Nonsectarian citizens isolated in Iraq

Amid increased sectarian tensions, those Iraqis who choose not to side with one sectarian group have found themselves targeted by many, including their own communities.

Iraq

Despite being illegal, sidewalk vendors thriving in Iraq

Because of their popularity, street vendors are thriving in Iraq in spite of government attempts to control them.

Iraq

Iraqi women mostly absent from political scene

Despite some gains made in recent decades, Iraqi women remain largely absent from the country’s political scene.

Iraq

Iraq a hotbed of human trafficking

Although the Iraqi government enacted a law criminalizing human trafficking in 2012, it's rarely if ever enforced.

Iraq

Sistani silent so far on Anbar violence

Iraqi Shiite cleric Ali al-Sistani has remained silent regarding developments in Anbar, in line with his vision of a clear division between religious authorities and the state.

Iraq

Has al-Qaeda found Zarqawi's successor?

The emergence of Shaker Wahib, a young, charismatic field commander in the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), may be tied to the organization’s deeper goals.

Iraq

Hakim launches political initiative to resolve Anbar crisis

A new initiative by Ammar al-Hakim may succeed in solving the Anbar crises because it relies on more than security measures.

Iraq

Nationalist themes co-opt Iraqi music, again

Saddam Hussein took over Iraq’s cultural institutions to produce war propaganda songs, and a similar pattern is appearing today.

Iraq

Lebanese cleric offers moderate vision in 'Shiite Charter'

Moderate Shiite leaders from the region will soon issue a statement about a new vision of moderation.

Iraq

The crisis of Iraqi 'democracy'

Many in Iraq have grown to despise the concept of "democracy" over the last 10 years because of the country’s limited experience with it and their failure to build a true, consensual democracy.

Iraq

Anbar Council calls for end to military siege by Iraqi government forces

Local leaders in Anbar seek a local solution to the current crisis.

Iraq

ISIS foreign fighters spur backlash in Iraq, Syria

Many Sunni Iraqis and Syrians are fighting back against the foreign fighters and extreme practices of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).

Iraq