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
Tehran decries foreign influence in Iraq protests Though they acknowledge the legitimate demands of Iraqi protesters, Iranian officials are focusing on the role of foreign countries they accuse of using the protests to create chaos and instability. Iraq
As Syria constitution talks kick off, is Kurdish administration 'finished'? As representatives from Syria's government, opposition and civil society meet in Geneva to draft a new constitution for the war-torn country, Al-Monitor spoke with French academic Fabrice Balanche on prospects for the talks. Iraq
Clock ticks down for Iraqi PM as protests rock the country The blocs that put Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi in office seem to be sacrificing him to save their political interests. Iraq
Dangers persist as Iraqi border crossing opens and IDPs return Recent geopolitical shifts in eastern Syria will affect western Anbar, given the porous Iraqi-Syrian border, the recently reopened Qaim-Abu Kamal crossing and scores of returning families. Iraq
Why is Russian military skeptical about US claim of Baghdadi's killing? The Russian military's incredulity about the US raid that killed Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has some basis in practical reasons that go beyond just "great power jealousy." Iraq
Intel: What’s fueling Iraqi anger at the government Iraqi protesters have returned to the street in force over the past five days for the second time since early October. Iraq
Iraqi Kurds spurn Turkish goods to back Syrian kinsmen Kurds in Iraq are boycotting products from Turkey to show support for their brethren in Syria who are under attack by Ankara. Iraq
US set for risky IS mission with leader’s death in Syria Saturday’s raid that took the life of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi offered a preview of what’s to come for the slimmed-down, US-led fight against IS, officials and experts say, which is now set to focus extensively on targeting the group’s leaders from larger US bases in Iraq and American units in Syria. Iraq
Iran downplays significance of Baghdadi's death Iranian officials have shrugged off the news that the United States killed the Islamic State leader. Iraq
Basra Museum struggles to keep Iraq's heritage at home The Basra Museum displays around 2,200 objects from the Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian and Hellenistic eras — 100 of which were reportedly looted and returned to Iraq from Jordan and the United States. Iraq
New IS leader takes over following Baghdadi’s death A closer look at the Islamic State's first leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's chosen successor, Abdullah Qardash, offers some insight into what's next for the terror group. Iraq
US troops leaving Syria can't stay in Iraq, Baghdad says Despite Washington's willingness to keep its troops in Iraq after withdrawing them from Syria, Baghdad has told the United States to get them out in short order. Iraq
