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
Pentagon reports troop surge in Middle East Newly released Pentagon figures show a surge in US troops deployed across the Middle East this summer. Saudi Arabia
Kirkuk residents demand truth about fate of their missing The families of people who have gone missing from Kirkuk and other disputed areas in Iraq over the past decade hope that the federal government retaking these areas will lead to more information on their fate. Iraq
Last IS-held Iraqi town retaken amid car bombs, IEDs Iraqi security forces seized Rawa, the last Islamic State-held town located in Anbar province, after a circuitous and dangerous journey to their destination. Iraq
Fear of extinction pushes Basra’s Christians to isolation In light of the threats of extremists over recent years, Christians in Basra lack confidence in the local authorities for securing their safety. Iraq
Baghdad increases pressure on KRG with budget cut By cutting the Kurdistan region’s share of the national budget for 2018, the Iraqi central government continues to implement punitive measures in response to the Kurdish independence referendum. Iraq
Iraqi authorities clamp down on sectarian hate speech During the Shiite Arbaeen pilgrimage this month, the Iraqi government took legal measures to stop extreme groups from insulting Sunni religious figures. Iraq
Jordan photo exhibition displays hope for victims of war, violence A recent photo exhibition showed victims of war and violence during their treatment at the Medecins Sans Frontieres hospital in Amman and post-reconstructive surgery. Iraq
Border crossings deepen Baghdad-Erbil conflict Baghdad insists on taking control of the Kurdistan Region's border crossings with Turkey and Iran, while authorities in Erbil refuse to hand them over to Baghdad. Iraq
Iran, Turkey divide Saudi-led bloc Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi is opposed to plans by the other members of the Anti-Terror Quartet to confront Iran and Hezbollah in the Levant, to maintain Lebanon's relatively stable position. Saudi Arabia
Iraqi Islamist MPs' proposal would allow child marriage Iraq's parliament is considering an amendment that opponents say would severely violate the rights of women and children and send the country's legal system back to a "primitive era." Iraq
Turkish aid arrives in Kurdistan Region following earthquake After at least 400 people were killed and nearly 7,000 people were hurt in a 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit the Iran-Iraqi Kurdistan border yesterday, Turkey has pushed aside its anger over the Kurdish independence efforts and stepped in to help. Iraq
Iran, Turkey have own plans for Iraq's strategic Sinjar The Islamic State has been largely driven out of Iraq, but Turkey and Iran both remain intensely interested in certain areas. Iraq
