World Aug 31 Tensions remain high as Baghdad recovers from bloody political clashes BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi paramilitary forces killed in heavy clashes have been laid to rest as the country's parliament speaker called for three days of mourning for the dozens killed.
World Aug 30 What caused the recent clashes in Baghdad? Iraq witnessed bloody street violence for nearly 24 hours spurred by loyalists of a powerful Shiite cleric, Muqtada al-Sadr, that was the culmination of a 10-month power struggle.
World Aug 30 Iraqis leave streets after clashes following cleric’s plea to retreat Following two days of deadly unrest that sparked fears instability might spread throughout the country and even the region, cleric Muqtada al-Sadr told his supporters to leave the government quarter where they had rallied.
World Aug 03 Iraqi cleric calls for dissolution of parliament, early election Influential Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has told his followers to continue their sit-in inside Iraq's government zone, and called for the dissolution of the parliament and early elections.
World Aug 01 Political rivalry stirs panic of protests and escalation in Iraq The political rivals of an influential Iraqi cleric whose followers stormed the parliament have declared their own counter-protest.
World Jul 31 Hundreds of followers of Shiite cleric camp out in Iraqi parliament The protesters — followers of cleric Muqtada al-Sadr — pledged to hold an open-ended sit-in to derail efforts by their rivals from Iran-backed political groups to form the country's next government. Their demands are lofty: early elections, constitutional amendments and…
World Jul 30 Protesters storm Iraqi parliament in Baghdad Iraqi security forces initially used tear gas and sound bombs to try to repel the demonstrators and caused several injuries. Once inside, the protesters declared an open-ended sit-in and claimed they would not disperse until their demands are answered.
World Jul 28 What’s behind the storming of Iraq’s parliament? Followers of Iraq's influential Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr came by the thousands to storm the country's parliament at his command, and they rapidly dispersed with little violence.
Politics May 23 Sandstorm engulfs parts of Middle East Monday's storm was the latest in a series of unprecedented nearly back-to-back sandstorms that have bewildered residents. They've also raised alarm among experts and officials who blame climate change and poor government regulations.
World Feb 22 In one-time ISIS capital of Raqqa, poverty and fear drive residents out Raqqa, the former de facto capital of the Islamic State group, is now free but many of its residents are fighting to leave.