Trump hosts Iraqi PM Zaidi as Iran war intensifies President Donald Trump emphasized Iraq’s “tremendous oil reserves” and possible deals with US companies. Iraq
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran strikes tankers, US bases as Gulf conflict escalates Lebanon, Israel hold talks in Rome; Iraqi PM Zaidi to meet Trump; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis On first foreign trip, Iraqi PM Zaidi woos Trump but Iran casts long shadow Iraq's new prime minister is in Washington promising business deals and closer ties with the United States, but convincing the Trump administration he can rein in Iran-backed militias may prove his toughest challenge. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Can a UAE-backed Syria-Iraq corridor become Gulf's next trade route? On June 26, Emirati and Syrian officials discussed plans for a logistics corridor connecting Syrian ports to Gulf markets via Iraq. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Qatar says no direct Iran-US talks in Doha By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Iraqi PM’s anti-corruption drive comes as US pressure mounts on Iran-backed militias By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Sunnis, Kurds vie for Iraqi presidency Although the post of president in Iraq has been held by a Kurdish politician, Jalal Talabani, since 2005, there are reports that some Sunni politicians may be looking to assume the post. Iraq
Iraq faces challenge to find solution for growing slums With Baghdad’s slums accommodating more than 2 million people, a solution to the housing crisis needs to be part of an urban planning strategy, something that previous governments ignored when distributing land to the poor. Iraq
Syrian Kurd leader urges Turkey to join fight against jihadists In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Syrian Kurdish leader Salih Muslim says his Democratic Union Party will not participate in Syria’s presidential elections, and questions why the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq is not helping Syria’s Kurds. Iraq
Iran seeks Shiite consensus on next Iraqi premier Iran would prefer that Nouri al-Maliki serve a third term as Iraqi prime minister, but will also give priority to a consensus among the Iraqi Shiite parties. Iraq
Allawi: Even Syria interferes in Iraq’s elections Iraqi politican Ayad Allawi spoke with Iran's IR Diplomacy about his complicated relationship with Iran. Iraq
Iraqis defy terrorists to vote in elections The Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission is reporting a 59% voter turnout, despite the threats of violence. Iraq
What message is Saudi Arabia sending with war games? Saudi Arabia has just finished its largest war games in recent history, signalling its intent to develop its military capabilities in an increasingly unstable region. Saudi Arabia
Iraqi election could lead to partition Iraqi parties across the political spectrum seek to break Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s monopoly on the central government. Iraq
Iraqi elections marred by hit squads targeting candidates Amid rising assassination attempts of candidates for today’s Iraqi parliamentary elections, some political blocs are accusing parties in the government of being behind these operations. Iraq
Allawi battles for his share of Iraqi votes Ayad Allawi expressed pessimism toward the upcoming Iraqi elections and called on Iran to contribute to ensuring security in Iraq. Iraq
On eve of elections, Iraq's waters become weapons of war While confrontations continued in various regions of Iraq between armed militants and the government, both sides have tried to take control of water resources to achieve their interests. Iraq
Iraqi elections threatened by terror The Iraqi government is scrambling to address the terror threat to polling stations and voters with elections scheduled for April 30. Iraq