Billions of dollars later, Iraqi security forces fall short
Despite US investment, Iraq’s security forces remain corrupt, and Iraqis accuse them of abusing their power.
Tom A. Peter
Baghdad cracks down on protests as Iraq democracy falters
By Tom A. Peter
Over the weekend, Iraq’s government banned protests against the lavish pensions given to lawmakers, in the latest evidence that Iraqi democracy has struggled to take root.
Iraqis warily watch US move Syria into crosshairs
By Tom A. Peter
Iraq is still dealing with the long-term consequences of the US invasion, and Iraqis have doubts that a US intervention in Syria would have better results.
Rebel-held Aleppo settles into a routine — but one still defined by bombs
By Tom A. Peter
In the Syrian city, fighting is down, but residents now face additional danger from rebel factions that have turned to kidnapping and other criminal activity.
What’s going on in Syria? A stepped-back look
By Tom A. Peter
Trying to understand individual events in Syria’s war is daunting. But looking for trends gives a sense of the state of play: Syrians are in for a long, brutal war.
Egypt, Jordan, Iraq seek to stem Syrian refugee flood
By Tom A. Peter
Syria’s raging civil war has seen neighbors flooded with refugees. Egypt has become the latest regional country to take steps to limit refugee access.
Qatar: Meet the new boss, same as the old boss
By Tom A. Peter
Qatar’s new leader Sheikh Tamim will likely stick to his dad’s policies.
Turkey protesters put signs down, start talking strategy
By Tom A. Peter
Aware that the effectiveness of their protests is waning, Turkey’s antigovernment protesters are now focusing on giving their movement staying power beyond Istanbul.
Turkish police clear Gezi Park on eve of pro-Erdogan rally
By Tom A. Peter
Although the raid succeeded in clearing out the park, the brutal police methods have galvanized many to continue their anti-government demonstrations.
Erdogan’s supporters rally, dismissing Turkish protests as a ‘big game’
By Scott Peterson and Tom A. Peter
Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed hundreds of thousands of his cheering supporters in Istanbul saying, ‘My patience has run out’ with anti-government protests.
Syrian opposition says no to peace talks in Geneva
By Tom A. Peter
The US and others had been hoping a united Syrian political opposition would attend peace talks in Geneva in June. But the opposition says they won’t participate, and the Syrian civil war still rages.
McCain visit, end of arms embargo signal that West won’t let Syrian rebels sink
By Tom A. Peter
The EU decision to allow its arms embargo on Syria to expire and US Sen. John McCain’s brief meeting with Syrian rebel leaders signal they are not prepared to let the opposition lose.
Iraq’s demand for Hello Kitty keeps one Aleppo factory open as others close doors
By Tom A. Peter
Aleppo was once the economic heart of Syria, with factories ringing the city. But war destruction and a lack of electricity and materials has caused most of them to shut down.
Syria’s ancient landmarks crumble under onslaught of war
By Tom A. Peter
The destruction of Aleppo’s famous minaret brought world attention to the threats facing Syria’s historical landmarks. Syrians warn they are losing part of their heritage as ancient landmarks become ruins.
In Syria, terrorist designation means more go hungry
By Tom A. Peter
The presence of an Al Qaeda-linked group among Syria’s rebels and past US prosecutions of those who’ve supported groups it deems terrorists has slowed the flow of food and medical aid to Syria.
Al Qaeda in Iraq and Syrian rebel group Jabhat al-Nusra make it official
By Tom A. Peter
The leader of Iraq’s local Al Qaeda affiliate has claimed sponsorship of Jabhat al-Nusra, a militant group fighting alongside the Syrian rebels — confirming what everyone long suspected.
How more than $8 billion in US taxpayers’ money went to waste in Iraq
By Tom A. Peter
A report on US spending in Iraq released today found that of the $60 billion spent there, at least $8 billion, or 13.3 percent of it, was wasted.
Aleppo takes first step toward post-Assad governance in Syria
By Tom A. Peter
Syria’s Aleppo Province elected a local council this weekend, replacing an interim local government and taking a step toward restoring some semblance of order to the war-torn province.
Criminals cash in on Syria’s chaos with kidnappings and ransoms
By Tom A. Peter
Not all of the kidnappings in Syria are politically driven. In lawless areas not held by either the government or opposition, kidnappers are increasingly driven by cold cash.
For Bulgarians, brief love affair with credit comes to bitter end
By Tom A. Peter
Many in the former communist nation were unfamiliar with credit. Now, those who borrowed excessively are drowning in debt — and finding little relief from banks.