Iraq - AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

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Iraq

November 1, 2026

Baghdad 2:46 am

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Zaidi

Iraq's Zaidi meets Sharaa on first Syria visit: What to know

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has sought to assuage concerns about his past militant activity in Iraq, whose oil trade and security cooperation with his two country is rising.

Safin HAMID / AFP via Getty Images

Iran says deal reached with Iraq to expel Kurdish separatists: What to know

Iran said an agreement was reached with Iraq to expel or hand over members of Kurdish separatist groups based in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Trucks loaded with goods wait to cross over to Syria

Analysis

How Hormuz crisis is reshaping economic ties between Iraq and Syria

Iraq and Syria are expanding trade and energy cooperation, but security risks, economic challenges and longstanding mistrust raise questions about whether their growing partnership can endure.

Shelly Kittleson

By Shelly Kittleson

In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Oct. 14, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Iraq’s Zaidi, Saudi crown prince discuss security as Houthi attacks escalate

Iraq has moved to improve ties with Saudi Arabia after Iran-backed militias struck the kingdom and amid the conflict with the Houthis in Yemen.

Latest News

Explainer

PKK pulls out of Metina in northern Iraq amid Turkey peace process

Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) fighters arrive in the northern Iraqi city of Dohuk on May 14, 2013, after leaving Turkey as part of a peace drive with Ankara.

Analysis

Why Syria and Iraq are taking different approaches to armed groups

Demonstrators ride through a street while waving Syrian flags

Shelly Kittleson

By Shelly Kittleson

In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics

Iraq devalues dinar 13% as Hormuz disruption hits oil revenue

A man walks past a closed foreign exchange office in Baghdad on October 7, 2026. Iraq's central bank devalued the dinar currency against the dollar on October 7, with the country facing a deepening crisis brought on by the Middle East war. (Photo by AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP via Getty Images)

Explainer

What Iraq’s US troop withdrawal means for security after Kirkuk killings

A member of the Iraqi security forces flashes the victory sign during a military parade

Amberin Zaman

Chief Correspondent

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Jared Szuba

Defense and Security Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Beatrice Farhat

Associate Editor (Lebanon)

In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict

Suadad al-Salhy

In Baghdad, reporting on politics and security

Lyse Mauvais

In Amman, reporting on humanitarian crises

Winthrop Rodgers

In Sulaymaniyah, reporting on Kurdish issues

Iraq slum

How can Iraq help 3.5 million citizens living in urban slums?

The government and parliament in Iraq are working to address the slum housing crisis, facing obstacles and wide social and political opposition.

Iraq's newly-elected President Abdul Latif Rashid waves during his inauguration and handover ceremony at al-Salam Palace in the capital Baghdad on Oct. 17, 2022.

New Iraqi president takes office, government expected next week

Iraq's new president commenced his duties, and the designated prime minister will form his Cabinet next week.

An undated image of Rashid.

Iraqi lawmakers elect Abdul Latif Rashid as new president

The often-deadlocked parliament chose a veteran Kurdish politician as president, who in turn designated Muhammad Shia al-Sudani for the prime minister position.

Flag

Rockets hit Baghdad's Green Zone as lawmakers gather to select Iraq's president

As lawmakers were preparing to select the country's president, several rockets hit the area around the parliament building.

AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP via Getty Images

Iraqi parliament sets date to pick president

The Iraqi parliament is set to meet Thursday to select the president and from there, form a new government.

Representatives of OPEC member countries attend a press conference after the 45th Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee and the 33rd OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting, Vienna, Austria, Oct. 5, 2022.

Iraq's commitment to OPEC oil reduction won't affect exports

Iraq's oil reduction per the recent OPEC+ agreement will not affect the country's revenues, according to Iraq's oil minister.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi (2nd right) and his Jordanian counterpart, Bisher al-Khasawneh (2nd left), are seen during the launching ceremony of the electrical grid connection project between the two countries, Anbar province, Iraq, Oct. 6, 2022.

Iraq, Jordan launch electrical grid connection project

Iraq and Jordan launched a project for an electrical grid connection between the two countries in order to improve Iraq's electricity situation and boost economic ties between the two countries.

Nasiriyah protest

Iraq situation ‘highly volatile,' envoy warns Security Council

The UN’s envoy to Iraq delivered a scathing indictment of the country’s political class during today’s Security Council briefing, decrying its exposure of the population to severe risks.

Kadhimi in Erbil

Iraqi PM, in Erbil, makes case for national dialogue

Iraq's political deadlock continues amid fear of a new wave of violence erupting in the streets.

Halfaya oil field in the al-Kahla district in the city of Amara south of Baghdad on July 26, 2022.

Abu Dhabi port operator signs oil transport deal with Iraqi firm

AD Ports Group is seeking to expand its international business, recently making agreements in Egypt and Uzbekistan to this end.

Iraq protest

Baghdad prepares for Tishreen protest amid political deadlock

Tishreen movement, supported by Sadrists, plan to march tomorrow in Baghdad on the anniversary of the sweeping protests of 2019.

AFP via Getty Images

Iran vows to strike back if US destroys more of its drones over Iraq

Iran has vowed to respond to any “hostile actions” after an Iranian drone was reportedly shot down en route to Erbil.