.

Turkey offers water for Iraqi crackdown on Kurdish rebels

Seeking to expand its role on the Mideast stage, it promised Tuesday to send more water to drought-stricken Iraq, which faces its lowest harvest in a decade.

Why Iraq sees success in oil auction

Officials laud a transparent process on bids to develop oil fields – and the opening of investment to foreign firms shut out for more than 30 years.

Iraqi lawmakers give US security pact the nod

The pact sets out a three-year timetable for US troop withdrawal. A public referendum on it will be held in July.

Discontent over Maliki threatens US-Iraqi security pact

Wednesday's vote on a security pact to allow US troops to remain in Iraq for three more years is being seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Maliki's performance.

World