AGP Executive Report

PMF Denial: Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces in Al-Anbar rejected reports that they evacuated or reduced staff at their headquarters, saying all units remain in place and operating under security plans. Border Tensions: PJAK fighters opened fire on villagers near Marivan in Iran after farm work, wounding residents; PJAK did not comment, as clashes with Iran reportedly intensify along the Iraq-Iran border. Viral Culture: In Kut, an overnight food delivery driver has gone viral for working as “Batman,” delivering late-night meals while also visiting sick children in hospital—turning a simple job into a citywide feel-good story. Khanaqin Politics: Kurdish parties in Khanaqin called off a planned mass protest over safety concerns and will instead send a delegation to Baghdad, as the disputed district’s status tied to Article 140 remains a flashpoint. Media & Justice: Baghdad’s Central Criminal Court sentenced Amir Rahim Jabbar Lazim to 15 years for kidnapping U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson, after an anti-terrorism case tied to the March abduction. Tech & Training: Iraq’s CMC and Zain Iraq launched a six-month AI training program for senior CMC staff, supported by Irada Foundation and Kapita Research. Oil & Budget: Iraq says it will not approve new projects or investment plans before the Hormuz crisis ends and full oil exports resume, warning the 2027 budget will be among the hardest in modern times.

Kurdistan Culture: Erbil’s Kurdistan Orchestra wowed a packed hall with Kurdish folk melodies reshaped through Western classical orchestration, led by Georgian conductor Mamuka Ilashvili. Iraq Diplomacy & Security: Iraq’s PM Ali al-Zaidi renewed calls for Christians to return, linking it to a national priority and a one-million-plot housing push, while Baghdad also urged Iran-US dialogue to de-escalate tensions. State Control & Rights: Iraq stepped up efforts to place weapons under state control as talks with armed factions continue ahead of the Sept. 30 coalition deadline, and an Iraqi court issued an arrest warrant for Basra activist Hussein Al-Shahmani after social-media-related complaints. Media & Community Memory: A Baghdad vigil marked missing Feyli Kurds from the Baath era, renewing demands for citizenship, property restoration, and answers. Tech & Infrastructure: Iraq is coordinating a simultaneous nationwide 5G rollout across governorates and the Kurdistan Region. Arts & Entertainment: Global box office chatter kept Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey in the spotlight, while Iraq’s cultural scene also saw a Kurdish cartoons exhibition disrupted by PKK pressure.

Iraq-Iran-US Diplomacy: Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein urged dialogue and a peaceful solution to the Iran-US standoff, telling Iran’s ambassador that de-escalation efforts are key to regional stability. Regional Security & Faction Tensions: Khamis Al-Khanjar (Iraq’s Sovereignty Alliance) rejected Kataib Hezbollah’s invitation to visit Jurf Al-Sakhar, demanding displaced residents be allowed back and calling for compensation and answers about missing people. Kurdistan Energy Update: Kurdistan oil production has resumed at about 220,000–230,000 barrels per day after security disruptions and drone attacks eased enough for companies to restart. Anti-Corruption Push: Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered activation of a law rewarding corruption whistleblowers, tighter border monitoring, and public exposure of corrupt officials. Arts & Community (Iraq-based): The Malaysian Embassy in Baghdad invited Malaysians across Iraq to share Merdeka photo submissions celebrating shared identity from Baghdad to Nasiriyah and Sulaimaniyah. Sports: Baghdad-linked volleyball talent made news as Annapurna Spiker Kings signed Mongolian opposite hitter Inkh Erden Jargalsot for Nepal’s league.

Iraqi Arts & Culture: A Kurdish cartoonist’s work was reportedly blocked from display at the Fifth International Meeting of Kurdish Cartoons in Sulaymaniyah after pressure tied to the PKK, reigniting debate over artistic freedom in the region. Sports & Community: Annapurna Spiker Kings (Nepal Volleyball League) signed Mongolian opposite hitter Inkh Erden Jargalsot, adding international experience that includes stints in South Korea and Iraq. Local Life & Housing: A report on Iraq’s housing boom says even “aspirational” earners in Erbil struggle to buy, with down payments taking years of wages. Energy & Daily Impact: Kurdistan oil production has resumed at about 220,000–230,000 barrels per day after security disruptions, a sign of easing pressure on the region’s main revenue source. Politics & Security: Iraq’s Sovereignty Alliance leader Al-Khanjar rejected a Kataib Hezbollah invitation to visit Jurf Al-Sakhar, demanding displaced residents be allowed back and calling for compensation and clarity on missing people.

Baghdad Security: Iraq says it has arrested the main suspect behind a deadly Baghdad shooting that killed Brigadier General Hisham Mohammed Talaa and a municipal security member during an Al-Dora housing crackdown, after intelligence and technical leads traced the suspect to a hiding place. Housing Crisis: Communications Minister Mustafa Jabbar Sanad links Iraq’s housing shortage to corruption, property hoarding, and elite control of real estate, citing two people tied to hundreds of properties. Kurdistan Politics: KDP and PUK say they’ll meet again next week to push KRG formation talks as parliament remains inactive and cabinet deadlock drags on. Regional Security & Media: Reports say the US plans to cut funding to the Peshmerga as the September 30 transition approaches, while Syria’s Sharaa appoints Mazloum Abdi as a presidential advisor after SDF dissolution. Arts & Culture: A new exhibition at Melbourne’s Hellenic Museum, “Divine Thresholds: Icons & The Orthodox Christian World,” spotlights Orthodox art across regions including Iraq.

Baghdad Security & Housing: Iraqi authorities arrested the main suspect in a Baghdad shooting that killed two security personnel, including a brigadier, during a crackdown on unauthorized housing in the Al-Dora area; Parliament also pushed for a high-level investigation as Iraq grapples with millions living in informal settlements. Sports & Martial Arts: Iraq’s Taekwondo Federation confirmed a national club poomsae championship in Baghdad on Sept. 5, with coaching and refereeing courses starting Sept. 4. Kurdistan Archaeology: Seven ancient Parthian tombs were unearthed in Koy Sanjaq, with artifacts including a clay coffin and figurine found during a survey of thousands of sites. Arts & Film: The animated feature The Violinist is set for a Sept. 17 cinema release after festival success. Music Spotlight: Iraqi singer Kadim Al Sahir returns with a new album, Bila Inwan. International Media: A US judge ruled confessions by 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed inadmissible, a reminder of how Iraq’s war history keeps echoing globally.

Sports & Culture: Iraq will host its national club poomsae taekwondo championship in Baghdad on Sept. 5, with coaching and refereeing courses starting Sept. 4 at Wisam Al-Majd Sports Club. Sports: Kirkuk kicked off the 2026 Grand Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship, drawing 700+ athletes, running through Aug. 29 at the Cultural Center. Arts & Music: Iraqi superstar Kadim Al Sahir released his new album “Bila Inwan” on YouTube and major streaming platforms, featuring 18 tracks blending Iraqi dialect poetry and traditional musical elements. Media & Regulation: Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission (CMC) faces criticism over how its independence clashes with political power-sharing, with concerns about declining media discourse quality. Tech & Industry: Iraq’s first tech pavilion at Saudi Arabia’s LEAP 2026 (Aug. 31–Sept. 3) will showcase Iraqi AI, fintech, digital transformation, logistics, media, and tech services to seek Gulf partnerships. Community & Faith: A Najaf cleric urged Iraqis to reject sectarian hate speech and promote unity across sects and ethnic groups.

Iraq’s Oil Exports: Iraq is offering buyers a new way to collect crude outside the Persian Gulf, with ship-to-ship loading near Oman via SOMO tenders—an effort to keep trade moving despite months of regional disruption. Baghdad Security: Iraq’s parliament has formed a high-level committee to investigate a deadly shooting in Al-Dora that killed interior ministry officers during an anti-encroachment housing operation, with related measures paused pending the probe. Regional Diplomacy: Saudi and Iraqi officials met in Baghdad to tighten border controls and expand intelligence sharing, aiming to boost security coordination. Syria & Kurdish Rights: Syria’s education ministry says Kurdish language classes will be delivered three times per week in Kurdish-majority areas under a new implementation plan. Arts & Film (Global): A Chinese anti-war film, Once Upon a Time in the Middle East, is drawing attention for telling conflict through a civilian cook’s everyday life rather than battlefield heroics.

Parliament Oversight: Iraq’s parliament voted to form a high-level committee to investigate the Al-Dora killings of Interior Ministry officers, and ordered all related measures suspended until the probe is done. Security & Housing Crackdown: The shooting happened during enforcement to remove unauthorized housing in Karara, killing a brigadier and another security member and wounding four others, as Baghdad sealed the area and arrested one suspect. Regional Diplomacy: Iraq and Saudi Arabia met in Baghdad to tighten border controls and expand intelligence sharing, building on earlier talks in Riyadh. Iran Pressure on Iraq: With U.S. sanctions widening under “Operation Economic Outcast,” Iraq faces pressure across energy, trade, and finance tied to Iran. Oil & Shipping Shift: For the first time since the Iran war began, Iraq is offering oil deliveries outside the Persian Gulf via ship-to-ship transfer near Oman. Arts & Culture: London-based artist Piers Secunda opened an exhibition using soot from bombed sites, including work tied to the destroyed Mosul Museum, spotlighting cultural loss.

Iraq–Coalition Withdrawal: Iraq says the international coalition’s pullout is on track to finish by September 30, with German forces already wrapping up in Erbil and facilities set to be handed back to Iraqi authorities. Korek Telecom Court Battle: Iraq’s courts have overturned a Korek Telecom injunction and upheld the regulator’s suspension, as the CMC continues shutting down Korek sites in Baghdad. Satellite Internet Competition: Iraq’s CMC says a second global satellite operator is in talks for an Iraq licence, aiming to bring competition to Starlink. Erbil Drone Attack: Two drones hit sites in Soran district, sparking a fire; authorities have yet to confirm targets or casualties. Regional Security Tensions: Iran warns it won’t tolerate hostile activity from Iraq’s Kurdistan and urges factions to avoid confrontation after Baghdad’s Sept. 30 weapons deadline. Arts & Culture: A “Pop Up in the Park” art show in Bicentennial Park drew 40 vendors and six food trucks, while a separate “Art pops up” event highlights Iraq’s growing local creative scene. Entertainment: Dolly Parton’s death at 80 triggers tributes and flag-lowering in the U.S., and Tim Curry’s passing revives talk of his Rocky Horror legacy.

Iraq Media & Tech: Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission (CMC) rolled out a new Speed Test app that lets users measure internet and mobile quality and feeds results into a national regulatory database, aiming to spot weak coverage, congestion, and service problems. Basra Press Freedom: Iraqi blogger Mustafa Abdul-Razzaq al-Mayahi has started an open-ended hunger strike after a Basra court extended his detention in a case tied to videos about fees at the Shalamcheh border crossing. Currency Watch: Iraq’s Central Bank denied reports of printing new dinar banknotes with zeros removed, saying any change would require legal and technical steps and be announced through official channels. Diplomacy & Regional Tensions: Iraq summoned Iran’s ambassador over social media map posts using contentious naming, as Iraq and Iran continue trading public disputes over geography and nomenclature. Sports & Culture: Iraq’s presence in regional sports chatter also surfaced via coverage of football coaching appointments and local sports investment themes.

Iraq-Iran Cultural Diplomacy: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met Iraq’s top judicial delegation in Tehran, urging Muslim unity and cooperation to boost regional security and pave the way for a US exit. Media & Tech in Iraq: Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission (CMC) and Zain Iraq launched a six-month AI training partnership to build staff skills in AI governance and practical media tools. Arts & Community: Bazaar47 rebrands a downtown Gainesville venue previously known as How Bazaar, keeping it focused on concerts, markets, and community gatherings. Film & Streaming: A new anti-war movie, “Once Upon a Time in the Middle East,” is highlighted alongside Prime Video’s August clearance picks, including “Scarface.” Music & Service: Dolly Parton’s military connection is revisited after her death, including her performances and patriotic work for troops and families. Travel & Culture Links: Baghdad-Vienna direct air route talks were proposed, with potential cooperation also discussed in water, renewable energy, and cultural twinning.

Syria & Iraq Diplomacy: The U.S. formally removed Syria from its state sponsor of terrorism list, a move framed as “isolation to partnership,” while Syrian Kurdish forces’ integration into Damascus continues as SDF commander Mazloum Abdi meets President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus. Regional Alliances Under Strain: Analysis warns the Mecca Agreement could be fragile, citing weak enforcement and mismatched national interests. Iran’s Crackdown at Home: Iran’s feared protest-crusher Hossein Taeb is set to return to top power, tasked with strengthening “popular information” networks to suppress unrest. Sanctions & Culture of Pressure: Washington’s “Operation Economic Outcast” targets Iran’s lifelines—shipping, gold, aviation, tech and more—while Iran vows it can weather the squeeze. Iraq in the Middle: Iraq’s top judge says Baghdad will never forget Iran’s support against terror as U.S. prepares to return diplomats to the region. Iraq Media & Online Space: An Iraqi social-media figure was arrested in Türkiye over alleged military defamation, and Iraq security forces bust fraud and illegal internet networks. Sports & Entertainment: Aramco Stadium in Al Khobar lines up early AFC Asian Cup matches including Iraq vs Singapore; Kurdish MMA fighter Namo Fazil addresses a Chechen controversy, insisting he has no issue with Chechens—just one individual.

Iraqi Football: Iraq national team coach Graham Arnold renewed his contract through the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, saying the Iraqi Football Association offered a longer deal but he chose the Asian Cup timeline to build for the future and push the team toward World Cup qualification. Media & Press Freedom: The U.S. military newspaper Stars and Stripes faces fresh controversy after Pentagon firings of its publisher, editor, and a reporter, raising alarms about editorial independence. Iraq Journalism: Iraqi reporters say access to official information is getting harder as ministries lack spokespersons and some officials refuse comment, while a draft Right of Access to Information Law still awaits parliamentary action. Basra & Borders: A Basra media figure was detained over social-media posts about procedures at the Shalamcheh crossing with Iran, including calls to allow private vehicles and cancel a 3,000-dinar entry fee. Sports Culture: A wave of debate follows “joyrider” content and dangerous driving glorification online after fatal incidents, with calls for stronger platform responsibility. Regional Arts/Film: A Chinese anti-war film set in a restaurant kitchen is drawing major attention, with strong box-office forecasts and high audience ratings.

Sanctions & finance: The U.S. is set to unveil “economic D-day” sanctions aimed at Iran’s financial network, warning countries and companies that keep ties with Tehran could face dollar-system penalties. Regional security: Iraq pushed back on a September 30 deadline for pro-Iran factions to disarm, while Baghdad floated a joint security council idea with Iran and Saudi Arabia amid a “crisis of trust.” Shipping & Hormuz: Iran says it may halt oil exports if pressure continues, as Iraqi tankers are reported to be allowed through the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq politics: State of Law named Lt. Gen. Mohammed al-Sultani as its interior minister candidate, keeping Iraq’s cabinet reshuffle and militia-control debate in focus. Arts & culture: Baghdad’s International Book Fair is set to kick off in September with Qatar among participants, and a Chinese anti-war film about a Middle East restaurant opened in cinemas. Kurdistan safety: Duhok mine clearance teams recovered 43 artillery shells from a village area.

Militia Disarmament Deadline: Iraq signals it may delay consolidating militia weapons until after the Sept. 30 U.S. troop withdrawal, a move analysts call “slow play” that could reshape Baghdad’s deal with Washington. Regional Security Talks: Iraq proposes a joint security council between Iran and Saudi Arabia, citing a “crisis of trust,” while also framing weapons control as a “purely Iraqi” decision. Telecom Court Battle: Baghdad’s Rusafa Court temporarily suspends punitive actions against Korek Telecom, after the CMC shut offices and centers in Baghdad; the dispute now hinges on legal filings and a final ruling. Hormuz Oil Transit: Iran allows some Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising U.S.-Iran sanctions threats, with Iraq also pursuing alternative export routes. Culture & Books: The 27th Baghdad International Book Fair is set for Sept. 2–12 with Qatar among participants and Oman as guest of honor. Sports: SC Delhi signs former Remo Stars captain Junior Nduka from Iraq’s Al-Najaf FC ahead of the 2026/27 Indian Super League season.