Iraqi elections

Exclusive

Iraq's Kurds air fury over PM Sudani's stance after attack on gas field

“We were shocked at Sudani’s audacity. Imagine the state we would have been in had he gotten his way,” a senior Iraqi Kurdish official speaking not for attribution told Al-Monitor.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Former PM Kadhimi: Vote shows Iraqis turning toward new leadership

Mustafa al-Kadhimi told Al-Monitor that the strong performances of parties that ran on their own, as opposed to those on lists, indicate a desire to shake up the status quo.

Iraq

Analysis

Iraq’s next PM? Shatri, Eidani, Kadhimi and others jostle for lead

A number of establishment figures are being circulated as potential candidates, though experts believe the Coordination Framework, a powerful Shiite coalition, will again have the final say.

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Analysis

How Iraq’s next government could shape the US-Iran rivalry

Millions of Iraqis headed to the polls last week to vote, but it could be months before a new government takes shape.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Iraq’s Shiite alliance meets to chart strategy after Sudani comes first in election

The final results of last week’s election showed Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s list winning 46 seats in parliament, the most of any party, though he is not guaranteed to remain in his current role.

Iraq

Analysis

Turkey to navigate enduring Iranian influence in Iraq following elections

Ankara will have to navigate Iran-aligned factions’ influence in Iraq while safeguarding strategic ties and ongoing cooperation with Baghdad.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Sudani ahead in early Iraq vote count, path to power uncertain

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani is not guaranteed to stay on even if his list wins.

Iraq

Analysis

Will Iraq’s election results reshape Iran’s role in Baghdad?

Tehran's sway over Baghdad is facing new challenges, with fatigued allies, US pressure and postwar regional shifts redefining Iran's influence in its most strategic neighbor.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Iraq’s election turnout rises to 55%, defying expectations: What to know

Voter participation had previously declined in every other Iraqi election since 2005.

Iraq

Analysis

Turkey eyes continuity in Iraq as elections test Sudani’s pro-Ankara momentum

Ankara’s newfound clout in Baghdad, built on water deals and quiet security coordination, will face its first big test at the ballot box.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Iraq elections: What to know as Sudani seeks second term

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is seen as the front-runner ahead of next week’s election, though the country may face another lengthy process of forming a government.

Iraq

Iraq elections: Sadr renews calls for boycott one week out from vote

Iraq’s next election has exposed considerable divides among Shiite politicians as Muqtada al-Sadr sits out and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani splits from the Coordination Framework.

Iraq