US warns of kidnapping threat in Iraq as Iran-backed militia hits diplomatic facility A number of US-related sites have been targeted by Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq, prompting Baghdad to bolster its air defenses. Iraq
Exclusive Baghdad, US turn to Iraqi Kurds for oil exports as Iran war hits supplies Baghdad wants Kurdish pipelines to move up to 200,000 barrels per day to global markets, but Erbil is demanding relief from a dollar embargo and greater autonomy over trade. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Why Israel's looking to Kurds to make gains against Iran regime Israeli-Kurdish relations are rooted in a common struggle against Islamic extremism and the Kurds’ strategic presence across Turkey, Syria and Iran. Israel
Analysis CIA, Mossad bolster Iran’s Kurds as US, Israel seek to ignite military revolt Israel hopes Iran’s Kurds, and other minorities, will mobilize to help bring down the Iranian regime. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Exclusive US-backed Kurdish forces poised to enter Iran from Iraqi Kurdistan 'within days' By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Kurds see opening yet remain wary as Trump seeks help to oust Iran regime By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iraq Needs Unity to Deal with Syria Crisis As foreign military intervention in Syria grows more imminent, the Iraqi authorities would do well to set aside their internal differences and take the necessary precautions should its neighbor’s conflict spill over onto its territory. Iraq
Syrian Kurdish Party Struggles With Dissent, Exodus In Amuda, the Democratic Union Party (PYD) has imposed a resolution banning Syrian Kurdish emigration after last month's mass exodus in pursuit of autonomy. Iraq
Dictatorship Is Not The Solution in Iraq The Iraqi government has been playing off people’s fears of a security vacuum to take increasingly dictatorial measures aimed at consolidating power in the hands of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Iraq
Iraq's Baha'is Continue to Face Persecution, Social Exclusion Despite recent efforts by religious authorities to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding, Iraq’s Baha’is are still subject to persecution and exclusion. Iraq
Iraq’s Premiership Needs Reform Iraq's judiciary ruled Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki eligible to run for a third term, but Iraqi lawmakers need to address more important reforms involving the position and government. Iraq
Religious Leaders in Najaf Support Iraqi Protesters Najaf’s influential religious authorities have come out in favor of the latest round of protests and their demands, and against the government crackdown. Iraq
Maliki to Run for Third Term Following Court Decision A Federal Supreme Court decision in Iraq has paved the way for standing Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to run for a third term of office. Iraq
Iraqi Politicians Mobilize Followers Through Feasts Given the tribal nature of Iraqi society, politicians often must seek the support of large clans to ensure success in elections. Iraq
Iraqi Secular Trend Responds To Religious Extremism In the face of increasingly influential religious forces, Iraq's secular and moderate figures attempt to play a part in developing the country’s national identity. Iraq
Delay in Action Against Syria Could Help Geneva II Track Bad memories of the Iraq invasion should lead to negotiations to end the Syrian conflict. Iraq
Maliki Launches Counterattack Against Opponents Iraq’s top court overturned a law that would have prevented standing Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki from running for a third term of office. Iraq
Iraqi Kurdistan’s Election Campaigns in Full Swing Unlike the electoral campaigns of the Iraqi local elections in April, the electoral campaigns now underway in Iraqi Kurdistan seem more organized and democratic. Iraq