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
Al-Qaeda in Iraq Targets Baghdad's Green Zone Al-Qaeda in Iraq has increased its violent attacks to exploit the political and sectarian turmoil gripping the nation, focusing on the Green Zone in Baghdad, writes Mushreq Abbas. Iraq
Iraqi Kurdistan Region Showcases Culture on Nowruz In light of the relative autonomy the Iraqi Kurdistan region has gained over the years, the region has begun to showcase its own unique culture through events like its annual Nowruz festival, writes Abdel Hamid Zebari. Iraq
Iraq: Mixed Legacy In Saddam's Hometown Tikrit, Saddam Hussein’s hometown, has paid dearly for its association to the former dictator, with residents feeling isolated and marginalized from the Iraqi political process, writes Ali Abel Sadah. Iraq
New Iraqi Budget Deepens Housing Crisis Iraq’s most disadvantaged residents continue to suffer from a housing shortage, as the government’s 2013 budget has decreased allocations for home loans, writes Omar al-Shaher. Iraq
Iraqi Politicians Stoke Flames Of Religious Sectarianism Ten years after the American-led invasion of Iraq, the fabric of Iraqi society appears to be more frayed than ever, as politicians exploit renewed sectarian sentiments for personal gain, reports Mustafa al-Kadhimi. Iraq
Muqtada al-Sadr Lashes Out Against US, Maliki Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has recently adopted methods used by his Lebanese counterpart Hassan Nasrallah, as Sadr mobilizes his supporters to protest against foreign powers and tyrannical regimes, writes Ali Abel Sadah. Iraq
Maliki Re-Elected as Head Of Dawa Party Under an almost full media blackout, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was re-elected as head of the Dawa Party for the third time, in what may mark the beginning of his battle to win a third prime ministerial term, Mushreq Abbas reports. Iraq
What Russia Learned From the Iraq War Moscow believes that "strategic insanity" has taken hold in Washington since the Iraq war, based upon the erosion of the pillars of regional stability and its flirtation with Islamists, writes Fyodor Lukyanov. Iraq
Iraqi Judiciary Fails Rape Victims Incidents of rape are not receiving much attention in Iraq, as political divisions and protests take center stage in the country’s media, reports Bushra Al Mudhafar. Iraq
Suicide Attack Targets 'Symbol of Justice' in Iraq The March 14 suicide attack on the Ministry of Justice has only heightened tensions in an already divided Iraq, writes Omar al-Shaher. Iraq
Disappointment for the 'New Iraq' Ten years after the end of Saddam Hussein's regime, many Iraqis feel disappointed that not much progress has been made, writes Mustafa al-Kadhimi. Iraq
Maliki's Opponents Mull Next Move Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is facing threats to his rule from both Kurdish and Sunni quarters, which seek to undermine confidence in his ability to govern, writes Ali Abel Sadah. Iraq