Analysis Can a UAE-backed Syria-Iraq corridor become Gulf's next trade route? On June 26, Emirati and Syrian officials discussed plans for a logistics corridor connecting Syrian ports to Gulf markets via Iraq. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Qatar says no direct Iran-US talks in Doha Saudi FM visits Beijing; Iraq’s premier expands anti-corruption crackdown; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Here's what to know about Iraq's corruption as Zaidi launches crackdown Watchdogs and financial institutions regard Iraq as a significantly corrupt country as the new prime minister works to recover public funds. Iraq
Analysis Iraqi PM’s anti-corruption drive comes as US pressure mounts on Iran-backed militias Iraq’s new prime minister has launched a sweeping anti-corruption campaign ahead of key talks in Washington, but analysts say the real test will be whether it reaches Iraq’s most powerful Iran-backed actors. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Region welcomes US-Iran deal By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Exclusive Barrack heads to Iraq as US presses Baghdad on Iran-backed militias By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Former KRG PM emerges to shake up Kurdish politics The Kurdistan Region's independence referendum has opened the door for a new regional Kurdish movement promoted by a diverse coalition of dissidents, leftists, secularists and Islamists. Iraq
Congress warns Kurds against further steps after independence vote The Kurdistan Regional Government’s decision to go ahead with its referendum has tempered years of robust congressional support for the Iraqi Kurds. Iraq
Interview Syrian Kurdish commander: We're 'ready to engage' with Damascus In an interview with Al-Monitor, a Syrian Kurdish commander says the United States should stay in Syria during the post-Islamic State process. Mazlum Kobane SDF commander in chief
Anbar op aims to restore Iraqi-Syrian border Iraqi security forces launched an offensive in Anbar province in early September to cleanse the key Islamic State-held town of Qaim on the Syrian border. Iraq
Some Turks blame US for Kurdish independence vote Sources close to Turkey's ruling party say the United States secretly supports Iraqi Kurds' bid for independence as part of US plans for a "second Israel" in the region. Iraq
Turkey hopes to pounce on big piece of Mosul reconstruction Despite their government's past gaffes, Turkish firms want, even expect, substantial contracts to help rebuild Iraq's Mosul, which was reduced to rubble during the long battle to exorcise the Islamic State. Iraq
What's next after Kurdish independence vote? Millions in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region voted in today's independence referendum, despite threats by Iraq, Turkey, Iran and the United States. Iraq
Iran reacts to Kurdish referendum The Iraqi Kurdistan referendum on independence received top coverage in Iranian media, drawing condemnation from both sides of Iran's political sphere. Iraq
Turkey's threats against Kurdish referendum vague but deliberate Turkey’s National Security Council convened Sept. 22 to decide what measures to take against the Kurdistan Regional Government if it holds its independence referendum. Iraq
Is Iran seeking to impose its influence in Iraq's liberated Sunni areas? The opening of a school in Ninevah province under the name of Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, stirred a wide debate within political and public circles in Iraq, as some saw the move as an attempt to provoke some Iraqis. Iraq
Kirkuk teetering on brink of war The planned Kurdish referendum has divided the main ruling Kurdish party in the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, raising tension in the city and threatening to undermine the delicate and fragile cohesion that exists in the multi-ethnic city. Iraq
Sectarianism in Iraq peaks ahead of Kurdistan referendum With the Kurdistan independence referendum just days away, politicians and the general public are fanning sectarian tension on both sides of the vote. Iraq