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Mosul

The iconic Al-Hadba minaret has been restored in Mosul

Religion

The Al-Hadba minaret was part of the centuries-old Great Mosque of al-Nuri when it was destroyed in 2017 by ISIS. Now, a multi-year rebuilding effort involving the United Arab Emirates, UNESCO and local Iraqi craftsmen is complete. The World’s Host Marco Werman speaks with Iraqi photojournalist Ali Al-Baroodi about the significance of the restoration and the ongoing efforts to restore Mosul’s old city.

people walking down the street in a devastated area of the city

4 years later, the legacy of ISIS prevents these Iraqi children from going to school

Conflict & Justice
Smoke rises from the Trade Ministry in Baghdad after it was hit by a missile during US-led attacks, March 20, 2003.

An Iraq vet grapples with lingering toll of war

Military
Students gather to take a group picture during the library repat the University of Mosul in front of the theatre on Feb. 19, 2022.

After years of conflict and rebuilding, Mosul University’s Central Library marks new beginning  

Culture
The outside of an old Jewish home in Mosul.

Signs of a forgotten Jewish past in Mosul

Sacred Nation
Iraqis put up a poster announcing the upcoming visit of Pope Francis and a meeting with a revered Shiite Muslim leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, right, in Najaf, Iraq, March 4, 2021.

Pope Francis’ historic trip to Iraq embraced by many as a welcome boost

Sacred Nation

Pope Francis’ upcoming three-day tour of the country will include meetings with political and religious leaders plus visits to historical sites.

An archbishop blesses a man with his golden cross

Iraqi archbishop who helped save ancient manuscripts from ISIS nominated for EU award

Human rights

When ISIS took over his city, Archbishop Najeeb Michaeel Moussa knew he had to jump into action to save hundreds of ancient manuscripts. The risky effort was dangerous but ultimately successful. Now, he has been nominated for a prestigious award by the European Union.

Two people carry luggage down a bombed out street in Mosul.

Civilian decisions in conflict: Part I

Critical State

Critical State takes a deep dive into one of the most fundamental choices civilians make in wartime: whether to stay in their homes and live under the control of an armed group that has conquered their city — or to abandon their homes and flee to somewhere they hope will be safer.

Iraqi young volunteers spray with disinfectants to combat an outbreak of coronavirus during a curfew imposed by Iraqi authorities, in the old city of Mosul, Iraq, March 15, 2020.

Online learning is a big struggle in formerly ISIS-controlled Mosul

Education

Students in the city of Mosul in northern Iraq saw their education come to a stop when ISIS took over their city. In 2017, Iraqi and American forces liberated the city but reconstruction has been painfully slow and online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has proven difficult.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

Baghdadi’s death is a huge blow to ISIS, but history suggests it won’t guarantee a safer world

Common sense would suggest the world is indeed now a much safer place with ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s passing. Unfortunately, however, there is no guarantee this will prove to be true in practice.