In Iraq, Pope Demands End to Spread of Weapons as Iran Tensions Build
The pontiff said it was his "duty" to travel to the country despite concerns about the pandemic and the military situation.
Antony Blinken Vows to do Things Differently. Will He?
Secretary Antony Blinken appears to recognize that Washington can frequently be its own worst enemy.
Pentagon Accused of Giving Iran Cover after Attack as Biden Mulls Response
Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby has come under fire for referring to Iran-aligned fighters as "Shia-backed militias."
Iraq Militias at the Center of U.S.-Iran Tensions to Protect Pope Francis
A spokesperson for the Popular Mobilization Forces told Newsweek that the militia collective "is participating in the process of securing the visit of Pope Francis," and, "specifically in Mosul, securing the churches there."
Iran Allies Escalate Attacks Despite Joe Biden Diplomacy, Sanctions
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have stepped up attacks on Saudi Arabia as the White House pushes for a diplomatic solution.
U.S. 'Will Take Action' if Needed Against Iraq Attack, But Awaiting Details
"If we assess a further response is warranted, we will take action, again, in a manner and time of our choosing," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "and we reserve that option."
As Biden Faces New Iran Crisis, Syria Warns of Consequences to U.S. Attacks
A U.S. strike on Syria "sends a negative signal of the new administration's policies and its persistent endeavor to implement the law of force instead of the force of law," Damascus' mission to the United Nations told Newsweek.
Marco Rubio Blames Iran for New Attack on Iraqi Base Hosting U.S. Troops
At least 10 rockets were fired at the Ain Al Asad base in the western Anbar province on Wednesday morning.
Biden's Iran Strategy Is 'Dangerous,' Republicans Say Before Fresh Attack
Ten rockets hit an Iraqi airbase hosting U.S. troops in the west of the country early on Wednesday, in the latest attack on allied forces in the country.
The Republican Party of Misinformation
The Republican Party built its foundation on a string of falsehoods. To protect itself, Republicans acquitted Trump of high crimes and misdemeanors.
In Iraq, Joe Biden Haunted by Obama's Foreign Policy Missteps
"The world has moved on beyond Biden's core views, the U.S. is no longer the 'indispensable nation,'" former U.S. ambassador James Jeffrey told Newsweek, "intervention by the U.S. in countries' inner politics to promote American values is problematic and typically a failure."
Senator Tim Kaine Demands Answers From Biden Administration on Syria Strike
"Congress must be fully briefed on this matter expeditiously," Kaine said after the Biden administration's first military action since taking office.
The Other Khashoggis: Dissidents in Danger Across the Middle East
The U.S. can further honor the memories of Slim, al-Hashemi, Khashoggi and countless unknown activists by naming their murderers and holding them accountable.
Erbil Attacks Part of Iran's 'Opening Overture' To Biden
The escalation is background music intended to produce the right mood of American trepidation.
ISIS Responsible For Thursday Baghdad Suicide Bombings That Killed 32
The U.S. Embassy called the attack on a Baghdad market that killed more than 30 people "reprehensible."
I'm Tired of Hearing 'This is America, Not the Middle East'
The U.S. is no longer a beacon of peace and hope it perceives itself to be, especially with ongoing racial and income inequality, as well as rising white supremacy movements.
Iraq Militia Defends Official Who Fought ISIS, Mistaken for Supporter by US
"It arouses dissaproval to classify as terrorists those who faced terrorism and made tremendous sacrifices and fought the fiercest battles on behalf of the world in order to defeat the most powerful dark and extremist force," the head of Popular Mobilization Forces said in a statement to Newsweek.
Iraq Militias Celebrate US Sanctions: 'Our Leaders Are Terrifying America'
"We congratulate the friend of the martyrs, Popular Mobilization Committee Chairman Falih al-Fayyadh, on his inclusion with the honorable ones whom the U.S. administration considers enemies," Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces told Newsweek.
Iraq Judge Orders Trump's Arrest, Could Face 'Death' Over General's Killing
The Rusafa Investigation Court "decided to issue an arrest warrant against the outgoing President of the United States Donald Trump in accordance with the provisions of Article 406 of the Iraqi Penal Code," which carries the death penalty.
Middle East on Edge for Anniversary of US Killing of Soleimani
Iranian, Israeli and Iraqi officials offered Newsweek diverging opinions about Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani and his explosive killing, but all were prepared for the possibility of conflict as a result of soaring tensions one year later.
World a 'Safer Place' With Trump Out of Office, Iran Spokesperson Says
Tehran is looking ahead to possible sanctions relief and a revived nuclear deal with President-elect Joe Biden.
Iran Denies Role in US Embassy Iraq Attack, Says Trump Acting Out of 'Fear'
"Security in the region can only be achieved through the removal of foreign anti-instability forces," Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani said.
'Trump Has Pardoned a Child Murderer' Says Lawyer for Iraq Massacre Victims
Paul Dickinson, who represented the family of nine-year-old Ali Kinani killed in the 2007 massacre, is outraged at the president's pardons of the veterans involved.
Soleimani's Successor Visits Iraq As Trump Threatens Embassy Retaliation
Trump warned Wednesday he would hold Tehran responsible for any Americans killed in Iraq amid a spike in attacks.
Iran Presses U.S. to Exit Iraq and Afghanistan, Maneuvers to Influence Both
President-Elect Joe Biden will inherit a long-awaited drawdown in both countries, with American rivals waiting in the wings to fill the power vacuum.
Iran Suggests U.S. Conspiracy After Pompeo Blames Tehran for Embassy Attack
The U.S. embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, is regularly targeted by Iranian-backed militias but Tehran denied responsibility for Sunday's rocket barrage.
U.S., Awaiting Response to Scientist Killing, Withdraws Baghdad Staff
Iran has blamed Israel for last week's killing of its top nuclear scientist, and vowed revenge against those responsible.
Iran Seeks Air, Land, Sea Defense Work with Iraq as U.S. Troops to Leave
"The United States is always seeking Iraq's oil wells, as well as the disintegration of Iraq and the division of its nation and officials," Revolutionary Guard aerospace commander Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said.
Will Trump Tie Biden's Hands with Troop Withdrawals from Afghanistan, Iraq?
"It is absolutely the right thing to do and is grounded on clear fundamental military realities, and is going to help the country," Daniel L. Davis, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and military expert, told Newsweek
Acting Defense Secretary Furthers Trump's Plan to End All Wars
Newly appointed by President Trump, Christopher Miller wrote in a memo: "Now it's time to come home."