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
Does Iran even want Russia in Syria? Despite the stepped-up Russian role in Syria, it is still not clear whether Iran views this development in a wholly positive light. Iraq
Could Saudi-Iraqi ties be key to defeating Islamic State? As both Iraq and Saudi Arabia are threatened by the same enemy — that is, extremist groups — the two countries ought to build positive relations for the good of the region. Saudi Arabia
Descendants of Iraqi Jews preserve memories An unidentified bride and groom in a photo displayed at an Iraqi Jewish exhibit has been identified by the couple's son, explaining how their wedding photo ended up in Saddam Hussein’s cellar in Baghdad. Iraq
Will Saudi Arabia give up hajj management? The harsh criticism by various Muslim countries and other parties of Saudi Arabia over the most recent hajj tragedy may prompt the kingdom to take drastic steps to protect its reputation. Saudi Arabia
Congress shows renewed interest in Iranian opposition after nuclear deal Iran hawks tout MEK as way to keep pressure on Tehran. Iraq
Iraq's failing construction projects Corruption seems to be behind the failure of construction and development projects in Iraq. Iraq
Obama prepared to work with Putin to broker Syria transition Despite widespread condemnation of Russian airstrikes in Syria, signs of progress on UN-brokered talks on a political transition; Iran’s ties with Saudi Arabia and Egypt; the trend toward counterterrorism; United States should not treat Iraq as a "weak partner." Saudi Arabia
Should European states transport refugees themselves? Refugees and migrants are paying thousands of dollars to smugglers to reach Europe, so why don't European governments cut into the trade and provide the migrants safe transportation? Iraq
US-Iraqi relations need a reset US-Iraqi relations have had their ups and downs since the 2003 invasion and withdrawal of US troops in 2011, and currently require a reassessment to establish a solid partnership between the two parties. Iraq
Death no deterrent for Iraqi Kurds wanting better life in Europe Peshmerga and other residents of Iraqi Kurdistan are fleeing the region because of frustrations with the government, corruption and the declining standard of living. Iraq
Even clerics are joining Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units The phenomenon of clerics joining Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units to fight the Islamic State, while deemed beneficial by many, remains controversial. Iraq
Lenders rip off small Iraqi businesses Moneylenders are taking advantage of small business owners looking to expand their enterprises in Iraq, where support from banks is almost nonexistent. Iraq
