Moderate Islam pushes back extremism

Terrorist operations carried out by radical Islamic groups around the world and in the Middle East have had the unintended effect of promoting moderate Islam, particularly in Iran.

Iraq

Iraqi Kurdish land grabs anger Sunni Arabs

As Iraqi Kurds benefit from coalition airstrikes and take control of former IS safe havens, they are aggravating tensions with some Sunni Arab communities.

Iraq

Iraqi folk poets face criticism

Some Iraqi intellectuals say the the spread of folk poems butchers the classic Arabic language and serve the interests of political parties.

Iraq

Fake bomb detectors still endanger Iraqis

Despite the exposure and imprisonment of British businessman James McCormick for selling fake bomb detectors to several countries, Iraqi security officials continue to justify the use of these devices.

Iraq

Mosul deteriorates under IS occupation

Mosul has become an impoverished, broken city whose residents face great risks when they try to contact their loved ones in other Iraqi cities, fearing their Islamic State occupiers' retaliation.

Iraq

Yazidis ask Israel for help

Desperate Yazidis are reaching out to Israel, asking for understanding and assistance, especially in the military domain for their fight against the Islamic State.

Iraq

Yazidi girls tell of escape from IS

Yazidi girls recount their harsh ordeal and the scars remaining from being captured by Islamic State militants.

Iraq

Is Samarra the key to reducing sectarian tension in Iraq?

The Sunni-majority city of Samarra has always been a scene of sectarian tension, as the situation has recently escalated with accusations that Shiites are seeking to change the city’s demography.

Iraq

Is the new National Guard the key to unifying Iraq?

Proponents of an Iraqi National Guard envision it serving as a counterterrorism force, bringing militias under state control and helping rid the country of the Islamic State.

Near East

Iraqi state education increasingly religious

The state curriculum in Iraq has long been subject to sectarian, political and religious pressure, but education quality is suffering now more than ever.

Iraq

Iraq, Turkey strengthen energy relationship

The bilateral relationship between Iraq and Turkey is strengthening following recent meetings in which an increased collaboration on oil, natural gas and electric energy production and export was discussed.

Iraq

Iraqi politicians work toward national consensus

Afters years of internal division, major political actors in Haider al-Abadi’s new government have become a team, lifting the mood of the despondent Iraqi street.

Iraq