Middle East

Iraq’s national football team poses for a picture during the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa in 2009. (Photo: Ammar Sati)

Can Iraq Repeat 2007 Football Triumph?

Since winning the Asian Cup, Iraqi football has been dogged by problems, dimming prospects for next year’s competition.

5 May 10

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki speaks following Iraq's national elections held March 7. (Photo: Serwan Azez/Metrography)

Iraqiya Could Lose Narrow Lead

Bloc warns of instability, political influence over courts as votes are recounted in Baghdad.

30 Apr 10

Residents of the sprawling Baghdad slum of Sadr City examine the burned out remains of a car on April 23, hours after the vehicle was used by insurgents to attack a nearby Shia mosque. (Photo: Serwan Azez/Metrography)

Sadr City Shaken by Bombings

Critics say security forces are not doing enough to protect civilians.

29 Apr 10

Former minister for Martyrs and Anfal affairs Chinar Sadullah is one of many women leaders who are concerned about the lack of female representation in top government posts in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Glass Ceiling for Female Kurdish Politicians

Campaigners say women in northern Iraq are underrepresented in leadership posts.

29 Apr 10

Armenia Freezes Peace Process With Turkey

Russia and US put brave face on move, welcoming fact that Armenia has not withdrawn from process entirely.

25 Apr 10

Georgia's Armenians Want Tbilisi to Recognise Genocide

But analysts say it could not afford to put its relations at risk with Ankara. By Tamuna Uchidze in Akhaltsikhe

25 Apr 10

Call to Strengthen Laws Protecting Women

Conference presses government to combat abuse, honour killings.

23 Apr 10

Yezidi leader Sheikh Allu Khalaf is concerned the stoning to death of a Yezidi teenager has harmed the community. Photo by Khidir Domla.

Mosul Yezidi Fearful of Honour Crime Executions

They’re concerned that death sentences for killers of Yezidi girl could revive inter-communal violence.

23 Apr 10

Najaf officials are fuming over the government’s suspension of international flights at the provincial airport. Photos by Alaa al-Marjani.

Airport Closure Sparks Najaf-Baghdad Tensions

Alleged al-Qaeda plot has suspended international flights at Najaf airport since early April. By Hussien al-Obaidi in Najaf and Ali Kareem in Baghdad

22 Apr 10

Hundreds of Yezidi gather at the sacred Lalish Temple in the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan near the city of Mosul on April 14, as they wait for the sun to set to begin New Year's celebrations. The Yezidi, a religious minority found in northern Iraq, call their New Year celebration Chwar Shema Sur, or Red Wednesday. The Yezidi are the descendants of Zoroastrians, and have been often targeted in the past for their beliefs.

Iraq's Yezidi Celebrate New Year