Suspension of funding ‘political attack’: Kurdish blocs

The Kurdish blocs said they were “shocked and saddened” by the finance ministry’s decision.

Iraq ‘close’ to signing energy contracts amid worsening gas shortages

A shortage of Iranian gas imports has left Iraq struggling to supply its power plants, resulting in a diminished electricity supply.

Kurds could withdraw from Baghdad political process over withheld funds: Senior Kurdistan PM advisor

A senior advisor to Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani warned that if Baghdad continues withholding funds from the Region it could lead to a complete revocation of Kurdish participation in the federal government.

PM Barzani stresses danger of narcotics in Kurdistan Region

Barzani's remarks were read out by Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed at a conference titled "Together towards a strong and healthy society" that was organized by the Barzani Charity Foundation.

Hardline Israeli minister announces 22 new West Bank settlements

Referring to the development of new communities in “Judea and Samaria,” Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced plans for 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank in violation of international law.

Nechirvan Barzani, Marco Rubio discuss US-Kurdish cooperation

A phone call between Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio saw discussion of economic and security cooperation between Erbil and Washington.

Baghdad says will no longer fund Kurdistan Region

The Iraqi finance ministry claimed that the Kurdistan Region has already exceeded its 12.67 percent of the annual budget, totaling 13.5 trillion dinars, adding that the finance ministry “is unable to continue funding the Region.”

Features

After years of tribal conflicts, Dhi Qar sees decline in violence

After years of tribal conflicts, Iraq’s Dhi Qar province has seen a sharp decline in violence, with only 25 disputes recorded in early 2025 compared to 158 in 2023.

Iraq’s provincial councils face criticism after 2023 return

Since their reinstatement in 2023, Iraq’s provincial councils have failed to deliver meaningful results, instead becoming scenes of political conflict, legal disputes, and public frustration.

Gold mines in Iran’s Kurdish regions: Between riches and sorrows

The gold-rich Kurdish regions of western Iran grapple with the serious environmental and health consequences arising from mining the precious commodity, launching a campaign to stop the drilling which has seen elevated instances of cancer and the destruction of local flora and fauna.

Afro-Iraqis confront legacy of slavery, discrimination in modern Basra

Afro-Iraqis, long marginalized despite deep roots in Basra’s history, are at the center of a national debate after a controversial decision to allocate land exclusively to dark-skinned citizens. Critics call the move politically motivated and racially divisive, while activists recall centuries of systemic exclusion, from slavery under the Abbasids to modern political invisibility.

From high-profile snubs to early leavers: Baghdad's disastrous summit

After nearly six months of preparations and millions of dollars spent, the Arab League summit hosted in Baghdad, and hailed by Iraqi authorities ended in disaster with only five of over 20 Arab head of states, and none but one from Gulf states, attending.

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