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
Battling from their refugee tents: Meet the Kurdish peshmergas fighting to take back their homes Peshmerga living in the Baharka refugee camp in northern Iraq are fighting to retake their homes, insisting they will not stop until they succeed. Iraq
Will US, Russia find common ground in Syria? A common enemy, the Islamic State, should be the first step in an expanded international coalition; does Iraqi Kurdistan face the prospect of "administrative breakup"? Iraq
Is Iraqi Kurdistan splitting apart ... again? Political and economic tensions are chipping away at the autonomy, stability and unity of Iraqi Kurdistan as diverse local populations are calling for political reforms and an end to corruption. Iraq
Iraq’s ancient Kish City lies buried in sand Iraq’s Kish City has managed to overcome many natural disasters and neglect on the part of its residents and the government, but it has now been turned into a desolate site covered in sand. Iraq
Iraq's Kakai minority joins fight against Islamic State Some in Iraq’s Kakai minority group have claimed to be Muslim to avoid persecution, while others are working to form a militia to protect themselves. Iraq
Iraq tries to help shake stigma of orphans The Iraqi government and society must do more to end "honor killings" of women who give birth out of wedlock and to provide care and compassion for the children left behind. Iraq
Iraq sees exodus of minorities Large waves of emigration are dramatically depleting Iraq’s minority populations, especially Christians, with dire consequences for the country's future diversity. Iraq
Is it time to formally decentralize Iraq? Although Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi proposed a reform project to cut down government size, and thus government expenses, Iraq is in need of a decentralized plan. Iraq
Displaced Yazidis in Georgia find respite, but little else A small number of Iraqi Yazidis fleeing Islamic State attacks in 2014 headed for economically struggling Georgia, where the existing Yazidi community, itself formed by refugees escaping persecution, has been trying to assist them. Iraq
Iraq’s government, society struggle with widespread bribery Although Iraqis have recently taken to the street in protest of the rampant corruption among government officials, it seems that eliminating bribery is far-fetched as it is rooted in government officials as well as employees. Iraq
Republicans prepare for next round on Iran A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Sept. 14. Palestine
Will Iran reach truce with the Islamic State? Some members of Iran’s foreign policy elite are suggesting that Iran reduce regional military intervention — a policy that could help US President Barack Obama's administration sell the Iran deal to skeptical traditional allies and their US supporters. Saudi Arabia