Analysis Renewed Iraq attacks test Zaidi’s push to disarm Iran-backed militias An attempt by Iraqi government forces to seize weapons belonging to an Iranian-backed faction encountered resistance, raising questions about Prime Minister Ali Zaidi’s pledge to disarm militias by Sept. 30. By Mustafa Salim
Analysis Iran-linked militias seek to draw Iraq into regional war “Iran’s logic is the logic of war,” a Gulf regional official tells Al-Monitor. By Week in Review
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
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Israel’s Netanyahu to discuss Iran, Lebanon with Trump By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
US-led coalition scrambles to realign Islamic State mission following Syria exit The global coalition is turning its attention to Iraq to avoid a resurgence of the Islamic State. Iraq
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