Unholy War in Karbala
A self-made ayatollah with his own army exemplifies the fragmented politics of the main Shia towns - and the inability of government to rein such figures in.
15 Aug 07
Iran
Battling for Power in Basra
Exerting military clout and carving up lucrative businesses are the order of the day in southern Iraqi politics.
15 Aug 07
Herat Women Thirst for Education
Women in this western city are flocking to literacy classes, which are transforming their lives.
17 Jul 07
Afghanistan: June ‘07
Reuters impressed with IWPR trainees in Helmand, while local PRT press spokesman says journalists are asking him tougher questions.
13 Jul 07
Energy Crisis Threatens Investment
Investors in Iraqi Kurdistan say escalating fuel costs are trying their patience.
14 Jun 07
Police Linked to Tel Afar Reprisals
Authorities vow to investigate claims of police involvement in murders of Sunni following Tel Afar bombings.
11 Jun 07
Kurds See Political Motive Behind Border Closure
Kurdish traders hit hard by border crossing closure - seen by some as bid by Baghdad to put squeeze on Iraqi-Kurdistan.
11 Jun 07
Everyone's a Winner at Helmand's Drug Bazaars
The poppy harvest is in and everyone from the Taleban to local government officials is cooperating to get the opium crop to market.
8 Jun 07
Forcible Expulsions From Iran Put Pressure on Kabul
Legal refugees as well as illegal aliens are swept up and dumped on the Afghan border.
21 May 07
Drugs Court Gets Mixed Reviews
The government’s attempt to fast-track drug offenders has secured some convictions, though some suspect the big players are too powerful to be caught.
28 Apr 07
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