Iraq arrests deputy oil minister in anti-corruption push The arrest of Adnan al-Jumaili marks a second signification step against corruption by Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s government amid growing pressure from the Trump administration. Iraq
Analysis Can Iraq absorb Iran-backed militias without deepening Tehran’s influence? While some militias have openly resisted disarmament, experts say those expressing support for the government’s plans may be motivated by political calculations. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Iraq’s Sadr moves to place his militia under state control: What to know Muqtada al-Sadr is the first militia leader to heed new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s call to place weapons in the hands of the state as US pressure continues. Iraq
Iran’s Pezeshkian calls Iraqi leaders as Khamenei praises militias: What to know Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian invited Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and President Nizar Amedi to Tehran as Iraq grapples with the fallout from the regional conflict. Iran
Biden announces end to US combat mission in Iraq Following a White House meeting today between US President Joe Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, the two side announced an agreement that the US combat mission in Iraq will end by Dec. 31, 2021. Iraq
Intel: US to announce agreement to pull 'combat troops' from Iraq Security will be at top of agenda for US-Iraq Strategic Dialogue today, and when US President Joe Biden hosts Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi on July 26. Iraq
Sadr withdraws from Iraqi elections Populist cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has withdrawn from Iraq's October elections, removing his support for the government. Iraq
Iraqi Shiite leader Sadr to sit out October election Muqtada al-Sadr also said he would withdraw his support for the current government and its replacement. Iraq
Iraqi activists worry about election security Some parties that grew out of the October protests have withdrawn candidates from the upcoming parliamentary elections over security concerns. Iraq
Iraqi political parties woo celebrities for election campaign Some of Iraq’s political parties seek to bring mass media celebrities on board for the upcoming legislative elections. Iraq
Anbar tribes key to security, political backing ahead of Iraq's October vote Following the introduction of a new electoral law and with many of the region’s population still looking more toward their tribes for protection than the central government, Iraq’s Sunni-dominant Anbar province is likely to be highly affected by tribal relations and figures in the October elections. Iraq
No plans for full US withdrawal from Iraq, top general says The United States may be leaving Afghanistan but troops will remain in Iraq for the foreseeable future, the CENTCOM commander told Congress. Iraq
Iraq’s new political parties seek funds from citizens New parties have an uphill battle to compete in Iraq's political system. Iraq
Iraq passes $89 billion federal budget bill The budget confronted issues of unemployment, currency devaluation and non-oil revenues and was passed as lawmakers prepare for October's general election; the challenge is implementation. Iraq
Iraq’s general elections pushed to October The added time shores up Baghdad’s preparations for a more legitimate election process; but time is running out for protesters who fear the government will ignore their demands. Iraq
Iraqi parties scramble ahead of new October election date The High Electoral Commission’s need for additional time to update constituents' records requires that the government postpone early elections until October, while political parties publicly oppose the new date and secretly support it. Iraq
