Iraqi Shiite religious leaders divided on Maliki

The Iraqi parliamentary elections are showing a deep division among the Shiite community, with rising tension between the Shiite religious authorities and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Iraq

Iraqi voters shift from religious to 'political sectarianism'

Iraqi voters appear to be gradually changing their loyalties from religious authorities to political groups.

Iraq

Hakim calls for return of Iraq's National Alliance

The leader of the Iraq Citizen Coalition is calling for a renewed National Alliance among Iraq's Shiite political parties.

Iraq

Sunnis, Kurds vie for Iraqi presidency

Although the post of president in Iraq has been held by a Kurdish politician, Jalal Talabani, since 2005, there are reports that some Sunni politicians may be looking to assume the post.

Iraq

Iraq faces challenge to find solution for growing slums

With Baghdad’s slums accommodating more than 2 million people, a solution to the housing crisis needs to be part of an urban planning strategy, something that previous governments ignored when distributing land to the poor.

Iraq

Syrian Kurd leader urges Turkey to join fight against jihadists

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Syrian Kurdish leader Salih Muslim says his Democratic Union Party will not participate in Syria’s presidential elections, and questions why the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq is not helping Syria’s Kurds.

Iraq

Iran seeks Shiite consensus on next Iraqi premier

Iran would prefer that Nouri al-Maliki serve a third term as Iraqi prime minister, but will also give priority to a consensus among the Iraqi Shiite parties.

Iraq

Allawi: Even Syria interferes in Iraq’s elections

Iraqi politican Ayad Allawi spoke with Iran's IR Diplomacy about his complicated relationship with Iran.

Iraq

Iraqis defy terrorists to vote in elections

The Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission is reporting a 59% voter turnout, despite the threats of violence.

Iraq

What message is Saudi Arabia sending with war games?

Saudi Arabia has just finished its largest war games in recent history, signalling its intent to develop its military capabilities in an increasingly unstable region.

Saudi Arabia

Iraqi election could lead to partition

Iraqi parties across the political spectrum seek to break Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s monopoly on the central government.

Iraq

Iraqi elections marred by hit squads targeting candidates

Amid rising assassination attempts of candidates for today’s Iraqi parliamentary elections, some political blocs are accusing parties in the government of being behind these operations.

Iraq