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
Iraq inches closer to Egyptian, Jordanian axis Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Jordanian King Abdullah II and Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi met in Cairo to discuss ways to enhance economic and strategic relations, as well as a unified Arab position toward the regional developments, including the US recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights. Egypt
IS children, the lost generation The misallocation of resources, social stigma and de facto administrative discrimination uphold obstacles to the reintegration of children in Iraq born under or recruited by the Islamic State. Iraq
Real Madrid plans to open Iraqi soccer academy The popular Real Madrid Football Club plans to establish a training academy for its many young Iraqi fans. Iraq
Will Iraq close all inspectors general offices? Iraq's parliament has passed a resolution to close all inspectors general offices, a move some fear may open the door to widespread corruption in the country. Iraq
Four-legged victims of war find peace in Jordan Forty animals from Rafah Zoo in the Gaza Strip, considered the worst zoo in the world, will join at the end of the month other rescue animals at Jordan's wildlife center aptly called New Hope. Palestine
Turkey relying on events to turn tide against Kurdish YPG A Turkish military operation in northern Syria does not appear to be in the cards, but Ankara is determined to use the threat of one to curb Kurdish aspirations. Iraq
Iraq begins painful task of identifying IS victims in mass graves With help from the United Nations, the Iraqi government has begun exhuming the mass graves of thousands of Yazidis killed by the Islamic State. Iraq
Iraq tells Mideast leaders Baghdad will take no sides Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has been busy meeting with regional leaders to expand Iraq's economic ties and promote an impartial political role in the Arab World. Iraq
Ferry disaster reveals challenges for Iraq in Mosul As the death toll of the sunken ferry hits 120, protests against corruption might lead to a backlash in Mosul, and the Iraqi parliament has voted to dismiss Ninevah province's governor. Iraq
Is the PKK lying low as elections approach in Turkey? Turkish officials credit ramped up security operations for a noticeable decline in activity by the Kurdistan Workers Party, but some suspect the organization is intentionally maintaining a low-profile in the lead up to local elections. Iraq
Iraq’s religious leaders join hands to promote peaceful coexistence Leaders of various religious groupings in Iraq have been holding meetings in places such as Lalish, Karbala, and Baghdad to join hands for peace. Iraq
Will Iraq lose its benefits from Shatt al-Arab River to Iran? The recent renewal of an Iraqi-Iranian agreement on the Shatt al-Arab River stirred controversy among Iraqis, as many are concerned Iran will take over the border river. Iraq