As economic crisis continues, will Kurdish peshmerga desert?

The situation of the peshmerga forces in Iraq's Kurdistan Region is precarious in the absence of coordination with the Iraqi government and the economic crisis that has left them long unpaid.

Iraq

Iraq's dubious religious shrines

The Shiite residents of Babil keep visiting religious shrines as they believe in their healing character, although historical information contradicts their beliefs.

Iraq

Why Saudis may take on Iraq’s Shiite militias

Saudi Arabia sees Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units, formed from various Shiite militias to fight the Islamic State, as a dangerous long-term foe for the Sunni Islamic world.

Saudi Arabia

Were Iraqis really better off under Saddam?

Iraq's current security chaos appears to be inspiring a bit of nostalgia for Saddam Hussein’s days, though it is unclear who, exactly, is reminiscing.

Iraq

What is Abadi doing to protect Iraq’s Christians?

The Islamic State is known for forcing Iraq's Christians out of their homes, but the terror group did not start the ugly trend.

Iraq

How one Kurdish doctor is helping to treat victims of IS

A German psychologist tells Al-Monitor about his work with rape victims of the Islamic State, lauding their strength and resilience.

Iraq

Will Iraqi government employees face more wage cuts in 2016?

The Iraqi government’s austerity plan has now reached civil servants, raising fears of an uncertain future in light of the plunging oil revenues and increasing military expenses in the fight against the Islamic State.

Iraq

How one Kurdish woman went from child soldier to Swedish lawmaker

Swedish parliamentarian Amineh Kakabaveh tells Al-Monitor about her remarkable journey from Kurdish guerrilla camps in Iraq’s mountains to the rostrum of European politics.

Iraq

Iraq begins construction on Baghdad wall

While the central Iraqi government claims that a wall is needed around the capital for security reasons, Sunnis suspect that Baghdad is being isolated in preparation for annexation to a Shiite region.

Iraq

Kerry sells foreign aid budget

A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Feb. 22.

Iraq

Why this Iraqi city is starving

Residents of Fallujah, Mosul and other Iraqi cities under the Islamic State’s control are suffering under an IS strategy calculated to turn them against their government.

Iraq

Iran struggles with border security

An IRGC commander says the elite Saberin Unit has provided Iran with security on its borders.

Iraq