The false promise of Mideast elections

The coming presidential elections in Egypt, Syria and Turkey offer little hope for a regional trend toward stability and democracy.

Palestine

Israeli film sows nostalgia among Iraqi Jews

The Israeli film “Farewell Baghdad” explores the Jewish community in Iraq that was expelled from the country in the 1950s and 1960s, and has sparked feelings of nostalgia among Iraqi Jews.

Iraq

What can we learn from Homs?

Given the collapse of the Geneva process, and the Syrian government’s staying power, localized cease-fires may be the latest trend in the conflict.

Iraq

Iraqi elections will not be decisive

While some Iraqi politicians and media outlets tried to portray last month’s elections as “decisive” or “a matter of life and death,” they are merely one part of a long, democratic process.

Iraq

Iraqi Shiite religious leaders divided on Maliki

The Iraqi parliamentary elections are showing a deep division among the Shiite community, with rising tension between the Shiite religious authorities and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Iraq

Iraqi voters shift from religious to 'political sectarianism'

Iraqi voters appear to be gradually changing their loyalties from religious authorities to political groups.

Iraq

Hakim calls for return of Iraq's National Alliance

The leader of the Iraq Citizen Coalition is calling for a renewed National Alliance among Iraq's Shiite political parties.

Iraq

Sunnis, Kurds vie for Iraqi presidency

Although the post of president in Iraq has been held by a Kurdish politician, Jalal Talabani, since 2005, there are reports that some Sunni politicians may be looking to assume the post.

Iraq

Iraq faces challenge to find solution for growing slums

With Baghdad’s slums accommodating more than 2 million people, a solution to the housing crisis needs to be part of an urban planning strategy, something that previous governments ignored when distributing land to the poor.

Iraq

Syrian Kurd leader urges Turkey to join fight against jihadists

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Syrian Kurdish leader Salih Muslim says his Democratic Union Party will not participate in Syria’s presidential elections, and questions why the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq is not helping Syria’s Kurds.

Iraq

Iran seeks Shiite consensus on next Iraqi premier

Iran would prefer that Nouri al-Maliki serve a third term as Iraqi prime minister, but will also give priority to a consensus among the Iraqi Shiite parties.

Iraq

Allawi: Even Syria interferes in Iraq’s elections

Iraqi politican Ayad Allawi spoke with Iran's IR Diplomacy about his complicated relationship with Iran.

Iraq