Iraq and Iran both commemorated the third anniversary of the assassination of Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis as the year kicked off with new assassinations and recriminations.
The smuggling industry is worth hundreds of millions of dollars annually, and few alternatives exist to earn a living in the area. Border guards are trigger-happy, and calls for change are ignored.
The prime minister in Baghdad must deal with the demands of the US, Iran and armed groups at home, while trying to prioritise his own national interests. Here's a three-option plan on how he can.
Since 7 October, Iran has been moving its affiliated forces around Syria, an area that could become a second active front in war with Israel. Al Majalla lists the groups and their key characteristics.
America should start thinking about dealing with the Iran challenge beyond pinprick US strikes that do nothing but embolden Tehran and its regional axis
The French president issues a dark and prophetic warning in an interview with the Economist as Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in France with Ukraine and EU trade row at the top of agenda
There were dire predictions over the impact of sanctions and yet growth has increased, thanks to military spending. But there are deeper doubts over whether it can last and what lies ahead.
As NATO allies, US-Turkey relations should be good, but after Turkey asked to join South Africa's genocide case in the ICJ against Israel, scheduling is suddenly tight.
The Captagon trade has generated billions of dollars for the al-Assad regime, but Biden has hesitated to wield sanctions effectively. The Captagon 2 Act has more teeth, but will he use it?