Iraq

The human cost and development disasters caused by the August invasion in 1990 remain after Kuwait became hooked on high public spending to recover. Financial and economic reform is needed.

As Gulf states continue to draw inspiration from Kuwait's political system, adopting that which works and avoiding what doesn't, Kuwait can learn from its neighbours' assertiveness and development

Yet another "insult" to Muslims in Sweden by an Iraqi refugee has proven the tipping point for already tense relations with the Scandinavian nation, complicating diplomacy and politics abroad

Worsening water scarcity threatens much of the Arab world as Iraq struggles to plan for the future

An Israeli-Russian researcher's reported abduction in central Baghdad in March has drawn international attention but unsolved kidnappings have long plagued Iraq

Islamic State attacks near Baghdad and in the oil-rich Kirkuk province have led to Iraq stepping up operations amid the summer heat

Al Majalla journalists take a comprehensive look, six years following the group's defeat, at what has changed and what threats remain as thousands of IS fighters and families linger in Syrian camps

Multiple reconstruction projects underway across the city are being funded by the UN, EU, US, but the UN estimated it could take 10 years to clear Mosul of landmines and corpses lie under many streets

These threats have come from Iran-led 'resistance' factions, as well as self-declared but previously unknown shadowy "brigades" making their Telegram debuts.

Former US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker reviews the growing power of the Iran-backed militia in Iraq under Al Sudani's tenure and how it could backfire on him.