Iraq

US plays down cuts to diplomatic mission in Iraq

8 Feb 2012

The United States played down Wednesday plans to reduce its diplomatic footprint in Iraq, saying it would keep most programs open and denying a report that it would cut staff by 50 percent.

Iraq executes 14 despite U.N. rights chief protest

8 Feb 2012

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq executed 14 convicted criminals Tuesday, a Justice Ministry official said, bringing the number of executions this year to at least 65 despite objections from the United Nations' human rights chief. Those executed included an al Qaeda commander, the senior official said. They had been found guilty of crimes ranging from armed robbery and murder to terrorist offences. ...

Human Rights Watch Calls on Iraq to Abolish Death Penalty

8 Feb 2012

With 65 prisoners executed in Iraq since the beginning of this year, a prominent human-rights organization is calling on the government to abolish the death penalty.