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Iraq

October 5, 2026

Baghdad 12:11 am

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A member of the Iraqi security forces flashes the victory sign during a military parade

Explainer

What Iraq’s US troop withdrawal means for security after Kirkuk killings

As Iraq assumes full responsibility for its security following the coalition’s withdrawal, a disputed counterterrorism operation in Kirkuk is raising questions about accountability, public trust and lingering security gaps.

Members of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization) paramilitary forces stand guard during an election rally for the "Asaib Ahl al-Haq" movement in the capital Baghdad, on October 7, 2021.

Analysis

After US exit, Iran gains space in Iraq and a harder balancing act

For Iran, the easier part may have been getting Washington out, but it may now have to struggle turning the absence into durable influence and reviving its allied militias without provoking instability.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

US President Donald Trump meets Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) on the sidelines of the NATO Summit at Bestepe Presidential Compound in Ankara, on July 8, 2026.

Trump’s integration policies build on Gulf, Turkey ties and Syria success

Iran’s influence, and the potential for renewed conflict, complicate progress in Iraq.

Latest News

Iraq announces Iran flights to resume: What to know

An Airbus A321 airliner arrives at the Mehrabad international airport during the delivery of the first batch of planes to the Iranian state airline Iran Air in the capital Tehran on Jan. 12, 2017.

Analysis

Can Turkey’s Bashiqa withdrawal pave the way for deeper Iraq ties?

Turkish soldiers conduct military exercises near the Habur crossing gate between Turkey and Iraq on Sept. 27, 2017 in the Silopi district, southeast Turkey.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

How militias in Anbar could complicate Iraq’s energy ambitions

Iraqi soldiers from the new 'desert battalion' special forces stand next to military vehicles as the take part in a graduation ceremony, after months of training by the French military, at the Ain al-Asad air base in Anbar west of Baghdad on February 29, 2024. (Photo by Ahmad AL-RUBAYE / AFP) (Photo by AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP via Getty Images)

Shelly Kittleson

By Shelly Kittleson

In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics

Amberin Zaman

Chief Correspondent

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Jared Szuba

Defense and Security Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Beatrice Farhat

Associate Editor (Lebanon)

In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict

Suadad al-Salhy

In Baghdad, reporting on politics and security

Lyse Mauvais

In Amman, reporting on humanitarian crises

Winthrop Rodgers

In Sulaymaniyah, reporting on Kurdish issues

Intel: US to pull more troops from Iraq as dialogue with Baghdad continues

The United States said it will further reduce its troop levels in Iraq as American diplomats and their Iraqi counterparts continue a round of dialogue initiated yesterday over the future of the countries’ relationship.

U.S. Brigadier General Vincent Barker shakes hands with Iraqi General Mohammed Fadel, as he wears face mask and gloves, following the outbreak of coronvavirus disease (COVID-19), during the hand over of Qayyarah Airfield West from US-led coalition forces to Iraqi Security Forces, in the south of Mosul, Iraq March 26, 2020. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani - RC2SRF9VPYO2

US, Iraq look to continue strategic dialogue in Washington next month

Following an initial round of talks in Baghdad, Iraq and the United States have agreed to maintain and expand cooperation in various realms.

An Iraqi soldier wears a protective face mask as he stands guard at a check point, enforcing a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Baghdad, Iraq May 3, 2020.REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani - RC26HG9KD5MD

Iraq keeps heat on Islamic State by targeting leaders

Iraqi intelligence and military operations against IS have dealt a heavy blow to the group, which has lost a number of its leaders and fighters in recent months both inside and outside of Iraq.

The Nabi Younes market is seen empty during a curfew imposed by Iraqi authorities, following the outbreak of coronavirus, in east Mosul, Iraq March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Abdullah Rashid - RC29KF9K7L0M

New report details damage to Iraqi economy during COVID-19 pandemic

The report by the UN-affiliated International Organization for Migration shows how virus-related restrictions have led to revenue and job losses for small and medium-sized businesses in Iraq.

Mourners carry the coffin of an Iraqi demonstrator, who was killed during ongoing anti-government protests in Basra, Iraq May 11, 2020. REUTERS/Stringer - RC2DMG92E3JK

After promising accountability, Iraq arrests suspect in protester's death

The spokesman for the Defense Ministry said the suspect killed an anti-government protester in Baghdad.

The shadow of an Iraqi demonstrator is seen on an Iraqi flag during ongoing anti-government protests in Kerbala, Iraq January 10, 2020. REUTERS/Abdullah Dhiaa al-Deen TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC22DE96XHT0

US-Iraq strategic talks launched with increasing national, regional support

Iraq has begun a strategic dialogue with the United States that promises to shape various aspects of the two countries' relationship.

An Iraqi soldier wears a protective face mask and gloves, following the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as he stands guard during the hand over of Qayyarah Airfield West from US-led coalition forces to Iraqi Security Forces, in the south of Mosul, Iraq March 26, 2020. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani - RC2SRF9WTZ1K

Rocket hits Baghdad as US-Iraq dialogue set to launch

In order to reorganize the relationship between the two countries in various aspects, Iraq and the United States are negotiating over a new strategic agreement.

A view of Shatt al-Arab river from Al-Tanouma district, east of Basra, Iraq September 21, 2018. Basra residents say salt seeping into the water supply had made it undrinkable and sent hundreds of people to a hospital. Picture taken September 21, 2018. REUTERS/Essam al-Sudani - RC1C273EB650

Basra, the richest city in Iraq with little water to drink

Iraq's Ministry of Water Resources is preparing a plan to solve the water crisis in Basra, which has been one of the most prominent issues successive governments have failed to address.

A U.S. Air Force C-130 transport plane fly during the Clear Sky 2018 multinational military drills at Starokostiantyniv Air Base in Khmelnytskyi Region, Ukraine October 12, 2018. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich - RC1E8FF15980

Four injured in US military transport plane crash at Iraq’s Camp Taji

An Air Force C-130 Hercules struck a wall, damaging the aircraft and causing a fire onboard.

A man wears a protective face shield and a mask at a store during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Baghdad, Iraq June 7, 2020. REUTERS/Khalid al-Mousily - RC274H9RVUGM

Iraq sees slight drop in new COVID-19 cases after days with more than 1,000

The spread of the virus continues at an alarming rate in Iraq, particularly in Baghdad and Sulaimaniyah.

Iraqi Sunnis seek answers for those displaced in time of fighting Islamic State

Sunni politicians are putting pressure on the Kadhimi government to determine the fate of Sunnis displaced during the fight against the Islamic State.

A view of Baghdad international Airport, after Iraq has suspended flights at its domestic airports as the coronavirus spreads, in Baghdad, Iraq March 17, 2020. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani - RC2PLF9MJ8L2

Rocket lands near Baghdad International Airport, no casualties

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack Monday.