Analysis

The Takeaway: US sees role for 'all parties' in inclusive Iraqi national dialogue  

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Jennifer Gavito says that "we’ll take our cues from Iraq" regarding government formation.

By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn

Turkish intel chief pursues multiple goals in Baghdad

In landmark talks in Baghdad, Hakan Fidan sought to ease bilateral tensions over a deadly attack in July, assert Turkey’s resolve to continue military operations on Iraqi soil and sway the political impasse in Iraq. 

Turkey

Iran shuts borders with Iraq as millions of Shiite pilgrims arrive for Arbaeen

Iraq is struggling with the large number of Shiite pilgrims, at least 5 million — mostly from Iran — who entered Iraq over the last few days to attend the Arbaeen ceremony.

Iraq

Drugs, militias form explosive mix on Iraq-Iran border

Officers and judges who dare to go up against those controlling the drug trade along Iraq’s southeastern border with Iran continue to be targeted as attempts are made to crack down on corruption.

Iraq

Iraq's top court rejects calls to dissolve parliament

Iraq's federal court ruled today that it cannot dissolve parliament and only parliament can dissolve itself.

Iraq

Iraq reels in wake of political violence

Tension remains high in Iraq as leaders try to reassure the international community after dozens were killed.

Iraq

Amid increasing tensions between militias, Muqtada al-Sadr calls for reforming the PMU

Rival Shiite armed factions took their fight to Iraq’s key port city as leaders officially called for calm and closed offices.

Iraq

Analysis

The Takeaway: Uneasy calm returns to Iraq but deep divisions remain

Israel’s top figures divided on Iran deal; Turkish pop star arrested; Iranian museum fumigates for bugs; Cairo evicts Nile island residents; and Hamas reacts to Turkish-Israel rapprochement.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

US says oil contracts in Iraqi Kurdistan should be ‘respected’

Some companies have pulled out of the autonomous region following pressure from the federal government, which considers the Kurdistan Region’s oil exports unconstitutional.

Iraq

Iraqi PM threatens to step down as tensions persist after clashes

Following the bloody clash in Baghdad's Green Zone, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhimi threatened to vacate the position if the conflict continues.

Iraq

How realistic is Erdogan’s vision for security belt from Syria to Iraq?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he is bent on creating an “end-to-end” security belt along Turkey’s southern borders with Syria and Iraq — a vision too ambitious given the political and topographic conditions of the areas in question.

Turkey

Deadly intra-Shiite violence rattles Iraq’s Kurds

Kurds are "deeply troubled by the new cycle of violence in Iraq" and look to be peacemakers.

Iraq