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
Iraqi teachers resort to abuse of students With poor to absent government supervision and education policies, Iraq’s educational system seems to be stuck in the past. Iraq
Iraqi PM walks back criticism of Saudi Arabia On his first official visit to Washington, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi showed how hard it is for his country to juggle conflicting outside powers. Saudi Arabia
Iraq's brain drain continues The lack of security and the poor economy are forcing many young Iraqis to think about emigrating to the West, even if illegally. Iraq
After Tikrit victory, what's next for Iraqi forces? Although the Islamic State was heavily defeated in Tikrit, to sustain the victory of the many groups that fought this battle seems far-fetched as confusion prevails among them. Iraq
Turkish soldiers target villagers' mules Mules belonging to villagers living in the sensitive Uludere area have been shot by the Turkish military in its fight against what the state defines as smuggling and the locals see as legitimate trade over the Iraqi border. Iraq
Yemen war fuels Iraqi sectarianism Operation Decisive Storm has stirred different positions within the Iraqi religious and political circles, be they Sunnis or Shiites. Legacy: Gulf
Yazidis wary amid stalled Sinjar offensive Peshmerga forces near the front line in Sinjar await KRG President Massoud Barzani's orders to advance on the Islamic State. Iraq
Iraqi army sets sights on Fallujah, Mosul The battle for Mosul will be complicated by the Kurdish factor and the city's remaining population. Iraq
Iraqi cinema finds new direction Iraq’s film industry has long been stunted by a lack of funding and governmental restrictions, but young and energetic directors and producers are working to turn it around. Iraq
Iraqi residents denied return to town seized from IS Some four months after being retaken from Islamic State fighters, Jalawla, in the Kurdistan region, remains uninhabited and divided among peshmerga, Shiite militias and Asayish, with residents awaiting resolution of who will ultimately control it. Iraq
Iraqis turn to social media for IS coverage Iraqis are shunning broadcast and print media in favor of social networking sites to spread and follow news about the fighting against the Islamic State. Iraq
Ninevah monastery hopes for liberation Past regular visitors to St. George's Monastery, north of Mosul, have been saddened and horrified by the acts of destruction by Islamic State members at the site. Iraq