Pope Francis’ visit to Iraq is likely to be long on symbolism and calls for peace, protection of religious minorities, and religious tolerance. But that it has taken place at all is a substantive achievement for all of Iraq’s people.
The Saudi leadership’s public rejection of the Sunni political revival movement known as the Sahwa has been accompanied by signs of an incipient opening to Shia communities.
Iraq’s government formation drama might continue, but public pressure could force rival parties to reach a deal after Ramadan.
On June 10, AGSIW hosted a virtual panel discussion examining the future of the Popular Mobilization Forces and their relationship with the new Iraqi government.
While it took the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps less than 24 hours to replace Major General Qassim Suleimani, Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces is suffering more from its leadership succession woes.
Rouhani's trip to Iraq and Assad's to Iran show that Tehran and its allies are determined to maintain alliances.
CENTCOM’s release of interrogation reports of Qais al-Khazali and a survey of combat fatalities shed new light on Iran’s relationship with Shia militias in Iraq.
Ninety percent of Iraq’s oil wealth – the fifth largest proven oil reserves in the world – lies under the three southern governorates of Iraq.
The Middle East is full of local dramas reminiscent of events depicted in the HBO series “Game of Thrones,” the sword and sorcery fantasy about power struggles in mythical kingdoms.