Iraq

U.S. To Scale Back Diplomatic Staff In Iraq

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:00:00 -0500

U.S. combat troops are gone from Iraq and soon, up to half the diplomatic staff will leave too. State Department officials say it's part of a plan to scale back embassy operations there. But conflicts with the Iraqi government may also be driving the decision. Tim Arango, a reporter with The New York Times, talks to Steve Inskeep about the decision.

How Should We Welcome Home Iraq War Veterans?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:00:00 -0500

St. Louis, Mo. held a parade for veterans of the Iraq War in January 2012 that drew an estimated 20,000 participants and 100,000 spectators. Fifteen other cities are considering similar parades, but some argue that such celebrations should not be held while the war in Afghanistan continues.

Iraqi Town Says Justice Failed Victims Of U.S. Raid

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:00:00 -0500

In the Iraqi town of Haditha, which saw 24 unarmed civilians die in a U.S. raid seven years ago, residents expressed disbelief and sadness that the Marine sergeant who told his troops to "shoot first, ask questions later" reached a deal with prosecutors to avoid jail time.

In Iraqi Killings Case, Marine Takes Plea Deal

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:00:00 -0500

A plea deal has been reached in the court martial case of Marine Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich. He was the last person facing charges in the killings of 24 Iraqis at the village of Haditha in 2005. Monday, he admitted to one charge of dereliction of duty. The case became a touchstone for criticism of the Iraq war. Originally, several Marines were charged with murder in the case. But the Marines who killed the Iraqi civilians that day claimed that their actions were tragic — but legal under the official rules of engagement in a complex war fought in and among the people. Melissa Block talks to NPR Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman for the latest.

After 20 Years, An Iraqi Returns To A Changed Land

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:01:00 -0500

After two decades in the U.S., Aseel Albanna couldn't wait to return to Baghdad, the place where she grew up. But the city has changed so much, she barely recognized parts of it.

Gunmen Storm Iraqi Government Compound

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 07:47:00 -0500

Iraqi security forces on Sunday were battling the gunmen in a one-time Sunni insurgent hotbed in the country's west, police officials said. It marks the first serious gunbattle for Iraqi forces against insurgents without American backup since the U.S. military withdrew last month.

Bomb Kills Scores Of Shiite Pilgrims In Iraq

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 03:14:00 -0500

The suicide bombing near Basra on Saturday killed at least 53. It was the latest in a series of attacks during Shiite religious commemorations that have threatened to increase sectarian tensions just weeks after the U.S. withdrawal.

After Seven Years, Families Of Slain Blackwater Contractors Settle Suit

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:17:00 -0500

Had the case gone to trial, it could have settled questions over the battlefield responsibilities of private companies.

Baghdad Rocked Again By Deadly Bomb Blasts

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 07:10:00 -0500

About 30 people were killed today and more than 60 wounded, according to authorities, by explosions near two sites where day laborers were gathering to look for construction work. Shiite neighborhoods were targeted.

Uncertainty For Iraqi Translator After Withdrawal

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:00:00 -0500

For four years, an Iraqi named Tariq worked for the U.S. military as a translator. He's faced death threats from other Iraqis and asked to be identified by only his first name for his protection. Once the troops pulled out of the country, he lost his job and the on-base security that came with it.

Marine On Trial For Deaths Of 24 Iraqis In 2005

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:01:00 -0500

An explosion set off a series of shootings by a U.S. Marine squad in Haditha in one of the war's more controversial incidents. The military trial starts this week for the squad's leader, the only Marine still facing charges in the killings. Others were acquitted or had the charges against them dropped.

Iraqi Refugees Struggle For Peace In America

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 06:16:00 -0500

The Iraq War may be officially over, but for thousands of Iraqis who fled to America during the conflict, there's no going home. Many left successful careers to settle in Detroit, where finding a future is a challenge.

Iraqi Journalist Reflects On 8 Years Of War

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:40:00 -0500

At NPR's Baghdad bureau, Isra' al Rubei'i has long worked as a reporter and translator. She submitted this short piece of fiction about a man standing before a judge — a character, who she says represents the Iraqi experience.

Iraqi Interpreters Hope Visas Come Before Militants

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:23:00 -0500

During the Iraq War, the U.S. military employed tens of thousands of Iraqis, many of whom were branded traitors. Now, the U.S. troops are gone. But some of those Iraqis have been left behind — in danger and desperately awaiting American visas so they and their families can leave.

One Iraqi Reflects On 8 Years Of War

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:00:00 -0500

As American forces leave Iraq, NPR Baghdad staffer Ghassan Adnan talks about how his life has changed over the past eight years.

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