Iraq
Turkey’s historic bid to end the PKK insurgency hangs in the balance - opinion
Currently, the debate is focused heavily on where and how PKK weapons are to be surrendered and who verifies the operation.
Israel, Kurdistan, and the hopes for a strong political alliance - opinion
Iraq targets lingering ISIS pockets with airstrikes, operations in security vacuum after US pullout
Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria leading options for Abraham Accords expansion, CSA report assesses
Islamic regime attacks against Kurdish forces affect both Kurds in Iran, Iraq as tensions rise
More than 1,000 drones have been fired against Kurdish forces in Iraq, while Kurds in both Iran and Iraq fear that the strikes will reach their homes.
Trump envoy kept financial ties to firm behind $15 billion Hormuz-bypass oil pipeline plan
Barrack, US presidential special envoy to both Iraq and Syria as well as Ambassador to Turkey, has a longstanding business relationship with TI Capital and its founder Ziad Ghandour.
Middle East economy to shrink 2.1% in 2026, Gulf economies by 4.3%, World Bank forecasts
Despite grim forecasts, the World Bank projects regional economies could rebound by 7.8% in 2027 if the conflict ends this year, though the Hormuz blockade and inflation remain major threats.
US-led coalition exit shifts more counter-ISIS burden to Iraq and Syria - analysis
The end of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq leaves local forces carrying more of the operational burden while Washington retains a regional intelligence and support role.
Islamic State claims responsibility for attack that killed policeman near Iraq's Kirkuk
Despite the defeat of the Islamic State’s self-declared caliphate nearly a decade ago, the group retains sleeper cells in Iraq, Iraqi security officials told Reuters ahead of the US withdrawal.
Seeking to prevent crisis, Iraq condemns desecration of US flag by pro-Iranian militias - analysis
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi made it clear he had given orders to arrest the perpetrators who drove over a US flag.
Iran-backed militias in Iraq determined to retain arms after US withdrawal - interview
With the US military's complete withdrawal from Iraq, Baghdad projects a celebratory sense of “sovereignty” despite Iranian-backed militias retaining power there.
Iran-backed militias trample US flag, exposing Iraq’s sovereignty problem - analysis
The trampling of the American flag by the militias is not new. However, the US will now focus on its activities after leaving Iraq. Iraq is talking about “sovereignty.”
Despite US sanctions on Iranian flights, up to forty a day may still fly to Iraq’s Najaf - analysis
Iraq has become central to Iran's strategic chessboard in the region as Tehran seeks to expand its influence while navigating increasing US sanctions.
Day one for the new Iraq after US Forces leave - analysis
The US's 23-year presence in Iraq ended as both sides offer their characterization of the conflict and look to the future.
