Iraq
Saudi Arabia, Middle East neighbors pressure Iraq to rein in Iranian-backed militias - analysis
Iranian-backed militias are using Iraq as a staging ground to launch attacks against neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia, Syria, Kuwait, and Jordan.
US troop pullback raises fears of more attacks on Iraqi Kurdistan - analysis
Beyond the optics: Is the Netanyahu-Trump rift real, or are they still aligned on Iran?
Middle East divided as Iran war, Houthi-Saudi Arabia tensions continue to ramp up
How Houthis militarized Ibb province in Yemen into their armed camp - analysis
While Hezbollah and Hamas have suffered blows, the Assad regime has fallen, and militias in Iraq are under pressure, the Houthis remain steadfast in Yemen.
US envoy Barrack meets Iraq PM, pushes new direction in bilateral ties
US envoy Tom Barrack met Iraq’s leadership in Baghdad, discussing security, militias, and economic cooperation as Washington pushes a “new direction” in bilateral ties.
Syria, Iraq hope for meetings in Washington, seek coordinated visit with US envoy
While al-Sharaa's meeting is unconfirmed, it could still happen. The Trump administration will want to end the Iran conflict and get a deal while trying to show it can stabilize Iraq and Syria.
Drone attack reported in Iraq's Kurdistan region, as US-Iran tensions grow
The attack “caused extensive damage to the building, but no casualties were reported. No party has claimed responsibility so far,” local media reported.
Iraq's PM heads to Washington to discuss militias, business, and gain Trump's support
The US has warmed to Zaidi after opposing former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who almost became prime minister in February.
Iran threatening Kurdish opposition groups in Iraq as it strikes Israel - analysis
One of Iran’s key strategies for maintaining regional influence is not to lose its hold over Iraq, leading to strikes against Kurdish Iranian opposition groups in Iraq.
Israel is fighting on four fronts and has killed everyone who could end it - comment
Three years in, with four fronts still open and everyone who had power in December 2023 killed by Israeli fire, can this war ever end?
Iraq World Cup star Aymen Hussein detained at Chicago airport, team photographer barred
Hussein was finally allowed in, but the team's photographer was barred from entering the US, said the official, who works for the Iraqi Olympic Committee and has close contacts with the team.
The illusion of change in Iraq: Baghdad's militia shake-up masks a deeper Iranian strategy
BEHIND THE LINES: The decision by Zaidan’s allies to integrate their armed elements into state security forces represents an effort by a pro-Iranian element to consolidate its power.
Iran’s ethnic groups could alter the balance of power - opinion
Iran’s ethnic and religious minorities could play a decisive role in challenging the regime and reshaping the country’s political future.
