Hassan Al-Saeed

Al Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East

Hassan Al-Saeed is an Iraqi academic who focuses on Iraq’s international relations and foreign policy. On Twitter: @Hassan_aISaeed

Iraq | Oct 6, 2022

Iraq's commitment to OPEC oil reduction won't affect exports

Iraq's oil reduction per the recent OPEC+ agreement will not affect the country's revenues, according to Iraq's oil minister.

Representatives of OPEC member countries attend a press conference after the 45th Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee and the 33rd OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting, Vienna, Austria, Oct. 5, 2022.

Iraq | Apr 22, 2022

Anti-Iran fever heats up as Iraq's political deadlock continues

As Iran-backed groups block the formation of Iraq's next government, frustrated voices are getting louder about Iran's meddling.

Iraq | Mar 28, 2022

Cross-sectarian bloc emerges in Iraq

As none of the political coalitions are able to hold a legal session for selecting the president that requires two-thirds of the members, the Iraqi political scene is facing a deadlock.

A general view shows the interior of the Iraqi parliament building, Baghdad, Iraq, Feb. 27, 2020.

Iraq | Jan 10, 2022

Iraq's speaker reelected with backing of Muqtada al-Sadr

Mohammed al-Halbusi is Iraq's speaker of parliament for a second term despite opposition from Shiite parties aligned with Iran.

This picture taken on Sept. 26, 2021, shows current parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi.

Iraq | Jan 6, 2022

Babil massacre increases demand to reform Iraqi security forces

Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi refers to the "heartbreaking massacre" and reinforces his commitment to security reform after 20 family members are killed based on specious charges.

Members of the Iraqi federal police force stand guard at a checkpoint in Baghdad, on January 29, 2021.

Iraq | Dec 8, 2021

Iraq blames militias for Basra explosion that killed four

The Basra explosion caused by a booby-trapped motorcycle was aimed to assassinate an Iraqi investigative officer in charge of the militia's illegal activities in the province.

Iraq | Dec 3, 2021

Investigation finds militias involved in Iraqi post-election violence

A special committee implicates militias in causing violent clashes on Nov. 5

Security forces loyal to Iraq's Hashid al-Shaabi paramilitary network stand next to a protest camp set up by network supporters near the Green Zone of the capital, Baghdad, on Nov. 6, 2021.

Iraq | Dec 1, 2021

Iraqi election results sent to Federal Supreme Court for approval

The Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission announced the final results of the Oct. 10 elections and will now send its results to the Federal Supreme Court for approval.

Members of Iraqi security stand guard as supporters of the Hashid al-Shaabi paramilitary network march toward one of the Green Zone entrances in the capital, Baghdad, on Nov. 6, 2021.

Iraq | Nov 29, 2021

Iraq reveals details on assassination attempt targeting PM

In its first press conference, the special committee responsible for investigating the drone attack on the house of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi released new details and its first public report.

A picture taken on Nov. 7, 2021, shows government buildings inside Baghdad's Green Zone across the Tigris River, following an overnight drone attack.

Iraq | Nov 26, 2021

Head of UN Iraq mission tells Security Council no evidence of election fraud

In her briefing to the UN Security Council, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert confirmed that there is no evidence for election fraud as claimed by some of the political parties that lost the parliamentary elections and warned of dire consequences if crucial reforms are not implemented.