Analysis

20 years after US invasion of Iraq, what lessons remain? 

With the Pentagon now refocusing elsewhere, and with Iran getting closer to nuclear weapons by the day, the widening post-Iraq American boots-on-the-ground Middle East vacuum is cautiously being challenged by China.

By Gilles Kepel

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.

Legacy: 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.

Legacy: 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.

Legacy: Gulf