AGP Executive Report

Baghdad’s Culture Scene: The 27th Baghdad International Book Fair opened Wednesday, running Sept. 2–10, with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi inaugurating the event and the Ministry of Commerce calling it a major push for reading and knowledge. Media & Social Harmony: Iraq formed a specialized security committee to monitor hate speech and sectarian or ethnic content, with authority to act under existing laws as lawmakers warned of rising incitement. Iraq’s Security Front: In the Kurdistan Region, authorities said 10 bomb-laden drones were downed over Erbil amid renewed U.S.-Iran escalation, while Iran’s IRGC claimed strikes on U.S. facilities in Iraq. Regional Arts & Entertainment: Iraq’s spotlighted cultural moment comes as the wider region watches the fallout from a reported wedding strike in Iran—an event now dominating headlines and shaping public mood around celebrations. Sports: Iraq-related sports coverage includes Iraq’s broader regional athletic activity, while international events like the Hyundai World Archery Para Series (Ahmedabad, Sept. 5–9) underline the season’s global competition calendar.

Middle East Conflict: The US and Iran have traded their heaviest strikes in weeks, ending a month-long lull. Washington says it hit IRGC air defenses, radar, maritime assets, mine-laying and communications sites, while Tehran claims missile and drone attacks on US bases in Iraq’s Erbil and across the region, including Jordan and Bahrain. Civilian Impact: Iran alleges a US strike hit a wedding in Sirik, killing at least five (including a child) and wounding dozens; the casualty figures are disputed and not independently verified. Strait of Hormuz & Oil: Trump says the US has “near-total control” of the Strait of Hormuz as oil prices jump again, with fresh fears of supply disruption. Iraq & Security: Iran’s IRGC also claims attacks on US facilities in Erbil following US strikes. Sports & Culture: Iran’s women’s volleyball team reaches a historic fourth-place finish at the Asian Championship, with a breakthrough run that includes wins over Iraq and Indonesia.

Iraq’s ISIS trials move forward: Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council says interrogation is complete for 5,704 ISIS suspects transferred from northeastern Syria, with cases now headed to trial courts in batches. The review found detainees from 67 nationalities, including thousands of Syrians and hundreds of Iraqis, plus allegations spanning leadership, security, religious, media, financial and logistical roles. Iraq-US tensions on the ground: Iraq rejected a US request to extend coalition troop presence past Sept. 30, with the government saying negotiations on militia disarmament are proceeding “orderly.” Regional pressure on culture and daily life: US Treasury chief Scott Bessent warned the Strait of Hormuz could become “worthless” within two years as Gulf states push pipeline alternatives, while Iran says it’s ready to return to a ceasefire if Washington honors prior commitments. Arts & entertainment watch: Fall TV and cinema guides highlight a busy season of new streaming titles and major releases, including Netflix’s “East of Eden” and Prime Video’s “Blade Runner 2099,” plus a broad autumn movie slate.

Iraq’s Demography Agenda: Iraq’s Supreme Population Council held its first session in Baghdad under PM Ali al-Zaidi, reviewing progress on national population policies and family planning, with recommendations to expand rural health centers, strengthen neonatal care, and boost women’s loan support. Iraq Court & Media: Iraq sentenced Amir Rahim Jabbar Lazim to 15 years for kidnapping U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson in Baghdad, a rare prosecution tied to Iran-backed militia involvement. Oil & Compliance: Iraq’s SOMO denied links to the sanctioned tanker BINARY STAR, saying it only deals with vessels meeting compliance checks and uses monitoring when AIS data is hidden. Sports Spotlight: Bahrain swept its FIBA Asia Cup 2029 Group A pre-qualifiers, while Mongolian volleyball keeps expanding via new contracts in South Asia. Arts & Screen: Streaming picks include Ivo van Hove’s West End revival “All My Sons,” plus new movie arrivals across major platforms. Global Context: US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned amid clashes with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, as US-Iran tensions again rattled Hormuz-linked energy markets.

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.