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Monday, February 23, 2026
TopicIraq

Topic: Iraq

For Iraqi people, voting no longer feels like participation. It’s just performance

The 2025 election reveals a crisis deeper than disillusionment. Iraq’s problem is the internalised belief that nothing will ever change. Psychologists call this state ‘learned helplessness’.

Dismantling Iran proxies is a legacy issue for Netanyahu. And Iraq is his last battleground

For India, the strategic ripples are significant. The immediate concern is Pakistan’s diplomatic gain as it embeds itself deeper into the defence framework of the Middle East.

Iran attacks US base in Qatar in retaliation, Doha says all missiles intercepted

Iranian armed forces target Al-Udeid Airbase in Qatar. US air defence system is reported to have been activated at Ain Al-Assad Airbase in Western Iraq as well.

Global executions soar to highest in a decade, 91% reported from Iran, Iraq & Saudi Arabia

Death sentences were used in some Middle East countries to silence human rights defenders, dissidents, protesters, political opponents & ethnic minorities, Amnesty report adds.

Iran-backed militia groups in Iraq prepared to disarm to avert escalating conflict with Trump

Move follows warnings issued privately by US officials since Trump came to power, according to Reuters. Groups fear American airstrikes & now have Revolutionary Guard's blessing to disband.

UK, Iraq Strengthen ties, boost business opportunities, curb illegal migration

The announcement came during a visit by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani to 10 Downing Street.

UK, Iraq join forces to tackle smuggling, boost border security

The two countries signed a historic agreement to combat organized immigration crime and narcotics trafficking.

‘Closing ring of fire’ — outcry over Iraqi bill that may lower marriage age for girls to 9

Critics say bill will enshrine sectarianism in relationships, give power to clerics, and push Iraq toward religious patriarchy. A blow to women, children's rights, say rights groups.

France’s ‘social cleansing’ of the homeless ahead of Olympics & other global news you may have missed

ThePrint’s round-up of world news and topical issues over the past week.

Iraq passes law criminalising same-sex relationships with a maximum 15-yr prison sentence

The law, which aims to 'protect Iraqi society from moral depravity and the calls for homosexuality that have overtaken the world', was backed mainly by conservative Shi’ite Muslim parties.

On Camera

Nick Jonas wearing a mangalsutra is validation for many Indians. He’s our favourite jiju

Nick Jonas is not trying to modernise the mangalsutra, but his gesture shows that choices can be equal. If commitment must be flaunted, it need not be gendered.

In the West, there’s anxiety. In India, optimism—Rishi Sunak says India poised to be leader in AI

On Wednesday, the former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was speaking in New Delhi at a Carnegie & Observer Research Foundation event on AI.

Suspected brake failure leads to Tejas accident after landing, airframe likely to be written off

The IAF, so far, remains mum on this accident which has led to grounding of the fleet for safety checks.

No country is ever fully sovereign. Cold War era taught India its real meaning

India’s fraught neighbourhood places multiple constraints on its strategic choices. It leaves no time to take a deep breath, lean back and reset.