Analysis Could Trump’s oil push in Venezuela upend OPEC’s energy order? Washington’s growing role in controlling the Latin American country's crude riches could help reshape an energy order centered on OPEC as the Hormuz crisis pressures Gulf exports. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
After gun found in lake, French police probe link to 2012 Iraqi family murder A recently discovered Luger pistol may have been used in the mysterious 2012 killing of the al-Hilli family near the Alpine town of Chevaline in eastern France. Iraq
Iraq sentences kidnapper of US journalist Shelly Kittleson to 15 years: What to know The first sentencing in relation to Shelly Kittleson’s abduction comes as Iraq moves to rein in Iran-backed militias. Iraq
Iraq reinforces Saudi border security amid militia tensions: What to know Iraq is sending the reinforcements in response to Iran-backed militia attacks and as it looks to build security ties with Riyadh. Iraq
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Qatari PM heads for Tehran amid flurry of regional diplomacy By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Senate Democrats urge Israel to rein in West Bank violence By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Exclusive Iraq's Zaidi set to make European debut with Macron in France By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Battling from their refugee tents: Meet the Kurdish peshmergas fighting to take back their homes Peshmerga living in the Baharka refugee camp in northern Iraq are fighting to retake their homes, insisting they will not stop until they succeed. Iraq
Will US, Russia find common ground in Syria? A common enemy, the Islamic State, should be the first step in an expanded international coalition; does Iraqi Kurdistan face the prospect of "administrative breakup"? Iraq
Is Iraqi Kurdistan splitting apart ... again? Political and economic tensions are chipping away at the autonomy, stability and unity of Iraqi Kurdistan as diverse local populations are calling for political reforms and an end to corruption. Iraq
Iraq’s ancient Kish City lies buried in sand Iraq’s Kish City has managed to overcome many natural disasters and neglect on the part of its residents and the government, but it has now been turned into a desolate site covered in sand. Iraq
Iraq's Kakai minority joins fight against Islamic State Some in Iraq’s Kakai minority group have claimed to be Muslim to avoid persecution, while others are working to form a militia to protect themselves. Iraq
Iraq tries to help shake stigma of orphans The Iraqi government and society must do more to end "honor killings" of women who give birth out of wedlock and to provide care and compassion for the children left behind. Iraq
Iraq sees exodus of minorities Large waves of emigration are dramatically depleting Iraq’s minority populations, especially Christians, with dire consequences for the country's future diversity. Iraq
Is it time to formally decentralize Iraq? Although Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi proposed a reform project to cut down government size, and thus government expenses, Iraq is in need of a decentralized plan. Iraq
Displaced Yazidis in Georgia find respite, but little else A small number of Iraqi Yazidis fleeing Islamic State attacks in 2014 headed for economically struggling Georgia, where the existing Yazidi community, itself formed by refugees escaping persecution, has been trying to assist them. Iraq
Iraq’s government, society struggle with widespread bribery Although Iraqis have recently taken to the street in protest of the rampant corruption among government officials, it seems that eliminating bribery is far-fetched as it is rooted in government officials as well as employees. Iraq
Republicans prepare for next round on Iran A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Sept. 14. Palestine
Will Iran reach truce with the Islamic State? Some members of Iran’s foreign policy elite are suggesting that Iran reduce regional military intervention — a policy that could help US President Barack Obama's administration sell the Iran deal to skeptical traditional allies and their US supporters. Saudi Arabia