Analysis Can Maliki overcome Trump opposition to reclaim Iraq’s PM post? US President Donald Trump’s opposition to the former prime minister and reports of potential retribution toward Iraq are receiving pushback in the country, which is already suffering from political paralysis. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Exclusive 100 non-Syrian Kurds return to PKK’s Qandil stronghold under SDF-Damascus deal The transfer of non-Syrian PKK fighters to Iraq’s Qandil Mountains follows a US-brokered SDF-Damascus deal aimed at easing tensions and preserving Kurdish forces under national army oversight. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iraq’s Maliki rejects Trump criticism, vows to stay in PM race Maliki refused to withdraw from the race, despite mounting pressure from the US, and expressed a desire for good relations with Iraq’s neighbors and Washington. Iraq
How US-India trade deal could impact Mideast energy, trade routes The United States and India struck a trade agreement on Monday that eases months of tension between the two countries and could influence Gulf oil flows and economic integration. Saudi Arabia
Analysis After Trump’s rebuke, can Maliki rebound in Iraq, or does Sudani become favorite? By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Pompeo dismisses Rouhani’s terms for talks as Iran admits ‘no plan B’ for Syria Israel, Iran and the United States are all not backing down in Syria, but US-Iran prisoner talks may still have a chance. Iraq
Monuments, statues destroyed by unidentified groups in Iraq Despite vandalism turning into a phenomenon in Iraq, the Iraqi authorities have yet to identify the individuals destroying monuments and statues throughout the country, but there is growing consensus whereby such acts express a political rejection of the ruling parties. Iraq
Iraqi security forces raid militia headquarters A group of Iraqi counterterrorism forces raided a headquarter of a militia in southern Baghdad, arresting some of its personnel and confiscating rocket launchers allegedly prepared for attacks against US bases. Iraq
Frustration builds as Iraq's airports remain closed amid rising virus cases Many foreigners and Iraqis are unable to return home, including those who have lost jobs amid the pandemic. Iraq
Sunni figures in exile return to Iraq as part of national reconciliation Rafi Isawi has returned to Iraq to face trial for accusations related to terrorism; other Sunni figures with similar cases have expressed readiness to return to Iraq. Iraq
General Electric helps increase electricity generation in Iraq Power stations that General Electric helped develop and improved exploitation of natural gas boost Iraq's energy infrastructure as the country seeks alternatives to imported energy from Iran. Iraq
Iraq summons Turkey, Iran as operations against Kurdish groups continue Turkey cites past agreements for its operations against the Kurdistan Workers Party in Iraq, while Iran is also targeting Kurdish groups in the country. Iraq
Yazidis still negotiating return of kidnapped women, children In the absence of local and international authorities, the Yazidis continue buying back their kidnapped women and children. Iraq
Iraqi protesters set sights on local governors Protesters in Iraq are demanding that provincial governors be sacked and the killers of demonstrators be found and prosecuted. Iraq
Rockets hit Baghdad's Green Zone again A series of such attacks is happening as the United States and Iraq discuss the future of the US military presence in the country. Iraq
UAE condemns Turkish and Iranian military interventions in Iraq Turkey and Iran are conducting operations against Kurdish groups in the country. United Arab Emirates
Turkey hammers Kurdish rebel targets in Iraq Turkey has sent in special forces to fight the Kurdistan Workers Party in Iraq’s north, putting its soldiers on the ground in the third foreign country this year. Iraq