Iraq's Shiite clerics show no love for Assad

It shouldn't have come as a surprise when Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr called on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to relinquish power, as other Shiite leaders have previously also criticized the Assad regime.

Iraq

Could Kurds hold independence referendum this year?

The Kurdistan Democratic Party is rushing to organize an independence referendum; however, there is no agreement on this matter among other Kurdish parties, and Baghdad, Iran and Turkey have strong reservations.

Iraq

Washington sees Iraq as front for Iran pushback

Prime Minister Hader al-Abadi is facing a very problematic challenge as the United States wants to use Iraq as a place to confront Iran.

Iraq

Is Iraq poised for large-scale military involvement in Syria?

As the battle against IS approaches its end in Iraq, Syria and Iraq have stepped up their security and military cooperation with the aim of preserving Iraqi territories against the activities of terrorist groups operating from the Iraq-Syria border area.

Iraq

Corruption, deceit plague private education in Iraq

As Iraq's education system continues to decline, the government is working to stop private universities from operating without accreditation.

Iraq

Anger in Ankara over Iraqi Kurdish independence moves

Given its close ties with the Kurdistan Regional Government, which it needs for economic, political and security interests, Turkey’s objections to Iraqi Kurdish plans remain low key, but a crisis between the sides may nevertheless be looming.

Iraq

Why Iran-Iraq War is still minefield for artists

Some 30 years on, depictions of the Iran-Iraq War are still a minefield for Iranian artists and authors.

Iraq

What's behind Kurdish organizations being shut down in Syria?

The democratic self-rule administration in northern Syria closed the offices of dozens of unlicensed organizations in a move deemed to have political motivations.

Iraq

While thousands flee west Mosul, some Iraqi families vow to hang on

Despite the dangerous situation in Mosul, many residents are choosing to stay in their homes as the fighting to retake the rest of the city continues.

Iraq

Kurdish flag fans controversy in Iraq's Kirkuk

Raising the Kurdistan flag atop the governmental buildings in Kirkuk sparked tension in the province and in Baghdad.

Iraq

How will Abadi handle Iraq’s Shiite militias?

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi faces a great challenge in dealing with the predominately Shiite Popular Mobilization Units fighting in Iraq, as some of its factions are refusing to be integrated into the army and other security forces.

Iraq

One man's quest to save the Jewish Iraqi language

Oded Amit, who was born in Baghdad and eventually fled to Israel, has taken it upon himself to teach Israelis of Iraqi immigrants the language of their ancestors in order to preserve it.

Iraq