Iraq ‘to take control of Kurdistan border crossings’
Craig TaylorThe government is asserting more authority after last month’s controversial independence referendum. BBC News – Middle East
Middle East
Syria war: Aid reaches starving Eastern Ghouta civilians
The UN rights chief has called the plight of people trapped in the Eastern Ghouta “an outrage”. BBC News – Middle East
Iraqi Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani ‘to resign’
His expected departure comes amid growing fallout from the region’s independence referendum. BBC News – Middle East
Assad forces behind deadly Syria sarin attack – UN
The Syrian regime carried out a gas attack in April which killed more than 80 people, the UN says. BBC News – Middle East
Iraqi forces launch assault on last IS bastion of al-Qaim
The prime minister tells IS militants in al-Qaim and Rawa to “choose between death and surrender”. BBC News – Middle East
Iraqi Kurdistan referendum: Kurds offer to freeze independence
The Kurdistan Regional Government says it is ready to enter dialogue with Baghdad. BBC News – Middle East