Turkey to repatriate its ISIS fighters from Iraq as jihadis escalate Syria attacks Ankara will repatriate its nationals from among thousands of fighters transferred from Syria, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said. Turkey
Here is what to know about Kuwait-Iraq maritime dispute Arab Gulf countries expressed support for Kuwait’s sovereignty after Iraq sent a revised map of its maritime borders that reignited a decades-old dispute over sea boundaries between the two neighbors. Kuwait
US envoy Barrack oversees Chevron deal in Iraq amid Iran influence row The Trump administration is maintaining pressure on Iraq over the nomination of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and the influence of Iran-backed militias in the country. Iraq
US court overturns Trump global tariffs: What it means for MENA Trump's defining economic policy of his second term has been dealt a key blow, upending a tariff regime that set levies in the Middle East as high as 41% for Syria even as most regional countries were insulated from the fallout. Syria
Analysis Despite warnings from Israel's defense elite, Netanyahu pushes for Iran strike By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Can Maliki overcome Trump opposition to reclaim Iraq’s PM post? By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Exclusive 100 non-Syrian Kurds return to PKK’s Qandil stronghold under SDF-Damascus deal By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Liberation of Iraq's Hawija delayed yet again Due to the disagreement between Iraqi forces linked to Baghdad and the Kurdish forces, the liberation of Hawija has been delayed several times. Iraq
How Iraq is planning to secure key border road US security companies have been assigned to secure highways linking southern Iraq to the West, but it may face many difficulties, including being targeted by armed militias. Iraq
Trump's generals wonder: What comes after Raqqa? A senior US official says Turkish bombing of Syrian Kurdish forces is adding a new level of complexity to US efforts to defeat the Islamic State and retake Raqqa. Iraq
How Iraqis view Iran’s influence in their country Iranian statements on the role of Iraqi armed groups in protecting Iranian national interests are a violation of Iraq’s national sovereignty, Iraqi officials say. Iraq
Is Turkey trying to disrupt Raqqa operation? In the lead-up to President Erdogan's Washington visit next month, Turkey's recent air attacks in Syria and Iraq might be a message that Turkey intends to play a more involved role in those countries. Iraq
Sunnis fear spread of Shiite influence in Samarra Residents and political representatives in the predominantly Sunni city of Samarra take issue with what they see as increased Shiite influence in the city. Iraq
Will Iraqi government-PMU disputes spiral into armed clashes? With the Islamic State nearly defeated in Iraqi cities, disputes between PMU-affiliated Shiite factions and the Iraqi government have surfaced, threatening future military clashes between them. Qatar
Complex deal frees kidnapped Qatari royals, two Saudis Various versions of a recent hostage deal are circulating that include, potentially, political motivations, millions of dollars in ransom, exchanged military prisoners and relocated civilians. Saudi Arabia
How the IDF is plotting Islamic State's next move Israeli intelligence expects the Islamic State to relocate after it loses the battles over Mosul and Raqqa. Iraq
Does Erdogan expect Trump to ditch Syrian Kurds? US and Turkish presidents talk, agree to meeting in Washington; Saudi-Iraqi ties hit Iranian ceiling; Turkey sees al-Bab as safe haven for displaced Syrians. Saudi Arabia
Chemical attacks and narrow streets complicate fight for Mosul’s Old City The fight against the Islamic State in western Mosul has reached the level of door-to-door fighting, with many challenges and dangers regarding the safety of civilians and the use of chemical weapons by IS. Iraq
Why is Khulafa Mosque's minaret on verge of collapse? The minaret of the historic Khulafa Mosque in Baghdad is on the verge of collapse, which may spark sectarian tension in the city. Iraq
