Analysis After Iraq’s election, what are US priorities for next government? Washington wants there to be no sanctioned groups in the next Iraqi government, a source told Al-Monitor, as the US and Iran compete for influence. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Analysis What Turkey wants from Iraq to renew pipeline deal Ankara is pushing for full control over the pipeline’s Turkish section and a capacity-allocation system, as arbitration battles with Baghdad drag on. By David O'Byrne
Exclusive Iraq's Kurds air fury over PM Sudani's stance after attack on gas field “We were shocked at Sudani’s audacity. Imagine the state we would have been in had he gotten his way,” a senior Iraqi Kurdish official speaking not for attribution told Al-Monitor. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Former PM Kadhimi: Vote shows Iraqis turning toward new leadership Mustafa al-Kadhimi told Al-Monitor that the strong performances of parties that ran on their own, as opposed to those on lists, indicate a desire to shake up the status quo. Iraq
Analysis Iraq’s next PM? Shatri, Eidani, Kadhimi and others jostle for lead By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Analysis How Iraq’s next government could shape the US-Iran rivalry By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Analysis Turkey to navigate enduring Iranian influence in Iraq following elections By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
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
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