Iraq

Followers of an influential cleric have pledged to continue the sit-in to derail efforts from Iran-backed groups to form the country's next government.

In a speech, Bush criticized "the decision of one man to launch a wholly unjustified and brutal invasion of Iraq — I mean of Ukraine."

This vibrant street art is a sign of the spirited rebuilding going on in the northern Iraqi city, after ISIS was defeated in 2017.

No injuries were reported in Sunday's attack on the city of Irbil, which marked a significant escalation between the U.S. and Iran. Iran said it was retaliation for an Israeli strike in Syria.

Last year, the region imported more than 36 million metric tons of wheat, mostly from Russia and Ukraine. The concern is that Russia's war in Ukraine could disrupt supplies and drive up prices.

Dozens of contracts signed in recent years ensure China's growing footprint, even as major Western companies, including the U.S., plot their exit.

Drought and extreme heat that scientists link to climate change are altering the UNESCO-protected marshlands. Iraq's average annual temperatures are increasing at nearly double the rate of Earth's.

Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi is unharmed after an armed drone targeted his residence early Sunday, according to government officials.

Colin Powell was hailed as a hero for a swift and speedy U.S. victory in the Gulf in 1991. But his reputation suffered from his flawed presentation in advance of the second Iraq war 12 years later.

Security to protect the vote remained tight on Sunday as voters headed to the polls to elect a parliament that many hope will deliver much-needed reforms after decades of conflict and mismanagement.