Exclusive US nears full withdrawal from Iraq as bases in Kurdistan Region face attacks from Iran, proxies Patriot air-defense systems that detect and shoot down incoming missiles and drones have already been removed, sources told Al-Monitor. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iraq's Zaidi cancels Riyadh visit after US-Saudi strikes Netanyahu lauds 'excellent' Trump meeting; Turkey detains another opposition mayor; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Zaidi cancels Riyadh trip after US-Saudi strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq The move comes after Riyadh joined Washington in targeting Iraqi militias, dealing a setback to Baghdad's efforts to strengthen ties with Gulf Arab states. Iraq
Explainer Erdogan hosts Zaidi, touts ‘historic step’ in Turkey-Iraq energy ties The Turkish president outlined Ankara’s priorities with the new Iraqi government during the Iraqi leader’s first visit to Turkey: security, energy cooperation and the Development Road. Turkey
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Israel’s Netanyahu to discuss Iran, Lebanon with Trump By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
New solar park to ease Iraqi governorate's power shortage A solar energy park to be funded by the European Union is expected to help lessen Dohuk's daily power cuts in two years. Iraq
Palestinians in Iraq protesting to have their rights restored Displaced Palestinians in Iraq who live in very poor conditions have joined the protests in Baghdad, demanding their rights as refugees who have lived in the country for decades. Iraq
Nasiriyah becomes the Iraqi protest capital Nasiriyah has become the new capital of Iraq's protests after Sadrists in Baghdad cracked down on Tahrir Square, which was the center of protests since they began in October 2019. Iraq
Ancient, modern cultures still mingle in central Erbil's Ottoman masterpieces Erbil's citadel and grand central market are living examples of the city's cultural heritage, which is both distinctly Ottoman and shaped by its local setting. Iraq
Has Sadr lost the Iraqi street? Iraqi populist cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, after playing to the hopes and grievances of everyday Iraqis, may be losing some of his following as he plays for advantage among Iraq's political factions. Iraq
Iraq celebrates Valentine's Day with red balloons, slogans Baghdad turned red on Valentine's Day with celebrations of love, defying Muqtada al-Sadr’s call to separate men and women in the rallies. Iraq
Iraqi prime minister-designate faces pressure on Cabinet choices Political pressure on the prime minister-designate, Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi, could bring him down before he even forms a government. Iraq
Iraqi protests blush pink as feminists flood streets As hardline clerics rail against women attending the nationwide protests in Iraq, feminists held rallies in Baghdad, Nasiriyah and other cities in support of women's participation as well as the ongoing protest movement. Iraq
Pentagon tit-for-tat with Iran goes on A Katyusha rocket strikes an Iraqi base where US troops are housed and the US Navy intercepts an apparent Iranian arms shipment for Yemeni rebels as the conflict between the United States and Iran and its proxies continues. Yemen
Controversial new law could make Iraq's early elections late Iraq's parliament passed a new elections law in December in response to massive protests, but the law hasn't been sent to the president for his approval. Iraq
New Jersey woman takes on traffickers in Iraq's Kurdistan region The Kurdistan Regional Government, with the help of a former US State Department official, is fighting human trafficking. Iraq
Who are Sadr's Blue Hats in Iraq and what side are they on? Prominent Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has kept his "Blue Hats" busy, calling on followers to change direction, often with his political whims. Iraq