Explainer What Iraq’s US troop withdrawal means for security after Kirkuk killings As Iraq assumes full responsibility for its security following the coalition’s withdrawal, a disputed counterterrorism operation in Kirkuk is raising questions about accountability, public trust and lingering security gaps. Iraq
Analysis After US exit, Iran gains space in Iraq and a harder balancing act For Iran, the easier part may have been getting Washington out, but it may now have to struggle turning the absence into durable influence and reviving its allied militias without provoking instability. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Trump’s integration policies build on Gulf, Turkey ties and Syria success Iran’s influence, and the potential for renewed conflict, complicate progress in Iraq. Iraq
Newsletter: Security What the US withdrawal means for Iraq The US withdrawal from Iraq shifts responsibility for the country’s security to Baghdad as Iran-backed militias remain outside the government’s full control. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis Can Turkey’s Bashiqa withdrawal pave the way for deeper Iraq ties? By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis How militias in Anbar could complicate Iraq’s energy ambitions By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Xi, Trump set to talk Iran By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
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
Does Baghdadi’s death herald the end of IS? The Islamic State is unlikely to disintegrate after losing its leader as the factors that have driven the worldwide membership and activities of the group remain in place. Iraq
As PMU gets involved in Iraqi protests, rumors about military coup spread PMU leaders who have been silent about the protests have started to get involved, as rumors are spreading in the capital about a possible military coup in the country. Iraq