Reviving Baghdad’s Jewish past: Isaac Gaon shrine restoration sparks both hopes and tensions

After decades of neglect, the shrine of Rabbi Isaac Gaon in Baghdad's historic Qanbar Ali neighborhood is undergoing restoration, reigniting conversations about Iraq’s Jewish heritage, interfaith coexistence, and national identity.

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Blame game atop apocalyptic ruins: How Iran is reeling from its port inferno

A port in flames, a nation in mourning—and a ruling elite in denial. Behind Iran's recent port explosion lies a web of secrecy, military links, and a government increasingly estranged from its own people.

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‘Duty to compensate’: echoes of tragedy spur Halabja on after accession to provincial status

In a tale of great sorrow and resilience, the people of Halabja have celebrated its recent accession to provincial status almost 40 years after the former Baath regime unleashed a brutal chemical attack on its residents. Despite the enduring scars of the past, families of the victims hope that the firm Kurdish political solidarity in pushing for the provincial accession bill will lead to the realization of long-awaited compensation from the Baghdad government.

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Fractures within the Shiite camp ahead of Iraq’s 2025 elections

As Iraq prepares for pivotal parliamentary elections on November 11, fractures within the Shiite political sphere are becoming increasingly pronounced.

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Stray dog attacks surge to over 500 in three months in Dhi Qar

More than 500 people have been bitten by stray dogs in Iraq’s Dhi Qar province during the first quarter of 2025, sparking widespread concern among residents and leading authorities to take a brutal traditional measure, poison.

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Tensions, threats, hopes: What's at stake in upcoming US-Iran talks?

With talks between Washington and Tehran set to commence on Saturday, this deep dive analyzes what can be expected from the new dialogue and what its implications may be for the region.

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US-Iran tensions cooling for now—but for how long?

After weeks of escalating rhetoric and US military posturing, Tehran and Washington are back on track for diplomacy, with talks scheduled in Oman to address the nuclear issue. But with their demands oceans apart, bridging the gap remains a formidable task.

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Iraq’s federalism debate: Between constitutional reform and sectarian fragmentation

As Iraq continues to grapple with political instability, the concept of federalism is resurfacing as both a constitutional solution and a source of controversy.

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US foreign aid freeze sparks crisis in Iraq’s civil society, women’s rights sector

A sweeping executive order by President Donald Trump to freeze US foreign aid for 90 days has triggered chaos in Iraq’s humanitarian sector. The halt has crippled development and relief projects, forced NGOs to shut down, and left hundreds of staff unemployed, particularly affecting women’s empowerment initiatives.

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