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 dates shrivel awaiting production means Poor management of agricultural lands and a lack of planning and support by the government for farmers have whittled down Iraq’s production of dates. Iraq
Nuke deal won't change Iran's approach to region In the aftermath of the JCPOA, Iran and other regional powers are seeking to engage, but will likely pursue policies to strengthen positions ahead of anticipated talks. Saudi Arabia
Is Ankara headed toward all-out war with Turkey’s Kurds? Unless a deus ex machina like the United States enters into the equation between the Turkish government and the PKK, the clashes between the sides will continue. Iraq
Historic Iraqi homes, buildings fall to wrecking ball As urbanization is expanding in Iraq, construction companies are not taking into account the country's rich heritage and archaeological history, as historical landmarks are destroyed and replaced by modern buildings. Iraq
Turkey riles Kurds over bodies of dead fighters Turkey’s refusal to allow entry to the bodies of Kurdish fighters killed in Syria and Iraq has added to already simmering tensions between Ankara and the Kurds. Iraq
One year later, struggle continues for Yazidis Displacement has left Iraq’s Yazidis with very little, driving some to seek to leave the country and others to despair. Iraq
Mystery surrounds Iraqi statue's missing glass of wine The latest vandalism of a Baghdad statue underlines the cultural and political strife dividing Iraqis. Iraq
Lobbying 2015: Iraq turns to US to keep country together Iraq launched a massive lobbying push two years ago to convince the US not to let the country fall apart. With the Islamic State finally on the defensive, are Kurdish dreams of independence the next target? Iraq
As terror attacks continue, Iraqi government prioritizes nightclub raids The ongoing attacks against nightclubs and liquor stores in Baghdad suggest an alliance between religious currents and the Iraqi government. Iraq
Can Iraq bring Iran, GCC closer? Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif's recent visit to Iraq sends several important signals — all centering on increasing regional security in the Middle East. Iraq
Saving Middle East relics needs less talk, more action International action is required to stop the plundering of Middle Eastern treasures and the devastation of historic sites. Iraq
Is PKK real target of Turkish strikes? Turkey’s decision to open two fronts, against the Islamic State and the PKK, complicates US cooperation with Kurds in Syria. Iraq