Analysis CIA, Mossad bolster Iran’s Kurds as US, Israel seek to ignite military revolt Israel hopes Iran’s Kurds, and other minorities, will mobilize to help bring down the Iranian regime. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Which 6 Kurdish groups could join the war in Iran? Iranian Kurdish groups that recently formed an alliance could soon join the United States and Israel in their campaign against the Islamic Republic, Al-Monitor has learned. Iran
Exclusive US-backed Kurdish forces poised to enter Iran from Iraqi Kurdistan 'within days' The CIA has reportedly been in contact with Iranian Kurdish armed groups since last year, as Israel has pressed for Kurdish engagement. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Kurds see opening yet remain wary as Trump seeks help to oust Iran regime As the US and Israel escalate strikes on Iran, Trump has opened talks with Iraqi Kurdish leaders about their potential involvement in the conflict. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iran-linked attacks on US forces in Syria rekindle Iraq border concerns Tit-for-tat attacks by US and Iran-linked forces in eastern Syria have raised regional tension levels and questions about Iraq’s control of its western border and an area long controlled by Kataib Hezbollah in the center of the country. Iraq
KRG responds to Baghad's threat of legal action over oil dispute The federal Iraqi government argues that the autonomous region’s independent oil deals are unconstitutional. Iraq
Iraqi PM warns security forces to stay out of political conflicts The Iraqi judiciary resumed its work the day after powerful Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr ordered his supporters to withdraw from the Supreme Judicial Council. Iraq
Middle East is building a big lead in global hydrocarbon investments Gerald Kepes In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy trends
Sadrist protesters withdraw from Iraq's Judiciary after condemnation Sadrist protesters stormed the Judiciary this morning, raising concerns over stability in Iraq. Iraq
Iraq's prime minister attends Arab summit in Egypt’s New Alamein Leaders of Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain met today in Egypt's New Alamein city to discuss regional security and cooperation. Iraq
Will Iraq's Sunnis, Kurds support early elections? Iraq’s Sunni and Kurdish forces are closely watching developments between the Sadrist movement and the Coordination Framework, so as to take a political position on whether to dissolve parliament and hold early elections. Iraq
Kadhimi hosts national dialogue of Iraqi leaders to end political deadlock Iraqi political leaders joined today to discuss a roadmap for ending current political crisis, as part of an initiative for national dialogue, with all major parties except the Sadrists represented. Iraq
Syria, Iraq form joint business council Relations between Syria and Iraq were poor in the 20th century but have gradually improved in the security and economic spheres in recent years. Syria
Iraqi finance minister resigns over continuing political crisis Finance Minister Ali Abdul-Amir Allawi has resigned from his post in the Iraqi government. Iraq
Weapons warehouse blasts frighten Iraqis Concerns over whether weapons held in and near urban areas are being properly stored — and who is holding them — are being raised after several blasts of unclear origins near major Iraqi cities. Iraq
Understanding Iraq's Coordination Framework The Coordination Framework is an umbrella bloc of Iraqi Shiite parties united mostly by their opposition to the Sadrist movement. Iraq