The story: The Kurdistan region of Iraq has been rocked by protests over deteriorating economic conditions and alleged mismanagement by the authorities. Urged by the opposition New Generation Movement (NGM), the unrest has been centered in areas controlled by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). Police in Sulaimaniyah used tear gas against hundreds of demonstrators. In Dohuk and Erbil, where the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) is dominant, protesters were prevented from congregating by security forces.

The coverage: Local media coverage has been heavily impacted by the arrests of journalists in connection with the demonstrations, which took place on Aug. 6...