Iraq's Zaidi meets Sharaa on first Syria visit: What to know Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has sought to assuage concerns about his past militant activity in Iraq, whose oil trade and security cooperation with his two country is rising. Iraq
Iran says deal reached with Iraq to expel Kurdish separatists: What to know Iran said an agreement was reached with Iraq to expel or hand over members of Kurdish separatist groups based in Iraqi Kurdistan. Iran
Analysis How Hormuz crisis is reshaping economic ties between Iraq and Syria Iraq and Syria are expanding trade and energy cooperation, but security risks, economic challenges and longstanding mistrust raise questions about whether their growing partnership can endure. By Shelly Kittleson In Middle East, reporting on regional politics
Iraq’s Zaidi, Saudi crown prince discuss security as Houthi attacks escalate Iraq has moved to improve ties with Saudi Arabia after Iran-backed militias struck the kingdom and amid the conflict with the Houthis in Yemen. Iraq
Analysis Why Syria and Iraq are taking different approaches to armed groups By Shelly Kittleson In Middle East, reporting on regional politics
Will Iraq's minorities return to their homelands post-IS? As Iraqi forces are advancing against the Islamic State, Iraqi minorities express their worries about the future of their lands post-IS. Iraq
How Islamic State is trying to lure Kurds to its ranks The Islamic State released a video Aug. 3 in which militants refer to prominent Kurdish leaders in a bid to attract the Kurds to their ranks. Iraq
Amid war on IS, Iraq’s widows and orphans face neglect A recent survey shows that the number of widows and orphans is on the rise in Iraq, while the government fails to provide support for them. Iraq
Iraq's political leaders on quicksand as alliances fracture While Iraq's defense minister and parliament speaker trade accusations of corruption, the major political blocs that support them are threatening to split and reorganize themselves along nonsectarian lines. Iraq
Iraqi parliament in the dark about $2.7 billion loan deal Iraq's parliament was not involved in the negotiations for a $2.7 billion US loan package and still hasn't been fully briefed on the deal, leaving many Iraqi lawmakers uneasy. Iraq
13 years later, Iraq passes de-Baathification law The Iraqi parliament passed a de-Baathification law to ban any political activity by the Baath Party, but its consequences are still unknown as warnings continue about potential destabilizing effects. Iraq
Will KRG be next target of Turkey's Gulenist purge? Though the Gulen movement has long been a major player in education, business and public facilities in Iraqi Kurdistan, observers doubt that the Turkish government will let its influence hinder relations between the two important trading partners. Iraq
Obama: no safe haven for al-Qaeda in Syria The United States to continue "intense fire efforts" against terrorist group as US-Russia talks appear stalled; Is Muqtada al-Sadr losing the Iraqi street? Nouri al-Maliki plots his return. Iraq
No end to the militias in Iraq Every once in a while a new militia emerges in Iraq, increasing the chance of instability in the country. Iraq
Who is Golani, Nusra's No. 1 man? Al-Monitor has exclusive information about the life of Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra). Witnesses talked about his jihad in Iraq and his journey back to Syria from where he announced the formation of Jabhat al-Nusra in 2012. Iraq
Security trench around Fallujah leaves residents feeling trapped The Iraqi government is digging a trench to protect Fallujah, but the idea is raising concerns that civilians will end up isolated from the rest of the country. Iraq