Iraq
ISTANBUL BLOG: After “conquering” Damascus, Erdogan turns his eye to the Kurds
US controls eastern Euphrates airspace. Will Trump White House return mean Kurdish forces lose their air cover? In wider picture, fears Syria will become “second Afghanistan” are all too real.
SYRIA BLOG: Putin joins George W Bush’s “Mission Accomplished” club
Given the fall of the Assad regime, the Russian leader’s 2017 victory address at Russia’s Syrian air base of Hmeimim is set to age very badly.
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As jubilant Syrian refugees in Turkey celebrate Assad downfall, analysts wonder what comes next in power vacuum
Ankara, meanwhile, already criticised for trying to use chaos as cover for attacks on Kurds as it tries to change map in its favour.
Erdogan sets Damascus as final target for “rebels” advancing in Syria
Since his regime’s hailing of its “reconquest” of Aleppo, Turkey’s leader has been in no mood to talk peace.
Syrian opposition forces edge closer to Homs city
Syrian opposition forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) captured the strategic city of Hama on December 5, marking a dramatic escalation in the conflict as Israel launched fresh airstrikes along the Lebanese border and Kurdish forces advance.
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Iraqi militias send hundreds of fighters to support Assad in Syria
Hundreds of Iran-backed Iraqi fighters have crossed into Syria to support President Bashar al-Assad's forces following recent rebel advances, according to multiple security sources.
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Who are the Syrian rebels leading the uprising?
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the militant group that has seized control of Aleppo and parts of Hama in a surprise offensive, has a complex history in Syria's long-running conflict.
Iraqi factions in Syria’s Aleppo to counter anti-government forces
Armed groups linked to Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) have entered Syria to support the Syrian army in its fight against rebels in Aleppo and nearby areas.
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Iraq blocks 4chan in latest internet crackdown
Iraq has expanded its internet restrictions, blocking access to several major international websites including the Internet Archive and 4chan, according to multiple sources across the country.
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Iraq blocks IMDb website over 'immoral content' claims
Iraq's Ministry of Communications has blocked access to IMDb on November 26, the world's largest movie and television database website, citing concerns over “immoral content.”
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Iraq population more than doubles to 45.4mn since 1997 census
Iraq's population stands at 45.4mn people, according to preliminary results from its first comprehensive national census in over three decades, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced on November 25.
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Iraq census reignites ethnic tensions across country
Iraq's first national census since 1997, begun on November 20, has rekindled ethnic tensions across the fractured country, as Arab, Kurdish and Turkmen groups demand the count be suspended.
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Russia repatriates 26 "children of ISIS" from Syrian refugee camp
Russia has repatriated 26 children from Syria's Al-Roj camp where families of Islamic State (ISIS) fighters are held.
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Arab League backs Iraq's request for emergency meeting over Israeli threats
The Arab League (AL) has endorsed Iraq's request for an emergency meeting to discuss Israeli threats, with the date to be determined following consultations.
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Emirates suspends Iraq and Lebanon flights until end of November
Emirates airlines announced on November 19 it has suspended flights to and from Baghdad until the end of November, amid growing geopolitical tensions in the region.
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Iraq refuses fossil fuel phaseout at COP29
Iraq's parliamentary delegation has rejected calls to phase out fossil fuels at the United Nations Climate Summit COP29 in Baku, citing their crucial role in the national economy.
US forces to fully withdraw from Iraq, “including Kurdistan”
US and Western allied forces have had several bases in Iraq since the 2003 invasion of the country, but are set to leave.
Iraqi Kurdish leaders first to congratulate Trump on US election victory
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani have become the first Iraqi political leaders to congratulate Donald Trump on his victory in the US presidential election.
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TEHRAN BLOG: Why a Trump win may not be good for Israel
Israel's close association with Trump might further alienate it from other regional players, while Iran, now open to negotiation, may see opportunities in the coming shifts.