Iraq

Iraq’s new election law is likely to strengthen the representation of traditional political blocs and weaken smaller parties and independent candidates, however, it is unlikely to notably alter the ethnic and sectarian composition of Parliament.

On April 27, AGSIW hosted a discussion on a new poll conducted by Almustakilla, the Independent Institute of Administration and Civil Society Studies.

A wary ruling from an international court of arbitration against Turkey complicates relations among Baghdad, Ankara, and Erbil.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani’s predecessors laid the groundwork for strong economic ties with the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and he now appears poised to take relations to the next level.

While the Basra-Aqaba pipeline project promises economic, energy, and security benefits for Iraq and Jordan, high costs and political and security risks pose huge feasibility challenges.

On March 9, AGSIW hosted a discussion reflecting on the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq ahead of the 20th anniversary.

For the first time since 2005, Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has no clear political role and no formal road map to get back into politics until elections are held again in 2025. So where does this leave him and the Sadrist movement?

With the Al-Faw Grand Port and broader “Dry Canal” corridor project, Iraq aims to become a transportation hub between Asia and Europe. However, formidable political, security, financing, and feasibility challenges make for a rocky road.