Iraq’s Sadr says 'exclude' armed groups from next government as pressure builds The cleric's call comes as Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi tries to form a government amid political divisions and US demands to curb the influence of Iran-backed actors. Iraq
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Hormuz clashes cloud diplomacy as US awaits Iran response US strikes and renewed exchanges in Hormuz cast doubt on the ceasefire as the Trump administration awaits Tehran’s response to a new proposal. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
US sets expectations for Iraq’s next PM to confront Iranian militias The Trump administration is cautiously sizing up Iraq’s new prime minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, as a potential partner in pushing back on Iranian influence. Iran
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 MENA wheat importers face food security risks as Hormuz crisis festers By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Iraq's unknown future It's no secret that Iraq’s present situation is dire; however, the question is still pertinent regarding what we can expect for the nation’s future. Iraq
Diyarbakir is ready for the historic visit Diyarbakir is ready for the visits of Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government President Massoud Barzani and Kurdish singer in exile Shivan Perwer, upon Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s invitation. Iraq
Turkey’s restart in regional and foreign energy policies Ankara is recasting its policies toward Cyprus, Israel, Azerbaijan and Iraq. Iraq
Turkey charts new course in Iraq Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's recent visit to Baghdad, Najaf and Karbala is the latest sign of a new, dual-track policy on Iraq that is endorsed by the United States. Egypt
Iraq: Oil companies tighten security following attack Following the Nov. 1 attack on the Ahdab oil field in southern Iraq, foreign oil companies operating in the country have tightened security measures while the government tries to ease concerns. Iraq
House Intel Committee Chairman worried about bad deal on Iran Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI), Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, says Congress should pass further sanctions on Iran. Saudi Arabia
Turkey returns to balance in Baghdad, KRG ties Turkey is flirting with Baghdad while dancing with Erbil. Iraq
Iraq's Jaafari law would violate human rights A draft law that would impose the principles of Jaafari jurisprudence on Shiite marriages would violate many human rights protected under Iraq's civil code. Iraq
Iraqi elections will be about Maliki Iraqi electoral coalitions are expected to fragment before the upcoming general election in April 2014. Iraq
Turkey's approach toward Iraq's Shiites will reduce sectarianism Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has visited the holy Shiite cities of Najaf and Karbala, as Ankara shifts its approach toward Iraqi Shiites. Iraq
Some Iraqis remain in Damascus despite war Many Iraqis who live in Syria prefer to stay despite the war, because they consider the killings in Baghdad to be more "random." Iraq
Iraqi security services infiltrated by terrorists Extremist militias are acquiring official security and military uniforms and equipment which allow them to further compromise the country’s already unstable security situation. Iraq