Why Israel's looking to Kurds to make gains against Iran regime Israeli-Kurdish relations are rooted in a common struggle against Islamic extremism and the Kurds’ strategic presence across Turkey, Syria and Iran. Israel
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 By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Turkish attacks stop displaced Iraqi Yazidis from returning home Turkey's regular targeting of Sinjar region is affecting the area badly and preventing displaced people from returning. Iraq
Baghdad announces crackdown on drug trafficking, gangs in Maysan Security file in Maysan governorate has become a priority for the Iraqi government following assassinations, armed tribal conflicts, organized crime and drug trafficking. Iraq
Iran’s water woes worsen despite warmer Taliban ties Iranian and Taliban officials have issued conflicting claims about how water from a dam in southwestern Afghanistan will be used, amid worsening shortages in Iran and protests. Iraq
Will Iran's electricity cut turn Iraq toward Gulf? Iraq is facing reduced electricity and gas supplies from Iran, which might lead Iraq toward an electricity connection with the Gulf. Iraq
Iraq keeps wary eye on prison security after Islamic State jailbreak in Syria The dire effects of massive jailbreaks a decade prior and the thousands of Islamic State convicts and suspects in Iraqi detention have induced greater attention to facilities in the country following an attack across the border. Iraq
Iraq tightens Syria border control after massive IS jailbreak Measures have been stepped up along the border with Syria in the now-defunct Islamic State leader’s native province to prevent hundreds of prison escapees from slipping across. Iraq
Islamic State leader’s death brings little solace to Iraq's suffering Yazidis Yazidis react to the death of Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, who played a central role in orchestrating the slaughter and trafficking of the minority group. Iraq
Will Sadr lead Shiite political scene, exclude Iran's allies from Cabinet? Iraq's Sadrist movement head Muqtada al-Sadr seeks to lead the Shiite political decision and establish himself as the sole representative of the Shiites in the next Cabinet. Iraq
Battle opens for presidency in Iraq As the Kurdistan Democratic Party nominates Hoshyar Zebari for the presidency, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan is looking to renew the mandate of President Barham Salih. Iraq
Sadr committed to forming Iraq's first majority government The Coordination Framework, comprised of several Shiite parties is seeking a national unity coalition modeled on previous governments, while Sadr whose bloc won the majority of seats seeks majority government. Iraq
Baghdad airport hit with rockets, no one hurt No group has claimed credit for the latest attack. Iraq
Syrian prison battle leaves hundreds dead and many IS free A massive attack on detention facilities in northeastern Syria under US-backed, Kurdish-led forces has ended after almost a week of fighting, though the fate of some hostages remains unclear. Iraq