Middle East

Iraq: Jun ‘09

Prominent Iraqi women, attending an IWPR training event, discuss problems and obstacles they have to overcome in post-Saddam Iraq.

Armenia: Frontier Restrictions Prompt Exodus

Empty Armenian border villages raise security concerns.

Youth Vote Key to Kurdish Ballot

Economic concerns expected to drive young people to the polls.

Candidates Controversy as Presidential Race Kicks Off

Independent electoral commission says few of those competing for the post are eligible to do so.

Village Dwellers Drawn to City Slums

Drought and unemployment lead many to flee rural poverty.

Election Day in Iraqi Kurdistan

Sulaimaniyah Violence Fears

Some warn of post-election clashes if fraud is suspected at the polls.

Talks Snarled on Interim Status

Moscow meeting leaves sides no closer and many questions unanswered.

New Environment Ministry Faces Challenges

Many doubt whether ministry will have enough of a budget and clout to be effective.

High Stakes in Kurdish Poll

Looming parliamentary election could upset power balance in volatile region.