Threats

Nouri al-Maliki’s Tenure as Iraq’s Prime Minister in 5 Charts

Iraq's recent rise in violence against civilians bookends the outgoing prime minister’s time in charge. By Jason Karaian

Business

Civilians in Iraq to Get Higher Premium Pay

U.S. civilians working on stabilization efforts in Iraq can now earn more for overtime, nights and weekend work through the end of the year. By Kellie Lunney

Ideas

Is Peace in Gaza Unrealistic?

The violence in Gaza has only empowered radicals. By Mohammad S. Dajani Daoudi

Threats

The Ancient Roots of the Yazidis, and Why ISIL Wants Them Dead

A look at the difficult history of the religious minority Obama authorized American troops and airstrikes to protect. By Emma Green

Threats

A Short History of the Barbaric Terrorists of the Islamic State

How the Islamic State digressed from a Jordanian man's fantasy to an entire region's nightmare. By Bobby Ghosh

Threats

Mission Creep? U.S. Has Nearly 1,000 Troops in Iraq Now

The Pentagon just added nearly 130 new advisors to northern Iraq, elevating the exposure of U.S. troops to the risks of violence on Iraq’s new battleground. By Ben Watson

Threats

America Has No Strategy to Stop ISIL

The adaptability of ISIL fighters in Iraq is raising serious concerns about perceptions of U.S. military power in the region. By Janine Davidson

Policy

7 Things You Need to Know About the Next Iraqi Prime Minister

A brief explainer on Haider al-Abidi, who was picked Monday to replace Nouri al-Maliki as prime minister of Iraq. By Kedar Pavgi

Threats

U.S. Air Strikes Are Having a Limited Effect on ISIL

After more than a dozen U.S. air strikes in northern Iraq, a top Pentagon official says ISIL is far from retreating. By Ben Watson

Policy

The 'It's About Oil' Theory in Iraq Is Still Inaccurate

The idea that the U.S. is only in the Middle East for oil may seem like a seductive idea -- but it's a deeply misguided one as well. By Steve LeVine

Threats

U.S. Air Strikes Continue in Iraq

President Obama says the crisis in Iraq will ‘take some time’ to solve, as the military conducts nearly a dozen targeted military strikes against ISIL. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

U.S. 'Failure' in Syria Led to Iraq Crisis, Clinton Says

The former Secretary of State blames President Obama’s inaction in Syria for the rise of ISIL in Iraq. By Jeffery Goldberg

Threats

Why ISIL Is Worse Than Al-Qaeda

Is ISIL the new al-Qaeda or are they like the Taliban? Are they more like Hezbollah or Boko Haram? Or Hamas? All of the above, and much more. By Bobby Ghosh

Ideas

Water Wars in Iraq and Around the World

It is the common ingredient in life and in war: water—the need for it and the desire to control it. By Tara Sonenshine

Threats

What Does Hamas Do Now?

In its war with Israel, the Palestinian group has accomplished none of its aims. By Hussein Ibish

Policy

Congress Is Divided Over the Way Forward in Iraq

There’s support on the Hill for military strikes, but many say President Obama needs a long-term strategy in Iraq. By Clara Ritger

Threats

America's Moral Obligations in Iraq

‘An entire religion is being exterminated from the face of the earth,’ one Iraqi lawmaker warns. By Peter Beinart

Ideas

Why Tommy Franks Isn’t Talking About Iraq

The former CENTCOM commander is staying on the sidelines when it comes to the worsening situation in Iraq. By Daniel Libit

Threats

These Are the Iraqi Communities That Fear ISIL the Most

As the Islamic State gains more ground in Iraq, several minority communities are terrified of genocide. By Bobby Ghosh

Threats

What Does Hamas Want?

Want to understand what the Muslim Brotherhood's Gaza branch wants? Study its theology, strategy, and history. By Jeffrey Goldberg