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
IMF slashes Mideast outlook by nearly 3 points as Iran war hits economies The International Monetary Fund cut gross domestic product forecasts for the Middle East and North Africa, with the fallout from the conflict exposing stark divergences between the region’s energy exporters and importers. Iran
Bahrain, Saudi Arabia summon Iraqi diplomats over militia attacks: What to know The United States and Kuwait have likewise criticized Iraq over actions tied to Iran-backed armed groups in the country. Iraq
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
Analysis Hostage to Hormuz, can Gulf rewire future energy flows to bypass Iran’s chokepoint? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Al-Monitor/Semafor summit: Iraq’s Sudani says 'solution is in Baghdad’ to issues with KRG The prime minister also pleaded for more US investment in Iraq’s energy sector amid the oil dispute with Turkey, and addressed Iraq’s balancing act between the United States and Iran. Iraq
Highlights: Al-Monitor/Semafor Middle East Global Summit The Al-Monitor & Semafor inaugural Middle East Global Summit on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings on Wednesday brought together the region’s leaders, newsmakers and business heads. Jordan
Explainer: Why Iraq's Kirkuk has reached brink of conflict Tensions flare up in Kirkuk ahead of provincial elections in December amid Arab and Turkmen fears of renewed Kurdish control of the oil-rich city. Turkey
In letter to Biden, Barzani warns of Iraqi Kurdistan's collapse, urges mediation KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's letter to Biden is aimed at jolting the administration into action as tensions rise between Erbil and Baghdad. Iraq
Iraqi Kurdish farmers expect weak tobacco harvest Aftereffects of genocide, competition from cheap imports and lack of government support combine to limit the market for local agricultural products. Iraq
US welcomes conviction of Iranian, 4 Iraqis for killing American citizen Stephen Troell, an aid worker in Baghdad, was killed in November when gunmen opened fire on his car. Iraq
Iran renews ultimatum for Iraq to disarm Kurdish opposition groups A September deadline set to disarm the groups will “not be extended in any way.” Iran
Iraq to receive gas from Turkmenistan Iraq is largely dependent on Iran for gas, despite having its own sizable reserves. The relationship has been complicated by US sanctions on Iran, and Iraq is also seeking international help to utilize its gas reserves. Iraq
Rights watchdog slams Iraq’s anti-LGBTQ bill An amendment in the Iraqi parliament would make same-sex activity punishable by death. One Iraqi militia leader recently accused the US of “spreading homosexuality” in the country, and anti-LGBTQ sentiment is rising in the region. Iraq
Turkey’s FM tackles long-held disputes with Iraq in first official visit Hakan Fidan chose Iraq for his first official visit as Turkey's new foreign minister, but the visit appeared to yield little progress on long-standing disputes between Ankara and Baghdad. Turkey
Iraq strikes Islamic State hideouts The US military said in a recent report that IS’ capabilities are “degraded” in Iraq and Syria. Iraq
