Trump congratulates Iraq PM-designate Zaidi in call: What to know The US President was openly critical of previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki, seen as too close to Iran, but is now welcoming the new candidate put forward by Iraq’s leading Shiite bloc. Iraq
Meet Ali al-Zaidi, businessman and Iraq's new prime minister-designate Legal sources familiar with the nominee told Al-Monitor that there are no US sanctions on Zaidi or financial institutions affiliated with him. Iraq
Iraq's Shiite alliance nominates Ali al-Zaidi as PM candidate: What to know Ali al-Zaidi, who leads a bank accused of money laundering, received support from previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki and incumbent Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, though it remains unclear whether the Trump administration will approve of him. Iraq
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
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
Netanyahu petrified by possible Trump-Rouhani meeting Ahead of the Sept. 17 elections, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is terrified that US President Donald Trump will crush his anti-Iran campaign by meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Iraq
Iraq shuts down US-funded TV station over corruption report Iraqis are divided over the government's three-month closure of Alhurra’s Baghdad office for a controversial report alleging corruption in religious institutions. Iraq
Will PMU form an air force unit? Iran-backed PMU factions are trying to form a PMU air force unit with Iranian support, but the top PMU leader says no. Iraq
Will PMU allow parliament to appoint its leaders? Some Iraqi parliamentary blocs are working to mandate that parliament appoint the leaders of the Popular Mobilization Units. Iraq
Ninevah sheikh and ex-commander warn of ‘IS family camp dangers’ Nearly two years after its liberation from the Islamic State, Ninevah province is still struggling to deal with IS-linked displaced people. Iraq
Iraqi opposition parties form shadow government Some Iraqi political forces are poised to form a shadow government, but other Iraqi groups say the effort is a fool's errand. Iraq
Burial of unidentified Iraqi bodies sparks sectarian debate Iraqi Sunnis accuse the government of trying to cover up Shiite violence against them by burying bodies of displaced persons who haven't been identified. Iraq
Will Iran retaliate after recent Israeli attacks? Israel seems to be provoking Iran by striking the latter's proxies in Iraq and Lebanon. But Tehran is not showing willingness to directly engage in an all-out war with Tel Aviv. Iraq
Pentagon touts Space Command as boon to Middle East role The Donald Trump administration's launch of a Pentagon command to defend US space orbiting satellites could give Middle East commanders a boost in protecting their eyes and ears on the battlefield. Legacy: Gulf
Iraqi decision to remove Shabak PMU from Ninevah Plains stirs conflict A dispute over the presence of Popular Mobilization Units in the Ninevah Plains raises concerns about the recurrence of conflict in the area. Iraq
Israeli strikes raise questions about US presence in Iraq A suspected Israeli strike against an Iran-backed convoy in Iraq has raised political doubts about the long-term American troop presence there. Iraq
Iraqi Mandaeans fear extinction The Mandaean community in Iraq is dwindling to such low numbers that its members fear extinction. Iraq
