Iraq
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
Islamic State claims responsibility for attack that killed policeman near Iraq's Kirkuk
Seeking to prevent crisis, Iraq condemns desecration of US flag by pro-Iranian militias - analysis
US diplomatic reshuffle in Iraq comes at critical moment for Baghdad and Washington - analysis
US Chargé d’Affaires Joshua Harris is ending his posting in Baghdad as Washington prepares for a diplomatic transition amid the planned US troop withdrawal from Iraq and ongoing tensions.
Kurds in Syria, Iraq fight against 'Arabization' with language, but might need to push harder
Both in Syria and Iraq, there are rising reports of pushes for Arabic to become a main language and demographic changes in Kurdish areas, with officials needing to tackle these issues.
Iraq sentences militia member for kidnapping American journalist, in rare move against Iran proxies
“Iraq's Central Criminal Court has sentenced Amir Rahim Jabar Lazim to 15 years in prison under the Anti-Terrorism Law," read the announcement shared by the victim, journalist Shelly Kittelson.
EASA narrows warning to airlines over flying in Persian Gulf airspace amid renewed US-Iran strikes
EASA also extended its recommendations that airlines not operate in the airspace of Iran, Iraq and Lebanon until the end of September.
Iraq considers currency overhaul to expose looted funds
"The decision will be made in the coming period, and it is hoped that the procedures will begin during 2027," a source in the Iraqi Prime Ministry.
As US considers cutting funds from Kurdish forces, concerns rise over stability in Middle East
The Peshmerga have played a key role over the years fighting ISIS and securing the autonomous Kurdistan Region. However, efforts to reform them have not proceeded as planned.
Seven ancient Parthian tombs unearthed in Iraq’s Kurdistan region amid survey of 6,500 sites
"One of the [tombs] contained a clay coffin with a small headless figurine of a pregnant woman," Muhammad Lashkri, director of antiquities and heritage affairs in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, said.
US Ambassador Barrack has a unique position, balancing work in Syria, Turkey, Iraq - analysis
This month tensions exploded into view with Israeli airstrikes in northern Syria. Barrack, who has been playing an important role in Syria for the last year is now front and center.
Israel’s second War of Independence: The end of strategic illusions - opinion
Israel needs a government capable of combining military power with diplomatic judgment and building regional alliances.
Iran’s powerful militia network could expand war - opinion
For the foreseeable future, Iran can continue to rely on this substantial external military power to bolster its own military capacity.
