Iraq
Conflict in Basra Spreads to Campus
Students linked to rival Shia parties and militias are throwing their weight around at the University of Basra.
Basra Struggles to Cope With Student Demand
As children begin returning to the classroom, the school infrastructure is in dire need of repair.
Mud Schools in Forgotten Land
Enterprising tribesmen, fed up with officials’ failure to address their education needs, build their own makeshift schools.
Comment: Iraqi Kurdistan's Universities Need Reform
Equality and democracy in higher education must be practiced, not preached.
Iraqi Kurdistan Faces Trouble on Two Fronts
The Turkish army makes war-like noises and Sunni extremists stage hit-and-run raids along the border with Iran.
Kirkuk Tensions Rise as Fateful Ballot Nears
Looming referendum to decide Kirkuk’s future fuels sectarian violence in this mixed city.
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.
Checkpoints: Baghdad's Russian Roulette
Security-aware Iraqis try to minimise the risks as they negotiate their way through Baghdad.
Battling for Power in Basra
Exerting military clout and carving up lucrative businesses are the order of the day in southern Iraqi politics.