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
Corruption plagues Iraqi TV, film industry The poor production quality of the Iraqi entertainment industry is the direct result of mismanagement made intractable by rampant corruption. Iraq
Is Anbar Islamic State's Achilles' heel? The Islamic State’s control of Anbar province and the city of Fallujah is key to their survival, and if lost the group's demise would follow. Iraq
Drug use spreads among Iraqi youth Many Iraqi youths are using drugs to escape the hardships of their lives, as some are unemployed or come from fragmented families. Iraq
Yemen’s Houthis draw the attention of Iraqis The Houthis in Yemen recently made the Iraqi headlines, as some consider that there are measures to direct the media toward the support of Shiite parties outside Iraq after internal failures. Saudi Arabia
IS sent warning letters to Middle East embassies Iran's deputy foreign minister has said that the Islamic State sent letters to embassies warning them not to attack the group and that the United States notified Iran and Syria that its coalition would not target Syrian bases. Iraq
How to defeat Islamic State's war machine The Islamic State has to be recognized as a lethal and effective war machine at the tactical level. Iraq
Iraqi poets en route to Baghdad to spread peace A group of Iraqi poets have organized an anti-violence convoy that will go through several Iraqi provinces, where intellectuals will read poetry in public spaces to promote peace and unity in the country. Iraq
Iraqi book festival draws thousands People came from various Iraqi provinces to attend the "I’m Iraqi, I read books" festival in Baghdad, as Iraqis show determination to combat the forces of terror. Iraq
Iraq should use IS war to rebuild foreign relations The war against the Islamic State provides Iraq with an opportunity to rebuild fractured relations with neighboring countries and others. Iraq
Iraq’s Shiite authority flexes its political muscle The Shiite authority in Iraq, led by Ali al-Sistani, has set out guidelines for social powers and responsibilities, ensuring it remains connected to Shiite communities. Iraq
No exit for Iraq without decentralization Iraq’s failure to abide by its constitution, which stipulates federalism with greater powers for provinces, is part of the reason why it is in turmoil today. Iraq
Can PKK transform military might into political power? As regional developments open new military and political arenas to the PKK, it is unlikely that the Turkish peace process will end with the Kurds disarming. Iraq