AGP Executive Report

Iraq’s Hate-Speech Crackdown: Iraq’s commander-in-chief office says a new committee will monitor and curb sectarian, ethnic, and racial incitement, with the judiciary deciding legal action. Kurdistan Education Boost: The Rwanga Foundation is funding 100+ scholarships for Kurdistan Region grade-12 graduates, pairing places with admission guidance and 200 trainers across 17 centers. Film & Identity: Iraq’s Oscar submission, No Paradise If You Are Killed by a Woman, highlights Kurdish women fighters and a Mosul return story tied to the fight against ISIS. Culture After 9/11: A look at how TV, film, music, and comedy responded to 9/11 shows how grief and fear reshaped entertainment for years. Regional Tensions, Local Impact: Iraq’s foreign minister met the Arab League in Cairo over Strait of Hormuz disruptions, warning of economic fallout for Arab states. Venice Spotlight: Madi Makambu won major Final Cut prizes at Venice, with its pregnancy-denial theme framed as “universal and intense.” Women, War, and Care: Asha Clinic in Vermont expands specialized suicide care, reflecting a broader push toward focused mental-health support.

Mental Health & Suicide Care: Burlington’s new Asha Clinic opens as a specialized outpatient program for suicide care, led by researcher Dr. Craig Bryan and backed by Four Pines Fund, aiming to expand access to proven therapies. Cultural Diplomacy: Qatar’s delegation joined an International Conference on Islamic Cultural Heritage in Uzbekistan, with Iraqi researchers among participants, pushing dialogue between civilizations through science and culture. Iraq Arts & Memory: Iraq’s Oscar submission, “No Paradise If You Are Killed by a Woman,” spotlights Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and the fight against Islamic State, with regional audiences expected to connect with its female-led narrative. Courts & Community Tensions: Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court ruled on a Nineveh land dispute in Qazza Fakhra and Jaliyukhan, drawing praise from some officials and rejection from Shabak community voices who say the core conflict remains unresolved. Migration & Return: Serêkaniyê Camp residents in Syria begin dismantling tents and preparing to return home in coordinated convoys, as security arrangements are reported in place. 9/11 Education: Florida schools continue 9/11 teaching under state requirements, using oral histories and classroom materials to keep the anniversary’s lessons alive for students born after the attacks. Regional Security & Oil: Iran’s planned “exclusion zone” near Hormuz and rising oil prices keep the Gulf’s shipping and daily costs in the spotlight.

Iraq’s Nineveh Land Ruling: Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court rejected challenges tied to construction restrictions in Qaza Fakhra and Jliyokhan, with Nineveh officials calling it justice for families long blocked from building, while Shabak community voices say it leaves the deeper dispute unresolved. Kirkuk Oil Jobs & Representation: Kurdish MPs urged Iraq’s oil ministry to intervene over alleged unfair management at the state-owned North Oil Company, warning that staffing and promotions are excluding communities. KRG Security Funding Uncertainty: Reports say US financial support for Peshmerga may end Sept. 30, raising fears for immediate security while analysts frame it as a “transitional phase” in US-KRG ties. Semnan University Attack: Iranian authorities arrested two people after clashes and an attack on a dormitory housing Iraqi students, as tensions around militia-linked students inside Iran’s universities continue to simmer. Jerusalem Diplomacy: Jordan-led Arab efforts condemned Israeli violations at Al Aqsa/Al Haram Al Sharif and pushed for stronger international pressure, including coordination with the OIC and a planned Arab-OIC ministerial meeting in New York. Arab Film Development: A new Venice-backed collaboration aims to develop Arab film and TV projects for regional and international markets, focusing on script and early-stage production support. Cultural Memory & 9/11: Multiple pieces mark 25 years since 9/11, including reflections on how the day reshaped security, war, and public life. Digital Hawala Watch: A global watchdog warns that “digital hawala” is evolving with virtual assets, enabling money laundering and sometimes terror financing.

Baghdad Culture: The 27th Baghdad International Book Fair is drawing record attention, with 28 countries participating and hundreds of publishers filling the halls—an upbeat sign for Iraq’s reading scene as the event runs through Sept. 12. Iraq Civic Life: In Babil, security forces partially closed roads to stop protesters reaching a demonstration near the Court of Appeal, after activists rallied over “malicious lawsuits” tied to activist Dirgham Majid. Finance & Daily Life: Iraq’s Central Bank says most depositors’ funds at Al-Taif Islamic Bank are guaranteed, with CBI ready to step in if there’s a shortfall, as reforms continue. Regional Security: Iran’s IRGC claims it destroyed a US surveillance aerostat near Erbil, while the wider US-Iran standoff keeps tightening pressure around the Strait of Hormuz. Arts & Identity: Iraq’s presence also shows up in regional culture—Oman’s Dhofar International Film Festival opens with films from 16 countries including Iraq, alongside broader Arab and international participation.

Banking & Money: Iraq’s Central Bank says most depositors’ funds at Al-Taif Islamic Bank are guaranteed, with CBI oversight and reserves meant to prevent shortfalls, after depositors protested frozen withdrawals. Currency Policy: CBI governor Nizar Nasser Hussein reiterates that changing currency denominations is within CBI authority, while removing zeros needs parliament legislation. Iraq-US Security: Reports say the US plans to withdraw troops and defense systems from Kurdistan by Sept. 30, while Baghdad pushes to treat Sept. 30 as a coalition departure date, not a militia disarmament deadline. Iran-US Escalation: Iran warns of a “faster, heavier and more painful” response as US strikes hit Iranian tankers and Iran claims it destroyed a US surveillance aerostat near Erbil. Culture & Film: Iraq selects Halkawt Mustafa’s Kurdish war drama “No Paradise If You Are Killed by a Woman” for the 2027 Oscars’ Best International Feature race. Lifestyle & Tech: Starlink is getting easier access via legal sales in nearby markets, which could reshape internet availability inside Iran. Mental Health (Iraq-linked region): A specialized suicide care clinic opens in Burlington, highlighting growing focus on evidence-based treatment access.

Iraq Politics & Sovereignty: Iraq’s Shiite Coordination Framework is stuck in deadlock with armed factions that refuse to surrender weapons before the Sept. 30 US-withdrawal deadline, putting “Sovereignty Day” plans in doubt. Security & Regional Tensions: The US and Iran keep escalating around the Strait of Hormuz after US strikes hit Iran-linked tankers, with Iran warning of retaliation and the waterway effectively running at a fraction of normal traffic. ISIS Detention & Justice: Iraq says it has finished investigating about 5,700 ISIS detainees transferred from Syria, with cases set to proceed to trial and some releases planned. Local Governance & Heritage: Najaf registers 196 heritage buildings under preservation law, requiring approvals for restoration and protecting sites from demolition or harmful alterations. Culture & Lifestyle: Asha Clinic opens in Burlington as a specialized suicide-care outpatient model, while in northeast Syria new alcohol taxes and rules are driving prices up and pushing sales into smuggling. Education & Work: A Nineveh education-department accountant was detained over a years-long “ghost payroll” scheme involving a fictitious employee. Business & Industry: In-house manufacturing is boosting custom production efficiency, with one firm highlighting faster design-to-build changes under one roof.

Nineveh Corruption Crackdown: Iraq’s Federal Commission of Integrity detained a Nineveh education accountant accused of collecting salaries for a fictitious employee for nearly six years, from late 2017 to 2023. Banking Stability Watch: The Central Bank of Iraq reassured depositors that funds are protected and liquidity is sufficient after placing Al-Taif Islamic Bank under guardianship, stressing the move is precautionary and backed by deposit insurance. Heritage Protection in Najaf: Najaf registered 196 heritage buildings under the Antiquities and Heritage Law, covering traditional homes, shrines, mosques, Husseiniyas, schools, and more, with restoration requiring prior approval. Rehabilitation Returns from Syria: Iraq says it has rehabilitated and repatriated about 21,000 Iraqis from al-Hol camp, with only around 1,200 still there and the file expected to close soon. Iraq-Turkey Security Links: Turkey began repatriating 184 Turkish citizens detained in Iraq over alleged ISIL links, with the first group arriving in Ankara from Baghdad. Culture Across Borders: Beirut hosted “Cedar Symposium 2,” bringing together about 35 artists from Lebanon and Iraq to promote coexistence and peace through visual art. Regional Tensions and Shipping: US and Iran traded threats after strikes hit Iranian tankers near Kharg Island, as the Strait of Hormuz reportedly remains effectively closed for commercial traffic.

Iraq’s Education Crunch: Karbala says it needs 350 new schools to cut overcrowding, blaming delays in Iraq’s 2024–2026 budgets that have also left contractors owed about 300 billion dinars, while population growth tied to the holy shrines keeps pushing demand. Cultural Memory & Heritage: The “Mosul Eye” blogger behind live tweeting during the ISIS occupation is now the subject of a new book, recounting how his clandestine archaeology updates helped hundreds escape and guided rescuers. Arts & Representation: Iraq has submitted Halkawt Mustafa’s drama “No Paradise If You Are Killed By A Woman” for the Oscars, spotlighting a female Peshmerga sniper and the violence she survived. Regional Security Fallout: US envoy Tom Barrack says Turkey’s bank sanctions are not a “judgment” on Ankara, as Washington targets Iran-linked financial channels—an issue that keeps reverberating across Iraq’s neighborhood. Mental Health Access (Iraq-linked theme): A new specialized suicide care clinic opens in Burlington, expanding access to evidence-based treatment—another reminder of how communities are building support systems amid crisis.

Film & Women’s Rights in Iraq: Iraq selected Norwegian-Kurdish director Halkawt Mustafa’s drama No Paradise If You Are Killed By A Woman as its Best International Feature Film entry for the 99th Oscars, ahead of a Venice premiere. The story follows Avan Jamal as a female Peshmerga sniper who goes to Mosul to rescue her sister from ISIS, drawing on Mustafa’s own encounter with a female fighter and his Kurdish background. Culture & Faith in the Region: Pope Leo XIV told Latin-rite bishops across the Arab world, “Do not be afraid of your smallness,” stressing that Christian communities’ impact isn’t measured by numbers but by fidelity, service, and charity—especially amid instability and migration. Iraq-Iran Economy & Daily Life: A report says Iraq remains a key financial and trade bridge for Iran as US sanctions tighten, with Washington pressing Baghdad to curb dollar flows and oversight gaps while Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi sets a Sept. 30 push to bring Iran-backed armed groups under state control. Kurdish Politics & Language: Syrian Kurdish leader Mazloum Abdi rejected claims the SDF surrendered, saying it has integrated into Syria’s army and that “significant” steps are underway for Kurdish linguistic rights. Heritage Under Pressure: Iran’s heritage experts say recent conflict has damaged dozens of historic monuments, including UNESCO-listed sites like Golestan Palace and Chehel Sotoun, as emergency repairs race to save cultural landmarks.

Wedding Strike Fallout: Weapons experts reviewed images and video of a southern Iran wedding attack, saying it likely came from a direct US munition hit; the US says it’s investigating and denies targeting civilians, while Iran’s Red Crescent urges the ICC to probe possible war crimes as reported deaths and injuries rise. Sanctions Pressure: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the EU has joined Washington’s “Economic Outcast” sanctions on Iran, aiming to cut financial lifelines tied to oil, shadow networks, and weapons funding. Regional Tensions: Jordan—hosting US forces—faces repeated Iranian drone and missile strikes, with analysts saying the alliance is also a hedge against wider destabilization. Iraq’s Role in the Shadow Economy: A report highlights how Iraq’s border trade, dollar flows, and banking links can give Tehran economic channels despite US pressure, as Baghdad faces a Sept. 30 push to bring Iran-backed armed groups under state control. Kurdistan Under Fire: Satellite images show signs of fire and damage at the coalition base in Erbil Airport after an Iranian missile-and-drone attack, while local authorities report drones were intercepted. Courtroom Testimony: In Sulaimani, a detainee’s first proper session testimony describes torture and the emotional toll on families as an opposition case resumes.

Iraq & Kurdistan Politics: An Iraqi lawyer has filed a complaint over remarks by Badr leader Hadi al-Amiri tied to the 2019 Tishreen protests, reopening pressure on accountability for killings and kidnappings blamed on Iran-backed militias. Regional Security & Culture: As the U.S.-Iran clash escalates, Iran says it struck U.S. bases in Kuwait, UAE and also claims attacks in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, while the U.S. reports strikes tied to threats in the Strait of Hormuz—raising fresh fears for civilians and daily life across the Gulf. Education & Lifestyle: In Sulaymaniyah, Royal Canadian International Community (RCIC) is partnering with Rosedale International Education to add the Ontario Secondary School Diploma pathway through graduation, keeping students in-house beyond Grade 8. Heritage & Community: Iraq’s archaeological recovery effort highlights the return of 100,000 smuggled artifacts, while a Baghdad vigil honors missing Feyli Kurds and demands answers. Sports & Global Exchange: Ahmedabad is set to host the World Archery Para Series 2026, with athletes from Iraq among the participants.

Iraq’s Street Memory vs. Power Politics: Public anger is growing after Badr Organization chief Hadi al-Amiri linked Iraq’s 2019 Tishreen protests to “strife” the “resistance” confronted, reviving calls for accountability and lawsuits from families of victims. US–Iran Escalation Hits the Region: The US and Iran traded heavy strikes again, with Iran reporting 18 killed and 108 wounded in US attacks, including a wedding strike that Tehran called a “war crime,” while Iran retaliated with missile/drone attacks on US-linked bases across Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, and Iraq’s Kurdistan region. Civilian Harm and International Pressure: The UN chief said he was “deeply alarmed” by reports of civilian casualties, as both sides traded claims about targeting and responsibility. Kuwait on Alert: Kuwait said its air defenses intercepted incoming missile and drone attacks tied to the renewed flare-up. Culture & Community in Iraq: Baghdad Book Fair activity continues to draw publishers and readers, keeping cultural life moving amid regional instability. Visa Policy Update (Iraq Included): A US court move lifted a suspension affecting immigrant visas for 75 countries, including Iraq, after a judge struck down the policy.

Iraq Security & Speech Control: Iraq has set up a specialized security committee to monitor hate speech and ethnic or sectarian content, with action taken under existing legal frameworks as lawmakers push tougher measures. Banking Oversight: The Central Bank of Iraq placed Al-Taif Islamic Bank for Investment and Finance under guardianship for 18 months after violations affected its financial position and depositors’ funds. US-Iraq Tensions: Hardline Iran-backed Harakat Al-Nujaba warned it will confront US forces if Washington misses the Sept. 30 withdrawal deadline, threatening to send any remaining troops back “as a corpse.” Diplomacy Update: Ambassador Steven Fagin was appointed US Charge d’Affaires to Iraq, returning to a senior role after prior work in Erbil and Baghdad. Regional Shockwaves Hitting Iraq: Iran-linked attacks were reported in Iraq’s Kurdistan region amid renewed US-Iran escalation, with local counter-terrorism forces intercepting bomb-laden drones over Erbil.

Iraq-US Relations & Safety: The US Embassy in Baghdad and its Erbil consulate issued a security alert to Americans, urging extra caution as the US-Iran fight widens and travel disruptions loom. Regional Conflict (Iraq in the Crosshairs): Iran’s IRGC claimed missile-and-drone strikes on US bases in Erbil, while the US said it hit IRGC targets across Iran, including air defenses, radar, maritime assets, mine-laying capabilities, and communications. Human Cost (Wedding Strike Claims): Iran says a US strike hit a wedding home in Sirik, killing at least five (including a child) and wounding dozens; the casualty figures are disputed and not independently verified. Oil & Daily Life: Brent jumped toward $95 as renewed attacks threaten Strait of Hormuz shipping, pushing up energy prices and raising fears for regional stability. Culture & Memory (9/11 Lens): Commentary and analysis revisit how societies remember trauma—linking today’s Middle East escalation to debates about meaning, grief, and identity. Digital & Politics: A separate piece looks at how Jeremy Corbyn’s new left-wing “Your Party” uses social media to argue the system is “rigged,” aiming to sway voters.

Anti-Corruption in Baghdad: Iraq’s Federal Integrity Commission says authorities caught an Education Ministry employee taking a bribe to complete paperwork, and referred the case to the Al-Rusafa Investigation Court. Khanaqin Demands: A Kurdish delegation from Khanaqin delivered 12 demands to President Nizar Amedi, calling for limits on security interference, a joint civilian administration for Article 140 areas, and freezes on ID and land-related decisions. Kurdish Memoir Spotlight: A new book, A Journey Towards Light, follows a Kurdish boyhood in Iraqi Kurdistan through war, Anfal, displacement, and uprising—ending with a path to America. Christian Nationalist Museum Debate: A report says the Museum of the Bible is promoting a Christian nationalist version of U.S. history alongside Smithsonian attacks. Gulf Diplomacy: Oman’s Sultan visits Saudi Arabia as experts warn Strait of Hormuz risks are reshaping maritime security priorities. Royal Lifestyle Note: Buckingham Palace says senior equerry Lt. Col. Jonny Thompson will step down at year’s end after service that included Iraq and Afghanistan. Iraq Security & ISIS Transfers: Iraq completed interrogation of 5,700+ ISIS inmates transferred from Syria, with cases moving to court. Iran-Iraq Regional Tensions: Iran’s president says Tehran will return to a ceasefire if the U.S. honors prior commitments, as fighting and sanctions keep pressure high.

Iraq & Region Human Impact: A new reflection on “children as the measure of a civilisation” spotlights how sanctions and war leave Iraqi and Palestinian kids paying the price, even when they’re not the direct targets. Regional Security & Alliances: Iraq’s neighborhood politics keep shifting: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye move to formalize a mutual defense pact in Makkah, raising questions about how deterrence will work in practice. Kurdistan Police Reform: In Erbil, the KRG’s Interior Ministry—backed by EU advisors—pushes a 2026–2030 police reform drive, stressing police should serve Kurdistan as a whole, not party units. Demographics & Women’s Support: Iraq’s Supreme Population Council convenes to review family planning and birth-spacing priorities, including expanding women-focused loan support and strengthening neonatal care. Local Justice: Baghdad’s Rusafa appellate court sentences an accused kidnapper of American journalist Shelly Kittleson to 15 years, with the ruling tied to Iraq’s anti-terror law and penal-code leniency. Culture & Lifestyle: A spotlight on Kurdish folk music and global cultural events sits alongside streaming picks and lifestyle features, including a profile of South African model Minki van der Westhuizen’s shift into media and family life.