Politicians have failed to form a new government nearly a year after the last elections. Baghdad just saw its worst militia clashes in years. And despite vast oil wealth, the state can’t provide basic services. BAGHDAD — On most days in the Iraqi capital, jackhammers and electric drills provide the soundtrack to a construction boom, with multistory restaurants taking shape a

Summary In July 2022 Iraq marked its longest period without a government since an election, exceeding its previous record of 289 days. A caretaker government is in place, however. As of August, it is now more than 320 days since the 2021 elections, and political uncertainty has continued to grow. In June 2022, the largest Shia political bloc in the Iraqi parliament, led by

The Shiite leader ended the deadly rioting in the Green Zone, but his shortcomings as both a cleric and politician have culminated in disaster. Sadr’s career has been built on the legacy of his father and uncle, two of the most revered Shiite religious authorities of their generation. While he lacks their erudition and religious credentials, and had no governmental experienc