The smuggling industry is worth hundreds of millions of dollars annually, and few alternatives exist to earn a living in the area. Border guards are trigger-happy, and calls for change are ignored.

As pressure mounts in the US to "do more" to deter attacks allegedly backed by Iran, Iraqi armed factions seem ever more divided.

An Iranian poet residing in Germany bears witness to the resilient spirit of her people in the face of bloodthirsty mullahs

Gulf countries develop strategies to reverse the destructive and dangerous role that escalation plays in the Gaza war

The prime minister in Baghdad must deal with the demands of the US, Iran and armed groups at home, while trying to prioritise his own national interests. Here's a three-option plan on how he can.

Since 7 October, Iran has been moving its affiliated forces around Syria, an area that could become a second active front in war with Israel. Al Majalla lists the groups and their key characteristics.

America should start thinking about dealing with the Iran challenge beyond pinprick US strikes that do nothing but embolden Tehran and its regional axis

Egypt-Iran reconciliation efforts are inching forward, but Cairo is being careful about it and trying not to upset Washington and Tel Aviv in the process.

An attack on an airport, bombings in the mountains, and Iran's threat of a ground invasion have led the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to tread carefully between its neighbours. Al Majalla explains.

As a deadline on a security deal over Iranian Kurds in Iraq looms, Tehran is eyeing military action if camps are not disarmed and moved. That could provoke an international response, including the US.