Pentagon weighs options to deter Russians in Syria

After Russian forces in Syria appeared to be heading toward oil fields, the Pentagon proposed deploying tanks as a measure to guard the installations, a US official told Al-Monitor.

Iraq

Is Iran expanding its influence in Iraq?

Iran seems to have further expanded its influence in the Iraqi government; Tehran still, however, faces challenges in Iraqi governmental bodies that have remained independent of Iran.

Iraq

Trump administration scrambles to salvage US troop presence in Syria

President Trump says he would leave some US troops in Syria to keep the Assad regime and Iranian forces away from oil fields; the Syrian Democratic Forces commander speaks with both Trump and the Russian army chief of staff.

Iraq

US faces new facts on the ground as cease-fire expires

Russia and Turkey strike a deal on a safe zone as the Syrian Democratic Forces told the Donald Trump administration that Kurdish forces had withdrawn from the Turkish border today in accord with a US-brokered agreement.

Iraq

Turkey, Russia both claim win in Syria agreement

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seems to get what he wants regarding the Kurdish People's Protection Units, and Russia appears to gain yet more influence in Syria; has Idlib become a pawn in Turkish-Russian negotiations?

Iraq

How to think about Iraq’s demonstrations

Iraq's demonstrations are largely justified and entirely expected as the removal of the problems of sectarianism and insurgency have left the deep structural problems of Iraq’s government and its political economy exposed.

Iraq

Movie about Yazidis, female fighters offers stylized look at Kurdish plight

"Sisters in Arms" casts an artful eye on the plight of Iraq's Yazidi women and the Kurdish women who fought the Islamic State, but critics say its narrative is misleading.

Iraq

Trump's Syria pullout divides Iran hawks

Despite bipartisan rebuke, some see great benefits in fixing ties with Turkey.

Iraq

Iraq on low boil in anticipation of renewed protests

The crisis in Syria has only made Iraq’s problems worse.

Iraq

Civil society activists and journalists leave Baghdad in fear of being arrested

In the wake of protests, civil society activists and journalists are leaving Baghdad after hearing the Iraqi government is preparing to arrest them.

Iraq

Families of Sadr City ‘martyrs’ say protests will resume

Families and friends of the dozens of protesters from Baghdad’s Sadr City killed in the recent protests say they doubt reforms announced by the prime minister will significantly affect the current situation. They warn that protests will continue unless they see real change.

Iraq

Pentagon to stay in Islamic State fight from Iraq

The Pentagon expects to fight the Islamic State from Iraq, a senior defense official said today, as American troops are set to leave northern Syria under pressure from a deepening Turkish offensive.

Iraq