Nov 18th, 2008 · Iraqis of African descent in the southern port city of Basra say they're still discriminated against because of the color of their skin. Long relegated to menial jobs or work as musicians and dancers, some have recently formed a group to advance their civil rights.
Nov 10th, 2008 · The life and culture of Iraq's southern port city are slowly returning as security improves. Backed by American air power, Iraqi government forces were able to regain control of the city, breaking the grip of Islamist gangs that had dominated Basra for years.
Sep 10th, 2008 · Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has surprised U.S. military and diplomatic leaders with his newly empowered stance. After successful military offensives against militants in Basra and Sadr City, he has become an increasingly confident leader.
Jul 11th, 2008 · Muhammad Khudayyir's book Basryatha: The Story of a City is part memoir, part history, part tribute and part travelogue. Basryatha narrates the story of the port city of Basra and says that without date palms and waterways it wouldn't be what it is.
May 26th, 2008 · The Iraqi Army and police are in control of Basra, after a major operation that initially saw the Iraqi security forces at a disadvantage. The Mehdi Army laid down its weapons, but the southern oil city is essentially under martial law.
Apr 19th, 2008 · Iraqi forces and militia loyal to Shiite cleric battle overnight and on Saturday in Baghdad's Sadr City area. In the southern city of Basra, Iraqi forces pushed into a Sadrist stronghold.
Apr 3rd, 2008 · The Bush administration hailed the Iraqi-led assault in Basra last week as a "defining moment" for the Iraqi military. But New York Times correspondent Michael Gordon reports U.S. officials in Baghdad are uneasy with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's impulsive leadership style.
Apr 1st, 2008 · A week ago, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki vowed to crush militias loyal to Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in the southern oil city of Basra and in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad. Six days later, he ended up suing for peace with people he described as "worse than al-Qaida." Now he is weakened, and dealing with the aftermath.