Newsletter: Daily Briefing Why Iran, US are drifting back to conflict Trump hosts Iraqi PM Zaidi; Bahrain sentences 3 to life in prison over ties to Iran's IRGC; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Trump hosts Iraqi PM Zaidi as Iran war intensifies President Donald Trump emphasized Iraq’s “tremendous oil reserves” and possible deals with US companies. Iraq
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran strikes tankers, US bases as Gulf conflict escalates Lebanon, Israel hold talks in Rome; Iraqi PM Zaidi to meet Trump; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
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? 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 By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
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
Sectarian Agenda Seeks 'Sunni Restoration' in Syria, Iraq Geoffrey Aronson writes that the sectarian agenda of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey in Syria is really about a "'Sunni restoration" in Iraq. Iraq
Iraqiyya Bloc Seeks to Gain From Sunni Unrest in Iraq The opposition Iraqiyya bloc, led by former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, is seeking to capitalize on protests by Sunni Iraqis against the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, writes Ali Abel Sadah. Iraq
Prisoner Release Raises Questions About Role of Iraqi Courts The role of Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Hussain al-Shahristani in the release of dozens of prisoners has raised questions about both the Iraqi courts and the reasons for the release, writes Mushreq Abbas. Iraq
Iraq Sends Mixed Signals on Syria Iraqi Shiites have not been quick to endorse the Syrian uprising, partly out of fear of the rise of Salafist groups, writes Mushreq Abbas. Iraq
Iraqi Kurds Press Ahead With Pipeline Plans Despite protests from Baghdad, the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq is moving ahead with plans to develop the infrastructure for an oil pipeline to Turkey, reports Abdel Hamid Zebari. Iraq
Turkey Seeks 'Interdependence' With Iraqi Kurdistan Turkish officials seek to set the record straight that Ankara seeks interdependence with, not independence for, Iraqi Kurdistan, writes Tulin Daloglu. Iraq
Iraqi Forces Confront Al-Qaeda Militants The Iraqi army is conducting military operations against al-Qaeda militants in western Iraq, with concerns that these groups are coordinating with terrorist groups in Syria, reports Ali Abel Sadah. Iraq
Iraqi Government Seeks Control Over Central Bank Some speculate that the deputy governor of Iraq’s central bank’s arrest for embezzlement is an attempt by the government to expand its control of the financial body, writes Omar al-Shaher. Iraq
Iraqi Kurds Endure Seven Years Of Waiting for New Constitution Negotiations continue on a draft new constitution for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq which would have the president be selected by the parliament, rather than directly elected by the people, reports Abdel Hamid Zebari. Iraq
Iraqi Sectarian Politics Contribute To Mismanaged Economy Sectarian politics has limited Iraq's ability to benefit from qualified economists and financial specialists in top government positions, writes Omar al-Shaher. Iraq
Maliki Makes Concessions on De-Baathification In what might be a bid to appease Sunni demonstrators, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has eased enforcement of de-Baathication laws, writes Ali Abel Sadah. Iraq
Iraqis Divided Over Iranian Car Ban The recent ban on Iranian car imports is expected to increase the price of automobiles in Iraq, writes Omar al-Shaher. Iraq