Analysis On first foreign trip, Iraqi PM Zaidi woos Trump but Iran casts long shadow Iraq's new prime minister is in Washington promising business deals and closer ties with the United States, but convincing the Trump administration he can rein in Iran-backed militias may prove his toughest challenge. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
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 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
Anbar Council calls for end to military siege by Iraqi government forces Local leaders in Anbar seek a local solution to the current crisis. Iraq
ISIS foreign fighters spur backlash in Iraq, Syria Many Sunni Iraqis and Syrians are fighting back against the foreign fighters and extreme practices of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). Iraq
Iraq’s future uncertain as Anbar escalates Recent clashes in Anbar have made Iraq's future even more uncertain. Iraq
Iraq: Four armed groups fighting in Fallujah The fighting in Iraq’s Anbar province is complex, with forces belonging to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), local tribes, al-Qaeda and assorted armed groups. Iraq
Geneva II must achieve peaceful solution The Syrian government, the Syrian opposition and the world must take advantage of the opportunities afforded by Geneva II to bring peace to Syria. Saudi Arabia
Resolution of Anbar crisis requires security, political coordination Baghdad must combine security and political efforts to bring an end to the current crisis involving al-Qaeda and the Sunnis in Anbar province. Iraq
Unregulated hunting threatens Iraqi bird populations While Iraq has long enjoyed a rich heritage of hunting, modern techniques and a lack of regulation are severely diminishing certain native species and harming the environment. Iraq
Suicide bombers disguised as pilgrims infiltrate Iraq The suicide bombers who have been striking Iraqi pilgrims are motivated by jihadist ideology. Iraq
Basra governor speaks about corruption, security challenges In an interview with Al-Monitor, Basra governor Majid al-Nasrawi spoke about corruption and said the city has hired a British security consulting firm to advise it on contracts. Iraq
Lebanese Shiite cleric calls for building inclusive state In an interview with Al-Monitor, Lebanese Shiite cleric Hani Fahs said that the region must work toward peace, and citizens should work to build inclusive states. Iraq
Ending Iraq's demonstrations won't solve Sunni crisis The Sunni demonstrations may not last much longer, but their end will not mean that Iraq’s sectarian problems have been addressed. Iraq
Iraq fails to attract domestic capital Due to the deteriorating security situation as well as underdeveloped financial and banking apparatuses, Iraqi capital has been migrating outside the country. Iraq