Kerry notes 'beneficial reduction' in Syrian violence

Syrian cessation of hostilities holding at one month as Islamic State loses ground; Massoud Barzani says United States is turning a “blind eye” to Syrian Kurdish ally’s links to the Kurdistan Workers Party.

Iraq

Is Iran becoming a major regional arms producer?

If the current trajectory of arms deliveries continues, it appears that countries such as Iran, Russia and China are set to become the Middle East’s main weapons suppliers.

Iraq

Unemployed Iraqis join in looting of antiquities

As security chaos persists and jobless rates soar, little can be done to protect Iraq's thousands of archaeological sites from illegal excavations.

Iraq

Do gas condensate exports represent new beginning for Iraq's hydrocarbon industry?

As the first shipment of gas condensate reached the UAE, Iraq is seemingly on the right path to develop its energy sector despite some difficulties in the sector.

United Arab Emirates

Massoud Barzani vows to fight corruption with same dedication as KRG has fought IS

Speaking exclusively to Al-Monitor, Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani discussed his meetings with the judiciary to launch a corruption investigation, starting with his own family and the KDP.

Iraq

Will the Islamic State survive 2016?

The Islamic State's loss of territory has some experts predicting its demise, but are we sure?

Iraq

Will Iraq pass amnesty law that could pardon terrorists?

Iraqi political blocs have agreed to pass the general amnesty draft law, although there are concerns that terrorists might be released in accordance with it.

Iraq

So IS is committing genocide. Now what?

Congress expects the secretary of State's determination to mean something.

Iraq

Iraq's dysfunctional government by proxy

With a dysfunctional parliament unable to approve political and military appointments, the prime minister has been unilaterally filling government positions with acting officials.

Iraq

Najaf's forgotten Christian heritage

Historic Christian sites in Najaf are not only neglected like many other ancient sites across Iraq, but face an even steeper uphill battle for recognition and support as non-Islamic sites.

Iraq

The IRGC's plan to win hearts and minds

Pro-regime culture portrays Qasem Soleimani as a brave, strong and mysterious commander as a key component in the campaign to recuperate trust in the IRGC among Iranians and to portray it as a formidable force in the region.

Iraq

The rise of Islamic State sleeper cells in Baghdad

After the recent attacks by the Islamic State around Baghdad, Iraqi security forces are struggling to track down IS cells in the Iraqi capital's outskirts.

Iraq