Oil falls as traders await 'toughest' economic sanctions on Iran Traders are awaiting details about new US measures sure to further disrupt Iranian oil flows. Iran
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 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
Iraqis protest corruption, lack of services while politicians blame everyone but themselves Protests in Iraq demanding the implementation of reforms across the country have taken a political course and engendered sensitivities, especially at the sectarian level. Iraq
More than a year on, who is to blame for the fall of Mosul? An Iraqi parliamentary report has faulted high-ranking political officials and military personnel for the fall of Mosul to the Islamic State and could provide Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi the ammunition he needs to push through government reforms. Iraq
Kurdish fighters struggle to pay bills Peshmerga fighters are committed to fighting the Islamic State, even though their salaries are not enough to make ends meet. Iraq
To veil or not to veil: Iraqi women face scrutiny over their choices Iraq's religious parties are increasingly forcing women to wear the veil through intimidation and repressive policies, to the frustration of secular progressives. Iraq
XXX trumps IS as Iraqi lawmakers focus on eradicating Internet porn A number of Iraqi parliamentarians recently signed a draft bill to block pornographic sites in the country, an effort some call a narrow approach to a complex issue. Iraq
Iraq's child soldiers Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units are following in the footsteps of Iran’s Basij in their recruitment and use of child soldiers. Iraq
Iran to export gas to Iraq soon, says Iranian official After the nuclear deal, Iran will need to deepen economic ties with Iraq, including the Kurdish Regional Government. Iraq
Violence in Turkey could push US to pick sides in Turkey, PKK battle The escalation of violence in Turkey is reaching such a magnitude that Turkey may not be an effective coalition partner against Washington’s priority, the Islamic State. Iraq
Iraqi Christians take up arms to regain lost land Iraq’s Christians are taking up arms to reclaim land now controlled by the Islamic State, but some worry their efforts could worsen the sectarian divide and further complicate the struggle against the terror group. Iraq
Yazidi infighting, disputes over Sinjar stall battle against Islamic State Kurdish political parties have formed various armed forces that are fighting for control of Sinjar, which is still not out of danger from the Islamic State. Iraq
Will Abadi's reforms work? Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi approved major reform measures for the country, but challenges, especially when it comes to implementation on the ground and within state institutions, still stand in the way. Iraq
Al-Qaeda's emir strikes back After 11 months of silence, Ayman al-Zawahri issues audio messages calling for terrorist attacks against the United States and its allies. Palestine