Turkey faces dilemma in fight against Islamic State

Turkey is not keen to have the Kurds, Shiites and the Damascus regime be bolstered in the fight against the Islamic State.

Iraq

Islamic State becoming ‘dominant voice’ among global jihadists

The United States intensifies military planning against the Islamic State; Syria’s new Cabinet; Israel faces "highly complex reality" in Syria; IS-linked group threatens more terror, beheadings in the Sinai Peninsula; what Egypt lost in the Al Jazeera trial.

Egypt

Iranian-Saudi agreement on Iraq may be near

While key issues remain, Iran and Saudi Arabia are reportedly close to agreeing on the formation of an Iraqi government, clearing the way to focus on another regional crisis.

Saudi Arabia

Is the Islamic State holding Turkey hostage?

Prolonged hostage negotiations with the Islamic State are creating serious headaches for the Turkish leadership.

Iraq

Iraqi Shiite forces reinvigorated after Amerli victory

After successfully breaking the Islamic State’s siege on the Shiite Turkmen town of Amerli, Iraqi forces are looking to make further advances.

Iraq

Abadi's balance draws praise, but governing Iraq a tightrope act

Prime Minister-designate Haider al-Abadi has shown balance and pragmatism in forming a government, but the danger of being drawn into sectarian rhetoric remains.

Iraq

Iraqis call to end sectarian quotas for some ministries

Iraqi intellectuals and trade unionists have called for the appointment of qualified people to head government ministries rather than relying on sectarian quotas.

Iraq

Europe blind to Islamic State's true threat

With the Islamic State drawing recruits from across Europe, the continent must act against the movement in Syria and Iraq before it's too late.

Near East

Iraqi intellectuals start campaigns to end bloodshed

Iraqi educational and cultural leaders are drawing wide support from Iraqis of all sects.

Iraq

Despite limitations, Iranian Kurds support Iraqi Kurds

Iranian Kurds have been moved by images of Iraqi Kurds fleeing the Islamic State and have attempted to contribute and help.

Iraq

Ferguson could lead to more US weapons for Middle East

Congress wants to clamp down on leftover military equipment going to local police departments, but what will happen to all that surplus gear?

Iraq

Underage and trapped: female Iraqi factory workers need help

A tougher framework is needed to protect Iraqi girls who are working illegally in factories, as many are being exploited, harassed and sexually abused.

Iraq