RELIGION - Iran Rising in Iraq (3 parts)

"Does Iran’s deep religious influence in Iraq translate to politics?" PBS NewsHour 12/6/2017

Excerpt

SUMMARY:  During the rule of Saddam Hussein, few Iranians dared to make the religious pilgrimage to the holy city of Karbala in Iraq.  But the toppling of Saddam has drawn millions of worshippers back, revealing Iran's powerful influence there.  In the first of three reports, special correspondent Reza Sayah explores the scope of and limits on that influence, in collaboration with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

"This Iran-backed militia helped save Iraq from ISIS.  Now Washington wants them to disband" PBS NewsHour 12/7/2017

Excerpt

SUMMARY:  In 2014, when most U.S.  ground forces were gone and Iraqi forces were too weak, the threat of ISIS in Iraq spawned the PMF, a government-sanctioned militia that was armed, funded and trained by Iran, America's long-time foe.  In the second installment of our series “Iran Rising in Iraq,” special correspondent Reza Sayah reports in partnership with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

"After fighting common enemy ISIS, how will rising tensions between U.S. and Iran affect Iraq?" PBS NewsHour 12/8/2017

Excerpt

SUMMARY:  In a 2016 offensive to take Mosul back from ISIS, the U.S. and Iran fought on the same side without ever publicly acknowledging it.  The militant group defeated, both countries still have a stake in Iraq and tensions have been rising.  Special correspondent Reza Sayah has the final installment of our series Iran Rising in Iraq, in partnership with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.