Latest Iraq News
Hegseth confirmed as Trump's defense secretary in tie-breaking vote despite turmoil over his conduct
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the nation's defense secretary late Friday in a dramatic tie-breaking vote, swatting back questions about his qualifications to lead the Pentagon amid allegations of heavy drinking and aggressive behavior toward women. Rarely...
Iraqi lawmakers pass a bill that critics say legalizes child marriage
BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq’s parliament passed three divisive laws Tuesday, including amendments to the country's personal status law that opponents say would in effect legalize child marriage. The amendments give Islamic courts increased authority over family matters, including...
Leaders from rival Kurdish groups look to mend ties during Syria upheaval
IRBIL, Iraq (AP) — The leaders of two previously rival Kurdish groups met in northern Iraq on Thursday in an apparent step toward reconciliation at a time when the political upheaval in Syria has left Kurds in the region facing an uncertain future. Hoshyar Zebari, a senior...
The pomp, pageantry and circumstance of presidential inaugurations in the words of AP reporters
WASHINGTON (AP) — Presidential inaugurations are deeply rooted in American history. The customs and festivities, like the parade and galas, bring spectacle to the nation’s capital. But the date and oath of office are prescribed in the Constitution. In this episode of “The Story...
Key takeaways from Pete Hegseth's fiery confirmation hearing
WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, publicly faced senators for the first time after weeks of questions from Democrats — and praise from Republicans — about his “unconventional” resume. Hegseth, a combat veteran and...
Hegseth confronts allegations of misconduct as senators grill Trump's choice for Pentagon chief
WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump's choice for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, vowed Tuesday to foster a “warrior culture” at the Pentagon and confronted allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking and questions about his derisive views of women in combat during a...
The Latest: Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing adjourns following Senate questioning
Confirmation hearings for Donald Trump’s cabinet picks begin this week, starting with Trump’s choice for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth. The hearing was held Tuesday with senators questioning whether the former combat veteran and TV news show host is fit to lead the U.S. military. ...
Hegseth's views on women in combat, infidelity and more — in his own words
WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth tried to convince members of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday that he should be the next secretary of defense, as lawmakers peppered him with questions about his character and views on a range of military issues. An author of several...
Hegseth could lead troops who'd face getting fired for actions he's done in the past
WASHINGTON (AP) — If Pete Hegseth were still in uniform, his extramarital affairs and a decision to flatly ignore a combat commander's directive would not just be drawing the attention of senators — they could have run afoul of military law. That is raising questions among...
What to know about the latest effort to bring an end to Turkey's 40-year Kurdish conflict
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Talks between politicians from Turkey’s pro-Kurdish party and jailed Kurdish leaders have been gathering steam as they try to end 40 years of fighting between the state and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK. The latest peace effort comes at a time of...