Turkey relying on events to turn tide against Kurdish YPG

A Turkish military operation in northern Syria does not appear to be in the cards, but Ankara is determined to use the threat of one to curb Kurdish aspirations.

Iraq

Iraq begins painful task of identifying IS victims in mass graves

With help from the United Nations, the Iraqi government has begun exhuming the mass graves of thousands of Yazidis killed by the Islamic State.

Iraq

Iraq tells Mideast leaders Baghdad will take no sides

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has been busy meeting with regional leaders to expand Iraq's economic ties and promote an impartial political role in the Arab World.

Iraq

Ferry disaster reveals challenges for Iraq in Mosul

As the death toll of the sunken ferry hits 120, protests against corruption might lead to a backlash in Mosul, and the Iraqi parliament has voted to dismiss Ninevah province's governor.

Iraq

Is the PKK lying low as elections approach in Turkey?

Turkish officials credit ramped up security operations for a noticeable decline in activity by the Kurdistan Workers Party, but some suspect the organization is intentionally maintaining a low-profile in the lead up to local elections.

Iraq

Iraq’s religious leaders join hands to promote peaceful coexistence

Leaders of various religious groupings in Iraq have been holding meetings in places such as Lalish, Karbala, and Baghdad to join hands for peace.

Iraq

Will Iraq lose its benefits from Shatt al-Arab River to Iran?

The recent renewal of an Iraqi-Iranian agreement on the Shatt al-Arab River stirred controversy among Iraqis, as many are concerned Iran will take over the border river.

Iraq

As US hints at plans to reduce troops, Iraqi MPs divided on what comes next

US troops in Iraq are unlikely to leave the country en masse due to US long-term plans to stay, and the sharp disagreement between Iraqi politicians regarding the presence of foreign forces in the country continues apace.

Iraq

Iraqi controversy over the return of Sunni figures accused of terrorism

The reports on returning exiled Sunni figures who were sentenced by Iraqi courts to Iraq stirred controversies among Iraqis.

Iraq

US singles out ‘mafia’-like groups as key threat to Iraq’s future

In exclusive interviews with Al-Monitor at the State Department, two top State Department officials lay out US policy goals as Iraq seeks normalize and balance ties with Iran and its other neighbors while seeking to prevent a return of the Islamic State.

Iraq

Is Tehran trying to distance Qasem Soleimani from Iraq?

The recent visit of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Iraq has been read as attempt to distance Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani from Iraq, replacing him with the Foreign Ministry.

Iraq

Women, children leaving IS stronghold overwhelm Syrian camp

A steady stream of so-called Islamic State "brides" and their children continue to arrive at Kurdish-controlled northeastern Syria's al-Hol, a sprawling desert camp designed to house less than a sixth of their number.

Iraq