IS emerges from radical Islamic jurisprudence

The Islamic State and other radical groups found their religious underpinnings in the heart of Islamic teachings.

Iraq

Money, power draw young Iraqis to IS

Many young people from Jurf al-Sakhar in Iraq are volunteering to join the Islamic State (IS) to secure a monthly income.

Iraq

Meet the female peshmerga forces fighting IS

Kurdish female peshmerga fighters are joining the battle against the Islamic State to thwart any possible attack against Kurdish areas.

Iraq

Turkey’s exports decrease amid regional tension

Turkey has suffered unexpected declines in its exports to Iraq, Libya, Egypt, Ukraine and Russia, though Turkish exports to Russia may have more potential following its recent foodstuff import boycott of the United States and European Union.

Egypt

Kurds prepare for counteroffensive as US strikes IS

US airstrikes against the Islamic State (IS) have boosted the morale of Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga forces that are getting ready for a counteroffensive to regain lost territory.

Iraq

Turkey downplays IS threat, but concerns grow

As the Islamic state draws closer to the Turkish border and Ankara struggles to overcome its differences with the Iraqi administration, Turkey may be left to face the jihadist threat on its own.

Iraq

US airstrikes alone will not defeat IS

The US militarily intervention in Iraq will be limited, according to President Barack Obama.

Iraq

Moscow sees opportunity in Iraq instability

Moscow is continuing arms sales to Iraq and pursuing a policy that may allow it to weaken US influence in the country.

Iraq

Feeling heat, Maliki warns Sistani against opposing third term

Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani hinted at Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s intention to seek a third term, saying that Iraqi officials should not cling to their positions in power.

Iraq

Najaf takes in Christians displaced by Islamic State

The religious authorities in Najaf and Karbala showed their support to displaced minorities, notably Christians from Mosul, and expressed their readiness to offer their help.

Iraq

Mental health a concern for displaced Iraqis

Humanitarian organizations and residents of Babil have been providing material assistance to displaced persons from Kirkuk, but many of the displaced continue to suffer from psychological trauma.

Iraq

Kurdish security chief: Turkey must end support for jihadists

The head of the Syrian Kurdish security police forces, Ciwan Ibrahim, tells Al-Monitor that they are willing to cooperate with Turkey if it halts its support for jihadist groups.

Iraq