US troops in Iraq shift to Erbil to focus on ISIS in Syria The US mission against the Islamic State is relocating its headquarters and most of its troops from Baghdad to Erbil as the prime minister's coalition faces reelection in November. Iraq
Iraqi cleric Sadr says he is ready for ‘escalation’ as tensions heat up ahead of elections Muqtada al-Sadr has reaffirmed his intention to boycott the November elections following an alleged assassination attempt against him, leaving the country's political future uncertain. Iraq
Pentagon: B-2 strikes set back Iran's nuclear program 1-2 years Operation Midnight Hammer led to the "total obliteration of Iran's nuclear ambitions," a Pentagon spokesperson said. Iranian officials have told Al-Monitor they intend to continue to enrich uranium domestically. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis Iraq still without parliament speaker five months after Halbusi’s ouster Previous parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi was removed from office in November, and parliament has yet to agree on a successor amid political controversies, including allegations related to former ruler Saddam Hussein. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Is Abadi looking to return to prime minister's post? Former Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Abadi has resigned from the Islamic Dawa Party, raising questions about his possible return to the premiership. Iraq
Ninevah governor's election stirs Sunni split in Baghdad The Ninevah Provincial Council has chosen a new governor close to the Shiite-dominated Popular Mobilization Units, prompting objections from many Sunnis. Iraq
Badr strongman Amiri faces dissent within his group's ranks Powerful Iraqi politician Hadi al-Amiri is up against strong opposition within his own Badr Organization, as hundreds of members accuse him of being corrupt and exploiting power. Iraq
Erdogan's plans in Iraqi Kurdistan may backfire The news that Nechirvan Barzani will not continue as prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq is causing Turkey to worry that the new KRG Cabinet will not be formed of allies of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Iraq
Conflict over Iraqi federal government moves to provincial councils The dispute between Iraqi parliamentary blocs over ministerial portfolios has surfaced over the posts of the provinces' governors. Iraq
Will Iraq's prime minister fail to complete his Cabinet? Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has not been able to complete his Cabinet, despite the fact that more than two months have passed since he was appointed to the job. Iraq
Church’s political role sparks debate among Iraqi Christians The Iraqi Chaldean Catholic Church attempts to have a bigger role in Christian politics, but Christian parties see this as unwarranted interference by the religious institution. Iraq
Sinjar road reconnects estranged Yazidis and Kurds with Baghdad The opening of a strategic road in Iraq's Kurdistan Region — closed since the Kurds' ill-fated independence referendum in September 2017 — could be a prelude to a reset in ties between Erbil and Baghdad. Iraq
Putin eyes visit to Baghdad amid growing Russian-Iraqi contacts Contacts between Moscow and Baghdad have increased lately and President Putin may visit Iraq early next year. Iraq
Will Iraqi provincial councils be abolished? Amid calls for abolishing provincial councils in Iraq, provincial elections have been delayed for the second time. Iraq
As protests continue, residents of Iraq's Basra call for autonomy Basra residents, who have been protesting to demand services and jobs, are disappointed with the new government for not appointing any minister from Basra and call for the establishment of a Basra federal region. Iraq
