Iraq

World News

A Window Onto The 'Shocking' Final Days Of ISIS In Mosul

5:01pm November 02, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

Abductions. Mass killings. Use of child soldiers. In a report released by two U.N. human rights groups, a brutal, bloody portrait emerges of the group's reign in the region.

Mustafa Ahmed walks near home on the outskirts of Fallujah. As a baby, he was severely injured during the battle to liberate Fallujah from al-Qaida. His leg was amputated and he later received medical treatment in Portland, Oregon.

World News

In Fallujah, A Young Amputee Dreams Of Returning To The U.S.

1:39pm November 01, 2017

by Jane Arraf

Mustafa Abed lost his leg as a baby during the battle of Fallujah. A nonprofit arranged medical treatment for him in Oregon but then lost touch. With help from NPR's Jane Arraf, they have reconnected.

World News

Kurds' President Says They Were Betrayed As He Resigns After Independence Vote

6:17am October 30, 2017

by Jane Arraf

In Iraq, the president of the Kurdistan region has announced he is stepping down. His resignation follows the devastating fallout of a referendum on independence.

A portrait of Kurdish President Massud Barzani looks out over Alqosh, Iraq.

World News

Kurdish President Barzani To Step Down Amid Fallout From Independence Vote

3:40pm October 29, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

Since Iraq's Kurdish region voted to secede last month, Kurds have reeled from territorial losses. Now, their president and longtime leader, Masoud Barzani, has declared he'll step down Wednesday.

Iraqi security forces advancing Thursday towards the town of Faysh Khabur, which is located on the Turkish and Syrian borders in the Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region.

World News

Iraqi And Kurdish Forces Agree To Pause Fighting

5:48pm October 27, 2017

by Merrit Kennedy

This has the potential to open the door for talks, after Iraqi forces moved to wrest territory from the Kurds, including the oil-rich city of Kirkuk. Iraq opposed a Kurdish independence referendum.

Photos of Kurdish president Masoud Barzani hang Wednesday on the walls of the central bazaar in Irbil, Iraq.

World News

In Major Reversal, Iraqi Kurds Offer To Freeze Their Independence Bid

4:03pm October 25, 2017

by Merrit Kennedy

Iraqi military forces have recently retaken control of areas held by Kurdish forces, such as the city of Kirkuk. Today's offer from the Kurdish government is not likely to defuse the crisis.

World News

Children Orphaned By Battle Against ISIS Remain Vulnerable Amid Conflict

10:38pm October 24, 2017

by Jane Arraf

The battle to force ISIS out of Mosul ended a few months ago, but the impact that ISIS — and the battle — had on that city's children will most likely last their lifetimes. Many children who lost one or both of their parents and are still dealing with displacement.

Queue Listen Now

World News

As ISIS Loses Territory, What Happens To Its Fighters Who Came From Other Countries?

5:09pm October 24, 2017

NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Seamus Hughes, deputy director of George Washington University's program on extremism, about whether ISIS fighters are returning to their home countries as feared, following losses in Iraq and Syria.

World News

After Visiting Afghanistan And Iraq, Tillerson Goes To Pakistan And India

6:29am October 24, 2017

by Michele Kelemen

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson brought along six journalists this time — more than previous trips but about half of the press pool that covered former secretaries of state.

Secretary Of State Tillerson Says There Are Moderate Voices Among The Taliban

5:26pm October 23, 2017

by Michele Kelemen

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson went to Kabul and Baghdad today as he tries to help wind down two ongoing conflicts. On his trip, he told reporters that the fight against the Taliban must continue, but that there is an opening for certain parts of the group.