Rouhani on defense after attack on hard-line 'fraudulent institutions'

Reformists sidelined in Iran's street protests; reactions in Iraq and Turkey; Iran rebuilds ties with Hamas via Hezbollah.

Palestine

Why Iran protests matter for Iraqis

The Iranian protests could have an impact elsewhere in the region, potentially weakening Iraqi Shiite parties loyalty to Tehran.

Iraq

Iraq cracks down on online gun sales

Social media has become a meeting point for Iraqi weapon sellers and their clients, and some dealers have even started offering military weapons on these platforms.

Iraq

Three months after Baghdad took control, tensions high in Kirkuk

The return of Iraqi federal rule in Kirkuk has brought about tensions between the Kurds and others amid joint attempts by the Kurds and the Baghdad government to calm the situation in the province.

Iraq

School finally back in session for Iraqi Dom village

After its school was destroyed more than 13 years ago, education is returning to a small Dom village in southern Iraq.

Iraq

Culture Alert: Art mingles with diplomacy, feminism and sport

The Middle East's cultural scene at the start of 2018 is almost as lively as its political landscape, as art flirts with feminism, diplomacy and sport.

Egypt

Is Islamic State back in Kirkuk?

Using reactivated sleeper cells and new tactics in Kirkuk, the Islamic State shows it's back in action even as it is about to lose all its territory in Iraq and Syria.

Iraq

Iraq has much to gain from gas-supply pact with Kuwait

A deal to export gas to Kuwait could help Iraq pay off war reparations, take advantage of otherwise wasted flare gas and make inroads with other Gulf countries.

Kuwait

Iraqi forces hunt down IS remnants in Hamrin Mountains

After the declaration of victory against the Islamic State, Iraqi security forces are still hunting small groups of IS fighters in the remote areas.

Iraq

Pro-Iran PMU factions prepare for electoral battle in Iraq

Segments of the Popular Mobilization Units close to Iran are forming an alliance to participate in Iraq's upcoming elections.

Iraq

Can Baghdad contain diseases in areas liberated from IS?

In the absence of supervised and well-coordinated health care, areas liberated from the Islamic State suffer from the spread of diseases.

Iraq

Reviving Kurdish language in northern Syria

The self-administration in northern Syria is teaching the Kurdish language in a bid to revive it among the local population after decades of marginalization.

Iraq