US envoy Barrack oversees Chevron deal in Iraq amid Iran influence row The Trump administration is maintaining pressure on Iraq over the nomination of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and the influence of Iran-backed militias in the country. Iraq
In letter, US lays out 7 demands for next Iraqi PM, with emphasis on Iran The Trump administration is pressing Baghdad on Iranian influence and the nomination of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, with Iraq's top diplomat claiming the US stipulations include a "hint" toward potential sanctions. Iraq
Analysis Can Maliki overcome Trump opposition to reclaim Iraq’s PM post? US President Donald Trump’s opposition to the former prime minister and reports of potential retribution toward Iraq are receiving pushback in the country, which is already suffering from political paralysis. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Iraq’s Maliki rejects Trump criticism, vows to stay in PM race Maliki refused to withdraw from the race, despite mounting pressure from the US, and expressed a desire for good relations with Iraq’s neighbors and Washington. Iraq
Analysis After Trump’s rebuke, can Maliki rebound in Iraq, or does Sudani become favorite? 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
