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
Honor killings in Iraq rekindle efforts to criminalize domestic violence There is once again outrage and calls for legal reforms in Iraq to protect women from being murdered at the hands of family members. Iraq
Iraqi parliament's attempt to amend electoral law met with anger The controversial amendment, which will benefit Iraq's larger political parties at the expense of independent ones, is causing political division in the country between the ruling coalition and Sadrists, among others. Iraq
Iraq's FM: We are in touch with the US, Iran to reduce tensions In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Fuad Hussein discusses US-Iraq economic relations, regional economic integration and sanctions on Russia and Iran. Iraq
Russia's Lavrov in Iraq, looks for sanctions relief Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s trip to Iraq focused on expanding energy and trade ties, while making a pitch for relief from US sanctions. Iraq
Iraq's PM in UAE as Abu Dhabi announces water project in Sinjar Iraq is pivoting towards the Gulf in its foreign policy while also seeking to maintain good ties with Iran. Iraq
Iraq lowers dollar-dinar exchange rate The Iraqi dinar has been depreciating against the dollar amid restrictions from the US Federal Reserve and other issues. Iraq
Trilateral Biden-Abdullah-Sudani call reiterated support for Iraq The Iraqi prime minister also discussed Iraq’s economic situation with the president as the dinar continues to slide against the dollar. Jordan's King Abdullah II was also on the call. Iraq
Pro-Iran group claims attack on Turkey's base in northern Iraq The so-called Bashiqa base, which has long been a source of tension between Ankara and Baghdad, is a frequent target of rocket attacks by pro-Iranian groups in Iraq. Turkey
OPEC+ likely to maintain oil output at meeting, in gesture to US While the OPEC+ group is expected to maintain oil production at its virtual meeting set for Feb. 1, global demand for oil is estimated to reach a record high in 2023. Gulf
Middle East corruption rankings: Syria most corrupt, UAE least, Turkey slipped Corruption remains rampant across the Middle East and North Africa, Transparency International reports, with the region’s average score in combating corruption hitting a new low of 38. Turkey
Strikes near Iraqi border mark widening regional battle against Iran Strikes widely attributed to Israel have hit an Iranian convoy near the Iraqi border after it crossed out of the country. Iran
Protests in Iraq amid local currency devaluation, Central Bank changes Restrictions from the US Federal Reserve, corruption, and Iraq’s lack of an electronic banking system have all led to the dinar’s recent fall in value against the dollar. Iraq