Analysis Iraq’s Zaidi offers economic promise for Turkey but unknowns loom Iraq’s prime minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, is expected to sustain growing economic and strategic ties with Turkey thanks to his business-oriented approach, though uncertainty over his political stance could test cooperation on sensitive issues. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis US banking on Iraqi turnaround with nomination of Zaidi as new PM Trump signals hope for a "tremendous new chapter” in US-Iraq ties with the nomination of Ali Al-Zaidi as prime minister. By Week in Review
Analysis MENA wheat importers face food security risks as Hormuz crisis festers Home to many of the world's largest wheat importers, the Middle East and North Africa face acute food security risks as the US-Israel-Iran war disrupts global fertilizer flows and pushes up prices. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Trump congratulates Iraq PM-designate Zaidi in call: What to know The US President was openly critical of previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki, seen as too close to Iran, but is now welcoming the new candidate put forward by Iraq’s leading Shiite bloc. Iraq
Will Trump see eye to eye with Erdogan's plans in Iraq, Syria? Ankara is hoping to find harmony with the incoming US administration on its fight against the Islamic State. Iraq
As IS loses power, will group tap women jihadis to fight? As the Islamic State suffers successive defeats in Iraq’s Mosul and Raqqa in Syria, it's increasingly likely that the women of the organization will shift from their traditional supportive roles to become suicide bombers or fighters on the front lines. Iraq
Why many Fallujah residents have yet to return home The city of Fallujah is not safe enough yet for residents to return, as IS cells are still operating and some are afraid of revenge by the Iraqi forces. Iraq
What fate awaits Kurds fighting for the Islamic State? The future seems desolate — and short — for Kurds who joined IS. Iraq
Iraqi students protest uniforms in universities Iraqi universities have imposed conservative uniforms on students as a result of a push from Islamic parties, but students are protesting the decision. Iraq
Should Baathists have role in post-IS Iraq? Former Baathists, some of whom have collaborated with the Islamic State (IS), are now looking to take on a prominent role in the post-IS recovery. Iraq
Why Moscow won't recognize genocide against Yazidis in Iraq The newly established Yazidi Congress in Russia is the first political platform uniting all Yazidis in their quest to urge Russia to recognize genocide against Yazidis in Sinjar, Iraq. Iraq
Iraq considers proposal of agricultural licensing rounds for foreign investors The Iraqi government is studying a licensing proposal that would allow foreign investment in agriculture to increase revenue from agricultural production. Iraq
Will Trump bring better future for Iraqis? Many Iraqi officials and citizens have welcomed Donald Trump's presidential victory due to his stances against terrorism and in favor of a secure region. Iraq
Thousands of civilians at risk in Mosul crossfire Civilian casualties are mounting during the Mosul operation, as thousands of people are stuck on the battlefield. Iraq
How IS is trying to thwart progress in Mosul operation Islamic State militants are trying to find security breaches in various areas to distract the Iraqi forces from the operation to liberate Mosul and thus slow down their advance. Iraq
Why Turkey's hostile stance doesn't worry PYD leader PYD leader Salih Muslim told Al-Monitor they are not worried about Ankara's hostile stance toward the PYD and YPG, and ruled out Turkish military action targeting al-Bab in Syria. Iraq