Middle Orient

The United Nations Security Council said it would hold an emergency session on Monday to discuss the situation in Syria following Turkish cross-border operations, France’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Sunday. The French Foreign Ministry said the UN Security Council had agreed to hold a session to address Turkey’s attack on …

EU High Representative Federica Mogherini said Monday that she is “extremely worried” about the Turkish military operation in Afrin, Syria, against the Kurdish YPG fighters. “We discussed this today with the ministers at the opening of our meeting. I am extremely worried and I will discuss this, among other things, …

In the most comprehensive outlining of US policy stance on Syria, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson vowed the US military will remain to counter threats posed by the so-called Islamic State, al-Qaeda and Iran. “The US will maintain a military presence in Syria focused on ensuring IS cannot reemerge. Our …

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani that the US welcomes signs of development in talks between Erbil and Baghdad. He said that the US pays attention to its relations with the Kurdistan Region, according to Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) website. Tillerson expressed happiness over …

The EU condemned on Monday the terror attacks in Baghdad earlier today in which a large number of innocent people were killed and injured. “Showing mutual solidarity and unity against violence is the best way to defeat terrorism fully and construct a brighter future for the country,” Catherine Ray, spokesperson …

The United States will play a leading role in the February 12 Iraqi reconstruction conference hosted by Kuwait, US Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman revealed on Wednesday. In a press statement, the ambassador said that his country is currently planning to carry out some key investment projects in Iraq that …

The United States has expressed concern over the relations between various Kurdish political parties, urging the sides to maintain unity and help find a solution to the political deadlock between Erbil and Baghdad. Speaking to reporters in the embassy on Wednesday, Ambassador to Iraq, Douglas Silliman, urged the Kurdish factions …

The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission adopted a Joint Communication proposing an EU strategy for Iraq in order to address the many challenges the country faces following the territorial defeat of the ISIS terrorist group. “Iraq is at a crossroads …

US Vice President Mike Pence will visit the Mideast from January 20 to 23, the White House said on Monday. The White House explained, in a statement, that Pence will visit Egypt, Jordan and Israel.

Iran says Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Israel are fanning the flames of regional crises through their interventionist policies and invasive actions. Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif made the remarks in an address to Tehran Security Conference on Monday.