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
Iraqi children traumatized by IS violence The Islamic State has left Iraqi families, and especially children, traumatized amid persistent but insufficient efforts by international organizations. Iraq
PKK vs. Turkey: Violence plagues people of Basak Turkish security forces expand their operations to urban areas in the southeast of the country. Iraq
Who is targeting Iranians in Turkey? A series of attacks on Iranian interests in Turkey raises the question of why the PKK may seek to hit Iran at this point. Iraq
Speculation about Turkish civil war is just that Clashes between Turkish security forces and the PKK are intensifying and becoming more violent. Iraq
Peshmerga 'ready' to advance on IS Fighting continues between the peshmerga forces and the Islamic State, but the two sides seem to be in a holding pattern as the Peshmerga await commands from Baghdad and coordination with the United States to advance. Iraq
Iraq's disabled lack basic help The number of Iraqis with special needs is growing in light of ongoing wars and sectarian conflicts, while they face a lack of adequate physical and psychological rehab centers. Iraq
Iraqi dates shrivel awaiting production means Poor management of agricultural lands and a lack of planning and support by the government for farmers have whittled down Iraq’s production of dates. Iraq
Nuke deal won't change Iran's approach to region In the aftermath of the JCPOA, Iran and other regional powers are seeking to engage, but will likely pursue policies to strengthen positions ahead of anticipated talks. Saudi Arabia
Is Ankara headed toward all-out war with Turkey’s Kurds? Unless a deus ex machina like the United States enters into the equation between the Turkish government and the PKK, the clashes between the sides will continue. Iraq
Historic Iraqi homes, buildings fall to wrecking ball As urbanization is expanding in Iraq, construction companies are not taking into account the country's rich heritage and archaeological history, as historical landmarks are destroyed and replaced by modern buildings. Iraq
Turkey riles Kurds over bodies of dead fighters Turkey’s refusal to allow entry to the bodies of Kurdish fighters killed in Syria and Iraq has added to already simmering tensions between Ankara and the Kurds. Iraq
One year later, struggle continues for Yazidis Displacement has left Iraq’s Yazidis with very little, driving some to seek to leave the country and others to despair. Iraq