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
To counter Iranian sway, US promotes Iraqi-Saudi ties Top Trump administration officials say they see countering Iranian influence in Iraq as important to strengthening Baghdad and preventing destabilizing fissures that helped make way for the Islamic State. Saudi Arabia
Iraqi Christian politicians denounce church's intervention in politics Statements from the Christian clergy and political blocs in Iraq show a conflict between the church and Christian political parties on controlling the Christian political discourse. Iraq
Kurds lose, but that doesn't mean Turkey's a winner The Kurdistan independence referendum backfired and Kurds are suffering, but Turkey might want to hold off on celebrating until it considers the long-term consequences. Iraq
Iraq's female booksellers turn the page on gender roles Iraqi women have started operating their own bookstores in different Iraqi cities, challenging the country's book selling industry that has been dominated by men. Iraq
How Iran helped Baghdad seize back Kirkuk The Iraqi government’s rapid recapture of Kirkuk from Kurdish forces was made possible by Iranian intervention. Iraq
Turkey pledges to back Baghdad against Kurds Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim praised the capture of Kirkuk by Iraqi forces as Turkey continues to express outrage over the Kurdish vote for independence. Iraq
Will Turkish-Iraqi alliance against Kurds hold? Ankara is happy that the Baghdad government has regained control over Kirkuk, but questions remain whether Turkey and Iraq can agree on the city’s future status. Iraq
Congress threatens to withhold arms from Baghdad Allegations that Shiite-majority militias allied with Iraq’s central government have used US military equipment against Kurds in the disputed Kirkuk province has sparked outrage among US lawmakers. Iraq
Iran Quds commander pays respects at Talabani's tomb as Kirkuk crisis escalates Qasem Soleimani in Iraqi Kurdistan; Turkey looks to Syrian tribes for allies; UN Syria envoy seeks to build on cease-fire progress with "realism." Saudi Arabia
All eyes are on Hezbollah in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor As the war is heating up in eastern Syria, specifically in Deir ez-Zor, the Lebanese Hezbollah movement and allied fighters are vying with US-backed Syrian democratic forces for control of areas liberated from the Islamic State. Iraq
Kurdish referendum inspires statehood for Iraq's Sunnis too Last month's Kurdish independence referendum in Iraq has inspired some of the country's Sunni leaders to call for their own autonomous state in its Sunni areas. Iraq
Congress clashes with Trump administration over aid for Iraqi Christians The Senate is under pressure to quickly pass a House bill encouraging the State Department to bypass the United Nations in doling out humanitarian assistance. Iraq
