Divisive sectarian rhetoric dominates lead-up to Iraq vote

As elections approach in Iraq, sectarian rhetoric has distracted voters from more serious issues.

Iraq

ISIS expands in areas around Baghdad

Witnesses report that the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) has been entering cities surrounding Baghdad, raising al-Qaeda flags and leaving before the arrival of security forces.

Iraq

Iraqi Kurds still deadlocked over new government

Iraqi Kurdish political parties remain in a stalemate over the formation of a new regional government, six months after parliamentary elections were held in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Iraq

Iraq’s homeless suffer from neglect, exploitation

Homeless people in Iraq are often neglected by the state, and some armed groups take advantage of their situation to try to recruit them.

Iraq

Sufi music makes comeback in Iraq

Although Western influences have transformed the music scene in Iraq in recent decades, leading to a focus on fast beats and pop music, a number of Iraqis are trying to revive popular interest in traditional Sufi songs.

Iraq

Iraq civil activists fight to preserve constitutional rights

Despite the civil rights safeguarded by the Iraqi constitution, conservative political parties have been increasing restricting citizens’ freedoms in recent years.

Iraq

Syrian Kurds blame Iran, Turkey for ISIS attacks

Syria's main Kurdish force, the Democratic Union Party, says that the ISIS battle with Syrian Kurdish groups is benefiting the Syrian government.

Iraq

Iraqi judiciary accused of bias, failure

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is accused of using the judiciary to fight his political opponents.

Iraq

Iraq-Saudi ties need strategic context

While Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has accused Saudi Arabia of supporting terrorist groups, Baghdad should instead work on establishing effective channels of communication to cooperate in anti-terror efforts.

Saudi Arabia

ISIS shifts tactics in Fallujah

Local fighters in Fallujah opting for reconciliation with the Iraqi government may have forced the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) to change strategy.

Iraq

Ayatollah Sistani for Nobel Peace Prize?

Iraqi Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who has been increasingly critical of the Iraqi government, is getting support for a bid for Nobel Peace Prize.

Iraq

Iraqi Shiite militants return from Syria, aggravating security crisis

Some Iraqis now worry that Shiite militants who are fighting alongside the regime in Syria will eventually return to Iraq once the Syrian crisis is over, a situation some fear might aggravate the security situation in Iraq.

Iraq