Iraq

Martin Jäger, the German ambassador to Ukraine, will become the new head of the BND. A reorganization of the service and an increase in funding are expected, which should speed up the collection of intelligence.

OPEC+ decided to increase oil production in July by 411,000 barrels per day. Brent and WTI oil prices rose after falling last week.

In 17 countries across the Middle East and North Africa, there is a recorded increase in cancer incidence among women. This is linked to rising average temperatures, air pollution, and other factors.

The number of traffic violations by drivers with diplomatic license plates has increased in Berlin. Most violations are by drivers of the embassies of Saudi Arabia, the United States and Iraq, and Ukrainian diplomats are in seventh place.

Oil prices fell after the US government released data on increased inventories of crude oil, gasoline and distillates. At the same time, concerns remain about a possible Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.

May 16 is Biographer's Day, Love a Tree Day, honoring the memory of victims of mass graves in Iraq and International Celiac Disease Awareness Day. An important date for everyone.

In Iraq, a lion, which a man kept in his own garden, attacked him and ate a significant part of his body. The animal had to be shot dead, and the police have launched an investigation into the incident.

Oil prices fell by more than $2 a barrel on OPEC+ plans to accelerate production. This raised concerns about increased supply in the market.

OPEC+ decided to increase oil production in June by 411,000 barrels per day. This is happening against the backdrop of falling prices due to fears of surplus and a weak economy.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hagset shared details of the March attack on Houthis in a Signal chat that included his wife, brother, and lawyer. This raises questions about his use of unclassified systems for sensitive information.

Dan Caldwell was sent on leave for disclosure. An investigation is underway, but details are not disclosed. He is known for isolationist views and criticism of aid to Ukraine.

A sandstorm swept through the central and southern regions of Iraq, causing more than a thousand people to seek medical help with breathing problems. The authorities closed the airports.

The UN reports increased Taliban control over civilian life in Afghanistan. The law on Islamic morality restricts freedoms, especially for women, and affects the economy.

In 2024, 1,518 executions were recorded worldwide, which is the highest since 2015, with most of them occurring in the Middle East. The leaders in the number of executions are Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

Several Iranian-backed militias in Iraq are for the first time ready to disarm to avoid escalating conflict with the Trump administration. The US has threatened airstrikes if Iraq does not disband these groups.

The Prime Minister of Denmark responded to the US Vice President's accusations of insufficient protection of Greenland. The Danish Foreign Minister criticized the US for its tone.

Abdullah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, known as "Abu Khadija", was eliminated in Iraq during a special operation. He was one of the most dangerous terrorists and the "deputy caliph" of ISIS.

Erdogan seeks closer cooperation with the EU in defense and economics in exchange for security, which may include the participation of Turkish troops in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. Ankara is assessing a non-combat mission.

Kuwait released a group of American prisoners, including military contractors, who had been detained on drug-related charges. The release took place after a visit by a US special envoy.

The USA announced the cessation of funding for five projects of the UN Human Rights Office, including in Ukraine. Programs will be reduced or closed as part of a comprehensive review of foreign aid spending.

India's imports of Russian oil have fallen to their lowest level since January 2023 due to US sanctions. The country is compensating for the losses by purchasing from Iraq, Saudi Arabia and other suppliers.

Brent crude oil is trading at around $76. 31 per barrel amid a 3.34 million barrel increase in US stockpiles. The situation is complicated by the reduction in supplies from Kazakhstan due to an attack on the pipeline.

The Cabinet of Ministers has appointed Yevhen Moysiuk and Valeriy Churkin as deputy ministers of defense. Moisyuk will be responsible for the development of the Defense Forces, while Churkin will be in charge of military technology and innovation.

38-year-old Salvan Momika, known for burning Korans in Sweden, was shot dead in his apartment in Södertälje. The incident occurred during a live broadcast on TikTok, and police confirmed his death from a gunshot wound.

The Iraqi parliament has passed amendments to the Personal Status Law that expand the powers of Islamic courts in family matters. Human rights activists warn that this could legalize child marriage and violate women's rights.

Bharat Petroleum Corp is looking for alternative oil supplies from the Middle East due to the reduction in Russian imports. India's purchases of Russian oil have fallen to their lowest level since December last year due to tighter sanctions.

In 2024, the number of displaced people in the world increased by 5 million compared to last year. The biggest crisis is in Syria, where 13.8 million people have become refugees inside and outside the country.

In southern Iraq, the remains of hundreds of Kurdish women and children were exhumed from a mass grave. The victims were probably executed by Saddam Hussein's regime in the 1980s.

The US National Security Advisor warns of a possible revival of ISIS due to the power vacuum in Syria after Assad's flight. Terrorists have become more active and may take advantage of instability in the region.

During Pope Francis' visit to Iraq in 2021, British intelligence prevented a terrorist attack. Suicide bombers, including a woman with explosives, were planning an attack in Mosul.