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
Don't underestimate Iraqi nationalism The anti-IS campaign in Iraq has deepened sectarian divisions between Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish regions, but despite communal and political fractures, many communities remain loyal to the Iraqi state. Iraq
Despite IS threat, Iraqi Kurdistan tries to lure tourists After instability brought about by IS nearly destroyed tourism in Iraqi Kurdistan, the government still hopes to benefit from years of investment in the sector. Iraq
Foreign volunteers in Kurdistan Region shift focus to medical aid Qalubna Ma’kum, a group of foreign volunteers in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, offers the peshmerga forces medical treatment and training and is not participating in combat directly. Iraq
Is Rojava’s model the awaited solution for Syrian crisis? In an interview with Al-Monitor, Eldar Khalil, member of the governing body for the TEV-DEM, gives an overview of the Kurds’ situation in the Rojava region, a de facto autonomous region of Syria. Iraq
Turkey misfires in Iraq Turkey’s military deployment near Mosul provokes widespread opposition and sends Russia-Turkey ties into a further downward spiral; Turkey’s Kurds face "unrealistic prospect" for democracy; Barzani on the spot as a result of KRG alignment with Turkey; Russia slams Saudi hosting of Syrian opposition. Saudi Arabia
Are Turkey and Iran reviving a 16th century conflict? Turkey's Iraq policy can be traced back to its rivalry with Iran in Mesopotamia centuries ago. Iraq
With the Islamic State gone from Sinjar, Kurdish groups battle for control After Sinjar was liberated from the Islamic State, a new conflict arose among Kurdish parties as to who should administer the area. Iraq
How renewed Turkey-PKK conflict threatens the KRG The stability of Iraqi Kurdistan might again be at risk after the Turkish government, led by the AKP, launched its most extensive raids against PKK positions in years. Iraq
Peshmerga general: KRG political problems won't affect fight against IS A Kurdish general calls for more ammunition, aid and NATO troops to join the peshmerga in the fight against the Islamic State in Iraqi Kurdistan. Iraq
Is Abadi key to resolving Kurdish conflict? As the political divide and violent protests worsen in Iraqi Kurdistan, will Baghdad be able to keep the situation under control through peaceful means? Iraq
Will US, Russia find common ground in Syria? A common enemy, the Islamic State, should be the first step in an expanded international coalition; does Iraqi Kurdistan face the prospect of "administrative breakup"? Iraq
Lobbying 2015: Iraqi Kurds to US: Don't forget, we were your friends first The Kurdistan Regional Government has emerged as one of America’s best allies, but will its lobbying operation help it from falling prey to politics now that Iraq and Turkey are more fully engaged in the fight against IS? Iraqi-Kurdistan