Iraq's Islamists dump religion for upcoming elections

Islamist parties in Iraq are shedding their religious platforms to focus on reform in the campaign for upcoming elections and are also allying with secular parties.

Iraq

Anbar governor thanks PMUs, tells them to get out

The new governor of Anbar province faces critical challenges regarding providing services to the recently liberated area from the Islamic State and dealing with the Shiite Popular Mobilization Units coming from outside the province.

Iraq

Iraq backs off plans to double number of US-trained counterterrorism forces

With all of Iraq now liberated from the Islamic State, the elite Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service is shifting its focus away from large-scale battles.

Iraq

Rivals may team up to defeat Iraqi Prime Minister Abadi

Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has expressed his solidarity with Iraqi Kurdistan, indicating the possibility of an alliance with his former rival Massoud Barzani.

Iraq

Iraq's Anbar eyes political battle as displaced return

The competition for May's election has already started among Anbar's politicians, while there are still many IS sleeper cells in the province.

Iraq

Turkey’s optimistic plans in Iraq seem to be faltering

Ankara thought it had promising deals with the Iraqi government — such as a new pipeline from Kirkuk, Iraq, to Ceyhan, Turkey, and a new crossing to Iraq — but the proposals now are in question.

Iraq

Armed Kurdish groups want disputed territory back in Iraq

New Kurdish militias are forming from the remnants of defunct ones to renew the fight with the Iraqi army and the Popular Mobilization Units.

Iraq

Born in the wrong place: Europe's Islamic State offspring

With the Islamic State defeated in Iraq and Syria, parents and relatives of European women and children who joined members of the terrorist organization there are calling on their governments to help facilitate the return of the children to their home countries.

Iraq

Why is Iraq now stripping Palestinians of their rights?

The Iraqi government passed a law depriving Palestinians in the country of their basic rights, which raised questions about the timing that coincided with growing US and Israeli pressure to stop funding the UNRWA.

Palestine

Rouhani on defense after attack on hard-line 'fraudulent institutions'

Reformists sidelined in Iran's street protests; reactions in Iraq and Turkey; Iran rebuilds ties with Hamas via Hezbollah.

Palestine

Why Iran protests matter for Iraqis

The Iranian protests could have an impact elsewhere in the region, potentially weakening Iraqi Shiite parties loyalty to Tehran.

Iraq

Iraq cracks down on online gun sales

Social media has become a meeting point for Iraqi weapon sellers and their clients, and some dealers have even started offering military weapons on these platforms.

Iraq