Kurds reaching critical juncture in US partnership

The United States and Kurds currently share a partnership of convenience in Syria, but Kurds are looking ahead warily to the role they might be asked to play as US policy evolves.

Saudi Arabia

Islamic parties intimidate, fear atheists in Iraq

Islamic parties in Iraq have intensified their rhetoric against atheists, with one prominent cleric calling for them to be confronted with an "iron fist."

Iraq

Recapture of Iraq-Syria border point heralds new regional reality

The move by the Iraqi and Syrian governments to link the forces under their command along their border is a new reality on the ground.

Iraq

Civilians face death, hunger in western Mosul

Civilians and particularly children in areas that are still under control of the Islamic State live in very difficult situations, facing death, hunger and illness.

Iraq

LGBT community struggles for recognition, rights in Iraqi Kurdistan

Due to the strong conservative culture in Iraqi Kurdistan, the LGBT community faces a difficult situation, but there are some signs of growing acceptance.

Iraq

Pioneering program makes aerial survey of Iraqi antiquities

Iraq, in cooperation with UNESCO, has conducted a comprehensive aerial survey of archaeological sites in Ninevah province to prepare for repairing and maintaining the sites.

Countries

For many of Iraq's Yazidis, going home is not an option

Although Sinjar has mostly been liberated from the Islamic State, the traumatized Yazidi community remains largely displaced and reluctant to return home to where the suffering began.

Iraq

Remaining civilians flee booby-trapped, sniper-infested west Mosul

As Iraqi forces clear the recently liberated Zinjili neighborhood in western Mosul, the civilians who are finally leaving now find themselves caught in the crossfire.

Iraq

Kurdish independence in Iraq will take more than a referendum

The Kurdistan Regional Government has its work cut out for it to achieve an independent Kurdistan, as its plans would require the cooperation of some unlikely players.

Saudi Arabia

Public fuss over KRG referendum gives way to private nods

The regional players are buzzing after the Kurdistan Regional Government announced it will hold a referendum on independence, and signs point to tacit support from the United States and Turkey.

Iraq

Iraqi Kurdistan-Russia oil deal could have major implications for region

The Kurdistan Regional Government quietly signed a major deal June 2 with Russian oil giant Rosneft, allowing Russia its first entry to the Kurdish oil market, which was dominated by the United States and Turkey.

Iraq

Iraqi poets reclaim streets

The House of Poetry, established by several Iraqi poets in 2009, brings modern poetry to the people through posters and graffiti.

Iraq