Iraq

World News

Iraqi protesters helped spur new elections. But many doubt their votes will matter

2:19pm October 08, 2021

The current parties in power — many backed by militias involved in deadly attacks on protesters — are poised to dominate parliamentary elections scheduled to take place Sunday. Here's what to know.

People gather as a massive fire engulfs the coronavirus isolation ward of al-Hussein hospital in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah, late on Monday.

World News

More Than 60 People Are Dead After A Hospital Fire In A Southern Iraqi City

8:46am July 13, 2021

by Ruth Sherlock

On Monday, flames swept through outbuildings of the al-Hussein Teaching Hospital in Nasiryah that had been set up to isolate COVID-19 patients.

Iraqis in the holy shrine city of Najaf on Sunday mourn relatives killed during a massive fire at a Baghdad hospital dedicated to COVID-19 patients.

Iraqi Leader Orders Investigation Of Baghdad Hospital Fire That Killed More Than 80

2:44pm April 25, 2021

by Jeannette Muhammad

A massive fire at a hospital dedicated to COVID-19 patients also left more than 100 people injured. Amid calls for action by international organizations, the prime minister ordered an investigation.

Rana Sulaiman Halo, 22, founded and leads the Ashti choir with support from the AMAR Foundation, a British charity. She has lived in the camp since 2014.

'We Will Never Break': In Iraq, A Yazidi Women's Choir Keeps Ancient Music Alive

8:56am April 04, 2021

by Alice Fordham

Women from Iraq's Yazidi minority get together to perform centuries-old sacred songs. They've survived captivity by ISIS and loved ones' deaths. "They are trying to heal," says a Yazidi politician.

Pope Francis arrives at Baghdad International Airport on Friday for the first-ever papal visit to Iraq.

'I Come As A Pilgrim': Pope Francis Begins Historic Visit To Iraq

3:03pm March 05, 2021

by Alice Fordham

The pontiff arrived at Baghdad International Airport where he was greeted by the prime minister. During his four-day visit, Francis will focus on Iraq's ancient but dwindling Christian community.

Ain al-Asad military airbase, shown here earlier this year, was hit in a rocket attack, the Pentagon said Wednesday.

World News

U.S. Civilian Contractor Dies During Rocket Strike On Iraq Air Base

5:53pm March 03, 2021

by Alice Fordham

The Pentagon said the unnamed U.S. national was taking shelter and suffered a "cardiac episode," dying shortly thereafter. The attack followed U.S. strikes against Iran-backed militants last week.

Visitors with the Bil Weekend tourism company take photographs inside the ruins of the ancient city of Babylon, in the area around the Ishtar gate. The animal on the walls ins a dragon-like creature associated with the Babylonian god Marduk.

World News

'It Was Like Magic': Iraqis Visit Babylon And Other Heritage Sites For 1st Time

2:44pm February 23, 2021

by Alice Fordham

Domestic tourism has been strong in Iraq's northern Kurdish region, but sites in more impoverished, insecure areas tend to be visited less. A few Iraqi tourism companies are trying to change that.

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An Iraqi policeman walks by a mural depicting Pope Francis on the outer walls of Our Lady of Salvation Church in Baghdad on Monday. Pope Francis' visit from March 5 to 8 will include trips to Baghdad, the city of Mosul and a meeting with the country's top

Pope Plans Historic Visit To Iraq As Its Christian Populations Dwindle

12:39pm February 22, 2021

by Alice Fordham

Many Iraqis — Christian and Muslim — say they are excited about the first papal visit to the country, raising hopes of religious tolerance in the face of extremist violence.

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"Now, because of the rise of the dollar and the pensions people aren't receiving, there are two classes of people," says Saad Salman, the owner of a Baghdad sweet shop. "A poor class and a rich class."

In Iraq's 'Dire' Economy, Poverty Is Rising — And So Are Fears Of Instability

11:42am February 03, 2021

by Alice Fordham

"Iraq's economic situation can probably best be described as being dire," says an International Energy Agency expert. Government revenues have plummeted and its currency has been devalued.

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People and security forces gather at the site of deadly bomb attacks Thursday in a Baghdad market. The rare suicide bombings killed and wounded dozens of civilians.

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Twin Suicide Bombings In Baghdad Market Kill At Least 32, Wound Over 100

7:34pm January 21, 2021

Suicide bombings have been rare in the Iraqi capital since the country's military largely defeated the Islamic State group in 2017. But ISIS has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attacks.

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