Iraq

Policy Analysis on Iraq

Iran’s Dilemma in Managing Shiite Conflicts in Iraq

Iran has recently adopted a more hands-off approach in Iraqi politics, hoping that the internal fractures will eventually work in their favor.

Oct 6, 2022

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Firas Elias

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Iraqi muqawama disinformation and the Zainab Isam al-Khazali shooting

The muqawama launched a coordinated and intentionally misleading anti-U.S. disinformation campaign in an attempt to ease the pressure caused by the unrest in Iran.

Oct 5, 2022

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Hamdi Malik

◆ Militia Spotlight

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Iraqi Militia Group Makes Credible New Threat Against the Gulf States

The facade group in question tends to follow through on its warnings, so its latest rhetoric about using developments in Yemen as cause for new attacks should be taken seriously.

Oct 3, 2022

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Hamdi Malik
Michael Knights

◆ Militia Spotlight

A woman at the Al-Hawl detention camp in Syria - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Detention Facilities in Syria, Iraq Remain Vulnerable to Islamic State Attacks

An attempted suicide operation against al-Hawl camp highlights the ongoing risks posed by indefinite detention of foreigners associated with IS.

Sep 29, 2022

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Devorah Margolin

Brief Analysis

Iraq’s Constitutional Moment?

Although the country currently lacks the unity and rule of law needed to safely pursue a process as fraught as amending the constitution, there are several alternatives that could get it on the path to systemic reform.

Sep 27, 2022

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Safwan Al-Amin
Bilal Wahab

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

SDR Allocations in the Middle East: Helpful, but No Silver Bullet

Various governments have made good use of last year’s unprecedented IMF allocation, but the Ukraine war, ongoing debt issues, and other economic problems are a reminder that the region cannot sidestep deeper reforms indefinitely.

Sep 20, 2022

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Jonah Shrock

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Profile: Al-Warithuun

Al-Warithuun is a "resistance" brand with a recurring connection to kinetic operations that are directed by Iran's Qods Force but intended to be deniable.

Sep 13, 2022

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Michael Knights
Hamdi Malik
Crispin Smith

◆ Militia Spotlight: Profiles

Fikra Forum

What’s Next for Iraq After al-Sadr’s Withdrawal from the Political Process?

Violent protests broke out after al-Sadr announced his withdrawal from Iraqi politics, but this is unlikely to be the end of al-Sadr's political maneuvering.

Sep 12, 2022

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Azhar Al-Rubaie

Brief Analysis

Removing All Militias From Baghdad’s International Zone

Iran-backed PMF units shot first in the latest showdown, so they should hardly be the ones left in charge of security in the government center.

Aug 31, 2022

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Michael Knights

Sadrist protestors, Republic Palace, Baghdad, August 29, 2022

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Militias Show Message Discipline During Sadrist Clashes

Centralized direction was evident as "resistance" outlets carried out their (apparently successful) public relations campaign to claim the moral high ground.

Aug 30, 2022

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Hamdi Malik
Michael Knights

◆ Militia Spotlight

Fikra Forum

Will the Sadrists Succeed in Effecting Regime Change in Iraq?

New polling reveals how the Iraqi public views Baghdad’s ongoing political crisis.

Aug 26, 2022

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Munqith Dagher

U.S. Central Command graphic, Aug 15, 2022 drone attack on Al Tanf

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Kataib Hezbollah's Role in the August 15 al-Tanf Attack

The Syria strike was launched from the militia's bastion in Iraq and used Iranian-provided KAS-04 explosive drones.

Aug 25, 2022

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Michael Knights

◆ Militia Spotlight

Articles & Testimony

Biden’s Indifference Has Given Iran the Upper Hand in Iraq

In light of Tehran’s concerted efforts to reverse last year’s electoral setback, it has become too risky to let Baghdad’s nascent democracy simply fend for itself.

Aug 24, 2022

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David Schenker

Fikra Forum

Turkey Knocks France Out on Mosul Airport Reconstruction Project

Turkey’s involvement in the reconstruction of Mosul Airport could cause problems amidst regional tensions with France and Iran, but it is also emblematic of the growing economic ties between Turkey and Iraq.

Aug 19, 2022

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Mehmet Alaca

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Profile: Kataib Aimmat al-Baqi

A Diyala-based militia that offered its services to Nouri al-Maliki on a leaked audiotape from July 2022.

Aug 15, 2022

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May Riad
Hamdi Malik
Michael Knights

◆ Militia Spotlight: Profiles

Fikra Forum

Navigating the Political Impasse Between Sadrists and the Coordination Framework

10 months after Iraqi elections, intra-Shia feuding between the Sadrist movement and the Coordination Framework has led to several public demonstrations but few viable solutions.

Aug 12, 2022

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Azhar Al-Rubaie

Fikra Forum

Barzani's Failures on Freedom of Expression in Iraqi Kurdistan

The Kurdish Region of Iraq, rife with economic and security challenges, is witnessing increased censorship and suppression of free speech.

Aug 4, 2022

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Diary Marif

Fikra Forum

Armed with Paintbrushes: Kurdish Female Artists Fighting for Equality

Kurdish women use art as a powerful tool to represent what it means to be a Kurd, a woman, and a human being.

Aug 4, 2022

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Shilan Fuad Hussain

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Khazali Isolated Over International Zone Protests

The militia leader is being constrained by other members of the Iran-dominated Shia Coordination Framework regarding how to respond to Sadrist protests.

Aug 3, 2022

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Hamdi Malik
Michael Knights

◆ Militia Spotlight

Supporters of Iraqi Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr gather during a sit-in, inside the parliament building in Baghdad - source: Reuters

Fikra Forum

Iraq’s Two Coups—And How the U.S. Should Respond

Iran’s allies in Iraq mounted a judicial coup at the start of this year. Now, Muqtada al-Sadr is trying to place the system under his control through mob action. U.S.-led friends of Iraq should care about both these developments, not just the most recent one.

Aug 2, 2022

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Michael Knights

Supported by the

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The Washington Institute's Program on Arab Politics focuses on social, political, and economic developments in the Arab world, with an emphasis on the Arab countries of the Levant.

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