As Iran Talks Progress, American and Iranian Forces Cooperate in Taking Tikrit (Video)

Juan Cole / Truthdig Apr 1, 2015 By now the Iraqi government has a long history of claiming areas are “liberated” when the local picture remained mixed. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Could the Sunni-Shiite Rift Make Tikrit a Pyrrhic Victory?

Juan Cole / Truthdig Mar 18, 2015 The foremost Sunni Muslim seat of learning, al-Azhar University in Cairo, has stirred controversy by issuing a considered legal opinion condemning the Shiite militias or “Popular Mobilization Forces” that are now fighting alongside the Iraq army to take Tikrit back from the Islamic State group. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Ghosts of Saddam, Saladin & Khomeini: the Historical Meaning Behind the Tikrit Campaign

Juan Cole / Truthdig Mar 12, 2015 The Iraqi forces that are surrounding Tikrit 80 miles north of Baghdad are not just Iraqi forces. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Can Iraqi Forces Take Back Saddam’s Birthplace From ISIL?

Juan Cole / Truthdig Sep 3, 2014 Joint Iraqi and Kurdish forces began moving into Tikrit on Tuesday night into Wednesday after victories over the so-called Islamic State of Syria and the Levant in villages around Amerli, including Sulaiman Bek. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

ISIS to U.S.: We’ll Drown You in Blood; Beheads U.S. Journalist, Holds Tikrit

Juan Cole / Truthdig Aug 20, 2014 As the Iraqi military made a push on Tikrit north of Baghdad on Tuesday, a video briefly surfaced purporting to show the IS beheading an American journalist, James Foley, a freelancer for GlobalPost who had been missing in Syria for two years. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

In Midst of Tikrit Campaign, al-Maliki Refuses to Step Down

Staff / Truthdig Jul 5, 2014 Despite the Iraqi parliament’s failure to reach a quorum on Tuesday, in a clear slap in the face to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and other incumbents running for another term, on Friday Mr. al-Maliki insisted that he remains a candidate for a third term as prime minister. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Iraq Is Coming Apart at the Seams — Here’s an Essential Reader

Staff / Truthdig Jun 18, 2014 Confused about what’s going on in Iraq? Wondering how the situation became so grim? Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Iraq Militants Move Nearer Baghdad in Lightning Offensive

Staff / Truthdig Jun 12, 2014 Militants seized the Iraqi city of Tikrit on Wednesday but security forces thwarted an assault on Samarra, as a lightning jihadist offensive launched in the country's second largest city, Mosul, swept closer to Baghdad. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Former Iraq VP’s Dying Wish Granted

Staff / Truthdig Mar 21, 2007 U.S. and Iraqi authorities have honored the final request of former Iraqi Vice President Taha Yassin Ramadan: to be buried next to Saddam Hussein. After Ramadan's execution Tuesday, his remains were flown to Tikrit, where hundreds of mourners were gathering. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Officer Recommends Death Penalty for Accused Soldiers

Staff / Truthdig Sep 4, 2006 An Army officer has recommended the execution of four soldiers, should they be found guilty of murder. The soldiers are accused of improperly shooting three Iraqi detainees during a raid. No U.S. soldier has been executed since 1961. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )