Iraq hit by wave of political violence weeks ahead of national election Authorities work to step up security ahead of the upcoming vote, which could again be marked by low turnout amid widespread frustration with the political process. Iraq
Iraq's security chief visits Iran, steps up border and railway cooperation: What to know Iraqi national security adviser Qasim al-Araji’s trip to Iran focused on efforts to deal with Kurdish groups on the border and a much-delayed railway linkage between the two countries. Iraq
Who is Mark Savaya, Chaldean-American businessman named Trump’s Iraq envoy? Mark Savaya supported Trump in the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections and was credited by the president with helping to secure votes in the battleground state of Michigan. Iraq
Iraq to keep some US military advisers despite troop pivot to Kurdistan region Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said some 300 US military advisers would remain at a key base in the country's Anbar province to keep eyes-on ISIS activities in the Anbar desert and prevent the jihadist group's resurgence in the Euphrates River valley. Iraq
Analysis Water for influence: Turkey moves to ease Iraq's water shortages ahead of elections By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Exclusive PKK leader Ocalan appeals to Iraqi Kurdistan president for help in Turkey peace talks By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iraqi cleric Sadr says he is ready for ‘escalation’ as tensions heat up ahead of elections Muqtada al-Sadr has reaffirmed his intention to boycott the November elections following an alleged assassination attempt against him, leaving the country's political future uncertain. Iraq
US lists 4 Iran-backed Iraqi militias as foreign terrorist organizations Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited the militias' repeated attacks on US and coalition forces across Iraq. Iraq
Israeli Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov released from captivity in Iraq Tsurkov was kidnapped in Baghdad more than two years ago by the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah, prompting the US government and her family to work for her release. Iraq
Senate bill threatens funds for US-Iraq military coordination amid troop drawdown A new measure could sharply limit funding for key US diplomatic office that manages the flow of Washington’s support for the Iraqi Armed Forces if Baghdad does not crack down on Iran-aligned militias. United States
Iraq announces ISIS network busted in West Africa: What to know Activity by the Islamic State’s West Africa branch is increasing, according to some observers, and Iraq is looking to strengthen counterterrorism coordination with other states. Iraq
Analysis Iraqi Kurdish factional feuds erupt anew with violent arrest of Lahur Talabani Violent clashes in Sulaimaniyah underscore long-standing political tensions and a scramble for influence in Iraqi Kurdistan. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
12 international, local firms bid to operate Iraq's Mosul airport destroyed by ISIS Iraq seeks to develop its air sector now that security conditions have improved in the country, hoping to play a bigger role in regional transit corridors. Iraq
Iraq begins exhuming ISIS mass grave at Al-Khasfa thought to hold 3,000+ victims In 2024, Human Rights Watch said that hundreds of thousands of victims remain buried in mass graves across Iraq, including those killed under former President Saddam Hussein. Iraq
Analysis Lebanon key to Trump plan for turnaround in Middle East The final "This Week" column reflects on US policy toward Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Gaza. By Andrew Parasiliti In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security
Iran security chief visits Iraq, Lebanon as Baghdad weighs pro-Iran militia law Ali Larijani, who was recently appointed to head Iran’s top security body, has embarked on visits to Iraq and Lebanon as Baghdad faces US pressure to contain Iranian-backed groups. Iran
Kurdish militants return abducted Turkish agents as fragile peace push continues The handover is seen as a confidence-building measure, as Erdogan seeks a deal with militants to secure Kurdish support for extending his presidency beyond 2028. Turkey
Middle Eastern countries face new Trump tariffs: What to know European and Asian markets fell again on Friday amid a broad selloff due to the economic uncertainty caused by the tariffs. United States