Freedom Square offers refuge for Basra residents

Basra residents are finding respite in Hurriyah Square, where they can sit and talk freely without militias imposing their strict Islamic rules.

Iraq

Who represents Iraqi Sunnis?

Sunnis in Iraq are failing to find the representation that they so desperately need as the Islamic State continues to tighten its grip on Sunni towns and cities across the country.

Iraq

The Islamic State is here to stay

Unlike al-Qaeda, the Islamic State has been able to institutionalize jihad, thus guaranteeing its survival.

Iraq

EU ministers discuss jihadist travel to Syria, border security

While the G6 meeting of interior ministers on Nov. 6 focused on jihadists traveling from Europe to Syria via Turkey, the European Parliament is considering putting in place more stringent security checks and travel restrictions.

Iraq

Iraq's Arbaeen pilgrims walk new, safer path

A new road is being built to make it easier for Shiite pilgrims to walk to Iraq's holy city of Karbala, where they commemorate the death of Imam Hussein Bin Ali.

Iraq

How a German doctor became a PKK hero

"Dr. Medya," a physician from Hamburg, talks about her more than 20 years in the Kurdistan Workers Party in a rare interview.

Iraq

Iran nuclear deal could be key to resolving region’s conflicts

Iran has signaled a willingness to engage in Iraq and Syria.

Iraq

Iraq's one too many holidays

Economists are warning Iraqi policymakers that the large number of official and unofficial holidays is crippling the economy against a backdrop of governmental indifference.

Iraq

Turkey's Kurdish client state

Turkey has tremendous financial and security influence over the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, exposing Erbil to economic and political vulnerabilities.

Iraq

Can Islamic State keep control of Mosul?

The wide Sunni sympathy for the Islamic State in Mosul cracked less than two months into its occupation, and residents are increasingly horrified by rampant arrests and executions.

Iraq

Sistani welcomes Iraqi politicians

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani's welcoming of the Iraqi president and prime minister is not a sign that he is backtracking on steering clear of politics, but that he wants the political arena to succeed in implementing reforms, thereby protecting Iraq's religious and cultural diversity.

Iraq

Grade inflation hits Iraqi high schools

Iraqi high school students tend to get extremely high final grades, which raises questions because of the country's weak educational system and that many families want their children, but sons especially, to become doctors at any price.

Iraq