Saudis make surprise trip to Iraq: Why now?

Saudi Arabia is making overtures to Iraq as Iran's influence expands in the region.

Saudi Arabia

Benghazi blowback hamstrings US role in post-IS Iraq

Congress is weighing America's role after Mosul amid looming budget cuts and paralyzing partisanship.

Iraq

Despite tough talk, US unlikely to take on Iranian forces in Iraq

The new US administration has adopted strict stances toward Iran, but any military clash between the United States and the factions Iran supports in Iraq would only increase Iranian influence.

Iraq

Iran pulls Palestine from the margins

The Iranian leadership turns out in force for Palestinian conference; Turkey’s victory in al-Bab may be a prelude to a showdown with the Syrian Kurds.

Palestine

Shiite political differences widen gap between Najaf, Qom

The political differences between Qom and Najaf clerics indicate a sharp conflict between the two schools after Ali al-Sistani, whose death will create a broad vacuum in the Shiite scene.

Iraq

Will Iraq ban unveiled women from holy cities?

The provincial council of Karbala is to vote to forbid the entry of unveiled women into the holy city, sparking resentment among the city's residents.

Iraq

Families of IS members evicted from liberated areas in Iraq

Families of Islamic State members have been evicted from the liberated areas in Iraq by the local authorities or security forces, to avoid revenge and conflict in the local communities.

Iraq

Iraq seeks to clamp down on gun ownership

Regulating private security companies and proposing laws for possession of weapons are part of Iraq’s new strategy to impose order and the rule of law.

Iraq

Iraqi special forces stand to gain stature with victory over IS

Iraq's counterterrorism bureau, which is receiving accolades and lots of support, could become even more powerful in the post-Islamic State era.

Iraq

Will Turkey get its way in Raqqa?

Turkey is trying to balance its precarious relationships with the United States and Russia while still getting what it wants in Syria.

Iraq

Who is involved in killing of Baghdad demonstrators?

The political crisis has escalated significantly in Iraq after security forces grew violent against protesters.

Iraq

Interview

Will Mosul witness a political battle post-IS?

In an interview with Al-Monitor, former governor of Ninevah province Atheel al-Nujaifi discussed post-Islamic State Ninevah, the motives behind the arrest warrants against him and the need for international assistance in the aftermath of the battle of Mosul.

Atheel al-Nujaifi

Former governor of Iraq's Ninevah province