Middle East

Images of Religion in Azerbaijan

Mosul Christian Community Dwindles

Many go abroad to escape the threat of violence, while others seek refuge in the countryside around Mosul.

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.

Introduction

A series of reports by IWPR journalists in six key regions show the rule of law ranges from being woefully inadequate to effectively non-existant.

Displaced Arabs Languish in Makeshift Camps

Some Arabs who fled to Iraqi Kurdistan to escape intimidation and violence have received little official help.

Unlikely Sunni-Shia-Secular Opposition Bloc Mooted

They plan to form a grand opposition alliance and may seek to bring down the government.