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
Iraqi prime minister emphasizes Iraq's role in regional stability at UN The Iraqi prime minister highlighted Iraq's main issues and the country's regional and international significance at the UN General Assembly. Iraq
Interview Iraq’s political class must address 'crisis of trust,' says PM In an exclusive interview, Mustafa al-Kadhimi also discusses Iraq’s shift to regional hub for diplomacy and economic progress despite strong political headwinds. Mustafa al-Kadhimi Prime Minister of Iraq
Iran-linked militias claim arrest linked to threats to disrupt religious holiday Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units have conducted numerous arrests of alleged 'Bathists' in recent days that raise questions about the legitimacy of the arrests and the political reasons behind them. Iraq
Turkish intel chief pursues multiple goals in Baghdad In landmark talks in Baghdad, Hakan Fidan sought to ease bilateral tensions over a deadly attack in July, assert Turkey’s resolve to continue military operations on Iraqi soil and sway the political impasse in Iraq. Turkey
Iraq's top court rejects calls to dissolve parliament Iraq's federal court ruled today that it cannot dissolve parliament and only parliament can dissolve itself. Iraq
Iraq reels in wake of political violence Tension remains high in Iraq as leaders try to reassure the international community after dozens were killed. Iraq
Iraqi PM threatens to step down as tensions persist after clashes Following the bloody clash in Baghdad's Green Zone, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhimi threatened to vacate the position if the conflict continues. Iraq
Deadly intra-Shiite violence rattles Iraq’s Kurds Kurds are "deeply troubled by the new cycle of violence in Iraq" and look to be peacemakers. Iraq
Iraq issues arrest warrants for Sadrist leaders after judiciary storming The Iraqi judiciary issued arrest warrants and travel bans against key Sadrist movement leaders amid violent political conflicts, but their enforcement could be a sensitive task. Iraq
US: No plans to evacuate embassy in Baghdad, monitoring clashes White House official calls for calm in Iraq following Muqtada al-Sadr's resignation from politics. Iraq
Kuwait asks citizens to leave Iraq amid Baghdad unrest Protests are happening throughout Iraq following cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's announcement declaring he has given up on politics. Legacy: Gulf
Iraqi PM warns security forces to stay out of political conflicts The Iraqi judiciary resumed its work the day after powerful Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr ordered his supporters to withdraw from the Supreme Judicial Council. Iraq