Will Karbala be added to list of World Heritage sites?

The council of the holy city of Karbala wants to ensure that the pre-Islamic ancient sites of the city of Karbala are added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites.

Iraq

Iraqi minorities move forward with autonomy plan

Representatives of the Turkmen, Yazidi and Assyrian minority communities of Iraq have declared a coalition and put forward the most complete vision yet for self-rule in the country’s north.

Iraq

Why dust storms still suffocate Iran’s Khuzestan province

The administration of President Hassan Rouhani has declared that it has made great strides in combating dust storms and pollution in Iran’s southwestern province of Khuzestan, but the region appears to still be in the grip of recurring environmental crises.

Iraq

Probe blames corruption for imports of bad food, medicine in Iraq

Iraqi politicians rebuke regulatory and health authorities as spoiled food and expired medications are discovered.

Iraq

Self-immolations on the rise among Iraqi Kurdish women

Despite the colorful image painted to the outside world of female peshmerga forces contributing to the fight in Iraqi Kurdistan, some women in the region are facing extensive oppression and violence.

Iraq

Putin gets some payback with 'alternative project' for Libya

Why Putin backs Hifter; Barzani’s Sinjar dilemma; Israel’s missing Gaza policy; GCC moves to the margins on Syria.

Iraq

Efforts to privatize electricity face resistance in Iraq

Five southern provinces objected to the Iraqi government's decision to privatize the electricity sector in the country.

Iraq

Despite massive setbacks, IS still bares its fangs in Iraq

As it is losing ground in Mosul, the Islamic State is carrying out attacks against Iraqi security and civilian targets elsewhere to preserve its presence in Iraq.

Iraq

Baghdad-Erbil oil disputes on hold until Mosul liberation

Iraqi Oil Minister Jabar al-Luaibi spoke to Al-Monitor about production and revenue-sharing disputes between Baghdad and Erbil, and addressed plans to attract foreign investors to the country’s energy sector.

Iraq

Iraq's 'Awakening' vets cautious about post-IS period

Iraq's Sunni tribal fighters fear they will be isolated from Iraqi society after the elimination of the Islamic State.

Iraq

Gulf countries take back seat on Syria route

It seems Saudi Arabia is more interested in Yemen than in Syria these days, which explains dwindling Gulf support for Syrian rebels.

Saudi Arabia

Why Iraq’s law on Popular Mobilization Units isn't all that popular

A law outlining the future of the Popular Mobilization Units in Iraq was passed months ago but has yet to be enacted as opposing forces continue their debates.

Iraq