Still banned from Turkey

For the second time since 2007, Turkey denied an Al-Monitor contributor entry because of his work as a journalist on Kurdish issues.

Iraq

Bitter Maliki-Nujaifi exchanges strain political system

With Iraqi parliamentary elections set to take place in less than two months, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's relationships with both Council of Representatives Speaker Osama al-Nujaifi and Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani are going from bad to worse.

Iraq

GCC rift another blow to Erdogan’s Mideast policies

Turkey is increasingly isolated in the region, more so as Qatar is on the outs with other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Saudi Arabia

Iraqi Shiite clerics maintain humility, influence

The Shiite clerics of Najaf have always provided a spiritual reference to their followers, while at the same time playing an important role on various levels.

Iraq

Iraqi atheists demand recognition, guarantee of their rights

Following Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi’s article on atheism in the Gulf, atheism in Iraq is no longer limited to the intellectual elite, but has spread among all social classes, and there is a pressing need to ensure the rights of these citizens in the face of threats from extremists.

Iraq

Iraqi youth turn to bingo-like game to forget their worries

Dambala, a game similar to bingo, has become very popular in Baghdad, especially among the youth.

Iraq

Iraqi politicians must restore ethics to politics

Recent political disputes and corruption have led Iraqi politicians to forgo their primary roles and focus on merely gaining power, money and influence.

Iraq

Baghdad Arab cultural festival brings message of peace

Despite criticism of the celebration of Baghdad Capital of Arab Culture, the events, which were attended by a majority of Arab countries, left a positive impact on Iraq and conveyed a message of peace to the Arab peoples.

Iraq

Iraq looks East in foreign policy

As disputes between Iraq and the West seem to be on the rise, Baghdad is refocusing its efforts on the “East,” in particular Russia, China and Iran.

Iraq

Iraqi government fails to address rise in autism

Despite signs of growing rates of autism in Iraq, there is little governmental interest in the topic, with no specialized centers for treating autistic children outside the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

Iraq

EU expresses support for Iraqi, Syrian civil society

An Iraqi-Syrian civil society delegation has met with decision-making bodies in the European Union, with the latter promising assistance in efforts to confront sectarianism in these two countries.

Iraq

Iraqi justice minister presses Shiite personal status law

Despite lack of support from Iraq’s Shiite religious establishment, the Jaafari personal status law has been endorsed by the cabinet and moved to parliament.

Iraq