Analysis Can a UAE-backed Syria-Iraq corridor become Gulf's next trade route? On June 26, Emirati and Syrian officials discussed plans for a logistics corridor connecting Syrian ports to Gulf markets via Iraq. 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 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
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
Iraq arrests killer of respected analyst Hisham al-Hashimi was gunned down outside his Baghdad apartment in July 2020. Iraq
Power struggle in Iraqi Kurdistan on hold as Talabani brothers prevail Patriotic Union of Kurdistan co-chair Lahur Talabani has been peacefully ousted, and Ankara is clearly happy about the turn of events. Iraq
US military presence in spotlight after Baghdad meeting The US military has no orders to withdraw from Iraq, officials say, following meeting of White House Middle East Coordinator with Iraqi Prime Minister. Iraq
Iraq's Kurdistan Region detects first case of Delta variant Several Middle Eastern governments have instituted measures aimed at mitigating the spread of COVID-19 variants recently. Iraq
Iraqi Shiite leader Sadr to sit out October election Muqtada al-Sadr also said he would withdraw his support for the current government and its replacement. Iraq
Iran presses for visa waiver from Iraq Iranian authorities continue to pressure the Iraqi government into waiving its travel visa between the two countries. Iraq
Talabani family feud at center of power struggle in Iraqi Kurdistan party The apparent takeover of the Iraqi Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party by Bafel Talabani is more family affair than policy dispute. Iraq
The Takeaway: Erdogan weighs risks of Afghan mission against benefits for US ties Also: Gulf airline race takes off; Islamic State steps up Iraq attacks; Fortnite fatwa riles Egyptian gamers; is Israel’s army too small?; child beggars in Gaza’s cemeteries; Iraq unearths 4,000 year old city; and more! All in only about 1,500 words. Turkey
Iraqis campaign against impunity for violence Activists in Iraq and abroad are seeking to pressure Iraqi authorities into preventing impunity for perpetrators of abuses. Iraq
Turkish airstrikes ignite Assyrian lands, villagers organize firefighting response The fire and lack of emergency response is endemic in the region as Turkish attacks routinely impact communities in Iraq’s north. Iraq
Islamic State uses hit-and-run tactics in Iraq Islamic State cells continue to target Sunni areas while armed groups thought to be close to Iran step up attacks on facilities hosting international coalition forces. Iraq
Archaeological digs unearths new details of 4,000-year-old city in Iraq An Iraqi-Russian team accomplished the first soundings of a previously unexcavated ancient settlement about 4,000 years old in Iraq's Dhi Qar governorate. Iraq