Still no resolution in sight as the KRG’s Minister of Peshmerga warned on Monday that Iraqi forces and Hashd al-Shaabi continue military buildup close to the Peshmerga frontlines. A delegation of Peshmerga commanders met with the US-led Coalition to discuss military cooperation and the ongoing situation between Peshmerga and the Iraqi forces. The KRG once again asked Baghdad to engage in dialogue, with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi calling for a clear commitment to the unity of Iraq.
Things are still heating up in Saudi Arabia where the arrest of dozens of Saudi royal figures, ministers and businessmen is apparently just the start of an anti-corruption drive. The major purge of Saudi Arabia’s business and political leadership is seen as bolstering the power of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. US President Donald Trump backed the move by the Saudi authorities.
Lastly, t he US and Turkey will resume limited visa services nearly a month after they stopped issuing visas to each other’s nationals after Turkey arrested a local employee of the US consulate in Istanbul. Under the resumption of services, the US mission is processing applications but only a limited number of appointments will be made available.
