Iraq

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.

New fronts have opened up across the region in light of the US-Israeli war on Iran, as non-state actors with links to Tehran fear for their futures

They show that King Abdullah tried his best to blunt the blow of a US-led invasion by offering a diplomatic off-ramp to avert catastrophe

Their success in Iraq's recent elections has less to do with genuine public support and more to do with vote buying through the massive wealth they've accrued through power