Turkey, Iraq sign oil-for-water deal: What to know

The landmark deal between Ankara and Baghdad sets out a finance mechanism to direct Iraqi oil proceeds into Turkish-built water infrastructure.

Turkey

Iraq hit by wave of political violence weeks ahead of national election

Authorities work to step up security ahead of the upcoming vote, which could again be marked by low turnout amid widespread frustration with the political process.

Iraq

Iraq's security chief visits Iran, steps up border and railway cooperation: What to know

Iraqi national security adviser Qasim al-Araji’s trip to Iran focused on efforts to deal with Kurdish groups on the border and a much-delayed railway linkage between the two countries.

Iraq

Who is Mark Savaya, Chaldean-American businessman named Trump’s Iraq envoy?

Mark Savaya supported Trump in the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections and was credited by the president with helping to secure votes in the battleground state of Michigan.

Iraq

Iraq to keep some US military advisers despite troop pivot to Kurdistan region

Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said some 300 US military advisers would remain at a key base in the country's Anbar province to keep eyes-on ISIS activities in the Anbar desert and prevent the jihadist group's resurgence in the Euphrates River valley.

Iraq

Analysis

Water for influence: Turkey moves to ease Iraq's water shortages ahead of elections

Turkey took the step in a bid to ensure that relations with Iraq's current and future leaderships remain manageable after the vote.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Exclusive

PKK leader Ocalan appeals to Iraqi Kurdistan president for help in Turkey peace talks

In a letter shared exclusively with Al-Monitor, the jailed PKK leader asks Barzani to help advance negotiations aimed at ending decades of conflict with Turkey.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Drought-stricken Iraq sends delegation to Turkey to discuss water cooperation

Turkey recently agreed to release more water to Iraq amid the drought in the country, indicating improving coordination on resource management after years of tensions over Turkish dams.

Iraq

US troops in Iraq shift to Erbil to focus on ISIS in Syria

The US mission against the Islamic State is relocating its headquarters and most of its troops from Baghdad to Erbil as the prime minister's coalition faces reelection in November.

Iraq

Iraqi cleric Sadr says he is ready for ‘escalation’ as tensions heat up ahead of elections

Muqtada al-Sadr has reaffirmed his intention to boycott the November elections following an alleged assassination attempt against him, leaving the country's political future uncertain.

Iraq

US lists 4 Iran-backed Iraqi militias as foreign terrorist organizations

Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited the militias' repeated attacks on US and coalition forces across Iraq.

Iraq

Israeli Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov released from captivity in Iraq

Tsurkov was kidnapped in Baghdad more than two years ago by the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah, prompting the US government and her family to work for her release.

Iraq