Iraq Elections: A Step Toward Rebuilding Popular Power

by David Bacon The U.S. media quickly dismissed the results of Iraq’s national elections on May 12. Journalists were puzzled by what the followers of Muqtada al-Sadr and the Iraqi Communist Party (ICP) might have in common, and even more,… Continue Reading

The Iraqi Elections: Implications for Regional Politics

by Shireen T. Hunter  The victory of the electoral list supported by Muqtada al-Sadr called Sairoon has led to speculation about the future orientation of Iraq in regard to its regional and international ties. The early verdict pronounced by Arab… Continue Reading

Obsession with Iran Destabilizes the Middle East

by Eldar Mamedov The Trump administration has used rolling back Iran’s “malign” influence in the Middle East as a mantra to justify its aggressive approach to the country. The US withdrawal from the nuclear agreement, known as Joint Comprehensive Plan… Continue Reading

Baghdad-Riyadh Rapprochement?

by Maya Yang In late July, the Iraqi Shi’ite cleric and leader of the Sadrist movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, paid an official visit to Saudi Arabia for the first time in 11 years. Sadr’s visit was preceded by the visit of… Continue Reading