Hashd Al Shaabi

Examining Iran's ever-expanding role in Syria and Iraq

Tehran’s political and military involvement in Syria and Iraq have helped to turn their state structures upside-down.

Even in death, Iran’s Soleimani still casts a long shadow

Iran can capitalise on Soleimani's legacy in the short-term, but the Islamic republic has no replacement on the horizon.

Hashd al Shaabi-KDP clash adds a new layer to Iraq conflict

It was another hellish day in Baghdad as Hashd al Shaabi attacked the KDP office in the Green Zone.

The importance of Russia’s growing footprint in Iraq

The Kremlin has been building influence in the Iraqi energy sector and propping up anti-US forces in the country as part of its objectives to counterbalance US hegemony in the region.

Iraqi protesters storm Saudi channel HQ in Baghdad

Protesters were angry at what they describe as insulting coverage of Muhandis, the late leader of the Popular Mobilisation Forces, by MBC channel.

Who are Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq?

The US killed the militia's commander Abu Mahdi al Muhandis along with the most influential Iranian commander Qasem Solaimani following militia's siege of the US consulate in Baghdad.

The US accuses Iran of secretly sending missiles to Iraq. What's at stake?

Iran is accused of using its paramilitary proxy group to move missiles in turmoil-hit Iraq, which is caught in a tug of war between Iran and the US.

Did Israel open a new front against Iran by attacking Iraq?

For the first time in 38 years, Israel has attacked Iraqi territory, striking two major Shiite militia camps and courting an escalation with Tehran.

Why is Iraq banning Turkish products?

Many Turkish businessmen are facing huge losses as their products are systematically banned in Iraq, while sanctions-hit Iran pursues its own business interests in the country.

A look at Iran's regional proxy militias

Qassem Suleimani, the head of Iran’s powerful Quds Force, reportedly told Iranian proxy militias in Iraq that they should be ready for a proxy war. Who exactly are these groups?

Will pro-Iranian militias leave Syria after the American pull-out?

As Trump administration plans to withdraw US troops from northern Syria, it remains to be seen whether Iran-backed militias will scale back or continue their operations in the region.

Iraqi forces could face bigger challenge in next showdown with Daesh

For the first time since the defeat of Daesh, Mosul is hit by a bomb. The Iraqi government is getting ready for a fight, but internal disagreements and Daesh's changing tactics could mean that it might not be an easy task.