The crew of the fishing vessel Elite Navigator, which had been missing since last Wednesday off the northeast coast of Newfoundland, has been found safe. Premier Andrew Furey confirmed the successful search and rescue operation via social media early Saturday morning.

Iraq's Interior Ministry clarified that a woman detained by Lebanese authorities is not the wife of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi but the sister of a convicted bomber. Despite this, Lebanese security officials and a research analyst maintain she is Baghdadi's second wife. The woman, Saja Abdul Hamid al-Dulaimi, was detained with a fake passport and is believed to be a significant figure in negotiations for the release of Lebanese security forces captured by militants.

Iraqi security forces have entered the Baiji refinery for the first time in five months, marking a significant moment in the battle against Islamic State militants. The Mosul Battalion, part of the anti-terrorism force, led the operation. The recovery of Iraq's largest refinery could be pivotal for government forces in restoring stability. US-led air strikes have helped prevent further territorial gains by Islamic State, which had seized Baiji and surrounded the refinery in June.

Islamic State's massacre of the Albu Nimr tribe highlights Iraq's struggle to unite against the militant group. Despite the Baghdad government's claims of action, there is little evidence of effective measures to integrate Sunni tribesmen. Anbar's provincial council chief, Sabah Karhoot, calls for military support, warning of seeking international help if Baghdad fails. U.S. military involvement is increasing, but mistrust between Sunni tribes and Shi'ite militias complicates efforts. The Kurds also face challenges, seeking arms from Baghdad amid political tensions over oil exports.

Iraqi government forces advanced to within a kilometer of the Baiji refinery, the closest they have come to breaking the Islamic State's siege in months. Fighting continues in nearby villages, with security forces crossing a bridge close to the refinery. The Islamic State militants are retreating towards a river under airstrike attacks. The conflict has exacerbated sectarian tensions in Iraq, with recent bombings in Baghdad killing 23 people. The Iraqi army, initially ineffective against the Islamic State, has received support from U.S.-led airstrikes. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has recently dismissed several military commanders for corruption and incompetence, a move supported by top Shi'ite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali-al Sistani.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi dismissed 26 military commanders for corruption and incompetence to bolster the army's effectiveness against Islamic State militants. Abadi emphasized the need for competence, integrity, and courage in military leadership. The move follows criticism from Iraq's most influential Shi'ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who cited corruption as a factor in Islamic State's territorial gains. The Iraqi army, which has received $25 billion in U.S. training and funding, is seen as vital for the country's stability. U.S.-led air strikes have recently slowed Islamic State's progress.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi dismissed 26 military commanders for corruption and incompetence to enhance the army's effectiveness against Islamic State militants. Abadi emphasized the need for competence, integrity, and courage in military leadership. The move follows criticism from influential Shi'ite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who blamed corruption for the Islamic State's territorial gains. The U.S.-trained Iraqi army's performance is crucial for the country's stability, and recent U.S.-led airstrikes have slowed the militants' progress.

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraq's most influential Shi'ite cleric, criticized corruption in the armed forces, attributing it to the rise of Islamic State in northern Iraq. His comments, delivered through an aide, emphasized the need for professional and patriotic military leadership. The cleric's increasing criticism of Iraqi leaders highlights concerns over the country's stability. The U.S. has conducted air strikes to curb Islamic State advances, while Britain plans to send more army trainers. The Iraqi government relies on Shi'ite militias, whose alleged human rights violations exacerbate sectarian tensions.

A suicide bomber killed General Faisal Malik, a senior police commander, in an attack near Iraq's largest oil refinery in Baiji. The attack is a setback for Iraqi forces trying to break the Islamic State's siege. Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani criticized corruption in the Iraqi military, attributing it to the insurgents' advances. The U.S. plans to increase its military presence to support the Iraqi army. The article highlights the ongoing conflict, the role of Shi'ite militias, and the need for military reforms.

Iraq's mobile phone operators, including Zain Iraq, Asiacell, and Korek, have agreed to pay $307 million each for 3G spectrum, enabling them to launch higher-speed mobile internet services. The companies, which have been waiting for years to begin 3G services, made initial downpayments and will settle the remainder over 18 months. The Communications and Media Commission expects the service to create job opportunities. The operators had previously paid $1.25 billion for 15-year licences in 2007, which were technology-neutral. The article also highlights the financial and operational challenges faced by the operators due to the civil war and other factors.

Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, urged the government to support Sunni tribes fighting against Islamic State after the militant group executed at least 220 tribesmen. This call highlights the necessity for unity among Iraq's sects against a common enemy. The U.S. military, represented by General Martin Dempsey, indicated readiness to expand its mission in Iraq, contingent on the Iraqi government's willingness to arm Sunni tribesmen. The article underscores the ongoing sectarian violence and the international efforts to stabilize the region.

Islamic State militants executed at least 220 members of the Sunni Muslim Albu Nimr tribe in retaliation for their opposition. Mass graves were found in Anbar province, with victims primarily being police or anti-Islamic State militia members. The U.S. and Iraqi governments face criticism for inadequate support against Islamic State, which continues to advance in Anbar and besiege key locations like Baiji. Kurdish fighters are aiding efforts in Syria, while Human Rights Watch reports systematic executions by Islamic State.

Islamic State militants have driven Christians out of Mosul, with Chaldean Catholic Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako condemning their actions as worse than those of Genghis Khan. The militants demanded Christians convert, pay a levy, or face death, leading to mass displacement. Pope Francis and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the persecution, with Ban suggesting the actions could constitute a crime against humanity. Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki also condemned the attacks but provided no clear plan for reclaiming Mosul. The article highlights the dire situation for displaced Christians and other minorities in Iraq.

On July 21, a coordinated attack by al Qaeda's local subsidiary led to a massive prison break at Abu Ghraib, freeing hundreds of militants and exposing severe incompetence within Iraq's security forces. The incident highlights the growing momentum of militant groups in Iraq, exacerbated by the Syrian civil war and Iraq's political dysfunction. The attack has intensified political infighting among Iraq's leaders, with accusations of collusion and incompetence. The event underscores the fragile security situation in Iraq and the broader region, with significant implications for future stability.