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
Iraq's health system meets the challenge of coronavirus Coronavirus inflections in Iraq are decreasing, prompting the government to gradually ease the curfew and lockdown. Iraq
Turkey seeks to exploit claims to Iraqi Kurdish village A small village in Iraqi Kurdistan has become a flashpoint for tensions between the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party and its rival, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, with the PKK also entering the dispute. Iraq
Amid public pressure, Iraq suspends transfer of IS families to Zummar camp Iraqi minorities in the Ninevah Plain are complaining about the transfer of Islamic State families to a camp in their area. Iraq
Iraq relaxes coronavirus restrictions ahead of Ramadan The government announced shops and factories can resume work during certain hours. Iraq
Islamic State steps up attacks in Iraq during coronavirus lockdown The Islamic State launched numerous attacks in Iraq's disputed territories in April amid a lockdown to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Iraq
Back to the future on US-Iraq strategic dialogue The announcement of US-Iraq talks in June is considered by many Iraqis and observers as overdue, and comes as there appears to be backing for continuing the partnership, under adjusted terms. Iraq
Gang rape of disabled woman horrifies Iraqis A sexual assault on a mentally disabled Kurdish woman in a predominantly Turkmen town has shocked and outraged people across Iraq. Iraq
Iraq summons Turkish ambassador over deadly PKK airstrikes The Turkish military launched two airstrikes on Iraqi territory, prompting a rebuke from the Iraqi Foreign Ministry. Iraq
Iraqi PM designate readies cabinet to present to parliament As Intelligence Chief Mustafa Al-Kadhimi prepares his cabinet, he appears to have broad support, and Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units aren't blocking his way. Iraq
Iraq condemns Turkish strikes against PKK in Kurdistan region Ankara claims it killed four PKK members in a Qandil mountains airstrike in Iraq northeast of Erbil, but Kurds report only physical damage there; Baghdad says Turkey did kill three civilians in Makhmour, to the southwest of Erbil. Iraq
Intel: US holds virtual anti-IS meeting amid COVID-19 pandemic The US-led coalition to defeat the Islamic State convened a virtual meeting today to discuss the fight against the remnants of the terrorist group. Iraq
Cloud of doubt surrounds coronavirus figures reported by Iraqi government There is great skepticism in Iraqi society and in the media about the government’s statistics of how many people have been infected by and died from the coronavirus. Iraq