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
Iraqi Kurdistan emerges as a key diplomatic bridge between US and Iran - analysis
Nechirvan Barzani’s ties with Washington, Tehran and regional Kurdish actors have positioned Iraqi Kurdistan as a key diplomatic bridge.
Iran prepared for larger war, fearing US talks were cover for Israeli attack - report
According to the WSJ, Arab intelligence officials picked up evidence of Iranian leaders planning potential attacks on enemy territory, broadening the scope of the war and raising the cost for the US.
Recent Kurdistan Region attacks expose Baghdad’s struggle with Iran-backed militias - analysis
Three drones were intercepted over Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, as Baghdad seeks to bring armed groups under state control and rein in Iran-backed militias.
Iraq seeks Saudi, Syrian ties as it faces pressure to rein in Iran-backed militias - analysis
Iraq’s militias have threatened US forces and Israel in the past. They have kidnapped journalists and carried out hundreds of attacks on the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq.
Iraq’s PM seeks to disarm Iran-backed militias, but Tehran wants to meddle - analysis
Iran-backed militias in Iraq have roots stretching back to the 1980's and are the product of decades of Iranian policy aimed at cultivating armed proxies beyond its borders.
‘This is Tehran’: Khamenei posters and Iran regime flags displayed at London march
Given that the Ayatollahs are the ultimate authority over the IRGC, displays of support for them could be seen as support for the organization.
Rocket attack hits Iranian-Kurdish opposition camp near Erbil, security sources say
The sources reported that there were no casualties, blaming Iran for the attack.
Outrage in Iraq after female detainee allegedly gang-raped by police, prison officials
A probe was launched after officials discovered surveillance cameras had been turned off at an Iraqi police station where a detainee was allegedly assaulted.
Tehran’s control over Baghdad may create conditions for more extreme protests, expert tells ‘Post’
Iraq’s failure to pay July salaries could trigger wider, potentially violent protests as oil export disruptions and US financial controls strain Baghdad, an expert said.
US removes counterterrorism designation from IRGC-linked company
A Treasury Department official said that the removal of sanctions was not indicative of a shift in US policy towards Iran or the IRGC, or negotiations to end the conflict in the Middle East.
