Analysis How Iraq’s next government could shape the US-Iran rivalry Millions of Iraqis headed to the polls last week to vote, but it could be months before a new government takes shape. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Iraq’s Shiite alliance meets to chart strategy after Sudani comes first in election The final results of last week’s election showed Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s list winning 46 seats in parliament, the most of any party, though he is not guaranteed to remain in his current role. Iraq
Analysis Turkey to navigate enduring Iranian influence in Iraq following elections Ankara will have to navigate Iran-aligned factions’ influence in Iraq while safeguarding strategic ties and ongoing cooperation with Baghdad. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Sudani ahead in early Iraq vote count, path to power uncertain Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani is not guaranteed to stay on even if his list wins. Iraq
Analysis Will Iraq’s election results reshape Iran’s role in Baghdad? By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Turkey eyes continuity in Iraq as elections test Sudani’s pro-Ankara momentum By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
The Takeaway: Sunni ‘awakening’ is a big story from Iraq’s elections Also: Press freedom under threat in Tunisia; Sisi backs Saied emergency measures; Palestinian video game banned in Israel; Syrian opposition considers merger in Idlib; Egypt praised for restoring Jewish synagogue; all in less than 1,300 words! Iraq
Sadr and independents biggest winners under Iraq's new election law The new election law was beneficial for large political blocs and independents, but it also harmed a number of large blocs whose presence in the new parliament has become almost marginal. Iraq
Israel, US gloss over differences on Iran, but frictions remain US-Israel strategic dialogue finds few points of agreement on Iran's nuclear capability; Iraq looks forward to smooth, transparent election. Iran
Security forces, IDPs cast votes early in Iraq's parliamentary elections Early voting has opened in Iraq’s parliamentary elections. Iraq
Iraqi elections begin with strict measurements to prevent fraud In a first of its kind, Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission is excluding candidates from the early elections due to electoral campaign and law violations, raising expectations the elections will be different this time. Iraq
Iraqi Sadrists envision role as broker of next government After once threatening to sit out the elections, the Sadrist movement has embarked on a media and political campaign to increase election turnout. Iraq
Iraq to close airports, borders for October election Iraqi authorities have prioritized security in the lead-up to the first election since 2018. News Brief
Iraq's top Shiite cleric calls for voting in upcoming elections Top Shiite cleric Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani called upon Iraqis to participate in the elections in large numbers and vote wisely. Iraq
Iraq’s Sunni parties compete for votes in crucial election Iraqi Sunnis are weighing whether to vote for candidates on a tribal or party-linked basis, try for independents or maybe not even vote at all. Iraq
Iraqi leaders sign electoral code of conduct The agreement among Iraqi parties comes in light of ongoing efforts by Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s government to reunite political blocs ahead of the October elections. Iraq
Iraq focuses on voter security ahead of elections The Iraqi government has already thwarted attempts at fraud and election rigging ahead of Oct. 10. Iraq
Iraqi protest groups will sit out October elections Iraqi protest groups, which have emerged since October 2019, are calling for wholesale reform of the Iraqi political system. Iraq
