Maliki’s previous tenure saw massive corruption, sectarian conflict, and the rise of ISIS. While his allies tout his experience, critics warn his return risks renewed instability and U.S. sanctions, as Iraq’s political blocs remain deeply divided over his candidacy.
Browsing: Iraq
Many Iraqi politicians initially leaned toward Iran due to perceived U.S. betrayal or propaganda, but now seek integration with the West. Co‑opting these figures, rather than isolating them, could secure lasting stability and advance American interests in a post‑Iran era.
Washington’s failure to counter China’s global inroads—from Somaliland to Iraq and South Asia—risks strategic defeat. Without integrating China policy across regions, U.S. actions remain fragmented, allowing Beijing to expand its political, economic, and military footprint unchecked.
Iraqi politicians have challenged a 2012 maritime agreement with Kuwait, reigniting sovereignty disputes. Both governments must work to resolve the issue to prevent political friction from harming growing economic and security cooperation.
UNITAD assisted in excavating ISIS mass graves but its mandate was cut short amid disputes with Iraq over evidence sharing and death penalty concerns. The experience offers lessons for international justice efforts in conflict-ravaged states like Syria.
Iraqi authorities and Shia religious figures are pressuring Iranian-aligned militias to avoid attacks that could draw retaliatory strikes. As tensions rise, Iraq balances ties with Iran and the U.S. while striving to stay out of a widening regional war.
Historical allegations of genocide during Iraq sanctions were later proven false, based on data manipulated by Saddam Hussein’s regime. Similar unverified statistics from Hamas are now used to accuse Israel, aiming to influence policy amid the Gaza conflict.
As Iran cracks down on protests, its citizens see Iraq’s model—where top cleric Sistani refuses political endorsements—as a democratic alternative to Tehran’s theocracy. This highlights a regional contest over political Islam and clerical authority in Shiite-majority states.
Reformist MPs from the Tishreen movement were sidelined through intimidation, co-option, and an uneven electoral field. Their collapse at the polls demonstrates how Iraq’s political system, dominated by established blocs with state resources, structurally excludes those seeking to change it from within.
“Sistani has occupied a central place in Iraqi Shi‘a politics, revered by all parties as a higher moral guide… By more clearly siding with the protestors, Sistani made one of his boldest moves yet, the outcome of which may determine the balance of power.”