The news on May 2 that the Iraqi cabinet will hold a session in Erbil opens the door to a number of possibilities, including the return of friendliness to the tense relationship between Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Massoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Such a meeting also indicates that Baghdad continues to probe the intentions of the Iraqi Kurds, especially given that its request that the cabinet meet in Erbil was vehemently opposed by some Kurdish members of the parliament in Baghdad.

Baghdad/Erbil (Reuters) - A lasting solution to Iraq's dispute with its Kurdish north is unlikely even if recent talks between the two sides lead to a resumption of oil exports from the autonomous region.

Hiru Ibrahim Ahmad, the wife of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, met on Tuesday the Iraninan President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
President.ir

Today, on the 10th anniversary of the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, the debate about whether it was worth it to topple the regime and the direction of the U.S.-Iraqi relationship is influenced by a pessimistic view that the United States has lost Iraq. Not true. Despite all the problems of the past decade, the overwhelming majority of Iraqis agree that we’re better off today than under Hussein’s brutal dictatorship.

The visit of a delegation from the National Iraqi Alliance, which represents prominent Shiite parties, to Erbil has restored hope in a Shiite-Kurdish alliance and placated the heightened tensions between both parties. Moreover, it opened the door for finding a solution to the current political deadlock.

NEW YORK, United States – This week the Government of Iraq’s (GOI) Mission to the United Nations organized its third annual memorial to the victims of the horrific 1988 Halabja massacre. And though the March 11-15 exhibit is located right next to the Delegates Entrance -- the exclusive access for diplomats and UN staffers -- it seems that the message was missed by many who saw it.

Baghdad- The chief of an Iraqi committee to provide the demands of protesters said 3000 prisoners have been released from prisons.

The Culture Ministry announced on Tuesday, preparing for the Kurdish cultural and artistic festival that will be held next month to celebrate Baghdad, the capital of Arab culture project.

Baghdad- An Iraqi protester set himself on fire amid a Sunday demonstration in Mosul’s Ahrar Square.

Baghdad- Dozens of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki supporters held protests this morning in Tahrir Square in central Baghdad, NINA said.