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
How much will $15 billion IMF loan really cost Iraq? The International Monetary Fund's loan to the Iraqi government may come with too many strings attached. Iraq
Iraq kicks off historic Fallujah operation against Islamic State Iraqi security forces launched a military operation in Fallujah, the Islamic State's last major stronghold in Anbar province; if the operation succeeds, it will deal a serious blow to the extremist organization. Iraq
Iraqis divided over Soleimani's role in their country Iran's Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani is stirring controversy in the Iraqi street, where citizens are waving both Iranian and Iraqi flags during demonstrations for or against his presence. Iraq
From Germany to IS front: a former PKK fighter's return to battle Some of those fighting the Islamic State in Iraqi Kurdistan are volunteers. One of them is Sait Curukkaya. Iraq
Foreign terrorist fighters, reverse migration are global crises There is a pressing need for international cooperation to deal with foreign terrorist fighters and overcome the "not in my backyard" mindset. Iraq
Iraq's parliament helpless to halt political crisis Iraq's political crisis has worsened, and the parliament cannot even meet to discuss proposals for resolving it. Iraq
Will unity deal deepen rivalries in Iraqi Kurdistan? Long-time Kurdish rivals Gorran and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan recently reached an agreement that might further entrench Kurdish division in Iraqi Kurdistan. Iraq
Have Turkey-PKK clashes crossed fatal threshold? The PKK’s alleged shooting down of a Turkish assault helicopter marks a major development in the ongoing fighting between the two sides. Iraq
Are Iraq's politicians to blame for Baghdad terror attacks? The Islamic State attacks in three different parts of Baghdad on May 11 are an indication that the political crisis has affected security. Iraq
Muqtada al-Sadr, the most powerful man in Iraqi politics? Many believe the storming of the Iraqi parliament by pro-Sadr protesters will only destroy the space for political work in a country where armed conflict has long been a way of settling differences. Iraq
Why Shiites are divided over Iranian role in Iraq Shiites have started to act based on political orientations instead of their sectarian affiliations, which is viewed as an edge in the Shiite public awareness. Iraq
Who are Syria's Alawites? Alawite doctrine differs in many ways from Sunni and Shiite Islam, but Alawites believe they should be respected and accepted as an independent Muslim sect. Iraq