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
Why is Baghdad paying salaries of Kurdistan employees? Amid ongoing disputes between Kurdistan and the Iraqi federal government, Baghdad announced that it is going to bypass the Kurdistan Regional Government and pay their civil servants directly. Iraq
Iran's media unconcerned with Iraq-Saudi Arabia rapprochement Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s recent trips to Saudi Arabia appear to have been coordinated to reduce Iran’s influence in Iraq, but Iranian media outlets do not seem concerned by the apparent Iraqi-Saudi Arabia rapprochement. Saudi Arabia
US welcomes Kurdish backpedaling The United States sees a way out of the political crisis between Baghdad and Erbil as the Kurdistan Regional Government offers to suspend the results of its independence referendum and open dialogue. Iraq
Pentagon says Iraqi flight ban won’t impact US military assistance to Kurds US arms are getting through to the peshmerga, but crucial aid contractors are getting held up. Iraq
Abadi, Erdogan meet to form Kurdistan game plan Iraq's prime minister met with Turkey's president in Ankara today to solidify joint support for Baghdad as it battles to keep the Kurdistan region under Iraqi control. Iraq
Amid crisis with Erbil, Baghdad launches Kurdish TV programming Baghdad launches a Kurdish TV segment in an attempt to have direct contact with Kurdistan Region residents. Iraq
Kurdish crisis could benefit Iran-Turkey-Russia energy deal As markets react to Iraq's reclamation of Kirkuk oil fields, other countries stand ready to take advantage of opportunities being created for energy producers. Iraq
How Iran is winning game of chess in Kirkuk Iran’s game in Kirkuk is a microcosm of how its shrewd, long-term investment in Iraq is paying dividends. Iraq
Kurds in Turkey mourn losses of those in Iraq Despite a rousing vote in favor of independence, Kurds in Iraq apparently were unable to stay united long enough to hold off Baghdad government forces, leading some critics to conclude Kurds are their own worst enemies. Iraq
Iraq's Christians ponder future in wake of Kurdish independence vote Iraqi Christians are divided over whether their areas in northern Iraq should be a part of Kurdistan, the Iraqi central government or an entirely new autonomous area. Iraq
Are Russia, Iran outflanking the US in Iraq? Russia deftly manages potentially choppy ties with Iran, while the United States claims Iran "subverting Iraq." Iraq
Kurds in Iraq: Back to square one? The sudden shift in the balance of power between Iraq and its Kurdistan Region has been stunning, even by Middle East standards. Iraq
