Threats
Obama Says Situation in Northern Iraq Now 'Greatly Improved'
While thousands of refugees are now safe, the larger concern about the rest of Iraq's security remains a dire and open question. By Matt Berman
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
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
Policy
Iraq Vets in Congress Support Air Strikes, But Are Wary of Another War
Iraq veterans in Congress largely support air strikes in Iraq, with an intimate understanding of the cost of U.S. military intervention. By Molly O’Toole
Threats
Pentagon Says More Strikes Are Possible in Iraq
The Pentagon is prepared for more strikes against ISIL, possibly in Baghdad where the U.S. has many assets. By Stephanie Gaskell
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
Threats
U.S. Bombs Islamic Fighters in Northern Iraq
President Obama ordered the U.S. military to carry out targeted airstrikes against Islamic extremists who are rapidly advancing in the Kurdish capital of Irbil. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy