Middle East

Bayarans Enjoy New Lease of Life

Kurdish villagers savour new-found freedoms following departure of the radical Ansar al-Islam group.

22 Feb 05

Teachers finding it hard to tackle years of Baathist indoctrination.

22 Feb 05

Residents admit security has improved but they still do not feel safe.

22 Feb 05

Murder and mutilation of four American civilians exposes lack of Coalition control over town.

22 Feb 05

Tensions between US troops and followers of radical Shia preacher Muqtada al-Sadr threatening to spiral out of control.

22 Feb 05

Villagers do roaring trade in sale of weapons to country's growing bands of insurgents.

22 Feb 05

Muqtada Al-Sadr's uprising recalls revolt triggered by the assassination of his father five years ago.

22 Feb 05

City force caught between Coalition and followers of Muqtada al-Sadr.

22 Feb 05

Yazidis are uncertain whether to identify with the Kurds or campaign for separate rights.

22 Feb 05

They watch the violence elsewhere in Iraq and debate its impact on their lives.

22 Feb 05

Support local journalists