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
Party squabbles have Iraqi PM by the coattails A Cabinet shuffle by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is unlikely to assuage protesters demanding substantive government reform and the removal of corrupt officials. Iraq
How to overcome Iraq’s economic crisis Iraq's economic recovery requires strong institutions and infrastructure, but with no time to wait for stability, the state should provide financial support and administrative facilities to help small businesses grow now. Iraq
Congress gets first-hand account of war against IS A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Feb. 8. Iraq
Saudi ambassador's comments on Popular Mobilization Units stir ire of Iraqis The statements made by the Saudi ambassador to Baghdad about the Popular Mobilization Units in Iraq have stirred mixed reactions in the political sphere and on the Iraqi street. Saudi Arabia
Diyala attacks follow old Zarqawi terror strategy The Diyala attacks in January may have been intended to stir up a Sunni-Shiite war to drive Sunnis into the Islamic State’s arms. Iraq
Iraq's illegal hunting problem Illegal hunting activities in Iraq are causing serious threats to the environment, while the law is not enforced and the government condones the practice by Iraqi and Gulf state hunters. Iraq
Salt industry evaporating in Iraq Poor Iraqis in search of income have turned to harvesting salt by hand, but face competition from imports. Iraq
Who's to blame for recent kidnappings in Iraq? Many foreign diplomats and workers have been kidnapped in Iraq by armed gangs that have been spreading in the absence of security measures, which could damage diplomatic representation. Saudi Arabia
Iraq struggles to combat evolving terrorist threat The Islamic State has developed a new way to conduct its terror operations, while the Iraqi government is unable to prevent security breaches. Iraq
Turkey's military mules take their marching orders seriously Modern armies spend millions of dollars to develop high-tech robotic systems, but none can replace mules as reliable carriers in bad weather over rough terrain. Iraq
Once-lively caravan stops crumble along abandoned Silk Road Khan al-Noss, one of many caravanserais found along the Silk Road in Iraq and other neighboring countries, is yet another neglected and disappearing Iraqi heritage site. Iraq
Could Iraq mediate Iran, Saudi strife? Utilizing Iraq as a mediator to address its dispute with Iran would allow Saudi Arabia to both improve relations with Tehran and build important relations with Iraqi Shiites. Why, then, is Riyadh not seizing this opportunity? Saudi Arabia