Stop violence in the name of religion

Religious leaders unite in a joint appeal against acts of violence in Mosul and across the region.

Iraq

Iran dominates Iraqi market after occupation of Mosul

Doors closed to the markets of Turkey and Syria after militants took the town of Mosul, leading to a jump in prices for consumers, but a surge in imported Iranian goods could plug the gaps.

Iraq

Echoes of apocalypse in Iraq conflict

Conflictingn parties' view of the current crisis in Iraq is affected by their own religious views and interpretation of the end of times.

Iraq

Why Islamic State is no al-Qaeda clone

The announcement by the Islamic State of the caliphate and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s self-proclamation as the caliph sets IS apart from Al-Qaeda.

Iraq

Peshmerga to 'fill in' for Iraqi army in disputed areas

The secretary-general of the Ministry of Peshmerga, Jabbar Yawar, said in an interview with Al-Monitor that the peshmerga forces are merely taking defensive positions against armed groups and have not seized the Iraqi army’s weapons.

Iraq

Saudis see Houthi gains in Yemen as advance for Iran

Many Saudis are interpreting the Houthis’ sudden advance toward the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, as a message from Iran that it will not tolerate a Sunni Islamist advance on Baghdad.

Saudi Arabia

Gloves come off between Syrian regime, Islamic State

A deadly assault by the Islamic State on a regime-held gas field in Homs province marks a new chapter in Syria's civil war as government forces and Islamic State face off.

Iraq

Iraqi crisis highlights need for dialogue

In light of the escalating security situation in Iraq, political figures need to do more than broadcast their message through the media and official channels.

Iraq

Najaf, Qom take different approaches in Iraq

The two religious authorities Najaf and Qom have divergent views on Iraq's political affairs, with Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi — the religious authority in Qom — identifying various actors in the Iraqi crisis, praising Shiite militias and accusing Sunni politicians.

Iraq

Iran boosts Hamas rocket capacity

Congress is skeptical of extending of Iran talks; Iran has a hand in Gaza; acrimony between Egypt and Hamas is hindering a cease-fire agreement; and the Islamic State using the Turkish Consulate in Mosul as its headquarters.

Palestine

Iraq's instability trouble for Lebanese investors

Foreign investments in Iraq are at a standstill amid recent crises, with Lebanon's $3 billion worth of investments in the country set to decline if a political solution is not reached.

Iraq

With Iraqi roads blocked, demand for flights from Baghdad soars

The continued instability in Iraq is forcing residents to flee. With land borders blocked by fighting, people are forced to wait more than a month for plane tickets.

Iraq