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Image: John Moore/AP/picture allianceImage: John Moore/AP/picture alliance

Iraq

The US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 saw the end of the 24-year-long rule of dictator Saddam Hussein. The consequences remain to this day, as Iraq is wrecked by ongoing conflict and crises.

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All Content on this topic

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, uses a diagram of a bomb to describe Iran's nuclear program in 2012

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, uses a diagram of a bomb to describe Iran's nuclear program in 2012

How Israel prevents its neighbors from getting nuclear arms

Here's an overview of how Israel has historically sought to curb the nuclear ambitions of its regional adversaries.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stand together on a small stage during a ceremony at Baghdad International Airport

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stand together on a small stage during a ceremony at Baghdad International Airport

Iran: President Pezeshkian visits Iraq on first trip abroad

On his first trip abroad since taking office, Iranian President Pezeshkian signed a number of agreements with Iraq.

DW Dokumentationen KW 35 | Us and Them - WAR

DW Dokumentationen KW 35 | Us and Them - WAR

Us and Them: Living in a polarized world — War

The 2003 war against Iraq was based on a lie. A war of aggression, that the US never was penalized for.

US Army paratroopers walk on an airfield

US Army paratroopers walk on an airfield

US, Iraqi troops kill 15 IS militants in joint operation

Iraqi military said that the raid killed key leaders of the so-called "Islamic State" terrorist group.

A group gather at Tahrir Square in Baghdad, Iraq, to protest a bill that includes provisions for determining the age of marriage under the civil code on July 28, 2024..

A group gather at Tahrir Square in Baghdad, Iraq, to protest a bill that includes provisions for determining the age of marriage under the civil code on July 28, 2024..

Iraqi bill would roll back women's and children's rights

To ensure Iraqi family law is defined by religion, politicians plan to change some of Iraq's most progressive rules.

Four Lufthansa planes on the ground, parking next to each other

Four Lufthansa planes on the ground, parking next to each other

Lufthansa extends suspension of Middle East flights

A number of airlines have canceled flights to the region over deepening tensions between Iran and Israel.

People protest in support of Palestinians in Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Amman, Jordan.

People protest in support of Palestinians in Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Amman, Jordan.

Arab nations in Hamas-Israel conflict: What you need to know

Some have quiet-but-close relationships with Israel, while others host Iran-backed groups opposed to the US and Israel.

Iraqi Yazidis attend a candle-lit vigil in the Sharya area, some 15 kilometres from the northern city of Dohuk in the autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan region on August 3, 2020,

Iraqi Yazidis attend a candle-lit vigil in the Sharya area, some 15 kilometres from the northern city of Dohuk in the autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan region on August 3, 2020,

After IS, justice for Yazidis? 'The world has moved on'

The end of a UN mission to investigate "Islamic State" crimes in Iraq is a setback in the Yazidi quest for justice.

DW "Global Us" Sendungslogo Composite

DW "Global Us" Sendungslogo Composite

New paths & old ways

Lithium plays a key role in the shift to green power. Plus: climate change causes disease in Iraq.

Irak Freiwillige Helfer auf Minensuche in Nordirak

Irak Freiwillige Helfer auf Minensuche in Nordirak

Iraq: Survivors in Mosul deal with IS legacy 10 years on

In Iraq, Kurdish villagers risk their lives trying to de-mine their territory 10 years after Islamic State rule.

Julian Assange peers through an airplane window

Julian Assange peers through an airplane window

Julian Assange and the dark secrets of war

On June 25, 2024, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was released following a plea deal with the US.

People painting on a wall

People painting on a wall

Baghdad gets colorful

Ali Khalifa and his artist group are making Baghdad more colorful. House facades are turned into vibrant works of art.

DW "Global Us" Sendungslogo Composite

DW "Global Us" Sendungslogo Composite

Why is the Pantanal in Brazil burning? - Global Us

Iraqi artists make Baghdad colorful. Why is the Pantanal in Brazil burning again? Plus, how we can recycle more clothes.

An Iraqi Kurdish woman demonstrates in front of the Kurdistan Judicial Council offices in Arbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdish region of northern Iraq in 2014

An Iraqi Kurdish woman demonstrates in front of the Kurdistan Judicial Council offices in Arbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdish region of northern Iraq in 2014

Iraqi Kurdistan ignores violence against women — Amnesty

Courts favor male suspects even as women are beaten, raped and murdered, according to a human rights group's report.

British Airways Boeing 777-200ER

British Airways Boeing 777-200ER

UK govt, British Airways sued over Kuwait hostage crisis

There are also claims, denied by the UK government, that London put undercover operatives on board and delayed take-off.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange leaves the US Federal Courthouse in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange leaves the US Federal Courthouse in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Julian Assange a free man after plea deal with US

After 14 long years of legal battle with the US government, whistleblower Julian Assange is back home in Australia.

Doku Plan KW 23 Giftwolken über dem Irak

Doku Plan KW 23 Giftwolken über dem Irak

Under poisoned skies - Iraq’s toxic oil fields

The air in many regions of Iraq is polluted and unhealthy, perhaps even carcinogenic.

An Iraqi vendor offers tomatoes in Baghdad.

An Iraqi vendor offers tomatoes in Baghdad.

How high will 'heatflation' take Middle East food prices?

Extreme heat raises food prices in a phenomenon known as "heatflation." In the Middle East, prices will be even higher.

A boy stands on dry and cracked ground

A boy stands on dry and cracked ground

Climate change impacts on hydropower in the Middle East

Through Turkey, Syria and Iraq, the Euphrates-Tigris basin is suffering both water stress and a hydropower deficit.

Supporters of the Popular Mobilization Forces burn a rainbow flag during a protest in Tahrir Square in Baghdad.

Supporters of the Popular Mobilization Forces burn a rainbow flag during a protest in Tahrir Square in Baghdad.

Iraqi LGBTQ+ community loses social media safe space

Social media was a mostly safe place where Iraq's queer community could meet. New Iraqi laws will change all that.

File picture of a gas extraction installation in Iraq

File picture of a gas extraction installation in Iraq

Iraq: 4 killed in drone attack on gas field

Authorities say that foreign workers have been killed in the autonomous Kurdistan region.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is welcomed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani with an official ceremony

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is welcomed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani with an official ceremony

Turkey-Iraq ties: Renewed progress, but PKK issue remains

Turkey's president visited Iraq for the first time in over a decade. Did the visit change an uneasy relationship?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shaking hands with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shaking hands with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani

Turkey's Erdogan makes rare visit to Iraq

Recep Tayyip Erdogan last visited in 2011 and is now seeking cooperation in the fight against Kurdish militants.

Israel's Iron Dome defense system intercepts rockets from Lebanon's Hezbollah

Israel's Iron Dome defense system intercepts rockets from Lebanon's Hezbollah

Israel-Iran escalation: How strong is Israel's military?

A military conflict between Israel and Iran is a real threat. But to what extent is Israel prepared?

An Afghan boy flies his kite on a hill overlooking Kabul, Afghanistan, May 13, 2013. Photo by Anja Niedringhaus

An Afghan boy flies his kite on a hill overlooking Kabul, Afghanistan, May 13, 2013. Photo by Anja Niedringhaus

Anja Niedringhaus: Remembering the war photographer

It's ten years since Niedringhaus was killed in Afghanistan. The Pulitzer laureate chronicled wars around the globe.

Police officers stand guard ouside the High Court, on the day it is set to rule on whether Julian Assange can appeal against extradition from Britain to the United States, in London, Britain, March 26, 2024.

Police officers stand guard ouside the High Court, on the day it is set to rule on whether Julian Assange can appeal against extradition from Britain to the United States, in London, Britain, March 26, 2024.

Julian Assange can appeal extradition, UK High Court rules

The High Court in London has ruled that Assange can continue his legal battle lasting against US extradition.

Aerial view of a flooded street filled with mud and water following heavy rains in Dohuk

Aerial view of a flooded street filled with mud and water following heavy rains in Dohuk

Iraq's northern Kurdistan region hit by floods

The Iraqi city worst affected by floods is Dohuk, where authorities say at least two people have been killed.

Muslims have a sunset meal in a mosque complex in Baghdad.

Muslims have a sunset meal in a mosque complex in Baghdad.

Why more non-Muslims are taking part in Ramadan

In the Middle East, it's not unusual for non-Muslims to take part in Ramadan. Now more in the West are also joining in.

A protester holds a during a Palestinian flag during a protest to support the Palestinian people and protest against the US support for Israel near the US embassy in Baghdad.

A protester holds a during a Palestinian flag during a protest to support the Palestinian people and protest against the US support for Israel near the US embassy in Baghdad.

US troops in the Middle East: Soldiers in the line of fire

Their original mission may have ended years ago, but US soldiers are still operating in Iraq and Syria. Why?

Doku KW 04 Generationen im Clinch

Doku KW 04 Generationen im Clinch

Us and Them - When generations clash - Motherland

Paul wants to emigrate but should stay, Houda wants to stay but should emigrate.

Fighter of the Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah militia group stands the site of a US airstrike, in Hilla, Iraq December 26, 2023

Fighter of the Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah militia group stands the site of a US airstrike, in Hilla, Iraq December 26, 2023

Iraq: US launches new strikes on Iran-backed militant group

Washington said the strikes were a response to attacks against US troops in Iraq and Syria.

Archive image of the Al-Asad airbase in Iraq from January 13, 2020.

Archive image of the Al-Asad airbase in Iraq from January 13, 2020.

US reports missile and rocket attack on Iraq base

The attacks are a long-running issue but have intensified amid the conflict in Gaza.

smoke rising from buildings

smoke rising from buildings

Four civilians killed as Iranian missiles strike Irbil, Iraq

Iran launches missile strikes against alleged Israeli spy headquarters in northern Iraq.

An Iranian missile being fired during a military exercise

An Iranian missile being fired during a military exercise

Pakistan says Iran airstrikes killed 2 children

The Pakistani government said the "unprovoked violation" of its airspace Tuesday killed two children.

A military parade was organized at the Police Faculty in Baghdad.

A military parade was organized at the Police Faculty in Baghdad.

Will Iraq finally push US troops out because of Gaza?

After the US killed the leader of an Iraqi militia, the Iraqi government says it will push US troops out. But will it?

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani at a press conference in December in Baghdad

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani at a press conference in December in Baghdad

Iraqi PM seeks to end presence of US-led coalition troops

The decision comes after US forces took out the leader of a group allegedly targeting their positions.

Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant standing at a lectern and in front of three Israeli flags

Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant standing at a lectern and in front of three Israeli flags

Gallant: 'We're in a multi-front war'

Israel's defense minister made the comment after a suspected Israeli airstrike in Syria that killed an Iranian general.

Kurdish soldiers with the Peshmerga Regional Guard Brigade inspect a shipment of American armored Humvee vehicles

Kurdish soldiers with the Peshmerga Regional Guard Brigade inspect a shipment of American armored Humvee vehicles

US strikes pro-Iran militants in Iraq after attack on base

The government in Baghdad condemned the strike, calling it a "clear hostile act."

Farouk Al-Rubaie, founder of Mesopotamia Engines Sports Club, at a car drifting event in Baghdad

Farouk Al-Rubaie, founder of Mesopotamia Engines Sports Club, at a car drifting event in Baghdad

Motorsport craze captures the hearts of Iraq's youth

Among the many fans of underground-style stunt driving in the Middle East: Iraqis taking up the sport of "drifting."

An Iraqi woman votes at a ballot in Baghdad

An Iraqi woman votes at a ballot in Baghdad

Iraq holds first provincial elections in a decade

The provincial council elections are expected to strengthen powerful pro-Iran Shiite Muslim groups in Iraq.

View of the Ministry of Interior of Saxony-Anhalt from the street

View of the Ministry of Interior of Saxony-Anhalt from the street

Germany deports Iraqi over 'terror' suspicion

The 20-year old was suspected of planning a "terrorist attack" targeting a Christmas market in eastern Germany.

Photo shows boy in a field in an area which has suffered significant losses due to climate change in the Jandaris district of rural Aleppo

Photo shows boy in a field in an area which has suffered significant losses due to climate change in the Jandaris district of rural Aleppo

Climate change worsened drought in Syria, Iraq and Iran

A three-year drought in the region was made far more likely due to climate change, a new study has found.

DW Dokumentationen | Iraq's forgotten children

DW Dokumentationen | Iraq's forgotten children

Iraq's forgotten children - The scrap collectors of Mosul

The Iraqi city of Mosul bears the scars of war and ISIS occupation.

A Black Hawk helicopter lands at the al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq.

A Black Hawk helicopter lands at the al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq.

US shoots down drone in Iraq amid Middle East tensions

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq said it carried out the drone attack, which occurred near al-Asad Air Base.

Protesters take part in an anti-Israeli demonstration at Tahrir Square in Baghdad

Protesters take part in an anti-Israeli demonstration at Tahrir Square in Baghdad

Israel-Hamas war: What role do Iran-backed militias play?

Recent drone attacks on US bases in Iraq and Syria have increased concerns that the war in Israel is spreading.

A man holds a placard with a picture of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during protests near the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq

A man holds a placard with a picture of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during protests near the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq

US gets personnel out of Iraq, warns citizens not to visit

The State Department says US citizens, military personnel and interests are under threat in the Iraq.

Person in the shade prepares a pipe for smoking crystal meth with a lighter

Person in the shade prepares a pipe for smoking crystal meth with a lighter

Crystal meth: Iraqis falling under the influence of drugs

With their country devastated by war and economic crises, a lot of young Iraqis are turning to drugs.

Three men surveying damaged infrastruture and a vehicle after a Turkish airstrike in northern Syria in November 2022

Three men surveying damaged infrastruture and a vehicle after a Turkish airstrike in northern Syria in November 2022

Turkey launches new attacks on PKK in Iraq

Ankara has said it will "neutralize" those behind a Sunday bomb attack. Syrian Kurds accuse Turkey of war crimes.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya speaks to reporters

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya speaks to reporters

Turkey strikes suspected Kurdish militant targets in Iraq

This comes hours after a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device near an entrance to the Turkish Interior Ministry.

DW "Global Us" Sendungslogo Composite

DW "Global Us" Sendungslogo Composite

Addiction crisis in Iraq, the toll of crystal meth

Drug addiction among Iraqis. A child-friendly city in Japan. And dialing down growth for a better climate.