Patrick Oliver Cockburn is an Irish journalist who has been a Middle East correspondent since 1979 for the Financial Times and, presently, The Independent. He has written four books on Iraq 's recent history. He won the Martha Gellhorn Prize in 2005, the James Cameron Prize in 2006 and the Orwell Prize for Journalism in 2009.
Afganistanin sotaa kaunistellaan valheilla, 4.3.2014 (Patrick Cockburn)
Donald Trump's actions in the Middle East will damage his position far more than the Russia probe ever could, Independent, 19 October 2018
Jamal Khashoggi: Missing journalist case proves that when Saudi Arabia’s credibility is damaged so is America’s, Independent, 16 October 2018
The Saudi targeting of food supplies in Yemen is a worse story than the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi, Independent, 12 October 2018
Idlib: Residents of last rebel stronghold declare their hatred for all sides in Syria's civil war, Independent, 11 October 2018
How the disappearance of a journalist and a humiliating remark by Trump shows Saudi Arabia's weakness, Independent, 5 October 2018
New Iraqi leadership is a sign the country is stabilising after four decades of chao, Independent, 4 October 2018
Russia's new missile defence system in Syria will likely change balance of power in Middle East, Independent, 3 October 2018
As Isis is defeated, the Trump administration is opening the door to a new round of Middle East wars by targeting Iran as the source of all evil, Independent, 28 September 2018
The ceasefire agreed by Russia and Turkey proves how far Putin has come out on top in Syria, Independent, 21 September 2018
Haider al-Abadi is losing his grip on power - but it will likely mean little change for Iraq's government, Independent, 19 September 2018
The 'adults' in the White House trying to save America from Trump are just as dangerous as he is, Independent, 14 September 2018
The major uprising in Basra and southern Iraq is what the world should be worrying about in the Middle East right now, Independent, 7 September 2018
If the Troubles return after Brexit, it won't just be because of the Irish border issue, Independent, 31 August 2018
Unlike the US with Trump, Britain doesn't have the political clout to suffer a fool like Boris Johnson, Independent, 3 August 2018
Britain shows it is becoming a weaker state by failing to put the Isis ‘Beatles' on trial, Independent, 27 July 2018
Brexiteers like Boris Johnson must realise that past British successes were based on creating alliances, not breaking them up, Independent, 21 July 2018
Iraq protests: Demonstrators blame ‘bad government, bad roads, bad weather, bad people’, Independent, 18 July 2018
Trump knows that the US can exercise more power in a UK weakened by Brexit, Independent, 13 July 2018
Iraq unrest: Chaos reigns in the country even Saddam Hussein ‘found difficult to rule, Independent, 11 July 2018
Syria conflict: After series of calamitous defeats, is Isis about to lose its last town? Independent, 9 July 2018
After Isis is gone, Iraq will continue to be a deeply corrupt country, Independent, 6 July 2018
For this Iraqi tribe massacred by Isis, fear of the group's return is a constant reality, Independent, 4 July 2018
Catastrophic drought threatens Iraq as major dams in surrounding countries cut off water to its great rivers, Independent, 2 July 2018
Iraq executes 13 and orders hanging of hundreds more amid fears of Isis resurgence, Independent, 30 June 2018
Iraq isn't as dangerous as it was – but many still live in fear, Independent, 29 June 2018
Why do we so consistently underplay the links between cannabis and psychosis? This isn't a benevolent drug, Independent, 22 June 2018
Attacking Hodeidah is a deliberate act of cruelty by the Trump administration, Independent, 15 June 2018
Kurdish women protest after being told by Turkish-backed militias to wear the hijab, Independent, 14 June 2018
After assessing MI5's files on my father, it's clear that not all facts are equal, Independent, 8 June 2018
Battle for Libyan city of Derna, where 125,000 people face ‘unprecedented levels of violence', Independent, 5 June 2018
US, Britain and France inflicted worst destruction 'in decades' killing civilians in Isis-held city of Raqqa, report says, Independent, 5 June 2018
The non-murder of Babchenko shares striking parallels with the murder of a Ukrainian journalist that I covered 18 years ago, Independent, 1 June 2018
The Manchester bomber was only able to massacre people because of the mistakes made by the British government, Independent, 25 May 2018
Israel is at the height of its power after the embassy opening in Jerusalem – but uncritical support from the US will do it more damage than good, Independent, 18 May 2018
Election success for Muqtada al-Sadr shows Iraqi voters shaking off foreign intervention, Independent, 15 May 2018
US and Iran battle for influence in first post-Isis Iraq election, Independent, 14 May 2018
The Iraqi elections and the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem will illuminate the damage Trump has really done to the Middle East, Independent, 11 May 2018
Israel has no real desire for armed conflict with Iran, but Trump might stumble into war against Tehran, Independent, 10 May 2018
If Europe wants to remain relevant on the world stage, it must resist the US on the Iran nuclear deal, Independent, 9 May 2018
It's not clear if Trump and Netanyahu want a war with Iran – but they may fall into one all the same, Independent, 4 May 2018
Netanyahu's performance only sought to prove exactly why Iran nuclear deal needs to remain in place, Independent, 1 May 2018
Israel's strategy of banking on a muted Iranian response in Syria may backfire, Independent, 30 April 2018
The Iran crisis presents a bigger danger to peace than North Korea now that Trump seems determined to end the nuclear deal, Independent, 27 April 2018
Trump may talk tough against Iran, but in reality his political options are limited, Independent, 24 April 2018
We should be sceptical of far-away governments who claim to know what is happening on the ground in Syria, Independent, 20 April 2018
Yazidis who suffered under Isis face forced conversion to Islam amid fresh persecution in Afrin, Independent, 19 April 2018
Syria bombing allows May to pose as patriotic leader – but betrays weakness, rather than shows strength, Independent, 15 April 2018
The latest airstrikes in Syria were a cautious gesture of disapproval rather than a dent in Assad's military machine, Independent, 14 April 2018
The only way to end the war in Syria is negotiation with Assad – but no one wants to be seen shaking hands with the devil, Independent, 13 April 2018
How can we know that a chemical weapons attack took place in Syria? Independent, 11 April 2018
Trump Says Assad Will 'pay a Price' – But It Won't Make a Difference, The Unz Review, 9 April 2018
Protests in Gaza are leading to many deaths and injuries among Palestinians, yet Israel has faced little criticism, Independent, 6 April 2018
US troops will remain in Syria despite Trump telling rally he ‘wanted' to bring them home, Independent, 4 April 2018
The appointments of John Bolton and Mike Pompeo in the US bring us closer to war in the Middle East, CounterPunch, 30 March 2018
It's Wishful Thinking to Blame Trump's Win on Cambridge Analytics, CounterPunch, 27 March 2018
Isis-inspired terror attacks in Europe give the impression it's still a global force. It's not, Independent, 23 March 2018
Syria: Turkish President threatens to launch wider offensive against Kurds after capturing Afrin, Independent, 19 March 2018
After my recent trip to Syria, I knew Afrin's fall was inevitable – now we must concern ourselves with the next phase of war, Independent, 17 March
The Syrian war could still be raging in four years' time unless the US and Russia agree to end it, Independent, 16 March 2018
Syria's war of ethnic cleansing: Kurds threatened with beheading by Turkey's allies if they don't convert to extremism, Independent, 12 March 2018
While the world looks to Eastern Ghouta, civilians in Afrin are being slaughtered in their hundreds by Turkish forces, Independent, 9 March 2018
Raqqa: 'Liberated' former Isis capital still gripped by fear, full of booby traps and bombed to oblivion, Independent, 8 March 2018
Syria: US-backed Kurds brace for dramatic escalation of Turkish invasion that could be bloodier than Aleppo, Raqqa or Eastern Ghouta, Independent, 7 March 2018
Syria: US-backed Kurds brace for dramatic escalation of Turkish invasion that could be bloodier than Aleppo, Raqqa or Eastern Ghouta, Independent, 7 March 2018
Withholding medical supplies is particularly vicious and shows the Syrian government's determination to reclaim Eastern Ghouta, Independent, 5 March 2018
Inside Syria: With its enemies diverted or fighting each other, Isis is making a swift and deadly comeback, Independent, 4 March 2018
In the small city of Manbij in Syria, we could see US and Turkish troops shooting at each other if tensions continue, Independent, 2 March 2018
Syria: Attack on Afrin will bring devastation and suffering like that seen in Eastern Ghouta, Kurds warn, Independent, 1 March 2018
Trapped in eastern Ghouta: How both sides are preventing civilians escaping the horror in Syria siege, Independent, 26 February 2018
This could be the last siege of the Syrian war, Independent, 20 February 2018
If you care so much about Haitians you should be asking why Oxfam was there in the first place,, Independent, 16 February 2018
Why we should fear the 'Washington establishment' figures who are pulling the strings in the Trump administration, Independent, 3 February 2018
By reversing its policy in Syria the US is fuelling more wars in the Middle East, Independent, 26 January 2018
Manbij becomes key as US looks to rein in Turkey's Syrian offensive, Independent, 23 January 2018
Kurdish forces in Syria launch powerful counterattack to set up extended battle against Turkey, Independent, 22 January 2018
Syria crisis: Turkish assault on Kurdish enclave threatens to open deadly new phase in bloody seven-year civil war, Independent, 21 January 2018
It's time we saw economic sanctions for what they really are – war crimes, Independent, 19 January 2018
Trump's escalating threats to Iran risk destabilising the Middle East, Independent, 16 January 2018
European foreign ministers are being forced to side with Iran over Trump whether they like it or not, Independent, 12 January 2018
Israel air strikes and missile barrage designed to show it is still a player in Syria as Assad nears victory, Independent, 9 January 2018
When it comes to the Iran protests, be careful who you put your trust in, Independent, 5 January 2018
Corruption and inequality fuelling protests in Iran as Rouhani faces pressure to crack down, Independent, 1 January 2018
In 2018 the barbarous wars in Iraq and Syria may finally be coming to an end, Independent, 30 December 2017
Britain has a delusional view of itself on the global stage – and stupid remarks by our politicians prove this, Independent, 22 December 2017
Mohammed bin Salman's ill-advised ventures have weakened Saudi Arabia's position in the world, Independent, 15 December 2017
President Trump’s Jerusalem decision risks uniting the entire Arab world against the US, Independent, 8 December 2017
Jerusalem embassy: Donald Trump's decision on Israel will seriously harm US influence in the Muslim world, Independent, 6 December 2017
Jerusalem explained: The city where three religions collide, and violence is never far away, Independent, 5 December 2017
There's no such thing as precise air strikes in modern warfare – just look at the civilian casualties in Iraq and Syria, Independent, 1 December 2017
Having lived in Belfast at the height of the Troubles, I see how Brexit could push us toward war in Ireland again, Independent, 24 November 2017
The greatest dangers in the Middle East today are Jared Kushner and Mohamed bin Salman, Independent, 17 November 2017
Iraqi spies have infiltrated Isis 'sleeper cells' to prevent future terror attacks, says minister, Independent, 16 November 2017
Arbaeen: Millions of Shia Muslims take part in world's greatest pilgrimage as Isis is finally defeated, Independent, 9 November 2017
Camp Speicher massacre: Retracing the steps of Isis's worst-ever atrocity, Independent, 7 November 2017
Donald Trump's best new policy in the Middle East would be no new policy, Independent, 3 November 2017
Greatest threat to building peace in Iraq is not Isis – it's Donald Trump picking a fight with Iran, Independent, 2 November 2017
How the Kurds lost Iraq: 'They had tanks and planes and we had no chance', Independent, 31 October 2017
Iraq to end decades-old policy of semi-independent rule in Kurdistan, says PM, Independent, 30 October 2017
History tells us that nationalist referendums, like those in Kurdistan and the UK, never end well, Independent, 20 October 2017
Kurds face transformation of Iraq's political map as they lose territory in face of government advance, Independent, 18 October 2017
Iraq seizes Kirkuk from Kurds leaving two US allies locked in conflict and bringing end to move for independence, Independent, 16 October 2017
The defeat of Isis in Raqqa will bring problems for the victorious Syrian Kurds, Independent, 16 October 2017
The only person who loses out from America's refusal to certify the Iran deal is Trump, Independent, 13 October 2017
Neither Hamas or Fatah want to give up authority meaning the new Palestinian unity deal may not change much, Independent, 12 October 2017
Isis is facing near total defeat in Iraq and Syria – but it has been beaten and come back before, Independent, 11 October 2017
Underground in Raqqa, London Review of Books, 19 October 2017 issue
Iraqi Kurds have again made statehood an international issue – but their isolation leaves them vulnerable, Independent, 26 September 2017
Kurdish independence referendum: Millions vote in poll that could help bring down Iraqi government, Independent, 25 September 2017
Afraid of their waning power once Isis is defeated, the Kurds are calling for independence from Iraq, Independent, 22 September 2017
Iraqi Kurdish referendum: Why international powers fear independence vote could derail fight against Isis, Independent, 19 September 2017
Isis is stepping up its attention-grabbing atrocities to counterbalance its defeat in Iraq and Syria, where the vast majority of terror victims are, Independent, 15 September 2017
Schizophrenia part three: How reflecting on past mental health through art is more than just therapy, Independent, 14 September 2017
Schizophrenia, part two: Patrick Cockburn and his son describe living with mental illness, Independent, 12 September 2017
On Schizophrenia: Father and son discuss battling mental illness and the art it inspires, Independent, 11 September 2017
I’ve seen the reality of what happens after disasters like Hurricane Irma – it’s different to what you’ve been told, Independent, 8 September 2017
While defeat of Isis dominates global attention, al-Qaeda strengthens in Syria, Independent, 6 September 2017
Endtimes in Mosul, The Unz Review, 18 August 2017
Britain and America feel more unstable than I've ever seen them before – how do we come back from this? Independent, 4 August 2017
The world’s lack of outrage over tens of thousands of civilian deaths in Mosul is shameful, Independent, 21 July 2017
The massacre of Mosul: 40,000 feared dead in battle to take back city from Isis as scale of civilian casualties revealed, Independent, 19 July 2017
More than just revenge: Why Isis fighters are being thrown off buildings in Mosul, Independent, 17 July 2017
Don't underestimate Iraq's historic victory against Isis – though the human cost was great, Independent, 14 July 2017
Mosul's Sunni residents face mass persecution as Isis 'collaborators', Independent, 13 July 2017
Mosul families complain overuse of airstrikes killed thousands as they count their dead in wake of Isis defeat, Independent, 11 July 2017
Mosul victory marks 'collapse' of Isis, says Iraqi Prime Minister, Independent, 10 July 2017
Iraqi government recaptures Mosul where it suffered its heaviest defeat by Isis, Independent, 9 July 2017
Soldiers celebrate Isis's defeat in Mosul as Iraq's greatest battle in war against jihadis reaches bloody conclusion, Independent, 8 July 2017
Here in Iraq, Isis is being defeated – but with US policy in disarray, it doesn’t feel any safer, Independent, 7 July 2017
Battle for Raqqa: Fighters begin offensive to push Isis out of Old City, Independent, 7 July 2017
Mosul: The last days of the shrinking Isis enclave in the Old City, Independent, 6 July 2017
The fall of Mosul is a defeat for Isis, but it remains a deadly force, Independent, 1 July 2017
Britain's Political Revolution: How tactical voting and new dividing lines of age and education took effect, Independent, 29 June 2017
Britain's Political Revolution: how Brexit, immigration and housing became flashpoints of change, Independent, 28 June 2017
Britain's Political Revolution: Canterbury, Corbyn and a seismic change in the landscape, Independent, 27 June 2017
Isis may be leaderless and facing defeat in Mosul, but the jihadis will fight on, Independent, 22 June 2017
Grenfell Tower s Theresa May's Katrina moment – her political career cannot survive it, Independent, 16 June 2017
Britain refuses to accept how terrorists really work – and that's why prevention strategies are failing, Independent, 8 June 2017
A long battle for Raqqa may lie ahead – but even defeat will not mean the end for Isis, Independent, 7 June 2017
Battle to liberate Raqqa from Isis 'will be over quicker than Mosul', Independent, 6 June 2017
Qatar crisis: This is why Saudi Arabia and its allies have suddenly cut ties to their Sunni Arab neighbour, Independent, 5 June 2017
After major losses in Iraq and Syria, London terror attack is an attempt by Isis to prove it's still a major force, Independent, 4 June 2017
Theresa May is in denial about Britain's declining power over Brexit in the age of Trump, Independent, 2 June 2017
Kabul's horrific bomb attack reminds the world that Afghanistan is still here, Independent, 31 May 2017
As Isis massacres families enjoying ice cream in Baghdad, this Ramadan could be even bloodier than previous years, Independent, 30 May 2017
The Government Has Known Since 2003 That the Failed ‘War on Terror’ Could Cause an Attack Like the One in Manchester, The Unz Review, 27 May 2017
To prevent another week of terror, our state must not become a vast Isis recruiting sergeant, Independent, 27 May 2017
Manchester attack: It is pious and inaccurate to say Salman Abedi's actions had 'nothing to do with Islam', Independent, 25 May 2017
The only real way to stop atrocities like the Manchester attack is to end the wars which allow extremism to grow, Independent, 23 May 2017
Donald Trump puts US on Sunni Muslim side of bitter sectarian war with Shias, Independent, 21 May 2017
Donald Trump's extravagant trip to Saudi Arabia is a desperately-needed distraction from his crisis at home, Independent, 19 May 2017
How accusations that Donald Trump shared 'Israeli' secrets with Russia will impact the Middle East, Independent, 17 May 2017
Trump and Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman are the most dangerous men in the world – and they're meeting next week, Independent, 12 May 2017
Donald Trump's decision to arm Kurdish fighters could have profound impact on the Syria crisis, Independent, 10 May 2017
World leaders from May to Trump to Erdogan are all promising to unite their countries while doing the exact opposite, Independent, 5 May 2017
Fall of Raqqa and Mosul will not spell the end for Isis - only a new beginning, Independent, 3 May 2017
Afte r his first 100 days in office, we should fear Trump more than ever, Independent, 28 April 2017
Boris Johnson’s foreign policy in Syria is based on wishful thinking, Independent, 27 April 2017
Iraq considers next move after intercepting 'world's largest' ransom for kidnapped Qataris, Independent, 26 April 2017
Erdogan's referendum victory will make Turkey prey for the country's many enemies, Independent, 17 April 2017
It's time America explored how to end the multiple wars it has helped cause since 2001, rather than dropping more bombs, Independent, 14 April 2017
Syria crisis: G7 leaders couldn't change Vladimir Putin's mind on backing Assad – even if they wanted to, Independent, 10 April 2017
Donald Trump feels he had no choice but to launch air strikes on Syria – but the balance of power on the ground has not changed, Independent, 7 April 2017
Isis used 17 suicide car bombs 'to help leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi flee Mosul', Independent, 3 April 2017
What life is like for Isis's 400,000 'human shields' in west Mosul, Independent, 2 April 2017
Air strikes are the only way to defeat Isis? Then tell the truth about the loss of civilian life, Independent, 31 March 2017
People in besieged Mosul Old City ‘dying of starvation' as Isis shoots anyone who tries to flee, Independent, 30 March 2017
Iraqi government 'made a mistake' by attacking Mosul before capturing Isis sanctuaries, Independent, 28 March 2017
Civilians in western Mosul are being shot at by Isis and Iraqi forces alike, Independent, 27 March 2017
Isis's losses in Syria and Iraq will make it harder for it to recruit another Khalid Masood, Independent, 24 March 2017
From Paris to London: another city, another attack with elements from the Isis playbook, Independent, 22 March 2017
Brexit unleashed an English nationalism that has damaged the union with Scotland for good, Independent, 17 March 2017
Yemen is a complicated and unwinnable war. Donald Trump should stay out of it, Independent, 10 March 2017
Battle for Manbij shows Syria’s civil war is almost over – and it looks like Bashar Assad has won, Independent, 6 March 2017
If this battle for Mosul ends in defeat for Isis, we shouldn’t feel too optimistic about what comes next, Independent, 3 March 2017
Iraqi army nears Mosul's main government buildings as battle to oust Isis proceeds quicker than expected, Independent, 28 February 2017
With the US distracted by Trump and the UK by Brexit, they're about to see a decline in their global power, Independent, 24 February 2017
Iraqi forces begin bitter battle for Mosul in effort to destroy Isis, Independent, 19 February 2017
Donald Trump and the US media are in a fight to the finish – and they're both guilty of peddling alternative facts, Independent, 17 February 2017
Mosul will be completely 'destroyed' in battle to liberate it from Isis, senior Iraqi politician warns, Independent, 15 February 2017
Donald Trump will spark a war with Iran – which is great news for Isis, Independent, 10 February 2017
Now the High Court will decide if Brexit Britain is complicit in the devastating conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, Independent, 9 February 2017
Netanyahu's hysterical rhetoric on Iran seeks to divert attention from West Bank settlement building, Independent, 6 February 2017
Donald Trump's Twitter aggression towards Iran will deepen sectarian conflict in the Middle East, Independent, 3 February 2017
Misreporting Iraq and Syria, CounterPunch, 3 February 2017
Donald Trump's ‘Muslim ban' will only make terrorist attacks, more, not less likely, Independent, 30 January 2017
Theresa May’s visit to Turkey is more evidence of her desperate search for trading partners to replace the EU at any cost, Independent, 27 January 2017
Turkey faces long and difficult fight against Isis in Syria, Independent, 25 January 2017
Syria peace talks begin in Kazakhstan with Russia taking centre stage, Independent, 23 January 2017
Why the rise of Donald Trump and Isis have more in common than you might think, Independent, 20 January 2017
Think the American political system will stop Donald Trump exercising ultimate power? The same was said about Turkey's President Erdogan, Independent, 13 January 2017
The dodgy Donald Trump dossier reminds me of the row over Saddam Hussein and his fictitious weapons of mass destruction, Independent, 12 January 2017
Saudi Arabia’s dream of becoming the dominant Arab and Muslim power in the world has gone down in flames, Independent, 6 January 2017
There is nothing the Turkish government can do to stop Isis terror attacks on its soil, Independent, 2 January 2017