Iraq ramps up logistics ahead of Ashura

Shiite Muslims walk in a procession towards Karbala's Imam Hussein Shrine during a mourning ritual on the ninth day of the Muslim month of Muharram, in the lead-up to Ashura, on July 4, 2025. Photo: AFP

News

Iraq labels Salafi branch ‘high-level security threat’

Iraq’s National Security Advisory has issued a directive to take stricter measures against extremist groups, namely the Madkhali movement

News

Iran state TV fires staff over insult to Sunni beliefs following backlash

Iran's national broadcaster dismissed senior staff members after a segment offensive to the country's minority Sunni Muslims triggered widespread backlash as well as calls for the resignation of the media organization's director himself.

News

Fractures within the Shiite camp ahead of Iraq’s 2025 elections

As Iraq prepares for pivotal parliamentary elections on November 11, fractures within the Shiite political sphere are becoming increasingly pronounced.

Features

Iraq’s federalism debate: Between constitutional reform and sectarian fragmentation

As Iraq continues to grapple with political instability, the concept of federalism is resurfacing as both a constitutional solution and a source of controversy.

Features

Federalism or secession for Iraq’s Shiites: Genuine political project or tactical rhetoric?

This kind of talk is unprecedented in Iraqi politics—at least in recent memory—given both its nature and the stature of those articulating it. Given its growing frequency, it can no longer be dismissed as mere personal opinion.

Mohammed A. Salih

Opinion

Sudani shifts stance on de-Ba'athification as political divide deepens

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, who once pledged to dissolve the Accountability and Justice Commission, is now calling for stricter monitoring of the banned Ba'ath Party.

News

Maliki calls for supporting judiciary amid controversy over laws' suspension

“Granting days off without returning to the state is unfortunate,” said Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, during a televised speech on Monday

News

Attempts to oust PMC chief and intra-Shiite battle over the position

Sources who spoke to The New Region said that there were attempts within the Coordination Framework, led by Nouri al-Maliki and Qais al-Khazali, to refer Fayyadh to retirement, while Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani wishes to keep him in the position.

Features