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
Iraq outlines plans to rebuild country, inspire tolerance Iraqi officials say they are ready to reconstruct the country and heal the populace devastated by the Islamic State. Iraq
Iraq’s PM concludes tightrope regional tour Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's tour — which spanned Saudi Arabia, Iran and Kuwait — aimed to maintain regional balances amid discussions on post-IS preparations and regional aid to Iraq. Saudi Arabia
Kurds reaching critical juncture in US partnership The United States and Kurds currently share a partnership of convenience in Syria, but Kurds are looking ahead warily to the role they might be asked to play as US policy evolves. Saudi Arabia
Islamic parties intimidate, fear atheists in Iraq Islamic parties in Iraq have intensified their rhetoric against atheists, with one prominent cleric calling for them to be confronted with an "iron fist." Iraq
Recapture of Iraq-Syria border point heralds new regional reality The move by the Iraqi and Syrian governments to link the forces under their command along their border is a new reality on the ground. Iraq
Civilians face death, hunger in western Mosul Civilians and particularly children in areas that are still under control of the Islamic State live in very difficult situations, facing death, hunger and illness. Iraq
LGBT community struggles for recognition, rights in Iraqi Kurdistan Due to the strong conservative culture in Iraqi Kurdistan, the LGBT community faces a difficult situation, but there are some signs of growing acceptance. Iraq
Pioneering program makes aerial survey of Iraqi antiquities Iraq, in cooperation with UNESCO, has conducted a comprehensive aerial survey of archaeological sites in Ninevah province to prepare for repairing and maintaining the sites. Countries
For many of Iraq's Yazidis, going home is not an option Although Sinjar has mostly been liberated from the Islamic State, the traumatized Yazidi community remains largely displaced and reluctant to return home to where the suffering began. Iraq
Remaining civilians flee booby-trapped, sniper-infested west Mosul As Iraqi forces clear the recently liberated Zinjili neighborhood in western Mosul, the civilians who are finally leaving now find themselves caught in the crossfire. Iraq
Kurdish independence in Iraq will take more than a referendum The Kurdistan Regional Government has its work cut out for it to achieve an independent Kurdistan, as its plans would require the cooperation of some unlikely players. Saudi Arabia
Public fuss over KRG referendum gives way to private nods The regional players are buzzing after the Kurdistan Regional Government announced it will hold a referendum on independence, and signs point to tacit support from the United States and Turkey. Iraq