Al-Qaeda affiliate’s desperate 'switch' validates US Syria policy

Fear of US and Russian airstrikes on eve of Syrian offensive a sign that Jabhat al-Nusra may be feeling the heat; Turkey’s de-Gulenification campaign in context; retired Saudi general probes Israeli commitment to peace settlement.

Saudi Arabia

Iraq's civil movement breaks away from Sadr protests

Civil society is stretching its own wings to wrestle the Iraqi civil movement away from the control of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr through the formation of new groups distancing themselves from the Sadr alliances.

Iraq

Even camels struggle to survive in war-torn, dry Iraq

The camel population in Iraq is dwindling as traditional camel herders are forced to settle in one place and grazing areas are consumed by development and drought.

Iraq

Can Iraq overcome its land mine infestation?

Efforts to rid Iraqi Kurdistan of millions of land mines are being hampered by financial problems, corruption and the Islamic State's tenacity in planting more mines.

Iraq

Baghdad-Erbil bickering overshadows Mosul battle

Since the Iraqi central government excluded the Kurdistan Regional Government from a meeting for the anti-IS coalition in Washington, tension has been escalating between Baghdad and the Kurds, who stressed that they will not leave areas in Ninevah liberated from IS.

Iraq

How will Iraq handle its surging population?

Despite Iraq's growing population, the government does not seem to have plans in place to contain the rise, develop employment and expand cities.

Iraq

Iraqi envoy quit over failure to prevent IS 'tragedies'

Ambassador Lukman Faily bemoans missed opportunities to head off the Islamic State early on and elaborates on his post-diplomatic plans in an exit interview with Al-Monitor.

Iraq

Will Iraq's constitution be amended?

Iraqi parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri has formed a new committee for amending the Iraqi Constitution, but is it too little, too late?

Iraq

Iraqi civil society fights new freedom of expression bill

Civil pressure in Iraq has managed to thus far prevent the passing of the “freedom of expression and peaceful demonstration” draft law, which they argue would place tough new restrictions on civil freedoms.

Iraq

Maliki’s visit to Sulaimaniyah deepens split among Iraq's Kurds

Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki visited Sulaimaniyah to welcome the coalition between the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and the Movement for Change, deepening the dispute between Sulaimaniyah and Erbil.

Iraq

Iraq's ancient city of Babylon eyes World Heritage list

After the al-Ahwar marshes were added this year, Iraqis are looking to add the ancient city of Babylon to the World Heritage list in 2017, in a process that requires much effort given the current challenges the historical site faces.

Iraq

Will Sadrists target US troops in Iraq?

As the United States announced it would send an extra 560 troops to Iraq to participate in the battle to liberate Mosul from Islamic State control, Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's militias threatened to target them.

Iraq