Border crossings and foreign fighters rise after Taliban takeover

A recent UN report and other worrying signs point to a likely surge in both an al-Qaeda and Islamic State presence in Afghanistan in the six months since the Taliban has been in power.

Iran

Drones pose additional security threats, challenges for Iraq

With drones flying the Iraqi skies for illegal purposes, security authorities face a host of new challenges.

Iraq

Culture

UNESCO makes progress in reconstruction of Mosul monuments

Paris-based UNESCO Chief Audrey Azoulay will travel to Mosul in March, to officially launch the second phase of the reconstruction of Mosul monuments destroyed under the Islamic State takeover.

Iraq

Culture

Strains on ancient Mesopotamian marshes imperil ecology, way of life

The marshes in southern Iraq have a unique ecosystem but face dangers due to climate change, dams built upstream and decades of war and mismanagement.

Iraq

Iraqi court's ruling on KRG gas puts Turkey on the spot

A top Iraqi court has ruled that the 2007 oil and gas law affecting the Kurdistan Regional Government is unconstitutional in a heavy blow to the KRG and its energy deals with Turkey.

Turkey

Kataib Hezbollah movements in Iraq and abroad spark concern

Hints of a greater presence of an IRGC-linked Iraqi armed faction with government-salaried brigades in a Sunni tribal-dominant province has sparked outcry, as the group continues to raise money for operations in other countries.

Iraq

Iranian commander lobbies Iraq's Muqtada al-Sadr for 'inclusive' approach to Shiite parties

Iranian Quds Force commander Esmail Ghaani is seeking to maintain unity among the Shiite political ranks before the formation of the new government, including a role for parties affiliated with Iran.

Iraq

Islamic State kills Iraqi forces in sparsely populated Anbar desert

Attacks and unexploded ordnance continue to reap victims in Iraq’s vast western desert as security officials deny increased risks associated with a massive recent jailbreak across the border.

Iraq

Turkish attacks stop displaced Iraqi Yazidis from returning home

Turkey's regular targeting of Sinjar region is affecting the area badly and preventing displaced people from returning.

Iraq

Baghdad announces crackdown on drug trafficking, gangs in Maysan

Security file in Maysan governorate has become a priority for the Iraqi government following assassinations, armed tribal conflicts, organized crime and drug trafficking.

Iraq

Iran’s water woes worsen despite warmer Taliban ties

Iranian and Taliban officials have issued conflicting claims about how water from a dam in southwestern Afghanistan will be used, amid worsening shortages in Iran and protests.

Iraq

Will Iran's electricity cut turn Iraq toward Gulf?

Iraq is facing reduced electricity and gas supplies from Iran, which might lead Iraq toward an electricity connection with the Gulf.

Iraq