Iraq

A morgue in Mosul, Iraq, documented more than 5,000 civilians killed during the battle to free the city from ISIS — likely more than the number of ISIS fighters that died.

Iraq is celebrating the defeat of ISIS as Prime Minister Haider al Abadi declared Dec. 10 the country's newest national holiday. The prime minister has also won a face-off with Kurds, but still faces pressures from inside and outside his country.

Power has shifted again in one of Iraq's most ancient and pivotal cities — Kirkuk. Kurds have recently been on top there but now Arab leaders are in charge and residents are tense as they look ahead.

Thousands of Iraqi children lost one or both parents during fighting in Mosul. "They are sad and isolated. Most of the time, they have few friends and they don't trust anyone," says a social worker.