Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s July visits to and engagement with Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United States demonstrate his attempts to balance those countries’ competing interests in Iraq.

These religious leaders say they are also worried about other “epidemics” that post a threat to Arabs and Muslims, such as peace with Israel and women’s rights.

Two Czech nationals jailed in Turkey three years ago for belonging to a Kurdish militant group flew back to Prague Friday after being granted early release following months-long negotiations between Turkish and Czech officials.