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
Sadr committed to forming Iraq's first majority government The Coordination Framework, comprised of several Shiite parties is seeking a national unity coalition modeled on previous governments, while Sadr whose bloc won the majority of seats seeks majority government. Iraq
Baghdad airport hit with rockets, no one hurt No group has claimed credit for the latest attack. Iraq
Syrian prison battle leaves hundreds dead and many IS free A massive attack on detention facilities in northeastern Syria under US-backed, Kurdish-led forces has ended after almost a week of fighting, though the fate of some hostages remains unclear. Iraq
Iraqi parliament speaker’s home targeted amid power plays At least three rockets landed near a residence of the Iraqi parliament speaker in his native Anbar region on Tuesday as political wrangling, disappearances and threats from Iran-linked militias continue. Iraq
Iraqi Federal Court rejects appeal to nullify selection of parliament speaker The selection of parliament speaker has been upheld as the federal court rejected the request of the Coordination Framework to cancel the process. Iraq
Iran, Iraq exchange accusations over water flow Iraq is planning to complain to the International Court of Justice about the drop in water flow from Iran. Iraq
Islamic State escalates violence across Baghdad Belt Terrorist attacks increase as Iraq continues government formation process. Iraq
Islamic State wipes out entire army outpost in Iraq’s Diyala The latest major Islamic State attack in Iraq left 11 dead, including soldiers and their commanding officer, at an army outpost in a restive area northeast of Baghdad. Iraq
Iraqi army boots PKK-linked leader’s statue from Sinjar, arrests fighters The Iraqi army has arrested several fighters from a PKK-linked Yazidi faction operating in Sinjar as part of an attempt to get them to abide by an accord signed in 2020 for greater stability and security. Iraq
Iraq moves forward with building pilgrim route to Saudi Arabia The Iraqi government is showing interest in completing the pilgrim route linking Iraq and Saudi Arabia, which will facilitate the arrival of religious visitor convoys between the two countries and will enhance trade and political relations. Iraq
Islamic State stages Syria prison break, kills 11 soldiers in Iraq The Islamic State attacked an Iraqi army barracks and a prison holding jihadists in Kurdish-run northeast Syria overnight. Iraq
Prison housing Iraqi, Syrian IS inmates attacked in Syria Detention facilities under US-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces were hit by a major attack attempting to free the thousands within. Iraq