Turkey, Iraq leaders tout cooperation in Ankara, but major disputes persist The Turkish and Iraqi leaders signed 11 cooperation deals in Ankara, but talks yield no apparent breakthrough on suspended oil exports or electricity flow. Turkey
Exclusive Turkey stops electricity sales to Iraq after Baghdad fails to settle $70M+ bill Turkey halted electricity exports to Iraq over unpaid dues, straining ties as Baghdad faces a summer power crunch and unresolved Kurdish oil disputes. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Middle East churches, Al-Azhar, leaders mourn Pope Francis Pope Francis was praised by several regional leaders and churches, including Lebanon's Maronite Church and Iraqi officials, who noted his historic visit to Iraq in 2021. Lebanon
After steep fall, oil prices slightly recover following Trump tariff pause Over the last week, oil prices have plummeted amid the escalating trade war between the United States and China. Saudi Arabia
Exclusive Iraq seeks more compensation from Turkey, 'blocks' reopening of Kurds' oil pipeline By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
International oil firms stop operations as Iraqi-Kurdish oil dispute continues A Kurdish official told Al-Monitor that the Kurdistan Regional Government disagrees with an Iraqi government proposal to resolve the issue, as the stoppage of oil exports to Turkey threatens the autonomous region's economy. Iraq
Iraqis continue to protest controversial electoral law amendment An amendment was passed by the Iraqi parliament that critics say will benefit larger political parties at the expense of independents that emerged following the 2019 Tishreen protests. Tunisia
Analysis Iran-Iraq agreement about more than borders Tehran reinforces position in Iraq with border deal; Syria heats up despite Arab rapprochement; Iraq-Turkey manage differences on water, oil and PKK. By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti
Iraq marks somber Ramadan amid economic, political crises The holy month used to be a special time for Iraqis, filled with spiritual and social activities. But it has lost meaning due to the ongoing economic crisis and political conflict in the country. Iraq
Kuwait’s Agility awarded $1.65 billion in dispute with Iraq's Korek The Kuwaiti logistics firm accused Korek, which is owned by Kurdish military commander Sirwan Barzani, of using corruption to expropriate its stake. Gulf
Turkey, Iraq laud cooperation, but major disagreements remain Sudani on his first visit to Ankara, stressed the importance of Iraq’s sovereignty in the two countries' fight against terrorism. Turkey
Iraqi Kurdish authorities hand over remains of Syrian Kurdish elite forces from mystery helicopter crash Circumstances of the helicopter crash have raised even more questions about the mission of those onboard. Syria
2023 Mideast happiness rankings: UAE, Israel happiest as Lebanon hits bottom The Middle East and North Africa region remains the least happy region after sub-Saharan Africa globally, but several regional nations have become happier in comparison to the previous period. Gulf
Iran, Iraq sign security deal boosting border cooperation The deal follows the Islamic Republic escalating its attacks on Kurdish groups in Iraq amid the ongoing protests in Iran. Iran
With few job openings, Iraqi youth find work in creative ways As Iraq’s economy struggles, Al-Monitor spoke to young Iraqis who are making money via video games, social media and other means. Iraq
Explainer: How Iraq planted the seeds for China's Saudi-Iran deal Iran and Saudi Arabia finalized their negotiations in Beijing after five sessions of mediation in Baghdad since 2019. Gulf
Questions linger as US-backed Kurd forces say Iraq chopper crash victims were theirs The Syrian Democratic Forces said two helicopters carrying its elite forces had crashed en route to Sulaiymaniyah. Iraq