How Syria's border opening with Iraq redefines Turkey-Kurd balance After years of closure, the reopening of al-Yaaroubiya crossing is redrawing Kurdish economic leverage and reinforcing Turkey’s regional strategy. Syria
IMF slashes Mideast outlook by nearly 3 points as Iran war hits economies The International Monetary Fund cut gross domestic product forecasts for the Middle East and North Africa, with the fallout from the conflict exposing stark divergences between the region’s energy exporters and importers. Iran
Bahrain, Saudi Arabia summon Iraqi diplomats over militia attacks: What to know The United States and Kuwait have likewise criticized Iraq over actions tied to Iran-backed armed groups in the country. Iraq
Exclusive 'King of Iraq': Top judge Zaidan played key role in Shelly Kittleson's release Officials say Faiq Zaidan leveraged his influence with Iran-backed militias to help secure the US journalist’s release, underscoring his outsized power in Iraq’s fractured political landscape. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis How fast can Gulf energy production rebound after US-Iran ceasefire? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Hostage to Hormuz, can Gulf rewire future energy flows to bypass Iran’s chokepoint? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Babil massacre increases demand to reform Iraqi security forces Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi refers to the "heartbreaking massacre" and reinforces his commitment to security reform after 20 family members are killed based on specious charges. Iraq
Iraq records first omicron cases Five cases were confirmed in Dohuk province and an unknown number of infections were recorded among foreign diplomats in Baghdad. Iraq
Attacks on US in Iraq meant to send ‘harsh’ message — without spilling blood On the anniversary of the death of former IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani and with the resumption of the nuclear talks in Vienna, Iran stakes out a hard line. Iraq
The Takeaway: Iraq’s elections: What comes next? Updates from our correspondents in Israel, Palestine, Turkey, Egypt and New York; Multimedia reporting on Kurds, Tel Aviv, Egypt and Sharjah! Iraq
US troops in Syria, Iraq targeted with renewed rocket and drone attacks Iran-backed militias are not buying the Pentagon's attempt to rebrand the coalition's defeat-ISIS mission. Iraq
Iran, Iraq draw up plans for railway connection from Basra to Shalamcheh Iran and Iraq transportation ministries signed a document setting a roadmap for implementation of Basra-Shalamcheh railway connection, which should boost economic activity for both countries. Iraq
US coalition in Iraq halts second drone attack in two days Coalition forces in Syria also hit back in response to rocket fire near al-Omar oilfield. Iraq
Iran’s support for Taliban pays off, but border remains problematic Exports from Iran to Afghanistan are increasing as border clashes and the smuggling of both people and drugs fosters instability. Iraq
Drones shot down in Baghdad on Soleimani death anniversary The thwarted attack came on the second anniversary of the killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani. Iraq
Combat mission of international coalition in Iraq has ended The Iraqi government has announcement the end of the international forces’ mission in the country, renewing controversy over the concept of resistance and the legitimacy of its weapons in a law-abiding democratic state. Iraq
Middle East elections had consequences in 2021 Elections in Israel, Iran and Iraq shook up status quo; Syria’s presidential contest a blow to the UN process; Libya and Palestine took a pass on elections, with consequences as well. News Brief
Child rape and security forces’ behavior spark outcry in Iraq Violent crimes perpetrated against Iraqi women and girls has led to outrage and renewed calls for women to have greater representation and decision-making opportunities in the country, as all-male government formation talks continue. Iraq