Since the US-led invasion in 2003, Iraq has faced poor access to services, with electricity being a critical issue. Successive governments have not managed to improve the situation, which is exacerbated by temperatures rising above 50°C in the south, leading to increased demand for air conditioning.

Sudden protests broke out in downtown Tehran with demonstrators chanting slogans against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Initially sparked by a local power outage, the protest quickly turned political. Videos of the event have gone viral on social media, and the police are attempting to track down participants.

Refugees detained in a Lithuanian migrant camp have described their living conditions as 'prison-like' and have criticized the Lithuanian authorities for inhumane treatment. This comes in contrast to the warm reception that Ukrainian refugees have reportedly received from the Lithuanian government.

The Iraqi government announced a ban on alcohol, sparking debate and criticism for not addressing the country's real issues such as corruption, unemployment, and lack of basic services. Critics argue the ban violates constitutional freedoms, particularly for non-Muslim minorities, and fear further restrictions on rights. The ban is seen as a move towards Islamisation, potentially influenced by Iran, and could lead to a rise in black market activity and drug dealing. The decision is also economically detrimental, affecting state tax imports and the livelihoods of those in the liquor industry, including Christians and Yazidis.

Muqtada al-Sadr, an influential Shia cleric in Iraq, has initiated an anti-LGBTQ campaign, urging followers to combat the LGBTQ community through education, awareness, and ethical methods. His call has raised concerns among the LGBTQ community, especially given his followers' history of violence. Thousands of al-Sadr's followers signed a pledge against homosexuality after Friday prayers, although Iraq does not have a law explicitly criminalizing homosexuality. Human Rights Watch and IraQueer have reported on the violence and lack of accountability for crimes against LGBTQ individuals in Iraq, with Iraqi security forces often complicit. Al-Sadr's campaign has intensified fears among LGBTQ Iraqis, who already face significant danger.

Balsam Hussein, a 26-year-old TV presenter and former hair-transplant specialist, was crowned Miss Iraq 2022 in Erbil. She is set to represent Iraq at the Miss World and Miss Universe pageants. Despite political instability, the event offered hope and a message of resilience to Iraqi women. The Miss Iraq contest, which resumed in 2015 after a long hiatus, now equally rates beauty and inner essence. Sarah Saad, Jihan Majid, Hind Akram, and Sarah Khaled were among the runners-up.

Muqtada al-Sadr's withdrawal of his bloc from the Iraqi parliament signals his continued influence in Iraqi politics, potentially leading to a summer of protests. Despite winning the largest bloc in the last elections, the Sadrists failed to form a government, leading to mass resignations. Analysts are divided on whether al-Sadr's decision was a mistake or a tactical move. Protests, supported by the Sadrists, are expected to demand improved services, job opportunities, and new elections. The Coordination Framework Alliance is now likely to form a government, but al-Sadr's supporters may push for reform or an internationally-backed emergency government.

Climate change has drastically altered the landscape of Basra, Iraq, transforming once fertile agricultural lands into deserts and forcing farmers to abandon traditional farming in favor of real estate development. The region, previously known as the 'black land' for its dense palm groves, now faces increased water salinity, higher temperatures, and frequent sandstorms. Local farmers, like Fouad Kadhim and Abdulsaheb Ismail, express despair over the loss of their livelihoods and the lack of government support. Despite the Ministry of Agriculture's recognition of these challenges, financial constraints limit their ability to assist. The situation is exacerbated by regional water politics, with Iran and Turkey reducing water flow into Iraq. The ecological shift not only threatens the local agriculture but also the cultural heritage and environmental stability of the area.

Pope Francis will conduct an inter-faith service at the ziggurat of Ur, an ancient Iraqi city believed to be the birthplace of the prophet Abraham. Ur, once the Sumerian capital, is known for its archaeological significance and the ziggurat temple dedicated to the moon god Nannar. Excavations by European archaeologists, including Sir Leonard Woolley, have unearthed royal tombs and a seal that led Woolley to believe he had found Abraham's house. The visit by Pope Francis draws attention to Ur's importance for religious pilgrimage and the dwindling Christian population in Iraq, which has decreased significantly since 2003.

Female journalists and activists in Basra, Iraq, are increasingly fearing for their safety following a series of attacks, including the killing of women's rights campaigner Riham Yacoub. Journalist Arwa Hazim al-Amiri left Basra after receiving threats, and others like Sanar Hassan and Lodia Raymond have faced similar intimidation. The violence has cast a shadow over Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's efforts to control Iran-backed militias, who are suspected of the attacks. The US State Department has called for accountability, while activists continue to demand basic rights and freedoms despite the risks.

Iraqi journalists, including Ali Jawad, face political pressure and threats due to their coverage and personal involvement in the anti-government protest movement. Jawad, a former journalist with state-owned Al-Iraqiya TV, had his salary cut off by the Iraqi Media Network for social media posts about the protests, which they claimed violated regulations. Despite the constitutional right to protest, Jawad and his colleague Ahmed Abdulhussein were accused of lacking productivity and not attending work. The Iraqi Journalists Rights Defense Association is preparing to file a lawsuit against the Iraqi Media Network for these actions. The situation has sparked social media support for Jawad and criticism of the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate for not offering support. Iraq ranks low on the World Press Freedom Index, and the recent events underscore the ongoing challenges for press freedom in the country.

Iraqi citizens express mixed reactions to the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. While some, like Atheer Nazar Saadallah, feel a sense of relief and closure, others, such as Mustafa Alkattan and Hassan Hameed Albadawi, are skeptical of the motives behind the announcement, particularly in light of the upcoming U.S. elections. Concerns remain about the enduring ideology of IS and the potential for its resurgence, despite Baghdadi's death.

In Iraq, Sunni individuals fearing accusations of extremism or sympathy with the Islamic State group are opting for online activism over street protests. They are voicing their discontent on social media platforms due to the government's neglect and the risks associated with public demonstrations. The recent protests, which began over unemployment and poor living conditions, have escalated to calls for government change, despite an internet blackout and violent responses. The UN has condemned the violence that resulted in nearly 100 deaths and thousands of injuries. Activists face threats from security services and have been advised to use secure platforms and avoid sharing protest details online.

Violent demonstrations in Iraq have resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries, with protests escalating across southern cities since their onset in Baghdad. Security forces have fired on protesters, and there are allegations of Iran-backed militia involvement in protester deaths. Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi faces his first major challenge, offering only vague reforms in response to demands for improved living standards and anti-corruption. Despite curfews, protests continue, with demonstrators and prominent figures like Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr criticizing the government's failure to combat corruption and calling for change.

The article discusses the extensive damage and ongoing reconstruction efforts in Mosul, Iraq, following the battle to retake the city from ISIL fighters. It highlights that 54,000 houses were destroyed and, despite a $400m fund established for Iraq's reconstruction, Mosul received only a fraction of this amount. The Governor of Nineveh Governorate claimed no budget was allocated for rebuilding private housing, leaving many civilians to rely on themselves, often resulting in debt as they borrow money to rebuild their homes. The piece underscores the challenges faced by Mosul residents, particularly the financial strain on those like Ahmed Al Ebadi and Mohammed Hazim Abbas, who struggle to afford the costs of reconstruction.

Soad Al Ali, a prominent Iraqi human rights activist, was shot dead in Basra, sparking further unrest in a city already troubled by a water poisoning crisis and ongoing protests over poor public services. Al Ali, who was the head of Al Wid Al Alaiami For Human Rights, was known for her advocacy for Basra's independence and human rights. The attack occurred as she was entering her car and was captured on video, exacerbating the chaotic atmosphere in Basra. The IHCHR has initiated a murder investigation, urging the government to protect activists. The murder has raised concerns about the security situation in Iraq, with some attributing the violence to militias stronger than the government. Basra has seen protests against government neglect and Iranian influence, with recent demonstrations turning violent.

Iraq's Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi has dismissed the head of Basra's military operations, Jamal Al Shammari, amidst a severe water crisis and ongoing protests in the city. The crisis has led to over 100,000 hospital admissions due to water poisoning. US Ambassador Douglas Silliman announced additional support to help with the water emergency. The article details the poor conditions in Basra's hospitals, the lack of adequate medical staff, and the high salinity levels in the water supply. It also touches on the financial cuts to Basra's health ministry and the public's anger towards the government's slow response and the perceived corruption exacerbating the situation.

Tara Fares, a prominent Iraqi social media influencer and model, was murdered in Baghdad, sparking widespread discussion about the targeting of public figures in Iraq. With nearly 3 million Instagram followers, Fares was shot in the Camp Sarah district. The Iraqi Interior Ministry has detained a suspect after Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi called for a swift investigation. Fares' online presence and lifestyle are believed to be the motives behind her killing. Her death follows a pattern of violence against women in Iraq, including the recent murder of human rights activist Soad Al Ali in Basra. The article suggests that women who challenge traditional gender roles in Iraq may be systematically targeted. The public and friends of Fares express their grief and concern over the future of Iraq and the safety of its citizens.

The article discusses the plight of Christian families displaced from Nineveh province, including Mosul, due to the ISIS takeover in June 2014. Many sought refuge in Kurdish-controlled areas, Baghdad, or the Shia-majority region of Basra in southern Iraq. The displaced Christians are facing a dilemma: while some, like George Hannah, wish to return home once ISIS is expelled and stability is restored, others, such as Arshad Louis, are too traumatized to consider returning. The article highlights the hardships faced by these families, including expensive living conditions in Erbil, the death of family members, and the recent killing of a Christian youth in Basra. The Iraqi parliament's ban on alcohol sales is also mentioned. The Ministry of Human Rights and the United Nations have provided some assistance, but many Christians are calling for more support from the government. Meanwhile, local initiatives, like the one led by Muntadher al-Karadi from Baghdad, are providing aid to the displaced Christians.

Sajad Saadi Salman, an 18-year-old from Qadisiyyah province in Iraq, has developed a social media platform called Neproo aimed at reducing sectarian and ethnic tensions. The platform censors words that denote sectarian differences, such as 'Sunni' or 'Shia', and replaces them with asterisks. Neproo, which allows sharing of photos, audio, and video files, has become popular among social media users in Iraq, with over 10,000 users since its launch. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has praised Salman's work, and he may be invited to the Arab Identity Festival. Neproo is available in multiple languages, but the censorship software only works on Arabic content.

The article discusses the situation of Iraqi journalists who have been forced to flee their country due to persecution by ISIS and harassment by authorities in various regions of Iraq. Sinbad Ahmed al-Shabaky, a former reporter for Al-Fayhaa television, and Haider Hilfi, formerly of Al Baghdadia TV, are highlighted as examples of journalists who have sought refuge in Europe, specifically Germany, after facing threats and arrests in Iraq. While some journalists, like Ali Athab of Hona Baghdad TV, choose to stay in Iraq despite the risks, the article underscores the broader issue of press freedom and the challenges faced by journalists in conflict zones. The Iraqi Ministry of Interior claims to be working on protecting journalists and has even allowed them to carry firearms for self-defense.

The article discusses the preparations of ISIS militants for a protracted war over Mosul, Iraq. Residents report that trenches have been dug, neighborhoods cleared, and areas booby-trapped, with civilians likely to be used as human shields. The number of foreign jihadists in Mosul has reportedly decreased, with some fleeing to Raqqa, Syria, or other nearby areas. Locals are experiencing shortages of food and medicine, but no famine has been reported. Journalist Mohammed Shafiq and political analyst Fayiz al-Kanaan provide insights into the involvement of Shia militias in the upcoming battle and the political context that enabled ISIS's rise in Mosul. The article suggests that unless the Iraqi government rebuilds trust with the Sunni community, the cycle of violence will continue.