The Takeaway: Iraq’s elections: What comes next?

Updates from our correspondents in Israel, Palestine, Turkey, Egypt and New York; Multimedia reporting on Kurds, Tel Aviv, Egypt and Sharjah!

Iraq

US troops in Syria, Iraq targeted with renewed rocket and drone attacks

Iran-backed militias are not buying the Pentagon's attempt to rebrand the coalition's defeat-ISIS mission.

Iraq

Iran, Iraq draw up plans for railway connection from Basra to Shalamcheh

Iran and Iraq transportation ministries signed a document setting a roadmap for implementation of Basra-Shalamcheh railway connection, which should boost economic activity for both countries.

Iraq

US coalition in Iraq halts second drone attack in two days

Coalition forces in Syria also hit back in response to rocket fire near al-Omar oilfield.

Iraq

Iran’s support for Taliban pays off, but border remains problematic

Exports from Iran to Afghanistan are increasing as border clashes and the smuggling of both people and drugs fosters instability.

Iraq

Drones shot down in Baghdad on Soleimani death anniversary

The thwarted attack came on the second anniversary of the killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani.

Iraq

Combat mission of international coalition in Iraq has ended

The Iraqi government has announcement the end of the international forces’ mission in the country, renewing controversy over the concept of resistance and the legitimacy of its weapons in a law-abiding democratic state.

Iraq

Middle East elections had consequences in 2021

Elections in Israel, Iran and Iraq shook up status quo; Syria’s presidential contest a blow to the UN process; Libya and Palestine took a pass on elections, with consequences as well.

News Brief

Child rape and security forces’ behavior spark outcry in Iraq

Violent crimes perpetrated against Iraqi women and girls has led to outrage and renewed calls for women to have greater representation and decision-making opportunities in the country, as all-male government formation talks continue.

Iraq

Certification of election results opens new chapter in Iraq’s political conflict

Iraq's Federal Court has certified the recent election results, setting in motion the constitutional deadlines.

Iraq

Basra governor tests the waters for the premiership

The governor of Basra is moving between political blocs and high-level leaders in a bid to access the premiership, but the political landscape does not appear conducive for this.

Iraq

Iraq urged to 'starve’ those profiting from rising drug trade

An apparent increase in drug trafficking into the country from both its eastern and western borders, with fallout from instability in Afghanistan and 'mafia' groups in Syria as well as use of illicit substances in Iraq, has raised concern.

Iraq