Religion Religion 2020-11-25 Iraq's top Shia authority supports sovereignty, stability In his speeches and public statements, Ali al-Sistani has voiced his support for Iraqi sovereignty and his rejection of foreign interference. Religion 2020-09-23 Iraq recovers books stolen from Ninawa churches Thirty-two old Christian texts looted by ISIS were recently found at an ISIS element's house in Mosul, as part of a wider effort to locate missing antiquities. Religion 2020-08-31 Ire in Deir Ezzor over politically-tinged ceremonies Roads and city centres were blocked off in several parts of the province so IRGC-aligned militias could hold religious ceremonies. Religion 2020-08-20 IRGC furthers influence via Deir Ezzor mosques The IRGC has sought to extend its religious and political influence in the city and province by appropriating mosques, an activist says. Religion 2020-08-03 Muted Eid al-Adha celebration in troubled Idlib The holiday was somber this year, as residents of the north-western province faced deepening poverty, ongoing violence and disease. Religion 2020-06-08 Iraq's Sunni Endowment reopens 4 mosques in Baghdad The mosques, which had been closed for years due to security reasons, will sound the call to prayer amid increased stability and social cohesion. Religion 2020-05-28 Unusual Eid in Idlib amid security, health concerns Eid al-Fitr had a very different atmosphere this year, with the coronavirus crisis compounding the displacement crisis and security situation. Religion 2020-05-22 Reconstruction of Mosul's Aghawat historical mosque begins The mosque, destroyed during ISIS's era, is a prominent symbol of Mosul's identity and religious pluralism, scholars say. Religion 2020-05-11 Iranian interference splits Iraq's Shia community Iran has long positioned itself as an ally of Iraq's Shia community. It is now seeing its efforts crushed as Iraqis reject Iranian hegemony. Religion 2020-04-27 Idlib civilians face an unusually quiet Ramadan After suffering displacement and airstrikes, residents of north-western Syria are now experiencing Ramadan amid social distancing measures. 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Next