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
Muqtada al-Sadr uses street pressure to set political conditions for his rivals Influential Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr vowed that new elections would be held as his followers flocked to a mass prayer in the occupied parts of Baghdad’s Green Zone after 10 months of political deadlock. Iraq
Iraqi government initiates dialogue to end national crisis Iraqi and international leaders are responding positively to the prime minister's call fior national dialogue among the various political parties. Iraq
Rival Shiite forces flex muscles in two protests in Baghdad Speaker of the Iraqi parliament Mohammed al-Halbusi suspended parliament in response to Sadrist protesters who have occupied the Green Zone, closing down for now the prospects of a government formation. Iraq
Iraqi Sadrist protesters storm parliament Sadrist protesters stormed parliament today, rejecting the formation of the government under the premiership of Muhammad Shia Sudani, who was nominated recently by a rival Shia colaition. Iraq
Following tape leak, Sadr demands Maliki quit Iraqi politics The escalating conflict between Muqtada al-Sadr and Nouri al-Maliki has raised further barriers to the formation of a new government. Iraq
Militias target again Iraq’s intelligence service Since Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi took office in mid-2020, extremist Shiite militias have been trying to undermine the National Intelligence Service, which he has been heading since 2016. Iraq
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