Iraq’s Zaidi doubles down on militia disarmament, boosting oil exports Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi made the comments amid Hormuz-related export struggles and a nearing deadline for armed groups to disarm. Iraq
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran dismisses Trump’s ‘Economic D-Day’ threat Saudi Arabia wants Iran-backed militia 'heads to roll' in Iraq; Turkey denies military presence at Syrian base hit by Israel; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Interview Barzani calls for enhanced air defense for Kurdistan Region to counter drone attacks Iraqi Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani backs US-led regional economic integration efforts and lauds US partnership in an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor. Masrour Barzani KRG Prime Minister
Exclusive Saudi Arabia wants Iran-backed militia 'heads to roll' in Iraq amid talks with Tehran Riyadh is pressing Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to act against the groups behind attacks on the kingdom as Baghdad struggles to balance ties with Tehran and Washington. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Syria blames Israel for strikes on military airport in Idlib By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
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
Who will govern Kirkuk? As Baghdad appointed a temporary governor after reimposing its authority in Kirkuk, three main proposals are available to find a long-term governing solution for the coveted city. Iraq
Key Iraqi border town retaken amid regional power plays With the liberation of the city of Qaim, along Iraq’s westernmost border with Syria, IS has been eliminated almost completely from Iraqi territory. Iraq
Congress abandons constraints on Kurdish aid US lawmakers wary of Iraqi Kurds’ independence push have shelved their concerns amid Baghdad’s Iran-backed push to reassert control. Iraq
Turkey’s misguided Middle East policy: From Syria, Iraq to the Gulf Turkey’s misguided foreign policy has increasingly become apparent in three main spheres: Syria, Iraq and the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia
Dust storms sweep across Iraq as government solutions falter Dust storms are becoming a growing problem in Iraq, leaving many human victims as well as environmental damages and economic losses in their path, and the government's attempts to counter the storms have so far been unsuccessful. Iraq
Kurds divided over blame for loss of Kirkuk The recapture of Kirkuk by Iraqi forces in the aftermath of the independence referendum is a heavy blow for Kurds in Iran, Syria and Turkey. Iraq