Borzou Daragahi
Contact this reporter at borzou.daragahi@buzzfeed.com
Welcome To Partytown, Baghdad
Fifteen years after the US invasion, and the war against ISIS, the Iraqi capital is alive and buzzing, with bars and restaurants open til the early morning.
The New Face Of ISIS In Iraq Calls Itself The White Flags
The black flag of ISIS may no longer be flying in cities across Iraq, but militant groups are rebuilding and present a very real threat to the country’s stability. One such group — known as the White Flags — has built itself a mountain stronghold from which to launch its attacks.
“If Any Iranian Militias Enter This Square, They Will Die”
The US says it's based near the Syrian city of al-Tanf to guard against ISIS. But the rebels Washington is backing in the area say they’re more concerned about Iran.
Turkey Has Claimed Victory Over The US-Allied Militia In Syria
Syrian rebels backed by Turkey have taken over the city of Afrin, a Kurdish city inside Syria, after two months of fighting.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Dismisses Calls To Change The Hijab Law — On International Women's Day
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s remarks come after a woman who removed her headscarf was sentenced to two years in prison.
This Man Was Arrested 10 Times For Being An ISIS Member — Despite Being Innocent
A young father of two has been repeatedly arrested in Tunisia for being a member of ISIS, despite his innocence. His case is typical of the Middle East and North Africa, where thousands of men are caught up in legally dubious dragnets.
Turkey Has Gone More Than A Year Without A Major Terror Attack. This Is How.
In a rare interview with a Western journalist, a security official reveals how Turkey has been taking on militants, and – for now at least – winning.
This Is What It's Like To Try To Survive In Eastern Ghouta, Where "Death Is The Master"
As BuzzFeed News spoke to a resident on the phone, a missile screeched in the background. “Did you hear the sound?” he said. “May God protect whoever received the missile.”
Here's What We Know About The US Airstrikes That Killed Russian Fighters In Syria
There was little doubt on Tuesday that American airstrikes last week killed Russian mercenaries in Syria.
Syria’s Civil War Is Ending. But The War For Syria Is Just Beginning.
A few years ago, the West imagined the worst-case scenario in Syria as a victory for the Assad regime. That now seems quaint.
On Sunday She Tweeted Against The War. On Monday Police Broke Her Door Down.
Turkey is cracking down on opponents of its war in northwest Syria.
A Turkish Helicopter Has Been Shot Down On The Syria–Turkey Border, Killing At Least 2
The attack comes hours after Israel said one of its jets was shot down in Syria.
Israel's Military Says One Of Its Jets Has Been Shot Down After New Raids In Syria
The Israeli military carried out strikes on Saturday in response to an Iranian drone launched from Syria into Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Israel will do "whatever is necessary to protect our sovereignty and our security."
Iranian Women Removing Their Headscarves Have Triggered A Power Struggle In The Country
Women in Iran risking arrest by removing their Islamic headscarves have been labeled as drug-using Western dupes. But their protests have exposed faultlines among the country's leaders.
The War In Syria Has Gotten More Unstable As Turkey Fights US Allies For Control
It's been slow going in the 11 days since Turkey launched what it calls "Operation Olive Branch" inside Syria. It could take many, many more, to the detriment of both its relations with the US and the lives of civilians.
Women In Iran Are Protesting Against Wearing The Headscarf
One of Iran’s leading human rights lawyers advised the government “to recognize the right of women to control their bodies and choose their clothes” as the movement began to spread across social media.
A Picture Of A Refugee Staring Into A Gym Went Viral. Now He Has A Lifetime Membership.
A photograph of a shoeshine boy staring longingly into a gym went viral, and inspired the sports club’s owner to help.
Here’s Why Iran’s Middle Class Is Mostly Sitting Out The Protests
The Iranians protesting in 2018 are markedly different than those who took to the streets in the 2009 uprising.
The Death Toll Continues To Rise In Iran As Protests Show No Signs Of Stopping
The death toll rose to at least 20 as both Iran's supreme leader and US President Donald Trump weighed in on the demonstrations.
Iran's Rouhani Acknowledges Right To Protest, But Blasts Trump For Encouraging It
"This gentleman in America, who is now trying to sympathize with our nation, appears to have forgotten that he called the Iranian nation terrorists several months ago.”