Iraq

Over the last two weeks, Baghdad and other major Iraqi cities have suffered a barrage of suicide bombings and other acts of violence.

On December 15, U.S. troops in Baghdad lowered their flag, signaling the end of the American military mission in Iraq.

Lost amidst the Arab Spring turmoil and recent events in Libya and Syria, the news coming out of Iraq has hardly been encouraging. Whether in Baghdad or other areas around the country, each day there are attacks on government forces or innocent bystanders.

Hundreds of protesters gathered this week in Iraq to protest the failure of the Maliki government to fulfill its promise of greater accountability and public-sector reform by the end of the government's first 100 days.

On the occasion of International Women's Day, many commentators and activists voiced their opinions on the status of women in their societies as well as their role in the ongoing regional transformation.