Interview Yadlin: Israel's war goal to weaken Iran, not immediate regime change Israeli leaders are aware that Washington will decide when the war ends whether or not Israel has achieved its war aims, Yadlin told Al-Monitor.
Oil jumps above $100 as energy crisis called worst in history: What to know The latest spike is the second time in a week that oil prices have climbed above $100 a barrel. Iran
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
Analysis CIA, Mossad bolster Iran’s Kurds as US, Israel seek to ignite military revolt 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
Iraq’s Security Apparatuses Focus On Human Rights In an ever unstable security situation, Iraq’s security apparatuses have a reputation for violating human rights and resorting to extreme use of force, a reputation the government is working to do away with. Iraq
Iraq: Iran’s Economic Gateway To the World Amid strict international sanctions, Iranian exports are increasingly flowing into Iraqi markets as one of its few remaining lifelines in the region and around the world. Iraq
Drug Use Spreads Among Iraqi Youth There is a growing drug problem among Iraqi youth, who deflect criticism of their drug use by offering social and economic justifications. Iraq
Iraqi Defense Ministry Asks KRG To Return Saddam-Era Weapons The Iraqi Ministry of Defense has filed a lawsuit against the Kurdistan Regional Government, claiming that the latter has failed to return Saddam-era weapons and military equipment. Iraq
Iraqis React to Lynchings in Egypt The lynching of Shiites in Egypt demonstrates just how far-reaching sectarian tensions in the Middle East and the Arab world have become. Egypt
Iraqi Kurdistan Offers Loans to Tourism Sector To keep up with its quickly growing tourism sector, the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government has begun offering loans to those wishing to build hotels and other touristic facilities. Iraq
Iraqi Kurdish Opposition Challenges Draft Constitution With elections slated to take place in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region this fall, opposing political figures have begun to exchange accusations. Iraq
Iraqi First Deputy Speaker, From Sadr Bloc, Resigns Amid Queries The unexpected resignation of Iraqi parliamentary first deputy speaker Qusay al-Suhail has raised questions on all sides of the Iraqi political spectrum. Iraq
Iraqis Question Costly Pensions For Parliament Members Reactions to a draft law from Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s State of Law Coalition to do away with costly MP pensions are further embroiling the Iraqi political scene in controversy. Iraq
Iraqi Political Will Lacking For New Electoral Law Most observers consider it unlikely that Iraq will consider revising its electoral law ahead of the 2014 elections. Iraq
Iraqi Politicians Find Common Ground Elusive As Iraq’s political crisis intensifies, political parties should focus on areas of agreement, not escalting differences. Iraq
Maliki’s Losses in Local Elections Reflect Failed Economic Policies Losses by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s State of Law Coalition in recent provincial elections are the result of growing frustration with failed economic policies. Iraq