The Holy Shrine Units’ Announcement Will Change the Rules of the Game in Iraq

Munqith Dagher For years, the Supreme Marja’iyya of Najaf has been attempting to distance itself from politics amid the sense of failure and frustration that has afflicted the Iraqi people in general, and its followers in particular, due to the disastrous political process it “sponsored” immediately after 2003. Now, however, it looks to be reassuming … Continue reading The Holy Shrine Units’ Announcement Will Change the Rules of the Game in Iraq

Iraq’s October Elections: A Game Changer or More of the Same? Webinar

Two years after massive protests erupted in Iraq, early parliamentary elections will be held in October. Although the elections were one of the demands of the demonstrators, they are likely to be boycotted by these same activists as well as a large part of the Iraqi electorate. Yet, formal and informal coalitions have registered to … Continue reading Iraq’s October Elections: A Game Changer or More of the Same? Webinar

As Polls Show Increasing Dissatisfaction, will Young Shias Turn the Tables on Iraq’s Political System?

by Munqith Dagher, Karl Kaltenthaler The Kadhimi government must move quickly if it wants to avoid a potential popular uprising among dissatisfied Shias in Iraq. According to the Al Mustakilla Research Group (IIACSS)/Gallup International Iraq recent Opinion Thermometer (IOT) poll conducted in April 2021, Iraqi Shia are showing particularly high rates of dissatisfaction, distrust, and … Continue reading As Polls Show Increasing Dissatisfaction, will Young Shias Turn the Tables on Iraq’s Political System?

The U.S.-Iraqi Relationship: A Healthier Partnership is Indispensable

Forging a stable strategic partnership with Iraq is one of the most critical and time sensitive security issues the Biden administration faces in the Middle East and the Gulf. There have been a number of U.S. commentaries and proposals for dealing with this challenge, but few are Iraqi analyses and presentations of possible options. The … Continue reading The U.S.-Iraqi Relationship: A Healthier Partnership is Indispensable

Biden’s Middle East Policy in his Own Words: Understanding the New Administration’s Priorities

Also available in العربية Muniqth Dagher Dr. Munqith Dagher is MENA director and a board member of Gallup International. November 13, 2020 Opinions in the Middle East split once again over the recent U.S. presidential elections. Those who supported President Trump believe that a second term would have meant less Iranian influence in the region … Continue reading Biden’s Middle East Policy in his Own Words: Understanding the New Administration’s Priorities

From the ‘Republic of Fear’ to the Militias’ Republic of Terror

Also available in  العربية September 10, 2020 In 1992, as I watched the celebrations for the inauguration of al-Tabiqayn Bridge in Baghdad (formerly, al-Qa’id Bridge) on Al-Shabab Television, I turned to my wife and said: “wouldn’t it have been better for us if the cost of this bridge had been spent on better flour for … Continue reading From the ‘Republic of Fear’ to the Militias’ Republic of Terror

The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from an Iraqi View – a Lost Role or a Bright Future?

July 30, 2020 The growing role and power of the IRGC is a critical factor shaping the power structure of Iran and the level of stability and security in the Gulf. It is a critical factor affecting the future of Iraq as well. This commentary by Munqith Dagher presents an Iraqi view of just how … Continue reading The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from an Iraqi View – a Lost Role or a Bright Future?