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
Erdogan's plans in Iraqi Kurdistan may backfire The news that Nechirvan Barzani will not continue as prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq is causing Turkey to worry that the new KRG Cabinet will not be formed of allies of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Iraq
Bahraini opposition in Iraq stirs crisis between Baghdad, Manama The opening of an office of the Bahraini opposition in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad has caused a crisis between Iraq and Bahrain. United Arab Emirates
Kurdistan flag row threatens to reignite Kirkuk powder keg The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan raised the flag of Kurdistan over its headquarters in the multiethnic city of Kirkuk, fueling tensions between Baghdad and Iraqi Kurdistan over the disputed, oil-rich city. Iraq
Anger among Iraqi Kurds as Syria adds Masrour Barzani to terror list The Kurdistan Regional Government has been quick to respond after the Syrian government named Masrour Barzani, the son of Massoud Barzani, to its list of terrorists. Iraq
If US backtracks in Syria, Iraq hopes to fill its shoes Iraq is expanding its relations with the Syrian government, seeking a strong position as the conflict resolves. Iraq
Iraqi blocs, outsiders vie to influence Basra governorship It took Iraqis months to select a prime minister, and now a similar battle has arisen over the governor's office in embattled Basra. Iraq
Merger of parliamentary committees further sidelines Iraqi women Feminists in Iraq are speaking out against the merger of the parliamentary committees on human rights with that on women, family and childhood, saying the latter was already overextended and insufficient to effect female advancement. Iraq
Ankara nurses hatred for McGurk Even now, after Brett McGurk resigned from his post as US envoy to the coalition against the Islamic State, Turkish officials are still seething with complaints about the man. Iraq
Conflict over Iraqi federal government moves to provincial councils The dispute between Iraqi parliamentary blocs over ministerial portfolios has surfaced over the posts of the provinces' governors. Iraq
US-led coalition scrambles to realign Islamic State mission following Syria exit The global coalition is turning its attention to Iraq to avoid a resurgence of the Islamic State. Iraq
Why Iraq's president can expect warm welcome in Turkey Turkey is preparing to host new Iraqi President Barham Salih, who Ankara clearly sees as useful despite his Kurdish political background. Iraq
Iran pushes Iraq to maintain trade without US dollar Iran is pushing for an agreement with the Iraqi Central Bank to maintain trade in local currencies after dollar-base trade halted following the reimposition of US sanctions. Iraq
