Thousands of Kurdish Iraqis gathered in Khanaqin today to demand the right to fly the Kurdish flag in their city. Earlier this week, they learned of a central government order to remove the flags, which fly everywhere, even at local government buildings. As many as 20,000 protestors were reported at today’s gathering. At least one man was injured during the demonstrations after he set himself on fire.

The Pentagon denied reports Saturday that the US abandoned plans to keep several thousand troops in Iraq after a year-end deadline, saying talks with Baghdad were still underway. In a statement to reporters, Pentagon press secretary George Little denied the news...

Iraq’s Sadr Aims to Find Alternative to US Trainers | Key Iraqi cleric combing the world for potential trainers

Baghdad suffered a string of bomb and small arms attacks today, killing at least 30 people and wounding 88 others, not including the bombers. Many of the victims were police personnel, who were the targets of the two most significant attacks. The violence also appeared focused on Shi’ite neighborhoods. There were no immediate claims of responsibility, but two months ago al-Qaeda in Iraq, which is predominantly Sunni, vowed to carry out a spree that would total 100 attacks.

Iraq Requested 5,000 US Military Trainers After December | Talabani says deal for troops ‘without immunity’

Iraq May End US Military Ties in December, Hire Private Trainers | Spokesman suggests little support for immunity deal

2012 Iraq: US State Department’s Biggest Operation Since Marshall Plan