Topic: Karbala

Terrorism & Security Car bombs cap week of violence that underscores Iraq's fragility

Monday's car bombs came after a week of attacks on both Sunni and Shiite targets that killed more than 200 – and only days after Iraq's 'most democratic' elections.

Kurdish-Iraqi government talks collapse amid fear of civil war

Talks between the Kurds and Iraq's central government on pulling back troops in disputed areas are collapsing. What does is mean for Prime Minister Maliki?

Yemenis suspect Iran's hand in rise of Shiite rebels

The growing influence of Yemen's Houthis, a group of Shiite rebels, has disrupted the long amicable Sunni-Shiite relationship here, with Sunnis suspecting Iranian interference.

Terrorism & Security Car bombings hit Shiite pilgrimage, underscoring Iraq's sectarian divide

Sunni-Shiite tensions are high in Iraq, where Prime Minister Maliki's coalition government partners – particularly one Sunni bloc – accuse him of failing to share power.

Iran nuclear talks a 'complete failure,' says Iranian diplomat

Both sides spoke of 'some common ground' that will drive the next round of Iran nuclear talks set for mid-June in Moscow. Yet a chasm of mismatched expectations widened in Baghdad.

Terrorism & Security Spate of bombings in Iraq undermines stability ahead of Arab summit

A series of bombings across Iraq today belie Iraq's efforts to portray itself as a stable, resurgent power as it prepares to host the annual Arab League summit for the first time since 1990.

Shiite and Sunni: What are the differences?

While the two sects share the same basic beliefs, differences in hierarchy and doctrine make Catholics and Protestants an apt comparison.

Shiite pilgrims defy bombings in Iraq to mark Arbaeen

Shiite pilgrims rely on the kindness of Shiites and even some Sunnis who set up hospitality tents along the road to the holy city of Karbala. Both pilgrims and volunteers say they won't be stopped by the risk of violence.

With deadline looming to close MEK's Camp Ashraf in Iraq, what next?

Camp Ashraf, home to militants opposed to the Iran regime who are also unpopular in Iraq, faces year-end closure. Some fear there could be violence and even suicide, but there are signs of a negotiated settlement.

Attacks on Shiites in Afghanistan: Why this is different than Iraq

Afghan domestic politics revolve more around ethnicity than differences between Sunni and Shiite sects of Islam. Bomb blasts may be aimed at confidence in Afghanistan's government.

Attacks on Afghan Shiites raise specter of Iraq-like violence

A suicide bomber killed dozens of Shiite Muslims in Kabul, Afghanistan, Tuesday. It was the deadliest bombing in Kabul since 2008.

Hezbollah's Nasrallah: Our weapons are increasing

Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah said Hezbollah is well-armed, despite increasing pressure on Syria, a key conduit for weapons to the Shiite militant movement next door in Lebanon.

What the attacks in Iraq tell us [VIDEO]

Iraq's sectarian divisions are deep, militants both Sunni and Shiite still roam the landscape, and the US is no longer in a position to do much about it.

Iranian group's big-money push to get off US terrorist list

SPECIAL INVESTIGATION: A roster of influential former US officials is speaking at rallies in support of removing the MEK, an Iranian opposition group with a violent anti-American history, from the US terrorist list. A decision is expected within weeks.

Iraq swirls with rumors of Egypt-like protests to come

With their televisions set to 24-hour coverage of the turmoil in Egypt, Iraqis have mounted a number of modest protests in recent days against power, water, and food shortages.

Meanwhile, in Iraq...

What Arbain in Iraq is like

A story on the 'Iraqi block party on steroids' from our archives.

Karbala and the surge of Iraq attacks

Suicide attacks on Shiite pilgrims. Mass murders of police. It's not 2006 in Iraq anymore, but sometimes it feels like it.

Attacks on US forces still an option, says Muqtada al-Sadr upon return to Iraq

In his first public address in Iraq since leaving the country almost four years ago, fiery Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr this weekend led thousands of followers in chants of 'No to America.'

Iraq's divided leaders meet for the first time since March elections

Iraq's leaders met to try to break a political deadlock that has left Iraqis vulnerable to escalating violence, including two car bombings today.

Iraq road map: the new US ambassador explains hurdles

Iraq's new US ambassador has been welcomed by Iraqi political leaders, who criticized his predecessor for not being actively engaged in the political process.