Newsletter: Daily Briefing Why Iran, US are drifting back to conflict Trump hosts Iraqi PM Zaidi; Bahrain sentences 3 to life in prison over ties to Iran's IRGC; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
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? 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
Iraqi laborers facing harsh conditions in holy city of Najaf Due to the economic crisis, thousands of workers, including children from southern provinces, come to Najaf to work under difficult circumstances to support their families. Iraq
Sumerian city of Lagash slowly emerging from desert sands Archaeologists have resumed excavations at the site of the ancient city of Lagash in Iraq, but so have smugglers. Iraq
Mapping the road to the liberation of Mosul Mosul has become surrounded from the north and east by peshmerga forces, from the west by peshmerga and some Yazidi forces, and from the south in the Qayyarah base. Iraq
Will political party emerge out of Iraqi popular protests? So far, it seems that the protest movement led by leftist and young liberal Iraqis has not been able to establish a party or a political movement, which threatens its existence on the Iraqi scene. Iraq
Iraqis wary of political role for Popular Mobilization Units Signs indicate that the PMU hopes to assume a political role in Iraq, which has raised concerns among some Iraqis. Iraq
Is the Islamic State planning a cyber-caliphate? Under pressure on the battlefield, IS has been moving its caliphate to the virtual world and is targeting Turkey in particular. Iraq
Will conflict continue as Iraq's Sunni areas are liberated from IS? A new type of conflict may arise in Iraqi areas recently liberated from the Islamic State as different Sunni forces compete to regain political and economic control. Iraq
On eve of mass protests, what's next for Iraq's political crisis? Iraq's Supreme Court canceled the decision to dismiss the parliament speaker and the Abadi reform Cabinet, intensifying the political crisis as the popular movement prepares for mass demonstrations July 15. Iraq
Baghdad bombing ignites demand for better security in Iraq Repercussions of the massive July 3 suicide bombing in Baghdad could include extensive political change and government reshuffling, especially if such attacks continue. Iraq
Why some Iraqi Shiites are pushing for distance from Iran Iraqi Shiites are dividing over their stance toward Iran, as the disagreement with Iran rose up among Shiites affiliated to Najaf. Iraq
Why Iraq needs the Popular Mobilization Units in fight against IS Given the critical role of the PMU to date, its participation in upcoming battles against IS seems inevitable. Iraq
Iraqis look to get ahead on keffiyeh fashion The headdress worn by Iraqi men has become the embodiment of Arab prestige and a status symbol worn not only by ordinary citizens, but also by politicians and dignitaries who use it to profess their political and social standing. Iraq