We Are in Pitiless Times

By Vijay Prashad / Open Democracy Nov 16, 2015 After Paris, macho language about "pitiless war" defines the contours of leadership. Little else is on offer. It is red meat to our emotions. Dig deeper ( 6 Min. Read )

The Long Knives Come Out in Baghdad (Video)

Juan Cole / Truthdig Aug 18, 2015 In principle, the idea of streamlining the Iraqi government and making it more efficient is a capital one. But the reforms being pursued by Prime Minister Haydar al-Abadi have to raise some questions about the direction the country is taking. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Islamic State Deepens Its Roots by Offering Important Services

Roisin Davis / Truthdig Jun 17, 2015 By providing key services such as infrastructure and transportation, the militant group has been able to tighten its grip on communities. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Islamic State Advances to Within 9 Miles of U.S. Troops at al-Ain Base in Iraq

Juan Cole / Truthdig Feb 14, 2015 Islamic State (also known as Daesh) has captured the al-Anbar city of al-Baghdadi in western al-Anbar Province. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Ferguson Is Baghdad Is New York Is Kabul

Sonali Kolhatkar / Truthdig Dec 12, 2014 Whether on the streets of Baghdad or Ferguson, soldiers and militarized police forces have historically enforced control, not law. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Iraq: Shiites Paralyzed by Infighting as Islamic State Menaces Baghdad

Juan Cole / Truthdig Sep 29, 2014 The pan-Arab London daily al-Sharq al-Awsat [The Middle East] is reporting from a source inside the new Iraqi government that former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, now one of three largely symbolic vice presidents, is attempting to undermine his successor, Haider al-Abadi. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

‘A Third Iraq War?’

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Jun 18, 2014 The breakdown in Iraq means that "the Middle East map -- defined by European powers a century ago -- may be redrawn, either de facto or formally," regional expert Robin Wright writes at The New Yorker. And "globally, the jihadist threat has never been greater." Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

ISIS Moves on Iraq’s Biggest Oil Refinery

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Jun 18, 2014 Militant Islamists have attacked Iraq's largest oil refinery in the city of Baiji, 155 miles north of Baghdad. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Militants Publish Photos of Mass Slaughter in Iraq

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Jun 15, 2014 As the Iraqi government moved to strengthen its defenses Sunday, the Islamic militant group that captured two major cities last week posted graphic photos that appeared to show its fighters executing dozens of Iraqi soldiers. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

‘Left, Right & Center’: Eric Cantor Goes Down to Defeat and Debating Iraq

Staff / Truthdig Jun 14, 2014 Truthdig Editor-in-Chief Robert Scheer and the other "Left, Right & Center" panelists discuss House Majority Leader Eric Cantor's unexpected loss to a tea party challenger. The National Review's Rich Lowry calls it "one of the most stunning upsets any of us have ever witnessed." Scheer says the defeat is "a response to pain" in the region. And what should the U.S. do as Sunni insurgents advance in Iraq? Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Prime Minister ‘Certain’ of Victory as Iraqis Vote Despite Attacks

Staff / Truthdig Apr 30, 2014 Iraqis defied a rash of attacks that killed 14 people Wednesday and voted in the first general election since U.S. troops withdrew, with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki proclaiming "certain" victory. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

More Violence as Bomb Explodes in Baghdad

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Oct 20, 2013 At least 37 people were killed and 42 injured when a suicide bomber struck a cafe in a Shiite neighborhood, officials say. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )