Najaf seminaries maintain traditional teaching methods

Unlike some religious schools in Iran and Lebanon, the seminaries in Najaf have maintained traditional teaching methods that allow students flexibility in choosing their course of study.

Iraq

Iraqi campaign failing in struggle against illiteracy

The Iraqi government and UNESCO launched an ambitious campaign to fight illiteracy in the country, but it has not been fully implemented.

Iraq

What is Sistani's position on the Iraqi elections?

Iraq’s top Shiite religious authority is not endorsing any political party in the upcoming elections and urges voters not to vote for corruption and past failure.

Iraq

Economic chaos at Iraq's Anbar border crossings

The security situation in Iraq's Anbar province has pushed security forces to close the border crossings on several occasions, impeding the movement of trucks transporting goods into the country and inflicting losses on traders.

Iraq

Cab drivers in Baghdad driving under the influence

In Baghdad, some taxi drivers drink alcohol while driving at night, with security officers often turning a blind eye.

Iraq

Still banned from Turkey

For the second time since 2007, Turkey denied an Al-Monitor contributor entry because of his work as a journalist on Kurdish issues.

Iraq

Bitter Maliki-Nujaifi exchanges strain political system

With Iraqi parliamentary elections set to take place in less than two months, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's relationships with both Council of Representatives Speaker Osama al-Nujaifi and Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani are going from bad to worse.

Iraq

GCC rift another blow to Erdogan’s Mideast policies

Turkey is increasingly isolated in the region, more so as Qatar is on the outs with other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Saudi Arabia

Iraqi Shiite clerics maintain humility, influence

The Shiite clerics of Najaf have always provided a spiritual reference to their followers, while at the same time playing an important role on various levels.

Iraq

Iraqi atheists demand recognition, guarantee of their rights

Following Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi’s article on atheism in the Gulf, atheism in Iraq is no longer limited to the intellectual elite, but has spread among all social classes, and there is a pressing need to ensure the rights of these citizens in the face of threats from extremists.

Iraq

Iraqi youth turn to bingo-like game to forget their worries

Dambala, a game similar to bingo, has become very popular in Baghdad, especially among the youth.

Iraq

Iraqi politicians must restore ethics to politics

Recent political disputes and corruption have led Iraqi politicians to forgo their primary roles and focus on merely gaining power, money and influence.

Iraq