Iraq’s thermal spa poised for facelift

Tourists are returning to Mosul's Hammam al-Alil spa, which used to attract thousands of people to its healing waters before the Islamic State took control of the city.

Iraq

Iraq hopes to bring FIFA soccer back to its stadiums

Iraq is hosting showcase soccer games during a three-month "probation" period as it works to convince FIFA that the country has overcome security and organizational problems and is ready to get back in the game.

Iraq

Iraqi civil society groups seek to restock Mosul libraries

Civil society organizations and cultural institutions are rushing to supply two libraries in Mosul with books, publications and periodicals.

Iraq

Iraq accelerates work on its virtual national museum

The Virtual Museum of Iraq, which has been a work in progress since 2005, aims to bring Iraqi heritage and archaeological artifacts online by the end of 2018.

Iraq

New political alliance unites Iraqi religious and secular parties

In a sudden development, the Sadrist movement led by Muqtada al-Sadr and the National Coalition led by Ayad Allawi announced the formation of a political alliance in the upcoming elections.

Iraq

As Mosul battle nears end, Iraqi Christians wary of return

Despite the liberation of the Ninevah Plains, very few Iraqi Christians have returned to their historical homeland, while the majority of them refuse to return due to security concerns.

Iraq

Congress threatens to cut payments to Iraqi Kurds if they break with Baghdad

The House defense bill makes continued peshmerga funding contingent on participation in a “unified Iraq.”

Iraq

Mosul residents divided over 'burqa ban'

First the Islamic State and now security restrictions on wearing the full face veil, or niqab, have women and others in Mosul reassessing their perceptions of the practice.

Iraq

Iraq's Kurds question motives behind independence vote

Opponents of the Iraq Kurdistan referendum on independence question the real agenda behind the Kurdistan Democratic Party's push for the vote.

Iraq

Iraq outlines plans to rebuild country, inspire tolerance

Iraqi officials say they are ready to reconstruct the country and heal the populace devastated by the Islamic State.

Iraq

Iraq’s PM concludes tightrope regional tour

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's tour — which spanned Saudi Arabia, Iran and Kuwait — aimed to maintain regional balances amid discussions on post-IS preparations and regional aid to Iraq.

Saudi Arabia

Kurds reaching critical juncture in US partnership

The United States and Kurds currently share a partnership of convenience in Syria, but Kurds are looking ahead warily to the role they might be asked to play as US policy evolves.

Saudi Arabia