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.
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.
Four armed groups loyal to Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani have broken away from the Popular Mobilisation Forces over concerns that Iran wields disproportionate influence over the umbrella group of militias.
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.
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.
Political factions of Hashd al Shaabi founded in support of Iraqi army in its fight against Daesh after Sistani's call in 2014, are now getting ready for 2018 Iraqi elections. And Sistani says it's wrong for them to go into politics. Here's why:
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson demanded 'Iranian militias' to leave Iraq, in an effort to curb Iran's influence. Here's who he is talking about and how they can influence Iraq:
Osama al-Nujaifi, Iraq's Speaker of Parliament, says the move could potentially spread sectarian divisions between Sunnis and Shias in the country.
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