Kurdish referendum a double-edged sword for Russia

Although Russia says it respects Iraqi Kurds' desire for self-determination, their independence is probably not in Russia's best interest.

Iraq

Will Jewish archive return to Iraq?

The United States is preparing to return a Jewish archive to Iraq, but Iraq does not appear ready to receive it, and many want it to remain outside the country.

Iraq

Russia keeps eye on Kurdish oil contracts, referendum

Russia has been boosting its presence in Middle East oil via the Kurdish Regional Government, but is also waiting to see what the potential impacts might be of the KRG’s independence referendum.

Iraq

Iraqi citizens' sentiment may be softening toward Israel

Grass-roots support for improved communications seems to be growing in both Iraq and Israel, though officially they have no diplomatic relations.

Iraq

Soccer returns to Mosul after three-year ban

After three years of being banned by the Islamic State, soccer returns to the city of Mosul, yet facilities remain in dire need of repair.

Iraq

Former KRG PM emerges to shake up Kurdish politics

The Kurdistan Region's independence referendum has opened the door for a new regional Kurdish movement promoted by a diverse coalition of dissidents, leftists, secularists and Islamists.

Iraq

Congress warns Kurds against further steps after independence vote

The Kurdistan Regional Government’s decision to go ahead with its referendum has tempered years of robust congressional support for the Iraqi Kurds.

Iraq

Interview

Syrian Kurdish commander: We're 'ready to engage' with Damascus

In an interview with Al-Monitor, a Syrian Kurdish commander says the United States should stay in Syria during the post-Islamic State process.

Mazlum Kobane

SDF commander in chief

Anbar op aims to restore Iraqi-Syrian border

Iraqi security forces launched an offensive in Anbar province in early September to cleanse the key Islamic State-held town of Qaim on the Syrian border.

Iraq

Some Turks blame US for Kurdish independence vote

Sources close to Turkey's ruling party say the United States secretly supports Iraqi Kurds' bid for independence as part of US plans for a "second Israel" in the region.

Iraq

Turkey hopes to pounce on big piece of Mosul reconstruction

Despite their government's past gaffes, Turkish firms want, even expect, substantial contracts to help rebuild Iraq's Mosul, which was reduced to rubble during the long battle to exorcise the Islamic State.

Iraq

What's next after Kurdish independence vote?

Millions in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region voted in today's independence referendum, despite threats by Iraq, Turkey, Iran and the United States.

Iraq