politics

boycotting baghdad’s diplomats: iraqi struggle to encourage international embassies

In order to achieve diplomatic legitimacy, Iraq needs more embassies. The lack of key Arab nations in Baghdad is keenly felt - and even countries that do have embassies there, often only fly staff in for short visits. by Mustafa Habib in Baghdad (02.02.2012) more

politics

escape from centralism: basra postpones bid for independence

Last year the oil-rich state of Basra announced it wanted more independence from Baghdad. This year it changed its mind. Decision makers say the timing is wrong, critics say Baghdad put locals under pressure. by Waheed Ghanim in Basra (01.02.2012) more

politics

hope for peace: new religious authority brings sects and terror groups together

Hardline cleric, Mahdi al-Sumaidaie, has a plan to form a religious authority representing both Sunni and Shiite Muslims. The group will also include former terror groups. And it will attempt to end sectarian violence in Iraq. by Ahmad Malek in Baghdad (01.02.2012) more

politics

interview with unami spokesperson: iraq ‘desperately needs’ human rights commission

Since US troops left, there’s no doubt that the United Nations mission to Iraq has become more important in its role as an advisor to the government. UNAMI spokesperson Radhia Achouri spoke to NIQASH about the organisations’ current priorities. by Khaled Waleed in Baghdad (31.01.2012) more

society

lives of agony and suffering: no help for victims of halabja gas attacks

The horrific gas attacks on the Iraqi town of Halabja happened over two decades ago. Yet survivors still suffer many health problems. And although the government has made promises to help, survivors say they’ve been abandoned by their state. by Sangar Jamal in Halabja (26.01.2012) more

politics

the answer to all of iraq’s problems: centralism or federalism?

Fans of a federal union of states in Iraq are accusing PM Nouri al-Maliki of taking on the role of dictator in Iraq. They see separation of sects as the only answer to Iraq's problems. Yet advocates of centralised power in Iraq support the PM's actions. Who's right? by Shwan Zulal in London (26.01.2012) more

economy

iraq's most resourceful unemployed: doing business on the holy days

Joining the millions of religious pilgrims flocking to Iraq's holy city of Karbala are thousands of unemployed Iraqis. They make money by selling souvenirs on the streets and strangely, the city's own shopkeepers welcome them all. by Mohammed Hameed al-Sawaf in Karbala (23.01.2012) more