Will the end-times begin at this Iraqi lake?

The hidden water source of Lake Sawa in the desert of the Iraqi province of Muthanna has turned it into a religious, historical tale.

Iraq

Is it Eid or not? Muslims take step toward resolving calendar dispute

Religious representatives from Islamic countries agree to embrace a common calendar to overcome a long-standing conflict on the start of Ramadan, but their past record inspires little optimism for a genuine compromise.

Saudi Arabia

How the Islamic State is winning the media war

Is covering the Islamic State’s activities a legitimate public service or just propaganda that serves the extremist group?

Iraq

Peshmerga gaining ground en route to Mosul

In a massive two-day assault on Islamic State militants southeast of Mosul, peshmerga forces regained nine villages and killed 140 IS fighters.

Iraq

How will Baghdad plan for liberated Fallujah?

The Iraqi government needs to plan for the post-liberation phase in Fallujah in order to prevent the city's seizure by terrorist organizations.

Iraq

Is Iran about to cut Muqtada al-Sadr loose?

While refraining from breaking with Muqtada al-Sadr and his rebellious followers, Iran is not fully embracing the Iraqi cleric either.

Iraq

Baghdad on high alert following recent bombings

Observers anticipate that additional explosions will take place in Baghdad, given the presence of sleeper cells within the capital’s borders.

Iraq

Is the Islamic State fueling Shiite infighting in Iraq?

The Islamic State has adopted a new strategy that consists of provoking Shiite infighting, in a bid to distract attention of the Shiite majority government and Shiite opposition from liberating the remaining areas controlled by IS.

Iraq

US allies mobilize on two fronts against IS, but Sunnis wary

US-backed Iraqi forces have encircled Fallujah, and mostly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces have advanced on villages north of Raqqa, but Sunni residents are terrified of retribution by Kurdish and Shiite local forces preparing to liberate those cities from the Islamic State.

Iraq

How much will $15 billion IMF loan really cost Iraq?

The International Monetary Fund's loan to the Iraqi government may come with too many strings attached.

Iraq

Iraq kicks off historic Fallujah operation against Islamic State

Iraqi security forces launched a military operation in Fallujah, the Islamic State's last major stronghold in Anbar province; if the operation succeeds, it will deal a serious blow to the extremist organization.

Iraq

Iraqis divided over Soleimani's role in their country

Iran's Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani is stirring controversy in the Iraqi street, where citizens are waving both Iranian and Iraqi flags during demonstrations for or against his presence.

Iraq