Azhar Al-Rubaie

Azhar Al-Rubaie is a journalist and researcher based in Iraq. He has been working in the field of media since 2014. His writing focuses on a variety of issues, including politics, health, society, human rights, water scarcity, climate change and environmental issues

The forensic doctor tracing the corpses of Assad's regime

In Syria's morgues, Dr Sara Melhem is uncovering the identities of corpses from Assad's dictatorship, offering families the truth and hope for healing

12 February, 2025

This digital museum is exposing the Islamic State group's crimes

The ISIS Prisons Museum uses online digital storytelling and immersive exhibitions to promote awareness of the Islamic State group's crimes in Syria and Iraq

12 December, 2024

The eco-friendly hotel helping save the Mesopotamian Marshes

Located in the heart of the Mesopotamian Marshes, the Marsh House Hotel offers an eco-friendly, sustainable and unique insight into Chibayish marsh culture.

11 April, 2024

Iraq government booze ban ignores country’s real problems

A recent government decision to ban alcohol in Iraq has sparked controversy in the Muslim-majority country, with many arguing that the move goes against Iraq’s pluralism.

03 March, 2023

From home to heritage: Mosul reopens its doors as a museum

Despite the city's liberation in 2017, the battle to preserve the majesty of Mosul nonetheless remains. One Mosul resident has taken this responsibility upon himself by restoring an old historic house that now acts as a reminder of the city's glory.

31 January, 2023

Drought threatens to render boatbuilding extinct in Iraq

The effects of climate change have drastically affected millennia-old boating traditions in southern Iraq, causing many boat builders to change their profession. Without proper governmental intervention, this worrying trend is set to worsen.

20 July, 2022

Living in fear: A new threat to Iraq's LGBTQ+ community

In-depth: A proposed new law by MPs to ban homosexuality has sent shockwaves through Iraq's LGBTQ+ community, who already face abductions, torture, arrests, and killings at the hands of police and armed groups.

19 July, 2022

How Iraqi migrants became pawns in Belarus' rift with the EU

In-depth: Lithuania and neighbouring countries have faced a surge of mostly Iraqi migrants in recent months, amid accusations that Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko is weaponising migration against the EU.

23 August, 2021

Why is Muqtada al-Sadr boycotting Iraq's election?

Analysis: The powerful leader's decision has left many questions unanswered, with some believing it is a bid to maintain his movement's legitimacy while others see it as a direct message to Iraq's other political parties.

22 July, 2021

Iraq's LGBTQ+ community celebrates Pride Month discreetly

Pride Month: �� speaks with prominent Iraqi LGBTQ+ activists about their struggles and their hopes.

22 June, 2021