Iraq bans PKK as security ties with Turkey gain momentum The decision comes after the high-level talks between Turkish and Iraqi officials in Baghdad. Turkey
Three top Turkey officials to visit Iraq as Erdogan threatens Kurdish militants The officials’ visit signals a fresh drive to dial up pressure on the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, which Ankara accuses of collaborating with Kurdish militants. Turkey
Turkey’s FM tackles long-held disputes with Iraq in first official visit Hakan Fidan chose Iraq for his first official visit as Turkey's new foreign minister, but the visit appeared to yield little progress on long-standing disputes between Ankara and Baghdad. Turkey
Syrian rebels kill IS caliph as attacks continue in Iraq, Syria The Islamic State’s third caliph has been killed in southern Syria as Iraqis retain control of the organization amid concerns and confusion about identities, fighter whereabouts and security gaps. Iraq
Analysis Iran strikes Iraqi Kurdistan again, warns of possible ground operation By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
Kurdish referendum a double-edged sword for Russia Although Russia says it respects Iraqi Kurds' desire for self-determination, their independence is probably not in Russia's best interest. Iraq
Russia keeps eye on Kurdish oil contracts, referendum Russia has been boosting its presence in Middle East oil via the Kurdish Regional Government, but is also waiting to see what the potential impacts might be of the KRG’s independence referendum. Iraq
Turkey’s threat of sanctions against Iraqi Kurds rattles its own traders The economic sanctions that Turkey threatens against the Iraqi Kurds have sparked anxiety inside its own borders, where many depend on bilateral trade to make a living. Turkey
Iraqi citizens' sentiment may be softening toward Israel Grass-roots support for improved communications seems to be growing in both Iraq and Israel, though officially they have no diplomatic relations. Iraq
Former KRG PM emerges to shake up Kurdish politics The Kurdistan Region's independence referendum has opened the door for a new regional Kurdish movement promoted by a diverse coalition of dissidents, leftists, secularists and Islamists. Iraq
Congress warns Kurds against further steps after independence vote The Kurdistan Regional Government’s decision to go ahead with its referendum has tempered years of robust congressional support for the Iraqi Kurds. Iraq
Interview Syrian Kurdish commander: We're 'ready to engage' with Damascus In an interview with Al-Monitor, a Syrian Kurdish commander says the United States should stay in Syria during the post-Islamic State process. Mazlum Kobane SDF commander in chief
Iranian media say Barzani fixer for West, Israel Iranian officials accuse the West and Israel of being behind the independence referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Some Turks blame US for Kurdish independence vote Sources close to Turkey's ruling party say the United States secretly supports Iraqi Kurds' bid for independence as part of US plans for a "second Israel" in the region. Iraq
Israel cheers on Kurds while ignoring Palestinians Senior Israeli politicians and the Israeli media have been showering the Kurds with warmth and support in their independence effort while ignoring the Palestinian aspirations for self-determination. Palestine
As Iraqi Kurds vote for independence, Turkey dials up hostility Kurds in northern Iraq are holding a historic vote for independence, but opposition from their neighbors, especially Turkey, has ratcheted up regional tensions. Turkey
Turkey hopes to pounce on big piece of Mosul reconstruction Despite their government's past gaffes, Turkish firms want, even expect, substantial contracts to help rebuild Iraq's Mosul, which was reduced to rubble during the long battle to exorcise the Islamic State. Iraq
