Since the escalation of armed conflict in Iraq that began with ISIS seizing territory in Anbar in January 2014, 3.2 million people have fled their homes. As Refugees International reports: "They are living in rented accommodations, unfinished buildings, and makeshift camps, often without adequate food, water, or medical care." We talk with Refugees International's Senior Advocate Daryl Grisgraber about her recent mission to Baghdad and her visits to the southern city of Hilla and a hard-to-reach area in Anbar. Get a firsthand account of the crisis, including untold stories of some of the families most affected and of youth volunteers who are responding to their needs. We then share highlights of our recent briefing with Ahmed Ali, including his views on the fight against ISIS, the challenges facing Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, and the recent unrest in Iraqi Kurdistan.
Key Takeaways:
In Iraq’s northern province of Salah ad-Din, deadly clashes broke out between a Shia Turkmen Popular Mobilization Unit (PMU) and Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). The incident occurred in the town of Tuz Khurmatu on the main road between Kirkuk and Baghdad. Hundreds… Read more
Key Takeaways:
An Iraqi Kurdish-led offensive aimed at retaking the city of Sinjar has begun. The majority of the offensive is comprised of Peshmerga forces, with thousands of Yazidi fighters supported by International Coalition forces. In August 2014, Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) captured the city of Sinjar,… Read more
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In his annual Proclamation ahead of Veterans Day, President Barack Obama declared: “On Veterans Day, we reflect on the immeasurable burdens borne by so few in the name of so many, and we rededicate ourselves to supporting those who have worn America’s uniform and the families who… Read more
Key Takeaways:
As operations to liberate the city of Ramadi from the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) continue, Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) seized control of the “Seven Kilometer Area” in western Ramadi and the northern neighborhood of al-Jeraishi.
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) announced that… Read more
The EPIC team would like to cordially invite you to subscribe to our Iraq Security and Humanitarian Monitor (ISHM) today.
Led by EPIC’s lead analyst Ahmed Ali, ISHM monitors and reports on events often before there’s any mention in the Western media. In recent weeks, we’ve reported on the heavy… Read more
