As Washington's ability to protect its bases across the Middle East has been substantially weakened by the US war on Iran, Iraqi Kurds look for ways to shield themselves from further entanglement
Al-Zaidi's push to take arms out of militias' hands and bring them under state control is exposing deep political divisions and challenging the government's authority at home and abroad
Baghdad is opening its energy sector to US investment while racing to diversify oil exports, strengthen its economy, and reduce its vulnerability to regional conflict
Ali al-Zaidi has a delicate balancing act to perform between the two opposing powers that have long influenced Iraq's foreign policy. His decision to visit Washington before Tehran speaks volumes
Solving the country's acute power shortage is a priority for Zaidi, who is looking to strike much-needed investment deals with US companies, whilst also keeping Iran onside
The decision to dismantle the Peace Brigades may herald a new stage in the Iraqi state's trajectory, or it could just be a shrewd recalibration to disorient friend and foe alike
After months of behind‑the‑scenes talks, Rabat and Tel Aviv are deepening ties under a new phase of the existing Abraham Accords, with Western Sahara being dangled as an incentive
While many would like to see Addis Ababa distracted, they also worry about a refugee spillover should a civil war break out. It might be a case of 'be careful what you wish for'