A freelance American Journalist who had been held captive for the last two years by al-Qaeda militants has just been released. Peter Theo Curtis’s freedom has long been in negotiations. The 45 year-old writer has now finally been freed after the government of Qatar reached an agreement with the Nusra Front in Syria. U.S. authorities haven’t released information as to exactly what led to Mr. … [Read more...]
Iraq Bombings in Baghdad and Kirkuk End with 30 Casualties
As the Iraqi government was investigating the deadly attacks that took place on Friday at the Sunni mosque, new bombings in Baghdad and Kirkuk ended with the deaths of 30 people on Saturday. Three bombs went off in the oil-rich city of Kirkuk (which has been a reason of dispute between Baghdad and the Kurdish regional government). They were set in a crowded commercial district and apart from … [Read more...]
European Union Considering a Scale Up in Iraq Involvement
In the light of recent events taking place in Iraq and the quick measures that the U.S. military has undertaken to ensure that Sinjar refugees are helped, the E.U. is also considering scaling up its involvement in Iraq. On Friday, an emergency meeting is planned so that foreign ministers can analyze the crisis and decide on a course of action. France has already announced its decision to ship … [Read more...]