Baghdad
Joy mixed with fear as US forces leave Iraq amid potential security vacuum
Some Iraqi security officials say the US pullout also risks giving new life to ISIS fighters, who, despite the defeat of their self-proclaimed caliphate nearly a decade ago, retain a cell network.
US agrees to continue physical dollar cash shipments, Iraqi government says
Flights must be open to all or to no one, Iranian adviser says following Iraqi airport suspension
Iraq suspends Iranian flights to Baghdad after US threatens sanctions on airport service providers
Iran-linked drone attacks target Kurdish opposition groups in northern Iraq
A Kurdish Iranian opposition group said Iran targeted its headquarters in northern Iraq, the latest in a series of attacks on anti-Tehran factions.
Iraqi military commander dismissed following drone attack on Saudi Arabia originating from Iraq
Later on Saturday, Iraq ordered the closure of the Shalamcheh border crossing between Iraq and Iran as a precautionary measure after the drone attacks, two security sources told Reuters.
Voices from the Arab Press: China’s Iran dilemma, Israel elections, Hezbollah US talks
A weekly selection of opinions and analyses of the Arab media around the world.
The Kurds rose as Syria and Iraq collapsed - now, their fortunes are reversing
BEHIND THE LINES: If and when the current strategy fails, the Kurds may need to be reached again. Hopefully, by the time this occurs, they will be able to take advantage of the moment in full.
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.
Iraq approves three month mechanism to export crude via local, international firms
Iraq is seeking to diversify its oil export channels and maintain flexibility in marketing its crude amid the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
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-Saudi Arabia airstrikes target Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces militia in Iraq
The strikes followed a series of drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia. The United States has made clear that it believes Iran-directed militias are responsible for the escalation.
Iraq forced to balance US, Iran relations after separate meetings with Trump, Iranian ambassador
Over the last decade, Iraq has been weakened from within because of Iranian-backed militias. Some of the militias have historical ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran.
US pushes Mediterranean oil pipelines to bypass Strait of Hormuz despite proxy security risks
Middle East correspondent Battaglia said that, in her view, if it were up to al-Zaidi, Baghdad would already have decided to chart its future with the United States rather than with Iran.
