Iraq

Al-Zaidi's push to take arms out of militias' hands and bring them under state control is exposing deep political divisions and challenging the government's authority at home and abroad

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has vowed to dissolve armed groups by the end of September, but this is highly unlikely. Al Majalla explains why.

Al Majalla looks at potential new export routes that big oil producers can use to offset Iran's control over key regional waterways

Baghdad is opening its energy sector to US investment while racing to diversify oil exports, strengthen its economy, and reduce its vulnerability to regional conflict

Ali al-Zaidi has a delicate balancing act to perform between the two opposing powers that have long influenced Iraq's foreign policy. His decision to visit Washington before Tehran speaks volumes

Solving the country's acute power shortage is a priority for Zaidi, who is looking to strike much-needed investment deals with US companies, whilst also keeping Iran onside

The decision to dismantle the Peace Brigades may herald a new stage in the Iraqi state's trajectory, or it could just be a shrewd recalibration to disorient friend and foe alike

Some see his nomination as a bid to buy time until the US-Iran war outcome becomes clearer, which could very well shift political calculations in Iraq

As the US-Iran war intensifies, it has drawn in non-state actors across the region. While Baghdad says it is not a party to the conflict, militias have stepped in on Tehran's side.

Powerful militias have usurped the state's authority by opening a war front to support Iran. At this critical juncture, Iraq needs statesmen willing to put the state first.