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
Iraq opts for clean energy in ambitious energy reform program Iraq is signing contracts with international companies to produce clean energy in a bid to curb its rising pollution curve. Iraq
Germany sentences Islamic State woman to jail over Yazidi child's death The Munich court found Jennifer Wenisch, a German national, guilty of “two crimes against humanity in the form of enslavement." Iraq
The Takeaway: Iraq shadowed Colin Powell, but his character showed through even then Pinkwashing in Tunisia?; Russia, Iran, Turkey, Syria and the Caucasus; Breast reconstruction surgery still taboo in Gaza; Wheelchair basketball scores — all in less than 1,500 words! Iraq
Sunnis back party of Iraq’s youngest-ever parliamentary speaker The large backing by the Sunni community for the current parliamentary speaker’s party despite a tradition of voting along tribal lines may mark a break with the past. Iraq
Iraq captures mastermind of 2016 Islamic State terror attack that killed hundreds Iraq arrested the man behind the infamous 2016 bomb attack in a Baghdad shopping center that left nearly 350 people dead and 250 injured. Iraq
Iraqi election shakes up Shiite political old guard The victory of the coalition led by populist cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr, and the rise of independent Shiite politicians, could foreshadow a new chapter in Iraqi politics. Iraq
Iraq's election results put militias between rock and hard place Political parties affiliated with Iraqi militias faced significant defeat, while their ally Nouri al-Maliki earned a remarkable victory. Iraq
The Takeaway: Sunni ‘awakening’ is a big story from Iraq’s elections Also: Press freedom under threat in Tunisia; Sisi backs Saied emergency measures; Palestinian video game banned in Israel; Syrian opposition considers merger in Idlib; Egypt praised for restoring Jewish synagogue; all in less than 1,300 words! Iraq
Sadr and independents biggest winners under Iraq's new election law The new election law was beneficial for large political blocs and independents, but it also harmed a number of large blocs whose presence in the new parliament has become almost marginal. Iraq
Iraq captures ‘Most Wanted’ Islamic State finance chief Iraqi intelligence have captured a top-level IS leader in a special operation that involved coordination with foreign countries. The US had offered $5 million for information that “brings him to justice”. Iraq
Muqtada al-Sadr set to claim victory in Iraqi elections Iraqis made their way to the ballot boxes to cast their votes for the council of representatives, as results show significant surprises. Iraq
Security forces, IDPs cast votes early in Iraq's parliamentary elections Early voting has opened in Iraq’s parliamentary elections. Iraq