Topic: Islamic State of Iraq

In Baghdad, police chief explains why it's tough to enforce the rule of law

Abu Abbas oversees one of Baghdad's overstretched police stations whose employees have increasingly been targeted by insurgents. He says Iraqi rule of law has been neglected.

Al Qaeda in Iraq targets Baghdad’s developing police force

The Iraqi Army is gradually handing responsibility for Baghdad security to Iraq's developing police force – a transition Al Qaeda in Iraq is exploiting with increased attacks.

Iraq car bomb, checkpoint attack leaves 25 dead

An Iraq car bomb in the city of Kut and a checkpoint attack in Baghdad left 25 people dead on Tuesday, as a wave of attacks continued amid the US combat troop withdrawal from Iraq.

Terrorism & Security
Iraq violence flares as US begins to draw down troop levels

The killing of five policemen in Baghdad on Tuesday came as President Barack Obama vowed again to fulfill an agreement with the Iraqi government to lower US troop levels from 80,000 to 50,000 by the end of August.

Odierno: Militants trained in Iran prepare to attack US bases in Iraq

Gen. Ray Odierno, the top US commander in Iraq, said today that Al Qaeda is a diminished threat and that Iran has moved away from instigating violence. But he also said that Iraqi Shiite militants who trained in Iran are planning a major attack.

Iraq claims key gains in dismantling Al Qaeda in Iraq

After the killing this week of the two top leaders of Al Qaeda in Iraq, officials in Baghdad said more important gains have recently been made in dismantling the group's networks.

Two Iraq Al Qaeda leaders killed: Did they really get Abu Omar al-Baghdadi?

US and Iraqi officials say DNA evidence proves they killed Abu Ayyub al-Masri, the key link between Al Qaeda internationally and its offshoot in Iraq, and Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, the senior Iraqi member of the group. But one analyst is skeptical.

Al Qaeda killings show growing competence of Iraqi Army

Iraqi Army is being credited for finding and killing two top figures with Al Qaeda in Iraq, including leader Abu Ayyub al-Masri.

Iraq announces deaths of two senior Al Qaeda leaders

Iraq said Monday it had killed Abu Omar al-Baghdadi and Abu Ayyub al-Masri, allegedly two of the most senior members of Al Qaeda in Iraq. The US said DNA testing had confirmed their deaths.

'Jihad Jane' alleged target Lars Vilks: 'I have an ax here'

Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks, allegedly the target of a group led by 'Jihad Jane,' relies on international policing efforts to stay safe. But safeguards are shifting as European views evolve on free speech and blasphemy.

Iraq government: Looking 'very seriously' at security breaches that led to Oct. 25 bombing

Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar al-Zebari said Thursday that security breaches explain how a second, similar attack could take place despite the many precautionary measures implemented after devastating Aug. 19 bombings.

Terrorism & Security
In Iraq, twin bombings follow insurgent's renewed call to fight US

The attacks underscore the security challenges after the US withdrawal from cities, particularly in the volatile areas in the north.

New bombings in Iraq steal thunder from top insurgent's arrest

Al Qaeda in Iraq appears to be exploiting instability in Iraq's government

World

U.S. forces to hand over hard-won Anbar Province

The Americans are set to transfer control of the once-restive Sunni province to Iraq, but many in Anbar question just how much real power the US is willing to relinquish.

Iraq bombings target US-allied, anti-Al Qaeda groups

Bombings this week in Sunni areas of Iraqi have killed more than 100 people.

In Iraq, Sunni insurgents still aim to oust U.S., Shiites

In an interview, a member of the Islamic Army of Iraq speaks of his group's long-term goals.

U.S. sees long fight to oust Al Qaeda in Mosul

American soldiers say the battle for the northern Iraqi city is a complicated mix of counterterrorism, economic incentives, and political solutions.