Congress sounds alarm on weaponization of Syrian aid

The US Congress is warning that Turkey and Russia could join the Syrian government in blocking humanitarian aid for the war-torn country even as lawmakers seek to redirect it from regime-held territory.

Iraq

Tehran decries foreign influence in Iraq protests

Though they acknowledge the legitimate demands of Iraqi protesters, Iranian officials are focusing on the role of foreign countries they accuse of using the protests to create chaos and instability.

Iraq

As Syria constitution talks kick off, is Kurdish administration 'finished'?

As representatives from Syria's government, opposition and civil society meet in Geneva to draft a new constitution for the war-torn country, Al-Monitor spoke with French academic Fabrice Balanche on prospects for the talks.

Iraq

Clock ticks down for Iraqi PM as protests rock the country

The blocs that put Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi in office seem to be sacrificing him to save their political interests.

Iraq

Dangers persist as Iraqi border crossing opens and IDPs return

Recent geopolitical shifts in eastern Syria will affect western Anbar, given the porous Iraqi-Syrian border, the recently reopened Qaim-Abu Kamal crossing and scores of returning families.

Iraq

Why is Russian military skeptical about US claim of Baghdadi's killing?

The Russian military's incredulity about the US raid that killed Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has some basis in practical reasons that go beyond just "great power jealousy."

Iraq

Intel: What’s fueling Iraqi anger at the government

Iraqi protesters have returned to the street in force over the past five days for the second time since early October.

Iraq

Iraqi Kurds spurn Turkish goods to back Syrian kinsmen

Kurds in Iraq are boycotting products from Turkey to show support for their brethren in Syria who are under attack by Ankara.

Iraq

US set for risky IS mission with leader’s death in Syria

Saturday’s raid that took the life of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi offered a preview of what’s to come for the slimmed-down, US-led fight against IS, officials and experts say, which is now set to focus extensively on targeting the group’s leaders from larger US bases in Iraq and American units in Syria.

Iraq

Iran downplays significance of Baghdadi's death

Iranian officials have shrugged off the news that the United States killed the Islamic State leader.

Iraq

Basra Museum struggles to keep Iraq's heritage at home

The Basra Museum displays around 2,200 objects from the Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian and Hellenistic eras — 100 of which were reportedly looted and returned to Iraq from Jordan and the United States.

Iraq

New IS leader takes over following Baghdadi’s death

A closer look at the Islamic State's first leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's chosen successor, Abdullah Qardash, offers some insight into what's next for the terror group.

Iraq