As Washington withdraws from the region, Beijing expands its influence.
Iran-backed militias are in a relatively weakened state, but will try anything to avoid being left out of the government.
The crowd called for the expulsion of remaining American forces from Iraq during the demonstration commemorating the 2020 air strike that killed Soleimani and his lieutenant Muhandis.
Besides the question of Iran’s culpability in the assassination attempt on the Iraqi Prime Minister, Iraq still faces grave problems that violence and instability can exacerbate.
The militant groups want a seat at the table, and are willing to apply whatever pressure it takes to ensure that they do.
The impunity enjoyed by the militias and continued collective punishment against Sunnis can only lead to civil war.
Iran-backed groups have lost significant ground in Iraq but Tehran still has some supporters to help it keep its influence over the neighbouring country.
With a little confidence in the country's political system, many ordinary Iraqis are likely to stay away from the ballot box while Shia-led parties like Muqtada al Sadr’s group are expected to dominate next month’s polls.
Nearly 20 years after the US invasion, the Iraqi officials lamenting the loss of sovereignty today are the same ones who contributed to its demise.
Prime Minister Mustafa al Kadhimi condemns the attack on the Syrian-Iraqi border, calling it a "blatant and unacceptable violation of Iraqi sovereignty and Iraqi national security".
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's tone has shifted drastically with regards to Iran, and it bodes well for the whole region.
Tehran’s political and military involvement in Syria and Iraq have helped to turn their state structures upside-down.
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