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
Iraqi Kurds Join Pro-Erdogan Protests Fearing setbacks in Kurdish-Turkish relations, Iraqi Kurds have taken to the streets in support of Erdogan, whom many regard as being the most tolerant of Turkey’s leaders toward the Kurdish population. Iraq
Foreign Oil Companies in Basra Caught in Political Crossfire Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s State of Law coalition has lost control of the governorship in the oil-rich province of Basra, adding a new wrinkle to oil disputes in the region. Iraq
Barzani Seeks Compromise On Draft Constitution Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani has called together Kurdish factions to discuss controversial aspects of the region’s long-awaited draft constitution. Iraq
Opposition in Iraqi Kurdistan Questions Population Figures Population growth and density have become a hot topic among the Iraqi Kurdistan Region's opposition parties, as changing figures will inevitably affect election outcomes. Iraq
Iraq Moves Troops To Syrian Border As attacks and casualties continue to increase, Iraqi authorities have sent troops to the border with Syria in an effort to slow the flow of jihadist fighters, Iraq
Fewer Iranian Religious Tourists Are Visiting Iraq's Holy Places Economic and security concerns have led to a marked decrease in the number of Iranians visiting Iraq as religious tourists. Iraq
Iraq, Kuwait Chart a New Path Settling the borders issue as a sine qua non condition for normalization between Kuwait and Iraq. Kuwait
Political Alliances Shift in Baghdad An Iraqi alliance bringing together Sunni and Shiite parties has succeeded in forming the local government in Baghdad without the participation of the prime minister's State of Law Coalition. Iraq
Iraq Closes Anbar Crossing As Sunni Protests Continue The authorities in Baghdad have closed Iraq's border crossing linking Anbar province to Jordan, a move some see as punishment for the region's continual protests against the government. Iraq
Iraqi Government Takes On Illiteracy With rising illiteracy rates across the country, particularly in rural areas, the Iraqi government has launched initiatives to boost literacy. Iraq
Iran Focused on Elections, Syria, Not Iraq Baghdad has some breathing room as Iran has been preoccupied with elections and the war in Syria. Iraq
Self-Immolation Continues Among Iraqi Kurdish Women Despite improvements in the condition of women under the Kurdistan Regional Government, cases of self-burning by Iraqi Kurdish women still take place. Iraq