The colonels shaping Trump's Middle East policy

Who’s who in the Trump NSC: The retired military intelligence officers who helped David Petraeus with the surge in Iraq are now shaping policies for a president who says the United States should have never invaded Iraq.

Iraq

Trump urged to name religious freedom envoy to smooth out bumpy Mideast policy

Former ambassadors say Donald Trump is in dire need of an expert to "school" him on Islam.

Iraq

Iraqi forces prepare to retake western Mosul

Iraqi forces are prepping to liberate densely populated western Mosul from the Islamic State, which is expected to put up a fierce fight.

Iraq

Why king’s visit to Washington was essential for Jordan

King Abdullah’s visit to the United States, where he met with President Donald Trump, helped reassure Jordanians that US military and economic support for the kingdom will continue.

Palestine

Controversial canal again sparks dispute in Iraq

The Khor Abdullah maritime canal between Kuwait and Iraq has ignited a political crisis in Iraq amid accusations that Iraq's Cabinet gave away Iraqi territory.

Kuwait

Armed Iraqi factions threaten to target Americans in response to travel ban

While the Iraqi government cautiously follows up on the impacts of the US executive order to ban Iraqis from the United States, some Shiite militias threaten to target Americans in Iraq in response to the new US policy.

Iraq

The truth behind oil theft in Iraq's Basra

Iraqi members of parliament have recently addressed the Oil Ministry with allegations related to the daily theft of Basra oil due to the malfunctioning of oil counters, to which the ministry responded without offering any proof.

Iraq

Will Mosul see peace post-Islamic State?

While the number of internally displaced persons returning to Mosul has increased significantly recently, the city's residents wonder when they can live in peace again.

Iraq

Sexual harassment common even for Iraqi women professionals

As Iraqi women expand their presence in the workplace, they are increasingly subjected to sexual harassment, including at public institutions.

Iraq

Iraqi teachers unsafe in own classrooms

The Iraqi prime minister has called on the security forces to protect schoolteachers from attacks by their students while the parliament considers penalizing crimes against educators.

Iraq

Shiite militias open offices in Iraq's liberated Sunni areas

The Popular Mobilization Units are expanding their domination in Sunni-majority areas liberated from the Islamic State, raising concerns among the local population.

Iraq

Why did Russia offer autonomy for Syria’s Kurds?

Draft constitution from Russia seeks to decentralize Syrian state authority, limit presidential powers; Turkish forces struggle in two-front campaign against both the Islamic State and Syrian Kurds; Al-Monitor offers in-depth reporting on Syrian Kurdish region.

Iraq