Iraq
Iran to close parts of Hormuz Strait for few hours due to 'security precautions,' shipping safety
According to Fars, the IRGC Navy commander declared that, "The weapon that reaches the battlefield on the day of war is different from what is displayed in exercises."
Thirty-four Australians released from a camp holding families of suspected ISIS terrorists in Syria
Moving suspected ISIS prisoners to Iraq shows Washington doesn’t fully trust Damascus, expert says
Iraq's Kurds emerge as Middle East's key diplomatic players at Munich Security Council - analysis
Iraq nears end of US-led ISIS prisoner relocation as thousands are transfered from Syria
The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces gave up control of most of eastern Syria, including around 30 ISIS detention facilities, to the Syrian government in January.
Iraq-Turkey tensions grow as Baghdad summons ambassador over 'interference' accusations
Baghdad issued a formal protest after remarks on PKK activity were seen as interference. Ankara says the comments were mistranslated and focused only on militants in Iraq.
Protesters take to Baghdad streets over new customs tariffs
Protesters argued the policy has instead slowed trade, creating congestion at Umm Qasr port and prompting some importers to consider routing goods through the Kurdistan region, where fees are lower.
Iraq faces renewed security concerns as ISIS detainees are transferred from Syria - analysis
Iraq is taking in thousands of ISIS prisoners from Syria, raising concerns over security in border provinces and testing the country’s ability to contain militant threats.
Missile barrages and cyber operations: Iran outlines multi-front war plan against US - report
The concept echoes recent years of proxy warfare across Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and the Red Sea, where Houthi maritime attacks disrupted shipping and drew international responses.
Paris court dismisses Jewish family's compensation claim against government for not paying rent
The claim sought unpaid rent from the French government for its use of the family's ancestral home in Iraq as an embassy.
US fighter jet downs Iranian drone near aircraft carrier, gunboats approach US-flagged tanker
Iranian Shahed-139 drone shot down by F-35 jet over Arabian Sea • In separate incident, six Iranian gunboats approach US-flagged oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz
Kurds in Iraq are powerbrokers in Iraq’s politics, but do they benefit? - analysis
Iraqi Shi’ite leaders arrived in Erbil for talks with Kurdish officials as political deadlock deepens over appointing a new president and prime minister.
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
The BLA attacks may prove to be yet another incident in the long conflict in Balochistan. However, it could also play into larger questions about how restive the Baloch region has become.
