MECRA
A defector from the Badr Organization in Iraq details its operations and his story
Through an interview we obtained exclusive information about the Badr Organization from an insider who played a role in one of its...
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MECRA RESEARCH BLOG
The MECRA research blog is composed of short articles and may include outside contributions. The views expressed in these blogs and articles are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the Middle East Center for Reporting and Analysis editorial stance.
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MECRA
- Dec 7, 2019
- 7 min
Who is Qais al-Khazali, the Iraqi militia leader sanctioned by the US on December 6?
By SETH J. FRANTZMAN Qais al-Khazali (قيس الخزعلي) was targeted by US sanctions on December 6, 2019. "The U.S. Department of the...
MECRA
- Dec 4, 2019
- 2 min
Badr Organization, its role in the PMU: Background and sources
In the interests of creating an easily accessible list of sources related to the Badr Organization and its role in the Popular...
MECRA
- Dec 4, 2019
- 8 min
Keeping ISIS defeated in Syria and Iraq, an interview with Coalition spokesman Caggins
By SETH J. FRANTZMAN On November 17 I spoke to Col. Myles B. Caggins III, spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve, the 81-member...
MECRA
- Nov 29, 2019
- 11 min
A "massacre" in Nasiriyah in Iraq as Iraqi protests reach two month turning point
By SETH J. FRANTZMAN Two months of protest have reached what could be a turning point or crescendo as large movements of Iraqi forces...
MECRA
- Nov 26, 2019
- 3 min
Photo essay: Iraq's two months of protests: Inside the everyday life of the protesters' camp
Photos and text by ADAM LUCENTE Youth, gaming culture and humor flourish in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square protests BAGHDAD, Iraq – The posters...
MECRA
- Nov 24, 2019
- 3 min
Inside Iran's crackdown on a week of protests
With the disruption of internet, it has become very difficult to get information about what is going on in Iran at the present time....
MECRA
- Nov 19, 2019
- 16 min
Timeline of Israel-Iran tensions in Syria and the region
Growing tensions between Israel and Iran, particularly in Syria, have led to rocket fire from Syria directed at Israel and numerous...
MECRA
- Nov 7, 2019
- 4 min
Iraq: A doctor describes the recent protests and battle for Sinak bridge in Baghdad
By KB Interview with Doctor Mustafa, chief of staff of the mobile clinics at the Republic brigade and Sinak bridges in Baghdad. I am a...
MECRA
- Oct 30, 2019
- 6 min
Increasing evidence of Iran's role in crackdown on protests in Iraq
By SETH J. FRANTZMAN Iraq's month-long protests have led to more than 200 deaths, mostly of protesters killed by Iraqi Security Forces...
MECRA
- Oct 29, 2019
- 4 min
Sources close to PMU reveal role of Badr, AAH and pro-Iranian groups in suppressing Iraqi protests
Excerpts from the testimony of ‘Mohammed,’ an individual close to the PMU Interviewed October 27, 2019 Can you describe what is happening...
MECRA
- Oct 24, 2019
- 8 min
The US Syria withdrawal Oct 6-23: Documents, maps and confusion
By SETH J. FRANTZMAN On October 6, 2019 US President Donald Trump announced the US would withdraw from part of Syria, paving the way for...
MECRA
- Oct 19, 2019
- 1 min
PHOTO ESSAY: The refugees fleeing Turkey's offensive in Syria
A photo essay shows refugees who arrived after fleeing fighting and the Turkish offensive in Syria. They arrived to refugee camps in...
MECRA
- Oct 19, 2019
- 3 min
Testimony of Kurdish Refugees from Sere Kaniye (Ras al-Ain) and Ger Balat
By KAREEM BOTANE The following are excerpts from interviews conducted by Kareem Botane with Syrian Kurdish refugees who succeeded in...
MECRA
- Oct 7, 2019
- 4 min
Protests in Iraq Testimony from the frontline, Iranian passports found
Testimony of Mousa Rahmatallah, 28, a participant in the demonstrations in Baghdad: KB conducted the interview, MECRA edited it for...
MECRA
- Oct 4, 2019
- 4 min
Reactions of Iraqi political leaders to protests
Four days of protests in Iraq, in which dozens had been killed by October 4 and thousands injured, have brought only limited reactions...
MECRA
- Oct 3, 2019
- 6 min
On the frontlines of the protests in Baghdad: "Friday we will see armed struggle"
Interviewed, translated and transcribed by KB What follows is an interview with a demonstrator who took part in the demonstrations in...
MECRA
- Oct 2, 2019
- 8 min
Egyptian Armed Forces Communications Agreement with the U.S. and Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge
Egypt and the US signed an important new encrypted communications agreement that has ramifications for defense policy and Egypt
MECRA
- Sep 28, 2019
- 4 min
"We are all al-Saadi": The controversy around Iraq's PM and the removal of CTS commander
A hashtag spreading on social media in support of CTS commander Lt. Gen. Abdul Wahab al-Saadi (عبد الوهاب الساعدي) is calling into...
MECRA
- Sep 10, 2019
- 4 min
Recent reports about the PMU's role in Iraq
Recent weeks have brought into the spotlight the role of the Hashd al-Sha'abi or Popular Mobilization Units in Iraq. This comes amid...
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