Sadrist call to change electoral law could push local elections to 2018

Though all of Iraq's parliamentary blocs acknowledge a need to amend the electoral law, there is less agreement on what direction changes should take and no plans to make it happen.

Iraq

Can Iraq reach dam agreement with Turkey to protect marshes?

Recent Turkish dam projects, in particular the Ilisu Dam, affect the level of water in Iraq significantly with the marshes drying and the agricultural industry witnessing a significant decline.

Iraq

Capitol Hill raises alarm on coming Mosul onslaught

Congress’ human rights panel urged the Obama administration to make Iraqi civilians a priority.

Iraq

Ankara’s policies in Iraq, Syria perplex US

Turkey's approach to the Aleppo and Mosul issues complicates its relations with the United States.

Iraq

Iraqi Kurds step into Ankara-Baghdad row

Iraq has called on the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution calling for the immediate withdrawal of Turkish troops from its soil.

Iraq

Iraq’s parliament speaker outlines post-IS plan

As Mosul battle looms, Iraqi parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri speaks to Al-Monitor about the current political situation in the country and discusses what the future might hold for Sunni-majority provinces.

Iraq

Turkey-Iraq squabbles threaten Mosul campaign

The dispute between Turkey and Iraq over the presence of Turkish troops near Mosul is threatening to derail the impending offensive to free the city from the Islamic State.

Iraq

Why calls for independence are in decline in Iraqi Kurdistan

The economic crisis in Iraqi Kurdistan has decreased independence ambitions significantly, while the social and political demands to turn toward Baghdad are increasing in the region.

Iraq

Will PMU attack US troops in Iraq?

Factions of the Popular Mobilization Units are threatening to target US troops taking part in the battle for Mosul, but the Iraqi government is working to smooth over tensions.

Iraq

Unlikely partners join forces to lead by example in Syria

An opposition group known as Syria’s Tomorrow and Kurdish self-rule proponents have forged an agreement they hope will bring other opposition factions together and enlist the support of Arab countries to end the war and build a civil democratic pluralist state.

Iraq

Iraqi Kurdistan government seized, sold Gulen schools

The Kurdistan Regional Government, at Turkey's request, has sold educational institutes affiliated with the cleric Fethullah Gulen and seized other Gulenist-run institutions.

Iraq

Iraqi ministers fall like dominoes as Maliki's bloc targets Abadi

A parliamentary bloc led by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is behind the recent dismissal of several ministers as part of a plan to bring down the government of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and pave the way for Nouri al-Maliki's nomination in the coming election.

Iraq