Niqash: briefings from inside and across Iraq
politics
iraqi terror groups’ new weapon of choice: the knife
Terror groups are turning to a new weapon in attempts to intimidate the local populace: the knife. Stabbings are increasing in Iraq because, as one al-Qaeda insider says, assassination by knife is cheaper and easier amid high security. by Khaled Waleed in Baghdad more
economy
regional repercussions: syrian conflict causes economic issues in iraq
As violence in Syria worsens, the economic repercussions are felt in places like Iraqi Kurdistan – Syria is usually a conduit for goods coming into the semi-autonomous region. And Sulaymaniyah’s car dealers are the latest to feel the effects. by Hana Raouf in Sulaymaniyah
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society
culture under threat: historic iraqi crafts almost extinct
Faced with a tidal wave of cheap imports, traditional crafts and industries are disappearing from the ancient northern city of Mosul. Local craftspeople say culture and economics will suffer if nothing is done to preserve Iraq’s handmade history. by Abdulhadi al Obeidi in Mosul more
legislation
from under the bed, into living room: iraqi govt legalises guns
A new law states Iraqis may now own one gun per household. But is the state simply formalising a ‘Wild West’ gun culture that already exists? Or signing hundreds more Iraqis’ death warrants? by Mustafa Habib in Baghdad
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society
HIV epidemic in iraqi kurdistan? infections increase 5000 percent
Figures show that those infected with HIV/AIDS in Iraqi Kurdistan have increased from two to 107. And international experts warn that locals need to discuss topics like this more openly, or risk an epidemic. by Sangar Jamal in Erbil more
politics
getting rid of nouri: PM’s critics consider options to remove ‘dictator’
His opponents suspect him of ambitions to be Iraq’s next dictator. But even they have come to realise that it may be impossible to oust current PM Nouri al-Maliki by legal means. So they’re looking at other options, some surprising. by Mustafa Habib in Baghdad more
economy
the battle for iraqi oil: can there ever be a winner?
The battle for Iraq’s oil goes on. Iraqi Kurdistan is intent on controlling its own oil, Baghdad is intent on wresting that control from them. Will the impasse ever be solved? Only if both sides see reason, one commentator argues. by Shwan Zulal in London more
legislation
new cyber crimes law: life in prison for visiting the wrong website
Iraq is about to introduce a new law to cover the cyber world. Authorities hope it will help fight terrorism. Critics say when ordinary Internet users could face of life in prison, it goes too far – and curbs freedom of expression. by Khaled Waleed in Baghdad more
society
ninawa’s sunni muslims to shiites: don’t take our mosques
A 2005 law says mosques and shrines bearing Shiite Muslim names are the responsibility of Shiites. Even if, as in Mosul, they are attended by Sunni Muslims. The Sunnis say its theft. Others say this law will only inflame sectarian conflict in Iraq. by Mohammed Kamel in Mosul more
economy
mosul’s generators: dangerous, corrupt & use enough wire to wrap the earth
Mosul is festooned with electrical wiring, polluted by smoke and hums with thousands of generators. Now a Mosul University study indicates not just the dangers of private generators, but also the potential for corruption on every corner. by Saleh Elias in Mosul
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