With Islamic State gone, barbers are busy in Mosul

Mosul barbers, whose profession was outlawed during the Islamic State's rule, are becoming popular again in the newly freed city.

Iraq

Appearances get people killed in Iraq

Several Iraqis have been killed or received death threats recently because they are gay, "look gay" or in some way don't meet extremists' religious mandates.

Iraq

Engaging with PMU necessary to check Iran's influence in Iraq

To those concerned about Iran’s role in post-Islamic State Iraq, there might be no choice but to engage with Tehran’s allies to balance the expansion of the Islamic Republic’s reach.

Iraq

Iraqi forces keep up fight for strategic areas south of Mosul

Despite its recent losses, the Islamic State was able to temporarily retake some liberated areas such as the village of Imam Gharbi, cutting the key highway between Qayyarah and Shirqat for weeks.

Iraq

With IS on the way out, Iraqi power struggles pose major threat

As Iraq struggles to contain pockets of Islamic State resistance following the liberation of Mosul, political differences and a power struggle between domestic groups threaten more conflict.

Iraq

Military setbacks don't ensure Islamic State's demise

The Islamic State's loss of territory in Iraq and Syria is accompanied by opponents' cheers of a military victory — but is it really victory?

Iraq

Young Iraqi filmmakers break taboos

Iraq is witnessing the growth of a new generation of young filmmakers, but they face serious challenges from society over the content of the films.

Iraq

If Iran has its way, Abadi won't see a second term in Iraq

Iran is seeking to preserve its influence in Iraq and hopes Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who it believes is undermining its efforts there, will not lead the next government.

Iraq

Turkey eager for role in rebuilding war-torn Mosul

Turkish companies have a lot of experience to offer in reconstructing Mosul, but their government's political indiscretions pose serious obstacles.

Iraq

Abu Mazen plays losing hand badly in Gaza Strip

The Palestinian president faces a challenge from a bitter rival backed by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates; what is Saddam Hussein’s family doing in Qatar?; Russia and the United States wary of Turkish military intervention in Syria.

Saudi Arabia

As war on IS continues, Iraqi Kurdish journalists face suppression

Kurdish activists complain of suppression and limitation of independent journalistic freedom in the Kurdistan Region.

Iraq

Shiite Kurds challenge Iraqi Kurdistan independence

In addition to international bodies, regional powers and Baghdad, the Shiite Kurdish group known as Feylis is also fundamentally opposed to Kurdistan’s secession from Iraq.

Iraq