Iraq’s Sadr says 'exclude' armed groups from next government as pressure builds The cleric's call comes as Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi tries to form a government amid political divisions and US demands to curb the influence of Iran-backed actors. Iraq
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Hormuz clashes cloud diplomacy as US awaits Iran response US strikes and renewed exchanges in Hormuz cast doubt on the ceasefire as the Trump administration awaits Tehran’s response to a new proposal. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
US sets expectations for Iraq’s next PM to confront Iranian militias The Trump administration is cautiously sizing up Iraq’s new prime minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, as a potential partner in pushing back on Iranian influence. Iran
Analysis Iraq’s Zaidi offers economic promise for Turkey but unknowns loom Iraq’s prime minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, is expected to sustain growing economic and strategic ties with Turkey thanks to his business-oriented approach, though uncertainty over his political stance could test cooperation on sensitive issues. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis MENA wheat importers face food security risks as Hormuz crisis festers By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
IS courts Ninevah tribes in run-up to battle The Islamic State is seeking allies among Iraq's tribes for the battle of Mosul and an opportunity to entrench itself in Iraqi tribal society. Iraq
Jordan's Salafists switch allegiance to IS As militant alliances continue to shift, Jordan's strategic stance on Salafist groups has become ever more complex. Iraq
KRG looks to enhance protection of women, children Kurdish activists and government agencies have submitted draft laws to amend the law on domestic violence but critics question whether it will be enforced. Iraq
Iraqi teachers resort to abuse of students With poor to absent government supervision and education policies, Iraq’s educational system seems to be stuck in the past. Iraq
Iraqi PM walks back criticism of Saudi Arabia On his first official visit to Washington, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi showed how hard it is for his country to juggle conflicting outside powers. Saudi Arabia
Iraq's brain drain continues The lack of security and the poor economy are forcing many young Iraqis to think about emigrating to the West, even if illegally. Iraq
After Tikrit victory, what's next for Iraqi forces? Although the Islamic State was heavily defeated in Tikrit, to sustain the victory of the many groups that fought this battle seems far-fetched as confusion prevails among them. Iraq
Turkish soldiers target villagers' mules Mules belonging to villagers living in the sensitive Uludere area have been shot by the Turkish military in its fight against what the state defines as smuggling and the locals see as legitimate trade over the Iraqi border. Iraq
Yemen war fuels Iraqi sectarianism Operation Decisive Storm has stirred different positions within the Iraqi religious and political circles, be they Sunnis or Shiites. Legacy: Gulf
Yazidis wary amid stalled Sinjar offensive Peshmerga forces near the front line in Sinjar await KRG President Massoud Barzani's orders to advance on the Islamic State. Iraq
Iraqi army sets sights on Fallujah, Mosul The battle for Mosul will be complicated by the Kurdish factor and the city's remaining population. Iraq
Iraqi cinema finds new direction Iraq’s film industry has long been stunted by a lack of funding and governmental restrictions, but young and energetic directors and producers are working to turn it around. Iraq