US sets expectations for Iraq’s next PM to confront Iranian militias The Trump administration is cautiously sizing up Iraq’s new prime minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, as a potential partner in pushing back on Iranian influence. Iran
Analysis Iraq’s Zaidi offers economic promise for Turkey but unknowns loom Iraq’s prime minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, is expected to sustain growing economic and strategic ties with Turkey thanks to his business-oriented approach, though uncertainty over his political stance could test cooperation on sensitive issues. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis US banking on Iraqi turnaround with nomination of Zaidi as new PM Trump signals hope for a "tremendous new chapter” in US-Iraq ties with the nomination of Ali Al-Zaidi as prime minister. By Week in Review
Analysis MENA wheat importers face food security risks as Hormuz crisis festers Home to many of the world's largest wheat importers, the Middle East and North Africa face acute food security risks as the US-Israel-Iran war disrupts global fertilizer flows and pushes up prices. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
How to defeat Islamic State's war machine The Islamic State has to be recognized as a lethal and effective war machine at the tactical level. Iraq
Iraqi poets en route to Baghdad to spread peace A group of Iraqi poets have organized an anti-violence convoy that will go through several Iraqi provinces, where intellectuals will read poetry in public spaces to promote peace and unity in the country. Iraq
Iraqi book festival draws thousands People came from various Iraqi provinces to attend the "I’m Iraqi, I read books" festival in Baghdad, as Iraqis show determination to combat the forces of terror. Iraq
Iraq should use IS war to rebuild foreign relations The war against the Islamic State provides Iraq with an opportunity to rebuild fractured relations with neighboring countries and others. Iraq
Iraq’s Shiite authority flexes its political muscle The Shiite authority in Iraq, led by Ali al-Sistani, has set out guidelines for social powers and responsibilities, ensuring it remains connected to Shiite communities. Iraq
No exit for Iraq without decentralization Iraq’s failure to abide by its constitution, which stipulates federalism with greater powers for provinces, is part of the reason why it is in turmoil today. Iraq
Can PKK transform military might into political power? As regional developments open new military and political arenas to the PKK, it is unlikely that the Turkish peace process will end with the Kurds disarming. Iraq
Syrian Kurdish refugees struggle to find affordable housing The violence in Iraq has prompted many Syrian Kurdish refugees who took refuge in northern Iraq to return to their homes in Syria. Iraq
Iraqi scholar burns his books to protest Yazidi ethnic cleansing A well-known Iraqi scholar on Yazidis has burned all the books in his personal library to protest the ethnic cleansing of the minority group. Iraq
Islamic State accused of using chlorine gas on Iraqi soldiers Survivors of an Islamic State siege on an Iraqi army regiment in Anbar say the terrorist group used chlorine gas against them. Iraq
AKP base divided on Turkey's vote to join coalition Pro-government commentators have raised questions over Turkey’s participation in a US-led coalition, while the latest polls show Turks are split on what their country's role should be in fighting the Islamic state. Iraq
Baghdad hopes for better film festival Iraqi filmgoers are hoping this year’s Baghdad International Film Festival will be an improvement over last year, when low-quality films marred the event. Iraq