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
Iraq's Kadhimi kicks off European tour in Paris Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa al-Khadimi is also slated to visit Germany and the United Kingdom as he looks to deepen economic and security cooperation. Iraq
Killing of Sunni youths prompts calls for end to impunity in Iraq The killing of at least eight Sunni youths from a village in Iraq’s Salahuddin province, allegedly by groups other than the Islamic State, has sparked outcry and demands for non-local forces to be expelled from the region. Iraq
Iraqi militias defy government, expand networks and pressure Militias in Iraq are increasing their activities in response to the government's efforts to rein them in. Iraq
Iraqi cleric pushes for elections, new social contract, in support of prime minister Iraqi cleric Ammar al-Hakim, the head of Iraqioun parliamentary bloc and Hikma movement, is seeking to chart a nonsectarian alternative to the existing political structure. Iraq
Baghdad, Erbil reach security, administrative agreement on Sinjar district The deal will address major security and structural obstacles, but local communities criticize the accord for failing to bring their people to the table. Iraq
Yazidi students achieve highest marks in Iraq entrance exams to universities Despite difficulties in refugee camps, Yazidi students achieved the highest marks on the entrance exams to Iraqi universities. Iraq
Why can't Iraqis agree on national day holiday? Seventeen years after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, Iraq has neither a national day nor a national anthem. Iraq
Attacks, 'unjustified' arrests mar security in southern Kirkuk Security forces continue to be targeted in rural areas of Iraq’s Kirkuk region as locals complain of "unjustified" arrests and yet another alleged Islamic State "mufti" has been caught amid scant reporting on the ground. Iraq
Kurdish news outlet linked to opposition party remains closed in Iraq The Kurdistan Regional Government says NRT's coverage of protests encouraged people to violate anti-coronavirus measures, but journalists say the closure is a violation of press freedom. Iraq
Despite COVID-19, political crisis, Iraqi Shiites march on Karbala Shiites across southern and central Iraq are marching to Karbala for Arbaeen. Iraq
The Takeaway: US should keep embassy open in Iraq despite risk, says Ryan Crocker Former ambassador to Iraq says US needs ‘strategic patience’ in support of prime minister; Netanyahu under siege over COVID; Palestinians ready for international conference after US elections, even if Trump wins; Hamas counting on Iran and Sudan. Palestine
Corruption continues to threaten Iraq’s stability Despite the prime minister's efforts, corruption remains a big driver of Iraq’s instability. Iraq
