Iraq
Iranian politician, Hezbollah founder, dies of COVID-19
By Joseph Hammond — June 7, 2021
(RNS) — Mohtashamipour, 74, was one of the last living members of a generation of Iranians who played essential roles in the founding of Iran’s largely theocratic state.
To break Ramadan fast, many Muslims turn to apricot drink with ‘lunar’ name
By Joseph Hammond — May 4, 2021
(RNS) — In the Arab world, an apricot juice drink known as Qamar al-Din, or ‘moon of the religion,’ satisfies the requirements for breaking the daily fast.
Why President Biden is right to get our troops out of Afghanistan
By Thomas Reese — April 23, 2021
(RNS) — A fundamental principle of the just war theory is that you should not fight an unwinnable war.
Controversial Iraq war battle to be subject of new video game
By Joseph Hammond — April 1, 2021
(RNS) — ‘Six Days in Fallujah’ depicts the Iraq War’s bloodiest battle and is set to be released some 13 years after it was first announced.
Pope Francis has not forgotten the people of Syria, says cardinal
By Claire Giangravé — March 23, 2021
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — COVID-19 and other crises have overshadowed the ongoing suffering in Syria. Catholic relief groups hope to draw the world's attention to the crisis there.
Chaldean Christians in the US, delighted with pope’s visit, say it comes too late
By Weam Namou — March 12, 2021
(RNS) — Some said the pope should have called for Christian Iraqis to be provided with compensation for their suffering and loss of property.
Pope Francis’ pilgrimage to Iraq improves relations with Muslims
By Thomas Reese — March 10, 2021
(RNS) — Christians and Muslims will look back at this papacy as a turning point in their relationship.
Pope Francis dismisses ‘heresy’ charges for his commitment to Christian-Muslim dialogue
By Claire Giangravé — March 8, 2021
(RNS) — Francis said that his decision to speak with Muslim religious leaders and promote interreligious dialogue is 'always made in prayer, in dialogue, asking for advice.'
‘You are not alone!’ Pope makes final appeal to Iraqi Christian community
By Claire Giangravé — March 7, 2021
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — On his last full day in Iraq, Francis told Christians to forgive their oppressors, the better to put their energy toward restoring their country.
At ancient city of Ur, Pope Francis makes heartfelt appeal for fraternity of faiths
By Claire Giangravé — March 6, 2021
(RNS) — Earlier on Saturday, Pope Francis had a historic meeting with the Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, the Iraqi Shiite leader.
On first day in Iraq, Pope Francis pays tribute to Christian martyrs
By Claire Giangravé — March 5, 2021
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Visiting the Assyrian Catholic cathedral in Baghdad, Francis rallied Iraqis in the face of the challenges of the pandemic and the ravages of war and terrorism over the past two decades.
Pope arrives in Iraq to rally Christians despite pandemic
By Nicole Winfield and Samya Kullab — March 5, 2021
BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq's foreign minister said Iraqis were eager to welcome Francis' 'message of peace and tolerance' and described the visit as a historic meeting between the 'minaret and the bells.'
Vatican defends pope’s Iraq visit as ‘act of love’
By Claire Giangravé — March 2, 2021
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Despite safety concerns due to recent terrorist attacks and COVID-19, Francis' historic visit will proceed with hopes of promoting peaceful coexistence in the struggling Middle Eastern nation.
‘Not a good idea:’ Experts concerned about pope trip to Iraq
By Nicole Winfield and Samya Kullab — February 28, 2021
(RNS) — The public health message a papal trip to Iraq sends amid a global pandemic is not advisable, health experts say.
The pope’s Iraq visit will make headlines. Can it make life better for religious minorities?
By Knox Thames — February 26, 2021
(RNS) — A sense of foreboding plagues efforts to return Christians and Yazidis to their homelands.
