Iraq nabs suspect in deadly 2016 al-Karrada suicide bombing

2021-10-19

ISIS claimed the bombing that killed at least 320 people in an incident described as one of the deadliest single attacks in Iraq in over a decade.

Elections

2021-10-18

Pro-Iran bloc suffers resounding defeat in Iraqi elections

Political parties representing Iran-aligned paramilitary groups were seen as lacking a vision for economic development and beholden to Iran.

Mosul's famed al-Nuri mosque celebrated as restoration work progresses

Religion

2021-10-18

Mosul's famed al-Nuri mosque celebrated as restoration work progresses

Religious chants were heard in the first ceremony of its kind Sunday at Iraq's iconic al-Nuri mosque, currently being rebuilt after the extensive damage it suffered in the battle against ISIS.

Newly formed Hashd al-Atabat paramilitary aims to counter Iranian influence in Iraq

Security

2021-10-15

Newly formed Hashd al-Atabat paramilitary aims to counter Iranian influence in Iraq

Four Shia militias aligned with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani have now officially joined to form a paramilitary organisation under the Iraqi military.

Ammonium nitrate investigation ignites violent protests in Lebanon

Crime & Justice

2021-10-14

Ammonium nitrate investigation ignites violent protests in Lebanon

Violence erupted at a Beirut rally organised by Hizbullah and Amal to demand the dismissal of the judge who is investigating the port blast.

Iraq raises the alarm on Iran's increasing efforts to block river water

Environment

2021-10-13

Iraq raises the alarm on Iran's increasing efforts to block river water

As Iraq struggles with severe drought and water shortages, Iran has been building dams and tunnels under rivers to change their course.

How do you view the role of China in your country?

Spotlight

Forensic evidence refutes Iran's denials about its role in drone attacks

Clear evidence ties the Iranian regime to a string of attacks carried out by its proxies or from its own soil using explosives-laden drones.

Iraqi officers ensnare al-Baghdadi's deputy in undercover operation

Security

2021-10-12

Iraqi officers ensnare al-Baghdadi's deputy in undercover operation

Iraqi intelligence officers met with Sami Jassem Mohammed al-Juburi, the 'finance minister' of ISIS, and misled him into thinking they were ISIS elements seeking to revive the group.

Security

2021-10-11

Concerns mount over link between Chinese phones and security risks

The Xiaomi -- the most popular smartphone in Europe -- was found to contain a built-in censorship tool, while national security risks continue to trouble world governments.

Patriot system poised to defeat Iran's ballistic missile threat to region

Security

2021-10-11

Patriot system poised to defeat Iran's ballistic missile threat to region

A single Patriot battery could shoot down about one-third of Iran's short and medium range ballistic missiles.

China seen as new centre for Iran's money-laundering operations

Crime & Justice

2021-10-08

China seen as new centre for Iran's money-laundering operations

China has been providing Iran cover for various money laundering and illegal activities as the ties between the two regimes deepen after the 25-year agreement was signed in March.

Security

2021-10-07

Forensic evidence refutes Iran's denials about its role in drone attacks

Clear evidence ties the Iranian regime to a string of attacks carried out by its proxies or from its own soil using explosives-laden drones.

Syria faces pressure after refusing visa for chemical arms inspector

Politics

2021-10-05

Syria faces pressure after refusing visa for chemical arms inspector

Syria's declaration on its remaining chemical weapons 'cannot be considered accurate and complete', toxic weapons watchdog says.

US-Lebanon naval partnership event builds on strong alliance

Security

2021-10-05

US-Lebanon naval partnership event builds on strong alliance

The nine-day event aimed to build the Lebanese Navy's capacity to maintain regional security and enhance its disaster response capabilities.

B-52 bombers equipped with cruise missiles expands options for US military

Security

2021-10-04

B-52 bombers equipped with cruise missiles expands options for US military

The long-range, heavy bomber can carry 20 newly updated cruise missiles that can change course mid flight and hit targets up to 1,000km away.

China's 'sinicisation' plan does away with mosque domes, Islamic theology

Human Rights

2021-10-01

China's 'sinicisation' plan does away with mosque domes, Islamic theology

Beijing's sinicisation policy includes removing mosques' minarets and domes, and replacing the adhan with the national anthem. Imams and worshippers say they are powerless to resist.

Most Viewed

Newly formed Hashd al-Atabat paramilitary aims to counter Iranian influence in Iraq

Iraqi officers ensnare al-Baghdadi's deputy in undercover operation

Forensic evidence refutes Iran's denials about its role in drone attacks

Most Commented

US calls on Iraq to dismantle armed groups

Virtual reality game explores Mosul relics, promotes message of peace

Kawtharani 'unwelcome' in Iraq, activists say

Taliban's oppression of minorities raises spectre of civil war

Security

2021-09-30

Taliban's oppression of minorities raises spectre of civil war

Members of the Iran-backed Fatemiyoun Division and other groups see the Taliban's discrimination of Afghanistan's Shia minority as cause for war.

Iran's regional interference has harmed civilians abroad and at home

Analysis

2021-09-30

Iran's regional interference has harmed civilians abroad and at home

There will be no security in Iran or the region while the Islamic Republic continues to fund its endless regional scheming, say observers.

Imprisoned ex-ISIS members share sobering stories of radicalisation

Terrorism

2021-09-29

Imprisoned ex-ISIS members share sobering stories of radicalisation

Stories told by Kazakhs who spent years fighting in ISIS ranks will help prevent youth radicalisation in the country, say clergy and religious specialists.

US missile system poised to deter Iranian navy in Strait of Hormuz

Security

2021-09-29

US missile system poised to deter Iranian navy in Strait of Hormuz

The US and its allies are policing sensitive waterways ranging from the narrow Strait of Hormuz to the sprawling Arabian Sea amid tensions with Iran.

Hizbullah sapped by Syria war, missteps in Lebanon

Politics

2021-09-28

Hizbullah sapped by Syria war, missteps in Lebanon

Time has proven that Hizbullah has failed in managing Lebanon, with its opponents and members of its own base calling for its removal from the political decision-making process.

Iraq's Shia shrines have become centres for Iranian profit-making, spying

Security

2021-09-27

Iraq's Shia shrines have become centres for Iranian profit-making, spying

Iran has cornered the market on Iraq's Shia shrines and is making huge profits from the billion-dollar business, and is using them as a portal through which to engage in intelligence activities.

Iraq launches campaign to secure archaeological sites in Dhi Qar

Security

2021-09-24

Iraq launches campaign to secure archaeological sites in Dhi Qar

Security forces and archaeologists are coming together to protect Iraq's historic sites and ancient artefacts in Dhi Qar, and safeguard them from smuggling.

Asaib Ahl al-Haq defiance exposes escalating conflict among Iraqi militias

Terrorism

2021-09-23

Asaib Ahl al-Haq defiance exposes escalating conflict among Iraqi militias

Militia leader Qais al-Khazaali has been flouting orders from Iran as the so-called 'axis of resistance' is cracking under the strain of conflicts over money, influence and leadership.

US sanctions on Omani businessman highlight Iran's illegal oil sales

Crime & Justice

2021-09-22

US sanctions on Omani businessman highlight Iran's illegal oil sales

Mahmood Rashid Amur al-Habsi used several companies to facilitate shipments of Iranian oil to foreign customers, circumventing restrictions related to Iran.

'Bright Star' military exercise reinforces Middle East stability amid tensions

Security

2021-09-22

'Bright Star' military exercise reinforces Middle East stability amid tensions

The multinational military exercise 'Bright Star' brought 21 militaries together in Egypt this month to train together and enhance security ties.

2 al-Qaeda linked commanders killed in Syria

Security

2021-09-21

2 al-Qaeda linked commanders killed in Syria

Two extremist leaders, widely reported to be Hurras al-Deen officials, have been killed in drone strikes in Syria's Idlib province, monitor says.

Once an ISIS prison, Mosul church gets new bell cast in Lebanon

Religion

2021-09-20

Once an ISIS prison, Mosul church gets new bell cast in Lebanon

'After seven years of silence, the bell of Mar Tuma rang for the first time,' said a priest at the inauguration, drawing applause and ululations from the crowd.

Heavily defended Iranian missile base vulnerable to US precision weapons

Security

2021-09-20

Heavily defended Iranian missile base vulnerable to US precision weapons

Iran has placed significant air defences around the Khorramabad base to deter any attack by an air force, but precision guided weapons, such as US tactical missiles, make such defences useless.

Lebanese lash out at Hizbullah over Iran tanker escort spectacle

Energy

2021-09-17

Lebanese lash out at Hizbullah over Iran tanker escort spectacle

Many Lebanese are enraged by the entry of tankers carrying Iranian oil into the Bekaa Valley via Syria with an armed Hizbullah escort, saying the illegal move will spell 'disaster' for Lebanon.

US sanctions 5 Turkey-based al-Qaeda facilitators

Terrorism

2021-09-17

US sanctions 5 Turkey-based al-Qaeda facilitators

Al-Qaeda used financial couriers to facilitate funds transfers, including providing money to the families of imprisoned members of the group.