Analysis Could Trump’s oil push in Venezuela upend OPEC’s energy order? Washington’s growing role in controlling the Latin American country's crude riches could help reshape an energy order centered on OPEC as the Hormuz crisis pressures Gulf exports. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
After gun found in lake, French police probe link to 2012 Iraqi family murder A recently discovered Luger pistol may have been used in the mysterious 2012 killing of the al-Hilli family near the Alpine town of Chevaline in eastern France. Iraq
Iraq sentences kidnapper of US journalist Shelly Kittleson to 15 years: What to know The first sentencing in relation to Shelly Kittleson’s abduction comes as Iraq moves to rein in Iran-backed militias. Iraq
Iraq reinforces Saudi border security amid militia tensions: What to know Iraq is sending the reinforcements in response to Iran-backed militia attacks and as it looks to build security ties with Riyadh. Iraq
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Qatari PM heads for Tehran amid flurry of regional diplomacy By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Senate Democrats urge Israel to rein in West Bank violence By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Exclusive Iraq's Zaidi set to make European debut with Macron in France By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iraqi Political Will Lacking For New Electoral Law Most observers consider it unlikely that Iraq will consider revising its electoral law ahead of the 2014 elections. Iraq
Iraqi Politicians Find Common Ground Elusive As Iraq’s political crisis intensifies, political parties should focus on areas of agreement, not escalting differences. Iraq
Maliki’s Losses in Local Elections Reflect Failed Economic Policies Losses by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s State of Law Coalition in recent provincial elections are the result of growing frustration with failed economic policies. Iraq
Black Iraqis Struggle To Shake Legacy of Racism Although Iraqis of African descent have had a significant presence in the country since the days of slave trade, particularly in the port of Basra, this community continues to face racism today, as it has for centuries. Iraq
Iraq to Receive Russian Military Helicopters The Iraqi government is expanding its armed forces. Iraq
UN to Decide on Ending Sanctions Against Iraq The UN Security Council will consider this month whether to remove Iraq from UN Chapter VII regulations, but Iraqi-Kuwaiti relations still require permanent solutions to overcome the past. Kuwait
Turkey's Sunni Identity Test The Turkish government’s sectarian impulse, resurging whenever foreign policy fails, reverberates in domestic politics and fans social unrest. Iraq
Iraqi Shiite Cleric: Iraqi Extremism A 'Transitory Phase' In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Iraqi Shiite authority Hussein al-Sadr shares his perspective on the state of affairs in Iraq 10 years after the fall of Saddam Hussein. Iraq
Turkey-Kurdish Peace Process on Hold? Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government says the talks are on track, but the Kurdish side is warning of a break in the process. Iraq
Iraqi Kurds Join Pro-Erdogan Protests Fearing setbacks in Kurdish-Turkish relations, Iraqi Kurds have taken to the streets in support of Erdogan, whom many regard as being the most tolerant of Turkey’s leaders toward the Kurdish population. Iraq
Foreign Oil Companies in Basra Caught in Political Crossfire Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s State of Law coalition has lost control of the governorship in the oil-rich province of Basra, adding a new wrinkle to oil disputes in the region. Iraq
Barzani Seeks Compromise On Draft Constitution Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani has called together Kurdish factions to discuss controversial aspects of the region’s long-awaited draft constitution. Iraq