Kurdish crisis imperils US anti-terror fight in Syria

The dispute between Baghdad and Erbil threatens a key border crossing used to resupply US-backed troops battling the Islamic State in Syria.

Iraq

Iraq's clairvoyants see fame, fortune — for themselves

The practice of magic and sorcery has become widespread in Iraq as TV channels give them a platform and people pay huge amounts for quick remedies and potions.

Iraq

Ankara still frosty toward KRG as Barzani exits

Despite the decision by the Kurdistan Regional Government's President Masoud Barzani to step down, Turkish hostility toward him and his likely political successors has not abated.

Iraq

Putin resets Iraqi energy landscape as Barzani steps aside

Russian moves maximize leverage as US stumbles on Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units; Massoud Barzani resigns as Kurdistan Region president; Syria and Russia take initiative with regard to local governance in Syria.

Iraq

Mounting calls to form 'national salvation government' in Iraqi Kurdistan

Amid the rejection of the two main parties, opposition parties in the Kurdistan Region are calling for a so-called government of national salvation.

Iraq

Syrian Kurds focused on federalism

The Iraqi Kurdistan independence referendum continues to make waves in Syria as the country's Kurds believe they can negotiate with the Syrian government to establish a federal state.

Iraq

Kurds in Iraqi army still serve despite conflict

Thousands of Iraqi Kurds in the Iraqi army fear for their salaries and lives after the recent Kurdish referendum.

Iraq

Business as usual as Iraq's foreign minister visits Moscow

In meetings this week, Russian and Iraqi officials discussed energy deals, Baghdad's battle with Iraqi Kurdistan and how those topics intersect.

Iraq

Turkey’s paradox in Iraq: Weaker because of a weakened Kurdistan

Turkey enjoyed the influence it wielded in Iraq because of its ties with the Kurdistan Regional Government, but it would rather see the KRG fall than risk an independent Iraqi Kurdistan inspiring Turkey's Kurds to seek the same.

Iraq

Why is Baghdad paying salaries of Kurdistan employees?

Amid ongoing disputes between Kurdistan and the Iraqi federal government, Baghdad announced that it is going to bypass the Kurdistan Regional Government and pay their civil servants directly.

Iraq

Iran's media unconcerned with Iraq-Saudi Arabia rapprochement

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s recent trips to Saudi Arabia appear to have been coordinated to reduce Iran’s influence in Iraq, but Iranian media outlets do not seem concerned by the apparent Iraqi-Saudi Arabia rapprochement.

Saudi Arabia

US welcomes Kurdish backpedaling

The United States sees a way out of the political crisis between Baghdad and Erbil as the Kurdistan Regional Government offers to suspend the results of its independence referendum and open dialogue.

Iraq