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
'No pretext to delay' Iraqi Kurdistan parliament elections, says Masoud Barzani Iraqi Kurdish leader, in exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, cites "positive atmosphere" of budget talks, discusses prospects for oil law, relations with the United States, Iran, China and issues affecting the Kurdish people in Iraq and the region. Iraq
'Iraq is not an Islamic country': Minorities protest Baghdad's alcohol ban as unconstitutional The Iraqi government's renewed effort to prohibit alcohol is not only worrisome for Christian and Yazidi minorities, but also raises constitutionality questions. Iraq
Iraq's soccer team celebrates with militia leaders after Gulf Cup victory The team held up a photo of militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was killed by a US drone strike in 2020. Iraq
In restive Iran-Iraq border area, support for firebrand cleric Muqtada al-Sadr holds strong Al-Monitor traveled to Iraq’s impoverished southeast, known for drug smuggling and militia violence, to explore the continued support there for the Sadr movement. Iraq
Iraq's pro-Iran militias plan mass demonstrations on anniversary of Soleimani's killing The PMU had set up a monument of Qassim Soleimani and Abo Mahdi Mohandas on Baghdad's airport boulevard this year, something that the former Iraqi government had blocked Iraq
Analysis Iran looms large over Iraqi PM’s reform agenda Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s government is seeking a fast start amid uncertainty in Iran. By Week in Review
Iraq's prime minister makes first foreign trip to Jordan Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Amman to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues. Iraq
Will Iraq’s new anti-corruption campaign succeed? New Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani started his government by announcing an anti-corruption program. Many great challenges, however, remain in his way. Iraq
Iraqi prime minister to head Intelligence Service New Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani removed Raid Jouhi from the head of the Iraqi Intelligence Service, deciding to head the organization himself until a new head is selected. Iraq
Iraq-Iran ties likely to improve under new Iraqi PM Iran played a key role in helping form the new Iraqi government. Iraq
Iraq's new government outlines priorities Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani faces multiple challenges and constituencies to move his agenda. Iraq
Iraqi parliament set to vote on new government One year after Iraq's elections, the designated prime minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, stands poised to form Iraq's newest government. Iraq
