Meet Ali al-Zaidi, businessman and Iraq's new prime minister-designate Legal sources familiar with the nominee told Al-Monitor that there are no US sanctions on Zaidi or financial institutions affiliated with him. Iraq
Iraq's Shiite alliance nominates Ali al-Zaidi as PM candidate: What to know Ali al-Zaidi, who leads a bank accused of money laundering, received support from previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki and incumbent Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, though it remains unclear whether the Trump administration will approve of him. Iraq
Split over Maliki, Iraq’s Shiite bloc delays PM vote as deadline nears: What to know Two other candidates have emerged as alternatives to Coordination Framework nominee and former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who is openly opposed by the Trump administration. Iraq
How Syria's border opening with Iraq redefines Turkey-Kurd balance After years of closure, the reopening of al-Yaaroubiya crossing is redrawing Kurdish economic leverage and reinforcing Turkey’s regional strategy. Syria
Exclusive 'King of Iraq': Top judge Zaidan played key role in Shelly Kittleson's release By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis How fast can Gulf energy production rebound after US-Iran ceasefire? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Muqtada Sadr is preparing a bid to gain Iraq’s prime minister position The populist cleric appears to be gearing up for the upcoming parliamentary elections slated for June 2021 in a bid to win the premiership. Iraq
Scarred but still standing, Mosul museum reopens at last Ninevah’s renowned cultural heritage museum, known for the Islamic State's disastrous attack on its treasures, has finally reopened to the public. Iraq
Activists fear Iraqi cybercrime law could limit press freedoms The Iraqi cybercrime bill makes a reappearance amid widespread objections by civilians and activists who label it as repressive of freedoms and rights guaranteed in the Iraqi Constitution. Iraq
Islamic State increases attacks in Iraq’s Sunni areas The Islamic State has conducted several attacks in recent weeks on the Sunni-majority provinces of Anbar and Salahuddin. Iraq
Iranian commander killed in airstrike on Iraq-Syria border No one has yet taken responsibility for the bombing that killed the IRGC commander. Iraq
Will reopening of border crossing drive Saudi investment in Iraq? Iraq and Saudi Arabia are opening the Arar border crossing, a move that should boost Saudi investment in Iraq. Saudi Arabia
The Netherlands to send new troops to Iraq as coalition shifts to advisory role The Dutch now take the helm of a training mission that focuses on "expert specialized capabilities." Iraq
Iraq-Saudi border crossing reopens after 30 years The Arar crossing has remained closed since Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Saudi Arabia
Iraq increases deficit to pay salaries The Iraqi parliament voted on the funding deficit law so that it can borrow to pay salaries that have been in arrears for more than two months. Iraq
Rockets fall in Baghdad after Pentagon announces Iraq troop reduction One child was killed and at least five other people were injured, the Iraqi military said. Iraq
US to reduce troops in Iraq but not Syria, official says US national security officials say Trump's order to end wars will not halt the Pentagon's counterterror operations abroad. Iraq
Iraqi KRG checkpoints part of crackdown on PKK Turkish attacks on the PKK in Iraq's Kurdistan Region have forced the KRG to increase checkpoints and security. Iraq
