Six years after it was first proposed, will Iraq form top policy council?

Iraqi political leaders have reintroduced the idea of a Supreme Strategic Policy Council, and a law calling for its formation now has the support of most parliamentary blocs.

Iraq

Will Popular Mobilization Units participate in Iraqi elections?

The Independent High Electoral Commission has prohibited PMU factions from participating in elections, although they might be able to participate through the political parties they are affiliated with.

Iraq

How Iraq's political blocs are trying to win over youth

The early electoral campaigns in Iraq have been focusing on the youth, while the political parties seek to amend the electoral law to allow Iraqis as young as 25 years of age to run as candidates.

Iraq

Prince Salman gets jump on G-20 as Saudi 'Mr. Everything' tours Asia

Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to be the youngest representative at the upcoming G-20 summit, his most significant step on the global stage to date, but can the spotlight on "Mr. Everything" distract from Yemen?

Saudi Arabia

Iraqi cleric urges tolerance toward LGBT people

Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has created ripples in Iraqi society by calling for tolerance for LGBT people.

Iraq

Accusations fly as Basra cafes hit by string of bombings

A series of bombings has hit Basra's cafes that employ women, leading activists to accuse Shiite militias of imposing an Islamization project on civilians.

Iraq

After Babylon, Borsippa has its eye on World Heritage List

The ancient city of Borsippa in the south of Iraq incorporates religious and historical relics and is hoping to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Iraq

Will reforms require shrinking the size of Iraq's parliament?

Some parliamentary blocs' efforts to cut the number of parliamentarians is facing obstacles, including the constitutional quota system, which currently calls for an increase in members.

Iraq

Iraqi Parliament approves controversial amnesty law

After numerous delays, the Iraqi parliament approved an amnesty law that addresses Sunni and Shiite grievances stemming from post-2003 prosecutions.

Iraq

Baghdad considers security overhaul

After years of various security plans failed to halt terrorist attacks in the Iraqi capital, the Interior Ministry's latest proposal is now under evaluation.

Iraq

Where does tribal influence fit in Iraqi politics?

Even high-level Iraqi politicians are turning to their tribes for support in resolving political disputes, a traditional resource that finds itself at odds with democratic state-building.

Iraq

Sunni fear grows as PMU participation in Mosul battle confirmed

Iraqi government approved officially the participation of the Popular Mobilization Units in the Mosul battle, which is supported by the United States and Iran; however, Sunni parties are afraid of this decision.

Iraq