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 […]
Year: 2026
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 […]
ISHM: May 21 – 28, 2026
Key Takeaways: POLITICS: Sadr Offers to Place His Militia Under Government Control Within a Week – On May 27, Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr announced the “complete separation” of his Saraya al-Salam militia from his political organization and its “full attachment” to the state and the commander-in-chief. Sadr’s announcement, which is not the first of its […]
ISHM: May 14 – 21, 2026
Key Takeaways: POLITICS: PM Zaidi Assumes Office, Appoints Acting Ministers; New Coalition Seeks to Unseat Speaker Halbousi – On May 16, new Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi formally assumed office during a handover ceremony attended by former Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani at the government palace in Baghdad. Among his first moves as prime minister, […]
ISHM: May 7 – 14, 2026
Key Takeaways: POLITICS: Parliament Approves a Partial Cabinet Led by New Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi – On May 14, the Iraqi parliament voted to approve the government program and a partial cabinet led by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. During the session, which was attended by 270 lawmakers and held under tight security measures, parliament approved […]
ISHM: April 30 – May 7, 2026
Key Takeaways: POLITICS: Washington Extends Conditional Support to Zaidi; Parliament Expects Vote on Zaidi’s Cabinet Next Week; KDP Lawmakers Return to Parliament – On April 30, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi and congratulated him on his nomination to form Iraq’s next government. Trump invited Zaidi to visit Washington after his […]
Issue Briefing: Iraq’s Oil Export Crisis – Risks and Policy Priorities
Iraq’s oil sector has weathered wars, sanctions, and political turmoil, but nothing prepared the country for the shock it faced when the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz. Overnight, Iraq lost the export route that carries nearly all of its crude—an economic lifeline that funds 90 percent of the state’s budget. The […]