Split over Maliki, Iraq’s Shiite bloc delays PM vote as deadline nears: What to know Two other candidates have emerged as alternatives to Coordination Framework nominee and former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who is openly opposed by the Trump administration. Iraq
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 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
Pentagon ‘comfortable’ with troop levels in Middle East ahead of review Whether the United States pulls forces from the Middle East to counter China may well depend on the success of Biden's diplomacy with Iran Legacy: Gulf
Pope’s schedule in Iraq reveals two missions In the first-ever papal visit to the country, Pope Francis plans to highlight the plight of Iraq's dwindling Christian population and promote interfaith dialogue. Iraq
Iraqi border crossings better protected as cells attempt desert attacks The prime minister’s decision to send military reinforcements to Iraq's border ports last year seems to have made officials feel safer and reduced revenue-siphoning corruption. Iraq
Islamic State officials behind Baghdad bombing killed, prime minister says The strike follows the killing of IS' top official for Iraq near Kirkuk last week. Iraq
Iraq mourns the first set of remains of Yazidi genocide victims More than six years after the massacre, before their burial in Sinjar on Feb. 4, Iraqis held a funeral for Yazidis who were murdered en masse by the Islamic State in 2014. Iraq
Iran says 'best response' for US forces to leave Iraq Officials in Tehran renewed calls for an end to the American military presence in neighboring Iraq as a response to the US killing of Iran’s top commander Qasem Soleimani. Iraq
Gulf states prepared to support Iraqi sovereignty, fight terrorism: GCC Secretary General Strengthened Iraq-GCC relations could bolster stability in the country and lessen Baghdad's dependence on Iran. Iraq
Pope Francis dismisses uncertainty over upcoming Iraq trip Francis' visit to the country next month will mark the first time a pope has visited Iraq. Iraq
Iraq, coalition partners had been on trail of IS commander a 'long time' Iraq announced Jan. 28 that its US-trained Counterterrorism Services in coordination with national intelligence had conducted an operation leading to the killing of the commander of Islamic State remnants in the country, in an "insurgent-infested" valley of the oil-rich, disputed southern Kirkuk province. Iraq
Iraqi security forces kill senior Islamic State commander Iraq's military said Abu Yaser al-Issawi was killed in a counterterrorism operation outside Kirkuk. Iraq
Pope Francis, Shiite leader al-Sistani to meet in historic Iraq trip Francis and Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani are scheduled to meet in the Iraqi city of Najaf during the first papal visit to the country. Iraq
Iraq is planning to host Gulf Cup soccer tournament Adnan Dirjal, Iraq's minister of youth and sports, has gotten the ministry to promote health and fitness and is spearheading the nation's bid to host the 25th Arab Gulf Cup in Basra. Iraq
