Why some Iranians are opposed to closing religious shrines to fight coronavirus

The Iranian government's decision to close religious shrines in Qom, Mashhad and Greater Tehran to combat the spread of COVID-19 has caused an outcry among some who oppose the move for reasons of tradition or religion.

Iraq

US urges Iraq to step up protection of US, coalition personnel

The State Department said Iraq is not doing its part to protect US and coalition forces in the country.

Iraq

Iraq to exhume bodies from Yazidi mass graves

Iraq is uncovering and exhuming the mass graves of Islamic State victims, primarily Yazidis.

Iraq

Is Iraq taking necessary measures to prevent COVID-19 spread?

Iraqi authorities are taking strict measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Iraq

Islamic State children still waiting for Tunisia to bring them home

Dozens of Tunisian children of IS militants are still stuck in Syria, Libya and Iraq as the government continues to wrestle with the logistics of bringing them home.

Iraq

Iraq's latest prime minister-designate faces opposition from Iran-backed militias

Iraqi President Barham Salih designates a former Najaf governor, Adnan Zurfi, as prime minister amid strong objection from Iran-backed militias.

Iraq

Reports: US to reposition troops in Iraq

After two rocket attacks within a week on American troops in Iraq, the United States is preparing to reposition forces there.

Iraq

Iraqi anti-IS operations hindered by coalition base attacks

Members of the Iraqi counterterrorism forces and the US Marines have been killed during raids against IS hideouts in recent weeks in tough mountain terrain.

Iraq

Iraqi deadline passes with no decision on prime minister

Iraqi political parties have failed in selecting a new prime minister, amid the rising tension between the United States and the Iran-backed Shiite militias.

Iraq

A new generation lays its predecessors' ghosts to rest

In Al-Monitor's latest longform, we look at young people throughout the Mideast who have been at the forefront of efforts to turn the page on decades of sclerotic and rigged politics in favor of a more democratic alternative.

Iraq

Historical context: Biden’s 2002 vote on Iraq war

Congress passed a new resolution on the use of force in the Middle East; the United States retaliates against Iran-backed militias in Iraq; and an 18-year-old debate returns.

Iraq

Iraq condemns 'treacherous' US strikes against Iran-backed militia

US airstrikes struck a civilian airport in Karbala in what the Pentagon said was an operation targeting weapons storage facilities belonging to an Iran-backed Shiite militia group blamed for the recent attack on an Iraqi base housing US and coalition troops.

Iraq