BAGHDAD - Many Iraqis are now looking to local political leadership to fill wide gaps in a fractured government that is failing to provide security and basic needs. "Iraqis feel lost amongst too many political currents that blew their country away with their...

With Ali al-Fadhily BAGHDAD - The security conference held last Saturday in Baghdad produced statements, drew mortar fire, and brought little hope of security. The conference attended by representatives from 13 countries, including Syria, Iran, and the United States,...

BAGHDAD - Reports of the gang-rape of 20-year-old Sabrine al-Janabi by three policemen has set off new demands for justice from Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government. Janabi, who lives in the Hai al-Amil area of southern Baghdad with her husband, was taken from...

With Ali al-Fadhily BAGHDAD - The lack of security in Iraq is now leading to a collapse in food supplies. "Look at us begging for food despite the fortunes we have," 60-year-old Um Muthanna from Baghdad told IPS. Standing at a vegetable market in central...

With Ali al-Fadhily BAGHDAD - Violence and bombings have only increased after the proposed "surge" of 21,500 U.S. troops in Iraq. U.S. troops presence has averaged 142,000 soldiers a month since the occupation began nearly four years ago. Through this...

with Ali al-Fadhily NAJAF, Iraq - Iraqi government lies over the killing of hundreds of Shi'ites in an attack on Sunday stand exposed by independent investigations carried out by IPS in Iraq. Conflicting reports had arisen earlier on how and why a huge battle broke...

BAGHDAD - Violence is spreading further across Iraq, as Shi'ite Arab tribes in the south begin to engage occupation forces in new armed resistance. Resistance in the southern parts of Iraq has been escalating over the last three months, leading to increased casualties...

with Ali al-Fadhily FALLUJAH – A stepped up military offensive that targets mosques, religious leaders and Islamic customs is leading many Iraqis to believe that the US-led invasion really was a "holy war." Photographs are being circulated of black...

With Ali al-Fadhily BAGHDAD - Expressions of outrage over the conduct of the trial and the manner of Saddam Hussein's rushed, chaotic execution are continuing unabated here as lawyers and human rights groups voice their criticism – although some are still...

BAGHDAD - The U.S. administration continues to tout Iraq as a shining example of democracy in the Middle East, but press freedom in Iraq has plummeted since the beginning of the occupation. Repression of free speech in Iraq was already extreme under the regime of...