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
Iraqi Shiites join Sunnis to fight Islamic State The Islamic State aimed to create a Shiite-Sunni conflict to impose its control, but Iraqi Sunnis have instead turned to help from Shiites to get rid of the extremist group. Iraq
Iraqi army crippled by flaws Since its establishment, the Iraqi army has been directed inward, playing a domestic role rather than protecting the country from foreign forces. Iraq
Turkey's border security problem Political factors are not the only cause of Turkey’s border security vulnerability. Countries
Anbar province calls for support to fight Islamic State The government in Anbar province is voicing concern about the progress of the Islamic State in several cities, calling for a quick solution to prevent the province from falling to the militants. Iraq
Islamic State tightens noose around Iraq, Syria The Islamic State is tightening control over the regions it captured in Iraq in an attempt to consolidate its power. Iraq
Islamic State intelligence network stifles resistance Terrorist group reportedly uses Saddam-era intelligence officers and tactics; Syria’s Alawites seek accountability from government; Syrian army advances around Hama; Temple Mount as flash point; Egyptian campaign against terrorists in the Sinai Peninsula makes life harder for residents of the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Turkish military angered by Ankara’s peshmerga move The Turkish military is said to be riled and to have informed the government of its opposition to seeing Iraqi Kurdish fighters in Turkey. Iraq
Iraqi weapons trade thrives The weapons trade in Iraq has become widespread in light of the escalation of the war against the Islamic State, and an increasing number of Iraqis possess guns for personal use. Iraq
Turkey finds out one is the loneliest number The regional and global loneliness Ankara dragged itself into with its foreign policy since 2009 is becoming hazardous with the threat from the Islamic State. Iraq
Iraqi battle seen as key victory in Iran The battle in Jurf al-Sakhar was portrayed by a number of conservative Iranian media outlets as key to forcing the Islamic State into retreat and eventually taking back Anbar province. Iraq
Islamic State fears hang over Baghdad The Islamic State’s advance toward Baghdad is causing stress and confusion among residents, though government forces are maintaining a tight grip on the capital. Iraq
Iraqis show their love on bridges The love padlocks on Pont Des Arts in Paris has inspired young Iraqis to show love for their sweethearts with padlocks on bridges, but not everyone approves. Iraq