Iraq: A Nation in Turmoil
Iraq's turmoil explored from the 25-year reign of Saddam Hussein to the first Gulf War to Operation Iraqi Freedom and the consequences of the American-led occupation; Iraq's relationship with Iran and sectarian problems between Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds are also explored.
Icarus on Crack: Invading Iraq Is Colossal Hubris
In March 2003, as the first coalition tanks were invading southern Iraq, I argued that the invasion was colossal bad judgment and predicted the breakdown of Iraq--at American soldiers' expense.
In March 2003, as the first coalition tanks were invading southern Iraq, I argued that the invasion was colossal bad judgment and predicted the breakdown of Iraq--at American soldiers' expense.
The Sons of Iraq, or Iraqi Awakening: Iraq's Sunni Variable
The so-called Sons of Iraq, or Sunni citizens patrols forming the "Iraqi Awakening," went from insurgents to American allies. But Iraq's Shiite government still sees them as the enemy.
The so-called Sons of Iraq, or Sunni citizens patrols forming the "Iraqi Awakening," went from insurgents to American allies. But Iraq's Shiite government still sees them as the enemy.
Review: "Final Salute: A Story of Unfinished Lives," by Jim Sheeler
The American public doesn't want to be bothered with the discomforts of death tales from the front. In "Final Salute: A Story of Unfinished Lives," Jim Sheeler aims to make the public very uncomfortable. He succeeds, brutally and beautifully.
The American public doesn't want to be bothered with the discomforts of death tales from the front. In "Final Salute: A Story of Unfinished Lives," Jim Sheeler aims to make the public very uncomfortable. He succeeds, brutally and beautifully.
Do Permanent US Bases in Iraq Mean a Permanent Occupation?
The Iraqi government is balking over an agreement that would establish permanent US bases in Iraq, and turn the American presence into a permanent occupation. An analysis of the two sides' positions.
The Iraqi government is balking over an agreement that would establish permanent US bases in Iraq, and turn the American presence into a permanent occupation. An analysis of the two sides' positions.
Glossary: Mahdi Army
Definition of the Mahdi Army, the Shiite militia founded by Iraq's Muqtada al-Sadr in August 2003.
Definition of the Mahdi Army, the Shiite militia founded by Iraq's Muqtada al-Sadr in August 2003.
Profile: Muqtada al-Sadr
Until the American invasion of Iraq, Moqtada Sadr was "just a portly, low-ranking cleric with angry eyes, rotting teeth, an unkempt beard, and a ten-gallon black turban."
Until the American invasion of Iraq, Moqtada Sadr was "just a portly, low-ranking cleric with angry eyes, rotting teeth, an unkempt beard, and a ten-gallon black turban."
Iraq War Timeline, Part 3: 2003-2008
Iraq War Timeline: Main events of the Iraq war since the first day of the invasion in March 2003 to the present.
Iraq War Timeline: Main events of the Iraq war since the first day of the invasion in March 2003 to the present.
What Are the Costs of War in Iraq?
War costs in Iraq have increased sharply every year—from $50 billion in 2003 to $135 billion in 2007, for a total of over $600 billion by 2008.
War costs in Iraq have increased sharply every year—from $50 billion in 2003 to $135 billion in 2007, for a total of over $600 billion by 2008.
Iraq War: Everything You Want (and Need) to Know
The Iraq latest war began on March 21, 2003, when American and British troops invaded Iraq and toppled Saddam Hussein's regime in April that year. What was supposed to be a "cakewalk," in the words of Bush administration officials, has turned into the second-longest war involving American soldiers ( after Vietnam) and the second-costliest in American history (after World War II). Five years on, t…
The Iraq latest war began on March 21, 2003, when American and British troops invaded Iraq and toppled Saddam Hussein's regime in April that year. What was supposed to be a "cakewalk," in the words of Bush administration officials, has turned into the second-longest war involving American soldiers ( after Vietnam) and the second-costliest in American history (after World War II). Five years on, t…
Why Is the United States in Iraq?
The Bush administration has changed its rationale for war in Iraq as the complexions of the war and the occupation have changed.
The Bush administration has changed its rationale for war in Iraq as the complexions of the war and the occupation have changed.
Iraq War Timeline, Part 1: 1973-1993
A timeline of the events leading up to the first Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm) and through the end of the administration of the first George Bush in 1993.
A timeline of the events leading up to the first Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm) and through the end of the administration of the first George Bush in 1993.
Iraq War Timeline, Part 2: 1993-2003
A timeline of the events between the aftermath of first Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom, launched in March 2003.
A timeline of the events between the aftermath of first Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom, launched in March 2003.
Glossary: Iraq War Resolution
Definition and background to the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution by the U.S. Congress on Oct. 10-11, 2002.
Definition and background to the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution by the U.S. Congress on Oct. 10-11, 2002.
Glossary: Operation Desert Storm
Definition and scope of Operation Desert Storm, the offensive phase of the U.S.-led military operation to clear Kuwait of Iraqi forces in the first Gulf War, in January-February 1991.
Definition and scope of Operation Desert Storm, the offensive phase of the U.S.-led military operation to clear Kuwait of Iraqi forces in the first Gulf War, in January-February 1991.
Glossary: Operation Desert Shield
Definition of Operation Desert Shield, precursor to Operation Desert Storm, during the first Gulf War against Iraq in 1990.
Definition of Operation Desert Shield, precursor to Operation Desert Storm, during the first Gulf War against Iraq in 1990.
Blackwater Mess: Unaccountable Mercenaries?
The Sept. 16 killing of 17 Iraqis in Baghdad by Blackwater guards puts in question the role of private security contractors, their lucrative, taxpayer-funded contracts, and their apparent immunity from the law. But the U.S. is too dependent on security contractors to manage more than cosmetic changes.
The Sept. 16 killing of 17 Iraqis in Baghdad by Blackwater guards puts in question the role of private security contractors, their lucrative, taxpayer-funded contracts, and their apparent immunity from the law. But the U.S. is too dependent on security contractors to manage more than cosmetic changes.
Iraq: The Kurdish Question
What is Kurdistan? Who are the Kurds? Where are they located? What are they after? And is Iraqi Kurdistan the first step toward an independent Kurdish nation?
What is Kurdistan? Who are the Kurds? Where are they located? What are they after? And is Iraqi Kurdistan the first step toward an independent Kurdish nation?
Is the "Surge" Working?
The Bush Administration says yes. The facts say no.
The Bush Administration says yes. The facts say no.
Iraq: Country Profile
The story on Iraq: From early history to recent invasions and the battle to rebuild as a functioning nation-state splintered by western occupation and Sunni-Shiite-Kurd divisions.
The story on Iraq: From early history to recent invasions and the battle to rebuild as a functioning nation-state splintered by western occupation and Sunni-Shiite-Kurd divisions.
U.S. Casualties in Iraq
A comprehensive, analytical site breaking down American and coalition casualties (killed and wounded) since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom, including break-downs by state, age, rank, service and location.
A comprehensive, analytical site breaking down American and coalition casualties (killed and wounded) since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom, including break-downs by state, age, rank, service and location.
In the Balance: Iraqi Kurdistan
Thanks to multiple accidents of history, Nir Rosen argues, Iraqi Kurdistan is where all the pieces of Iraqi politics come together, or where they may well fall apart.
Thanks to multiple accidents of history, Nir Rosen argues, Iraqi Kurdistan is where all the pieces of Iraqi politics come together, or where they may well fall apart.