Iraq

Iraq nears end of US-led ISIS prisoner relocation as thousands are transfered from Syria

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces gave up control of most of eastern Syria, including around 30 ISIS detention facilities, to the Syrian government in January.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A soldier in an ISIS uniform prepares ammunition.
Members of the Iraqi security forces take part in an event marking the Iraqi Police Day in Mosul, Iraq, January 9, 2026.

Iraq-Turkey tensions grow as Baghdad summons ambassador over 'interference' accusations

Baghdad issued a formal protest after remarks on PKK activity were seen as interference. Ankara says the comments were mistranslated and focused only on militants in Iraq.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
BAGHDAD, IRAQ - FEBRUARY 08: Traders stage a protest against the decision to increase customs tariffs, prompting many shop owners in the city to keep their businesses closed in Baghdad, Iraq on February 08, 2026. (Credit: Murtadha Al-Sudani/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Protesters take to Baghdad streets over new customs tariffs

Protesters argued the policy has instead slowed trade, creating congestion at Umm Qasr port and prompting some importers to consider routing goods through the Kurdistan region, where fees are lower. 

|ByTHE MEDIA LINE STAFF
Syrian security forces take control of Al-Hol camp in the desert region of Hasakeh Province, Syria, on January 21, 2026

Iraq faces renewed security concerns as ISIS detainees are transferred from Syria - analysis

Iraq is taking in thousands of ISIS prisoners from Syria, raising concerns over security in border provinces and testing the country’s ability to contain militant threats.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

PKK’s partial withdrawal from Turkey raises questions about peace deal - analysis

The Kurdistan Workers' Party’s decision to pull back from the Turkish border raises hopes for peace but leaves crucial questions about its future actions in Iraq, Syria, and beyond.

NOVEMBER 17, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Fighters with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) walk for a disarmament ceremony marking a significant step toward ending the decades-long conflict between Turkey and the outlawed group, in the Qandil mountains, Iraq October 26, 2025.

Iran ramps up anti-West rhetoric, expands influence in Iraq and Lebanon - analysis

Iran is strengthening ties with allies in Iraq and Lebanon while accusing the US and Israel of coercive diplomacy in its latest regional push.

NOVEMBER 16, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, September 9, 2025.

After elections, Iraq walks a tightrope between US ties and Iran’s control - analysis

Iraq’s recent election saw 329 seats contested along sectarian lines. The outcome will impact the US-Iraq security arrangement and address the growing power of Iran-backed militias.

NOVEMBER 12, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Iraqi polling officials count ballots at a polling station after closing of the polls during the country's parliamentary election in Al-Muhandiseen district in eastern Baghdad on November 11, 2025.

Iran engages in diplomatic blitz, strengthening ties with Iraq, Uzbekistan, UAE - analysis

Amid tensions with Israel and the US, Iran is ramping up diplomacy to build a "multipolar order," strengthening ties with Iraq, the UAE, and Uzbekistan to safeguard its regional influence.

NOVEMBER 11, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
PROTESTERS, MOSTLY Houthi supporters, sit along an Iranian flag at a demonstration in support of Palestinians and Iran, in Sanaa last week. Aggression by proxies such as the Houthis must be treated as direct Iranian attacks, says the writer.

Iraq wraps up early voting as country braces for pivotal parliamentary elections

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani called the vote decisive for the country's long-term direction, as it comes amid political splintering, voter fatigue, and realignments among key factions.

NOVEMBER 10, 2025ByTHE MEDIA LINE STAFF
An Iraqi female security member votes at a polling station during a special voting, two days before the polls open to the public in a parliamentary election, in Najaf, Iraq November 9, 2025.

US must keep Iraq central as Iran rebuilds its Ring of Fire - opinion

If Iran and its proxies are quiet, it is strategic, not surrender.

NOVEMBER 10, 2025ByERIC R. MANDEL
IRAQ’S PRIME MINISTER Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani (left) meets with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran earlier this year. Israeli officials warn that Iranian-controlled Iraqi militias are regaining strength, the writer notes.

'Kataib Hezbollah used me as a punching bag,' Tsurkov says in first interview since release

Tsurkov was beaten “senseless”, hung from the ceiling, and electrocuted, according to the New York Times.

NOVEMBER 5, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov over a backdrop of Iraqi and Israeli flags.

5,000-year-old building found in Kani Shaie, Iraq, reshapes view of Uruk-era networks

Researchers say verifying the structure's monumentality could transform understanding of early Mesopotamian exchange, revealing how sites like Shaie linked distant regions.

NOVEMBER 5, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Uruk, Iraq.

The Cheney era: How the powerful VP shaped US power, its Middle East missteps - analysis

US policy today, including Trump's decision to try end the Gaza war, continues to sit in the shadow of Cheney's role.

NOVEMBER 5, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Then-US president George W. Bush (L) and then-vice president Dick Cheney (R) celebrate at the conclusion of the 2004 Republican National Convention at Madison Square Garden in New York, September 2, 2004.

Iraq worries about rising tensions with US following Hegseth call

The US Secretary of War reportedly called his Iraqi counterpart to issue its "sternest warning yet" to Baghdad.

NOVEMBER 4, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani attends the 34th Arab League summit, in Baghdad, Iraq, May 17, 2025.