Iraq
Updated
Syrian conflict
Countries close borders after rebels’ stunning advance against Assad
A collection of rebel groups aiming to depose the Assad regime are advancing towards the capital, Damascus, making Iran and others nervous.
- by Raja Abdulrahim, Farnaz Fassihi and Thomas Fuller
Latest
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Organised crime
He’s one of Australia’s most wanted criminals. This is why he’s untouchable
Police suspect Kazem Hamad is directing the Melbourne tobacco war firebombings, shootings and drug trafficking from Iraq. We reveal why they can’t bring him back to face justice.
- by Chris Vedelago and Marta Pascual Juanola
Bride-to-be went from ‘modern Cinderella’ to forgotten princess
The Iraqi ambassador broke the news to the distraught princess, who asked the headmistress for the engagement ring she left in the school safe.
Updated
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Israel unleashes deadly wave of strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon
Israel has unleashed its most widespread wave of airstrikes against hundreds of Hezbollah targets, killing at least 180 people, according to Lebanese officials.
- by Melanie Lidman and Bassem Mroue
Explainer
Middle East tensions
Houthis, Hezbollah and Hamas: Who they are and what they want
As Israeli troops raid Lebanon, conflict is spreading again in the Middle East. Who are the key players, and what is the Axis of Resistance?
- by Jackson Graham, Angus Holland and Cindy Yin
Exclusive
Foreign relations
Australian woman’s fury at DFAT over husband’s 1000 days in Iraqi jail
Desree Pether says “the living hell” of the three years since her husband was arrested is made worse by DFAT’s “quiet diplomacy” policies.
- by Olivia Ireland
The WikiLeaks Baghdad airstrike video that made Assange a household name
The 38-minute classified aerial video of a 2007 attack in a Baghdad suburb that killed at least 11 was released by WikiLeaks in 2010, causing a media maelstrom.
- by Maham Javaid
Influencer shot dead in the street after six months’ prison for dancing videos
Iraqi authorities are investigating the killing of a well-known social media influencer, who was shot by an armed motorcyclist in front of her home in central Baghdad.
- by Abdulrahman Zeyad and Qassim Abdul-Zahra
This 200kg bomb was designed to inflict maximum damage. Gavin Stevens’ job was defusing it
The bomb was armed with acoustic and seismic detectors, making any noise or vibration deadly. Even worse, attached magnetic devices could detect the metal eyelet of an approaching boot.
- by Tim Barlass
‘Worse than Trump’: Multicultural leaders shocked by immigration proposals
Diaspora communities say they were blindsided by proposed laws that could ban foreigners from countries such as Iran and South Sudan from entering Australia.
- by Matthew Knott and Angus Thompson
Staying the course: Howard rolled Defence plan to cut Iraq presence
Seven months after the invasion of Iraq, the Defence Department said it was time to cut Australia’s troop presence. Secret documents reveal how the plan was thwarted.
- by Shane Wright and Matthew Knott