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
One reported dead in fight between Kurdish groups in Iraq A peshmerga soldier in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq reportedly died during a fight with the PKK on Sunday amid tensions between the two groups as well as with Turkey. Iraq
International court finds UK war crimes in Iraq but will not open investigation The International Criminal Court has closed its probe because it could not conclude that UK authorities were unwilling to genuinely carry out an investigation. Iraq
Dozens killed, injured in Iraq’s Kurdistan protests as some consider leaving Protests in the southeastern part of the Kurdistan Region over unpaid public sector salaries amid an ongoing budget dispute with Baghdad have led to several deaths. Iraq
Death toll mounts as Iraqi Kurdish protests continue The unrest in Iraq's northern Sulaimaniyah province has left at least nine people dead. Iraq
Iraqi government presses ahead with early elections next year The Iraqi government is striving to make the legal and political preparations for elections in June 2021, amid multiple political and security challenges. Iraq
Iraq’s president urges end to violence in protest-hit Sulaimaniyah Iraqi President Barham Salih weighed in on the increasingly violent protests that have gripped the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Iraq
Egypt wins strong foothold in Iraq’s reconstruction Millions of Egyptian workers may benefit from their government's involvement in Iraq’s massive reconstruction process. Egypt
Iraqi government considers sales tax to relieve budget crisis Iraq is mulling the possibility of imposing a sales tax amid concerns over the consequences of such a move on Iraqis already struggling in a down economy. Iraq
Egypt, Iraq deepen defense ties Egypt and Iraq are expanding defense industry ties in a sign of deepening engagement among Cairo, Baghdad and Amman. Egypt
Shiite factions close to Sistani move to separate from Iran-backed militias Brigades close to top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani announced the formation of a mobilization force affiliated with the chief of staff of the Iraqi armed forces, rather than Iran. Iraq
Muqtada Sadr is preparing a bid to gain Iraq’s prime minister position The populist cleric appears to be gearing up for the upcoming parliamentary elections slated for June 2021 in a bid to win the premiership. Iraq
Scarred but still standing, Mosul museum reopens at last Ninevah’s renowned cultural heritage museum, known for the Islamic State's disastrous attack on its treasures, has finally reopened to the public. Iraq
