Exclusive

Iraqi Kurdish leader Barzani to meet Syria SDF commander Kobane in historic step

Iraqi Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani will meet SDF commander Mazlum Kobane in a major step toward easing regional tensions and advancing US-backed reconciliation efforts.

By Amberin Zaman

In Paris, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Khamenei pushes for US withdrawal from Iraq in meeting with Sudani

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s trip to Tehran is his first since the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and comes ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

Iran

Exclusive

Syria's new Islamist rulers reduce Iraq's appetite for US troop withdrawal

Iraq's prime minister is heading to Iran to discuss concerns about Syria's new rulers, as Baghdad is considering the delay of the US troop withdrawal to address regional instability.

By Amberin Zaman

In Paris, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Analysis

Middle East turns 2024 page with new Syria order, Israel's multi-front war

Hamas and Hezbollah experienced major losses at the hands of Israel in 2024, while the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria sent shockwaves throughout the region.

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Analysis

Does Israel warning foreshadow shift on Iraq policy under Trump?

​“Israel will not hesitate to do whatever is necessary” to protect its people, Israel’s UN ambassador tells Al-Monitor.

By Andrew Parasiliti

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security

Exclusive

Iraqi national security adviser finds 'pigeons' but no US forces at Kurdish airfield accused of targeting Iran

A senior Iraqi official has toured an air base in Iraqi Kurdistan and verified that it has been evacuated of US troops, despite Iranian claims that it continues to be a source of drone strikes.

By Amberin Zaman

In Paris, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Turkey pummels Kurds in Syria over Ankara attack amid overtures to PKK leader Ocalan

The timing of the attacks has spurred speculation that hawks on both sides are seeking to torpedo efforts to end the conflict between the Turkish army and the PKK.

Turkey

Turkey says 2 PKK members behind TUSAS attack, ramps up airstrikes in Iraq, Syria

With funerals for victims underway, Turkish officials identified the attackers as operatives of the Kurdish militant group.

Turkey

Gulf governments silent as Iran, proxies mourn Hamas' Yahya Sinwar

Regional governments have not commented on Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar’s killing by Israeli forces in Gaza, but Iran and its proxy groups mourned his death, vowing that the resistance against Israel will continue.

Palestine

Turkey’s Erdogan meets KRG President Barzani ahead of Iraqi Kurdistan vote

Barzani’s visit comes just amid Turkey's nascent attempt to use diplomacy, alongside ongoing military measures, to solve the 40-year-old Kurdish conflict.

Turkey

Interview

NATO deepens engagement with Iraq as US prepares to withdraw

In an exclusive Al-Monitor interview, Lucas Schreurs, commander of NATO Mission Iraq, explains the scope of his outfit's mandate.

Commander of NATO Mission Iraq

Lucas Schreurs

Middle East airlines alter, axe flights following Iran missile attack on Israel

Late on Tuesday, Iran launched more than 180 ballistic missiles at Israel in what it said was in retaliation for last Friday’s assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, the chief of Lebanon-based militia Hezbollah.

Lebanon