Middle East

Shia Iraqis took to the streets last month to call for regime change in Bahrain, where the government has been accused of human rights abuses in its crackdown on the opposition. Iraqi support for Bahrain's Shia majority has drawn controversy domestically and angered the Gulf states, which have called for the upcoming Iraq-hosted Arab summit to be cancelled. (Photo: IWPR)

Storm Over Iraqi Shia Support for Bahraini Opposition

Iraq’s Sunni politicians and Gulf states express disquiet at the criticism of the Bahrain authorities’ crackdown.

15 Apr 11

The remnants of a statue of Saddam Hussein, famously pulled down on April 9, 2003, have become one of Baghdad’s landmarks. The statue stood in Firdos square in front of the14 July mosque. Firdos square has served as one of the primary locations for protests over a plethora of issues in recent years. (Photo: Hazim al-Sharaa/IWPR)

Baghdad - Eight Years After Saddam

Progress has been slow, with the country strill riven by social, economic and security problems.

15 Apr 11

Syrian activists making more effective use of social media like Twitter, but the authorities are not far behind.

Syrian Conflict Played Out on Social Media

The authorities appear to have become as adept as the activists in exploiting the likes of Facebook and Twitter.

13 Apr 11

Syria's Not-So-Secret Police

The intelligence service infiltrates every aspect of the lives of foreign visitors and locals.

12 Apr 11

Karbala Uprising Remembered

Former fighter recalls the brutally-suppressed rebellion against Saddam regime two decades ago.

7 Apr 11

Yemeni protesters appear determined despite continuing security crackdown. (Photo: Afrah Nasser)

No Sign of End to Yemeni Stand-Off

More bloodshed as protesters insist resignation of the president must be central to any political deal.

6 Apr 11

How I Became a Syrian Activist

Student describes his journey from government backer to political dissident.

5 Apr 11

Syrian Activist Speaks of Interrogation Ordeal

Now in hiding, campaigner describes year of repeated questioning and threats by the secret police.

4 Apr 11

Iraqi journalists at IWPR Iraq's office in Baghdad take part in a webchat with Al-Jazeera journalist Ayman Mohyeldin, during which they discussed citizen journalism and social media. (Photo: Haider Khudhr/IWPR)

Iraqis Explore New Journalism Horizons

Al-Jazeera star reporter leads live IWPR-facilitated online discussion on prospects for recent media innovations in Arab world.

1 Apr 11

Sectarianism Stalls Key Iraqi Cabinet Appointments

Defence and interior ministry posts still vacant more than a year after Iraq’s parliamentary elections.

31 Mar 11

Support local journalists

DONATE