A precarious undertaking: Lebanon's disarmament of Hezbollah

As the Lebanese government moves to disarm Hezbollah and other non-state armed factions, an analyst discusses with The New Region the complexities of the endeavor and the possible repercussions of the unprecedented move, expressing doubt in the Lebanese military's capacity to carry out the plan's first phase.

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Scandal in Anbar: Families of ISIS fighters paid gov't funds allocated for martyrs

The discovery that hundreds of fallen Islamic State (ISIS) fighters have been receiving funds designated for martyred security forces personnel has shone a spotlight on corruption and the prevalence of forgery in Anbar's Martyrs Foundation administration.

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Rising from the ashes once more: Halabja's indomitable solidarity in the face of disaster

Once again faced with tragedy in the form of a devastating wildfire that killed two, the people of Halabja rose to the occasion with selfless gestures of charity and an unwavering spirit of resilience, bringing to the fore a unity and sense of common cause rooted in the province's tragic past.

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Dying waters: Climate change forces Iraq’s marsh families into urban struggle

Once thriving on the rich ecosystems of Iraq’s southern marshes, families like that of Naji Arhim have been uprooted by severe drought and water shortages. Generations of fishermen and buffalo herders have seen their lands turn to dust, pushing them into cities where their traditional skills no longer apply.

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Critics say free speech under attack in Iraq's Anbar province

As elections approach, activists, civil servants, and tribal leaders in Iraq’s Anbar province report arrests, forced transfers, and online surveillance of citizens criticizing the ruling Taqaddum party.

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After years of tribal conflicts, Dhi Qar sees decline in violence

After years of tribal conflicts, Iraq’s Dhi Qar province has seen a sharp decline in violence, with only 25 disputes recorded in early 2025 compared to 158 in 2023.

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Iraq’s provincial councils face criticism after 2023 return

Since their reinstatement in 2023, Iraq’s provincial councils have failed to deliver meaningful results, instead becoming scenes of political conflict, legal disputes, and public frustration.

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Gold mines in Iran’s Kurdish regions: Between riches and sorrows

The gold-rich Kurdish regions of western Iran grapple with the serious environmental and health consequences arising from mining the precious commodity, launching a campaign to stop the drilling which has seen elevated instances of cancer and the destruction of local flora and fauna.

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Afro-Iraqis confront legacy of slavery, discrimination in modern Basra

Afro-Iraqis, long marginalized despite deep roots in Basra’s history, are at the center of a national debate after a controversial decision to allocate land exclusively to dark-skinned citizens. Critics call the move politically motivated and racially divisive, while activists recall centuries of systemic exclusion, from slavery under the Abbasids to modern political invisibility.

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