Is Iraqi Kurdistan splitting apart ... again?

Political and economic tensions are chipping away at the autonomy, stability and unity of Iraqi Kurdistan as diverse local populations are calling for political reforms and an end to corruption.

Iraq

Iraq’s ancient Kish City lies buried in sand

Iraq’s Kish City has managed to overcome many natural disasters and neglect on the part of its residents and the government, but it has now been turned into a desolate site covered in sand.

Iraq

Iraq's Kakai minority joins fight against Islamic State

Some in Iraq’s Kakai minority group have claimed to be Muslim to avoid persecution, while others are working to form a militia to protect themselves.

Iraq

Iraq tries to help shake stigma of orphans

The Iraqi government and society must do more to end "honor killings" of women who give birth out of wedlock and to provide care and compassion for the children left behind.

Iraq

Iraq sees exodus of minorities

Large waves of emigration are dramatically depleting Iraq’s minority populations, especially Christians, with dire consequences for the country's future diversity.

Iraq

Is it time to formally decentralize Iraq?

Although Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi proposed a reform project to cut down government size, and thus government expenses, Iraq is in need of a decentralized plan.

Iraq

Displaced Yazidis in Georgia find respite, but little else

A small number of Iraqi Yazidis fleeing Islamic State attacks in 2014 headed for economically struggling Georgia, where the existing Yazidi community, itself formed by refugees escaping persecution, has been trying to assist them.

Iraq

Iraq’s government, society struggle with widespread bribery

Although Iraqis have recently taken to the street in protest of the rampant corruption among government officials, it seems that eliminating bribery is far-fetched as it is rooted in government officials as well as employees.

Iraq

Republicans prepare for next round on Iran

A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Sept. 14.

Palestine

Will Iran reach truce with the Islamic State?

Some members of Iran’s foreign policy elite are suggesting that Iran reduce regional military intervention — a policy that could help US President Barack Obama's administration sell the Iran deal to skeptical traditional allies and their US supporters.

Saudi Arabia

Iraqi political cartoonist draws trouble

Iraqi cartoonists are targeted for their drawings that criticize corruption and Islamic political parties in the country.

Iraq

After mass rape by the Islamic State, Yazidi women still struggle to break the silence

Some of the Yazidi women sold and enslaved by Islamic State militants told Al-Monitor about their horrific experiences, including repeated rapes, but others claimed they were only forced to cook and clean for fear of being stigmatized by their conservative community.

Iraq