Erbil Christians torn between arming themselves or leaving

Kurdish officials in Erbil met with a Lebanese delegation headed by Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil and discussed the possibility of establishing a Christian armed brigade to fight the Islamic State in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Iraq

Iraqi politicians must focus on priorities over infighting

During efforts to form a new government, Iraq’s leaders should prioritize national unity instead of personal and party interests.

Iraq

Iran interior minister says advisers sent to Iraqi Kurdistan

Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli has admitted that Iran sent advisers to Iraqi Kurdistan at the request of Kurdish officials.

Iraq

Baghdad welcomes Lebanese, but they don't see eye to eye

The Lebanese delegation to Baghdad offers diplomatic help to confront the Islamic State (IS), but it seems both parties have different priorities.

Iraq

IS withdrawal strategy calls for creation of local defense forces

To fight the Islamic State, the Iraqi government should create Sunni local defense forces, similar to the Kurdish peshmerga forces, even though this might be at the expense of the government’s unity.

Iraq

Russia keeps eye on Islamic State

Russia views the expansion of the Islamic State in Iraq as a threat to its own security, especially given the potential return home of Russian-born jihadists.

Iraq

Davutoglu faces uneasy relationship with Assad

Ahmet Davutoglu declared two years ago in his role as foreign minister that he would rather resign than shake Bashar al-Assad’s hand; he now has to find a way to coexist with Syria.

Iraq

IS threatens Iraq's minority Shabak community

Iraq's Shabak minority is in danger, targeted by the Islamic State.

Iraq

No end in sight for Islamic State’s attack on Iraq

In addition to targeting Shiites and religious minorities, the Islamic State are also threatening Iraq's Sunnis.

Iraq

Sunnis do not believe Abadi is solution to Iraq's crises

Members of the local council in Anbar province say that replacing Nouri al-Maliki with Haider al-Abadi will not solve the problems Sunnis have endured under Maliki’s rule.

Iraq

How did Sistani succeed in ousting Maliki?

Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani's fortitude, persistence and commitment to a more inclusive Iraqi democracy, along with his outreach to Iran, thwarted Nouri al-Maliki's attempt to serve a third term as prime minister.

Iraq

Haider al-Abadi's first challenge: forming a government

Nouri al-Maliki announced that he was backing down from his demand for a third term, thus recognizing the appointment of Haider al-Abadi, who will be facing major challenges as Iraq's new prime minister.

Iraq