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

Iranian killed in Iraq subject of 2009 controversy

An Iranian killed in Iraq was incorrectly labelled a Lebanese Hezbollah commander by activists during the 2009 election protests, and some news reports of his death still contain the error.

Iraq

Iraqi hospitals under IS suffer lack of medicine, staff

The state of hospitals in Iraqi areas under IS control face shortage of medicine and staff, and are sometimes forced to treat the wounded from among the organization’s ranks.

Iraq

Former House Intel chair: Turkey can't have it both ways in NATO

Mike Rogers, former chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, also sees economic pressure on Russia as presenting a “unique opportunity” for Moscow’s help in Syria.

Iraq

Kobani hospitals overflow as battle continues

Makeshift hospitals are being set up in basements and schools across Kobani to treat fighters and civilians while armed groups have targeted the city’s main hospitals.

Iraq

Has the Islamic State's defeat already begun?

In the war against the Islamic State, the key issue is how to translate recent optimism on the strategic picture into tactical achievements on the ground.

Iraq

Kurdish peshmerga divisions hamper war effort

The majority of Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga forces are divided between the two main rival political parties, hindering efforts in the fight against the Islamic State.

Iraq

Shiite leaders forbid insults against Sunnis

Najaf's Shiite authorities in Iran and Iraq issue fatwas against insults to Sunni figures and their sanctities.

Iraq

Iran's new group in Iraq: Saraya al-Khorasani

Saraya al-Khorasani appears to have more direct contact and cooperation with Iran than other groups and militias it has ties with.

Iraq