The Iraq Special Operations Forces (ISOF) is probably the largest special forces outfit ever built by the United States, and it is free of many of the controls that most governments employ to rein in such lethal forces. NAM Middle East correspondent Shane Bauer, in collaboration with The Nation Institute investigative fund and the Center for Investigative Reporting, reports from the front of the ongoing U.S. war in Iraq.

Muslim shopkeepers, activists, and analysts in Damascus who watched Obama’s speech in Cairo on Thursday appreciated a clear change in the U.S.’ attitude toward the Muslim world. But most are skeptical, saying they want a fundamental shift in American policy, not just a shift in rhetoric. NAM Middle East Correspondent Shane Bauer reports from Damascus.

The Iraqi government's crackdown on the Sahwa—neighborhood councils--has created an opening for Al Qaeda in Iraq, writes NAM contributor Shane Bauer.

As I enter the Green Zone, through the gap in the cement blast walls, I pop out my cell phone battery, a strongly enforced precaution against cellular activated bombs. At the entrance, I stand on a small wooden pedestal where I am patted for weapons.

Baghdad is coming back to life and that includes the cafe culture, with men gathering to talk philosophies and smoke, reports NAM contributor Shane Bauer.

A die-hard Iraqi fisherman has gone back to indulging in his favorite pastime, ignoring the possibility of reeling in a corpse or a contaminated fish in the Tigris River.

Israel called a ceasefire after claiming a crippling blow against Hamas in Gaza. But the Israeli assaults have forced political realignments in their wake, uniting an array of Palestinian militant groups, many of them enemies of Hamas, into a united front with Hamas against Israel. NAM contributor Shane Bauer reports from Damascus.

As civilians in Gaza increasingly face shortages of food and medicine, the threat of death from bombing is overshadowed by the desperate need for basic necessities.

Israel's attacks on Hamas have served to strengthen the movement, according to Hamas leader Moussa Abu Marzouk. Abu Marzouk spoke with NAM correspondent Shane Bauer in Damascus.

Throughout the 11 days of Israel's pummeling of Gaza, live coverage of the war hasn't made it into most American living rooms. Al Jazeera is the only network broadcasting live images from Gaza to the world.

The Israeli attack on Gaza brought thousands of angry demonstrators out into the main square in Damascus. But the fist-pumping crowds also chanted slogans against Arab leaders like Hosni Mubarak of Egypt.

In the wake of a new U.S. administration and a newly signed deal requiring an American troop withdrawal -- some Iraqis are highly skeptical about real change coming to their country.

The United States has been secretly attacking Al Qaeda in many countries since 2004. Such attacks have escalated in recent months and in Syria, where an attack occurred two weeks ago, many are angry as they wonder if "the war on terror" has arrived in Syria.

Syrians aren't quite sure what to expect from an Obama presidency, but one thing is certain: public opinion will build based on his policy toward Israel.

The Iraqi embassy in Damascus recently announced that it would offer money and flights to Iraqi refugees wishing to return, but most of Syria's estimated 1 million Iraqi refugees still believe it is too risky to go home.

Two days after a U.S. Special Forces attack on Damascus, Syria, residents are angry and fearful of U.S. aggression in the region.