After 20-year break, these Iranian Kurds are taking up arms again

In a surprise development, the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran, which has not used guns against the Iranian regime for 20 years, has resumed fighting, reportedly instigated by regional powers.

Iraq

What's next for Iraq's Anbar after liberation from IS

Disputes prevail over the provincial council in Anbar province, which was recently liberated from IS; the disagreements likely will delay the return of the displaced and the reconstruction process.

Iraq

Iran’s pipeline politics reaches Iraqi Kurdistan

The planned construction of a pipeline connecting Iraqi Kurdistan with Iran could further cement Iran's position as the regional energy hub — and also benefit Kurds on both sides of the border.

Iraq

Will Popular Mobilization Units participate in battle for Mosul?

Popular Mobilization Units leaders insist on participating in the fight to liberate Mosul, despite renewed demands by some Sunni politicians to exclude the units because of their history of human rights violations.

Iraq

Prized Lion of Babylon joins list of crumbling Iraqi antiquities

The ancient Lion of Babylon, Iraq’s national symbol, is critically threatened by erosion and neglect.

Iraq

Iraqi army radio takes aim at IS

The Iraqi army in Ninevah province has been operating a radio station in the area, with the aim of demonizing the Islamic State among the residents.

Iraq

Will Shiite power struggle turn into armed conflict in Iraq?

Signs are indicating that political disagreements over power among Shiite parties may turn into armed conflict, given the multiple armed factions and their influence on the street and within government institutions.

Iraq

Bloody power struggles continue in Iraq’s disputed territories

A rash of kidnappings, ambushes and bombs in Tuz Khormato are aggravating tensions between the ethnic components of the city despite efforts to balance security forces along sectarian lines.

Iraq

Digital map seeks to document 'trail of destruction' of Mideast antiquities

Government and nonprofit organizations are working together to mitigate the threats that the Islamic State, looters and others pose to Middle East antiquities.

Yemen

Iraqi marsh residents hold tight to their reed homes

The Iraqi government is seeking to include the country's marshes on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as the residents in the south have used reeds from the marshes to build their houses for thousands of years.

Iraq

Could an alternative Kurdish party succeed in Turkey?

Two Kurdish parties are merging and others are striving for a joint front, but there are doubts as to whether any effort to form an alternative Kurdish party is feasible.

Iraq

Is Tunisia prepared for return of thousands of Islamic State fighters?

Thousands of Islamic State fighters are expected to return to Tunisia, where the authorities are uncertain how to deal with the risk they may pose.

Iraq