Newsletter: Daily Briefing Qatar says no direct Iran-US talks in Doha Saudi FM visits Beijing; Iraq’s premier expands anti-corruption crackdown; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Here's what to know about Iraq's corruption as Zaidi launches crackdown Watchdogs and financial institutions regard Iraq as a significantly corrupt country as the new prime minister works to recover public funds. Iraq
Analysis Iraqi PM’s anti-corruption drive comes as US pressure mounts on Iran-backed militias Iraq’s new prime minister has launched a sweeping anti-corruption campaign ahead of key talks in Washington, but analysts say the real test will be whether it reaches Iraq’s most powerful Iran-backed actors. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Explainer After UAE and Qatar, could Iraq be next to leave OPEC? Iraq is seeking a higher production quota as the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has slashed oil revenues and plunged the country into a fiscal crisis. Iraq
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Region welcomes US-Iran deal By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Exclusive Barrack heads to Iraq as US presses Baghdad on Iran-backed militias By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Turkish attacks stop displaced Iraqi Yazidis from returning home Turkey's regular targeting of Sinjar region is affecting the area badly and preventing displaced people from returning. Iraq
Baghdad announces crackdown on drug trafficking, gangs in Maysan Security file in Maysan governorate has become a priority for the Iraqi government following assassinations, armed tribal conflicts, organized crime and drug trafficking. Iraq
Iran’s water woes worsen despite warmer Taliban ties Iranian and Taliban officials have issued conflicting claims about how water from a dam in southwestern Afghanistan will be used, amid worsening shortages in Iran and protests. Iraq
Will Iran's electricity cut turn Iraq toward Gulf? Iraq is facing reduced electricity and gas supplies from Iran, which might lead Iraq toward an electricity connection with the Gulf. Iraq
Iraq keeps wary eye on prison security after Islamic State jailbreak in Syria The dire effects of massive jailbreaks a decade prior and the thousands of Islamic State convicts and suspects in Iraqi detention have induced greater attention to facilities in the country following an attack across the border. Iraq
Iraq tightens Syria border control after massive IS jailbreak Measures have been stepped up along the border with Syria in the now-defunct Islamic State leader’s native province to prevent hundreds of prison escapees from slipping across. Iraq
Islamic State leader’s death brings little solace to Iraq's suffering Yazidis Yazidis react to the death of Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, who played a central role in orchestrating the slaughter and trafficking of the minority group. Iraq
Will Sadr lead Shiite political scene, exclude Iran's allies from Cabinet? Iraq's Sadrist movement head Muqtada al-Sadr seeks to lead the Shiite political decision and establish himself as the sole representative of the Shiites in the next Cabinet. Iraq
Battle opens for presidency in Iraq As the Kurdistan Democratic Party nominates Hoshyar Zebari for the presidency, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan is looking to renew the mandate of President Barham Salih. Iraq
Sadr committed to forming Iraq's first majority government The Coordination Framework, comprised of several Shiite parties is seeking a national unity coalition modeled on previous governments, while Sadr whose bloc won the majority of seats seeks majority government. Iraq
Baghdad airport hit with rockets, no one hurt No group has claimed credit for the latest attack. Iraq
Syrian prison battle leaves hundreds dead and many IS free A massive attack on detention facilities in northeastern Syria under US-backed, Kurdish-led forces has ended after almost a week of fighting, though the fate of some hostages remains unclear. Iraq