Assad’s departure still non-starter for Putin

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s comment on "orderly" transition could offer a face-saving spark for Syria political talks; Hezbollah’s No. 2 disavows "ambitions" in Syria; did Iran benefit from US missile strike? Sistani seeks restraints on Iraqi armed groups looking to fight in Syria.

Iraq

Shiite militias prepare for education 'revolution' in Iraq

Shiite militias within Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) are attempting to establish separate PMU universities, which some see as an attempt to bring Iranian influence to Iraq.

Iraq

So many Iraqi airports, so few planes

Iraq doesn't need more airports, but that's not stopping local governments from trying to build them.

Iraq

Is Saudi Arabia really willing to normalize ties with Iraq?

Despite some progress in Saudi-Iraqi ties, further improvement is hindered by Iranian influence in Iraq and Baghdad's inability to control Shiite militias.

Legacy: Gulf

Iraqis demand action as popular archaeological site neglected

To celebrate spring, many Iraqis travel to the ziggurat of Dur-Kurigalzu, an ancient city, but they are noticing that the famous archaeological site is falling into ruin as the government is not making any effort to protect it.

Iraq

Iraq's Shiite clerics show no love for Assad

It shouldn't have come as a surprise when Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr called on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to relinquish power, as other Shiite leaders have previously also criticized the Assad regime.

Iraq

Could Kurds hold independence referendum this year?

The Kurdistan Democratic Party is rushing to organize an independence referendum; however, there is no agreement on this matter among other Kurdish parties, and Baghdad, Iran and Turkey have strong reservations.

Iraq

Washington sees Iraq as front for Iran pushback

Prime Minister Hader al-Abadi is facing a very problematic challenge as the United States wants to use Iraq as a place to confront Iran.

Iraq

Is Iraq poised for large-scale military involvement in Syria?

As the battle against IS approaches its end in Iraq, Syria and Iraq have stepped up their security and military cooperation with the aim of preserving Iraqi territories against the activities of terrorist groups operating from the Iraq-Syria border area.

Iraq

Corruption, deceit plague private education in Iraq

As Iraq's education system continues to decline, the government is working to stop private universities from operating without accreditation.

Iraq

Anger in Ankara over Iraqi Kurdish independence moves

Given its close ties with the Kurdistan Regional Government, which it needs for economic, political and security interests, Turkey’s objections to Iraqi Kurdish plans remain low key, but a crisis between the sides may nevertheless be looming.

Iraq

Why Iran-Iraq War is still minefield for artists

Some 30 years on, depictions of the Iran-Iraq War are still a minefield for Iranian artists and authors.

Iraq