Erdogan’s Iraq play: A bigger game than oil
There is an easy way to read Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s decision to host Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi in Ankara on July 28, and to call the visit “historic”: as an energy...
Kirkuk
Syria focuses on energy deals, works to revive infrastructure and institutions
Syria is positioning itself as an alternative route for oil exports from Iraq amid the Iran conflict and its disruption of oil exports via the Strait of Hormuz. On July 17 in Washington, DC,...
Op-eds
As the Shia Crescent Wanes, Aoun Stakes Lebanon’s Future on Washington
As Iran’s once-expanding “Shia Crescent” of influence across Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen wanes, a new American-led regional order is emerging. Ahead of his first visit to the White House, Lebanese...
Op-eds
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi meets US envoy amid militia pressure
US Envoy to Iraq and Syria Tom Barrack met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi on June 15 to discuss strengthening ties between Baghdad and Washington. The meeting comes as the US continues...
Op-eds
Iraq Is Envisioning New Oil Pipelines — But They Are Likely a Pipe Dream
Iraq’s reliance on oil exports through the now-closed Strait of Hormuz may spell financial disaster for Baghdad, which has limited options to avert a crisis. More than 94 percent of Iraq’s oil exports...
Insights
Despite ceasefire, Iran and its militias continue attacking regional states (April 2–8 updates)
Iran and its allied militias launched numerous drones and missiles against regional countries between April 2 and April 8, continuing attacks even after a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United...
Op-eds
Home of Kurdistan Region president targeted, American universities threatened as attacks escalate in Iraq
The home of Nechirvan Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, was targeted in a drone attack on March 28. The following day, Reuters, citing security sources, reported, “Air defenses shot...
Op-eds
Iran and proxies continue attacking energy facilities, residential areas, and Arab capitals (March 24–27 updates)
Between March 24 and March 27, Iran and its allied militias continued launching drones and missiles against Arab countries. The attacks targeted energy infrastructure, airports, military facilities, ports,...
Op-eds
Iranian drones and missiles hit ports, oil and gas facilities, and US bases in the region (March 17-19 updates)
Between March 17 and March 19, Iran and its allied militias continued launching drones, missiles, and rockets across the Middle East, targeting energy infrastructure, airports, military bases, diplomatic...
Op-eds
Iranian drones and missiles hit regional oil fields, airports, military bases, and ports (March 13-16 updates)
Between March 13 and March 16, Iran and its allied militias continued launching drones, missiles, rockets, and other weapon platforms across the Middle East. The attacks targeted energy infrastructure,...
Op-eds
Dozens of airstrikes target Iran-backed militias across Iraq
Airstrikes, likely conducted by the US as part of the US-Israeli operation against the Islamic Republic, have continued targeting Iran-backed Iraqi militias. On March 12, the Popular Mobilization Forces...
Op-eds
US condemns Iranian and militia attacks in Iraq amid unclaimed airstrikes on Tehran-backed militias
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned terrorist attacks by Iran and Iranian-backed militias in Iraq in a call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani on March 9. The call took...
Op-eds
Separatism Would Hand the Iranian Regime a Lifeline
As joint U.S.–Israeli operations have degraded the Islamic Republic’s military capabilities, the conflict is entering its next phase. Washington and Jerusalem are reportedly considering backing armed...
Op-eds
Iranian and Iranian-Backed Attacks Against Americans (1979-Present)
Armed conflict between the United States and Iran did not begin in 2026, but instead has deep roots that extend back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. For nearly five decades, the clerical regime in Tehran...
Insights
US highlights anti-Islamic State operations after soldiers killed in Syria
On December 17, US Central Command (CENTCOM) provided new information on operations against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria. “US and partner forces in Syria have conducted nearly 80 operations since...
Op-eds
Vital Khor Mor gas field attacked in Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq
The important Khor Mor gas field in the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq was attacked by kamikaze drones on the evening of November 26. It is the latest attack on the facility, which has been targeted by...
Op-eds
Kurds at a Crossroads as Middle East Shifts
Syrian Kurdish military leader Mazloum Abdi’s recent meeting with top Kurdish officials of northern Iraq points to the region’s shifting political landscape. Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander...
Op-eds
Iraq votes in parliamentary elections amid US security talks and concerns about Iranian influence
Iraqis voted in a parliamentary election on November 11, the country’s sixth since the toppling of former President Saddam Hussein in 2003. The election, held as security forces were deployed...
Op-eds
Iraqi parliamentary candidate killed in car bombing
Safaa al Mashhadani, a Sunni Iraqi parliamentary candidate who served on the Baghdad Provincial Council, was killed by a car bomb, The National reported on October 15. Mashhadani, a candidate...
Op-eds
US, UK condemn drone attacks targeting energy sites in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region
Drone attacks targeting the autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq increased in July, leading to condemnations by the US, UK, and various officials. “The United States condemns the recent drone attacks...