Split over Maliki, Iraq’s Shiite bloc delays PM vote as deadline nears: What to know Two other candidates have emerged as alternatives to Coordination Framework nominee and former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who is openly opposed by the Trump administration. Iraq
How Syria's border opening with Iraq redefines Turkey-Kurd balance After years of closure, the reopening of al-Yaaroubiya crossing is redrawing Kurdish economic leverage and reinforcing Turkey’s regional strategy. Syria
IMF slashes Mideast outlook by nearly 3 points as Iran war hits economies The International Monetary Fund cut gross domestic product forecasts for the Middle East and North Africa, with the fallout from the conflict exposing stark divergences between the region’s energy exporters and importers. Iran
Bahrain, Saudi Arabia summon Iraqi diplomats over militia attacks: What to know The United States and Kuwait have likewise criticized Iraq over actions tied to Iran-backed armed groups in the country. Iraq
Exclusive 'King of Iraq': Top judge Zaidan played key role in Shelly Kittleson's release By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis How fast can Gulf energy production rebound after US-Iran ceasefire? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Hostage to Hormuz, can Gulf rewire future energy flows to bypass Iran’s chokepoint? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Iraqi independents to form new parliamentary bloc Representatives of the demonstrations and independent candidates did well in the Iraqi elections, unsettling many existing political elites. Iraq
Iraq opts for clean energy in ambitious energy reform program Iraq is signing contracts with international companies to produce clean energy in a bid to curb its rising pollution curve. Iraq
Germany sentences Islamic State woman to jail over Yazidi child's death The Munich court found Jennifer Wenisch, a German national, guilty of “two crimes against humanity in the form of enslavement." Iraq
The Takeaway: Iraq shadowed Colin Powell, but his character showed through even then Pinkwashing in Tunisia?; Russia, Iran, Turkey, Syria and the Caucasus; Breast reconstruction surgery still taboo in Gaza; Wheelchair basketball scores — all in less than 1,500 words! Iraq
Sunnis back party of Iraq’s youngest-ever parliamentary speaker The large backing by the Sunni community for the current parliamentary speaker’s party despite a tradition of voting along tribal lines may mark a break with the past. Iraq
Iraq captures mastermind of 2016 Islamic State terror attack that killed hundreds Iraq arrested the man behind the infamous 2016 bomb attack in a Baghdad shopping center that left nearly 350 people dead and 250 injured. Iraq
Iraqi election shakes up Shiite political old guard The victory of the coalition led by populist cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr, and the rise of independent Shiite politicians, could foreshadow a new chapter in Iraqi politics. Iraq
Iraq's election results put militias between rock and hard place Political parties affiliated with Iraqi militias faced significant defeat, while their ally Nouri al-Maliki earned a remarkable victory. Iraq
The Takeaway: Sunni ‘awakening’ is a big story from Iraq’s elections Also: Press freedom under threat in Tunisia; Sisi backs Saied emergency measures; Palestinian video game banned in Israel; Syrian opposition considers merger in Idlib; Egypt praised for restoring Jewish synagogue; all in less than 1,300 words! Iraq
Sadr and independents biggest winners under Iraq's new election law The new election law was beneficial for large political blocs and independents, but it also harmed a number of large blocs whose presence in the new parliament has become almost marginal. Iraq
Iraq captures ‘Most Wanted’ Islamic State finance chief Iraqi intelligence have captured a top-level IS leader in a special operation that involved coordination with foreign countries. The US had offered $5 million for information that “brings him to justice”. Iraq
Muqtada al-Sadr set to claim victory in Iraqi elections Iraqis made their way to the ballot boxes to cast their votes for the council of representatives, as results show significant surprises. Iraq
