Why Iraq's president can expect warm welcome in Turkey

Turkey is preparing to host new Iraqi President Barham Salih, who Ankara clearly sees as useful despite his Kurdish political background.

Iraq

Iran pushes Iraq to maintain trade without US dollar

Iran is pushing for an agreement with the Iraqi Central Bank to maintain trade in local currencies after dollar-base trade halted following the reimposition of US sanctions.

Iraq

Iraq's grand Sunni mufti forbids participation in New Year's celebrations

Clerics who issued fatwas against participation in New Year's celebrations come up against a wave of criticism.

Iraq

Turkey tests waters before next operation in Syria

Ankara will face numerous political and security risks if it moves too hastily in its pursuit of the YPG in Syria.

Iraq

UN seeks to raise awareness of bias against African-Iraqis

Iraqis of African descent seem to be making progress, albeit slowly, against discrimination, with the UN's help.

Iraq

Ankara provokes Iraqi government with plans against PKK

Turkish airstrikes against pro-PKK groups in Iraq's Kurdistan put the Iraqi government in a difficult situation, as it cannot eject Kurdish militias or stop Turkish intervention.

Iraq

Why Turkey's Kurdish strategy will remain ineffective

While making moves to crush the Kurds’ de facto self-rule in northern Syria, Turkey has targeted also the Makhmour refugee camp in Iraq, which, ironically, holds a mirror to Ankara’s failed Kurdish policies over the years.

Iraq

Will Iraq's prime minister fail to complete his Cabinet?

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has not been able to complete his Cabinet, despite the fact that more than two months have passed since he was appointed to the job.

Iraq

Iraqi border eyes Iran influence as US plans Syria pullout

After the retaking of IS-held territory across the border and the US announcement it would pull its troops out of Syria, Iraq’s western Anbar is grappling with the prospect of increased Iranian influence amid joblessness, a lack of electricity and reports of cross-border drug smuggling.

Iraq

Creating hipster culture in an old tobacco factory in Sulaimaniyah

Sulaimaniyah's defunct tobacco factory celebrates its second year as an arts and culture center.

Iraq

Christmas without Christians in IS-liberated Mosul

Mosul's second Christmas after its liberation from the Islamic State is a far cry from its past celebrations — the few churches that have been repaired remain empty.

Iraq

Church’s political role sparks debate among Iraqi Christians

The Iraqi Chaldean Catholic Church attempts to have a bigger role in Christian politics, but Christian parties see this as unwarranted interference by the religious institution.

Iraq