In my first article I discussed the risk of perpetual violence in Iraq and Syria fueled by both numerous non-state actors there and the increasingly authoritarian system in which they operate. This was followed by a more detailed look into the illicit economic activities of militias across Iraq and Syria. Leading on from this, this commentary will shift from an economic to a mo

Iraq is heading to the early elections in October, promised by Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi in response to the demand of the protestors, in the most uncertain situation of recent years. Moqtada al-Sadr, leader of the largest parliamentary bloc, has announced his decision to withdraw from the elections and has forbidden his followers to endorse or support any candidate. He