Iraq
The surrealism of war against Isis
The campaign against Isis was pretty big news for most of 2016. But by the time the final showdown got…
Vice vs vice: Cheney barbecues Pence in Georgia
It was no cakewalk for Vice President Mike Pence. He had showed up in Sea Island, Ga., reckoning that he…
Britain and its allies are opening the way for yet another Iraq war
After the most intensive street-by-street combat since 1945, Isis’s so-called caliphate is no more. Last weekend, the Iraqi government won…
The Kurds are on their own
The routing of Isis in northern Iraq ought to be a time of international celebration, but as ever in the…
Don’t forget the Yazidis
As the floodwaters subsided, the Ark drifted across northern Iraq. Finally, with a crunching jolt, it hit dry land. Its…
Hope in Mosul
For the title of world’s most benighted city, Mosul takes some beating. Liberated from Saddam Hussein by US forces in…
The myth of the plucky Kurdish warrior
Western powers’ favourite allies in Iraq and Syria have problems – and divisions – of their own
Portrait of the week: English lessons, civil partnerships, the price of oil
Home David Cameron, the Prime Minister, said that Muslim women must learn English, and that those who had entered on…
On Europe, Iraq and Syria why can’t our politicians just tell the truth?
It has been over a month since Parliament voted to bomb Isis in Syria, yet in that time there have…
The truth about Islamic State: it's in crisis
Disillusioned Islamic State recruits are deserting the bloodthirsty terror group as it loses territory
After Jeremy Corbyn’s Syria shambles, step forward Major Dan Jarvis . . . the new Labour-saving device
It makes no sense for Britain to bomb Islamic State in Iraq but not Syria. Attacking a group that does…
It is time to join the fight against IS in Syria
The Islamic State is as monstrous an enemy as we have seen in recent history. It crucifies and decapitates its…
The pretend war: why bombing Isil won't solve the problem
Britain, France and America are in a protracted fight against Islamic radicalism. Pity our leaders have no idea how to win it
How to defeat Isis, by a retired British commander
Military action against Isis needs a coherent strategy, says a former senior commander in the British army
Obama's weakness has helped Putin – and Isis
The principal strategic objective in the war on terror has been a failure. Ever since 9/11, the aim has been…
Portrait of the week
Home After the killings in Paris, David Cameron, the Prime Minister, said that seven terrorist attacks on Britain had been…
The Vicar of Baghdad: 'I've looked through the Quran trying to find forgiveness... there isn’t any.'
Exiled to Hampshire by Isis bombs, saintly Canon Andrew White itches to go back to the Middle East
Islamic State is making its threats a reality
Isis could be on the brink of creating a terrifying new world order
Britain’s armed forces no longer have the resources for a major war
Our armed forces have been cut too far to fight a meaningful war – and the coming defence review looks unlikely to change that
Iran’s hidden war with the West – and what we can do to fight back
It’s up to Britain to ensure that the nuclear dealdoes not allow a greater threat to the Middle East
Why the Middle East needs more kings
What the Middle East needs is more constitutional monarchies
Merkel’s grandstanding on Syrian refugees will lead to many more deaths at sea
By making them more likely to attempt the perilous journey to Europe, the German chancellor is luring would-be migrants to their deaths
My dirty secret: I don’t care either way about state surveillance
The Snoopers’ Charter. I ought to care about this. I’m a sort of libertarian. I believe in personal freedom. I’m…
Was Genghis Khan the cruellest man who ever lived?
From the unpromising and desperately unforgiving background that forged his iron will and boundless ambition, Temujin (as Genghis Khan was…
Libya is what happens when we try to bomb things better
Call me petulant, but I’m not sure Britain is getting enough credit for our fine, fine work in Libya. The…
