US court overturns Trump global tariffs: What it means for MENA Trump's defining economic policy of his second term has been dealt a key blow, upending a tariff regime that set levies in the Middle East as high as 41% for Syria even as most regional countries were insulated from the fallout. Syria
Analysis Despite warnings from Israel's defense elite, Netanyahu pushes for Iran strike Although Israeli advisers warn against appearing to drag the US into war, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not hidden his desire to help topple the Islamic Republic. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
In letter, US lays out 7 demands for next Iraqi PM, with emphasis on Iran The Trump administration is pressing Baghdad on Iranian influence and the nomination of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, with Iraq's top diplomat claiming the US stipulations include a "hint" toward potential sanctions. Iraq
Analysis Can Maliki overcome Trump opposition to reclaim Iraq’s PM post? US President Donald Trump’s opposition to the former prime minister and reports of potential retribution toward Iraq are receiving pushback in the country, which is already suffering from political paralysis. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Exclusive 100 non-Syrian Kurds return to PKK’s Qandil stronghold under SDF-Damascus deal By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Egypt advises Iraq to expel US, other forces in bid for stability Egypt is recommending that Baghdad expel all foreign forces, including those of the United States, from Iraqi territory following the US drone strike that killed Iran’s top Quds Force commander, Qasem Soleimani, at the Baghdad airport. Egypt
Iraqi minorities concerned about possible US troop withdrawal Iraqi minorities are afraid that rising tensions between Iran and the United States might end the US troop presence in the country. Iraq
Iraq’s sidelined Sunnis weigh options amid US-Iran conflict Iraq’s Sunni politicians, who are facing great challenges in managing areas still recovering from the damage caused by the Islamic State, worry that Iran-US tensions will have an added negative effect. Iraq
What's in store for Iraq's PMU after death of top commander? The Popular Mobilization Units will face fragmentation and division after the assassination of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was the backbone of the Iran-backed organization. Iraq
Interview Iraqi Kurdistan president: 'We are not scared of Iran, but we respect Iran' Assessing the aftermath of Qasem Soleimani's death, KRG President Nechirvan Barzani, in an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, calls for a reasoned, negotiated approach to Iraq's problems and for the Kurdish issue in the region. Nechirvan Barzani President of the Kurdistan Regional Government
Will Iraq's Sunnis form semi-autonomous region if US troops leave? Sunni politicians are said to be discussing the formation of a semi-autonomous Sunni region in Iraq following a parliamentary move supporting the expulsion of US troops from the country. Iraq
Intel: How many US troops do 2020 Democrats want to keep in the Middle East? Democratic presidential hopefuls started Tuesday’s debate by slamming President Donald Trump’s Iran policy and articulating their own vision for the future US force posture in the Middle East. Iraq
Pentagon considering reinforcing missile defenses after Iranian strikes After Iran's Jan. 8 ballistic missile attacks on an Iraqi air base housing US forces, the Pentagon is now challenged with preventing a repeat occurrence. Saudi Arabia
Christians in Iraq welcome 2020 with confidence and desire for change Iraqi Christians hope 2020 brings them more security and national acceptance and brings Iraq more unity and stability. Iraq
Iraqi PM urges Kurds to help rid Iraq of US troops Baghdad expects Iraqi Kurdistan to abide by its decision to remove foreign troops from the country, though Kurdish leaders say the US-led coalition is still helping to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State. Iraq
Fighters in Iraq's Anbar wary of US-Iran conflict as Denmark pulls forces Due to rising US-Iran tension in Iraq, Denmark has said it will pull most of its elite military trainers out of the country. Iraq
Senate Armed Services Chairman Inhofe endorses Iraq sanctions Key Republican leaders are lining up behind President Donald Trump’s threats to hit Iraq with crippling sanctions. Iraq