Sinan Mahmoud

Rift between incumbent leader Al Sudani and former prime minister Al Maliki divides leading Shiite bloc

Deadline looms amid regional tension and US economic threats

Move is example of Trump's determination to cut Tehran's sway out of Baghdad's politics

Qaani's trip shows Tehran's desire for direct involvement in shaping Iraq’s government

The price of crude is down – meaning there’s not enough revenue to support a sprawling public sector. Can the next government (and the wait goes on) find the political courage to cut it down to size?

Pro-Tehran militias have significant influence in the southern province

American was abducted in Baghdad on March 31

Thousands of extremist prisoners were recently transferred from Syria to Iraq

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani condemns 'heinous' attack as war crime

Security alert warns Iran-backed militias may look to strike 'energy infrastructure, hotels and airports' in coming days

Celebrations replace the sounds of aerial attacks on the streets of Baghdad

Baghdad says one suspected kidnapper had ties to Kataib Hezbollah

Attacks followed announcement by Iraq and the US to increase co-operation to prevent attacks by armed groups inside and outside the country

Known and lesser-known groups have launched attacks against US assets in Iraq and beyond

National Security Council directive comes after 15 fighters and six Peshmerga members were killed in separate attacks