Iraq
Trump’s Maliki message underscores Iraq’s growing strategic risk, won't back him as PM - analysis
Maliki was last in charge in 2014, when ISIS took over part of Iraq. He spent years in the wilderness before returning to the spotlight.
BLA attacks expose growing instability in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan region - analysis
US special envoy for Iraq Mark Savaya no longer in the post, sources say
Iranian-backed militias in Iraq declare support for regime in case of war against US
New Iraqi lawmaker ousted after creating fake PMF brigade, violating election laws
Muhannad al-Khazraji, the recently elected member of parliament, had run under the banner of the Badr Organization, which is a large pro-Iranian group in Iraq.
Turkey advances PKK peace process with historic Ocalan meeting - analysis
Turkish lawmakers are set to visit jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan as part of efforts to formalize peace talks, following signs of de-escalation and coordinated parliamentary backing.
Iran losing control over Houthis as proxy has 'gone rogue,' officials say
Tensions between Tehran and the Houthis reportedly escalated in April, after Iran failed to respond during heavy US strikes.
Gas field in Kurdistan region of northern Iraq on alert after drone threat
Drone threats put the Khor Mor gas field in northern Iraq on alert, as sirens blared overnight, with reports pointing to Iranian-backed militias.
Iraq pushes for Syrian border wall, threatening Iran's regional influence - analysis
Iranian-backed militias used to infiltrate into Syria via the unguarded border - as such, any wall would actually hurt Iran’s project to control the Middle East.
Israel must deepen its alliance with Kurds as Syria fractures - opinion
As long as Turkey and Qatar continue interfering in Syria’s internal affairs, the threat against minorities, including the Kurds, the Druze, and the Alawites, will continue.
IDF reveals connection between Hamas, ousted Assad regime in letters, documents
The letters include correspondence between senior Hamas officials, including Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh, Hassan Nasrallah, and Mohammad Saeed Izadi.
Trump, Vance not invited to Dick Cheney's Washington funeral
Trump and Vance were not invited to Dick Cheney’s funeral as US leaders gathered to honor the former vice president and outspoken Trump critic.
Iran is rearming as 'Axis of Resistance' regroups - can Israel stop an inevitable war? - opinion
The longer Jerusalem waits to strike again, the more danger Tehran’s retaliation could pose. Preparations for this all but inevitable war should begin now.
The Iraqi cleric and ex-Houthi spokesperson breaking ranks to defend Israel online
Two Arab activists are challenging dominant regional narratives by defending Israel online, even after facing bombings, persecution, and exile.
