Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran dismisses Trump’s ‘Economic D-Day’ threat Saudi Arabia wants Iran-backed militia 'heads to roll' in Iraq; Turkey denies military presence at Syrian base hit by Israel; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Interview Barzani calls for enhanced air defense for Kurdistan Region to counter drone attacks Iraqi Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani backs US-led regional economic integration efforts and lauds US partnership in an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor. Masrour Barzani KRG Prime Minister
Exclusive Saudi Arabia wants Iran-backed militia 'heads to roll' in Iraq amid talks with Tehran Riyadh is pressing Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to act against the groups behind attacks on the kingdom as Baghdad struggles to balance ties with Tehran and Washington. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Explainer Iraq seeks special Hormuz access from Iran in scramble to keep oil flowing As Iran's parliament speaker holds talks in Baghdad, Iraq has asked Tehran for special consideration for its oil exports. Iraq
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Syria blames Israel for strikes on military airport in Idlib By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
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
Is it time for a historic paradigm shift in the Persian Gulf? Could this be the moment for the countries in the Gulf region to realize they have a lot in common and take steps to reduce conflict? Legacy: Gulf
Shiite protesters get broad backing throughout Iraq Though the majority of Iraqis currently protesting are Shiite, many other groups are supporting and participating in the massive demonstrations. Iraq
As Iraq’s demonstrations continue, what comes next? Iraq's demonstrations are important and outside actors should pay heed and do what they can to help prevent a catastrophic outcome. Iraq
Is Iran’s honeymoon in Iraq over? Protesters in Iraq are directing their wrath toward Iranian influence in their country. Iraq
Risking Turkey’s ire, Iraqi Kurds back Syrian brethren The oft-disunited Kurds of Iraq, Syria and Turkey are united against Turkey's invasion of areas in Syria where Kurds had achieved self-rule. Iraq