Iraq

Controversial Shia Ritual Under Fire

Some Shia clerics are now recommending believers to donate their blood instead of shedding it in a ritual to commemorate the Imam Hussein.

22 Feb 05

Anti-Coalition Sunni heartland sees biggest protests, but Shia protestors also call for retribution.

22 Feb 05

After the destruction a historic opportunity beckons, but US plans to rebuild a post-Saddam Iraq are unclear.

22 Feb 05

Iraqi Shia reject the religious decree calling on Iraqis to defend the country, insisting that it has been issued under coercion from the regime.

22 Feb 05

Kurdish sources in Northern Iraq report increasing defections from the Iraqi military.

22 Feb 05

Long-standing efforts to bring the Iraqi leadership to justice have failed, leaving the strategy for dealing with any deposed rulers unclear.

22 Feb 05

Although fighting continues, Saddam Hussein may fall from power without invoking his long-standing threat of a final disaster.

22 Feb 05

Shias have special reason to celebrate the downfall of Saddam, but will remain loyal to a sovereign Iraq as long as their basic rights are respected.

22 Feb 05

An exile remembers a childhood in Iraq, and the fear that followed his family well beyond the country's borders.

22 Feb 05

Kurdish advances into key oil cities have raised alarms in Ankara over a possible Kurdish political entity in Iraq.

22 Feb 05

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