Islamic State

Local intelligence key to Anbar anti-IS operations

As Islamic State fighters flee eastern Syria, Iraqi forces in the Anbar desert are conducting operations to rout out remaining fighters.

Iraq

Russia's plan for IS returnees no better than that of others

Moscow criticizes the Europeans for refusing to assume their share of responsibility for their nationals who ended up with the Islamic State, but Russia's own practice is flawed, too.

Iraq

Salih: Iraq can be a 'bridge to the economies of the region'

Iraqi president charts new direction for Iraqi foreign policy based on "interrelated interests" at Sulaimani Forum; Iraq-Jordan trade deal should help address Jordan’s unemployment crisis; Rouhani arrives in Iraq to boost trade; US shifted arms from Iraq to Syria in second half of 2018.

Iraq

Planning for Yazidi genocide museum underway in Iraq

Officials have found nearly 70 mass graves of Yazidis slaughtered by the Islamic State in Iraq, and are working to create a memorial to the victims in cooperation with UNESCO.

Iraq

Islamic State roots run deep in Middle East discontent

There has been a sharp increase in reports that the Islamic State is being eradicated in Syria, but such declarations seem premature.

Iraq

IS militants continue to sneak into Turkey despite measures

Turkish officials claim they are waging an exemplary struggle against the Islamic State (IS), but their struggle appears ridden with black holes as IS militants are able to sneak into Turkey aided by smugglers, and IS suspects often receive a more lenient treatment than other prisoners.

Iraq

Iraqis divided over continued presence of American forces

As Islamic State militias have become active again in different areas of Iraq, the debate over ejecting US forces is on the rise among Iraqi politicians.

Iraq

Idlib’s rebels on alert against infiltration by Islamic State

The armed groups controlling Idlib remain wary of the prospect of Islamic State militants sneaking into the region, following reports that IS members are seeking safe passage to the province.

Iraq

UAE steps up anti-Turkey efforts in Syria

The United Arab Emirates engages Turkey in a war of words and deeds over Ankara's fight with Kurds in Syria.

United Arab Emirates

IS targets truffle hunters across Sunni regions

Many civilians and local security forces have been kidnapped or killed in recent weeks while looking for white truffles, mostly in desert and mountainous areas of Sunni-dominant provinces.

Iraq

Iraq bulks up border presence as IS escapees try to enter

Iraqi forces have sent reinforcements to the border area and are engaging in nightly artillery strikes on IS positions in eastern Syria ahead of an expected US pullout in the near future.

Iraq

What fate awaits Tunisia's returning jihadis?

As one of the top countries of origin for foreign IS recruits, Tunisia has struggled to address domestic threats of returning jihadis and how to de-radicalize these youths.

Syria