Newsletter: Daily Briefing Trump meets Netanyahu in Florida Trump is meeting Netanyahu amid growing US frustration over stalled Gaza phase two talks, as Israel’s recognition of Somaliland sparked international backlash — and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis After Iraq’s election, what are US priorities for next government? Washington wants there to be no sanctioned groups in the next Iraqi government, a source told Al-Monitor, as the US and Iran compete for influence. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Syria seizes anti-aircraft missiles near Iraqi border: What to know The Syrian government is stepping up efforts to combat arms smuggling, including in relation to Hezbollah, Kurdish-led forces and ISIS. Syria
Analysis What Turkey wants from Iraq to renew pipeline deal Ankara is pushing for full control over the pipeline’s Turkish section and a capacity-allocation system, as arbitration battles with Baghdad drag on. By David O'Byrne
Exclusive Iraq's Kurds air fury over PM Sudani's stance after attack on gas field By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Iraq’s economic future in limbo as paralysis looms post-election By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Intel: How many US troops do 2020 Democrats want to keep in the Middle East? Democratic presidential hopefuls started Tuesday’s debate by slamming President Donald Trump’s Iran policy and articulating their own vision for the future US force posture in the Middle East. Iraq
Pentagon considering reinforcing missile defenses after Iranian strikes After Iran's Jan. 8 ballistic missile attacks on an Iraqi air base housing US forces, the Pentagon is now challenged with preventing a repeat occurrence. Saudi Arabia
Christians in Iraq welcome 2020 with confidence and desire for change Iraqi Christians hope 2020 brings them more security and national acceptance and brings Iraq more unity and stability. Iraq
Iraqi PM urges Kurds to help rid Iraq of US troops Baghdad expects Iraqi Kurdistan to abide by its decision to remove foreign troops from the country, though Kurdish leaders say the US-led coalition is still helping to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State. Iraq
Fighters in Iraq's Anbar wary of US-Iran conflict as Denmark pulls forces Due to rising US-Iran tension in Iraq, Denmark has said it will pull most of its elite military trainers out of the country. Iraq
Senate Armed Services Chairman Inhofe endorses Iraq sanctions Key Republican leaders are lining up behind President Donald Trump’s threats to hit Iraq with crippling sanctions. Iraq
Can Iran mobilize allies to end US Mideast presence? Iran seeks an end to the US presence in the Middle East, but can it bring Russia and Turkey on board? Iraq
Foreign troops' future in Iraq uncertain as clashes continue Tension between Tehran and Washington has some Iraqis worried about foreign troops withdrawing from Iraq, although the United States had said it has no intention of leaving the country in Iranian hands. Iraq
Iraqi PM quietly working to keep US troops in country Iraq’s caretaker prime minister privately does not want US troops to withdraw, several American and Iraqi sources familiar with the situation told Al-Monitor. Iraq
Killers target activists performing logistics for Iraqi protests Iraqi protester activists — and journalists covering the protests — are being killed in greater numbers by unidentified armed groups in an apparent attempt to curtail the demonstrations. Iraq
Intel: How Russia is helping Iraq build up its air defenses amid US-Iran escalation Following the latest hostilities between the United States and Iran inside Iraq, Baghdad has reportedly resumed negotiations with Moscow over reinforcing its air defenses. Iraq
Iraqi protesters decry Iranian and US interference Over three months since anti-government protests began in Iraq, attention has shifted to geopolitical fears of regional war. Iraq