Basra officials hope new contracts will spur reconstruction

Following years of rampant corruption in reconstruction projects, officials in the Iraqi city of Basra are optimistic that recent contracts concluded with Hill International will spark a construction boom in the city.

Iraq

Iraqi politicians focus on buying, not convincing voters

Since the toppling of Saddam Hussein's regime, Iraq's political scene has been more about infighting and vote-buying than the state's welfare.

Iraq

Suicide bombings on the rise among Shiites

While suicide attacks were once the preserve of Sunni extremist groups, there have been reports of recent attacks in Syria carried out by Shiite militants fighting alongside the Assad regime.

Iraq

Hijama, bloodletting as a traditional medicine, remains popular in Iraq

Hijama, a form of traditional medicine that involves removing "bad blood" with suction cups, remains popular in Iraq due to its foundation in culture and religion.

Iraq

Iraq seeks to become regional trade hub

As its economy continues to struggle, Iraqi officials are working to improve the country's transportation sector to make it an international trading hub.

Iraq

Syrian events continue to develop in Geneva, Ghouta

Though the battles taking place in both places take different forms, the events going on in Ghouta and Geneva will bear significantly on the near future of the conflict.

Iraq

Iraqi authorities fail to protect journalists

Journalists are increasingly being targeted by attacks and killings in Iraq, while the government stands by in silence.

Iraq

Kurdish peace process is on knife edge — again

Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) members kidnapped four Turkish soldiers on Sunday only to release them early Monday; this has caused people to question the progress of talks with PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan.

Iraq

Iraqi government rejects plans for women’s shelters

The Iraqi government has refused to back plans by civil society associations to open shelters for battered women, claiming that women would use them to leave their husbands, and this would threaten many Iraqi families.

Iraq

Syrian Kurds discuss differences over Geneva II

At the core of Syrian Kurd differences is tension between Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Massoud Barzani and Kurdistan Workers Party leader Abdullah Ocalan.

Iraq

Maliki's housing initiative may be part of election strategy

Is Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's "National Initiative for Housing" a means to win votes?

Near East

National Museum of Iraq remains closed to public

Four years after officially reopening, Iraq's national museum remains off-limits to average Iraqis and information about it is difficult to obtain.

Iraq