Protests and political violence continues to plague Basra, Iraq’s southernmost province. The province is largely populated by Iraq’s Shia majority, which has dominated Iraq’s post-2003 political order. Basra’s oil fields are the primary source of Iraq’s oil exports and proven oil reserves and Basra is home to Iraq’s only port.… Read more
Key Takeaways:
Iraqi Politicians Hold Series of Meetings with Foreign Officials, Expound Neutral Position in Region – On January 27, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister reported that several ministers from the Jordanian government arrived in Baghdad for meetings. On January 27, Foreign Minister Mohammed Ali al-Hakim stated in… Read more
Away from the limelight, violence continues to rage in southern Iraq in the form of tribal clashes, pro-government militia infighting and criminal violence. This violence often affects unarmed bystanders and makes life in Basra, which is already challenging due to government neglect, lack of services and rife unemployment, even more precarious. Although most residents of southern Iraq are Shia, Iraq's current political elite, which claims to represent the Shia community, has failed to address the needs of the south.
Key Takeaways:
Iraqi officials meet with foreign counterparts; Legislation proposed to expel U.S. forces from Iraq; Iran works to expand trade with Iraq; Growing Baghdad-KRG cooperation – On January 14, the French government announced that it had agreed to loan Iraq EUR 1 billion to aid reconstruction of areas liberated… Read more
The past year was marked by considerable political turmoil and unrest in Iraq, underscoring the many challenges that the country faces beyond the battlefield.
In 2018, we saw a further erosion of public confidence in Iraqi leaders over corruption, insufficient basic services, and unemployment; a parliamentary election marred by poor… Read more
Key Takeaways:
Iraqi officials meet U.S. and Qatari counterparts; Iraqi delegations to Israel cause uproar
Government formation still incomplete; Parliament fails to pass budget
New Human Rights Watch report documents torture of minors in KRG prisons; Unrest in Kirkuk after PUK raises flag of Kurdistan in the disputed city; Government formation in KRG stalls
Iraqi officials praise security cooperate with U.S. and the UK; ISIS attack in Tikrit kills 2; al-Hurra journalist killed
UK, Spain, U.S. pledge additional support for stabilization and humanitarian aid in Iraq; New report on Syrian refugees in Iraq; Iraqi Army shutters another IDP camp
