Turkey, Iraq leaders tout cooperation in Ankara, but major disputes persist The Turkish and Iraqi leaders signed 11 cooperation deals in Ankara, but talks yield no apparent breakthrough on suspended oil exports or electricity flow. Turkey
Exclusive Turkey stops electricity sales to Iraq after Baghdad fails to settle $70M+ bill Turkey halted electricity exports to Iraq over unpaid dues, straining ties as Baghdad faces a summer power crunch and unresolved Kurdish oil disputes. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Middle East churches, Al-Azhar, leaders mourn Pope Francis Pope Francis was praised by several regional leaders and churches, including Lebanon's Maronite Church and Iraqi officials, who noted his historic visit to Iraq in 2021. Lebanon
After steep fall, oil prices slightly recover following Trump tariff pause Over the last week, oil prices have plummeted amid the escalating trade war between the United States and China. Saudi Arabia
Exclusive Iraq seeks more compensation from Turkey, 'blocks' reopening of Kurds' oil pipeline By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Historic Sawa Lake disappears from Iraqi map The Sawa Lake in Iraq has been associated with tales of history and human activity for hundreds of years, but today it has turned into just another plot of the desert that used to surround it after it has completely dried up. Iraq
Iraq grapples with rising food costs as a result of Ukraine war Ripple effects from the Russian invasion of Ukraine are driving the Iraqi government to allot additional funds to ensure the food supply is stable. Iraq
Islamic State announces 'revenge' attacks during Ramadan Iraq has stepped up security amid an IS campaign called 'Battle of Revenge for the Two Sheikhs' that killed dozens in several countries in the first few days. Iraq
Anti-Iran fever heats up as Iraq's political deadlock continues As Iran-backed groups block the formation of Iraq's next government, frustrated voices are getting louder about Iran's meddling. Iraq
US urges Iraqi government formation as stalemate drags on The deadlock has left Iraq without a new budget amid the economic uncertainty stemming from Russia's war in Ukraine. Iraq
Alliance blocks formation of new Iraqi government An Iran-backed minority alliance has caused delays, and the process of creating a new Iraqi government may take many months. Iraq
Turkey launches offensive against PKK targets in northern Iraq In a critically timed spring offensive, Turkey has hit dozens of targets associated with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party and killed 19 fighters. Turkey
Islamic State uses dust storm as cover for desert attack on Iraqi soldiers An Islamic State cell operating in Iraq’s largely desert province of Anbar killed two Iraqi soldiers the day after an armed drone allegedly from Iran-linked armed groups was shot down at a major base hosting coalition forces in the same area. Iraq
Iran's new Iraq ambassador affiliated with Quds Force Iran appointed the country’s fourth ambassador to Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, and similar to his predecessors he is part of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iraq
Iraq's political deadlock: three scenarios Iraq's new parliament has failed to form a government and the political scene is stuck in a difficult deadlock, indicating that the crisis is likely to continue for a long time. Iraq
Attacks target US forces on both sides of Iraqi-Syrian border IRGC-linked armed groups are presumed to be behind attacks on bases hosting US-led coalition forces this week in both Iraq and Syria that resulted in minor injuries but no deaths. Iraq
Iran-linked militias torch KDP office, after IRGC strike on Erbil Tension is mounting between Iran-linked armed factions and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq after repeated attacks on the largest Kurdish party office in the capital and threats. Iraq