Syria
Kurds Hunger for English
Private language schools flourishing as youngsters see English as key to better career opportunities.
Introduction
Despite vast investment, Iraq’s sclerotic electricity network shows little sign of improvement, to the despair of residents and businesses alike.
Introduction
Iraqi journalists struggle to get their stories out in the face of intimidation, abductions and targeted killings.
Proposed Press Law Too Limited
Legislation de-criminalises libel but imposes a range of reporting restrictions.
Karbala Mirrors Countrywide Crisis
Dire shortage of drugs and doctors reflects catastrophic effect of war and corruption on the country’s healthcare system.
Tribes Sabotage Kirkuk Pipelines
Local tribes who reap massive profits from stolen oil are likely to obstruct the authorities’ attempts to protect pipelines.
Violence Batters Baghdad Schools
Kidnappings of students, murders of teachers and chaotic classrooms leave education in the capital close to collapse.
Comment: Conflict Foils Change in Schools and Universities
Extraordinary difficulties – and a few glimmers of hope – in Iraq's schools and universities.
Minorities Lose Out in Classroom
Central authorities accused of failing to support non-Arabic language education in northern town.