Tag Archives | Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Orbital Fluctuations among Iran-Supported Militias in Iraq

By Michael Knights, for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Orbital Fluctuations Among the Iran-Supported Militias in Iraq Astronomical models provide a surprisingly helpful illustration of how Iran-backed armed groups wield power in the MENA […]

Planning Beyond a Baghdad-Kurdistan Budget Deal

By Michael Knights, for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Planning Beyond a Baghdad-Kurdistan Budget Deal Iraq's bloated 2023 budget has created space for the Kurds to get a share of the wealth this year, […]

A Short-Lived Run for Iraq's Independent MPs?

By Ashleigh Whelan and Mohanad Adnan for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Electoral Law: Signaling a Short-Lived Run for Iraq's Independent MPs? A change to the Sainte-Laguë representation system will significantly hinder the ability […]

Mainstreaming Hashd Commanders (Part 1): Advanced Education

By Michael Knights and Amir al-Kaabi for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Mainstreaming Hashd Commanders (Part 1): Advanced Education for Senior Militiamen U.S.-designated terrorists and human rights abusers are beginning to receive senior ranks, […]

Mainstreaming Hashd Commanders (Part 2): Officer Training

By Amir al-Kaabi and Michael Knights for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Mainstreaming Hashd Commanders (Part 2): Fifty-Fold Increase in Officer Training This year has seen a massive increase in the training of Iraqi […]

Remaking Iraq: How Iranian-Backed Militias Captured the Country

By Crispin Smith and Michael Knights for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Remaking Iraq: How Iranian-Backed Militias Captured the Country The slow-rolling regime change focused on capturing U.S.-supported institutions and turning them against U.S. […]

Tipping Point of the Iraq-KRG Energy Dispute

By Bilal Wahab for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Tipping Point of the Iraq-KRG Energy Dispute Baghdad's legal wins won't mean much if it mishandles the political end, angers Turkey, and further damages the […]

Iraqi PM's Balancing Act Between Tehran and Washington

By David Schenker, for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Sudani's Wobbly Balancing Act Between Tehran and Washington Although it is still too early to write the prime minister off as an Iranian lackey, he […]

The Paradox of Centralization and State Fracture in Iraq

By Bilal Wahab for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. The Paradox of Centralization and State Fracture in Iraq Decentralizing power would have been the best way of avoiding a return to Saddam-era authoritarianism and […]

Saving Iraqi Sovereignty: Iran, Turkey and a Fractured Homeland

By Bilal Wahab for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Saving Iraqi Sovereignty: Iran, Turkey and a Fractured Homeland The hostile and corrupt forces arrayed behind him might ease their anti-American activities just to reassert […]

Changing Population Patterns "will Reshape the Middle East"

By Patrick Clawson for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Changing Population Patterns Will Reshape the Middle East Iraq is expected to explode in population, presumably increasing in geostrategic importance in the process. Click here […]