In letter, US lays out 7 demands for next Iraqi PM, with emphasis on Iran The Trump administration is pressing Baghdad on Iranian influence and the nomination of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, with Iraq's top diplomat claiming the US stipulations include a "hint" toward potential sanctions. Iraq
Analysis Can Maliki overcome Trump opposition to reclaim Iraq’s PM post? US President Donald Trump’s opposition to the former prime minister and reports of potential retribution toward Iraq are receiving pushback in the country, which is already suffering from political paralysis. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Iraq’s Maliki rejects Trump criticism, vows to stay in PM race Maliki refused to withdraw from the race, despite mounting pressure from the US, and expressed a desire for good relations with Iraq’s neighbors and Washington. Iraq
Iraq's Shiite bloc holds talks with Kurds as deadlock on president, PM persists The Shiite-led Coordination Framework reiterated its support for former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Saturday, despite vocal criticism by US President Donald Trump of the former premier. Iraq
Analysis After Trump’s rebuke, can Maliki rebound in Iraq, or does Sudani become favorite? By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Analysis After Iraq’s election, what are US priorities for next government? By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Sadr withdrawal from Iraqi parliament challenges Shiite rivals Populist Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr withdrew his party members from Iraq's Council of Representatives, introducing a new level of uncertainty into Iraqi politics. Iraq
Muqtada al-Sadr threatens to withdraw from parliament After failing to form a national majority government, Iraqi populist cleric Muqtada al-Sadr asked his party members in parliament to prepare to resign. Iraq
Iraqi parliament approves emergency food security bill Iraqi lawmakers passed an emergency food security bill weeks after the Federal Supreme Court labeled unconstitutional a similar bill proposed by the caretaker government. Iraq
Iraq's parliament passes anti-normalization law Iraq's lawmakers further criminalize relations with Israel. Iraq
Iraq’s Kurdish parties struggle to unite amid deep divisions The main parties in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq have met at a high level amidst divisions and difficulties to form the government many months after the elections. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Upcoming KRG election marred by political divisions Due to the political dispute in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, the Oct. 1 regional parliamentary election is likely to be delayed. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Iraqi coalitions look to break political deadlock The proposals come as Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's 40-day window to form a government draws to a close. Iraq
US urges Iraqi government formation as stalemate drags on The deadlock has left Iraq without a new budget amid the economic uncertainty stemming from Russia's war in Ukraine. Iraq
Iraq's political deadlock: three scenarios Iraq's new parliament has failed to form a government and the political scene is stuck in a difficult deadlock, indicating that the crisis is likely to continue for a long time. Iraq
Battle opens for presidency in Iraq As the Kurdistan Democratic Party nominates Hoshyar Zebari for the presidency, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan is looking to renew the mandate of President Barham Salih. Iraq
Sadr committed to forming Iraq's first majority government The Coordination Framework, comprised of several Shiite parties is seeking a national unity coalition modeled on previous governments, while Sadr whose bloc won the majority of seats seeks majority government. Iraq