Turkey pins hopes on cleric Sadr to form Iraqi government

As Turkey waits to see which Iraqi political coalition comes up with the parliamentary majority necessary to install a new government, Ankara is rooting for the bloc of cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, which it sees as most likely to minimize US and Iranian influence in the country.

Iraq

Anbar governor wants police boosted and military back on bases

Local authorities in Iraq's western province of Anbar have demanded that international forces step in to guard the province's border with Syria, given the various competing forces on both sides.

Iraq

Shiite split heats up as Iraqi lawmakers fail to elect speaker

Two Iraqi Shiite coalitions — one favored by the United States and the other by Iran — are competing hard to gain a majority in the parliament to form the next government.

Iraq

Foreign IS fighters face justice in Baghdad criminal court

The Iraqi Central Criminal Court in Baghdad began trying foreign fighters who joined the Islamic State and were captured in the war to liberate Iraqi territory from IS.

Iraq

Iraqi Jews organize to regain citizenship

Some Iraqi Jews are organizing to officially petition the Baghdad government for the right to reclaim their Iraqi citizenship.

Iraq

Basra residents reeling from contaminated drinking water

Thousands are being sickened by water polluted with chemicals and bacteria in Basra, but the government has not taken action to stem the crisis.

Iraq

Palestinians mobilize to restore Mosul library in memory of past Iraqi support

In a gesture of solidarity to Iraq, Palestine has sent thousands of books to the Mosul library and promises more to come.

Palestine

Iraqis split over US military decision to stay in Iraq

Iraqi Shiite politicians and armed groups close to the parties in power disagree over the international coalition’s announcement that it will keep its forces in the country.

Iraq

NATO training mission faces challenges in Iraq

NATO training mission is expanding in Iraq, but the mission could empower Iranian-backed elements in the Iraqi state.

Iraq

Iraqi Kurds throw lifeline to Iranian Kurds as sanctions begin to bite

Iraqi Kurds, who remember the help they received from Iranian Kurds in the past, want to return the favor now that their brethren are suffering under US sanctions.

Iraq

IS targets rural area near Baghdad

Tarmiya, a rural area near Baghdad, is in the sights of the Islamic State; sleeper cells there are spreading through the Mashhadani tribe.

Iraq

Kurds put conditions for allying with Shiites to form government

Shiite parties seek to gain favor with the Kurdish parties to include them in the majority charged with forming the new government, while the Kurds consider this a historical opportunity to impose their conditions on those wishing to ally with them.

Iraq