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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/11/18/world/middleeast/iran-iraq-spy-cables.html
The Iran Cables: Secret Documents Show How Tehran Wields Power in Iraq
(New York Times) Tim Arango - Leaked Iranian intelligence cables offer a detailed portrait of just how aggressively Tehran has worked to embed itself into Iraqi affairs, and of the unique role of Maj.-Gen. Qassim Suleimani, head of Iran's Quds Force. The leak exposes Tehran's vast influence in Iraq, detailing years of work by Iranian spies to co-opt the country's leaders, pay Iraqi agents working for the Americans to switch sides, and infiltrate every aspect of Iraq's political, economic and religious life. The reports and cables were written mainly in 2014 and 2015 by officers of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security, Iran's version of the CIA, who were serving in Iraq. Many of Iraq's foremost political, military, and security officials have had secret relationships with Tehran, according to the documents.