The story: Longstanding civil conflict between activists and local authorities in Iraq’s Dhi Qar Governorate has turned violent following allegations of police misconduct. Often a site of friction between protesters and security services, activists say the violence has been sparked by an incoming police chief’s heavy-handed tactics. While tribal mediation has brought respite, the lack of a tenable resolution now threatens intervention from power players in Baghdad.

The coverage: Tension in provincial capital Nasiriyah first began to take a turn in mid-October, following accusations that the...