Yazidi girls tell of escape from IS

Yazidi girls recount their harsh ordeal and the scars remaining from being captured by Islamic State militants.

Iraq

Is Samarra the key to reducing sectarian tension in Iraq?

The Sunni-majority city of Samarra has always been a scene of sectarian tension, as the situation has recently escalated with accusations that Shiites are seeking to change the city’s demography.

Iraq

Is the new National Guard the key to unifying Iraq?

Proponents of an Iraqi National Guard envision it serving as a counterterrorism force, bringing militias under state control and helping rid the country of the Islamic State.

Near East

Iraqi state education increasingly religious

The state curriculum in Iraq has long been subject to sectarian, political and religious pressure, but education quality is suffering now more than ever.

Iraq

Iraq, Turkey strengthen energy relationship

The bilateral relationship between Iraq and Turkey is strengthening following recent meetings in which an increased collaboration on oil, natural gas and electric energy production and export was discussed.

Iraq

Iraqi politicians work toward national consensus

Afters years of internal division, major political actors in Haider al-Abadi’s new government have become a team, lifting the mood of the despondent Iraqi street.

Iraq

Rising incomes mean many Iraqi men marry multiple wives

Polygamy is growing among Iraqis as the men who indulge in it cite both progressive and Islamic justifications.

Iraq

Egypt forgives Iraqi debt in exchange for oil

During Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s visit to Cairo, the Egyptian government agreed to drop the Iraqi debt owed to Egypt, in exchange for oil shares that would come in handy in light of the energy crisis plaguing Egypt.

Egypt

Decentralization of powers weakens IS

The Islamic State leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, is forced to limit his movements while relying on primitive means of communication, which weakens the organization.

Iraq

Did Nasrallah blur red line on Assad?

Hezbollah’s leader says a political solution could include Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s departure “after the end of his term”; Kerry supports Russia, UN diplomacy on Syria; Who does Israel back in Syria?; Did Turkey arm Jabhat al-Nusra?; Iran’s shallow influence in Yemen.

Yemen

How Sufism could balance Salafism

The historical background of Sufism in the Islamic world allows the establishment of political and religious reforms in this part of the world.

Iraq

Nasrallah: 'The game is over'

In an interview with pan-Arab news channel Al-Mayadeen, Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah talked about sensitive regional issues, mainly the Syrian crisis, saying that "the game is over" there with the failure of hostile plans.

Palestine