BBC
Bbc: Sunni and Shia Muslims
An informative site to help explain the differences between Sunni and Shia (Shiite) Muslims. Discusses their beginnings and their split into two differently thinking groups.
PBS
Pbs: Frontline: Calming Tensions Between Arabs and Iraqi Kurds
The Kurds and Arabs have had ongoing tensions throughout history. The presence of the U.S. in Iraq during the war has taken soldiers from helping create a free nation to smoothing the waters between these two cultures. This learning...
PBS
Pbs News Hour: The Role of the Kurds, Sunnis, and Shiites in Iraq
A way to discuss the complex formation of the Iraqi government with students. This lesson plan shows students the different ethnic groups within Iraq and how their views and opinions effect not only Iraq but the surrounding countries and...
New York Times
New York Times: Ethnic and Sectarian Tensions in Iraq
An interactive map that shows the different ethnic groups throughout Iraq. The map has video and audio and tries to explain the relationships and conflicts between the three main groups in Iraq. (25 June 2006)
CBS
Cbs News: Religions
An interactive map that gives an overview of the different religions that make up Iraq. Shows where each religion is concentrated and what areas of the country it controls.
BBC
Bbc: Crushing Iraq's Human Mosaic
An insightful look at the troubling fate of small minority groups in Iraq often overlooked by the world. Includes e-mailed comments from members of Iraqi minority groups. (July, 2007)
Other
Teachable moment.org: Iraq: Shiites, Sunnis, Kurds, Americans, and Problems
An analysis of the new government in Iraq and how the different ethnic groups will work into the new government. Case studies for learners and ideas for follow up activities after this lesson.
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Yezidis
Learn about the culture of the Yezidis people. Explore topics such as their history, economy, past settlements, cultural values, religion, and sociopolitical organization.
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Jacobites
The Jacobites, today numbering some half a million, adhere to a branch of Christianity that is most commonly known as the Jacobite church. They are to be found mostly in northern Iraq and southeastern Turkey. The Jacobites were one of...