Will PMU allow parliament to appoint its leaders?

Some Iraqi parliamentary blocs are working to mandate that parliament appoint the leaders of the Popular Mobilization Units.

Iraq

Ninevah sheikh and ex-commander warn of ‘IS family camp dangers’

Nearly two years after its liberation from the Islamic State, Ninevah province is still struggling to deal with IS-linked displaced people.

Iraq

Iraqi opposition parties form shadow government

Some Iraqi political forces are poised to form a shadow government, but other Iraqi groups say the effort is a fool's errand.

Iraq

Burial of unidentified Iraqi bodies sparks sectarian debate

Iraqi Sunnis accuse the government of trying to cover up Shiite violence against them by burying bodies of displaced persons who haven't been identified.

Iraq

Will Iran retaliate after recent Israeli attacks?

Israel seems to be provoking Iran by striking the latter's proxies in Iraq and Lebanon. But Tehran is not showing willingness to directly engage in an all-out war with Tel Aviv.

Iraq

Pentagon touts Space Command as boon to Middle East role

The Donald Trump administration's launch of a Pentagon command to defend US space orbiting satellites could give Middle East commanders a boost in protecting their eyes and ears on the battlefield.

Legacy: Gulf

Iraqi decision to remove Shabak PMU from Ninevah Plains stirs conflict

A dispute over the presence of Popular Mobilization Units in the Ninevah Plains raises concerns about the recurrence of conflict in the area.

Iraq

Israeli strikes raise questions about US presence in Iraq

A suspected Israeli strike against an Iran-backed convoy in Iraq has raised political doubts about the long-term American troop presence there.

Iraq

Iraqi Mandaeans fear extinction

The Mandaean community in Iraq is dwindling to such low numbers that its members fear extinction.

Iraq

Iraq poised for ambitious plan after Babylon listed by UNESCO

Baghdad lobbied for more than three decades to get Babylon on UNESCO World Heritage List, but the way ahead may be even more difficult.

Iraq

Will Iran-backed factions attack US troops in Iraq?

Pro-Iranian militias in the Popular Mobilization Units are calling for taking strong action against the United States and for even targeting its presence in Iraq.

Iraq

Hunt for Iraqi IS leaders continues amid heightened secrecy

The Islamic State has employed higher levels of secrecy about its commanders since 2018, leading to greater confusion about its hierarchy. The search nevertheless continues for its commanders, most of whom are believed to be of Iraqi origin but are currently in Syria.

Iraq