Turkey confirms Iraq troop withdrawal as NATO pulls back due to Iran war The confirmation of the withdrawal came as part of NATO’s decision to withdraw its forces in its Iraq mission amid Iran war. Turkey
Analysis Iran's first strike on Iraqi Kurdish forces since war began a warning to US allies The deadly strike on Kurdish forces underscores Tehran’s readiness to pressure US partners as Erbil is caught between Iran, Baghdad and Washington. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Exclusive Iraqi oil flows to Turkey after US pledges role in Baghdad-Kurds customs dispute A US-brokered breakthrough between Baghdad and Erbil has restarted Iraqi oil exports through Turkey after a weeklong standoff. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Exclusive Dana Gas evacuates Khor Mor staff in Iraq's Kurdistan Region after Iran threats Tehran has warned it will target Gulf oil and gas facilities following Israel's strike on South Pars. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Who represents Iraqi Sunnis? Sunnis in Iraq are failing to find the representation that they so desperately need as the Islamic State continues to tighten its grip on Sunni towns and cities across the country. Iraq
The Islamic State is here to stay Unlike al-Qaeda, the Islamic State has been able to institutionalize jihad, thus guaranteeing its survival. Iraq
EU ministers discuss jihadist travel to Syria, border security While the G6 meeting of interior ministers on Nov. 6 focused on jihadists traveling from Europe to Syria via Turkey, the European Parliament is considering putting in place more stringent security checks and travel restrictions. Iraq
Iraq's Arbaeen pilgrims walk new, safer path A new road is being built to make it easier for Shiite pilgrims to walk to Iraq's holy city of Karbala, where they commemorate the death of Imam Hussein Bin Ali. Iraq
How a German doctor became a PKK hero "Dr. Medya," a physician from Hamburg, talks about her more than 20 years in the Kurdistan Workers Party in a rare interview. Iraq
Iran nuclear deal could be key to resolving region’s conflicts Iran has signaled a willingness to engage in Iraq and Syria. Iraq
Iraq's one too many holidays Economists are warning Iraqi policymakers that the large number of official and unofficial holidays is crippling the economy against a backdrop of governmental indifference. Iraq
Turkey's Kurdish client state Turkey has tremendous financial and security influence over the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, exposing Erbil to economic and political vulnerabilities. Iraq
Can Islamic State keep control of Mosul? The wide Sunni sympathy for the Islamic State in Mosul cracked less than two months into its occupation, and residents are increasingly horrified by rampant arrests and executions. Iraq
Sistani welcomes Iraqi politicians Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani's welcoming of the Iraqi president and prime minister is not a sign that he is backtracking on steering clear of politics, but that he wants the political arena to succeed in implementing reforms, thereby protecting Iraq's religious and cultural diversity. Iraq
Grade inflation hits Iraqi high schools Iraqi high school students tend to get extremely high final grades, which raises questions because of the country's weak educational system and that many families want their children, but sons especially, to become doctors at any price. Iraq
Budget failure creates more economic woes for Iraq Iraq failed to agree on a budget for 2014 and seems set to fail on agreeing to a 2015 budget; economists warned that this would only add to the nation's financial problems. Iraq