Proposed US sanctions on PMU put Iraq in tough spot

Proposed sanctions against factions of the Shiite-dominated Popular Mobilization Units would place the Iraqi government squarely in the middle of a tug of war between Iran and the United States.

Iraq

Iraq steps up efforts to stop smuggling of rare species

Smuggling rare animal species out of Iraq has become common due to lax enforcement of laws and the country's security situation, but the federal government is making renewed efforts to halt the smuggling.

Iraq

Pentagon reports troop surge in Middle East

Newly released Pentagon figures show a surge in US troops deployed across the Middle East this summer.

Saudi Arabia

Kirkuk residents demand truth about fate of their missing

The families of people who have gone missing from Kirkuk and other disputed areas in Iraq over the past decade hope that the federal government retaking these areas will lead to more information on their fate.

Iraq

Last IS-held Iraqi town retaken amid car bombs, IEDs

Iraqi security forces seized Rawa, the last Islamic State-held town located in Anbar province, after a circuitous and dangerous journey to their destination.

Iraq

Fear of extinction pushes Basra’s Christians to isolation

In light of the threats of extremists over recent years, Christians in Basra lack confidence in the local authorities for securing their safety.

Iraq

Baghdad increases pressure on KRG with budget cut

By cutting the Kurdistan region’s share of the national budget for 2018, the Iraqi central government continues to implement punitive measures in response to the Kurdish independence referendum.

Iraq

Iraqi authorities clamp down on sectarian hate speech

During the Shiite Arbaeen pilgrimage this month, the Iraqi government took legal measures to stop extreme groups from insulting Sunni religious figures.

Iraq

Jordan photo exhibition displays hope for victims of war, violence

A recent photo exhibition showed victims of war and violence during their treatment at the Medecins Sans Frontieres hospital in Amman and post-reconstructive surgery.

Iraq

Border crossings deepen Baghdad-Erbil conflict

Baghdad insists on taking control of the Kurdistan Region's border crossings with Turkey and Iran, while authorities in Erbil refuse to hand them over to Baghdad.

Iraq

Iran, Turkey divide Saudi-led bloc

Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi is opposed to plans by the other members of the Anti-Terror Quartet to confront Iran and Hezbollah in the Levant, to maintain Lebanon's relatively stable position.

Saudi Arabia

Iraqi Islamist MPs' proposal would allow child marriage

Iraq's parliament is considering an amendment that opponents say would severely violate the rights of women and children and send the country's legal system back to a "primitive era."

Iraq