Security

Iraq braces for change after Syria upheaval

Leaders across the political spectrum in Baghdad foresee new security threats, shifting political dynamics, and impacts on energy trade.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani discusses events in Syria at a meeting of the State Administration Coalition — the major political groups in Sudani's governing coalition — on Dec. 8, 2024. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Nov 23, 2021

Student protests highlight ongoing KRG budget pressures

Demonstrators have blocked highways and picketed government buildings in Sulaimaniya and Erbil, demanding a further unwinding of government austerity measures.

Nov 17, 2021

Climate change comes to Iraq

Unprecedented droughts are drying up farm land, driving migration to cities, and compounding economic hardships and instability.

Oct 29, 2021

Suspected Islamic State attack triggers deadly sectarian reprisal in Diyala

Fears over cyclical violence following an Islamic State attack near the Mansuriya gas field in Diyala province has driven substantial civilian displacement.

Oct 9, 2021

New PKK election strategy highlights intra-Kurdish tensions

The Kurdish separatist group is making an unprecedented foray into Iraqi politics, using upcoming national elections to challenge Iraqi Kurdistan's ruling party.

Sep 22, 2021

Insurgency worsens with deadly new tactics

The Islamic State militant group is staging increasingly bold attacks on both security forces and civilians in northern Iraq, with energy infrastructure also at risk.

Aug 19, 2021

Q&A: Jabar Yawar, Secretary General of the Peshmerga

Developments in Afghanistan have cast a shadow over the U.S. role in supporting anti-ISIS forces in Iraq, but the longstanding Peshmerga commander says there's no sign of an American pull out.

Aug 16, 2021

Latest energy sector attacks underscore need to fast-track security coordination

Gaps remain between Iraqi and Kurdistan region security forces in northern Iraq, and insurgents are still able to carry out attacks against energy infrastructure, kidnap and kill civilians, and ambush security forces.

Jul 20, 2021

Multiple Basra fires expose poor safety standards

Lax oversight, outdated infrastructure, and extreme heat combust as Iraq’s oil capital suffers three fire emergencies in a single day.

Jun 21, 2021

Escalating PKK war raises threat of intra-Kurdish conflict

For over two decades, rival Kurdish powers have sworn to avoid civil war — but deadly fighting has strained an informal truce to its breaking point.

May 27, 2021

Baghdad-Erbil security cooperation raises hope for counter-insurgency fight

After two years of talks, federal and KRG security forces have opened joint coordination centers that could help close security gaps exploited by insurgents.