Syria reopens key crossing after 11 years, aiding Iraq's oil exports amid war Iraq and Syria have shown a desire to cooperate on oil exports, and the matter has become more urgent due to the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Syria
Shelly Kittleson's kidnapping by suspected Iran-backed militia exposes Iraq government weakness The abduction of US journalist Shelly Kittleson highlights the outsized influence of Iran-aligned armed groups operating beyond Baghdad’s control. Iraq
American journalist Shelly Kittleson abducted in Iraq The State Department said a suspect taken into custody by Iraqi authorities had ties to Kataib Hezbollah. Iraq
Analysis Oil-rich Gulf states could face power crunch as Iran war hits energy security By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Energy storage keeps Turkey stable, but long war risks fragile economy By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Allawi’s Bloc Considers Strategy for Iraqi Elections Ayad Allawi’s bloc, al-Iraqiya, issued a terse statement criticizing the Iraqi government and calling for a review of its own relationships with other Iraqi political parties, writes Ali Abel Sadah. Iraq
Iraqi Telecoms Infuse Stock Market Newly offered mobile phone stocks in Iraq promise to draw in investment and investors from Iraq, the Middle East and around the world, reports Omar al-Shaher. Iraq
No End in Sight for Iraq Oil Dispute Roxana Saberi reports from Erbil that Nechirvan Barzani, prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, is calling for a solution to the Iraqi oil dispute, which is likely to prevent Iraq from reaching its goals. Iraq
Iraqi Kurds Pressure Baghdad to Join ICC To expedite reconciliation for the Hussein-era Anfal Campaign, Kurds in Iraq are pushing Baghdad to join the International Criminal Court to prosecute the culprits of genocide against the Kurds, writes Abdel Hamid Zebari. Iraq
Baghdad, Erbil Trade Accusations on Oil Payments Baghdad has accused the Kurdistan Regional Government of failing to pay Western companies for oil-extraction costs, further raising tensions between the two sides, writes Omar Shaher. Iraq
Iraqis Must Value Justice, Not Power In light of the escalating Iraqi crisis, the need for a legitimate judicial system and a culture of social justice is becoming ever more apparent, writes Mustafa al-Kadhimi. Iraq
US-Funded Employment Programs Criticized by Iraqi Activists The United States seeks to combat perceptions from some Iraqi activists that its training and employment programs have been ineffective, writes Omar al-Shaher. Iraq
What is Behind Increase In Sectarian Killings in Iraq? A recent spate of execution-style killings in Iraq has again brought into question the effectiveness of the Iraqi security services, writes Ali Abel Sadah. Iraq
Iraqi National Security Adviser Says Terrorism Linked to Havens in Syria In an interview with Mustafa al-Kadhimi, Iraqi National Security Adviser Faleh al-Fayad describes the intricate regional and internal factors affecting his job, and what the future holds for Iraq’s national security. Iraq
Government's Decision Threatens Iraqi Automotive Industry The Iraqi government recently issued a decision imposing heavy registration fees on those who purchase new cars, a move that could destroy the country’s automotive trade, writes Omar al-Shaher. Iraq
Baghdad-Kuwait Flights to Resume After 22-Year Hiatus Iraq’s national carrier, Iraqi Airways, is about to begin a twice-weekly service from Baghdad to Kuwait, a development that shows progress in reconciliation between the two former foes, writes Omar al-Shaher. Kuwait
Controversial Iraqi Cleric Arrested in Iran The arrest in Iran of prominent Shiite cleric Ahmad Qabanji, known for his progressive interpretation of Islam, has sparked fury among his supporters, writes Ali Abel Sadah. Iraq
