Remaining civilians flee booby-trapped, sniper-infested west Mosul

As Iraqi forces clear the recently liberated Zinjili neighborhood in western Mosul, the civilians who are finally leaving now find themselves caught in the crossfire.

Iraq

Kurdish independence in Iraq will take more than a referendum

The Kurdistan Regional Government has its work cut out for it to achieve an independent Kurdistan, as its plans would require the cooperation of some unlikely players.

Saudi Arabia

Public fuss over KRG referendum gives way to private nods

The regional players are buzzing after the Kurdistan Regional Government announced it will hold a referendum on independence, and signs point to tacit support from the United States and Turkey.

Iraq

Iraqi Kurdistan-Russia oil deal could have major implications for region

The Kurdistan Regional Government quietly signed a major deal June 2 with Russian oil giant Rosneft, allowing Russia its first entry to the Kurdish oil market, which was dominated by the United States and Turkey.

Iraq

Iraqi poets reclaim streets

The House of Poetry, established by several Iraqi poets in 2009, brings modern poetry to the people through posters and graffiti.

Iraq

Iraq, Qatar grow closer in wake of Gulf crisis

Following the tension between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the relationship between Iraq and Qatar has become strong and many Iraqi politicians support Qatar against Saudi Arabia.

Legacy: Gulf

PMU wants to take over Baghdad’s security

The Popular Mobilization Units and their political blocs demand that the security of the capital be handed to the PMU and that the Baghdad Operations Command be disbanded for its failure to maintain security.

Iraq

Road ahead unclear in aftermath of Tehran attacks

After having thwarted numerous plots to strike Iran, the country has finally been hit by its first Islamic State attack; the question now is what Iran may do next.

Saudi Arabia

Iran says IS attackers fought in Syria and Iraq

Iranian authorities linked the Islamic State attackers to a larger cell whose leader was killed by security forces last year.

Saudi Arabia

'Peace Radio' inspires Iraq's refugees and displaced

Radio Salam in northern Iraq focuses on the refugees and displaced in Iraq to spread hope and peace among them.

Iraq

Islamic State families fear persecution in Iraq

Al-Monitor visited families of Islamic State members being held in isolation in the Shahama camp, near Tikrit. They and aid workers fear what will happen to them if they are unable to rejoin communities outside the camp.

Iraq

Kirkuk’s oil to play big role in Kurdish independence

The post-Islamic State era will be crucial for Kirkuk, as conflicts over the governorate's territory and oil will determine the future of relations between the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government.

Iraq