Iraq War
All topics-
Economic crisis in Iraq
Trump's Iran embargo impacts Iraqis
As a result of U.S. sanctions, Iranians can no longer afford the yearly pilgrimage to Iraq's Shia shrines. The holy city of Najaf is bearing the economic brunt. By Judit Neurink
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Reconstruction in Syria
Frustrating Assadʹs plans for a new state
Although regime apologists are fond of asserting that the war in Syria is over, wary investors, an ongoing U.S. trade embargo, the pariah status of its ally Iran, not to mention galloping inflation, mean it could be years before the devasted country sees any real reconstruction. Analysis by Ghiath Bilal
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Iraq post-Islamic State
The surprising survival of Mosulʹs Jewish quarter
Mosul's Jewish quarter miraculously survived three years of occupation by the Islamic State terror group and the battle to evict it. Judit Neurink and Eddy van Wessel went there to find out how
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Birgit Svensson's biographical account "Murderous Freedom"
Between heaven and hell – fifteen years in Iraq
Journalist Birgit Svensson arrived in Iraq in 2003 and never left, enjoying the dubious status of being the only German-language reporter in the country for much of the time since. Recently published in German, "Moerderische Freiheit" recounts her experiences, offering insights into Iraq that go beyond terrorism and war. By Christopher Resch
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Interview with political scientists Nader Hashemi and Danny Postel
The West's "intellectually lazy" obsession with sectarianism
Danny Postel and Nader Hashemi warn in this interview with Emran Feroz against the tendency in Western media and policy circles to view Middle Eastern politics in essentialist sectarian terms. "Sectarianization: Mapping the New Politics of the Middle East", their recent collection of essays, examines the topic in depth
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The legacy of 9/11
Why the world needs to re-think its war on terror
Seventeen years have passed since 9/11, which marked a turning point in relations between the West and the Islamic world. Jordanian Islamism expert, Hassan Abu Haniyya, offers Ouifaq Benkiran the following observations about the most important repercussions of the war on terror
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From Basra to Baghdad
Young Iraqis rise up for a life worth living
Major rallies against the nation's political elite have been raging in Iraq for months, so far resulting in 15 deaths and 120 injuries. Birgit Svensson reports from Basra, where the protests first flared up and quickly spread through the entire southern half of the country to Baghdad
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Book review: Shahad al-Rawiʹs "The Baghdad Clock"
Romance and sanctions in ʹ90s Iraq
Now available in English translation, Shahad al-Rawiʹs bestselling debut novel "The Baghdad Clock" offers a strikingly direct portrayal of life in Iraq in the nineteen nineties, combining magical-realist elements with the advantage of hindsight. Marcia Lynx Qualey read the book
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Iraq post-IS
Mosulʹs cultural comeback
Music is back in Mosul, as are books and paintings. With Islamic State gone, locals are enjoying their newfound freedom and embracing culture. Will it last? Judit Neurink reports from Mosul
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A new quality of civil unrest
Is Iraq steering towards post-sectarianism?
In the absence of civil war, the people of Iraq have found an opportunity to demand that the political elite deliver on their election campaign promises. Chanting slogans demanding services and jobs, the protesters are keeping clear of sectarian rhetoric. By Seyed Ali Alavi
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Arab dictatorships in crisis
The Middle East's militia mentality
A militia mentality has gripped many Arab states. Today it seems that the regionʹs authoritarian regimes are resorting to methods more commonly associated with gangs and armed clans, says Kuwaiti analyst Shafeeq Ghabra.
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Iraqʹs political future
Entering a new era
The recent elections in Iraq mark a dramatic turning point in the countryʹs political fortunes. New party alliances – in particular the Sairun list led by influential Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr – have emerged victorious from the polls. Birgit Svensson reports from Baghdad