The aspirations and disillusionment of Iraq’s youth. By Hayder Al-Shakeri *

Despite their disillusionment with Iraq’s political system, the country’s youth have hope and aspirations for real change. As Iraq’s political stalemate persists, many observers expect protests will erupt over the country’s worsening socio-economic situation, the increasing effects of climate change – such as heat waves and dust storms – and a lack of political will to chang

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New dam could drown ancient Iraqi city of Ashur. By Hadani Ditmars

Having survived Islamic State, Assyrian capital is under threat once again The Tabira Gate, which stands at the centre of Ashur, suffered 70% damage when Isis attacked the city in 2015AUIS Center for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Just two short months ago, the reopening of Ashur was celebrated by local Iraqis singing and dancing in traditional regalia. Many had fled t

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After Sistani Is There a Successor to Continue His Legacy By Geneive Abdo

Executive Summary For Shia Muslims, the question of who should have spiritual and political authority to lead the community of believers is vital to practicing the faith. Since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani has become a focal point of influence, not only for Iraqi Shias, but for Shias around the world. His fatwas, or religious rulings, have

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