Trump congratulates Iraq PM-designate Zaidi in call: What to know The US President was openly critical of previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki, seen as too close to Iran, but is now welcoming the new candidate put forward by Iraq’s leading Shiite bloc. Iraq
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
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
Najaf’s wax statues kindle meltdown for conservative Iraqi clerics The exhibition of wax sculptures in a museum in Najaf, a conservative Shiite city, marks a major reformist development and a cultural breakthrough. Iraq
Iraq's Sistani becomes top target as elections approach Both militant and media efforts to undermine top Shiite cleric Ali al-Sistani are increasing, likely part of a campaign to reduce his influence and hold him and others accountable for corruption in the Iraqi government. Iraq
Will Great Mosque of Samarra and its minaret survive? The 1,200-year-old minaret of the Great Mosque in Samarra is in dire need of restoration, which the Iraqi authorities and UNESCO have started working on. Iraq
Pentagon seeks massive boost in bomb budget for Iraq, Syria The Defense Department wants $1.8 billion for precision-guided munitions to finish wiping out the Islamic State. Iraq
Tribal disputes flare in southern Iraq over water scarcity The water crisis in Iraq's southern regions has led to several conflicts between tribes as they fight over the depleted resource, and the Iraqi government appears unable to stop it. Iraq
KRG delegation arrives in Afrin as Turkey offensive softens Kurdish split A delegation of Iraqi Kurds from rival political parties arrived in the Syrian Kurdish enclave of Afrin in a show of Kurdish solidarity. Iraq
Iraq's gazelles under threat from illegal traffickers Iraq tries to increase the number of its endangered Goitered Gazelles by placing them in reserves, but lack of funding remains a challenge. Iraq
Pentagon budget retains same troop levels in Iraq, Syria The Donald Trump administration’s new budget for the Pentagon leaves in place nearly 6,000 US troops in Iraq and Syria. Iraq
Is the sun setting on KDP-PUK dominance in Iraqi Kurdistan? Poverty, widespread disillusionment and the emergence of new political players could spell the beginning of a new political era in Iraqi Kurdistan. Iraq
Iraq’s Sunnis want PMU out of their cities as elections near Sunni parties are pushing for the withdrawal of factions of the Popular Mobilization Units from Sunni areas for fear they might influence upcoming legislative elections. Iraq
US support for Kurds in Iraq, Syria unaffected by tensions with Turkey The Pentagon is standing by Kurdish fighters in Iraq and Syria despite growing political pressure to back off, according to a government audit. Iraq
US maintains mystery about long-term intentions in Syria Remember that "border force" the US said it was, and then wasn't, forming in Syria? Apparently, it's already there. Iraq
