SDF clashes with ISIS remnants in eastern Syria

The Kurdish-led forces revealed that they had successfully repelled an Islamic State (ISIS) ambush on Thursday, vowing to continue its campaign against the remaining elements of the exhausted group "under all circumstances and conditions."

US military to withdraw 600 troops from Syria

The move will see only 1,000 US troops remaining in the country to support the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in their campaign against Islamic State (ISIS) remnants, as well as to act as a buffer against further Turkish incursion.

Iraq says seized 4,500 Captagon pills from foreign traveler coming from Iran

Authorities at the Shalamcheh border crossing between Iraq and Iran said that the pills in question were hidden inside hacksaws, adding that the detained individual and seized items have been transferred to counter-narcotics authorities in Basra.

Iraq’s Sudani meets Syria’s Sharaa in Qatar

The meeting comes a day after Sudani on Wednesday said that an official invitation has been extended to Sharaa to participate in the upcoming Arab League Summit, set to take place in Baghdad next month.

Security forces say 5 arrested, six kilograms of narcotics seized in Erbil

Erbil Asaiysh dismantled a drug trafficking syndicate operating in the province, with the seizure coming amidst recent proposals regarding the opening of drug rehabilitation centers in the Kurdistan Region to combat the burgeoning issue.

Iran unnerved by 'shifting' US approach to nuclear talks

An apparent fluctuation in demands by US authorities ahead of the second round of nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington has drawn criticism from Iranian authorities and commentators, adding uncertainty to the outcomes of the already fragile diplomatic engagement.

Top Syrian Kurdish official says SDF, Damascus to meet soon

Speaking at the ninth annual Sulamani Forum, Ilham Ahmed, co-chair of the Foreign Relations Department of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), asserted that a meeting between the Kurdish administration and the Damascus government could happen soon, stressing the importance of minority rights and devolved government in the new Syria.

Features

Tensions, threats, hopes: What's at stake in upcoming US-Iran talks?

With talks between Washington and Tehran set to commence on Saturday, this deep dive analyzes what can be expected from the new dialogue and what its implications may be for the region.

US-Iran tensions cooling for now—but for how long?

After weeks of escalating rhetoric and US military posturing, Tehran and Washington are back on track for diplomacy, with talks scheduled in Oman to address the nuclear issue. But with their demands oceans apart, bridging the gap remains a formidable task.

Iraq’s federalism debate: Between constitutional reform and sectarian fragmentation

As Iraq continues to grapple with political instability, the concept of federalism is resurfacing as both a constitutional solution and a source of controversy.

US foreign aid freeze sparks crisis in Iraq’s civil society, women’s rights sector

A sweeping executive order by President Donald Trump to freeze US foreign aid for 90 days has triggered chaos in Iraq’s humanitarian sector. The halt has crippled development and relief projects, forced NGOs to shut down, and left hundreds of staff unemployed, particularly affecting women’s empowerment initiatives.

Motorcycles in Baghdad: A ride between livelihood and lawlessness

Motorcycles have become both a necessity and a security concern in Baghdad, with their use linked to rising crimes such as assassinations, smuggling, and armed robberies. While authorities enforce strict regulations to curb illegal activities, many law-abiding riders, including delivery workers, feel unfairly targeted.

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