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
Controversy surrounds alleged violations by Shiite forces in Tikrit Contradictory assertions have Iraqis divided on whether members of the Popular Mobilization Units are guilty of allegations that they looted and destroyed property in Tikrit during and after the city's liberation from the Islamic State. Iraq
Shiite militias' role in Anbar fight unclear Although Shiite militia forces were withdrawn from the fight for Ramadi, they remain present and active in other areas of Anbar province. Iraq
Defense bill takes aim at Iran The must-pass legislation requires Pentagon strategy for countering Iran's "growing unconventional warfare capabilities." Iraq
IS courts Ninevah tribes in run-up to battle The Islamic State is seeking allies among Iraq's tribes for the battle of Mosul and an opportunity to entrench itself in Iraqi tribal society. Iraq
Jordan's Salafists switch allegiance to IS As militant alliances continue to shift, Jordan's strategic stance on Salafist groups has become ever more complex. Iraq
KRG looks to enhance protection of women, children Kurdish activists and government agencies have submitted draft laws to amend the law on domestic violence but critics question whether it will be enforced. Iraq
Iraqi teachers resort to abuse of students With poor to absent government supervision and education policies, Iraq’s educational system seems to be stuck in the past. Iraq
Iraqi PM walks back criticism of Saudi Arabia On his first official visit to Washington, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi showed how hard it is for his country to juggle conflicting outside powers. Saudi Arabia
Iraq's brain drain continues The lack of security and the poor economy are forcing many young Iraqis to think about emigrating to the West, even if illegally. Iraq
After Tikrit victory, what's next for Iraqi forces? Although the Islamic State was heavily defeated in Tikrit, to sustain the victory of the many groups that fought this battle seems far-fetched as confusion prevails among them. Iraq
Turkish soldiers target villagers' mules Mules belonging to villagers living in the sensitive Uludere area have been shot by the Turkish military in its fight against what the state defines as smuggling and the locals see as legitimate trade over the Iraqi border. Iraq
Yemen war fuels Iraqi sectarianism Operation Decisive Storm has stirred different positions within the Iraqi religious and political circles, be they Sunnis or Shiites. Legacy: Gulf