Meet Ali al-Zaidi, businessman and Iraq's new prime minister-designate Legal sources familiar with the nominee told Al-Monitor that there are no US sanctions on Zaidi or financial institutions affiliated with him. Iraq
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
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
Iraq, China launch 'oil for reconstruction' agreement Baghdad has forged a 20-year deal to supply Beijing with oil in exchange for Chinese investments in projects to repair Iraq's war-damaged infrastructure. Iraq
Iraqi government seems powerless against protesters even as 'unknown' snipers take toll For the seventh day in a row, protesters challenge the Iraqi government across Baghdad and the south; the death toll rises to nearly 120 as unidentified snipers pick off demonstrators. Iraq
Iranian officials growing concerned about Iraqi protests Iranian officials have become concerned over the growing protests taking place in neighboring Iraq. Iraq
Iraqi youth to government: We’re not going to take it As young Iraqis vent against their government, Iran is already positioning itself for the fallout, as its proxies hit the streets. Iraq
Iraq protests continue despite calls for calm Protests continue in Iraq for the fourth day in a row despite the prime minister's and other figures' efforts to calm the streets. Iraq
Iran's influence seen in transfer of Iraqi war hero The recent transfer of a widely popular commander is thought to be an Iranian-backed effort to discredit Iraq's Counterterrorism Service, which is seeking to maintain its independence and military capability. Iraq
Iraq on fire as protests spread across the south Protests have escalated in Baghdad for the third day in a row, spreading toward southern Iraqi cities. Iraq
Iran claims to have foiled terror plot against Qasem Soleimani The head of the IRGC’s intelligence organization claims it foiled an assassination plot on Qasem Soleimani, the IRGC’s Quds Force commander. Iraq
Pentagon to expand brain trauma treatment for terror war veterans The Defense Department plans to expand a program that transitions veterans of the war on terror in the Middle East from Pentagon health care to the Department of Veterans Affairs to include traumatic brain injuries, a signature wound of the 17-year war. Iraq
As anti-Iran sentiments rise, protests erupt in Iraq Thousands of angry young Iraqis took to the streets, calling for dignity, transparency and services. Iraq
Iran welcomes Saudi signals for de-escalation Archenemies Iran and Saudi Arabia appear to be closer to de-escalating tensions that have recently risen to all-time highs. Saudi Arabia
