Topic: Tikrit

Terrorism & Security Spate of bombings in Iraq undermines stability ahead of Arab summit

A series of bombings across Iraq today belie Iraq's efforts to portray itself as a stable, resurgent power as it prepares to host the annual Arab League summit for the first time since 1990.

Global News Blog At work in Iraq with Anthony Shadid

Naseer Mehdawi, Anthony Shadid's closest Iraqi friend and journalism colleague, recalls their friendship and how together they told the story of Iraq.

Biggest threat to Iraq? Iran-backed militias, not Al Qaeda, US official says

The series of bombings that hit Iraq Monday bear the markings of Al Qaeda, but in the long term, Iran-backed militias are a greater problem, says a top US military official.

Surging Iraq violence: Have we seen this story before?

Violence across Iraq yesterday was horrific, and likely carried out by Sunni Arab militants. It all feels so 2004.

Taliban tunnel: Five militant escapes under US watch

If Western audiences are inspired by the film "Shawshank Redemption" about a solo prison escape, then Taliban sympathizers must surely be heartened by today's spectacular escape of some 500 inmates from a Kandahar prison through a 1,180-foot-long tunnel. But while character Andy Dufresne had to dig out of Shawshank prison without any assistance, the Taliban prisoners are suspected of having help from guards. This is not the first jail break that has set back the US wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, nor is it even the first escape from this specific prison. Here's a short list of recent prison breaks (and one near-escape) in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, in Iraq...

Karbala and the surge of Iraq attacks

Suicide attacks on Shiite pilgrims. Mass murders of police. It's not 2006 in Iraq anymore, but sometimes it feels like it.

Morning roundup: Iraq, Tunisia, and the Arab soul

Iraq's security forces targeted in two attacks

In Iraq, two attacks in two days on security forces are a sign that the country is still far from stable – though attacks on civilians are down.

As Iraq war winds down, US military cleans up hazardous waste

Recent reports have accused the US military of irresponsible disposal of millions of pounds of hazardous waste, mostly from the Iraq war. But after investigating, the military says EPA standards are being upheld.

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.

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.

Gardens provide peace of mind to soldiers at war

There's a long tradition of planting gardens by soldiers at war. They provide peace of mind, hope, and a connection to home, among other benefits.

Allegations of fraud as Iraq election results trickle in

Allegations of fraud swirled around ballot counting in Baghdad Thursday, as Iraq election results started to trickle in.

Fort Hood shootings: How often do soldiers kill soldiers?

Military officials say the shootings at Fort Hood were an 'isolated incident.' But the stress of repeated wartime deployments has led to several such incidents in recent years.

As Iraq calms, Mosul remains a battle front

US forces may stay in the volatile northern city beyond the June deadline for Americans to pull back to bases.

World

U.S. Army to Baghdadis: Do you really live here?

As Iraqis return to Baghdad neighborhoods once racked by sectarian violence, the US military wants to ensure that squatters aren't laying claim to their houses.

General Petraeus to head U.S. forces in Middle East

The move brings greater focus to the conflict in Afghanistan. Lt. Gen. Odierno is set to succeed Petraeus in Iraq.