Political crisis in Iraq

After his supporters stormed parliament and declared a sit-in, influential Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr dismissed calls for dialogue with an Iran-backed faction and called for the dissolution of the legislature.

After his supporters stormed parliament and declared a sit-in, influential Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr dismissed calls for dialogue with an Iran-backed faction and called for the dissolution of the legislature.

At least 15 people have died in clashes after supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr stormed the government palace. The unrest came after the cleric announced he was retiring from politics.

Armed attacks near the border with Iran, rockets into Baghdad and an arduous path to a potential government spell an instable autumn after a violent summer.

Since the parliamentary election in October 2021, there has been a political crisis in Iraq, with members of the Council of Representatives of Iraq being unable to form a stable coalition government, or elect a new President.

After a year of political gridlock and instability, Iraq is finally on the verge of forming a government as Prime Minister-designate Mohammed Shia al-Sudani assembles his cabinet.

Lebanese President Michael Aoun is leaving office without a designated successor in place. With no president and a caretaker government at the helm, Lebanon is now hurtling into the political unknown.

The victim was traveling by car when he was fired upon by "unknown persons," according to Iraqi police. The motive for the attack is still unclear.

Repeated droughts experienced by Iraq for the past three years are accentuating the rural exodus underway throughout the country. No longer able to work on their land due to rapid desertification, farmers are moving to the cities. In oil-rich Basra, the country's economic powerhouse, these farmers end up in slums, often going without basic services.

The self-declared "Islamic State" said it was responsible for the blast that killed at least nine police officers near Kirkuk. The militia is still active in parts of Iraq, despite Baghdad declaring victory over it.

Five years after the end of the war against the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq, the fight against jihadist holdouts continues in some areas. In Mosul, which lived for more than three years under the yoke of the terrorists, residents are determined to reconquer their cultural and historical heritage.

Iraqi authorities said at least one person was killed in a stampede at a stadium in Basra ahead of the final of the Gulf Cup football competition. Hosts Iran reached the final, prompting increased interest.