After months of tensions and pressure from both the U.S. and Iran, Ali al-Zaidi, a businessman, was named as prime minister-designate.
The United States has halted dollar shipments to Iraq’s cash-based economy in an effort to force the Baghdad government to distance itself from Iran. The money comes from Iraq’s oil revenues.
Washington is demanding that the Baghdad government dismantle Iran-backed Iraqi militias that have been attacking Americans and U.S. sites there recently.
President Trump gave conflicting signals about a possible end to the war with Iran amid wild gyrations in global markets.
President Trump gave conflicting signals about a possible end to the war with Iran amid wild gyrations in global markets.
The strike is the latest in a string of attacks on energy infrastructure in Iraq’s northern Kurdish region, which some regional authorities have privately blamed on Iran-affiliated militias.
Mohammed al-Sudani pitches himself as someone who can keep Iranian influence in check, but his vote share may not be big enough to ensure a clear political victory.
Iraq is caught in the conflict between Washington and Tehran, with the Trump administration insisting that the next government disarm powerful Iran-backed militias.
Iraq is caught in a power struggle between Washington and Tehran, with the Trump administration insisting that the next government disarm powerful Iran-backed militias.
After a U.S. occupation, years of sectarian violence and a jihadist insurgency, Iraq has become an improbable haven of calm in the Middle East.