In the June 2025 Israel-Iran war that could reshape the Middle East—for which Iran has prepared for decades—Iran’s myriad militias, proxies, and allies in the region were nowhere to be seen. Yet while little was expected of Hamas or Hezbollah, many were surprised by the silence from Iraq. Ever since America invaded Iraq in 2003, Tehran has been arming, training, and backing Iraqi militias. These days, some are huge. Yet when Israel began bombing, they did nothing. Does this mean that Iraq is finally stepping out from under Iran’s shadow? Is this the beginning of a strategic realignment? Our cover story in the Al Majalla August edition unpacks and explores the issue, looking in-depth at Iraq’s current situation.