Iraq's Shiite alliance nominates Ali al-Zaidi as PM candidate: What to know Ali al-Zaidi, who leads a bank accused of money laundering, received support from previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki and incumbent Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, though it remains unclear whether the Trump administration will approve of him. Iraq
Split over Maliki, Iraq’s Shiite bloc delays PM vote as deadline nears: What to know Two other candidates have emerged as alternatives to Coordination Framework nominee and former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who is openly opposed by the Trump administration. Iraq
How Syria's border opening with Iraq redefines Turkey-Kurd balance After years of closure, the reopening of al-Yaaroubiya crossing is redrawing Kurdish economic leverage and reinforcing Turkey’s regional strategy. Syria
IMF slashes Mideast outlook by nearly 3 points as Iran war hits economies The International Monetary Fund cut gross domestic product forecasts for the Middle East and North Africa, with the fallout from the conflict exposing stark divergences between the region’s energy exporters and importers. Iran
Exclusive 'King of Iraq': Top judge Zaidan played key role in Shelly Kittleson's release By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis How fast can Gulf energy production rebound after US-Iran ceasefire? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Tuk-tuks to the rescue in Iraqi unrest Iraqis disdained tuk-tuk drivers and their vehicles until their volunteerism during the ongoing anti-government protests made them national heroes. Iraq
Iraq on display Iraqis are rising up against their corrupt government, but how can these revolutionary protests lead to lasting change? Iraq
Rep. Elissa Slotkin praises Iraq protests, warns against Iran missiles at Al-Monitor breakfast Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., discussed Iraq and Syria at Al-Monitor’s Middle East Mornings breakfast. Iraq
New scandals pour more fuel on Iraq protests The popular protests in Iraq are still spreading, putting the government into even more of a corner. Iraq
Djerejian: In addressing uprisings in Middle East, first 'do no harm' Former US diplomat Edward Djerejian also sees opportunity for US diplomacy in Gulf crisis. Saudi Arabia
Protesters in Iraq’s Nasiriyah fear Iran-backed armed groups In the southern Iraqi province of Dhi Qar, activists say they fear they will be targeted by Iran-backed armed groups. Iraq
As Iraqi calls to amend constitution rise, Kurds fear loss of political gains The Kurdistan Region of Iraq is concerned that forthcoming Iraqi constitutional amendments will diminish their rights and lead to the loss of Kirkuk. Iraq
Is Iran trying to hijack Iraqi protesters’ demands? Political parties in Baghdad that are close to Iran may be trying to use Iraqis' ongoing protests as an excuse to change the parliamentary system to a presidential one — something the protesters have never asked for. Iraq
Amr Moussa: In five years, 'you will not recognize' Mideast In an interview, the former Egyptian foreign minister and secretary general of the Arab League reflected on the changes taking place in the region. Iraq
Can Iraqi PM weather ongoing protests? With an increase in the use of violence against protesters in Iraq, the call for change is also rising among internal and external actors. Iraq
Religious authorities give Iraqi government new lifeline While key religious leader Ali al-Sistani wants parliament to establish a road map for change, Iraqi politicians are doing what they can to chip away at protesters' demands. Iraq
How Russia sees protests in Lebanon, Iraq Russian officials have adopted a wait and see approach to the ongoing protests in Lebanon and Iraq, but the stance has some principles Moscow follows. Iraq
