The IS threat justifies US military presence in Iraq – just. Sectarian violence down.
Articles tagged: ‘Iraq’
President Rouhani visits Baghdad
Posted onRouhani’s successful visit to Iraq – an unprecedented call on Iraq’s top cleric who sent a message of moderation to both Iraq and Iran.
Syria: IS end game
Posted onSyria- IS fighting in the last ditch, outside powers manoeuvring for advantage.
Jordan needs help
Posted onWith its usual problems plus over a million Syrian refugees Jordan needs support. Some positive developments in the region.
Sectarianism in conflicts in the Middle East
Posted onsectarianism is a symptom of the problem, not the underlying problem itself. Many of the region’s conflicts are more about ethnic identity and nationalism, but Arab dictators use sectarianism to bolster their positions.
Iraq: Trump irritates
Posted onIraq – still no government but a budget agreed. Clumsy statement by Trump on Iran.
IS – the outlook
Posted onIS all but defeated in Syria, reduced to guerrilla tactics as in Iraq and elsewhere. Remains a terrorist threat along with al-Qa’ida and other fragments.
Major water projects in Arab countries
Posted onDams and pipelines have been among the largest infrastructure projects in the Arab world. Some have been successful, some less so.
Iraq: still no government
Posted onIraq politicking – no government six months after the election. Trump’s undiplomatic visit. IS ruination – the fight continues.
Political prisoners
Posted onMany countries in the region hold disgracefully large numbers of prisoners, but information is patchy and unreliable.