Al-Monitor on MSN

Where does Iraq stand as US turns up heat on Iran?

Faced with political deadlock, open American meddling and the threat of war across its borders, is Iraq being dragged back to darker times after achieving hard-won stability? After decades of conflict and chaos,

How the U.S. controls Iraq's oil revenues

The United States, since its 2003 invasion of Iraq, has held effective control over the country's oil revenue dollars, giving Washington extraordinary leverage over Baghdad's affairs, with implications for regional dynamics involving Iran.
Newsweek

Iraq PM on Putting His Nation ‘First’ Amid US-Iran Feud and Elections

In an exclusive interview conducted ahead of fateful parliamentary elections, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani outlines to Newsweek his efforts to transform his nation from a source of unrest to a regional hub of commerce, innovation and ...
Al-Monitor

What next after Iraq's general election?

In previous parliaments, parties from the Shiite majority have struck compromise deals to work together and form a government — AHMAD AL-RUBAYE Iraqis head to the polls on Tuesday to elect a new parliament for a four-year term in a vote that will be ...

The decision to move IS prisoners from Syria to Iraq came at the request of Baghdad, officials say

BAGHDAD (AP) — The decision to move prisoners of the Islamic State group from northeast Syria to detention centers in Iraq came after a request by officials in Baghdad that was welcomed by the U.S.-led coalition and the Syrian government, officials said Thursday.
Crude Oil Prices

What ExxonMobil's Comeback in Iraq Really Means

ExxonMobil’s return to Iraq marks a major geopolitical shift, signaling renewed Western engagement. The U.S. oil giant’s comeback will center on developing the supergiant Majnoon oil field. Stronger U.S.-Iraq alignment underpins the deal, with Exxon ...
Foreign Affairs

Is Iraq on Track?

Ned Parker's article "The Iraq We Left Behind" (March/April 2012) gives the impression that Iraq is a hybrid of North Korea and Somalia, part ruthless dictatorship and part lawless wasteland: in short, "the world's next failed state." Leaving aside the ...

Former Iraq PM Maliki Rejects US Interference After Threat

Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki reacts at a polling station inside Al-Rasheed Hotel during the parliamentary election in Baghdad, Iraq, November 11, 2025. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani/File Photo Jan 28 (Reuters) - ‌Iraq's ​former Prime ‌Minister Nouri Al-Maliki ​said on ‍Wednesday that he ​rejects ​U.
Crude Oil Prices

What’s The West Up To In Its Talks With Iraq Over Building Out An LNG Sector?

Western energy majors including ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, Chevron, and TotalEnergies are re-engaging in Iraq to build its first LNG import terminals. The LNG push aims to reduce Iraq’s dependence on Iranian gas and electricity. Washington’s strategy seeks ...