Syrian and Iraqi Kurds more divided over Syria

The Syria war is proving to be a divisive, rather than unifying, force among the Kurds of Iraq and Syria.

Iraq

Return of once forbidden Ashoura chants signals Shiite revival

After Saddam Hussein's fall in 2003, once forbidden Shiite hymns have become highly popular as part of a general religious revival in the Shiite community.

Iraq

Syrian Kurds jockey for seat at Geneva talks

As long as the Assad regime and the opposition fail to come to an agreement, Syria’s Kurds will continue to consolidate their gains.

Iraq

Iraqi Turkmen town seeks to join Kurdistan Region

Following years of perceived neglect by Baghdad, some in the Iraqi town of Tuz Khormato have called for joining the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

Iraq

Rise of Islamic Front a disaster for Syria

The ascendance of the Islamic Front threatens a political transition in Syria; Lebanon paralyzed by Syria conflict; Farea al-Muslimi named FP Leading Global Thinker.

Saudi Arabia

Syria war brings al-Qaeda threat to Iraqi Kurdistan

The Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq seeks to prevent the spillover of the war inside its borders.

Iraq

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