A senior official from Iraq's Sadrist movement on Tuesday (August 2) urged followers occupying the nation's parliament to move their protest outside. The appeal has come amid calls for dialogue between political rivals in the country. The current political mayhem has put two key Shiite factions against each other.

One of them comprises supporters of powerful preacher Moqtada Sadr. His political bloc won largest number of seats in October elections last year. The rival faction is pro-Iran Coordination Framework.

Mohamed Saleh al-Iraqi, a senior Sadr loyalist, called on protesters to "leave parliamentary headquarters" and join fellow Sadrists at an "encampment in front of and around the building".

The announcement caused confusion in the parliament. Some officials said that the instructions were to only leave the main chamber.

AFP said that on Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of protesters continued to lounge in armchairs and on carpets in the parliament.

In gardens surrounding the parliament, the protesters have erected tents. Even mobile food stalls have sprung up to serve food and drinks.

Protesters should leave the inside of parliament within 72 hours, Sadr ally Iraqi added, in a message on Twitter.

"The pursuit of the sit-in is very significant because it will solidify your demands," he said, recommending that protesters rotate their presence at the site.

He also announced that a major prayer rally would take place on Friday in the Green Zone, home to parliament, other Iraqi institutions and foreign embassies.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A senior official from Iraq's Sadrist movement on Tuesday (August 2) urged followers occupying the nation's parliament to move their protest outside. The appeal has come amid calls for dialogue between political rivals in the country.

A senior official from Iraq's Sadrist movement on Tuesday (August 2) urged followers occupying the nation's parliament to move their protest outside. The appeal has come amid calls for dialogue between political rivals in the country. The current political mayhem has put two key Shiite factions against each other. One of them comprises supporters of powerful preacher Moqtada Sadr. His political bloc won largest number of seats in October elections last year. The rival faction is pro-Iran Coordination Framework. Mohamed Saleh al-Iraqi, a senior Sadr loyalist, called on protesters to "leave parliamentary headquarters" and join fellow Sadrists at an "encampment in front of and around the building". The announcement caused confusion in the parliament. Some officials said that the instructions were to only leave the main chamber. AFP said that on Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of protesters continued to lounge in armchairs and on carpets in the parliament. In gardens surrounding the parliament, the protesters have erected tents. Even mobile food stalls have sprung up to serve food and drinks. Protesters should leave the inside of parliament within 72 hours, Sadr ally Iraqi added, in a message on Twitter. "The pursuit of the sit-in is very significant because it will solidify your demands," he said, recommending that protesters rotate their presence at the site. He also announced that a major prayer rally would take place on Friday in the Green Zone, home to parliament, other Iraqi institutions and foreign embassies. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Iraq: Sadrist movement official appeals protesting supporters to leave parliament

The political impasse in Iraq has raised the risk of more violence. Over the weekend, the protesters stormed the parliament again. They have installed tents and refused to leave. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Iraq's political crisis raises risk of violence

The country of Iraq is in turmoil as the protests and counter - protests wreak havoc in the nation. The supporters of Shiite muslim cleric Moqtada Sadr occupy the parliament, breaking the cement barriers.

Counter-Protests against Pro-Sadr group in Iraq

Iraq on Monday (August 1) saw thousands on the streets of capital Baghdad in counter-protests against rival supporters of Shiite Muslim cleric Moqtada Sadr occupied country's parliament for third day. A political stand-off has pitted two key factions of Shiite political scene against each other. Sadr, the Muslim cleric, has devoted following of millions. The other faction is the powerful pro-Iran Coordination Framework.

"The people will not allow a coup," read placards held by supporters of the Coordination Framework as they gathered on a main street leading to the Green Zone, the home of parliament, which Sadr's supporters have been occupying since Saturday.

Watch | Iraq Political Crisis: Al-Sadr supporters enter Baghdad's green zone

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"It is the parliament of the people, of all Iraqis, not the parliament of a select group", said 25-year-old protester Ahmed Ali, condemning "the storming" of government institutions. He was quoted by AFP.

Water cannons were fired by police to prevent the crowds from crossing a bridge that led to the Green Zone. Thousands of Sadr supporters are inside the zone maintaining the protest. They breached the normally secure Green Zone on Saturday (July 30). Government buildings and embassies are located inside the Green Zone.

"They wanted to show their political strength, to show that they too have a base that can take over the Iraqi street," said political scientist Ihsan al-Shammari, from the University of Baghdad.

In multi-confessional and multi-ethnic Iraq, government formation has involved complex negotiations since a 2003 US-led invasion toppled dictator Saddam Hussein.

In this case, the protracted political deadlock has left the country without a government, a new prime minister or a new president.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Iraq on Monday (August 1) saw thousands on the streets of capital Baghdad in counter-protests against rival supporters of Shiite Muslim cleric Moqtada Sadr occupied country's parliament for third day.

Iraq on Monday (August 1) saw thousands on the streets of capital Baghdad in counter-protests against rival supporters of Shiite Muslim cleric Moqtada Sadr occupied country's parliament for third day. A political stand-off has pitted two key factions of Shiite political scene against each other. Sadr, the Muslim cleric, has devoted following of millions. The other faction is the powerful pro-Iran Coordination Framework. "The people will not allow a coup," read placards held by supporters of the Coordination Framework as they gathered on a main street leading to the Green Zone, the home of parliament, which Sadr's supporters have been occupying since Saturday. Watch | Iraq Political Crisis: Al-Sadr supporters enter Baghdad's green zone × "It is the parliament of the people, of all Iraqis, not the parliament of a select group", said 25-year-old protester Ahmed Ali, condemning "the storming" of government institutions. He was quoted by AFP. Water cannons were fired by police to prevent the crowds from crossing a bridge that led to the Green Zone. Thousands of Sadr supporters are inside the zone maintaining the protest. They breached the normally secure Green Zone on Saturday (July 30). Government buildings and embassies are located inside the Green Zone. "They wanted to show their political strength, to show that they too have a base that can take over the Iraqi street," said political scientist Ihsan al-Shammari, from the University of Baghdad. In multi-confessional and multi-ethnic Iraq, government formation has involved complex negotiations since a 2003 US-led invasion toppled dictator Saddam Hussein. In this case, the protracted political deadlock has left the country without a government, a new prime minister or a new president. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Iraq: Counter-protesters take to streets in Baghdad

Iraq remains mired in a political & socio-economic crisis. Protesters have once again breached Baghdad's green zone. They were carrying portraits of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada Al-Sadr.

Iraq Political Crisis: Al-Sadr supporters enter Baghdad's green zone

Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada Al-Sadr breached Iraq’s parliament on Saturday, for the second time this week. Iraqi security forces initially used tear gas and stun grenades to try to repel the protesters.

Iraq Political Crisis: Al-Sadr supporters storm parliament in Baghdad for second time in a week

Iraq remains mired in a political & socio-economic crisis. Protesters have once again breached Baghdad's green zone. They were carrying portraits of Iraqi cleric Al-Sadr.

Al-Sadr supporters protest in Baghdad; protesters breach concrete barricades

Iraq: Protesters storm parliament for second time in a week

The Iraqi parliament was breached for the second time in a week as supporters of cleric Moqtada Sadr held demonstrations in protest of the newly formed government. In the elections which were held last year, Al-Sadr’s bloc was the biggest faction in the parliament, but fell short of securing majority and the uncertainty over a stable government was finally resolved with a vote scheduled to elect Mohammed Shia al-Sudani as the Prime Minister. However, the protesters were not happy with the pro-Iran Coordination Framework’s pick and the demonstrations were an immediate result.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-pelosis-visit-to-taiwan-china-to-begin-military-drills-in-taiwan-strait-501913" hreflang="en">Ahead of Pelosi's Taiwan visit, China to begin drills in Taiwan Strait</a>

“We came today to remove the corrupt political class and prevent them from holding a parliament session, and to prevent the Framework from forming a government,” a protester told AFP.

&nbsp;“We responded to al-Sadr’s call. We will go to the Green (Zone). No matter the cost.”

Iraq did have a stable government for almost ten months following the elections – the longest period of time since the United States attacked the middle eastern country in 2003. The Al-Sadr faction finally conceded in June giving Coordination Framework alliance the majority.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-india-is-a-neighbour-we-cannot-choose-our-neighbours-pakistan-fm-bilawal-bhutto-zardari-to-wion-501842">India is a neighbour, we can't choose our neighbours: Pakistan FM to WION</a>

According to AFP, the Sadr supporters entered the parliament building inside Baghdad's "Green Zone" and shouted slogans in favour of their leader along with his flags and pictures.

In response, the Iraqi security forces used tear gas canisters to disperse the huge crowd and barriers were used to stop their progress. There was no danger to any of the country’s lawmakers due to the protests as none of them were present inside the parliament building at that point of time.

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(With inputs from agencies)

The Iraqi parliament was breached for the second time in a week as supporters of cleric Moqtada Sadr held demonstrations in protest of the newly formed government.

The Iraqi parliament was breached for the second time in a week as supporters of cleric Moqtada Sadr held demonstrations in protest of the newly formed government. In the elections which were held last year, Al-Sadr’s bloc was the biggest faction in the parliament, but fell short of securing majority and the uncertainty over a stable government was finally resolved with a vote scheduled to elect Mohammed Shia al-Sudani as the Prime Minister. However, the protesters were not happy with the pro-Iran Coordination Framework’s pick and the demonstrations were an immediate result. Also read | Ahead of Pelosi's Taiwan visit, China to begin drills in Taiwan Strait “We came today to remove the corrupt political class and prevent them from holding a parliament session, and to prevent the Framework from forming a government,” a protester told AFP. “We responded to al-Sadr’s call. We will go to the Green (Zone). No matter the cost.” Iraq did have a stable government for almost ten months following the elections – the longest period of time since the United States attacked the middle eastern country in 2003. The Al-Sadr faction finally conceded in June giving Coordination Framework alliance the majority. Also read | India is a neighbour, we can't choose our neighbours: Pakistan FM to WION According to AFP, the Sadr supporters entered the parliament building inside Baghdad's "Green Zone" and shouted slogans in favour of their leader along with his flags and pictures. In response, the Iraqi security forces used tear gas canisters to disperse the huge crowd and barriers were used to stop their progress. There was no danger to any of the country’s lawmakers due to the protests as none of them were present inside the parliament building at that point of time. WATCH WION LIVE HERE - (With inputs from agencies)

Protesters storm Iraqi parliament for second time in a week amid growing unrest

Amid raging protests against the 'corrupt government' in Iraq, protesters have stormed the parliament. Police fired tear gas and water cannon on protesters.

Protesters storm Iraq's parliament; Police fire tear gas & water cannon on protesters

Hundreds of protesters, most of them supporters of powerful Iraqi cleric Moqtada Al-Sadr, storm the Iraqi parliament against rival Iran-backed bloc's nominee for prime minister. Will the turmoil swing in favour of Al-Sadr or will it further embolden Iran and its influence in Iraq's politics?

Will Iraq's political turmoil embolden Iran?

Iraqi Protesters stormed the parliament in Baghdad. Iraq has now been without a government for 290 days. After the US invasion in 2003, Iraq has hurtled from one crisis to the next. Palki Sharma tells you Iraq lost its identity after the American invasion.

Gravitas: How the US invasion destroyed Iraq

After storming Baghdad’s high-security Green Zone in protest at a rival bloc’s nomination for prime minister, hundreds of supporters of powerful Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr danced and sang in parliament Wednesday.

The crowds surged forward and entered parliament even though police fired barrages of tear gas in a bid to stop the protesters from breaching the gates of the heavily fortified Green Zone. Despite soaring global energy prices, oil-rich Iraq has been mired in a political and socioeconomic crisis.

Deadlock persists over the establishment of a new government even though Sadr’s bloc emerged from elections in October as the biggest parliamentary faction.

Chanting, cheering and taking photographs, crowds wandered around the parliament building waving national flags.

Calling on the protesters to “immediately withdraw”, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi warned that the security forces would prevent any harm to order.

In support of the protesters, Sadr wrote on Twitter “Revolution of reform, and rejection of injustice and corruption.”

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— مقتدى السيد محمد الصدر (@Mu_AlSadr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mu_AlSadr/status/1552344349593190400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Talks to form a new government have stalled since Sadr’s bloc won 73 seats out of total 329 seats in last year’s election.

Hampering reforms needed as the country struggles to recover from decades of conflict, Iraq marked its longest post-election deadlock on Wednesday as infighting among Shi’ite and Kurdish groups in particular prevents the formation of a government.

Bringing the country to a record 290 days without a head of state or cabinet, lawmakers tasked with choosing a president and prime minister looked no closer to an agreement over nine months since an October election.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After storming Baghdad’s high-security Green Zone in protest at a rival bloc’s nomination for prime minister, hundreds of supporters of powerful Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr danced and sang in parliament Wednesday.

After storming Baghdad’s high-security Green Zone in protest at a rival bloc’s nomination for prime minister, hundreds of supporters of powerful Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr danced and sang in parliament Wednesday. The crowds surged forward and entered parliament even though police fired barrages of tear gas in a bid to stop the protesters from breaching the gates of the heavily fortified Green Zone. Despite soaring global energy prices, oil-rich Iraq has been mired in a political and socioeconomic crisis. Deadlock persists over the establishment of a new government even though Sadr’s bloc emerged from elections in October as the biggest parliamentary faction. Chanting, cheering and taking photographs, crowds wandered around the parliament building waving national flags. Calling on the protesters to “immediately withdraw”, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi warned that the security forces would prevent any harm to order. In support of the protesters, Sadr wrote on Twitter “Revolution of reform, and rejection of injustice and corruption.” pic.twitter.com/1p12ZexLu4 — مقتدى السيد محمد الصدر (@Mu_AlSadr) July 27, 2022 × Talks to form a new government have stalled since Sadr’s bloc won 73 seats out of total 329 seats in last year’s election. Hampering reforms needed as the country struggles to recover from decades of conflict, Iraq marked its longest post-election deadlock on Wednesday as infighting among Shi’ite and Kurdish groups in particular prevents the formation of a government. Bringing the country to a record 290 days without a head of state or cabinet, lawmakers tasked with choosing a president and prime minister looked no closer to an agreement over nine months since an October election. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Iraq: Supporters of cleric Moqtada Sadr storm parliament in fortified Green Zone

Amid raging protests against the 'corrupt government' in Iraq, Protesters stormed the parliament. Police fired tear gas and water cannon on protesters.

Protesters storm Iraq's parliament amid protests against 'corrupt government'

Protesters sing & dance inside the Iraq Parliament as the nine-month political paralysis continues

Iraq is scrambling to rescue the national icon 'Date palm'. The war-scarred nation is planting date palms to increase date production in the country.

Iraq tries to rescue a national icon as war & climate change hamper date production

Protests have erupted near Turkish embassy in Iraq after several have been killed and dozens wounded in a suspected Turkish artillery attack in the Northern Iraq.

Several people killed in attack on Northern Iraq, protesters gather near Turkish embassy

At least nine people were killed and 23 were injured in an attack in northern Iraq's autonomous kurdistan, authorities say that everyone who died were tourist.

Iraq accuses Turkey of attack that killed nine in Kurdistan, Ankara denies involvement

Japan, Singapore, and South Korea have the world's strongest passports, according to the most recent rankings made public by Henley Passport Index. For the sixth year running, a Japanese passport continues to be the most effective and allows for hassle-free travel into 193 nations. Singapore and South Korea, which are ranked second and third in the most recent Henley Passport Index, respectively, offer access to 192 nations.

What place does India hold?

The 87th-ranked Indian passport offers simple entry to 60 nations. The reopening of international travel has aided in the resilience of passports. After the coronavirus pandemic broke out in March 2020, India had to halt foreign flights in order to stop the spread of covid-19. After two years, the prohibition was ultimately lifted in March of this year. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-worlds-most-and-least-powerful-passports-499183">In pics - World's most and least powerful passports</a>

The full list of countries that accept Indian passports without requiring a visa is as follows: 
 
<img alt="Indian passport" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="23aa5815-b849-43d6-ad28-ed8801f938ab" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_24.JPG" />

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<img alt="Indian passport" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2343ee-e752-4336-b582-df1c3a71de41" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/4_3.JPG" />

Access to a tourist site without a visa not only makes travel more affordable but also less complicated. Germany, Spain, Finland, Luxembourg, and Italy are among the other top 10 nations. According to the most recent rankings, the US is ranked seventh with a score of 186, while the UK is ranked sixth with access to 187 countries.

The 50th-ranked Russian travel documents are recognised by 119 countries with ease. Afghanistan's passport is the least useful, allowing entry into only 27 countries, whereas China came in at number 69, with access to 80 nations.

"The recovery and reclamation of our travel freedoms, and our innate instinct to move and migrate, will take time," Henley &amp; Partners Chairman Christian Kaelin said in a statement.

The index, which is based on data from 17 years, aids affluent people and governments in evaluating the worth of citizenship around the world by identifying which passports provide the greatest amounts of visa-free or visa-on-arrival access.

The Henley Passport Index is the first and most reliable ranking of all passports in the world based on how many countries their holders can visit without a visa. The index was developed by the research team at Henley &amp; Partners and is based exclusively on information from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the largest and most reliable source of travel-related statistics.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Japan, Singapore, and South Korea have the world's strongest passports, according to the most recent rankings made public by Henley Passport Index. For the sixth year running, a Japanese passport continues to be the most effective and allows for hassle-free travel into 193 nations.

Japan, Singapore, and South Korea have the world's strongest passports, according to the most recent rankings made public by Henley Passport Index. For the sixth year running, a Japanese passport continues to be the most effective and allows for hassle-free travel into 193 nations. Singapore and South Korea, which are ranked second and third in the most recent Henley Passport Index, respectively, offer access to 192 nations. What place does India hold? The 87th-ranked Indian passport offers simple entry to 60 nations. The reopening of international travel has aided in the resilience of passports. After the coronavirus pandemic broke out in March 2020, India had to halt foreign flights in order to stop the spread of covid-19. After two years, the prohibition was ultimately lifted in March of this year. In pics - World's most and least powerful passports The full list of countries that accept Indian passports without requiring a visa is as follows: Access to a tourist site without a visa not only makes travel more affordable but also less complicated. Germany, Spain, Finland, Luxembourg, and Italy are among the other top 10 nations. According to the most recent rankings, the US is ranked seventh with a score of 186, while the UK is ranked sixth with access to 187 countries. The 50th-ranked Russian travel documents are recognised by 119 countries with ease. Afghanistan's passport is the least useful, allowing entry into only 27 countries, whereas China came in at number 69, with access to 80 nations. "The recovery and reclamation of our travel freedoms, and our innate instinct to move and migrate, will take time," Henley & Partners Chairman Christian Kaelin said in a statement. The index, which is based on data from 17 years, aids affluent people and governments in evaluating the worth of citizenship around the world by identifying which passports provide the greatest amounts of visa-free or visa-on-arrival access. The Henley Passport Index is the first and most reliable ranking of all passports in the world based on how many countries their holders can visit without a visa. The index was developed by the research team at Henley & Partners and is based exclusively on information from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the largest and most reliable source of travel-related statistics. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

How powerful is the Indian passport? Indians get visa-free access to these 60 countries

In pics - World's most and least powerful passports

A mineral spa in northern Iraq is regaining popularity as renovation work has brought back visitors, to a city once ruled by jihadists, who carried out mass executions. Hisham Khaled often visited the Hamam al-Alil baths as a child with his father but since the facility's restoration, he comes alone. His father, a policeman, was executed near the baths by the Islamic State (IS) group in 2016. 
&nbsp; 
Located 30 kilometres (20 miles) south of Mosul, Hamam al-Alil -- meaning the baths of the sick in Arabic -- built a solid reputation over decades with its therapeutic sulphurous waters. But the spa and surrounding village, which shares the same name, are now also known for massacres committed by IS during its occupation of the area. 
&nbsp; 
"I lost the people who were dearest to me," says Khaled, 21, sitting shirtless and in his underpants near the spa's circular pool, as reported by AFP. 
&nbsp; 
Like other parts of the Mosul area, the slow pace of reconstruction, five years after the jihadists were driven out, leaves locals frustrated. But last month's reopening of the baths, on the banks of the Tigris River, contributes to a return to normality, even if the scars of conflict remain. Khaled is now a masseur at the spa and bathes regularly. He says the sulphur-rich waters have cured him of an allergy and dermatological problems.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-did-century-old-3800-tonne-building-in-shanghai-start-walking-496092">&nbsp;How did this century-old, 3,800-tonne building in Shanghai start 'walking'?</a> 
&nbsp; 
The resort, built in 1984, accommodates between 75 and 100 people, with men and women using separate areas. &nbsp;On surrounding sidewalks, makeshift stalls sell plastic bottles filled with sulphurous mud. After the defeat of IS in 2017, the baths remained popular although the building had fallen into disrepair, with chipped tiles and broken windows. In 2019, authorities undertook renovation work costing $500,000.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In late 2016, months before being driven out of Mosul by the Iraqi army and a US-led international coalition, IS rounded up and executed hundreds of people. 
&nbsp; 
The bodies of some of the victims were initially found dumped in the open among garbage, leading investigators to the mass grave estimated to hold "the bodies of at least 300 former local police officers", Human Rights Watch said at the time. Today, local officials denounce the slow pace of identifying the bodies as DNA testing is still underway. The jihadists "worked at night, they executed them and buried them with a bulldozer", explains Ahmed, the spa employee. 
&nbsp; 
(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
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A mineral spa in northern Iraq is regaining popularity as renovation work has brought back visitors, to a city once ruled by jihadists, who carried out mass executions.

A mineral spa in northern Iraq is regaining popularity as renovation work has brought back visitors, to a city once ruled by jihadists, who carried out mass executions. Hisham Khaled often visited the Hamam al-Alil baths as a child with his father but since the facility's restoration, he comes alone. His father, a policeman, was executed near the baths by the Islamic State (IS) group in 2016. Located 30 kilometres (20 miles) south of Mosul, Hamam al-Alil -- meaning the baths of the sick in Arabic -- built a solid reputation over decades with its therapeutic sulphurous waters. But the spa and surrounding village, which shares the same name, are now also known for massacres committed by IS during its occupation of the area. "I lost the people who were dearest to me," says Khaled, 21, sitting shirtless and in his underpants near the spa's circular pool, as reported by AFP. Like other parts of the Mosul area, the slow pace of reconstruction, five years after the jihadists were driven out, leaves locals frustrated. But last month's reopening of the baths, on the banks of the Tigris River, contributes to a return to normality, even if the scars of conflict remain. Khaled is now a masseur at the spa and bathes regularly. He says the sulphur-rich waters have cured him of an allergy and dermatological problems. Also Read: How did this century-old, 3,800-tonne building in Shanghai start 'walking'? The resort, built in 1984, accommodates between 75 and 100 people, with men and women using separate areas. On surrounding sidewalks, makeshift stalls sell plastic bottles filled with sulphurous mud. After the defeat of IS in 2017, the baths remained popular although the building had fallen into disrepair, with chipped tiles and broken windows. In 2019, authorities undertook renovation work costing $500,000. In late 2016, months before being driven out of Mosul by the Iraqi army and a US-led international coalition, IS rounded up and executed hundreds of people. The bodies of some of the victims were initially found dumped in the open among garbage, leading investigators to the mass grave estimated to hold "the bodies of at least 300 former local police officers", Human Rights Watch said at the time. Today, local officials denounce the slow pace of identifying the bodies as DNA testing is still underway. The jihadists "worked at night, they executed them and buried them with a bulldozer", explains Ahmed, the spa employee. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iraq's Hamams: Once IS mass execution sites, now being restored as mineral spa

Iraq is struggling to cope with droughts sandstorms and desertification. Temperatures in the city of Basrah have soared to about 45 degrees Celsius bringing misery to residents already plagued by chronic power cuts

Power cuts worsen heat wave effect in Iraq

For Iraqis, another unbearable summer has now begun. While the Iraqi port city of Basrah is used to scorching summers, this year it started sooner than expected bringing misery to residents in a city which is also plagued by frequent electricity cuts

Sweltering summer 'roasts' Iraq | Temperatures in Baghdad topped 50°C

Basra, a southern city in Iraq is witnessing blistering heat just a few days into summer. The temperature has already soared to around 45 degrees Celsius. UN ranked Iraq as one of the top five countries most vulnerable to climate change.

‘Summer of hell’: Iraq city’s scorching heat amid vulnerable climate change

West Asia is no stranger to climate change but with the COP27 just six months ago, what are the region's goals? Global climate talks are coming to the hottest and driest part of the planet, a region which is being battered by heat waves, sandstorms and water crisis.

Conflict and climate change: How will West Asia transition to green energy?

After Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, students complete their studies in Iraq- see pics

Several parts of Iraq have been hit by Sandstorm again with air transport affected in a few places. Climate change is posing an existential threat to the nation.

Sandstorm hits parts of Iraq again: Air transport affected in a few places

Iraq is going through a climate crisis, there is water shortage, heat waves and sand storms that are engulfing entire cities. Iraq's latest crisis is not just a result of climate change, the man to blame here is late dictator Saddam Hussein whose political ecology has left the war-torn nation more vulnerable to climate crisis

Climate Crisis next big threat for Iraq

Team of archaeologists discovered a 3,400-year-old city which was once located on the Tigris river, the city belonged to the Mitanni Empire and emerged from the waters of the Mosul reservoir.

German-Kurdish archaeological team discover 3,400-year-old city in Iraq

Plunging the divided nation into political uncertainty, dozens of lawmakers who make up the biggest bloc in Iraq’s parliament resigned on Sunday amid a prolonged political impasse.

In a move ostensibly designed to up pressure to end an eight-month political paralysis, Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr asked the MPs from his bloc to resign so that space can be created for the establishment of a new government.

Calling his request "a sacrifice from me for the country and the people to rid them of the unknown destiny", Sadr, a populist who has positioned himself as a staunch opponent of both Iran and the United States, also has support from Sunni lawmakers from Halbussi's party and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-ruins-of-hidden-3400-year-old-city-found-after-severe-drought-in-iraq-485639">Also see |&nbsp;In pics - Ruins of hidden 3,400-year-old city found after severe drought in Iraq</a>

Increasing the number of seats it holds in parliament to 73, Sadr's party was the biggest winner in an October general election.

According to Ali Moussawi, a former Shi'ite lawmaker and a political researcher at Baghdad University, "Sadr reached to the point that he accepted the bitter reality that it's nearly impossible to form a government away from the Iranian-backed groups."

With intense negotiations among political factions failing to forge a majority in support of a new prime minister to succeed Mustafa al-Kadhemi, parliament in Baghdad has been in turmoil since October's general election.

Prolonging the war-scarred country's political crisis, Iraqi lawmakers have already exceeded all deadlines for setting up a new government set down in the constitution.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drastic-step-iraq-approves-law-makes-normalising-relations-with-israel-illegal-482483">Also read |&nbsp;Drastic step: Iraq approves law that makes normalising ties with Israel illegal</a>

Claiming to hold a parliamentary majority, Sadr's coalition and his rival the Coordination Framework have said they have the right to appoint the prime minister.

In the near two decades since dictator Saddam Hussein was toppled in 2003, over $400 billion had gone missing from state coffers according to official figures published last year.

With neighbouring Iran providing a third of Iraq's gas and electricity needs, Iraq remains dependent on imports to meet energy needs despite its immense oil and gas reserves.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Plunging the divided nation into political uncertainty, dozens of lawmakers who make up the biggest bloc in Iraq’s parliament resigned on Sunday amid a prolonged political impasse.

Plunging the divided nation into political uncertainty, dozens of lawmakers who make up the biggest bloc in Iraq’s parliament resigned on Sunday amid a prolonged political impasse. In a move ostensibly designed to up pressure to end an eight-month political paralysis, Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr asked the MPs from his bloc to resign so that space can be created for the establishment of a new government. Calling his request "a sacrifice from me for the country and the people to rid them of the unknown destiny", Sadr, a populist who has positioned himself as a staunch opponent of both Iran and the United States, also has support from Sunni lawmakers from Halbussi's party and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). Also see | In pics - Ruins of hidden 3,400-year-old city found after severe drought in Iraq Increasing the number of seats it holds in parliament to 73, Sadr's party was the biggest winner in an October general election. According to Ali Moussawi, a former Shi'ite lawmaker and a political researcher at Baghdad University, "Sadr reached to the point that he accepted the bitter reality that it's nearly impossible to form a government away from the Iranian-backed groups." With intense negotiations among political factions failing to forge a majority in support of a new prime minister to succeed Mustafa al-Kadhemi, parliament in Baghdad has been in turmoil since October's general election. Prolonging the war-scarred country's political crisis, Iraqi lawmakers have already exceeded all deadlines for setting up a new government set down in the constitution. Also read | Drastic step: Iraq approves law that makes normalising ties with Israel illegal Claiming to hold a parliamentary majority, Sadr's coalition and his rival the Coordination Framework have said they have the right to appoint the prime minister. In the near two decades since dictator Saddam Hussein was toppled in 2003, over $400 billion had gone missing from state coffers according to official figures published last year. With neighbouring Iran providing a third of Iraq's gas and electricity needs, Iraq remains dependent on imports to meet energy needs despite its immense oil and gas reserves. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Iraq: Shi'ite Sadrist lawmakers resign from parliament amid impasse

Iraq is struggling to form a new government as political crisis worsens. 73 lawmakers have resigned from the parliament. Speaker has now accepted their resignation.

Political turmoil in Iraq: 73 lawmakers resign from parliament

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