Middle East

Iraq: Shooting the Messenger

The spiraling sectarian violence is taking its toll on IWPR journalists - but they’re determined to keep going.

Mobile Phones Used to Text Threats

Modern cellphones may be convenient, but many Iraqis are abandoning them because they bear nothing but bad news.

Downside of Iraqi Marriage Boom

Judges and doctors concerned at growing numbers of underage brides.

Kurds Finally Get Anfal Reckoning

Saddam and his henchmen go on trial for their role in notorious military operation nearly 20 years ago.

Over the Mountains to Iran

Turkmenistan: Pressed into Service

Recruiters will take anyone, no matter how unfit, to fill the ranks of an army whose main job is to provide a free labour force.

Baghdad Militants' Reign of Terror

Many of the capital’s residential neighbourhoods are in the grip of Muslim extremists.

Abdul Rashid Dostum: Veteran General Lacks Broad Support

The controversial commander Abdul Rashid Dostum has little chance of winning votes outside his own constituency.

Mohammad Ibrahim Rashid: Rashid Pledges Clean Government

Candidate promises to tackle what he sees as pervasive corruption and abuse of power.

Sayed Ishaq Gailani: Ex-Mujahedin With Moderate Views

Former guerrilla leader survived Taleban death threats to stand in the current election.