Congress rebels against Trump’s Middle East war secrecy

Fed up with increased restrictions on information and less on-the-ground access, some Democrats are seeking more transparency regarding the Donald Trump administration’s military operations throughout the region.

Kuwait

Iraq elections: Will Sadr seek a new beginning with Turkey?

Ankara is welcoming Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s stand against foreign intervention and military presence — as long as it doesn't apply to Turkey.

Iraq

Iraqi politicians look to calm tensions in wake of US withdrawal from Iran deal

The US withdrawal from the Iranian nuclear deal poses questions about the role of the Iran-backed Shiite armed factions in bringing the US-Iranian confrontation into Iraq.

Iraq

Can Iraq's Sadr swing nonsectarian government?

Muqtada al-Sadr, whose alliance got the most votes in the May 12 elections, has been meeting with leaders of other alliances in the hope of forming form a nonsectarian "national" government that includes all components of Iraqi society.

Iraq

With few options remaining, Mosul votes for Abadi's coalition

In a surprising shift, the people of Sunni-majority Mosul voted for the Shiite-led Nasr Coalition headed by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.

Iraq

Israel uses Facebook to reach out to Iraqis

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a Facebook page to strengthen the Iraqi-Israeli relationship.

Iraq

Sadr alliance's win spurs hope among Baghdad poor

Baghdad's poor, many of whom voted for Muqtada al-Sadr’s Sairoon Alliance, hope that the election result will lead to an improvement of their daily lives.

Iraq

Iraqi election results leave Iran scrambling to preserve influence

Iran is pushing its allies in Iraq, particularly the State of Law Coalition and the Fatah coalition, to form the largest bloc in the parliament in order to prevent Muqtada al-Sadr from leading the formation of the new government, which would affect Tehran's influence in the country.

Iraq

Mosul's Great Mosque to be restored to its former glory

The city of Mosul, which was the capital of the Islamic State in Iraq until less than a year ago, is planning to rebuild the historic Al-Nouri Mosque and its hunchback minaret with financial support from the UAE and under UNESCO supervision.

Iraq

Iraqi Kurds look to open new chapter with Iran

The Iraqi Kurdish leadership forges ahead with efforts to improve ties with Iran, both in hopes of reviving their economy and also to regain lost clout in Baghdad.

Iraq

Iranian media react to populist cleric's victory in Iraq elections

There is some speculation in Iranian media that populist cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s election victory is tantamount to a greater Saudi role in Iraq.

Saudi Arabia

Key arrests tighten noose around Islamic State's Baghdadi

Iraq's capture of five key members of the Islamic State organization will assist the Iraqi intelligence service in destroying the organization and preventing its emergence in a new form.

Iraq