Exclusive 100 non-Syrian Kurds return to PKK’s Qandil stronghold under SDF-Damascus deal The transfer of non-Syrian PKK fighters to Iraq’s Qandil Mountains follows a US-brokered SDF-Damascus deal aimed at easing tensions and preserving Kurdish forces under national army oversight. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iraq’s Maliki rejects Trump criticism, vows to stay in PM race Maliki refused to withdraw from the race, despite mounting pressure from the US, and expressed a desire for good relations with Iraq’s neighbors and Washington. Iraq
How US-India trade deal could impact Mideast energy, trade routes The United States and India struck a trade agreement on Monday that eases months of tension between the two countries and could influence Gulf oil flows and economic integration. Saudi Arabia
Iraq's Shiite bloc holds talks with Kurds as deadlock on president, PM persists The Shiite-led Coordination Framework reiterated its support for former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Saturday, despite vocal criticism by US President Donald Trump of the former premier. Iraq
Analysis After Trump’s rebuke, can Maliki rebound in Iraq, or does Sudani become favorite? By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Kuwait asks citizens to leave Iraq amid Baghdad unrest Protests are happening throughout Iraq following cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's announcement declaring he has given up on politics. Legacy: Gulf
Iran-linked attacks on US forces in Syria rekindle Iraq border concerns Tit-for-tat attacks by US and Iran-linked forces in eastern Syria have raised regional tension levels and questions about Iraq’s control of its western border and an area long controlled by Kataib Hezbollah in the center of the country. Iraq
KRG responds to Baghad's threat of legal action over oil dispute The federal Iraqi government argues that the autonomous region’s independent oil deals are unconstitutional. Iraq
Iraqi PM warns security forces to stay out of political conflicts The Iraqi judiciary resumed its work the day after powerful Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr ordered his supporters to withdraw from the Supreme Judicial Council. Iraq
Middle East is building a big lead in global hydrocarbon investments Gerald Kepes In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy trends
Sadrist protesters withdraw from Iraq's Judiciary after condemnation Sadrist protesters stormed the Judiciary this morning, raising concerns over stability in Iraq. Iraq
Iraq's prime minister attends Arab summit in Egypt’s New Alamein Leaders of Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain met today in Egypt's New Alamein city to discuss regional security and cooperation. Iraq
Will Iraq's Sunnis, Kurds support early elections? Iraq’s Sunni and Kurdish forces are closely watching developments between the Sadrist movement and the Coordination Framework, so as to take a political position on whether to dissolve parliament and hold early elections. Iraq
Kadhimi hosts national dialogue of Iraqi leaders to end political deadlock Iraqi political leaders joined today to discuss a roadmap for ending current political crisis, as part of an initiative for national dialogue, with all major parties except the Sadrists represented. Iraq
Syria, Iraq form joint business council Relations between Syria and Iraq were poor in the 20th century but have gradually improved in the security and economic spheres in recent years. Syria
Iraqi finance minister resigns over continuing political crisis Finance Minister Ali Abdul-Amir Allawi has resigned from his post in the Iraqi government. Iraq
Weapons warehouse blasts frighten Iraqis Concerns over whether weapons held in and near urban areas are being properly stored — and who is holding them — are being raised after several blasts of unclear origins near major Iraqi cities. Iraq