Key Takeaways: POLITICS: Zaidi Replaces Central Bank Chief; PUK and New Generation Want to Take the KRG Premiership from Rival KDP – On June 21, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi appointed Nizar Nasir Hussein as the new governor of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI). Hussein, who previously served as director of the CBI’s Counter-Terror […]
Month: June 2026
What Does the U.S.-Iran MOU Mean for Iraq?
By Omar Al-Nidawi The U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding signed last week at Versailles could mark a new opening in relations between Tehran and Washington after months of violent confrontation. However, its regional implications, particularly for Iraq, remain uncertain, and it is still too early to determine whether the agreement will ultimately benefit or harm the […]
A Goal 40 Years in the Making
For Iraqis around the world, it was a moment 40 years in the making. In Iraq’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup, Aymen Hussein rose to meet a cross from Amir Al-Ammari and headed the ball into the net against Norway. Iraq ultimately lost the match 4–1, but for Iraqis watching around the world, […]
ISHM: June 11 – 18, 2026
Key Takeaways: POLITICS: Trump’s Envoy Underscores Urgency of Militia Disarmament; Asaib Ahl al-Haq Seeks to Reintroduce PMF Retirement Bill – On June 15, Tom Barrack, the U.S. special envoy for Iraq, met in Baghdad with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. Barrack confirmed President Trump’s invitation for Zaidi to visit the White House in mid-July for […]
ISHM: June 4 – 11, 2026
Key Takeaways: POLITICS: Zaidi to Advance Business Ties in Upcoming Washington Visit; Deputy Speaker Feyhan Calls for Halting Funds to KRG – On June 6, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced plans for an official visit to the United States accompanied by a delegation of Iraqi business leaders aimed at expanding investment and economic ties. Speaking […]
ISHM: May 28 – June 4, 2026
Key Takeaways: POLITICS: Three Militias Announce Disarmament Plans Amid Opposition by Hardliner Factions – On June 2, the Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) and Kataib al-Imam Ali (KIA) militias announced plans to detach themselves from the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and place their weapons under state control. AAH said it would form a committee to inventory […]