Turkey’s Erdogan meets KRG President Barzani ahead of Iraqi Kurdistan vote Barzani’s visit comes just amid Turkey's nascent attempt to use diplomacy, alongside ongoing military measures, to solve the 40-year-old Kurdish conflict. Turkey
Interview NATO deepens engagement with Iraq as US prepares to withdraw In an exclusive Al-Monitor interview, Lucas Schreurs, commander of NATO Mission Iraq, explains the scope of his outfit's mandate. Commander of NATO Mission Iraq Lucas Schreurs
Middle East airlines alter, axe flights following Iran missile attack on Israel Late on Tuesday, Iran launched more than 180 ballistic missiles at Israel in what it said was in retaliation for last Friday’s assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, the chief of Lebanon-based militia Hezbollah. Lebanon
US, Iraq announce end of defeat-ISIS coalition, but troops may stay Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s need for a domestic political win has sent Pentagon officials back to the drawing board to find ways to keep the lid on ISIS in neighboring Syria. Iraq
Interview Iraq's Sudani: US troop withdrawal does not mean end of security relationship Mohammed Shia al-Sudani Prime Minister of Iraq
Analysis Iran’s Pezeshkian concludes 'historic' visit to Iraq with talks on trade, border security By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Iraq, Turkey set to end standoff over military base with new pact The deal, hailed by both sides as historic, includes an agreement to turn a Turkish military base in the Iraqi town of Bashiqa over to the Iraqi government. Iraq
Travelers scramble as airlines cut flights amid fear of Iran-Israel war Germany's Lufthansa extended a suspension of services to Tel Aviv, Tehran, Beirut, Amman and Erbil to Aug. 13. Lebanon
Turkey says PKK attack kills Turkish soldier in northern Iraq The attack comes at a time when Turkey has intensified its offensive against the militant group in an effort to clear the PKK from the Iraq-Turkey border areas and establish up to a 40-kilometer-deep (24 miles) security zone in northern Iraq. Turkey
Iraqis protest proposed 'anti-women' amendment to personal status law Temporarily prevented from being read in parliament, an amendment to the country’s personal status law is seen as the “latest salvo” in a lengthy battle. Iraq
Ankara brushes off Iraqi first lady’s accusations labeling Turkey as 'invader' In an unusual effrontery, the first lady accused Turkey of displacing hundreds and destroying large swaths of agricultural areas. Turkey
Yazidis or Kurds? The fight over identity in Armenia and Iraq A growing number of Yazidis insist they are not ethnic Kurds, part of an effort to construct a distinct identity in order to survive. Iraq
US resumes talks with Iraq over future of troop presence Negotiations between the Biden administration and a senior Iraqi delegation resumed in Washington on Monday as Baghdad has sought to establish an end-of-mission timeline for the 2,500 US troops that remain in their country. Iraq
Analysis Is Houthi expansion in Iraq a genuine threat or smoke screen? Iraq's relations with Saudi Arabia are called into question as the Houthis seek to expand their influence in the region. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Iraq’s first lady blasts Turkey’s assault against PKK in Kurdistan Region The first lady's own family history and the upcoming parliamentary elections are likely behind her decision to speak up now. Iraq
US renews sanctions waiver for Iraq to purchase Iranian electricity The waiver issued on July 11 permits Iraq to pay neighboring Iran for electricity imports without running afoul of US sanctions. Iraq
After 20 years, is Iraq making progress in bid to join WTO? Iraq first applied to join the WTO in 2004, but it made no considerable progress in the accession until its recent efforts to unify tariff and customs regulations between the federal and Kurdistan Region governments. Iraq
Iraq-China ties progress with Nasiriyah airport project Relations between Iraq and China are strengthening, in part due to Chinese interest in Iraqi oil and infrastructure projects. Iraq