Are Russia, Iran outflanking the US in Iraq?

Russia deftly manages potentially choppy ties with Iran, while the United States claims Iran "subverting Iraq."

Iraq

Kurds in Iraq: Back to square one?

The sudden shift in the balance of power between Iraq and its Kurdistan Region has been stunning, even by Middle East standards.

Iraq

To counter Iranian sway, US promotes Iraqi-Saudi ties

Top Trump administration officials say they see countering Iranian influence in Iraq as important to strengthening Baghdad and preventing destabilizing fissures that helped make way for the Islamic State.

Saudi Arabia

Iraqi Christian politicians denounce church's intervention in politics

Statements from the Christian clergy and political blocs in Iraq show a conflict between the church and Christian political parties on controlling the Christian political discourse.

Iraq

Kurds lose, but that doesn't mean Turkey's a winner

The Kurdistan independence referendum backfired and Kurds are suffering, but Turkey might want to hold off on celebrating until it considers the long-term consequences.

Iraq

Iraq's female booksellers turn the page on gender roles

Iraqi women have started operating their own bookstores in different Iraqi cities, challenging the country's book selling industry that has been dominated by men.

Iraq

How Iran helped Baghdad seize back Kirkuk

The Iraqi government’s rapid recapture of Kirkuk from Kurdish forces was made possible by Iranian intervention.

Iraq

Turkey pledges to back Baghdad against Kurds

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim praised the capture of Kirkuk by Iraqi forces as Turkey continues to express outrage over the Kurdish vote for independence.

Iraq

Will Turkish-Iraqi alliance against Kurds hold?

Ankara is happy that the Baghdad government has regained control over Kirkuk, but questions remain whether Turkey and Iraq can agree on the city’s future status.

Iraq

Congress threatens to withhold arms from Baghdad

Allegations that Shiite-majority militias allied with Iraq’s central government have used US military equipment against Kurds in the disputed Kirkuk province has sparked outrage among US lawmakers.

Iraq

Iran Quds commander pays respects at Talabani's tomb as Kirkuk crisis escalates

Qasem Soleimani in Iraqi Kurdistan; Turkey looks to Syrian tribes for allies; UN Syria envoy seeks to build on cease-fire progress with "realism."

Saudi Arabia

All eyes are on Hezbollah in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor

As the war is heating up in eastern Syria, specifically in Deir ez-Zor, the Lebanese Hezbollah movement and allied fighters are vying with US-backed Syrian democratic forces for control of areas liberated from the Islamic State.

Iraq