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
Iraqi artists, volunteers seek to restore morale in Mosul Singers, poets and volunteers try to revive pluralism in Mosul but old wounds, particularly between different religious groups, linger on. Iraq
New Iraqi chief embraces Iran-backed PMU despite US efforts Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units is establishing its position and influence in the government of new Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi. Iraq
Iraq’s governorates reject 2019 draft budget Iraq's 2019 draft budget is the target of major criticism by the Iraqi governorates and Kurdistan Region for not fulfilling their needs and demands. Iraq
Iran-backed PMU militias in Iraq raising profile Danish elite forces left the Iraqi-Syrian border area in late October against a backdrop of tension between Denmark and Iran. Iraq
Can new PM make Iraq's grand plans a reality? Iraq's new prime minister is making the economy a priority, but some question whether he will be able to tackle longstanding roadblocks that threaten his plan's success. Iraq
As protests continue, residents of Iraq's Basra call for autonomy Basra residents, who have been protesting to demand services and jobs, are disappointed with the new government for not appointing any minister from Basra and call for the establishment of a Basra federal region. Iraq
Will Iraqis get green light to enter restricted Green Zone? Iraq's new prime minister wants to lift at least some limits on entering Baghdad's Green Zone, but he is likely to face strong opposition from politicians and foreign diplomats there. Iraq
Iraq halts oil exports to Iran as new US sanctions begin Iraq has announced that it will stop the export of oil to Iran from Kirkuk fields to abide by the new wave of US sanction on Iran imposed Nov. 5. Iraq
School bells ring again at Mosul's Christian school Shimon Safa Elementary School has welcomed students of many faiths for years, and now the Christian school has opened again, thanks to the residents of the city. Iraq
US gives Iraqis an out on Iran sanctions Although Iraq continues to accuse Washington of meddling in its internal affairs, both countries have made concessions on Iran sanctions. Iraq
Iraq, Syria lay plans to reopen border Despite the ongoing threats from Islamic State militants along the Iraq-Syria border, the two countries are preparing to reopen important crossings. Iraq
Iraq working to make money, not burn it up in gas flares Iraq is making progress on its project to capture the potentially lucrative gas associated with oil extracted from its southern fields, which it has been burning off for decades. Iraq
