Meet Ali al-Zaidi, businessman and Iraq's new prime minister-designate Legal sources familiar with the nominee told Al-Monitor that there are no US sanctions on Zaidi or financial institutions affiliated with him. Iraq
Iraq's Shiite alliance nominates Ali al-Zaidi as PM candidate: What to know Ali al-Zaidi, who leads a bank accused of money laundering, received support from previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki and incumbent Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, though it remains unclear whether the Trump administration will approve of him. Iraq
Split over Maliki, Iraq’s Shiite bloc delays PM vote as deadline nears: What to know Two other candidates have emerged as alternatives to Coordination Framework nominee and former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who is openly opposed by the Trump administration. Iraq
How Syria's border opening with Iraq redefines Turkey-Kurd balance After years of closure, the reopening of al-Yaaroubiya crossing is redrawing Kurdish economic leverage and reinforcing Turkey’s regional strategy. Syria
Exclusive 'King of Iraq': Top judge Zaidan played key role in Shelly Kittleson's release By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis How fast can Gulf energy production rebound after US-Iran ceasefire? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
How Russia sees protests in Lebanon, Iraq Russian officials have adopted a wait and see approach to the ongoing protests in Lebanon and Iraq, but the stance has some principles Moscow follows. Iraq
Is it time for a historic paradigm shift in the Persian Gulf? Could this be the moment for the countries in the Gulf region to realize they have a lot in common and take steps to reduce conflict? Legacy: Gulf
Shiite protesters get broad backing throughout Iraq Though the majority of Iraqis currently protesting are Shiite, many other groups are supporting and participating in the massive demonstrations. Iraq
As Iraq’s demonstrations continue, what comes next? Iraq's demonstrations are important and outside actors should pay heed and do what they can to help prevent a catastrophic outcome. Iraq
Is Iran’s honeymoon in Iraq over? Protesters in Iraq are directing their wrath toward Iranian influence in their country. Iraq
Risking Turkey’s ire, Iraqi Kurds back Syrian brethren The oft-disunited Kurds of Iraq, Syria and Turkey are united against Turkey's invasion of areas in Syria where Kurds had achieved self-rule. Iraq
Does Baghdadi’s death herald the end of IS? The Islamic State is unlikely to disintegrate after losing its leader as the factors that have driven the worldwide membership and activities of the group remain in place. Iraq
As PMU gets involved in Iraqi protests, rumors about military coup spread PMU leaders who have been silent about the protests have started to get involved, as rumors are spreading in the capital about a possible military coup in the country. Iraq
Iran not letting Iraq go without a fight Iraqi protesters have had enough of Iran’s heavy hand, but don’t expect the Iranians to pack up and go home. Iraq
Amid rising protests, PMU prevents confrontation with US The Popular Mobilization Units try to distance themselves from the current confrontation between Iran and US in order to preserve PMU interests in Iraq. Iraq
Iraqi president pledges early elections while protesters call for more radical solutions After a meeting with heads of parliamentary blocs and other top officials, Iraqi President Barham Salih announces a reform plan in response to protester demands. Iraq
Congress sounds alarm on weaponization of Syrian aid The US Congress is warning that Turkey and Russia could join the Syrian government in blocking humanitarian aid for the war-torn country even as lawmakers seek to redirect it from regime-held territory. Iraq
