Why is Iraq challenging human rights reports?

Despite accounts of major human rights violations in Iraq, the government continues to deny and criticize reports by international human rights organizations.

Iraq

Who's really taking Christian homes in Iraq?

Although the Popular Mobilization Units grouping has been accused of seizing the homes of Baghdad’s Christians, the organization is leading a campaign to recover the properties.

Iraq

After terrorist label, what is GCC's next move against Hezbollah?

Iranian officials and media have condemned the decision by the Gulf Cooperation Council to label the Lebanese group Hezbollah a terrorist organization and believe more anti-Hezbollah actions are on the way.

Saudi Arabia

House panel decries Islamic State genocide

The Foreign Affairs Committee also voted to label Syrian President Bashar al-Assad a war criminal.

Iraq

Abadi outgunned in fight to disarm tribes

The Iraqi state faces serious obstacles in its efforts to confiscate weapons from the heavily armed populace, which is much more concerned with tribal ties and customs than the rule of law.

Iraq

What is stopping the liberation of Mosul?

The liberation of Mosul from the Islamic State will be a complicated task for the Iraqi forces, as several players will be involved in the operation.

Iraq

Will Abadi put his money where his mouth is?

Iraq’s Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s contemplated Cabinet reshuffle to include technocrats and academics seems to be impossible in light of the sectarian political system in the country and the prevailing scepticism about this step among the political class.

Iraq

As economic crisis continues, will Kurdish peshmerga desert?

The situation of the peshmerga forces in Iraq's Kurdistan Region is precarious in the absence of coordination with the Iraqi government and the economic crisis that has left them long unpaid.

Iraq

Iraq's dubious religious shrines

The Shiite residents of Babil keep visiting religious shrines as they believe in their healing character, although historical information contradicts their beliefs.

Iraq

Why Saudis may take on Iraq’s Shiite militias

Saudi Arabia sees Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units, formed from various Shiite militias to fight the Islamic State, as a dangerous long-term foe for the Sunni Islamic world.

Saudi Arabia

Were Iraqis really better off under Saddam?

Iraq's current security chaos appears to be inspiring a bit of nostalgia for Saddam Hussein’s days, though it is unclear who, exactly, is reminiscing.

Iraq

What is Abadi doing to protect Iraq’s Christians?

The Islamic State is known for forcing Iraq's Christians out of their homes, but the terror group did not start the ugly trend.

Iraq