Key Takeaways:
Assassination Sparks Anti-Iran Protests; Political Parties Boycott October Elections; UNAMI Criticizes Baghdad’s Crises Handling – Between May 9-12, thousands of protesters took to the streets in Karbala, Babylon, Najaf and Baghdad to protest the assassination of Ehab al-Wazni, a prominent activist and leader of protests movement in Karbala.… Read more
Key Takeaways:
De-Baathification Returns As Election Nears; Iraqi President Confirms “Ongoing” Riyadh-Tehran Talks; Militia Commander Calls For Depopulating Volatile Towns – On April 29, reports emerged of a push by the deputy speaker of parliament to re-establish the “De-Baathification” committee, causing uproar about its possible use to eliminate political rivals.… Read more
Key Takeaways:
Deadly Hospital Fire Reignites Calls To Address Corruption; Sunni Alliances Take Shape Ahead Of Elections; US Commander Says No Plans To Withdraw From Iraq – On April 23, CENTCOM Commander Gen. McKenzie said there were currently no plans for military withdrawal from Iraq. On April 23, a person… Read more
Key Takeaways:
Baghdad Mediates Between Regional Foes; Party Leader Arrested In Corruption Investigations; Protestor-Led Movements Mull Political Future – On April 18, sources said PM Kadhimi mediated direct talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran in Baghdad, where they discussed their involvements in regional conflicts. On April 19, the newly-formed Federal… Read more
Key Takeaways:
KRG President Holds “Transparent” Talks With Leaders In Baghdad; National Security Advisor Dispatched To Iran; Supreme Court Judges Sowrn In – On April 10, Nechirvan Barzani began a three-day visit to Baghdad, and met with PM Kadhimi and other key decision makers to discuss political, economic and security… Read more
Key Takeaways:
Militia Leader Threatens More Attacks On U.S. Targets; Baghdad And Washington Resume Strategic Dialogue; Investigation Identifies Officers Responsible For Killing Protesters – On April 2, Qais al-Khazali threatened continued attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq, singling out presence at two bases in Anbar and Erbil. On April 3,… Read more
Key Takeaways:
Khazali Attacks Sinjar Agreement; IHEC Extends Voter Registration; Parliament Approves 2021 Budget; Kadhimi Visits Saudi Arabia – On March 25, Asaib Ahl al-Haq leader Qais al-Khazali pushed for canceling the Sinjar normalization agreement, calling it a “treasonous” political deal. On March 29, the Foreign Ministers of Jordan and… Read more
Key Takeaways:
Budget Vote Delayed; IHEC Cancels Voting Outside Iraq; New Supreme Court Members Nominated; Strategic Dialogue Resumes In April – On March 20, Parliament announced that it will vote on the 2021 federal budget on March 27. On March 20, Iraqi courts issued arrest warrants for two political commentators… Read more
Key Takeaways:
Parliament Amends Supreme Federal Court law; Tension In Kirkuk Over Contested Building; Militia Leader Lashes Out At Intelligence Service; State Of Law Threatens KRG Over Budget – On March 11, dozens of protesters gathered in Amara to condemn the March 10 killing of Ahmed al-Hiliji, the father of… Read more
