The story: Iraq’s environment minister has stepped down amid escalating public anger over government inaction on deteriorating environmental conditions. Leaving office with little comment, the move has led to heavy speculation over the circumstances of his exit. While reports suggest that the resignation is due to political infighting, activists and civil society groups have suggested that the minister was not adequately addressing Iraq’s multiple environmental crises—including mounting air pollution. 

The coverage: Nizar Amedi, a member of the Sulaimaniyah-based Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), was...