Middle East

Marriage Realities

Many regard it as evil, some as a golden cage, and others as part of their religious duty - the subject of marriage is hotly debated in Iraq.

1 Nov 06

Diplomats placing fragile hope in plans for extended African Union mission, with logistical and financial support from UN.

16 Oct 06

Women and children increasingly falling victim to the capital’s kidnapping gangs.

13 Oct 06

A combination of war and UN sanctions has had a serious impact on women’s health.

10 Oct 06

With many locals struggling to pay their rents, plans for a luxury development have not gone down well.

10 Oct 06

Authorities provide women with their own petrol station to spare them the discomfort of queuing days for fuel.

4 Oct 06

Man once presented as a near-saint now at the centre of a web of state violence and alleged corruption.

4 Oct 06

Dreaming of travel and a better life away from poverty and war, some Iraqi women are agreeing to marry men they hardly know.

2 Oct 06

Some Shia politicians are pushing for a southern federal state, but not everyone is convinced.

29 Sep 06

Women’s NGOs have proliferated over the last few years, though there’s some debate about how effective or independent they are.

27 Sep 06

Support local journalists