Turkey’s problem with Syrian Kurds far from over

Ankara has accepted the Russian proposal to have Kurdish participation in Syrian national reconciliation while excluding the PYD, but the latter will remain the elephant in the room.

Iraq

Iraq's PMU leaders 'resign' in preparation for elections

Several leaders in Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units have signaled that they are handing over control of their factions to the central government as they prepare to run in next year's elections, but some argue they will maintain their influence.

Iraq

Baghdad could take oil in new direction — away from Turkey

Now that Iraq's central government in Baghdad has reclaimed oil-rich Kirkuk from the Kurdistan Regional Government, Iraq is considering changes that could hurt Turkey's standing in the oil market there.

Iraq

Baghdad seeks concessions before negotiating with Kurds

Baghdad is demanding more than the Kurdistan Regional Government may be willing to give before the two sides can even begin talks to resolve their disputes.

Iraq

Iranian oil minister moves to forge new regional partnerships

At the recent OPEC meeting, Iran moved to protect its oil production and forge new regional partnerships.

Saudi Arabia

US elite troop training in Iraq lags after Mosul

The United States and its allies aren’t training elite counterterrorism forces fast enough to replace the losses incurred in the brutal fight against the Islamic State.

Iraq

As calls for disbanding Iraq's PMU rise, its influence expands

The voices of Iraq's Western allies are rising against the Popular Mobilization Units, demanding the dissolution of these forces, while the PMU is expanding its influence in the Iraqi state, making Prime Minister Haider al-Abbadi face tough choices.

Iraq

After decades of suppression, Baha'is celebrate publicly in Baghdad

Baha'is are celebrating a religious event publicly in Baghdad for the first time in their history in Iraq, as they gathered to commemorate the bicentennial of the birth of Baha’i faith founder Baha'u'llah.

Iraq

Kurds claim Turkish airstrike targeted refugee camp in Iraq

Fingers are pointed at Turkey as the dust clears from an explosion that killed five people in an Iraq refugee camp for displaced Kurds.

Iraq

Election wranglers manipulate fate of displaced Iraqis

The crisis of the displaced within Iraq has become a tool in the hands of political parties exploiting it for advantage in the upcoming election.

Iraq

Delay looks likely for Iraq elections, currently set for May

Iraq may wind up postponing its elections, currently set for the spring, because the legislature's lengthy struggle to pass a new elections law has extended beyond a constitutional deadline. Not everyone would be upset by a delay.

Iraq

Nightclubs, cafes still risky business for Iraqi women

Young women working in Iraq's nightclubs, casinos and even cafes often find themselves at the mercy of unscrupulous business owners and even mafiosos, in addition to suffering from public condemnation and little government protection.

Iraq