Yahoo! News: Iraq

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• Obama offers Gulf nations "ironclad" security cooperation
• IS leader urges Muslims to move to 'caliphate': recording
• Obama offers Gulf allies 'ironclad' security pledge
• US man charged with lying to FBI about IS allegiance
• Obama vows to 'stand by' Gulf allies amid concern over Iran threat
• Jeb Bush reverses on Iraq war, highlighting difference with brother
• In hindsight, Jeb Bush says, he wouldn't have invaded Iraq
• Court overturns $85 million award for Oregon soldiers
• California Rep. Loretta Sanchez enters 2016 US Senate race
• Antiquities at risk: Islamic State surrounds ancient ruins of Palmyra
• Islamic State issues audio of Baghdadi calling supporters to join him
• FBI accuses North Texas man of lying about Islamic State
• The 2016 Presidential Race: A Cheat Sheet
• House passes bill for Congress to review Iran nuclear deal
• Japan cabinet agrees military expansion rules
• Jeb Bush Comes Full Circle On Iraq Question: 'I Would Not Have Gone Into Iraq'
• IS group releases audio message purportedly from leader
• Spike Lee defends 'Chiraq' title for movie about Chicago
• UN envoy criticizes international response to Iraq crisis
• Saudi Arabia, Yemen rebels trade charges of truce breaches
• Houellebecq play pulled in Croatia over 'security risk'
• Chafee not yet fundraising for 'very likely' White House bid
• Filmmaker Spike Lee defends his planned film on Chicago violence
• Syrian official: World must protect ancient city from IS
• Belmokhtar's jihadist group in N.Africa vows allegiance to IS
• What's behind Saudi Arabia's new muscularity
• IS at gates of Syria's Palmyra raising fears for ancient city
• US offers aid to probe attack on Karachi Shiites
• Islamic State battles Syrian army near world heritage site
• Syria says Islamic State will destroy ancient ruins if it takes Tadmur
• U.S.-led coalition launches 31 air strikes against Islamic State: task force
• Supporting the Whole Family After a Warrior's Injury
• Former U.N. ambassador Bolton says won't seek U.S. presidency in 2016
• 10 Things to See: A week of top AP photos
• APNewsBreak: Wisconsin's Feingold to run for US Senate
• Police say over 700 Britons have traveled to Syria, half now home
• Police say over 700 Britons have travelled to Syria, half now home
• Canine compassion: Should military dogs be reunited with their human handlers?
• Hamas says Islamic State has no foothold in Gaza Strip

Obama offers Gulf nations "ironclad" security cooperation Posted: 14 May 2015 04:45 PM PDT CAMP DAVID, Maryland (AP) — President Barack Obama pledged America's "ironclad commitment" to anxious Persian Gulf nations Thursday to help protect their security, pointedly mentioning the potential use of military force and offering assurances that a potential nuclear agreement with Iran would not leave them more vulnerable.

IS leader urges Muslims to move to 'caliphate': recording Posted: 14 May 2015 04:38 PM PDT The leader of the Islamic State group Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi on Thursday urged Muslims to emigrate to his self-proclaimed "caliphate", in the jihadist supremo's first audio recording in six months. "And we call upon every Muslim in every place to perform hijrah (emigration) to the Islamic State or fight in his land wherever that may be," he said. The voice reading the half-hour speech appeared to match previous audio recordings of Baghdadi, the latest of which was released in mid-November. As did his previous speech, the audio tape recording released on Thursday comes a few days after media reports that he might have been seriously wounded in a strike by the US-led coalition bombing IS in Iraq and Syria.

Obama offers Gulf allies 'ironclad' security pledge Posted: 14 May 2015 04:32 PM PDT US President Barack Obama sought to reassure Gulf allies that his strategy of engaging Iran will not come at their expense Thursday, at a Camp David summit long on warm rhetoric but short on concrete outcomes. Only two out of six Gulf heads of state accepted the invitation to visit the presidential mountain retreat, in what was widely seen as a snub to the US leader. Iran stands to regain in excess of $100 billion in blocked cash if sanctions are lifted -- cash the Gulf states believe could help fund the Islamic republic's "destabilizing" activities in the region.

US man charged with lying to FBI about IS allegiance Posted: 14 May 2015 04:18 PM PDT A US man born in Iraq was arrested Thursday for allegedly lying to the FBI about supporting the Islamic State jihadists after a pledge of allegiance to the group's leader was found on his computer, the Justice Department said. Bilal Abood, 37, of Mesquite, Texas, is believed to have traveled from the United States to Syria through Mexico and Turkey in 2013, the Justice Department said.

Obama vows to 'stand by' Gulf allies amid concern over Iran threat Posted: 14 May 2015 04:15 PM PDT By Jeff Mason and Roberta Rampton CAMP DAVID, Md. (Reuters) - President Barack Obama vowed on Thursday to back Gulf allies against any "external attack," seeking to reassure them of Washington's iron-clad commitment to their security amid Arab anxiety over U.S.-led efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran. Hosting the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council for a rare summit at Camp David, Obama pledged that the United States would consider using military force to defend them and would also help address Iran's "destabilizing activities in the region." "I am reaffirming our iron-clad commitment to the security of our Gulf partners," Obama told a closing news conference at the presidential retreat in the Maryland mountains outside Washington.

Jeb Bush reverses on Iraq war, highlighting difference with brother Posted: 14 May 2015 04:10 PM PDT By Steve Holland SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Reuters) - Republican Jeb Bush reversed position Thursday on whether the U.S. should have invaded Iraq, reflecting a struggle between being his own man in his expected run for the White House and remaining loyal to his brother who started the war, former President George W. Bush. Jeb Bush's days-long search for the right formulation to describe his position on Iraq appeared to expose some rustiness on the campaign trail eight years after serving as governor of Florida. George W. Bush has privately made clear to his brother that it is okay to put some distance between the two of them, a source close to the Bush family said. He finally straightened it out on Thursday at a town hall event in Tempe, Arizona, ahead of an evening appearance before members of the Republican National Committee (RNC) in Scottsdale.

In hindsight, Jeb Bush says, he wouldn't have invaded Iraq Posted: 14 May 2015 03:59 PM PDT TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — After days of refusing to say whether, with the benefit of hindsight, he would have ordered the invasion of Iraq in 2003, Jeb Bush relented Thursday and said he would not have invaded.

Court overturns $85 million award for Oregon soldiers Posted: 14 May 2015 03:58 PM PDT PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned an $85 million jury award to a dozen Oregon National Guard soldiers who said they were sickened from guarding a water treatment plant during the Iraq War.

California Rep. Loretta Sanchez enters 2016 US Senate race Posted: 14 May 2015 03:28 PM PDT SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — California Rep. Loretta Sanchez announced Thursday she is running for U.S. Senate, setting up a multimillion-dollar clash of two prominent Democrats that will highlight the state's diversity and divisions.

Antiquities at risk: Islamic State surrounds ancient ruins of Palmyra Posted: 14 May 2015 03:19 PM PDT A lightning Islamic State offensive in the central Syrian Desert has put the jihadist group at the gates of the ancient city of Palmyra, a UNESCO world heritage site, fanning fears for the fate of its ruins. It is also raising the prospect of a drawn-out battle in this strategic region, home to one of Syria's largest weapons depots, a military airbase, and valuable gas fields that have changed hands more than once during the war. Palmyra, also known as Tadmor, is one of the most impressive relics of the ancient world, settled as early as the third millennium BC. Marc Antony and the early Romans found it to be an elusive prize, but historians believe it was integrated into the Syrian Province by the reign of Nero in the first century AD. The Syrian conflict has already taken a toll on the ruins of Palmyra: The regime has dug defensive trenches and dirt mounts, while rebels have raided ancient tombs to sell on the illicit antiquities market.

Islamic State issues audio of Baghdadi calling supporters to join him Posted: 14 May 2015 02:59 PM PDT By Mariam Karouny BEIRUT (Reuters) - Islamic State issued an audio recording on Thursday that it said was by its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, calling on supporters around the world to join the fight in Syria and Iraq or to take up arms wherever they live. It was Baghdadi's first message since a number of media reports said he was wounded this year in Iraq. In the recording, issued by the group's al-Furqan media outlet and posted on several websites, a voice sounding like Baghdadi's says: "There is no excuse for any Muslim not to migrate to the Islamic State ... Joining (its fight) is a duty on every Muslim. In the message, Baghdadi tells the rulers of Saudi Arabia, who he considers his enemies, that "their end is near", adding that Gulf rulers felt threatened by the growing popularity of his group among Sunni Muslims.

FBI accuses North Texas man of lying about Islamic State Posted: 14 May 2015 02:49 PM PDT DALLAS (AP) — A suburban Dallas man was arrested Thursday after FBI agents accused him of lying to them about whether he supported the leader of the Islamic State group.

The 2016 Presidential Race: A Cheat Sheet Posted: 14 May 2015 02:45 PM PDT Former New York Governor George Pataki will announce his decision on May 28, while former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley will make an announcement two days later. On Thursday, former U.S. ambassador John Bolton told supporters he wouldn't seek the GOP nomination. Neurosurgeon Ben Carson and tech executive Carly Fiorina both announced campaigns on May 4, followed shortly thereafter by former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. O'Malley would be the second Democratic candidate to enter the race this month after Senator Bernie Sanders.

House passes bill for Congress to review Iran nuclear deal Posted: 14 May 2015 02:20 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Congress on Thursday sent President Barack Obama a bill to give lawmakers the power to review and potentially reject a nuclear deal with Iran.

Japan cabinet agrees military expansion rules Posted: 14 May 2015 02:02 PM PDT Japan's cabinet on Thursday approved a set of bills bolstering the role and scope of the military, as the pacifist country redefines its position in the increasingly roiled Asia-Pacific region. The bills are a pet project of nationalist Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who says Japan can no longer shy away from its responsibility to help safeguard regional stability, and must step out from under the shade of the security umbrella provided by the United States. The draft legislation, which will go before lawmakers in the coming months, formalises a decision made by the cabinet last year to broaden the remit of Japan's well-equipped and well-trained armed forces. It would allow them to go into battle to protect allies -- so-called "collective defence" -- something currently banned by a strict reading of Japan's pacifist constitution.

Jeb Bush Comes Full Circle On Iraq Question: 'I Would Not Have Gone Into Iraq' Posted: 14 May 2015 01:45 PM PDT In the space of just four days, likely Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush has come full circle on whether he would have made the decision invade Iraq in 2003 as his brother, then President George W. Bush, did. "If we're all supposed to answer hypotheticals," Bush said at a town hall meeting in Tempe, Arizona, today. Bush said he was "reluctant to say what I'm about to say now" because as governor of Florida he contacted families to offer condolences when their children died in Iraq. It all started with a question posed by Fox News' Megyn Kelly in an interview that aired on Monday: "Knowing what we know now, would you have authorized the invasion" of Iraq in 2003?

IS group releases audio message purportedly from leader Posted: 14 May 2015 01:43 PM PDT BEIRUT (AP) — The Islamic State group on Thursday released an audio message purportedly from its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who has not been seen or heard from in months.

Spike Lee defends 'Chiraq' title for movie about Chicago Posted: 14 May 2015 12:55 PM PDT CHICAGO (AP) — Flanked by parents holding photographs of the children they've lost to gun violence in Chicago, filmmaker Spike Lee on Thursday defended his choice to make a movie about the city with the Iraq-inspired title "Chiraq."

UN envoy criticizes international response to Iraq crisis Posted: 14 May 2015 12:41 PM PDT UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. envoy to Iraq called the international response to Iraq's security and humanitarian crisis "grossly insufficient" and warned Thursday that the lack of support could hinder the fight against the Islamic State group.

Saudi Arabia, Yemen rebels trade charges of truce breaches Posted: 14 May 2015 12:00 PM PDT SANAA, Yemen (AP) — Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iranian-backed Shiite rebels on Thursday traded charges of violating a humanitarian cease-fire, as a helicopter gunship belonging to the Saudi-led coalition struck a truck in northern Yemen, killing nine people.

Houellebecq play pulled in Croatia over 'security risk' Posted: 14 May 2015 11:58 AM PDT A play by best-selling French author Michel Houellebecq -- whose book imagining France under Islamic rule stirred controversy -- has been pulled from a Croatian arts festival due to security fears, organisers said Thursday. Houellebecq's drama "The Elementary Particles" ("Les Particules elementaires") had been due to be staged at this year's Dubrovnik Summer Festival. The assessment was made following a request by Dubrovnik authorities, who had concerns because Houellebecq "allegedly has a negative view towards Islam and makes negative statements towards Islamic believers," festival chief Ivana Medo Bogdanovic said. Houellebecq's latest book "Submission", which imagines a Muslim-governed France in 2022, was released in France in January.

Chafee not yet fundraising for 'very likely' White House bid Posted: 14 May 2015 11:42 AM PDT PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee plans to announce his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination in a few weeks, but he's not actively raising money or putting together the infrastructure required to pay for a credible White House bid.

Filmmaker Spike Lee defends his planned film on Chicago violence Posted: 14 May 2015 11:17 AM PDT By Mary Wisniewski CHICAGO (Reuters) - Movie director Spike Lee, known for films that deal frankly with racial issues, appeared in Chicago on Thursday to defend his planned movie about the city, after its reported title, "Chiraq," was criticized by local politicians. Speaking at a South Side church and surrounded by African-American mothers carrying pictures of children killed in street violence, Lee said artists hold up a mirror to society and are not afraid to tell the truth. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, and local alderman Anthony Beale have expressed concern over the title, with Beale calling it "insulting." Chicago recorded 407 murders in 2014, far ahead of the 328 recorded in the larger city of New York.

Syrian official: World must protect ancient city from IS Posted: 14 May 2015 11:03 AM PDT DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — A Syrian official on Thursday called on the international community to protect the 2,000-year-old ruins of the ancient city of Palmyra, now threatened by advancing Islamic State militants.

Belmokhtar's jihadist group in N.Africa vows allegiance to IS Posted: 14 May 2015 10:53 AM PDT The jihadist group of notorious one-eyed Algerian militant Mokhtar Belmokhtar has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State organisation, according to an audio recording broadcast by private Mauritanian agency Al-Akhbar. Belmokhtar's Al-Murabitoun group, which is active in north Africa, was linked to Al-Qaeda, but the recording attributed to one of its leading members said it was now aligning itself with the IS organisation. "The Al-Murabitoun movement pledges its allegiance to the caliph of Muslims Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (IS leader), thereby banishing divisions and dissent within the (Muslim community)," according to the recording. The Mauritanian news agency, which regularly publishes statements by jihadists, had earlier identified the voice in the recording as that of Adnan Abu Walid Sahraoui.

What's behind Saudi Arabia's new muscularity Posted: 14 May 2015 10:52 AM PDT Life came to a sudden halt in the bustling Saudi capital of Riyadh, and a silence fell across the country. Decked out in military fatigues, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Asiri calmly detailed the airstrikes delivered by the Saudis' American-sold warplanes, while a fascinated public peered at high-definition maps of Yemen, carefully tracing every hit against the Houthis – the latest perceived proxy of Iran to have come into Saudi Arabia's cross hairs. Elsewhere around the country, billboards and banners offered "blessings" for the airstrikes, which marked Saudi Arabia's first foray into war in nearly a quarter century. Media outlets likened the bombing campaign to the battle of Khozaz – an uprising by Arab tribes against Persian invaders of Yemen more than 1,500 years ago.

IS at gates of Syria's Palmyra raising fears for ancient city Posted: 14 May 2015 10:49 AM PDT Islamic State group fighters advanced to the gates of ancient Palmyra Thursday, raising fears the Syrian world heritage site could face destruction of the kind the jihadists have already wreaked in Iraq. As it overran nearby villages, IS executed 26 civilians -- 10 of whom were beheaded -- for "collaborating with the regime," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. "Palmyra must be saved," Bokova said at a two-day conference in Cairo on protecting the region's archeological sites. Syria's head of antiquities made an appeal for international action earlier Thursday, saying IS was less than two kilometres (barely a mile) from the remains of one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world.

US offers aid to probe attack on Karachi Shiites Posted: 14 May 2015 10:47 AM PDT The United States Thursday offered to help Pakistan investigate a deadly Karachi bus attack which left 44 Shiite Ismailis dead, in the first assault in the country claimed by the Islamic State group. "We will support efforts to bring all those responsible to justice and stand ready to provide assistance to the investigation of this tragic attack," US Secretary of State John Kerry said. Pistol-wielding gunmen in Pakistan's biggest city stormed the bus carrying members of the Shiite Ismaili minority on Wednesday. The claims by the Sunni Islamic State (IS) militants, posted on Twitter, are likely to raise fears over the Middle East-based jihadists' growing influence after they announced in January the creation of a branch in what they called "Khorasan province", encompassing Afghanistan, Pakistan and parts of surrounding countries.

Islamic State battles Syrian army near world heritage site Posted: 14 May 2015 10:38 AM PDT By Laila Bassam and Suleiman Al-Khalidi BEIRUT/AMMAN (Reuters) - Islamic State militants were fighting government forces near an ancient city which is home to one of Syria's world heritage sites on Thursday, part of a major offensive in central regions by the jihadist group that has destroyed antiquities in Iraq. Islamic State fighters reached online said the group was shelling an air base near Tadmur, an oasis in the desert north-east of Damascus also known as Palmyra. Syria's antiquities chief Maamoun Abdulkarim said the fighting was just one or two km (1 mile) from Tadmur, warning that if the militant group seizes the city, "they will destroy everything that exists there". The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said the militants had taken up positions outside Tadmur, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, after capturing al-Sukhna, 75 km (46 miles) to the northeast, on Wednesday.

Syria says Islamic State will destroy ancient ruins if it takes Tadmur Posted: 14 May 2015 10:38 AM PDT By Kinda Makieh DAMASCUS (Reuters) - The Syrian army is battling Islamic State militants just one or two kilometers (1 mile) from the ancient city of Tadmur, home to a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Syrian antiquities chief told Reuters on Thursday. Maamoun Abdulkarim said that if the militant group seizes the city, which is also known as Palmyra: "They will destroy everything that exists there." Tadmur, which has previously been a frontline in the four-year-long Syrian conflict, is home to extensive ruins of one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world and was put on UNESCO's list of World Heritage in danger in 2013. Islamic State was reported to be advancing toward the city as part of a major offensive in central Syria by the jihadist group. The group, which controls parts of Iraq and Syria, has been filmed destroying ancient artefacts and monuments.

U.S.-led coalition launches 31 air strikes against Islamic State: task force Posted: 14 May 2015 09:49 AM PDT WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and its allies conducted 31 air strikes since early on Wednesday targeting Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq, the Combined Joint Task Force carrying out the operations said on Thursday. In Syria, nine air strikes hit near Al Hasakah and near the border town of Kobani, the task force said in a statement. In Iraq, 22 strikes destroyed vehicles, buildings and excavators near Mosul, Fallujah and other towns, it said. (Reporting by Washington Newsroom; Editing by Bill Trott)

Supporting the Whole Family After a Warrior's Injury Posted: 14 May 2015 09:32 AM PDT JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Lee Medina smiles when she describes meeting her husband, Army Corporal David Medina, nearly six years ago.

Former U.N. ambassador Bolton says won't seek U.S. presidency in 2016 Posted: 14 May 2015 09:28 AM PDT (Reuters) - Former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton, a tough-talking backer of the war in Iraq, said on Thursday he had decided not to run for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. "I believe I can make the strongest contribution to our future by continuing as a clear and consistent advocate for a strong Reaganite foreign policy that values peace through strength," Bolton said in a video posted to his Facebook page. Bolton, who served in the administrations of former U.S. presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush, was considered a long shot if he had entered the crowded Republican field seeking the nomination. He also said he would continue advocating for foreign policy as a focus of the 2016 race.

10 Things to See: A week of top AP photos Posted: 14 May 2015 09:02 AM PDT Here's your look at highlights from the weekly AP photo report, a gallery featuring a mix of front-page photography, the odd image you might have missed and lasting moments our editors think you should see.

APNewsBreak: Wisconsin's Feingold to run for US Senate Posted: 14 May 2015 08:01 AM PDT MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Russ Feingold announced Thursday he will run to reclaim the U.S. Senate seat he lost five years ago to Republican Ron Johnson, fulfilling the hopes of Democrats who have been pushing for the liberal to return to political office.

Police say over 700 Britons have traveled to Syria, half now home Posted: 14 May 2015 07:11 AM PDT By Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) - More than 700 Britons are thought to have traveled to Syria and over a half have since returned home where they now pose a significant terrorism threat, British police said on Thursday. Mark Rowley, the lead officer on counter-terrorism, also said there had been a record 338 arrests for terrorism-related offences last year, up by a third from 2013, with almost a half related to the conflict in Syria. Rowley said of the 700 Britons who were believed to have gone, "a significant proportion" were thought to have tried to join Islamic State (IS) militants who have taken over swathes of Syria and Iraq.

Police say over 700 Britons have travelled to Syria, half now home Posted: 14 May 2015 07:09 AM PDT By Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) - More than 700 Britons are thought to have travelled to Syria and over a half have since returned home where they now pose a significant terrorism threat, British police said on Thursday. Mark Rowley, the lead officer on counter-terrorism, also said there had been a record 338 arrests for terrorism-related offences last year, up by a third from 2013, with almost a half related to the conflict in Syria. Rowley said of the 700 Britons who were believed to have gone, "a significant proportion" were thought to have tried to join Islamic State (IS) militants who have taken over swathes of Syria and Iraq.

Canine compassion: Should military dogs be reunited with their human handlers? Posted: 14 May 2015 07:06 AM PDT "When [service dogs are] retired overseas, they're civilian status. "We're asking that that change so they shall be brought home to the US so that we can help reunite those dogs when they're already back on US soil," Ms. Ganzert told the Free Beacon, and added that reuniting handlers with dogs can help both transition to home life. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have left scores of stray dogs and cats in their wakes. One British soldier serving in Afghanistan began caring for some of the dogs.

Hamas says Islamic State has no foothold in Gaza Strip Posted: 14 May 2015 06:57 AM PDT By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) - Islamic State sympathizers in the Gaza Strip are making their presence felt on social media, but the enclave's Hamas rulers said on Thursday the group has no real foothold in the Palestinian territory. Statements signed "Supporters of the Islamic State" have appeared recently on Twitter and several websites, accusing the Islamist group Hamas of arresting dozens of jihadists and threatening attacks in Gaza unless they are released. Hamas said it had detained what it described as "lawbreakers" after an explosion earlier this month near a Hamas security headquarters and another blast outside the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. A senior security official loyal to Hamas described the explosions, for which no group has claimed responsibility, as no more than "noise bombs", saying Islamic State existed "only on the Internet" in Gaza.

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